Makeup has been around for centuries, and fortunately, the days of putting copper and lead on our faces are long gone. Huge progress has been made when it comes to the manufacturing and availability of high-quality, natural makeup. Organic makeup brands are now being used by many consumers. Take, for instance, Honest Beauty natural cosmetics created by Jessica Alba.
We’re putting the best, longest-lasting, healthiest makeup on every day. The downside to all this progress: there are more and more organic makeup brands and products to sift through and test out. Admit it: we all have that makeup drawer that includes a foundation a shade too dark from that time we tried contouring and that way-too-red lipstick.
What is Organic Makeup?
But before anything else, what is organic makeup? And why is organic makeup better than just regular makeup?
Organic makeup is cosmetic products made from certified organic and naturally-derived ingredients such as those with coconut oil and argan oil.
Natural organic makeup is way better than regular makeup because it does not contain harmful chemicals and skin-irritating preservatives. For instance, coconut oil is a healthy organic moisturizer and argan oil is used in toners. Essential oils, such as coconut oil and argan oil, are a big part of organic makeup.
Plus, organic makeup brands are cruelty-free which means that they do not test the products on animals. Makeup products that do not contain any kind of animal in their ingredient or its byproduct are called organic vegan makeup. An example of an organic vegan makeup would be lipsticks and hair gloss made from candelilla wax. Candelilla wax is a perfect alternative to beeswax and has a high oil-binding capacity.
In this generation, the demand for certified organic makeup products has increased. People have become more conscious of what touches their skin. It is not just about hiding imperfection anymore through makeup but promoting skin care as well. More and more people are craving for certified organic, non-toxic makeup.
What is the best organic makeup?
There are numerous best organic makeup brands to choose from in the market today. That’s why we’ve created the quick and dirty ultimate natural makeup buying guide which is specially designed to help you along your organic makeup journey. For more information, download our full guide, which features even more advice and research on the best organic makeup brands.
The 8 Best Organic Makeup Brands (In Our Opinion)
Buying organic makeup shouldn’t be this hard. We know. With so many organic makeup brands on the market, it’s hard to really know what’s organic and what’s not; what’s actually free of toxins and what, well, still has some.
So, we’ve done our research and we’ve found the best 8 organic makeup brands. We took into account everything we already talked about – their reputation, what our friends have experienced, their labeling and our own personal experience.
These are the top 8 favorite all-natural and organic makeup brands which are considered to be the best organic makeup. There are recommendations for specific products these brands offer, plus a chance to win one of the products.
8. ORIGINS
Why we love them:
Origins is a brand considered to be one of the most prestigious brands of organic skincare. The brand was founded in the year 1990. Since then, it has been at the forefront of both the natural makeup and quality natural skin care industry. They take pride in creating products that are certified natural. Made from organic ingredients and toxic-free chemicals. Furthermore, their products are also manufactured using renewable resources (such as wind energy) and sustainable practices. If you’re looking for a quality brand that is committed to preserving our environment, Origins is the makeup line for you.
We recommend:
PLANTSCRIPTION ANTI-AGING FOUNDATION
This foundation goes on skin effortlessly and provides an instant youthful appearance with its pore perfecting perfection. Eight six percent of those who tried it found fewer lines and smaller pores, something that women with aging skin are sure to appreciate. It’s available in 12 different shades and will beautifully complement a variety of different skin tones. With added broad spectrum SPF 15, it helps to prevent future signs of aging while giving you an all-day finish that makes you feel fabulous and free.
- Light Medium Foundation
- Perfect Matching for Every Skin Color
KISSZING
This easy-to-use lip crayon is perfect for those that want softly colored lips that are perfectly kissable. Available in a variety of six different shades, KissZing is known to be made of meadowfoam seed and jojoba oil topped with Shea Butter. This combination is made to nourish lips while at the same time keeping them soft and supple. These super soft lip crayons glide on smooth and add perfectly blended color. It doesn’t make lips crack and is perfect for all skin types. If you’re looking for soft, glossy lips splashed with delicate color, Origins’ KissZing may just become your new go-to lip color.
