We’ve been doing the cat eye for a while now. Feline is way femme, but what’s cuter than a little puppy? Nothing! Which is why Korean beauty gives us puppy eyeliner.

Yep, it sounds weird. Not denying that. But leave it to K beauty to come up with something a teensy bit strange-sounding that turns out to be absolutely adorable. The latest Korean beauty trend is called “puppy eyeliner” and it is too sweet. Where cat eye is pure sexy, puppy dog eye is a more innocent and adorable look.

Still can’t get behind it? Think of the last time your pup peered up at you after ripping apart your favorite (and expensive) shoes. Yeah, that. Okay, now that you get the picture, let’s talk how to get the puppy eye look. It’s fairly simple and so darn lovable.

How to Create the Korean Beauty Puppy Eye

1. First, apply shadow from lash line to crease in a warm beige. Kjaer Weis Eye Shadow in Grace is a great powder option. If you’d rather go with a cream shadow, try Ilia Beauty Silken Shadow Stick in In Between Days.

2. Of course, you’ll need a black eyeliner. Actually, this look requires two black liners. Following the natural contour of your upper lid, apply a line of pencil along your lash line. When you get to the outer edge, extend the line slightly downward (opposite of the upward line with the cat eye). Now, go over the pencil with liquid liner. Two to try: Vapour Mesmerize Eyeliner pencil and Benecos Natural Liquid Eyeliner.

3. The puppy eye look requires a healthy coat or two of black mascara on both upper and lower lashes. Kjaer Weis Mascara in black will have you baby golden doodle-ready, no problem.

4. A touch of highlighter applied to inner corners of eyes finishes up the look. Go for a bright highlighter, like RMS Beauty Living Luminizer or Vapour Halo Illuminator.

You can check out the how-to video below, too for more info.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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Image of adorable puppy via Shutterstock

The post The Latest Korean Beauty Trend Will Make You Roll Over (You’re Gonna Lap it Up!) appeared first on EcoSalon.

We introduced you to strobing last year. You know, contouring’s less labor intensive cousin? Well, forget all that. A new beauty trend is here and you are going to love it for summer.

The latest beauty trend is called “stripping” and it is super hot. And not nearly as sleazy at it sounds.

Since a more natural look is on trend this year, and thank golly for that, it isn’t a surprise that the number of products it takes to achieve the look is more minimal too. You’re yearning to bust out the good ol’ bronzer right about now, aren’t you?

We all want to shake off our winter pallor and sport a healthy glow this time of year. But the old ways of bronzer are behind us. Stripping, or “sun stripping”, is a way of using bronzer that makes it look like you’ve actually spent a little quality time under the sun. Who comes in from a fun day outdoors with a uniformly bronzed face? No one. Ever. That’s why all-over face bronzing got kicked to the curb in favor of this new approach.

Best of all it’s fast, easy, and requires only one product. Here’s how.

How to Perform the Stripping Beauty Trend in 4 Easy Steps

1. Choose a bronzer. Here’s the trick with stripping. You want it to look natural, so stay away from bronzers with shimmer and select one that looks good on your skin tone. Also, powder works best for stripping. Alima Pure Bronzer comes in two color choices, light bronze and medium bronze, and is super natural looking. Another option is W3LL People Bio Bronzer, a universally flattering shade that looks like a true glow.

2. Use the right tools. You don’t want your bronzer everywhere. A semi-sturdy brush, like the Alima Pure Flat Top Brush, is perfect for applying the bronzer. You will also want a blush brush, like Alima Pure Blush Brush, for blending.

3. Apply the bronzer. After applying your foundation or tinted moisturizer as usual, apply a strip of bronzer across apples of cheeks and bridge of nose, where sun hits your face when you are outdoors. This is going to look wacky, but stay with us.

4. Blend it out. Now, using the blush brush, blend the strip of bronzer outward slightly and buff to a natural looking glow.

That’s it, peeps. Couldn’t be easier and you will love the just-been-out-in-the-sun look it gives your skin.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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Image of girl with bronzed cheeks via Shutterstock

The post Beauty Trend Alert: Stripping is the New Strobing appeared first on EcoSalon.

There are many paths you can take to honing in on your ideal beauty products. Choosing for your skin tone and eye color is important. Whether skin is oily, dry, or normal is another important factor. But have you ever considered your astrological sign?

Wait, what?

You read it right. Beauty products perfectly suited to each zodiac sign. Hey, if you can choose a career or navigate a relationship based on your sign, a lipstick or eyeshadow is fair game, too, right?

And that makes a lot of sense, if you think about it. Each sign has unique characteristics. Take bold Aries. She would definitely be more likely to sport a fuchsia lipstick than, say, a more reserved Cancer.

Want to know which makeup product is perfect for your sign? Natural makeup brand, Alima Pure, has put together a handy dandy list of beauty products by astrological sign. Take a peek.

Which Beauty Products are Perfect for Your Astrological Sign?

Aries

Alima Pure says: After hectic March with its two eclipses, a little slowness and stillness helps you re-center. With the Sun in Aries, it is a time for articulating life goals and plotting new ways to go after them. A little Highlighter in Whisper on the cheekbones is the perfect dewy spring look for deep contemplation.

EcoSalon says: Aries isn’t afraid of a challenge. Why not take it one step further and add a touch of highlighter eyelids and lips for a super updated, musical festival season look?

Taurus

Alima Pure says: Before the excitement of birthday season, clear out the things that are holding you back, and focus your energy on self-restoration as you prepare for excitement waiting in the wings. Try Satin Matte Eyeshadow in Sage.

EcoSalon says: While you are doing some mental clearing, how about giving your diet a good spring cleaning too?

