UPDATE: This post is from 2013. For my more recent and time-tested natural cosmetic recommendations, please read my post Non-Toxic Makeup Picks for Sensitive Skin.
You may be interested in reading a more recent post about my “Hippie Journey” called 70 Ways to Be a Hippie, For the Crunchy-At-Heart.
In my last How Hippie post, the topic of natural makeup speckled the comment sections. Many of you said you are switching to natural and organic brands of makeup. One reader recommended Jane Iredale makeup stating,
“[it’s] probably not as natural as wearing NO makeup but that’s never going to happen for me.”
Bless your heart, my kindred spirit! I’m never going to go makeup-free, so I’m excited that we can collaborate to find the most natural solution to coddle our self-confidence and vanity!
Lauren’s Picks: Natural Makeup
Although my skin is improving (thanks to these 7 secrets which cured my acne without chemicals), I still deal with oily skin. Further, I expect my makeup to last through an uber sweaty ballet class without smudging. So staying-power is high on the list in my search for natural makeup. Additionally, my rather skimpy budget demands affordable products.
With that said, I just want to start with this disclaimer: I know the following products are not a perfectly natural solution. But what counts for me is that I can feel confident while minimizing the chemicals in my life.
- Everyday Minerals Concealer. Dark circles? What dark circles? Plus, it doesn’t settle into fine lines and covers acne scars. It does require a touch-up during a long or sweaty day.
- Reviva Labs Mascara. No joke… it’s less than $6.00 at that Vitacost link! Completely sweat-proof and relatively tear-proof. You can find it on Amazon, but it’s more expensive. Get $10 for Vitacost through my referral link here.
- Honeybee Gardens Eyeliner. It’s a lovely texture, but works best when you want soft, smudgy definition rather than a sharp line.
- Charcoal for eyeliner. I’m discussing another beauty use for charcoal below. I tried lightly wetting and eyeliner brush and using the activated charcoal powder for an eyeliner. It created a beautiful, hazy eyeliner but smeared after a couple of hours. This will probably work if you don’t have oily eyelids.
- Alba Botanica lip tint in Bloom. This tinted lip balm boasts a soft, flattering color and slight minty smell.
- For makeup brushes, I like EcoTools sets. You can find them in most drugstores, and the price tag will make you grin.
Review: Activated Charcoal for Teeth Whitening
Heather shared her natural teeth whitening secret over at The Healthy Home Economist. Immediately, I ordered some activated charcoal capsules on Vitacost. For the past few weeks, I’ve been using 1 capsule morning and night per her directions.
Results? I’m actually not impressed. I know many folks have seen a drastic whitening change, but not me. I felt like it was a waste of time, but not a waste of money since it was so inexpensive. Have you tried this natural method for teeth whitening? Have you seen better results?
Fellow Hippies, what do I try next?
I’m all about being adventurous when it comes to eliminating chemicals in my life and transitioning to a sustainable lifestyle. What are the hippie changes that you are making in your life? What should I try next?
Check out Pacifica products they are Gluten free and vegan and have short lists of ingredients. I love them.
I love the way my hair feels now I’ve stopped using shampoo and wash it with egg yolks and lemon juice. Just mix two egg yolks with the juice of half a lemon, apply to the roots of wet hair, massage as if it’s shampoo, then rinse thoroughly. Make sure you only use the yolk though otherwise you get scrambled egg in your hair! My hair has always been a bit dull and either limp or dry at the ends, now I feel like a fifties movie star with glossy smooth hair which has a lovely bounce!
I love ecco bella eye liner. doesn’t smudge to your upper lid and looks beautiful. will be trying the mascara you recommend. thanks!
For makeup, Etsy is a great place to look for mineral makeup. I use Noella Beauty Works’ foundation and eye shadows (http://www.etsy.com/shop/NoellaBeauty). I like her mineral foundation better than Bare Minerals (I thought Bare Minerals was too cakey looking on my face).
Mineral eye shadow works best with primer and my favorite is from Concrete Minerals (http://www.concreteminerals.com/collections/tools/products/electric-eye-primer).
I have been making a lot more beauty products because I have such sensitive skin. I now use a homemade eye makeup remover, homemade anti-itch cream, a body scrub in the shower that works great for shaving too (coconut oil & brown sugar or cane sugar, essential oil of choice). Up next, I will be making my own lotion and lip balm for winter.
Hi! I’ve have been looking into cheap natural make-up as well and was wondering if you have heard of theallnaturalface.com? I only skimmed through the comments so I hope no one else brought this up and I missed it. It seems like decently priced natural products, I was just hoping someone might have some feedback!
Awesome blog! Thanks for sharing 🙂 I had this same concerns and started making my own make-up, it’s so easy! http://claudiagudino.blogspot.com/2013/10/make-your-cosmetics-at-home-you-may.html?m=1 and the secret to eyeliner and mascara that stays is cosmetic clay 😉
So helpful to read your reviews and wonderful to see you make so much on your own. I will be checking out some of your suggestions. Please check out my site for completely chemical free, non toxic products for skin, home, baby and pet- already made 😉 http://www.avaandersonnontoxic.com/tamarabailey
what about 100 percent pure? what do you think of them?
Try mixing a 1/2 tsp organic turmeric with 1/2 tsp cocoanut oil, brush your teeth regularly, and watch not to splash as it will obviously stain anything including your tooth brush-but instant white teeth you will have!