The Non-Toxic Makeup I Use Daily

Wellbeing

Apr 6

When I first found out what companies put into makeup I was shocked. Glue, cancer-causing ingredients, formulations I couldn't pronounce that had been banned in 20 countries for being neuro-disruptors...literally disrupting your neurons from functioning. It was horrifying. Here are some stats:

I discovered this all through No More Dirty Looks which I'd highly recommend if you're starting to clean your routine. I had been eating organic but I was giving my face a daily assault, by putting toxins all day on my skin, the most porous and permeable organ in the body. I was actually paying more for makeup if those toxins were guaranteed to stay on longer. I promptly began purging all my makeup, sad for the hundreds of dollars I was throwing away but happy I was taking the first step to getting healthier.

I started using and still use EWG Skin Deep database to check how toxic certain products are before I buy them (they also have an app which makes it super easy to check in store). They rank products 1-10 based on an evaluation of the ingredients and a determination of toxicity level. I try to only use products that rank 4 and under (1 being the safest to use). As a general rule though, if you can't pronounce the ingredient, you probably shouldn't be putting it on your face.

Before buying any natural makeup, I'd highly recommend looking at reviews and testing it out in the store. Some products won't have the staying power of more toxic versions or the color might not be quite as bright. I promise the trade off is worth it.

I fell in love with Credo Beauty which opened a store in NYC last year and is run by one of the founders of Sephora. They also have an online presence and free samples with every order. There's plenty of other places online to shop for organic/natural makeup that makes it super accessible even if you're not in a major city. Organic/natural makeup used to be so difficult to find but it's now just as glamorous and high quality as your Bobbi Brown's and Nars' of the world.

It can seem overwhelming to completely change your makeup routine, I remember I was. My recommendation? Start small. Change your chapstick/lipstick/lip gloss as you're ingesting that on a daily basis. Only do that this month. Then next month move on to eyeliner. Then next month, primer. Eventually, you'll change over your whole routine and in addition to great benefits like clearer skin and less chapped lips, your health will thank you too.

See below for the guide and let me know if you have any favorite organic beauty brands!

WHERE TO SHOP

Credo Beauty: Like I said before, Credo is my absolute favorite. If you're lucky enough to live close to one of their stores, the people who work there are great and will do makeup application as well as give you recommendations that won't break the bank. If not, the online store is super helpful with quizzes, ingredient listings, and even suggestions for swaps from your favorite more toxic products (I'm still trying to wean off Kerastase).

Follain: I like Follain, though it can be a bit more on the expensive side. I buy One Love Organics body spray through this site as well as some fancy face oils when I'm feeling like splurging.

Sephora: Surprisingly, Sephora is a good source for organic or natural products. Tarte, Bare Minerals, and Captain are lines they carry that (mostly) have a low EWG rating.

Amazon: I just found this great article about awesome Amazon natural beauty finds under $30 and I buy my Acure Organics shampoo, conditioner, and face wash through here.

FAVORITE BRANDS

Acure Organics: I love their shampoo and conditioner. It comes at drugstore prices, leaves my hair soft and shiny, and you can get it off Amazon. Their blue tansy oil is also on point.
Primally Pure: Their deodorant and chapstick I'm absolutely addicted to. Rachl Mansfield also has a code for a free chapstick with your first purchase.
Ilia: I love Ilia lipstick, the colors are beautiful and it stays on better than most organic lipsticks, at least a few hours! You can also use these as blush.

EYES

Lily Lolo : It has taken me so long to find a good organic mascara! Lily Lolo separates and curls my lashes nicely and stays on all day. It's a natural look but if you put on a few layers it can look more dramatic. (UPDATE: This mascara from Well People is even better!)
Naked Palette: Surprise! Urban Decay's Naked Palette is pretty natural! Colors are awesome and it lasts forever.
Tarte smolderEYES in Moonstone Brown: I have a habit of finding eyeliners that get discontinued. This eyeliner is beautiful, it goes on smoothly and the color makes my green eyes look brighter. Unfortunately, it looks like it will be discontinued soon so get it while you can! (and let me know if you have any other suggestions)

LIPS

Primally Pure Chapstick: Most of the time, I'm a chapstick girl. Pretty much chapstick obsessed actually. This chapstick from Primally Pure checks all of the boxes, moisturizing, smells great, so organic you can eat it. Comes in four great flavors too.
Kari Gran Lip Whip: I've gotten these for free randomly both times but the colors are great, they're super moisturizing and give your lips a great pop of color!
COOLA Liplux: These colors are beautiful and after getting a free sample of one, I ended up buying three more colors. Bonus, it's great on vacation with SPF protection!

FACE

Cocokind Organic Facial Repair Serum: I am OBSESSED with this serum. I heard about Cocokind on Instagram and immediately ordered. It's relatively inexpensive, natural, and has given me a glow since I started using it. My skin just soaks it up and I apply it morning before I put on makeup and at night right before bed.
Acure Blue Tansy Oil: I just started using this on my skin in the morning and I jade roll after. It makes my skin insanely soft and brightens up my face.
Jade Roller: I love the feel of this in the morning to wake up. I'm not sure if it does all it promises but I keep it in the fridge so it's cool on my skin and it definitely has helped with under eye circles.
Bare Minerals Brightening Primer: I use this before putting on my makeup in the morning which keeps everything on throughout the day and gives me a smooth base.
Too Faced Sun Bunny Bronzer: Shockingly, this ranks as a 2 on EWG but I've been loyal to it for years, before I actually knew it was non-toxic. The color on this is beautiful and gives you a lit from within glow and the two sides double as shadows you can layer.