natural makeup
Applying Natural Eye shadow
Natural eye shadow is chemical and fragrance free, making it ideal for contact lens wearers or women with allergies. All natural eye shadows are also hypoallergenic.
Many women think that natural makeup products won't last long or don't come in fun, vibrant colors. That is the furthest thing from the truth. Natural eye shadows last all day and come in an array of colors similar to traditional eyeshadows.
You can apply the products dry for subtle, daytime color or wet for a more a more intense evening look. Follow these simple natural makeup tips to apply your natural eye shadow. Use three different complement colors of natural eye shadow to accentuate the beauty of your eyes.
Using a small brush, use the lightest color all over from your lash line to your brow bone.
Dip a smaller brush into water and take the darkest color and line your upper lashes. Use that same deep color in the crease to give your eyes some depth.
Finish off the look by using the medium shade over your lower lid.
At Makeup.com, you can find eye shadow kits that provide three or four shades of natural eyeshadow in one convenient product.
Applying Organic Mineral Makeup
Because the natural pigment in organic mineral makeup is very concentrated, a small amount of the product can go a long way.
If you are using organic makeup for the first time, you will be surprised at how little you need to use. Though these makeup products may be more expensive that traditional makeup, you will use less.
Organic mineral makeup is very versatile. You can use mineral eye shadow on the face and lips. You can use blushers on the eyes and body. You can also change the appearance and coverage of natural foundations very easily.
To use organic mineral foundation, tap a little bit of the product into the lid of the container. Then swirl your makeup brush into the product and tap off the excess. Using a little pressure apply the product to your face in a circular motion to create a flawless finish. Do not use too much powder. Also do not apply right after using moisturizer, as the mineral powder will combine with the moisturizer and look cakey.
You can also change the form of your foundation by adding a little bit of water or moisturizer to the powder and stirring it with a brush to create a liquid or cream foundation. Water can also be added to mineral eyeshadow to create deeper color or to use the product as an eye liner. Natural mineral makeup products are some of the most versatile beauty products on the market today. And they are also good for your skin!
Benefits of Natural Makeup
Because natural cosmetics and skin care products are not made with any dyes, fragrances or chemicals, they are virtually harmless to your skin. In fact, they have ingredients that can actually heal and improve the appearance of your skin. They are rich nutrients that sooth and hydrate your face, and often reduce the appearance of wrinkles, blemishes and other skin problems.
Natural makeup prevents oils from clogging pores and allows your skin to breathe and stay dry. It last longer than most traditional makeup, keeping your face looking fresh all day. Natural makeup can be removed with water or a natural makeup remover, instead of harsh chemical removers that can damage and irritate skin.
Many lines of natural makeup offer mineral foundation, organic blush and lipsticks, as well as natural eye shadow and eye liner. These products are easy to mix to create your own custom shades.
Though natural and organic mineral makeup is sometimes more expensive than traditional varieties, the pigment is concentrated. Therefore you normally don't have to use as much. At Makeup.com, you can find terrific natural makeup products from brands such as Juice Beauty, 100% Pure and Crazy Rumors.
Switching to Natural Organic Makeup
Most women start every day by applying makeup. However, traditional makeup may contain synthetic dyes, artificial fragrance and many chemicals. Each time you apply these products, the chemical ingredients seep into your pores. You end up having to use harsh cleansers and makeup removers (which contain more chemicals) just to remove your makeup.
Natural organic makeup products are made from mineral pigments, botanical extracts, natural oils and waxes. Instead of damaging and stripping your skin, they actually help moisturize and smooth it. If you aren't ready to make the switch to natural makeup overnight. You can start be adding a few natural makeup products into your daily beauty routine.
Start out with your lips. There are a variety of lip products, including lip balm, lipstick and lip gloss that are made from all-natural ingredients. These items come in a variety of shades and provide smooth, beautiful color while moisturizing and protecting your lips. Natural lip colors use ingredients such as almond extract, jojoba oil, aloe vera and plant waxes instead of harsh chemicals and dyes.
