Organic Makeup - What You Should Know Before Taking the Leap

Summer is here, outings are multiplying, and the desire for more elaborate makeup looks are rampant. At a time when our concern is focused on our overall health and the health of the environment, it is more than time to let ourselves be tempted by nontoxic makeup.

Organic, green, or natural: all these names are common in our beauty routine, yet many of us still fear not getting the same results as conventional makeup… What is it really? Why go organic? What happens next? You will find all the answers below!

What is Organic Makeup?

Firstly, what is really important to know is the difference between “organic” and “natural.” A certified organic product ensures that 95% of the components of the formula are natural, with a minimum of 10% being from organic farming. Certifications are not only a guarantee of quality of ingredients, but they ensure that companies comply with environmental standards related to labels and have more transparent ethical standards subject to annual tests. A product that does not contain ingredients derived from organic farming, but contains little or no synthetic ingredients, is said to be “natural.” A trick to avoid any confusion is that you should always read the ingredients list carefully before buying anything, and opt for certified brands!

Therefore, it is understood that organic makeup contains no toxic preservatives, artificial fragrances, and products derived from petrochemicals, but above all, it is made without genetically modified plants and without ethoxylated products (PEG). As mentioned above, it must meet higher standards in terms of composition, and it is manufactured in full respect of the environment.

Formulated with minerals (eye shadow, compact foundation); vegetable waxes (especially for lipsticks); mineral pigments; or dyes based on flower petals, plant extracts, and essential oils, it is ideal for sensitive skin to minimize the risk of allergic reactions and unpleasant itching.

Since over 60% of what you put on your skin goes to the dermis, it would be wise to opt for “green makeup” today!

What are the main differences in the results compared to conventional makeup?

Overall, I can assure you that you will love to convert to organic makeup; however, it is important to know some key differences so you are not to be disappointed with your next purchase.

If you are in the habit of buying an ultracovering foundation, unfortunately, the same level of coverage is much more difficult to achieve with organic makeup, since it contains no silicon. You will find in stores foundations that will give you mild to moderate degree of coverage. If you tenaciously want to cover all your imperfections, first apply your organic foundation, then finish with a hint of tinted compact powder.

As for lipstick, the same rule applies, conventional or not: always choose a matte colour for maximum hold. The more glossy your lipstick, the less likely it will stay on your pretty lips. Pro tip: Fill your lips with your lip liner, then apply the desired colour. This will ensure a much longer hold.

Compact bronzer, loose powder, and blush are highly pigmented colours… which means intense and flashy colours! To ensure a natural result and avoid any unnatural effect, I strongly advise you to use less dense brushes, and use “soft” ones for the application of all your minerals. This will prevent the surplus of pigments on your skin, which could give you a disappointing result and not a natural look!

Where to buy this kind of makeup?

Organic cosmetics and makeup are rapidly growing and are becoming more accessible. That said, I advise you to stock up in specialty stores such as natural health products stores, because they offer more choice and you can get on-site advice from biocosmetologists/biobeauticians. It is always good to try the different tints, brands, and colours before making a full commitment. Do not hesitate to ask them about products that interest you! So, when it comes to your beauty routine, will it be 100% organic?