Makeup

The collection process for the ingredients in makeup may shock you. A common ingredient called mica, is mined in countries like India. The mining process exploits children and the land. As they chip away at the mica sheets, the air around them gets filled with toxins leading to many health issues. There is no way to justify the exploitation of child and developing countries for a shimmering makeup look.

With makeup there is always a concern of the health issues caused by harsh chemicals in makeup. While the U.S. has only banned 11 chemicals, the European Union has banned 1,328 chemicals in makeup. There is a reason the EU bans over 1,000 chemicals and its concerning that the U.S. hasn’t done the same. California has passed the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act which bans 24 toxic ingredients in beauty and personal care products. There is still a long way to go but for now it’s another win for Californians, and one that other states can accomplish.

DIY

DIY makeup is nothing new. When you think about the early beginnings of makeup, it only makes sense that diy makeup is simple. In the ancient world, berries were used to tint cheeks and lips and eyeshadow was made by grinding different minerals they had. Since natural is best, diy makeup is really great. It’s a sustainable and safe way to change up your look. Ingredients you have around your house like cocoa powder and arrowroot powder can be mixed to make blush.

Refill

Don’t want to make your own makeup but want to be low-waste? Have no fear refills are here! Yes, it is true, more and more companies are realizing the immense plastic waste their products create and are making refillable options. Alima Pure and Elate both have refillable containers. Alima Pure’s refills come in aluminum rounds that you place in the original compact. Once you use up the product, you can recycle the aluminum round. Elate uses aluminum rounds too but their compacts are made from bamboo instead of plastic. Their refills even come in plantable seed packets!

Buy New

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With makeup sitting on your skin all day long, it is a good idea to buy natural and non-toxic products. There really is no reason to buy makeup full of toxins, when there are so many amazing companies making products from botanicals. Whether you choose to the zero-waste option, the recyclable one, or the refillable one, you’ll be pleased with the effectiveness of natural makeup. Surprisingly, these brands are around the same price as well-known ones like Glossier, NARS, and Charlotte Tilbury. So opt for the safer and sustainable option from companies dedicated to helping you and the environment. Buying from these companies reduces the amount of waste you produce from makeup, doesn’t pollute toxins into waterways and soils, and avoids putting chemicals on your face.

My Picks

Elate

Elate embodies what a beauty company should be. One that ethically sources their products, uses natural ingredients, and puts low-waste at the forefront of their business model. Their products come in sustainable bamboo, aluminum, and glass containers that can be composted and recycled.

B corp, PEFC certified, FSC certified, mica from Responsible Mica Initiative sources, Peta Certified

Alima Pure

Alima Pure is a makeup brand from Portland, Oregon. Their pure makeup products are made from natural ingredients like sea buckthorn and avocado oil. They have refillable options for their blush, eyeshadow, foundation, highlighter, and concealer!

B corp, powered by green energy, 1% for the planet, 100% carbon neutral
free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, dimethicone, petroleum, talc, bismuth oxychloride, and nanoparticles
paraben free, phthalate free, Vegan, 75% organic, cruelty free

Axiology

Axiology is a leading brand for natural and low-waste lip products. Their balmies(highlighter and lip crayons), are wrapped in recycled paper that can be recycled and the box they come in can be composted.

70% organic, Peta certified, vegan, cruelty-free
free of palm oil, gluten, soy, and synthetic fragrances, recycled packaging

Ilia

The founder of Ilia, Sasha, has been involved in organic products since her family started an organic co-op when she was young. She chose to use this knowledge and create makeup that is natural and safe. Her products are made to protect against the sun and nourish your skin while also giving you a natural, glowy look.

talc-free, fragrance-free, cruelty-free, vegan, gluten-free

contain SPF to shield from the sun’s UVB rays

Bee You Organics

Organic makeup and skincare from Spokane, Washington. Bee You Organic products are handmade and save resources by using no water or alcohol. This also means they are more concentrated and will last you longer.

zero-waste packaging, spf, ocean and reef safe, USDA certified organic, locally sourced mica
free from sulfates, parabens, talc, preservatives, alcohol, fragrances, water, palm oil

100% Pure

100% Pure makes fruit pigmented makeup. Their beneficial ingredients, like rice starch, work to naturally moisture, reduce inflammation and protect against the sun. Their colors are derived from fruit and seeds.

guranteed pure, cruelty-free, naturally pigmented, gluten-free, vegan options

Let’s Compare

Ilia

Price: $28

Main Ingredients: Undecane, Jojoba Seed Oil*, Mica, Hydrogenated Styrene/Isoprene Copolymer, Silica, Kaolin, Coconut Oil*

Packaging: recyclable

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Elate

Price: $22

Main Ingredients: castor seed oil, organic cold pressed jojoba seed oil, unrefined organic shea butter, organic mango seed butter

Packaging: compostable bamboo, recyclable aluminum

NARS

Price: $26

Main Ingredients: Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyethylene

Packaging: plastic