After switching to natural lip products, you may find yourself loving natural makeup so much that you start using all natural cosmetics. At Makeup.com, you can find an array of natural lipsticks and glosses, as well as hundreds of other natural beauty products, including natural eye makeup, mineral foundation, organic blush and more.
What are Natural Cosmetics?
Natural cosmetics have been used in some form since ancient civilizations. Oftentimes people use the term organic or herbal to refer to natural cosmetics. Plant products, such as fruits, herbs, leaves and roots are a big component of natural makeup, as well as botanicals and minerals.
Today, many cosmetic companies are turning away from traditional chemical-based cosmetics and turning back to all natural makeup. At Makeup.com, you can find natural cosmetics and skincare products, including all types of makeup, cleansers, face masks, lotions, moisturizers and toners.
Natural makeup and skin care products are particularly good for those with sensitive or problem skin. However, everyone can benefit from using these beauty products. Natural makeup contains no chemicals, which can damage your skin. It is also noncomedogenic, meaning it will not clog your pores.
healthy look with our mineral-enriched loose powders
This makeup tip from Covergirl (covergirl.com) teaches how to get a natural, healthy-looking radiance with blush and bronzer.
Beauty Tip from Covergirl.com
The tips below work well with this face tip, says Covergirl (covergirl.com)
Brighten Up
Get an instant, healthy look with our mineral-enriched loose powders.
1st Place Bronze
Create a sun-kissed, natural looking tan on a few key features and you're golden.
Covergirl writes that these TruBlend Blushes and Bronzers with Minerals are perfect for getting that natural, sun-touched glow. Brush blush on apples of cheeks, then follow with a dusting of bronzer on forehead, bridge of nose, chin, even eyelids-wherever the sun touches naturally.
Blush in a hue that's true to you! This sheer loose powder blush contains natural minerals that instantly give a brightened appearance, for a natural-looking kiss of color.
CoverGirl was founded in 1958 in Baltimore, Maryland, by the Noxzema Chemical Company (later called Noxell) and acquired by Procter & Gamble in 1989. The Noxell Company advertised this make-up line by allowing “cover girls,” fashion models that would appear on the front of magazines, to wear their products.
Originally offering only six products ("medicated face make-up," in keeping with Noxzema's product theme), it took off in 1976 due to an advertising campaign featuring Christie Brinkley. The company vastly diversified its product line, and Brinkley's contract with CoverGirl, which lasted 20 years, was the longest in the history of the modeling industry.
USA: VERMONT SOAPWORKS LAUNCHES NEW SOAPORGANICS SERVICE
Vermont Soapworks is once again leading the way in the personal care industry. The company has announced that it has been certified as a U.S. Department of Agriculture organic processing facility. The Northeast Organic Farmers Association (NOFA) is the certifying agency. Vermont Soapworks is a boutique Private Label manufacturer of cold process bar soaps, castile liquid soaps, shower gels and non-toxic specialty cleaners. "We have been using organic ingredients in our natural soap products since we started in 1992," notes Founder and President Larry Plesent.
The National Organic Program regulations issued in October 2002 established some important ground rules for organic claims. "We are active in lobbying for meaningful organic standards for the personal care industry," says Plesent. "It is important to distinguish the companies that are truly natural from those making natural claims that may be hard to substantiate," he adds. Due to the recent explosion of consumer interest in organic products, being among the first soap companies to obtain certification may well be a tremendous business opportunity for the Middlebury, Vermont-based company. "We will be making organic soap products under our brand name as well as for private labels," says Plesent.
Vermont Soapworks and the Green Products Alliance, a non-profit organization co-founded by Plesent, are playing a key role in the establishment of firm guidelines for what "organic" means in the personal care industry. In the meantime, Vermont Soapworks is one of the few companies that have achieved certification under the existing NOP and will be able to legally market its soap products as being "made with organic ingredients." Regardless of the organic certification, Vermont Soapworks bar soaps are a remarkable high-quality product. "Our bar soaps are mild and moisturizing due to the use of botanical ingredients, and to the handmade process itself," notes Plesent. "It takes a month to make and cure a bar of handmade soap," he adds. Natural plant-based ingredients and an alkaline solution are blended in small batches and poured into wooden block molds.
