Go Green!

The great thing about the natural industry is, it has gotten so big and made so much money that it is inspiring more conventional companies to become more eco-friendly and environmentally responsible.
Everywhere I look I see "natural" (some companies do a better job than others in putting their money where their ingredients lists are, but...baby steps) products in recycled packaging that has, of course, not been tested on animals and I love it.
One of my favorite companies, Smashbox has a new Spring collection called "Green Room." Here's what their website has to say about it:

"Turn over a new leaf with the GREEN ROOM SPRING 2008 COLOR COLLECTION from smashbox cosmetics. With the purchase of every GREEN ROOM product, a Moringa tree will be planted in a developing country by Trees for the Future. The Moringa or “Miracle Tree” is a powerhouse of nutritional value and provides a self-renewing food source for people in need. More trees also mean less soil erosion and cleaner air and water for a greener future. All GREEN ROOM packaging is biodegradable or recyclable and all products are made with environmentally-friendly formulas so it’s beauty you can feel good about!

Although I've always liked the Smashbox products, I've never known much about the company. Here is what I found on their website:

SmashBox Photo Studios, Los Angeles, 1991

dean and davis factor, two very different entrepreneurial brothers and the great-grandsons of makeup legend max factor, combine their knowledge and skills to form SmashBox Photo Studios los angeles. davis brings his talents as one the leading celebrity and fashion photographers; dean provides the business acumen and marketing skills to create a full-service photography facility. people such as annie liebovitz, mary ellen mark, matthew ralston and herb ritts fill the factor's studio each day with celebrities from all genres of the industry, and covers of every imaginable magazine are shot at SmashBox Photo Studios.

SmashBox Photo Studios, Los Angeles, 1997

SmashBox Photo Studios has become much more than just a studio. it has become an enterprise, complete with five still studios, a sound stage, beauty agency, production company, equipment rental house, gourmet catering company and home to the hippest los angeles parties.

with the celebrity and fashion crowd coming and going, dean and davis field demands from top makeup artists to create a line of cosmetics that will meet the standards of the serious-minded professional, as well as the discerning cosmetics consumer.

SmashBox Photo Studios, Los Angeles, 1999

SmashBox Photo Studios is gaining popularity, with smashbox cosmetics right behind it. los angeles-based celebrities, new york-based models and makeup artists frequent the studios. the smashbox cosmetics team of top makeup artists grows daily. smashbox cosmetics earns a following to rival that of the studios from which it was born.

SmashBox Photo Studios, Los Angeles, 2001

smashbox enterprises continues to thrive. SmashBox Photo Studios has reached an internationally-acclaimed level and the sleek, portable, soft-and-edgy look of smashbox cosmetics brings atmosphere, attitude and energy to the united states, canada, united kingdom, middle east, philippines, greece and more. the smashbox cosmetics makeup artist team grows to include the most knowledgeable and respected artists in the competitive world of glamour. the great-grandsons of the infamous max factor successfully keep the smashbox name where it belongs.

SmashBox Photo Studios, Los Angeles, 2003

presenting a permanent alternative to the geographical inconvenience of past los angeles fashion weeks, dean and davis factor offer up smashboxfashionweeklosangeles. SmashBox Photo Studios enjoys a central, culver city setting conducive to creating a fashion extravaganza unlike anything seen before. offering an authentic angeleno experience, smashboxfashionweeklosangeles will not only include the world¹s top designer runway shows, but will make sure that editors, buyers and celebrities have a good reason to sit back and stay awhile: doggie day care, complimentary gourmet food, beauty treatments, shopping, press room with online access and office supplies, drinks and great music. look for smashboxfashionweeklosangeles every season during los angeles fashion week.

DAVIS FACTOR

as one of the leading celebrity and fashion photographers, davis travels the world on photo shoots, spotting trends in fashion and beauty. he has photographed countless celebrities including jennifer lopez, kirsten dunst, dido, l'il kim, and calista flockhart. his magazine credits include ALLURE, ESQUIRE, JANE, MADEMOISELLE, HARPER'S BAZAAR, MARIE CLAIRE, l'UOMO and VANITY FAIR. in addition to his full-time photography career, he is the chief creative officer of smashbox cosmetics.

DEAN FACTOR

dean factor oversees all business matters relating to the company. he acquired his business expertise while completing his MBA at the university of southern california in 1991. he joined his older brother at the SmashBox Photo Studios and smashbox enterprises was born. dean is chairman of the board and ceo of smashbox enterprises.

**I had no idea they were related to Max Factor. From what I've found online they have always been cruelty-free but not necessarily "natural." I am excited about the Green Room line and will take a look at the ingredients when I see it in person.