Natural makeup must-haves: 9 Beauty Panel tips on the best eco-conscious products out there
There’s a reason some the world’s most famous faces don’t look their age. (And it’s not just thanks to intense daily booty-busting workouts.) Gwyneth Paltrow, Madonna and Jennifer Aniston are all champions of going au naturel — when it comes to beauty products, that is. In addition to being better for the environment, all-natural and organic beauty products can do amazing things for your skin. One of the hottest ongoing health trends, promoted heavily by Paltrow and friends, is eating clean — that is, working from the inside out to project a healthy glow. So why not apply the same logic to your face?
Long gone are the days of products that, while touting ethical and health-boosting benefits, paled in comparison to the performance of the chemically-enhanced products we’d grown up with. Not to mention they were always a little bit harder on the wallet. Now that organic and natural beauty products have gone mainstream, there’s a whole slew of high-performing product available at all price ranges. But the next challenge? Finding the best of the best. Which is why we’ve turned to our panel of beauty blogging expert to share their tried, tested and true recommendations.
Challenge 46: What are your favourite organic and all-natural beauty products? See the answers now! »
Our Beauty Panel members were eager to share their insider picks for natural and organic products that truely live up to the hype. Shayna Wiwierski from A Pop of Colour spills about her smells-so-good-you-could-almost-eat-it body butter, while Emily Chan, the face behind This Was Forever, offers up her homemade natural remedy to fight acne scars. Fun Sized Beauty’s Stephanie Lau shows how to do a four product face using only natural goodies. After reading all their answers, we’re just so enthusiastic to try out these products that our new motto might just be ‘peace, love & beauty.’
Have a beauty question you want to see the panel answer? Send it our way at [email protected]. Read on for the answers to this week’s challenge and for more goodness, get to know all contributors on our Beauty Panel hub page.
Jump to: ANDREA VICTORY-LACASSE | ELLIE SOMFELEAN | EMILY CHAN | GENEVIEVE PEEKE | LAURELLE ALEXANDRA | MAGGIE NG | SHAYNA WIWIERSKI | STEPHANIE LAU |
Emily Chan
Toronto | THISWASFOREVER
My struggle with acne has been a long and tedious battle since my early teens. The worst part is when the pimple fades, the scar still lingers. Though these days I still get a pimple here and there, I have been more focusing on helping my acne scars disappear. I find that my acne reacts even more negatively to chemical products. Thus, I like to use more natural and organic ingredients to help treat my skin. This face mask is simple and when used on a bi-weekly basis, you’ll sure see a difference in your skin. Here’s what you’ll need: 2 tablespoons of oatmeal, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt. This can get messy, so mix it together and apply it onto your face in the washroom. I would also suggest lying down when you have the mask on because the oatmeal can slide. Leave the mask on the face for 15-20 minutes before washing it off.
So why oatmeal, honey and yogurt? Oatmeal helps to reduce inflammation and redness of the skin. It also contains antioxidant that can be soothing for acne prone skin. When added with honey, it can reduce inflammation even further. Honey can actually slows down a kind of skin cell known as fibroblast. This is the cell that causes skin to grow over a pimple. Thus, applying honey while the acne is still active, it can restrict a scar from forming. Finally, yogurt acts as a natural moisturizer and skin brightener. It is also rich in zinc which can help to clear pimples and shrink pores. So the next time you need a facial, try organic and look inside your kitchen cabinet. Some of these ingredients may just surprise you with amazing results.
Andrea Victory-LaCasse
Toronto | Shop Pretty
I’m an all around natural-beauty gal. My life is dedicated to finding the best, most effective and beautiful products. There’s nothing I get more excited about than a new (and beautifully made) organic product that feels luxe and works as good – often better – as it’s non-natural counterparts. I’m also super into beauty DIYs – there are so many things one can whip up in the kitchen to solve all kinds of beauty conundrums!
Here is one version of my day-to-day go to look. I work from home, so tend to take it easy on the colour and cover-up while I tap away at the keyboard. This look focuses on products from my most favourite green beauty brands, and a fun DIY from an ingredient found at most health food stores.
I start with a clean face and apply a few drops of Mini Organics Superfine Jojoba oil all over my face and neck. I don’t wear much foundation, but a few dots of W3ll People Narcissist Foundation + Concealer Stick in “0” under my eyes and around my nose even things out. My quick and easy tip is to smear two layers of R.M.S. lip shine in “Sacred” on my lips and then rub what remains on my fingertips into the apples of my cheeks. I smooth on Ilia lip conditioner in “Balmy Days” to protect against the winter dryness then pop it in my bag for when I head out later (I can’t be in the cold without a rich lip balm – it’s a disaster for lips)!
For eyes, I often go bare, but find it fun to blend a little activated charcoal powder (from the health food stores) with Studio78 Paris eye shadow in “Sleep In” over the lid. I then mix a small amount of the activated charcoal with some jojoba oil to make a cream and use an Inika small brush to line the upper lash line and then a lash comb to apply a little to darken my lashes.
Lastly, I take down shine and apply R.M.S. Un-Powder – adding more if I’m feeling more of a matte look.