The molds are warmed for several days, which forces the soap to set up very slowly. Excess alkali, a major cause of the dryness and irritation often found in conventional bar soaps, rises to the top like cream and is skimmed away. The soap is then aged in a special curing room for nearly a month. "This is the mildest way to make a bar of soap," says Plesent. Vermont Soapworks has grown from a kitchen-size operation in 1992 to the largest manufacturer of handmade natural soap in North America. Sales at Vermont Soapworks have increased steadily every year.
The company now has 22 employees and has sold product in 43 countries under more than 40 in-house and private labels. The factory and outlet store have been upgraded and product lines have been expanded to include natural liquid soaps, bath gels, a groundbreaking Yoga Mat Wash and aromatherapy products. Later this year, the company is unveiling a unique interactive soap museum along with expanded factory tours. The origin of Vermont Soapworks is just as uncanny as the company's meteoric growth over the past decade.
Plesent started the company after experiencing severe skin problems from detergents used by his window washing company. "I enjoyed the excitement of window washing," notes Plesent. "But the rashes and irritation on my skin were unbearable, that was when I began researching healthy alternatives for myself, and the many people like me that are sensitive to detergents and synthetic ingredients in so many products." The company follows a strict definition of "natural." Vermont Soapworks products are made from natural and organic vegetable and botanical sources such as: palm, coconut, and olive oils; liquid aloe; oats; exotic oils; and essential oils in aromatherapy blends.
The products are free of artificial colors, fragrances, preservatives, and animal by-products and they are not tested on animals. To learn more visit http://www.vermontsoap.com Vermont Soapworks has played a key role in the formation of The Green Products Alliance, a non-profit marketing and distribution organization for natural personal care businesses. The Green Products Alliance is advocating for healthy national organic guidelines for personal care products, helps educate consumers about natural products, and works to reduce costs through group buying power. For more information about the Green Products Alliance,
Natural Makeup
Natural makeup is a term used to describe makeup that mimics tones and hues already within one's complexion. A complexion consists of many hues and undertones. The ultimate goal of applying natural makeup is to create harmony with what nature has provided. Often times, natural makeup is confused with no makeup. No makeup just implies a lack of effort and time; natural makeup is actually, just the opposite. It is carefully selected and applied to enhance features so that they appear to have been a genetic gift of beauty.
This is not to suggest that natural makeup means spending an outstanding amount of time applying and outstanding amount of makeup. It just means spending quality time applying makeup strategically. Let me explain.
To Begin Natural Makeup
1. Always begin with a cleansed, toned, and moisturized face and eye area. Being of mature skin, I use an alpha hydroxy serum for gentle exfoliation and promotion of smoother skin. The serum will help rid the skin of the dull, ashy appearance and improve the color of the skin by getting rid of dead skin cells on the layer of the skin.
2. When applying natural makeup, I like to look back to photographs of my youthful days to remember the colors that lit up my face as a child. I look at the cheeks and lips to get an idea of pink or peach. Over the years, hair color changes, skin changes, and we no longer see the colors that nature once gave to us. This is a once and done deal. Once you look at your photograph and decide which colors were natural to your skin, the rest is easy.
Applying Natural Makeup
1. Next, you may still need to correct under eye circles. No matter how natural you want to be, if you have bags and circles, you just look tired!
2. Not everyone needs to wear foundation. A tinted moisturizer is a wonderful trick to natural makeup. You are adding well-deserved nourishment to the skin with an added benefit; a tint of color. You may also opt for applying a bit of foundation to only the parts that show redness to even out the complexion. The truly blessed are those that need just a great moisturizer to add a healthy glow. The end result of natural makeup foundation is to return the skin to the youthful glow. This is why heavy foundations and matte finishes are seldom used in natural makeup.
