Morning Makeup Routine
I write a lot about food and inner beauty, but I must confess that I am a bit of a product junkie when it comes to fashion and make-up. My "day job" lies within the fashion industry, and has for years. So it is only natural that I am drawn to clothes, shoes, and handbags. My love for new beauty products goes hand in hand with that I suppose.
For the past couple of years I have been trying to make an effort to only buy products that are more natural and chemical free. Sometimes, though, it is hard to make a change when those things don't work as well as the chemical laden alternative. With the baby on the way, I have been even more diligent about finding things that leave out all of the gross poison, while still giving the desired result. So in an effort to eliminate your frustration and keep money in your bank account I will give you a list of the products that I use, as well as brands that are a sure bet when it comes to items that will enhance your outer beauty, while keeping your inner beauty on the clean side as well. Please keep in mind that this list is a work in progress, and I want to be honest. Some of my tried and true stand-bys are not all natural...I'm working on it ;)
Guidelines
1) There is no reason to buy cosmetics with parabens or phthalates in them. Plenty of beauty brands have formulas without them.
2) When it comes to natural beauty brand, the price does matter. In my experience higher end natural beauty tends to perform better than the drugstore variety. If your going to make the switch spend the money. It is more likely you will stick with it.
3) Start experimenting with non staple products like lip gloss. Trading out your favorite mascara first is probably not the best idea. Chances are you won't immediately fall in love with the natural variety, and it may keep you from switching out other items in your routine.
4) These brands tend to work well over all. I have tried quite a few items from each, and I think they would be a good place to start. RMS Beauty, Josie Moran, Kjaer Weis, Juice Beauty, and Tarte.
And now for the list of products I use daily and why...
YSL Fusion Ink Foundation- I know, I know the first one on the list is by no means all natural. Let me explain. This foundation is like applying a silk masque each morning. I simply can't find another like it. A few drops go a long way. Rub it in, and you are ready for the day. I'll let you know if I find an alternative.
RMS Buriti Bronzer- RMS is probably my favorite all natural beauty line. Formulated with coconut oil, it is super moisturizing. It also has great pigment and staying power.
RMS LiptoCheek in Diabolique- Looks really intimidating in the pot but glides on beautifully. Is equally useful for both lip and cheek color.
RMS Living Luminizer- Arguably their best product. It is like inner glow in a jar. I apply it to both my cheek and brow bones. Lately most people comment on my "pregnancy glow" but I know where it is really coming from.
Kjaer Weis Eyeshadow in Cloud Nine- Neutral peach color that brightens my eyelids a bit.
Kjaer Weis Mascara- If you are looking for a va va voom lash, stick with your old standby. This mascara is great for natural eyelash enhancement. The small brush allows you to get each lash, and it manages to stay on all day without smudging. If you are looking for something a little "more is more" go with either Origins GinZing, or Hourglass Film Noir. Both are formulated without parabens so you would be on the right track.
Hourglass Arch in Soft Brunette- The best eyebrow pencil under the sun. It's flat tip allows for perfect application, and the color is spot on for anyone who is an in between brunette. In the winter I use the dark brunette variety, as my hair usually darkens without extra sunlight.
When it comes to lips I tend to switch it up quite a bit. My go to lipstick brand is still Nars, although Juice Beauty makes a really nice lipstick as well. I tend to vary the shade depending on the season but my favorites are Nars Heat Wave, Nars Fast Ride, Nars Red Square, and Juice Beauty in Fig.
I hope this helps if you are on a mission to beautify yourself naturally. It is a process (one that I am clearly still working on) so don't get discouraged. Small changes are better than no change, and I'm sure that as the public demands more clarity about ingredients, mainstream companies will get smarter when choosing ingredients that are both effective and healthy.