1. Always read package directions.

2. Look for warnings about the consequences of misuse.

3. Be aware that ingredients are listed in descending order, starting with the ingredient found in the greatest amount in the product.

4. When weighing up the planetary pros and cons, ask these questions: What does the product claim to do? Do I believe these claims? Do I need the product in the first place? Where does it come from and how was it made? How environmentally friendly is its production? How is it tested? How is it packaged?

5. Never mix cosmetics -- such as the remnants of your old shampoo with the contents of a new bottle -- as they may not be made to be mixed with other chemicals.

6. Never allow cosmetics to exceed their best-before date. If there is not one listed it means the product has been formulated to have a minimum shelf life of 30 months.

7. Change products such as mascara every three months to prevent increased risk of eye infection. In general, if you notice a change in the odour, colour or texture of a cosmetic, stop using it.

8. Try to avoid synthetic fragrances and perfumes and opt for diluted essential oils instead.

9. In Canada, manufacturers are not required to list ingredients on labels of personal care products or household cleaning products. However, many companies using less-toxic ingredients are eager to make their ingredients known and provide this information on labels.

10. Watch out for "greenwash"-- bogus or inflated environmental claims.

11. Before using a new cosmetic product, try a patch test on a small area of skin. Wait 24 hours. If there is no reaction, it should be safe to use. In the case of hair dye, it is important to do the test each time you use it, even if you haven't had problems before.

12. Never share cosmetics. This could expose you to someone else's bacteria.

13. If a product is labelled "hypoallergenic," it can still cause allergic reactions. "Hypo" means less; therefore, the product does not prevent allergic reactions; it is only less likely to cause them.

14. Wash your hands before putting on makeup.

15. Keep your cosmetics away from high temperatures and sunlight. Heat and light can break down the preservatives that keep your cosmetics bacteria-free.

16. Never use spray-can cosmetics such as hair spray near a flame or source of heat.

17. Keep cosmetic products and toiletries out of the reach of children.

18. If you have an adverse reaction to a cosmetic, stop using the product immediately. Call your doctor if the reaction is severe or prolonged.

19. Be wary of claims on any product that make a therapeutic statement, especially if they imply drastic or permanent changes to your body or skin structure. If the product is a drug or natural health product, the labelling should have a Drug Identification Number (DIN) or a Natural Health Product Number (NPN).

20. Write to the makers of your favourite products and ask them for a list of ingredients.

21. Be aware that on some products only the "active" ingredients -- those whose primary purpose is to achieve the main objective of the product -- may be listed. Other ingredients that may have harmful health effects may not be listed at all.

22. Use essential oils -- extremely concentrated plant derivatives -- with caution. Do not use undiluted or in too high a concentration.

23. Keep makeup brushes clean: Thoroughly clean them with soap and water at least once a month.

24. Oil and water do not mix. Recipes with essential oils must include an emulsifier to make sure the oil is dispersed equally throughout the product. If not, there is danger of sensitization.

25. Some oils are more powerful than others. Tea tree oil is very powerful and must be properly blended. If not fully diluted, or used at concentrations which are too high, it can cause sensitization.

26. Many people with chemical sensitivities are sensitive to even small quantities of essential oils, especially the stronger smelling ones such as tea tree, lemon and patchouli.

27. Don't be fooled by claims made for certain cosmetic ingredients. Their presence in the products could be pure puffery because the law does not require cosmetics manufacturers to substantiate performance claims.

28. Depilatories and hair straighteners are highly alkaline; if they are used incorrectly, they may cause serious skin irritation.

29. Nail builders (elongators, extenders, hardeners and enamels) can cause irritation, inflammation and infection of the nail bed and nail fold due to residual traces of the methacrylate monomers.

30. Nail hardeners and enamels often contain formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, which may cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to them.

31. Just because you like one brand's styling products and conditioners doesn't mean every product in its lines is also guaranteed to be good for you.

32. Remember that no matter how enthusiastic salespeople are about their terrific line, they are not unbiased bystanders; they have a vested interest in what you decide to buy.

33. Do not buy impulsively or quickly.

34. Remember that hair-care advertisements may be alluring but they are ads, not documentaries.

35. When it comes to hair-care products, there are no miracle ingredients, trade secrets, exotic ingredients, patented secrets or salon-tested formulas that will permanently repair your hair.

36. When you can, avoid products that contain fragrances. They can contain many, many more chemicals than an unscented product.

37. Don't use eye cosmetics if you have an eye infection and be sure to throw away all products you were using when you got the infection.

38. Never add liquid -- especially saliva! -- to bring the product back to its original consistency. You could introduce bacterial contamination that would quickly grow out of control.

39. Keep makeup containers tightly closed except when in use.

40. If some is good, MORE IS NOT BETTER.