3. As a child, my cheeks were always rosy. This is the inspiration for natural makeup. Use a rouge that is similar to those pictures. If you cannot tell due to the quality of picture or the lack of color try this easy trick: gently pinch your cheeks. Remember: Gently. Black and blue is not in the natural color scheme. A gentle pinch will give you insight to your skin's natural blush shade. Apply the rouge to the apples of your cheeks. I sometimes sweep a bronzer or rouge to the areas of my face where the sun would kiss. Once again, this gives a natural glow. Just be careful not to apply too much. You don't want to look sunburned.
4. Natural eye makeup is simple. Keep to neutral shades. Colors such as taupe, brown, peach, and mauve give freshness to the eyes without overpowering the skin. These neutral colors will allow your natural features to shine by complementing the iris. When applying natural makeup, I keep the color families for eyes, cheeks, and lips the same. Use your natural blush as the guide for choosing colors. Since I have naturally rosy cheeks and pink lips, I use a light mauve shadow, a rose blush, and clear gloss with a rose tint. The colors don't compete and are not the focus of my face; instead, the dewy glow is the focus.
5. A light powder liner can be applied to make the lashes appear thicker as in our younger days. You may see that liner is not necessary.
6. Curl the eyelashes and apply a brown or clear mascara to add length. Brown is a natural color that won't add drama, but only lengthen and fill in areas that may be sparse.
7. Use a lipstick that is creamy and close to your natural lip tone. Apply a dab of gloss to the center of the lips to emphasize fullness. In place of a creamy lipstick, try a tinted gloss. Tinted glosses are excellent for adding a pinch of color and sheen all in one.
Is Natural Makeup Natural?
Yes, yes, yes. Natural makeup is fresh and dewy. It lets the world see your beauty. Is it an oxymoron? That might be for you to decide, I myself, love it.
Some Skin Benefits and Advantages of All Natural Cosmetics (skin care and hair care):
The skin absorbs at least 60% of what you put on it. According to the Environmental Working Group, most of the ingredients used in cosmetics have not been evaluated by the FDA (the FDA only regulates some colors and really toxic ingredients like mercury in cosmetics). EWG’s cosmetic database (see below) is a great resource where you can look up cosmetic ingredients and a wide range of products to assess their safety. Though many synthetic ingredients used in small amounts are non-toxic, in large amounts many are known to be potentially irritating or toxic, and it is generally unknown what the long term effects of using small amounts of these ingredients every day for years can have on human health.
As a long time crafter I can tell you that most of the non-natural ingredients used in cosmetics (with the exception of synthetic lab derived actives) are either fillers, emulsifiers, texturizers (used to improve the texture of the product), fragrances, or synthetic preservatives: all designed to make the product look and smell good but do little for the skin. In my opinion, none of these ingredients, with the exception of the preservatives*, are necessary since they do little to improve the health of your skin (there are many natural ingredients that can be used as emulsifiers, fragrances, and texturizers, most of which also provide skin benefits).
(*Note about preservatives: for your own safety, preservatives must be used in products that contain water such as creams and lotions. However, I personally choose not to use most synthetic preservatives because many of them are potentially toxic and irritating. There are only a couple synthetic preservatives that I would actually use on my skin, but I prefer using natural preservatives. Please see below for more information on synthetic versus natural preservatives.)
Many natural ingredients are healing for the skin, since they contain numerous vitamins and nutrients. They can improve the health of the skin (if the product is properly formulated) and actually nourish the skin (the skin can absorb the nutrients).
Natural cosmetics usually contain much higher amounts of actives than conventional products (no fillers!).
Many synthetic ingredients can cause skin allergies or skin conditions. Some of the symptoms I had when I became allergic to many conventional ingredients and products eight years ago include breathing problems (from synthetic perfumes), hives, acne, and headaches. But if you are allergic to a particular plant please do not use it on your skin, as allergies to plant and natural ingredients are also possible. Be sure to do skin allergy tests on the inner elbow with any new (natural or synthetic) ingredient or cosmetic you use.
If you use aromatherapy and herbal products, they may help heal skin conditions (such as rashes), and have some medicinal and psychological uses* (such as helping soothe depression and anxiety) and spiritual properties. Be sure to research ingredients well before use.