- Perfect for All Skin Types
- Available in 6 Different Shades
7. RMS BEAUTY
Why we love them:
Celebrity makeup artist Rose-Marie Swift is making waves in the makeup industry. Since Swift is aware of the dangerous impact of harsh chemicals found in most makeups to our skin, she created a brand dedicated to organic makeup promoting organic beauty. Even better, she took the game to the next level and designed her ingredients perfect for skin healing. All products made by RMS Beauty do not contain harmful chemicals, vitamins, and synthetic preservatives. RMS Beauty cosmetics live by its organic principles all the while promoting a perfect and beautifully radiant skin.
We recommend:
“Un” Cover Up
This amazingly blendable foundation is designed to reveal and enhance healthier looking skin, not just cover it up. It reduces the appearance of pores while rejuvenating the skin and is so lightweight you’ll feel like you’re wearing nothing at all. It can be used as a heavier foundation or as a light concealer depending on the look you’re going for. The coverage it provides turns out even and completely flawless no matter how you decide to wear it, and it will leave skin luminous. It’s available in five different shades to compliment a variety of skin tones.
- Non-Toxic Ingredients
- Created by Celebrity Make-Up Artist Rose-Marie Swift
Eye Polish
Not your typical eyeshadow, RMS Eye Polish offers a veil of metallic hues in eight different inspiring shades. They are subtly glossy and offer a dramatic-as-you-wish look while leaving you with a youthful finish. It actually doubles as a fabulous eye cream that moisturizes and nourishes the delicate eye area, making them truly amazing for dry or aging eyes. Apply it sparingly like you would moisturizer and feel the fabulous results of a shimmer that makes eyes pop with a fashion forward finish.
- Works Amazing on Dry & Aging Eyes
- Non-Toxic Ingredients
6. AFTERGLOW COSMETICS
Why we love them:
On a mission to link natural and high-fashion glam, Afterglow Cosmetics is a certified organic brand that creates products from a unique formula. This unique formula aims to blends mineral makeup with organically infused color to fabricate the best high-end organic makeups that you’ll ever know of. Afterglow Cosmetics is free of synthetic dyes, perfumes or preservatives. They are one of the first certified gluten-free makeup brands, and needless to say, we definitely love their products. Check out this post that goes a little more in depth about the afterglow brand.
We recommend:
Organic Infused Aloe Concealer
This full-coverage formula available in four different shades will make it possible for you to start the day in comfort and confidence. It blends right into skin and provides incredible coverage leaving a flawless finish that will let you tackle anything your day brings while looking your best.
- No Parabens, Nanos, Bismuth Oxychloride, Gluten or Talc
- 100% Natural Ingredients
Organic Infused Foundation
This very blendable powder foundation is one of the best organic makeup foundations out there, and it’s available in 19 different shades that look amazing on any skin type. Yep – even oily skin. It leaves skin soft and moisturized while providing flawless coverage. This is truly a pharmaceutical grade finish using all natural products that contain no chemical-based ingredients. It’s also gluten-free and won’t make you feel “funny” if you’ve got gluten sensitivities. This foundation gives you the coverage you desire without the need to risk your health to do so. If you’re looking for one of the best natural foundations you can find, Afterglow may be just what it is you’re after.
- Infused with Soothing Organic Botanicals
- Available in 19 Wearable Shades for All Skin Types
5. DR. HAUSCHKA SKIN CARE
Why we love them:
Green since 1967, Dr. Hauschka Skin Care is one of the most renowned and well-loved natural makeup companies in the world. This German-based company certainly knows what it’s doing when it comes to making women look beautiful in the most eco-friendly way. Dr. Hauschka believes that “healthy skin is beautiful skin” and their experts stand behind this approaching their cosmetics in a way that complements the biology of the skin and supports long-term skin health. Born from a passion for natural medicine and a commitment to sustainability, this all natural line of makeup and beauty products is loved by women all over the globe, and for very good reason.
We recommend:
Liquid Eyeliner
Available in both black and brown, this is the go-to for natural liquid eyeliners. It is silky smooth and draws on lids, effortlessly making lashes look fuller and eyes pop. Made with neem extract, jojoba and rose, this liquid liner won’t smudge or bleed and is certified free from any synthetic ingredients or preservatives.
