Want to make the switch to natural make-up? Here’s how I did it!
I say that making the switch to natural make-up has been a final frontier of sorts in my natural living journey.
Transitioning to eating better, using non-toxic cleaning supplies and skincare products and just leading a greener lifestyle all came first.
But the make-up? I always thought I wouldn’t be able to afford natural make-up, and, besides, I really don’t wear a ton of make-up anyway.
In the very back of my head, though, I knew I would want to make the switch to natural make-up one day. Why?
The toxic load in conventional cosmetics can be heavy!
Among other ingredients to avoid, regular make-up can include:
BHA and BHT, which are possible endocrine disruptors.
Formaldehyde, which causes cancer.
Parabens, which are possible endocrine disruptors.
PEG compounds, which may cause cancer. (source)
Now, my mission here at The Humbled Homemaker is to encourage, educate and empower you to live a grace-filled, natural life.
That does not include scare tactics.
I am not here to scare you into giving up your favorite Mary-Kay and Avon, but I would be doing you a disservice if I knew the potential dangers of conventional cosmetics but kept it from you!
So what is a grace-filled approach to making the switch to natural make-up?
1.Wear less make-up.
In my book, less is more! You really don’t have to be dolled all up to look beautiful. The less make-up the more natural, period.
I do not wear much, if any, make-up at home. And I only wear a little while out (unless it’s a super special occasion).
2. Make your own.
This will be key for those of you on a super tight budget.
I will be honest: Natural make-up can be pricey! The internet is full of tutorials for DIY make-up.
I have been collecting recipes on my homemade personal care items board on Pinterest. You would be amazed at what all you can concoct–beyond food!–in your own kitchen!
3. Switch out one product at a time.
When I discovered the dangers in conventional cosmetics, I didn’t toss all of my make-up in the trash, but I decided I would just get rid of one thing at a time.
When I ran out of mascara, I decided to try ordering a natural version online. I tried a few that I didn’t like, and I finally settled on this Eco Bella mascara. Yes, it is pricey. But, I’ll let you in on a little secret: I get it via Vitacost.com with my rewards points! (You can get a $5 off coupon when you order through my referral.)
When I ran out of lip stick, I opted for a naturally-tinted lip balm from MadeOn.
Little-by-little, I transformed my entire make-up bag!
4. Know what make-up is a must for you.
For redheads like me who have light eyelashes, mascara covers a multitude of sins. I must wear mascara. But everything else is a maybe.
If you are on a budget and want to make the switch, know which item you can’t live without (so to speak!) and make that your very first switch to natural make-up!
My Simple Natural Make-Up Routine
I am not here to sell you make-up. I am not even really brand loyal. This is the real make-up that I use every day. When I run out, it may change–depending on where I can find the best deal:
1. I put on concealer from MyChelle.
This is another item I get from Vitacost.com. I use it under my eyes and on any red splotches, and it’s OK, but I’m not super impressed. I’ll probably try something else when I run out.
2. I powder my entire face with loose powder from Redeeming Beauty Minerals.
3. On a special occasion, I next use blush from Redeeming Beauty Minerals.
4. On a special occasion, I will then put on eye shadow from Redeeming Beauty Minerals.
5. I then use my must–Eco Bella mascara.
6. I finish it off with my naturally-tinted lip balm from Made On.
That’s it! Pretty simple, right? I’ve found that this routine doesn’t break the bank, and I’m so glad this is one more way I can reduce toxins in my body.
Alyssa McVey
Thanks for the resources! I want to switch to more natural makeup, but finding something with a good EWG rating that is also good quality can be difficult. I’ll definitely be giving some of these a try.
Joy
I started my website over 6 years ago to offer makeup and body care from several brands with the cleanest ingredients and at prices the average woman can afford. We sell samples too of most everything so you can try them before committing to the full size. www.NaturalJoyBeauty.com
Joy Lyn Gutzman
Erin, thank you so much for this post. I switched to mineral make-up and natural options years ago. I haven’t attempted to make my own yet but I am sure that I will one day soon. Your post has revived my makeup routine and I thank you for that. I have always been a do it all or nothing person. Which means on most days I don’t want to do anything with makeup because it takes so long (I come from a long line of Mary Kay Directors). Your post has shown me just how simple everyday makeup can be.
Helen
I have been looking for a bubble bath recipe so glad I just checked your board. I do follow you but I’m not a big Pinterest user so don’t just go there to browse. The ingredients in children’s bubble bath are so gross, and the organic/natural ones are basically prohibitively expensive. Interesting that the recipe uses castile soap – I had hoped to be able to use that since I buy tons of it, but according to the Dr Bronner’s people it isn’t good for bubble bath. We’ll see! Can’t wait for the party tonight
Lacy
Have you looked at the great products from ARBONNE? Gluten, Paraben, Formadelhyde free! Check it out @ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lacy-Foshee-Arbonne-Independent-Consultant/716213858430290
christi
And not all natural. In fact if you get the ingredient list you would be shocked.