(*Note: Please see the "A Few Things to Consider..." section for more information about plant medicinal uses.)
Some Ecological and Social Advantages of All Natural Cosmetics:
They are 100% biodegradable, so no toxins down your drain and into the watershed (many other species are sensitive to many synthetic chemicals, which in some severe cases--such as the usage of synthetic chemicals that mimic estrogen--can cause mutations in certain species).
Products and ingredients that are organic* support good farming practices, and are much more sustainable in the long run. Using organic, cultivated without chemicals (ingredients that are usually organic but not certified yet), or ethically wild-harvested goods also reduces the use of toxic pesticides.
(*Note: Just because something is natural does not necessarily mean it's organic).
Using products made with ethically wild-harvested and fair trade ingredients* ensures that ingredients are produced in a sustainable manner, and that other cultures and the Earth are not exploited in the process. Some companies also work closely with the communities that produce the goods. When done in a non-exploitive manner it supports the local economy, often generates income for women and people in poverty, and in some cases may help conserve local natural resources.
(*Note: Be sure to check the credentials of fair trade or ethically wild-harvested products to make sure they are truly fair trade or ethically wild-harvested).
Many truly natural cosmetics are made by small companies, stay-at-home moms, or are women-owned. By buying products from these companies you are supporting small businesses, families, and women in business.
Some natural companies donate part of their proceeds to environmental or social organizations.
A few businesses are owned by herbalists and aromatherapists, who not only have a deep respect of the Earth, but who are also active in educating the public on plant conservation issues (which is often a neglected conservation topic). Many people don't realize that some of the most active environmentalists and conservationists are those in non-traditional plant related fields like herbalism or aromatherapy.
Do not underestimate the power of 'buying green'! By buying green you are letting different industries (such as those in business and politics) know that you want and support eco-friendly alternatives. More and more companies and organizations are beginning to implement greener practices (while some businesses are doing this for environmental reasons, others are doing this because they know if they don't, in the future they will lose money because more and more people are interested in buying only eco-friendly products). The organic and natural industries are rapidly growing; many businesses are jumping onto the green bandwagon (be wary of 'green washing'). In my thesis research the majority of people in my community stated that if a politician or political party supported conservation policies, they would view that politician or political party more favorably (and presumably vote for them). Many politicians know this. Your views and what you do matter and can greatly influence people and events!
Many people (including me) view using natural plant ingredients as a spiritual journey tied closely to the Earth. In many cultures and religions around the world (past and present), the medicinal, cosmetic, food, and spiritual uses of plants are connected to each other. It wasn't that long ago that this was also true in many contemporary mainstream western societies as well.
A Few Things To Consider When Buying All Natural Cosmetics:
Though I advocate buying all natural cosmetics, it is always better to consume less or only buy what you need. Choose quality over quantity.
Everyone has a different definition of what 'natural' is. Be sure to research ingredients well before use (there are a lot of borderline natural/synthetic substances that some people consider natural and others consider semi-natural/naturally derived or synthetic). Just because a label says it's natural or organic doesn't mean it is. For organic cosmetics, only products with the USDA NOP organic seal are truly organic. For cosmetics, unlike food products*, the word ‘organic’ is currently not regulated by the USDA. The USDA only regulates cosmetics products that have undergone certification and carry the USDA seal, and does not regulate cosmetic products that have not undergone certification. Also, there is no regulation of the word natural. Cosmetic products that are not natural or organic can legally place those words on their product--even if their product only contains only 1 drop of natural or organic ingredients!
(*Note: In food products, the word ‘organic’ is regulated by the USDA.)
In addition to cosmetic uses, herbs and herbal products (such as essential oils) also have many medicinal uses. Aromatherapy and herbalism are not regulated by the government. In the United States, aromatherapists and herbalists cannot legally practice medicine (under the law), however, they often act as consultants to many different industries. Be sure to research herbs, essential oils, hydrosols, and other plant ingredients well before use. If you are pregnant, an elder, using conventional medicine, or want to use herbs and essential oils on children, please do extra research (as many essential oils and herbs can not be used on these people, and some herbs and essential oils may interact with conventional medicine. Ask an aromatherapist or herbalist that focuses on these subjects and a conventional nurse or doctor before use. Some nurses are also aromatherapists or herbalists in the U.S.