- 100% Natural and Non-Toxic
- Makes Lashes Look Fuller and Eyes Pop
Lip Gloss
This subtly shiny all-natural lip gloss adds just the right amount of shimmer when you’re looking for a glowing smile from luxurious lips. Gloss glides on smooth and can be worn alone or over your regular lipstick. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, the rose or ruby shades offer lips a glossy finish. Mango butter and apricot kernel oil are added to moisturize lips, while mica adds a gorgeous natural shimmer. This is a must-have for the natural girls who love their gloss.
- Nourishing and Conditioning
- Boosts Flexibility of Lips
4. TATA HARPER
Why we love them:
This Vermont company is dedicated to the environment and uses 100 percent natural ingredients in all of their makeup products. All the pretty products Tata Harper produces are made in small batches in their laboratory, bringing you the freshest products while staying committed to using natural and nontoxic ingredients.
We recommend:
Volumizing Lip and Cheek Tint
Tata Harper’s long-lasting lip and cheek tint is a must-have for ladies who like a splash of color on their cheeks to brighten up their look. With the use of the latest anti-aging technology, Tata Harper aims to bring a youthful glow by adding a bit of color while filling in age lines. This lip and cheek tint offers a plump appearance to make you feel gorgeous all day long.
- 100% Natural and Non-Toxic
- Adapt to Compliment All Skin Shades
Revitalizing Body Oil
While not technically makeup, Revitalizing Body Oil had to make it onto this list because of just how sweetly this scent stimulates the senses. This blend of ten of the world’s most potent aphrodisiacs automatically inspires a strong sense of inner confidence and sensuality. Jasmine, orange peel, sandalwood and Ylang Ylang are just some of the aromas that will permeate the air as you embrace your inner goddess with this seductively sensual scent.
- Blend of 10 of the World’s Most Potent Aphrodisiac Essential Oils
- Aromatheraphy
3. SEPHORA NATURAL AND ORGANIC MAKEUP
Why we love them:
As one of the largest and most well-known makeup companies, Sephora has an amazing line of natural and organic makeup. Dedicated to the highest of quality, Sephora has been helping women feel their best for years. They offer more than just luxury brands such as Chanel. Now eco-conscious gals can reap the beauty benefits with Sephora’s extensive and exclusive lines of all-natural products.
We recommend:
Bite Beauty Mate Cream Lip Crayons
Bite is based in Canada and is conquering the beauty shelves at Sephora’s all over the world. The even use resveratrol, a protective antioxidant (among others) in their lip collection. This collection of lip crayons comes in twelve gorgeous shades, goes on smooth, lasts all day, and is made without parabens, sulfates or phthalates. Whether you like a soft pink, a striking red or a nice nude, you’ll find it in these fabulous matte cream lip crayons. Orange peel wax locks in moisture and color lasts throughout the day, and they’re gluten-free and made with food-grade ingredients. This is the perfect natural lip crayon for whatever color you choose to pucker up with. In reality, you can’t go wrong with any of Bite Beauty’s lip products.
- 12 Timeless Matte Shades
- Superior Hydration
Jose Maran Coconut Watercolor Eyeshadow
This refreshing coconut-based liquid eyeshadow offers an all-natural youthful look. It makes eyes look and feel fresh and also contains argan oil, which only adds to the moisturizing and nourishing benefits of hydrating coconut. If you’re a girl who loves a little color swept over her lids, you4’ll find six shimmering shades to brighten up your eyes and make you feel beautiful.
- Up To 14 Hours of Color and Hydration
- Infused with 50 Percent-Pure Coconut Water
- Wide variety of eye shadows and shades
2. PHYSICIAN’S FORMULA ORGANIC WEAR
Physician’s Formula is a go-to for many conscious beauty lovers. Not only are their products 100 percent natural, but they’re made up of 80 percent organic ingredients. They’re also one of the most affordable organic makeup lines available, ensuring that looking your best won’t break the bank. Available at most drugstores nationwide, this is easy organic that can seriously be found almost anywhere. This brand is also great for those who are looking for natural makeup for oily skin.
We recommend:
BB Cream
A good BB cream can take your look from polished to perfect, and lucky for us ladies that love them, Physician’s Formula has come out with a blendable BB cream made with all-natural ingredients and added vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. While thicker than some BB creams you may be used to, it is easy to spread and doesn’t look at all cakey.
