When I was in school, we marked Earth Day by getting down and dirty at the local pond, where we pulled out nearly everything short of a rubber boot.

Today, I buy stuff.

Sometimes it's for a noble cause: the best beauty companies are using their mega-profits to help protect and prettify our planet. And other times, I simply find that naturally based products completely sweep the floor with their more conventional (and more synthetic) peers.

So whether you plan to celebrate today by planting trees, cleaning streams, or simply surfing green sites on the Internet, here are some of the best Earth-friendly beauty products to get you started.


bareMinerals SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen. This tinted mineral powder uses a natural physical blocker, titanium dioxide, to protect against sun damage. And because it comes in a handy brush dispenser, you'll actually be inclined to reapply your SPF throughout the day, which is what we're supposed to do in the first place. $28

tarte A Perfect Whirled Cheek Stain. Tarte's limited edition cheek stain has all-natural mineral pigments and a "t5 superfruit complex" with loads of antioxidants. It's also free of nearly everything that offends: parabens, sulfates, petrochemicals and more. If you weren't already hooked on the brand's cheek stains before, start here. $28

Kiss My Face Potent & Pure Organic Skincare System. KMF, pioneers in eco-chic cosmetics, ups the ante yet again with their latest skincare system. They make the products in a factory that uses wind power and water soluble inks, and they even did away with paper 'how-to' leaflets, instead posting online videos. $15 - $21

Ren Moroccan Rose Otto Body Wash. A body wash better make a pretty serious difference if it's going to cost 27 big ones. Fortunately, this plant-based wash does. (My skin feels like buttah after a good session in the shower.) Y'know what else feels good? Ren donates a portion of their proceeds to environmental programs. Bonus. $27

Nude Lips. When you're done with this super-effective, all-natural lip balm (or any of Nude's products), just bring it back to any Nude counter, or pop it in the mail - the company will recycle it for you. These guys aren't kidding about sustainability. $18