To paraphrase in the negative a famous philosopher we all know, Kermit the Frog, it IS easy being green. The strangely perpetuated myth that natural beauty products are inferior to traditional formulas is exactly that. With a bevy of beautiful ingredients, pigmented payoff and a distinct lack of chemicals, parabens and sulfates, these natural products perform just as well as their sometimes seriously scientific counterparts. Here, our seven eco-chic beauty picks to make you feel like a natural woman this Earth Day (and beyond!).
New: Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Waterproof Concealer
Tarte’s natural camouflager delivers intense color payoff that’s so rare for a concealer. The item incorporates Maracuja oil, which is harvested in Brazil once a year, includes a high dose of vitamin C and is known for its instant brightening and anti-aging properties. A little goes a long way to cover up everything from redness to dark circles without caking or flaking. {$24} Read on…
RMS Beauty Living Luminizer
This frosty white cream highlighter applied strategically on just a few key spots (bridge of the nose, a dab above the cupid’s bow and on the cheekbones) yields Android levels of skin perfection. Its effect is diaphanous luminescence that glimmers without a trace of glitter, greasiness or stickiness. {$38}
Dr. Hauschka Eye Contour Day Balm
Don’t be put off by this hydrator’s nearly fluorescent hue of goldenrod that can only be described as Nickelodeon yellow. Its slightly waxy texture yields long-lasting moisture with a glow to the dehydrated orbital area; it also brightens the under-eye. Bonus: It’s perfect for lips, as well. {$52}
Vapour Aura Multi-use Blush
Many natural makeup companies tout wearable natural powder blush, but few include a solid cream iteration, as they’re harder to create without the use of parabens and preservatives. Vapour’s mineral pigment and vitamin-infused formula delivers impressive pigment payoff without sacrificing slip for an all-in-one portable cosmetic that imparts a healthy glow in seconds. It comes in a variety of shades from peachy to rosy to sun-kissed. {$28}
New: Origins A Perfect World SPF 15
B.B. Creams (which stand for either Blemish Balm or Beauty Balm) made their way stateside just over a year ago and few brands haven’t jumped on the bandwagon. Origins’ pleasantly tea-scented, all-in-one moisturizer, SPF and foundation boasts a more liquid texture and an oil-free composition, so it won’t clog pores. Whereas most B.B. Creams come in just one shade (vampire), Origins includes a six-shade range from Light to Extra Deep. {$35}
New: Gud Floral Cherrynova Natural Body Lotion
From the makers of Burt’s Bees comes Gud, a new, inexpensive natural line of body and hair products sold at Target. Available at accessible pricepoints, the line’s comprised of an impressive 97% natural ingredients. This body hydrator’s subtle cherry blossom fragrance is subtle and sweet without being overly saccharine. {$7}
John Masters Organics Bourbon Vanilla Tangerine Hair Texturizer
Even those living north of the Mason Dixon will be charmed by this bourbon-, vanilla- and tangerine-tinged hair shaper that smells sublime. Made with castor oil, glycerine and five certified-organic oils to add shine and texture, this product doesn’t sacrifice strength to aid in creating that seemingly carefree tousled look you actually do care about. {$21}