(On a related note: In France, most aromatherapists are medical doctors).
100% natural products have a much shorter shelf life than conventional products (usually 3 months to a year depending on the product and what is used to preserve them. Powdered mineral makeup will last much longer, nearly indefinitely). Don't stock up on 100% natural products, and also be sure to use them quickly. If you tend to take a long time to use products up (longer than a few months), try buying a smaller size or a sample (many small vendors offer samples or smaller sizes since you often can't return products from small online vendors), or you may want to consider using a product with synthetic preservatives (natural products preserved with a synthetic preservative will have a life shelf of at least a year if not longer). Though I personally choose not to use synthetic preservatives in most of the products I buy (since I prefer using completely natural products and many synthetic preservatives are potentially irritating or toxic), I usually use products up within a couple months of purchase. I especially want to emphasize that while many natural preservatives have extremely effective anti-bacterial and/or antiseptic properties (and some are antiviral and antifungal as well), they don't preserve products for as long as synthetic preservatives do. Natural preservatives are generally non-toxic if used in the correct proportions and many also provide skin benefits, so it's a trade-off.
Preservatives (whether natural or synthetic) are extremely important ingredients to use in cosmetics. In general, waterless products (like balms and oil based serums) are much more stable and less prone to bacterial contamination than products that contain water. Most non-aqueous products may not need a preservative, but to be on the safe side, I highly recommend using one. For non-aqueous products, many companies usually use a blend of natural preservatives (such as essential oils) and/or antioxidants (like vitamin E). Products with water in them (such as creams, lotions, and ‘wet’ facial masks) are extremely perishable and prone to contamination. Preservatives are a must in water-based products. Make sure that water-based products have an adequate preservative system. For all natural creams or other water-based products in jars, use a clean spatula to spoon out your product (or at least make sure your fingers are very clean). 100% natural creams and lotions will only have a shelf life of a few months (in some cases, shelf life may be slightly longer depending on the preservatives used, and type of container). Many companies tend to use a blend of natural preservatives (like herbal extracts which contain alcohol, essential oils, or alcohol) and antioxidants (like vitamin E) to extend shelf life and protect against a wide range of bacteria. But not all natural preservatives have the same antiseptic ability, and different herbs will kill different bacteria (and some plant ingredients make very ineffective preservatives). Antioxidants only extend shelf life but do not kill or inhibit bacteria. If you choose to use 100% natural water-based products (preserved with natural preservatives), for your own safety, be sure to use it within a couple months of purchase.
It is not a good idea to store natural cosmetics in the bathroom (too humid, which will make them spoil faster).
Refrigeration of most natural products (when not in use) will extend shelf life. For some products the texture may change a bit in the fridge, however, this will not alter the effectiveness of the product.
All natural or nearly all natural products are more expensive* than drugstore brand cosmetics (but often cheaper than some department store brands, though there are a few overpriced natural brands in my opinion). However, since there are no fillers, you can often use less of a product to get great results. Also because they are 100% (or nearly all) natural, the products generally contain more actives in them than conventional products.
(*Note: About the price of all natural and nearly all natural products. Natural ingredients usually cost a lot more than conventional cosmetic ingredients. And if the ingredients are rare or harder to obtain or if they are organic, they are even more expensive. For carrier oils, if they are unrefined, cold or expeller pressed (nutrient rich) oils they are usually more expensive than refined oils (that are stripped not only of odor but nutrients). It takes most conventional cosmetics only pennies to occasionally a couple bucks to produce their products, while it may take many dollars to produce a completely natural product (no cheap fillers and also the much higher cost of ingredients, and in some cases packaging—colored glass used in many essential oil products costs more than plastic). An example of the cost of a natural ingredient, rose essential oil: it takes thirty to sixty roses to make one drop of rose essential oil, hence the $1-2 per drop price tag (and why most rose scented products on the market are synthetic).)
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