Jess King
I just wanted to share that there is a makeup & skin care line out there that is high quality, naturally derived ingredients with affordable prices!!!! No harmful chemicals or other ingredients and fabulous products! I would love to introduce you to Younique; a wonderful naturally based line of makeup & skin care!
Please email me and/or view my website (above) if you have any questions or would like more information!!
Jess King
Oops—here’s the link for more info: https://www.youniqueproducts.com/southernsimplicity/party/150299/view
christi
Unfortunately younique is MOSTLY all natural. Nice marketing though. But not as good as they would have you believe.
Melissa
I have some makeup I bought online from ELF. I will have to look it back up to see if there’s anything bad in it. I seem to remember it being “natural” or “mineral.”
Erin M
I am SO HAPPY that you made the switch. I’ve been slowly making it for years. I was also going to recommend vitacost, but you already shop there! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the ECCO BELLA mascara, too.
A few other great places to shop/check out are:
everdayminerals.com. I love their powder and blushes. They’ve made a number of switches in the year, dropping off all but the natural colored eye shadows, but the powder, bronzer, and blushes are lovely– and LAST!
suncatminerals.com. This lady makes everything from scratch. Prices are reasonable and you can purchase discovery size sample of everything. I thought the powder was too pricey for such a small container, but I, who love full coverage, am not even 1/4 of the way through it after 3 months.
vitacost: you recommended it, and I agree. Honeybee gardens makes the BEST colors for natural eyeshadow, Ecco Bella makes the best mascara and a decent bronzer, and desert essence’s italian grape lip tint is amazingly moist and delivers that natural earthy red without being in your face “hey look, I wore lipstick!”
wellnessmama.com: she has recipes in spades for home made makeup, deodorant, etc. I now make most of my own products, and after the initial purchase costs, am saving so much cash and confident in the chemical free products used on my body (and hubby’s!).
This has been such a cause on my own heart the last few years, and I just LOVE seeing it on your blog. Thanks for posting it! I am excited to check out your recommends as well!
Kathy D
You must check out this line! Super cute, fun product names, and I’ve used and loved many of their items. Best part of all is that you can order tiny samples to see what you life before buying fullsize!
http://www.cowgirldirt.com/
melissa
I love Cowgirl Dirt makeup! Great product great price!
lyss
Just wanted to say that I use makeup from everydayminerals.com. Their makeup contain the least amount of ingredients than any other mineral makeup I’ve seen…bases and blushes are only 3-5 ingredients. AND it seems cheaper than other companies, as well. Currently $14 for their base foundations. They have free sample kits that you just have to pay a couple dollars shipping cost. That way you can try it out and find your color before you buy a whole container.
Unfortunately, I can only hope that one day I can wear less makeup. I actually used to wear none at all, but since having children, my face is constantly broken out. Embarrassingly so. So for me, layering on the concealers and foundation is a must.
I tried the homemade foundation idea I’ve seen with arrowroot and cocoa powders, but that did not work. I thought it would be nice and economical, but it totally does not stick to my face! Even with applying it right after moisturizing lotion. Oh, well, sticking with everyday minerals. : )
Erin M
Lyss–
I completely agree. Everdayminerals was a lifesaver and money saver for me in making the switch to natural makeup. I wish their was a *high-five* button on here. =)
Achama
Wow another really through post 🙂
Achama
Whoops, I accidently pressed enter.
But what I wanted to say is that I gradually came away from wearing make-up when I fell ill in 2008 due to as you say the many toxins found in it. I started making my own lotions and body butters etc and found that it did wonders for my complexion and skin tone. However, last year I bought my first lipstick from NYR and also have some lip balm from Bert’s Bees! The thing that I struggle with is pre-mature greying, I have done the whole henna & indigo thing but I don’t like it much.
Elaine
http://www.lahealthyliving.com/natural-remedies-remedies/how-to-use-coffee-to-dye-your-hair/
Erin
Thanks for sharing!
christi
I love the natural make up from Alma Naturals. It’s affordable too!
Holli
I’m allergic to the iron oxides in make up, so I make my own. I use beet powder for blush, cocoa powder for eyeshadow, and a mixture of arrowroot, cocoa and bar berry for a foundation. You can pretty much mix up any number of colors if you use plant based powders. Spirulina is a lovely green and charcoal (supplement) can be used for eyeliner and mascara. 100% Pure is a place t based make up company also.
Linda Hoover
I seldom wear makeup. In fact, I first started wearing makeup when I began competing in figure skating, as the rink lights tend to wash me
Linda Hoover
Well, my computer decided I should post my comment before I was finished. 🙁
As I was saying, I started using makeup to keep from looking washed out under the ice rink lights when I was competing. The only product I use (& I love the brand!!) is BareEscentuals makeup. They have the nicest mineral makeup & I’ve never had an allergic reaction or any issues with their products. I also love the fact that it really looks natural, too (almost like you aren’t wearing makeup at all, except my complexion is better)! 🙂
Carol Bella
The Ecco Bella Mascara is a great all natural find! It comes in two colors, black or brown in an applicator tube with a nice little mirror on the side. The product goes on well, stays in place for the day, and comes off without having to tug on those precious lashes. Give it a try, as you may be pleasantly surprised at how well this all-natural, paraben-free, gluten-free, and animal cruelty-free mascara performs.
