what i’m digging in january – natural cosmetics

Over the past few years, I’ve been gradually replacing all my essential household products (cosmetics, personal care products, and household cleaners) with safer, non-toxic choices. (Check out my Green Beauty series.) The biggest challenge has been finding natural cosmetics, because old habits are hard to break and it’s easy to grow attached to specific brands. But I can finally say, after much trial and error, I’ve finally stocked my make-up bag with some healthy brands I’ve grown to love. And they all have a rating of 2 or lower on the Environmental Working Group‘s database. This means no potentially toxic chemicals or ingredients. Important, folks.

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cleanser

I prefer a creamy cleanser, not an oily or foamy one, and I’ve finally found one I love by Mad Hippie. It’s particularly good for dry skin, but more importantly, it’s free from GMOs, animal products, phthalates, petrochemicals and lots of other gross stuff. And it doesn’t hurt that this company has very cute packaging!

moisturizer

I’ve used a variety of MyChelle’s natural cosmetics for quite some time now, and they’ve never disappointed. But I’m officially making MyChelle Deep Repair Cream my go-to facial moisturizer. Rich in antioxidants, including polyphenols and vitamin B, it nourishes dry skin beautifully but isn’t too heavy. I also like using it in conjunction with MyChelle’s Peptide Anti-Wrinkle Serum. I apply this after cleansing and before moisturizing. 

concealer

Let’s face it. Everyone can benefit from a dab of concealer, especially one that’s very light and natural. I’ve found two that I’m crazy about. First, “Un” Cover-up by RMS Beauty. This stuff is made from certified organic ingredients that are safe, but it also “uses auto-adjusting minerals to cover with pigment rather than weight.” That’s how the company puts it. I just say it’s f**ing magical. It’s lightweight and only a tiny bit is needed. It covers redness and other imperfections yet doesn’t leave a “concealer” look. It really is aptly named as an “un” cover-up. 

For those of you who want a little heavier coverage, Bare Minerals Bareskin Concealer works wonders. No parabens and other nasty ingredients, and it covers dark circles and other discolorations with a smooth light texture. It also comes in a variety of shades.

foundation

This has been the absolute hardest product to select. I’ve used Clinique liquid foundation for years, and no other brands compare to its light, matte finish. I’m picky. It has to be liquid, matte, and lightweight. I don’t want a foundation that feels like I’m wearing it. I want it to feel weightless and silky smooth. Difficult, right? I’m currently trying Vapour Soft Focus Foundation. It comes in 19 different shades, and it feels very light on my skin. Maybe it’s too early to give it a definitive review, but so far I’m digging it. And after trying tons of other brands, that says a lot. Nonetheless, I’m open to any suggestions from readers. If you have a foundation you love, let me know about it!

blush

One natural cosmetics company that seems to stand out among the rest is Mineral Fusion. I use quite a few of their products. I especially like their blush. It’s light and blends on smoothly with a blending brush.

eyes

If you want a dramatic look for eyes, use an eyeshadow primer before applying foundation. I never saw the need for a primer until I tried Eyeshadow Primer Potion by Urban Decay. It caused my eyeshadow to blend better, to resist creasing, and to stay on longer. I first heard about it on a YouTube video and I’m so glad I gave it a try!

My favorite eyeshadow is by Mineral Fusion. No parabens, talc, artificial colors or fragrances. I have to admit, though, it took me a long time to find an eyeshadow I liked. It wasn’t until I experimented with blending better that I discovered how much I liked the silky smooth finish of Mineral Fusion. 

Eyeliner is one area that I’m able to save money yet find a product that is clean and natural. I check the Skin Deep database on EWG periodically to look for drugstore brand eye pencils that are free of toxins and usually see a few I want to try. I’m currently using L’oreal’s Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner.  Once applied, I use a blending brush to soften it. 

Lastly, I apply mascara, and the one I like best is by RMS. It is gentle and doesn’t clump together like some brands. 

lips

Before applying lipstick, I use a lip defining pencil. I like Mineral Fusion’s lip pencil.  It has taken me while to find a lipstick I like, as I’ve been a long-time user of Clinique. However, I vacillate between Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer and Honest Beauty’s Lip Crayon. 

a personal note

It shouldn’t take a scare to force us to take better care of ourselves. But sometimes that’s just what happens. In a recent routine medical check up, I was told I needed further testing. You know, just to rule out something serious contributing to some minor aches and pains. Fortunately, everything turned out fine, but I did have a few days while waiting for test results to completely scare myself on Google and to imagine the worst. I decided to be more proactive with my health. To finally, once and for all, purge the junk food rom the pantry, ugrade my cleaning producs, and switch to cleaner, safer personal care producs. With 2020 behind us and a new year ahead, why not devote 2021 to better self care? And a great place to start is with with the makeup bag. So let’s ditch those harsh chemicals and unpronounceable ingredients. Let’s be kind to our skin and kind to ourselves.

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