Is going totally natural with your skincare and makeup routine really the way to go? If you're a full-on lifestyle vegan you have a lot of wonderful products to choose from in terms of 'green' makeup and skincare. For the rest of us I think synthetics (that are safe) mixed with natural ingredients can create makeup that performs a bit better.
Look for ingredients like anti-oxidants, botanicals and organic food bases like avocado. Just remember totally natural products can irritate some skin types just as easily as unnatural ones so when buying products make sure there is a good return policy so you don't get stuck with something that may cause a reaction.
The greatest thing about the beauty industry now is all the choices we have to look and feel better about our beauty. I recommend trying a few of these fabulous green products if you want to go natural.
For Your Face
The most popular natural makeup around today is mineral makeup. This comes from crushed minerals like zinc, mica and titanium that act as a natural sunscreen and won't irritate even the most sensitive skin. Does it work? It does. There are blushes, foundations, eye shadows and more. Now, companies are making paraben-free liquid mineral makeup, which use spheres of mineral color suspended in bases like aloe vera gel.
You should know these products take a lot of layering, but women with problem skin swear by it. If your skin is dry, mineral makeup products can look a bit chalky if you use too much. Just sweep on a sheer layer for the best results.
I recommend
Nvey Eco Organic Organic Creme Deluxe Foundation ($58) (100% Organic)
Bare Minerals Bare Escentuals Foundation ($25) (100% Pure Minerals)
Dr. Hauschka Rouge Powder ($26) (95% Organic)
Jane Iredale Liquid Mineral Foundation ($46) (Paraben-Free)
Juice Beauty SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizers (100% Organic)
For Your Lips
Au naturale lip products are hitting drugstore shelves and beauty counters in droves and the good thing is they really are great for all skin types. With bases like beeswax, flower wax and jojoba oil they can keep your lips soft and supple.
I recommend
The Organic Makeup Company Lip Gloss ($14) (100% Vegan)
Honeybee Gardens Colorbalm Natural Lipsticks ($9) (100% Natural)
For Your Eyes
Mascaras have found their way into the green mix as well. Some companies offer chemical-free mascara formulas so even the most sensitive eyes get a shot at looking flirty and fabulous. Eyeliners made from jasmine petals, geranium leaves and more deliver great color and blend on with creamy textures as easily as their synthetic counterparts.
I recommend
Origins A Perfect World For Eyes Eye Cream ($30) (100% Organic)
Jane Iredale PureLash Lengthening Mascara ($16) (Chemical-Free)
Aveda Petal Essence Eye Definer ($12) (100% Vegan)