- 10+ Beauty Benefits
- Hypoallergenic; Paraben-Free; Gluten Free; Fragrance Free; Non-Comedogenic; Dermatologist Approved
100% Natural Origin Mascara
If you’re like most women, you know that a little mascara goes a long way. Mascara is a makeup essential, and the extensive line that Physician’s Formula is free of chemical solvents and uses natural biopolymers, natural preservatives and 100 percent natural color pigments. You can choose between their assortments of both regular and lash boosting varieties for whatever look you’re going for.
- 100% Free of Harsh Chemicals
- Clump-Free, Smudge-Free, Flake-Free
1. LIVING NATURE
Why we love them:
This well-loved New Zealand certified organic brand has been on the market for over 25 years, and in this time it has learned a thing or two about doing it right when it comes to natural makeup. They’re committed to using only 100 percent natural ingredients that contain no synthetic preservatives or chemicals, while embracing the nourishing power of some of New Zealand’s unique botanicals, making it one of the best organic makeup brands out there.
We recommend:
Foundation
For all-natural liquid foundation, Living Nature can’t be beat. It goes on smooth, looks natural and offers a beautiful glow to your complexion. This foundation covers brilliantly, leaving you with a flawless finish that can easily be worn during the day or done up more dramatically at night.
- For All Skin Types
- Full Of Vitamins And Natural Oils
Lipsticks and Pencils
“Bloom” and “Summer Rain” are both two of their best-selling colors and after using Living Nature’s lipstick you’ll be sure to know why. Whatever color you decide on (and they’ve got quite an array), your lips are sure to stay moist while your color stays on. They don’t taste like anything either, which any woman that loves her lipstick knows is a huge bonus.
- Moisturizing And Nourishing Protect Your Lips
- No Chemicals At All: Ingredients 100% Natural
For more advice and research on the best organic makeup brands, download our ebook.
Note: These are all brands that are available online in the US but may also be available to locations such as singapore, uk, and australia.
How to Know You’re Buying the Best Organic Makeup Brands
Beauty lovers: be aware! The FDA doesn’t regulate what ingredients go into makeup products or the labels that are placed on them. A lip gloss may be labeled “organic” or “all-natural,” but it could just be a marketing ploy. Manufacturers know that there is a higher demand for natural products these days, so they’ll do anything to convince consumers that what they’re selling is indeed natural. Sometimes these products only contain about 10 percent “natural” ingredients with the rest are those nasty ingredients that are full of toxins – toxins that could be linked to cancer and Alzheimer’s.
So how can you really know if you’re buying the best of the best organic makeup? Try these steps:
Step 1: Read The Label!
The label says it all. You just have to be able to decipher between real “organic” and just fancy word play. When it comes to makeup, organic should mean that products are made using ingredients that are manufactured without pesticides and harmful toxins. The problem with picking out organic makeup is that the National Organic Program headed by the USDA only regulates the term “organic” as it applies to food, not cosmetics. This means that companies are free to label products any way they please without regard to unsuspecting consumers who just want the most natural products possible. There’s actually a few different “levels” of organic:
3 Levels of “Organic Makeup”:
Organic –When a cosmetic is labeled “organic” and has the USDA organic seal on it, you can be assured that this product is made with at least 95 percent organic ingredients. Aside from the USDA organic seal, these products must also display the certifying agency’s name and address.
100 Percent Organic – Now this is the good stuff. The eco-conscious beauty lover’s dream is found in 100 percent organic makeup because these items must contain only 100 percent organically derived ingredients. They will usually display the USDA organic seal and are required to display the certifying agency’s name and address.
Step 2: Google It!
If you’ve read the label and you’re still wondering if the organic makeup brand is legitimate, see what their reputation is like online. Have they been caught mislabeling? What’s the rating for a product like foundation or lip gloss on Amazon? Take five minutes to read a few things about what others are saying about them to get a gist of the good, the bad and the ugly. You are sure to find a review (or 100’s of reviews) on the product of your choosing.
Titanium Dioxide: Yay or Nay?
Research is also vital when it comes to makeup ingredients that are questionable. An example of this is Titanium Dioxide. Used in various beauty and suncare products such as powders and sunscreens, titanium dioxide has raised some concern among makeup enthusiasts. Though it has many uses, some have pointed out that titanium dioxide could cause nerve damage and brain defects in the long run. However, recent reports and studies show that the said negative effects of titanium dioxide have been ruled out. Thus, Titanium Dioxide is safe to be used as a makeup and skincare element.
