As more people become conscious of what they put in their bodies, they are also turning to clean makeup brands, realizing the importance of what they put on their bodies. In the past, clean makeup brands may not have performed as well as their synthetic counterparts, but times have changed. There are now numerous 100-percent plant-based makeup brands creating products that are richly pigmented, apply beautifully, and wear just as well as their synthetic counterparts. In this article, we will explore 21 natural and organic makeup products that are worth trying for clean beauty enthusiasts.
Understanding the Terminology: Natural, Organic, and Clean Beauty
Before we delve into the list of products, it’s important to understand the terminology associated with natural and organic makeup. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not have strict criteria for what constitutes a natural or organic product in the beauty industry. Therefore, the terms “natural” and “organic” can be used as marketing terms without clear regulations.
According to cosmetic chemist Ginger King, a more accurate term for natural-based products might be “natural-based” as long as the majority of the ingredients are naturally derived. True natural products often have seals like COSMOS Natural or Ecocert, which allow a small percentage of synthetic ingredients.
Similarly, the term “organic” is not clearly defined by the FDA. Organic usually refers to USDA-certified food-grade products. However, there are limited numbers of products that can be classified as organic green.
To avoid confusion, the term “clean beauty” is often used to describe products that are non-toxic and effective. Non-toxic products are free from undesirable ingredients listed by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). Clean beauty products prioritize safety without compromising performance.
The Importance of Understanding Your Skin
While natural and organic products may seem like the ideal choice, it’s essential to understand your skin and how it reacts to different ingredients. Even natural or organic ingredients can trigger adverse reactions or allergies in some individuals. Therefore, it’s crucial to be aware of what you’re using and how your body responds to it.
1. Valdé Ritual Creamy Satin Lipstick
Valdé Beauty is a brand that prides itself on crafting long-lasting, highly-pigmented lipsticks from clean ingredients. Their Creamy Satin lipsticks are made with cruelty-free and vegan formulas. What sets them apart is their commitment to sustainability – their lipsticks are refillable and reusable, reducing waste and environmental impact.
2. Kosas Tinted Face Oil Comfy Skin Tint
Kosas has gained recognition for its skincare-first approach to clean makeup. Their Tinted Face Oil Comfy Skin Tint has an innovative formula that provides impressive coverage while maintaining a lightweight feel. It leaves the skin looking natural and effortlessly covers any redness. This product is perfect for those looking for a no-makeup makeup look.
3. Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation
Ilia is known for its foundations and tinted moisturizers formulated with a mix of organic and natural botanicals, as well as safe synthetics. Their Super Serum Skin Tint offers both coverage and skincare benefits. The lightweight texture glides on the skin, leaving it feeling healthier than before. Plus, the chic aluminum packaging is made from recycled materials.
4. LAWLESS Conseal The Deal Long-Wear Full-Coverage Foundation
For those who prefer a more glamorous and colorful makeup look, Lawless offers clean alternatives. Their Conseal The Deal Long-Wear Full-Coverage Foundation provides a matte finish and full coverage, perfect for those who want to make a statement. Despite its full coverage, this foundation remains clean and conscious about its ingredients.
5. Plain Jane Beauty Creme Minerals® Natural and Organic Foundation
Diversity is still lacking in the clean beauty movement, but Plain Jane Beauty aims to change that. This black-owned brand keeps all skin tones in mind when formulating their products. They define “clean” as being plant-based and free of mineral pigments, animal testing, and synthetic dyes. Their Creme Minerals® Natural and Organic Foundation includes botanical wonder workers like rosehip seed, green tea extract, and Vitamins C, E, and A.
6. Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Perfecting Concealer
Juice Beauty takes inspiration from the farm-to-table movement and applies it to their farm-to-beauty products. They source many ingredients from USDA-certified organic farms and manufacture their products using solar power. Their Phyto-Pigments Perfecting Concealer is a standout product. It provides excellent coverage while maintaining a natural finish.
7. Kjaer Weis Cream Blush
If you’re looking for sustainable luxury in your clean makeup routine, Kjaer Weis is the brand for you. Their products are formulated with natural or certified organic ingredients, and their super-chic compacts are refillable. The Cream Blushes from Kjaer Weis glide on like butter and give a beautiful flush to the cheeks.
8. Vapour Blush Powder
Vapour is an OG organic makeup brand that offers a wide range of products. Their powder blushes mimic the pigment of conventional brands while providing skincare benefits thanks to ingredients like squalane made with olives. The brand takes inspiration from the founders’ hometown of Taos, New Mexico, resulting in dreamy colors.
9. Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick
Westman Atelier is the brainchild of legendary makeup artist Gucci Westman. The brand is known for its luxurious formulas and commitment to excluding ingredients like parabens, sulfates, and PEGs. The Baby Cheeks Blush Stick provides a rosy, natural-looking flush that can be built up for a more intense pop of color.
10. RMS Beauty Luminizer
RMS Beauty was created by makeup artist Rosemarie Swift, ensuring that the products are effective. The Champagne Rose Luminizer, in particular, gives the perfect dewy glow to cheekbones. RMS Beauty uses raw, food-grade organic ingredients and avoids synthetic preservatives, genetically modified ingredients, and harmful chemicals.
11. Alima Pure Bronzer
Alima Pure’s Bronzer is a staple in many makeup bags. Unlike other natural bronzers, it provides a matte finish without any shimmer. The company is also committed to being carbon neutral and a certified B Corporation, which evaluates a company’s impact on its workers, customers, community, and environment.
12. Victoria Beckham Beauty Smoky Eye Brick
Victoria Beckham is known for her success in pop music and fashion, and now she’s making waves in the beauty industry. Victoria Beckham Beauty has transparent clean makeup standards and a focus on sustainability. The Smoky Eye Brick palette offers a blend of shades perfect for everyday wear.
13. Burt’s Bees Nourishing Eyeliner Pencil
Burt’s Bees, a brand known for its skincare and lip balms, has recently expanded into the makeup world. Their Nourishing Eyeliner Pencil is a gentle option for defining your eyes without compromising on performance. It’s formulated without parabens, phthalates, and petrolatum.
14. W3ll People Expressionist Pro Mascara
W3ll People is a brand that caters to those who prefer a no-makeup look. Their Expressionist Pro Mascara offers incredible volume and is free of petroleum derivatives, coal tar, aluminum, and parabens. It’s safe for the sensitive eye area.
15. Rituel de Fille Ash & Ember Eye Soot in Obsidian
Rituel de Fille is a brand that exudes cool, witchy vibes. They handcraft their products without parabens, phthalates, or synthetic dyes, and they are cruelty-free. The Ash & Ember Eye Soot in Obsidian creates a stunning smoky eye with ease.
16. Jillian Dempsey Lid Tint in Peach
Jillian Dempsey, a makeup artist to Hollywood’s coolest women, has created a curated collection of good-for-you makeup. The Lid Tint, formulated with organic jojoba oil and shea butter, offers a subtle healthy glow to the lids and can even be used on the cheeks.
17. Honest Beauty Liquid Lipstick in Love
Jessica Alba’s Honest Beauty line has gained popularity for its extensive standards. The “no” list of ingredients they don’t use is impressive. Their Liquid Lipstick is long-lasting, comfortable to wear, and available in a wide range of shades.
18. 100% Pure Pomegranate Lipstick in Calendula
100% Pure is a brand that caters to organic makeup purists. Their products are made with organic, cold-pressed ingredients and contain zero synthetics or unrefined components. The Pomegranate Lipstick offers nourishing hydration and a punch of color.
19. Axiology Vegan Multi-Use Balmie Set
Axiology specializes in vegan lip balms made with only ten ingredients. Their Multi-Use Balmie Set includes a scrumptious blend of castor oil, sunflower oil, and fruit extracts, providing hydrating goodness.
20. Lily Lolo Scarlet Red Lipstick
Lily Lolo is a mineral cosmetics brand that avoids dyes, fillers, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. Their Scarlet Red Lipstick offers a bold and vibrant color option, breaking away from the typical pinks and peaches commonly found in clean makeup brands.
21. La Bouche Rouge Lipstick
La Bouche Rouge is a luxury clean makeup brand that combines sustainability and style. Their lipsticks come in chic leather packaging that is refillable, reducing waste. The formula is richly pigmented, providing long-lasting color.
Conclusion
Clean beauty enthusiasts have a wide range of natural and organic makeup products to choose from. These brands prioritize ingredients that are non-toxic and effective, offering high-performance alternatives to conventional makeup. By incorporating these clean beauty products into your routine, you can prioritize both your health and the environment. Remember, understanding your skin and its unique needs is essential in finding the perfect products that work for you. Embrace clean beauty and feel confident in your makeup choices.