Joy
For those looking into some of the brands mentioned in the comments and article. Please always get a full ingredient list (not all website will show the full list) and look for any of these ingredients to avoid: Parabens, Diazolidinyl Urea, Germall, Germaben, Japanese Honeysuckle, Phenoxyethanol, Optiphen, Methylisothiazolinone, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Synthetic Fragrance (sometimes listed as parfum), FD&C Colorants (exception: some color nail polishes we carry), Toluene, Formaldehyde, Phthalates, Aluminum, Potassium Alum (crystal deodorants), Propylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Fluoride, Nano-Particles, Talc, Bismuth Oxychloride, Petroleum, Mineral Oil, Paraffin,Triclosan, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfates, Octyl Methoxycinnamate, Octinoxate, and Oxybenzone. There are places you can find safer products at reasonable prices. We carry a wide variety of brands at www.NaturalJoyBeauty.com and sample sizes are available for most products. I created this store over 6 years ago out of my disappointment when trying to switch to cleaner products myself. The goal was to combine the best of the best I could find out their ingredients wise and take the guesswork out of it for customers. Samples are available for most items.
April
Arbonne has some great products as well!
Mona
Try Simply Scarlet Minerals they are awesome! I am never going back to other makeup. I order it form Ebay
https://www.facebook.com/simplyscarletminerals?fref=ts
Shelley Austin
With powder minerals there have been some discussion that mica can be an inhalation hazard. I recently. switched over my products to Ava Anderson non toxic. I also joined as a consultant. For a concealer, I use the bb cream. Many other products for cleaning your home, for the men in your life and babies too!
HeaTher
I Love ava anderson makeup and other products. So much I became a consultant!
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Hey would you mind letting me know which web host you’re working with?
I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot
faster then most. Can you suggest a good hosting provider at a fair price?
Thank you, I appreciate it! Peep Toe Heels outlet on the internet have got a lot of designs to your choose.
z
Courtney
I have been using makeup and skincare products from 100% Pure for several years now. I absolutely love their products, especially their eye cream and mascara. For foundation, however, I prefer Everyday Minerals. Great product and very affordable. I was using Bare Minerals for years and never was very happy with it but finally tried Everyday Minerals and so glad I switched.
Tammy
Mineral makeup and natural coz ethics are wonderful. That’s why I learned to make my own. I’ll have to check out all of your resources. Thank you!
Erin
That is so cool that you make your own, Tammy!
Rose
I have been pleased with Vapors foundation and concealer.
Susan Jones
I am 65 and I need foundation that gives some coverage. Mineral make up doesn’t seem to “do the trick”. Suggestions?
Jessica
I completely agree that there are too many toxins in makeup nowadays, and they are completely unregulated. I love my Lemongrass Spa makeup, it’s actually natural, the foundation is made with non-nano particles, and the mascara, lip gloss and lip stick are organic too, and it’s affordable. It’s nice to find a company with integrity.
Jean
I’ve been interested in toxin free for awhile now. My go to companies are Bubble & Bee Organic and Healing-Scents. Since my younger son Thomas died four years ago I haven’t been interested in my appearance. I’m still interested in skin care but not makeup. If I ever get re-interested again I found good foundation matches and ingredients I’m comfortable with at Rejuva Minerals, Coastal Classic Creations, Crush Groove Cosmetics, Epic Mineral Beauty, Zosimos Botanicals, and Red Apple Lipstick. I find with powder mineral makeup the initial cost is higher but lasts a lot longer than the cheaper stuff. In the past I used Aromaleigh at first and then moved on to Cory Cosmetics. I just needed a few grains to cover my entire face so they would last a year or more. Plus if your face got wet and you blotted it dry the makeup would stay on. Alas after awhile it started smelling like smoke and I didn’t have a good color match there. Also I just pretty much wore just concealer or foundation to even out my skin and clear lip balm to moisturize my lips. My eyes are hooded and watery so eye makeup doesn’t work for me. Luckily my lashes are dark. Don’t care for blush and lip color. People just thought I had great skin since it was a truly no makeup look. Still use lip balm and even use the same on my older mildly autistic older son Daniel as he’s got dry lips like mine.
Erin
Thank you for sharing what you use, Jean! I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Thomas. I hope you have a great 2016. You sound like a natural beauty!
Helen
I LOVE Neal’s Yard Remedies (NYR Organic) They are organic, junk free, environmentally conscious, cruelty free!! Their personal care products are amazing! www.us.nyrorganics.com/helenwickert