All-Natural Makeup 101
I won’t lie to you; making the switch to all-natural makeup wasn’t an easy one. Access to quality natural cosmetics can be…pretty sparse. That’s what I faced when trying to choose shades that would actually match my skin.
After a lot of searching, I found Detox Market – an all-natural, cruelty-free beauty boutique that has multiple locations around Toronto, Hollywood and LA – as well as a huge online shop.
I discovered Detox Market during my morning commute, walking through a freshly renovated section of Union Station in Toronto. It had piqued my curiosity, even if I didn’t know what it was about. Well, luckily for me, it was just what I was looking for: green beauty!
FYI: this post contains affiliate links for Detox Market, but all product choices are my own! 🙂
My first tip for switching to all-natural makeup:
Make an adventure of it and visit your nearest metropolis! Cities have a wider range of natural beauty options, and it’s what helped me finally pull the plug on chemical makeup. If you don’t have any stores near you or if the nearest city is too far, get some samples from online to help you decide.
Second tip:
Know your skin type. It’s been said again and again, but it’s so true! I read that RMS finishing powder is the best, but some said it dried out their skin. I tried it anyway (even though I have dry skin) and guess what happened? My makeup separated and skin dried out! Moral of the story: listen to your skin.
Detox Market lets you filter product selection online based on your skin type, making it easier to choose.
Third tip:
Watch tutorials, reviews & try-ons. It’s where you’ll get the most honesty! I love hearing how each person sees their makeup – no two people react the same way! One foundation can settle perfectly on someone’s skin, and the next person can think it feels too greasy. Finding a vlogger with my skin tone and type was the most helpful in helping me narrow down the brands of makeup that would be best for me. Cosmetics by Caroline was my go-to skin-type twin. She’s SO good!
Detox Market even has a channel of tutorials and product spotlights – check it out here.
While switching to all-natural makeup can be healing to your skin rather than harmful, it won’t necessarily solve all your acne or blemishes. It’s important to identify the other causes! I managed to identify mine over time.
My skin type:
- Caucasian – Olive (Italian)
- Mostly dry, sensitive – rare oily spots in t-zone
- Occasional breakouts
- Pigmentation
Causes of my acne:
- Hormones (monthly small breakouts)
- Lack of sleep (forehead)
- Dairy (chin)
- Stress (cheeks)
My makeup choices:
1. Sappho Essential Foundation – Lisa
Why I love it: It smells like a spa and it’s glorious. It may feel a little thin when you initially apply, but it’s buildable and not too oily at all. It absorbs quickly, so no worries about it feeling tacky or wet throughout the day! You’ll forget you’re even wearing it.
What it’s made of: Herbs & flower essences, Aloe, Rooibos, Calendula, Green Tea extract, Jojoba, Shea Butter, Lavender, Chamomile, Tea Tree. All antibacterial, soothing, restorative.
Available in 12 shades.
2. Hynt Duet Perfecting Concealer – Light
Why I love it: So easy to apply, so smooth and forgiving. I hardly ever need to re-apply throughout the day. It feels smooth and soothing and smells delightful.
What it’s made of: Jojoba & sunflower oil, Aloe leaf extract, Avocado oil – all rich in nutrients for soothing the skin.
Available in 7 shades.
3. Alima Pure Satin Finishing Powder – Hanae
Why I love it: Just the right touch. I struggle with uneven skin tone (even after putting on foundation) – and this powder creates a silky, even finish – while keeping the skin looking natural.
What it’s made of: Mica! Mica is a natural mineral used in powders that helps absorb oils and pigment.
Available in 4 shades, flexible coverage.
4. 100% Pure Liquid Eyeliner – Black
Why I love it: This. Stuff. Stays. It’s waterproof, it’s cry-proof, it’s black as night and the liquid with brush creates amaaazing wings. So precise.
What it’s made of: It’s made of black tea, believe it or not!
5. Clove & Hallow Lip Velvet – Cupcake
Why I love it: You’ll never get a more matte lipstick – this is the real deal – and it lasts! The only downside is that the nude tone is a little too browny for me, so I mix it with my RMS Beauty Wild With Desire Lipstick in “Temptation” and it creates the most wonderful nude with a tint of rouge.
What it’s made of: Loaded with coconut oil, shea butter and Vitamin E
Since I started with natural makeup, I’ve also had the opportunity to test out another brand, Lilah Beauty! They specialize in, and are committed to, less being more in your makeup routine. Most of their products are dual-purpose, like eye primer/concealer, and lipstick/blush. Their products are free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances. They’re made in Italy, and are of course vegan and cruelty-free.
What I love about the concealer is that it goes on so smoothly – and stays throughout the whole day! When I wear Lilah concealer, I don’t even need to add finishing powder. So their “less is more” promise turns out to be more than true! Plus, their packaging is just so adorable. I emailed them asking if they would consider extending their tone range, as they only have 4 shades. I’m pleased to let you know that soon, Lilah will be releasing 4 new shades for a total of 9-10!
Those are my top picks! It’s been months since I started, and my skin feels better than before, of course! But I also am much more aware of the dietary and environmental causes of my breakouts. Our skin absorbs everything we put against it, and it’s nice to know that putting makeup on can be more of a healing process than a detrimental one.
So, how does it all wear? It lasts well. At about 9 at night it gets more worn, but overall it’s on-par with my old Smashbox and Mac makeup. Victory!
Curious about natural skincare? Pop your questions in the comment section below!