July 4, 1776. It was the day our gorgeous land became the United States of America. Fast-forward 234 years and still we celebrate our freedom. We gather with friends and family, grab a tasty bevy, and celebrate life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness in all things pretty.

This year, I can’t help but stand proud to have the freedom of choice. Off the top of my head, I love that I have the freedom to choose what to wear, what healthy treats to eat, and my personal fav, the freedom to choose my beauty routine. So let’s add a little green to the traditional red, white and blue. That’s right, dolls; I am talking about the freedom to choose organic.

When I think about my daily beauty routine over the years, I am amazed at how much I have changed. I am not just talking about tastes and styles but about products and ingredients. Walking into my bathroom, I smile at the organic products that look back at me. From head-to-toe, green products are my new pretty:

Head: I love the Rejuvenating Cherry Blossom Ginseng Shampoo and Conditioner by Organix. It is both sulfate and paraben free. Plus it leaves my hair smelling oh-so-divine. Snatch a 13.0 oz bottle for $6.99 at www.cvs.com.

Face: Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash by Origins. This soap gently cleanses my skin without any soapy, grimy residue. Plus it is formulated to give you clear skin without a chock full of bad stuff, aka: parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, mineral oil, PABA, petrolatum, paraffin, DEA, synthetic fragrance or animal ingredients. Experience this 5 oz bottle for $18.50 at www.macys.com.

Makeup: I am a huge fan of Alima Pure mineral makeup. It’s natural and cruelty free. Not to mention it provides amazing coverage, in a wide variety of stunning shades and foundations. Check out what color fits your beauty routine at www.alimapure.com/.

Deodorant: Yes gals, the stinky truth is we all sweat. But with Tom’s of Maine, no smell is left behind. This beauty bargain is aluminum-free and provides 12-hour odor control protection. Try a 2.25 oz in lavender for $5.49from www.tomsofmaine.com.

Body: Not too heavy, but it’s tough on dry skin. I can’t get enough of Desert Essence Organics Bulgarian Lavender Hand and Body Lotion. It’s 100% vegan and 100% effective. Grab an 8.0 oz bottle for $8.99 at www.cvs.com. Your skin will hug you back!

Nails: Your look wouldn’t be complete without a pretty mani/pedi to face the world. I love Color Club. Try a pretty pink in Natural Beauty finished with Eco Chic Over the Top Topcoat. Pick out your color for $3.15 at www.brightonbeautysupply.com.

Rosalind Russell once said, “Taking joy in life is a woman’s best cosmetic.” Celebrating the freedom to choice your beauty routine is a joy that no one can ever take away from you. So next time you’re out shopping for something new, why not choose organic? It’s natural, it’s pure, and it’s worthy of your beautiful skin.

- TessMarie Golcher

There is a ton of BODYCARE that is organic and natural and most of those products are very effective, but we’re talking about the foundation of your beauty: the foundations, brushes, concealers, primers.

Ever since I got my hands on a perfectly movie-star worthy concealer from Alison Raffaele Cosmetics at The Makeup Show New York, I’ve been hooked to the brand like cat to catnip.

Check out our Q&A with the founder, Alison Raffaele, below:

What is the primary difference between organic and green makeup? As I understand it, organic has to be 100%, while green makeup can have synthetic ingredients in them as well?

AR: Precisely. “Green” makeup is more about not containing harmful chemicals, like parabens, talc, mineral oil, synthetic fragrances, aluminum, etc., whereas “Organic” makeup must be made with only certified organic ingredients. It is very difficult to create makeup that is “organic” that still performs, however, many “Green” brands are beginning to use organic ingredients whenever possible.

Are you planning an organic line soon? Why or why not?

I am looking to use organic ingredients in my formulas, but not to go 100% organic. One thing people must remember is that just because an ingredient is “organic” or “natural” doesn’t mean that it is good for you. In fact many naturally occurring substances – take lead for example – can be very harmful to one’s health. The guideline I generally follow is for an ingredient not to be ranked more than a 3 or a 4 on the Enviormental Working Group’s “Skin Deep” database.

Tell us a bit about why you created your line. Was there a niche or need you wanted to fulfill?

Alison Raffaele

I am proud to say that Alison Raffaele Cosmetics was the first makeup artist developed line to go “Green”. The need I saw that wasn’t being addressed was profession quality makeup that was free of harmful chemicals. As a result, we have a great following among makeup artists!

Any new products on the horizon?

Right now I am working on a propylene-glycol free version of my Inner Glow gel blush and a Pressed Mineral Powder – I’m hoping to launch them in the summer or early fall.

Thank you Alison! Now, it’s your turn. ASK Alison anything and enter your comments on BeautyStat’s wall on Facebook HERE. You’ll be entered to win a $50 Gift Certificate from Saks.com.

Just do it and be pretty.

- Charu Suri

There is a ton of BODYCARE that is organic and natural and most of those products are very effective, but we’re talking about the foundation of your beauty: the foundations, brushes, concealers, primers.

Ever since I got my hands on a perfectly movie-star worthy concealer from Alison Raffaele Cosmetics at The Makeup Show New York, I’ve been hooked to the brand like cat to catnip.

Check out our Q&A with the founder, Alison Raffaele, below:

What is the primary difference between organic and green makeup? As I understand it, organic has to be 100%, while green makeup can have synthetic ingredients in them as well?

AR: Precisely. “Green” makeup is more about not containing harmful chemicals, like parabens, talc, mineral oil, synthetic fragrances, aluminum, etc., whereas “Organic” makeup must be made with only certified organic ingredients. It is very difficult to create makeup that is “organic” that still performs, however, many “Green” brands are beginning to use organic ingredients whenever possible.

Are you planning an organic line soon? Why or why not?

I am looking to use organic ingredients in my formulas, but not to go 100% organic. One thing people must remember is that just because an ingredient is “organic” or “natural” doesn’t mean that it is good for you. In fact many naturally occurring substances – take lead for example – can be very harmful to one’s health. The guideline I generally follow is for an ingredient not to be ranked more than a 3 or a 4 on the Enviormental Working Group’s “Skin Deep” database.

Tell us a bit about why you created your line. Was there a niche or need you wanted to fulfill?

Alison Raffaele

I am proud to say that Alison Raffaele Cosmetics was the first makeup artist developed line to go “Green”. The need I saw that wasn’t being addressed was profession quality makeup that was free of harmful chemicals. As a result, we have a great following among makeup artists!

Any new products on the horizon?

Right now I am working on a propylene-glycol free version of my Inner Glow gel blush and a Pressed Mineral Powder – I’m hoping to launch them in the summer or early fall.

Thank you Alison! Now, it’s your turn. ASK Alison anything and enter your comments below. You’ll be entered to win some great cosmetics from her line. FIVE WINNERS will be picked in two weeks.

Just do it and be pretty.