Step 3: Ask Your Friends or the Facebook or Twitter Realm – “What’s The Best Organic Makeup You’ve Used?”
You’ll probably get some candid, honest responses that will help you know what you want. You might even get some stories about makeup quality that you’ll never find through a Google search – e.g. “It melted right off my face,” or “It was a way deeper purple that I thought it would be.” Amazon reviews often will have the answers you are looking for as well, sometimes with pictures!
The Best Makeup Accessories
Organizers, Brushes, And Subscription Boxes
Since originally writing this post, we received a lot of questions about makeup accessories, not just makeup. So we decided to add them to this list! Here are some of the best organic makeup organizers, brushes, and subscription boxes to consider.
Makeup Organizers
Choosing a makeup organizer can be difficult. There are so many options to choose from. It can all depend on the look you are going for. Bed Bath and Beyond has a variety of cosmetic organizers to choose from. Ikea and Amazon usually carries some cute organizers as well.
If you are looking for an organic makeup organizer, you’ll want one made with lucite or PMMA (Poly[methyl methacrylate]). Also called acrylic.
Do you want to organize for home or travel or both? Is it for your entire makeup collection or just some? Do you want it mirrored? Should you get one with wheels? Just like makeup, you have to do your research. Some of the popular types of organization methods include:
– Acrylic organizer (clear/plastic storage)
– Vanity case
– Spinning / rotating organized container
– Door hanging bags (good for travel)
– Cube cases
– Portable Caboodles (A caboodle is also a great option for kids!)
Our Top 3 Cosmetic Organizers
Lori Greiner Makeup Organizers are by far the best selling ones currently on the market. You can find her luxury deluxe wood boxes at Bed Bath and Beyond or Amazon. They are available in white, walnut, or acrylic.
Lori Greiner Cosmetic Organizer
Another top rated option is the Muji Makeup Bag. It’s great for travel and can fit an entire collection of makeup products in one big area.
IceBox Makeup Organizer – The ice box organizer is a luxury item used by various celebrities. They are extremely expensive (like 100s of dollars) so here are some similar alternatives. But, you can check out the real deal on their site here.
Beyonce uses ICEbOX makeup organizer
Check out our favorite makeup organizers for your organic cosmetics
Sometimes, the easiest way to get exactly what you want is to look up cool ideas on pinterest. You can find creative concepts for your tabletop, dresser, desk, or bathroom countertop. You can incorporate a mounted mirror, wood palettes, even cardboard! Many of the homemade ideas are cool and easy to set up. But, if you want to get really fancy, get a professional or just order the organism online.
For inspiration, here is a complete makeup diy vanity table made from wooden palette foundation. It even has drawers!
Here’s another idea: A makeup wall!
Brushes
Once you have your makeup organizing figured out, you need to find some eco-friendly brushes to put in them. Synthetic, cruelty-free makeup brushes are:
- Easier to clean
- Don’t shed much if at all
- Work for powder and cream makeup
Some great brands to consider for eco-friendly makeup brushes include Faerie Organic Cosmetics, EcoTools, and 100% Pure.
Faerie is another great organic makeup brand, especially for acne prone skin (among other brands listed here)
Free makeup brush cleaning tip: Train yourself to clean them monthly and keep a reminder in your phone so you don’t forget!
Subscription Boxes
Who else would love organic and all natural makeup products and accessories at their door monthly or even bi-monthly?! You get to try new things without breaking your wallet or heading to the store. This includes anything from a new primer, perfume roll stick, makeup bag, you name it! Some of our favorite subscription boxes include:
Vegan Cuts
Petit Vour
Ecocentric Mom
The Honest Company
Final Review of Best Organic Makeup Brands
Since 2012, organic makeup has been extremely popular and has only continued to grow in quality. The Shop Conscious Market that emerged in 2014 has become a billion dollar business In 2018. And for good reason. The Kardashians all have their beauty tips and secrets. Unlike Kim and her not so “organic” botox, Kourtney Kardashian swears by organic makeup for youthful healthy skin. They may not be our favorite role models, but they have a knock for beauty. If you have sensitive skin, vegan or organic is the best option.