Finally, and before I get on with my workday, I spritz on a fragrance to lift my mood. I’m all about Province Apothecary Parfum Botanique in “No. 14” these days. Julie Clark of Province Apothecary recently sent me a sample – and I’m loving the Wild Ylang Ylang, Indian Cardamom and Frankincense Caterii in this selection. Clark named it her motivating scent and I have to agree – off to work I go!
Products used: Mini Organics Superfine Jojoba Oil, Ilia Lip Conditioner in “Balmy Days,” R.M.S. Lip Shine in “Sacred,” R.M.S. Un-Powder, W3ll People Narcissist Foundation + Concealer Stick in “0,” Inika eye brushes, Studio78 Paris Eyeshadow in “Sleep In,” activated charcoal powder (available at health food stores), Province Apothecary Parfum Botanique in “No. 14” (Sample)
Genevieve Peeke
Montreal | Gen In The City
I decided to create a natural everyday look made with all natural products! There are so many great organic and all-natural beauty products at both the drugstore and higher-end stores. You can also create your own natural products at home (check out pinterest for some great inspiration)! My favourite organic and natural makeup and skincare brands include Josie Maran, Korres, Tarte, Lush, Origins, Covergirl’s Natureluxe line and Physicians Formula’s Organic Wear line. Favorite natural products include the Josie Maran argan oil, the Tarte amazonian clay blushes, the Korres lip butters and mango butter lipsticks, the Korres pomegranate cleansing scrub and the Korres greek yogurt moisturizer.
Products used: Cover Girl Nature Luxe liquid Silk Foundation in “310,” Tarte Cheek Stain in “Full Blossom,” Physicians Formula Organic Wear Origin Bronzer (used for bronzing, contouring and on eyelids), Almay Pure Blends Powder in “Translucent Matte,” Physicians Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Mascara in “Ultra Black Organics,” Korres Mango Butter Lipstick in “Natural Pink”
Ellie Somfelean
Montreal | My Beauty Box
Despite having a mostly all natural skincare routine, I rarely incorporate clean make-up into my day to day to routine. Can you blame me? I’m a beauty junkie and I can’t help but want to try all the make-up out there. This was a challenge indeed, as was nervous about creating a look using only natural products and I was pleasantly surprised with the results.
I started off by using an Anne Marie Borlind BB Cream, I am obsessed with this brand and their skincare. I used a Zuzu bronzer to contour and warm up the face and a Zuii peachy blush on the apples of my cheeks for a healthy flush. On my eyes I used a wash of a matte soft brown eyeshadow from Gabriel and a Logona Brown pencil as an eyeliner. I finished off with two coats of Gabriel mascara and brushed the same eyeshadow through my brows to fill in gaps and shape them. On the lips I am wearing a Zuii lipgloss.
Products used: Anne Marie Borlind BB Cream, Zuzu Bronzer, Zuii Blush in “Peachy,” Gabriel Eyeshadow, Logona Brown Eyeliner, Gabriel Mascara, Zuii Lip Gloss
Shayna Wiwierski
Winnipeg | A Pop of Colour
When it comes to organic products, I find it’s hard to get good ones. Organic products pack loads of punches – they are good for you and your skin – but there are some negatives as well, they are expensive, and depending on the brand, the scent may not be all that appealing either.
I haven’t found any organic makeup that I liked, but I have a few products that are classified as “natural”, as in they are made with natural ingredients and are formulated without parabens and synthetic chemicals. Two makeup lines that come to my mind are Tarte and Bare Minerals. Luckily, both lines carry a full range of products and have everything from foundation to eyeshadow to lip products. Plus, both lines contain ingredients that are good for your skin and makes them appear healthy and natural.
As for skincare, I am obsessed with Homemade Organics by Jen’s Cocoa Butter. I slather this certified organic, unrefined cocoa butter with unrefined coconut oil on my legs on a nightly basis and wake up with the smoothest, shiniest gams (think Victoria’s Secret shine). Best part about the product is it’s made in Canada and smells good enough to eat (you could probably eat it because it’s made with natural ingredients, but I wouldn’t recommend it).
Products used: Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation in “Fair Beige,” Tarte Amazonian Clay Eyeshadows in “Leigh’s Locket,” “Ali’s Bicycle,” and “Scott’s Skateboard,” Tarte Amazonian Clay Mineral Bronzer in “Park Avenue Princess,” Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in “Crave,” and Homemade Organic’s by Jen Whipped Cocoa Face & Body Butter
Stephanie Lau
Toronto | Fun Size Beauty
In my mind, all-natural, organic makeup somehow translates into an “au naturel” makeup look. I don’t own a lot of organic makeup products, but many of the ones I do own pair well together for a quick 4 product face.
Rather than starting with foundation, I blended the Revolution Organics Freedom Glow in “Bronzed” into the contours of my face and also as an eyeshadow base all over the eyelids. As a multipurpose product, it’s especially convenient when I’m feeling lazy because it gives both my eyes and cheeks a sunkissed glow. Then, I applied a light brown eyeshadow all over the eyelid and up to the crease. Next, I brushed a loose powder foundation all over my face to even out my skintone and set the cream bronzer. I skipped eyeliner and mascara to keep the look fresh and clean, but opted for the Epic Blend Premium Lip Balm, an organic and gluten-free balm for a little moisture and shine. And there you have it – au naturel makeup look using natural beauty products!
