Interview With Green Beauty Guru Paige Padgett

A leading authority on green beauty for more than a decade, Paige Padgett is a force to reckon with. Tenacious, dedicated, and visionary, she is a key player in revolutionizing the makeup artistry industry toward more consciously formulated products and one of the first makeup artists to assemble and effectively use a makeup kit composed of only pure and eco-friendly cosmetics over 10 years ago. Along the way, she's also served as teacher and mentor, educating her illustrious celebrity clientele that includes the likes of Jillian Michaels and Julia Ormond, about “greenify-ing” their beauty routine.The newest accomplishment by this green beauty super star is the publication of The Green Beauty Rules: The Essential Guide To Toxic-Free Beauty, Green Glamour, And Glowing Skin.Her book contains personal stories, insider knowledge, practical guidance, and an action plan that includes the latest research on potentially harmful cosmetic chemicals and their natural alternatives. Written with her fun and friendly tone, it’s a must-have for every woman that wants to be more knowledgeable about what is really in their daily beauty routine.As we have had the opportunity to get to know Paige throughout our journey, we decided to ask her how she integrates this philosophy into her work and life, and what keeps her inspired, motivated and happy:1. What was the decisive moment when you decided to dedicate yourself to green makeup artistry?I started to incorporate my passion for green living into my career as a makeup artist 10+ years ago, but it was the talk "Ten Americans," by Ken Cook, the Founder and President of the Environmental Working Group, that solidified my determination to dedicate myself to it.2. Other beauty experts told you that you'd never be able to provide pure and eco-friendly makeup artistry, especially in Hollywood. How did you turn your vision into a reality?I educated myself thoroughly on the beauty industry practices and common ingredients found in cosmetics, and tried a countless number of products to test how they performed. Because it is often the artificial and questionable ingredients that are responsible for the smoother texture, brighter pigmentation and longevity of wear, it took a while for me to figure out how I could use them — if at all. Now, with “green” beauty having advanced so far, I have less of a harder time getting the look I want but 10 years ago, it was much harder! I had to mix a lot of colors and layer a lot of textures to get the results I wanted.  3. How do you integrate your beauty philosophy into other aspects of your life?I always drive a green car. I have had both clean burning diesel and a Hybrid. My next one will be an electric car. I also filter my own water, take shipboard showers - although I allow myself to indulge in the very rare occasional bath, which I love, - and all the usual alternative eco-friendly solutions around my apartment. Once I own a home, I’ll do even more with my yard and water system. I am also teaching my 2 year old daughter, Mariana, about water conservation. Sometimes it's not fun, but I feel she needs to learn straight away about conserving our most precious resource.  4. What's your personal secret beauty weapon? Smiling and exercising. Both make me feel prettier, sexier and confident. In The Green Beauty Rules, I share that the power of a smile is one of my Top 10 Beauty Secrets. It really works!5. Do you have a morning routine that you follow every day?Yes and No. Ideally, I get up a little earlier than Marianna to make coffee, juice some greens, read emails and check my schedule for the day. Then I have breakfast with my daughter, which consists of yogurt and granola or berries, or rice cake and almond butter with banana.I am trying to have a regular meditation practice that I want to teach to my daughter as well. Together, we are doing baby meditation. It's just two minutes in the morning. I take her to day care at 8 am, then hit the gym. Then, I start my day working either on set, in my home office, or taking meetings. But, it never works exactly like this on a daily basis!When I work on set, my commute can be long and start times are often early so it's hard to have a real schedule. It's easier when I work from home, but sometimes, I'm on tight deadlines and have to rethink my day. If I can't go to the gym, for example, I'll work out at home with Jillian Michaels DVD's - they are the best! Sometimes, opening an email will send my day in a different direction.I just do the best I can!  6. What makes you truly happy?My daughter and spending time with family and friends. I feel most free when I travel, which is important to me. I love visiting the rural regions, villages, bustling cities in countries that have yet to be overtaken by Western modernization. I also enjoy traveling to mountains and beaches, but I prefer cities – I find inspiration and discover new ideas when there is more to sightsee.  7. What's your motto?Practice grace and gratitude everyday.