Products used: Revolution Organics Freedom Glow in “Bronzed,” Madison Street Beauty Matte Mineral Foundation in “Marzipan,” Madison Street Beauty Eyeshadow in “Antique Rose,” Epic Blend Premium Lip Balm in “More Moisture – Unflavoured”
Maggie Ng
Toronto | Beauty PhD
I remember being introduced to organic and natural beauty products probably around 10 years ago!
And since then, I’ve been trying to use more natural lines within my regular beauty routine. With so many beauty lines out there, we should pay more attention to the ingredients we slather onto our skin. I’ve been told that we absorb up to 60% of the ingredients into our bloodstream through our skin. That’s a lot, considering this includes shampoo, body lotions, even lipstick that can be ingested.
Using organic or natural based products are probably a healthier alternative. Here are some of my favourites that were also used in the look created above :
Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser
Love this cleanser, it smells amazing. It was also named the best natural cleanser at the Natural Health Beauty Awards. It is also free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic ingredients, fragrance and soap.
Miyu Beauty De-Stress Beauty Essence
A facial mist with the rich nutrients of a serum, this product is created using as many natural ingredients as possible
using the philosophies of ancient Chinese medicine.
Jurlique Soothing Day Care Lotion
A lightweight, soothing moisturizer for sensitive skin that uses calendula and safflower oil to help soften and restore skin.
Glo-Minerals Pressed Base Powder Foundation in Natural Medium
A mineral makeup foundation that is talc-free, non-comedogenic and fortified with an exclusive antioxidant blend.
This product is free of perfumes and chemical dyes, making it suitable for very sensitive skin like mine!
Deca Mineral Bronzing Powder in Medium
Made with pure, micronized minerals, this bronzer also contains natural ingredients such as vitamins A, C and E, grape seed oil and Aloe Vera to keep skin hydrated and protected from free radical damage.
Eos Pomegranate Raspberry Lip Balm
Packed with Vitamin E and Shea butter for long-lasting hydration. It’s also 95% organic, 100% natural and free of all parabens, petroleum, phthalates and gluten.
Glo-Minerals Lipgloss in Lily
This product is free of parabens and gluten-derived ingredients. It also contains vitamins A, C, E and green tea extract, as well as conditioning
ingredients such as sunflower and safflower seed oil.
As for hair care ie. shampoos, conditioners, I’ll rotate Live Clean, Giovanni, Aubrey and Aveda products depending on my buying habits.
Products used: Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser, Miyu Beauty De-Stress Beauty Essence, Jurlique Soothing Day Care Lotion, Glo-Minerals Pressed Base Powder Foundation in “Natural Medium,” Deca Mineral Bronzing Powder in “Medium,” Eos Pomegranate Raspberry Lip Balm, Glo-Minerals Lipgloss in “Lily”
Laurelle Alexandra
Toronto | Paint Me Pretty
I love when I find an all-natural skincare or beauty product that actually works. I have to say I find more skin care products than I do makeup or hair. But these all-natural/organic products that I’m about to share with you are my absolute favourites and I cannot live without them now.
One Love Organics is one of my all time favourite organic skin care lines and I use two of their products on a daily basis. First is my daily moisturizer, ‘Skin Savior’. It is an oil-based moisturizer and can actually also be used as a cleanser. It’s amazing because when I apply it before my makeup application my face stays shine free all day. Putting oil on your skin to absorb actually eliminates the amount of oil your skin produces, hence why you remain shine free. My second favourite product from that line is ‘Easy Does It’ Face Cleanser, a delicate, soap-free liquid that cleanses and leaves your skin feeling squeaky-clean.
If you haven’t tried LUSH products then oh my goodness you are missing out. LUSH Cosmetics is the most amazing all-natural beauty line. I love their lip sugar scrubs, soaps, and lip balm, but their Fresh Face Masks are my most favourite. All their Fresh Face Masks are handmade with essential oils, fresh fruits and veggies, deep cleansing clays and nutrient rich herbs. They also feel delightfully delicious on the skin. My go-to Fresh Face Mask is ‘Cupcake’—you won’t be disappointed. LUSH also has an incredible Tea Tree Oil Toner that has seriously saved my skin from breakouts. My skin has never been so clear.
Last but not least is Epic Blend Premium Lip Balm. They have a lovely selection of flavours, like Cherry, Pineapple Mint and Coconut. And those are just naming a few. It is the most moisturizing lip balm I have ever used and it really works. My lips are no longer chapped and feel silky smooth.
Products used: LUSH Fresh Face Mask in “Cupcake,” One Love Organics Skin Savior, Epic Blend lip balm in “Cherry,” Make Up For Ever Face and Body Foundation, Benefit Porefessional, Cover FX Cream Foundation, Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush, Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara, Annabelle Black Khol Liner, Smashbox Brow Tech