Gemini

Alima Pure says: Now is the time to find your tribe and enjoy being your strange and amazing self around the people who cherish your eccentricities more than anything else. Plan a new adventure with them that you’ll be able to look back on for years to come—the quirkier the better. Rock a bold smoky eye and explore with Luminous Shimmer Eyeshadow in Tigereye.

EcoSalon says: Sounds like it may be time to stock up on some hot travel tips.

Cancer

Alima Pure says: The tension between Mars and Saturn forms a wedge between you and your lofty goals, perhaps preventing you from springing into action. With a solid plan, nothing is out of reach. But is there something beneath the surface that requires your attention first? Fresh, wearable Satin Matte Blush in Antique Rose adds a healthy pop of color to welcome springtime.

EcoSalon says: Nothing conquers mind clutter and helps you get to the bottom of things like a little meditation.

Leo

Alima Pure says: Tried your hand at the lottery lately, Leo? The sweeping winds of luck push you forward toward things you’ve perhaps shied away from in the past. Though better judgment has previously steered you in a different direction, now is the time to take that risk and reap the abundant rewards that await. Luminous Shimmer Eyeshadow in Smoke is the perfect spring wash of color that shakes things up.

EcoSalon says: Speaking of risky behavior. Find out how Julia Roberts stays so gorgeous and youthful looking the natural way.

Virgo

Alima Pure says: Spring cleaning is a time to let go of that nagging toxic habit you’ve been trying to shed for some time now. The first few weeks of April give you a chance to get to the root of the habit, and to develop a new plan for starting fresh. Follow suit on your eyes with Natural Definition Eye Pencil in Paper as a fresh white base for colorful shadow.

EcoSalon says: While healthy habits are totally a good thing, remember not to take them too far.

Libra

Alima Pure says: As you come to the end of a major personal transformation–about two years’ worth of growth and changes–you’re ready to embrace your individual awesomeness. Curb that tendency to get down on yourself by enlisting the Buddy System. Choose a versatile, and wearable shade for shadow, brows, and even liner with Satin Matte Eyeshadow in Raven.

EcoSalon says: Before adorning those peepers, learn how to shape your brows the right way.

Scorpio

Alima Pure says: After the turbulence of March’s eclipses, it’s time to get back to business and deal with the spring cleaning, paperwork, and routines that may have been bumped from your to-do list. Reward your hard work with a fun spring hue–try Pearluster Eyeshadow in Camel for a wearable bronze smoky eye that adds intensity to the color of your eyes.

EcoSalon says: If your spring cleaning needs a push in that direction, find out how to kondo your closets and more.

Sagittarius

Alima Pure says: Some serious hard work has been paying off, and now it’s time to relax and celebrate. Time with your crew is reinvigorating, and whether you’re single or taken, things are about to get exciting. Leave the eyes with a smooth wash of color as you explore what’s out there with Luminous Shimmer Eyeshadow in Oceana.

EcoSalon says: Give off that ‘70s vibe without looking outdated. Shimmer required.

Capricorn

Alima Pure says: Before you’re ready to fully embrace spring, a little winding down and recovery is in store for you. Make your home a place for recuperation, and celebrate your downtime with an escape into a book that’s been on your list forever, or that show everyone’s been talking about. Keep your look low-maintenance too with moisturizing Lip Tint in Petal.

EcoSalon says: Take in a few classic films with some serious fashion eye candy.

Aquarius

Prepare for the pent-up brilliance and creativity within you to burst free with the new moon. You become more articulate than ever, and your artful persuasion can be the impetus for new projects. You’ll even inspire others to get on board with one of your awesome new ideas. Try a lustrous silvery eyeshadow to match your silver tongue: Luminous Shimmer Eyeshadow in Ava.

EcoSalon says: Give creativity a boost with these inspo-inducing ideas.

Pisces

Repeat after me, Pisces: No. Scrubs. Whether you realize it or not, you’re now beyond the halfway point of a slow, but steady two-year era of self-improvement and growth. Now comes the fun part, where deeper connections with those around you (or perhaps just a certain special one?!) yield the attention and kindness you deserve. Try Luminous Shimmer Eyeliner in Nightfall.

EcoSalon says: Try your hand at the new, colorful take on a smoky eye.

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Horoscope image via Shutterstock

The post Look to the Stars: Beauty Products for Every Astrological Sign appeared first on EcoSalon.

We know the most common causes of acne: hormones, the wrong skincare, bad diet. But as with many skin issues, acne is complex and varies from person to person. Find out other surprising things that could be linked to your breakouts.

Think you thought of everything that could be the cause of your acne?

9 Surprising Causes of Acne

1. We all know sleeping with makeup on is a beauty no-no. Just one night won’t hurt anything, right? If you consider the makeup left on your pillowcase, it is definitely more than a one night makeup stand. Too lazy, tired, or tipsy to do a thorough removal? Keep cleansing wipes on hand for quick and easy cleaning, RMS Beauty Makeup Remover Wipes.

2. Going fat-free can not only be bad for your digestive system, it can cause breakouts, too. Getting your essential fatty acids helps skin to stay lubricated and supple. And we all know flaky, dried-out skin can lead to clogged pores and zits. So eat your avocados and ghee, please.

3. Taking a piping hot soak seems luxurious. But overdoing it can lead to dry skin and pimples. Keep your super hot showers and baths to a once in a while treat, and get out before skin turns red or begins to itch.

4. Women who battle breakouts often experiment with a variety of products. While it is a good idea to switch out products seasonally as needed and stay on top of new skin issues, product overload can throw your skin into a state of confusion. Skin that is exposed to too many different products may attempt to balance things out by producing more oil, which then (you know it!) leads to further breakouts. Mario Badescu has a great skin analysis tool. Even if you don’t purchase the products, it can show you which types of products would benefit your skin.

5. Do you take note of everything that touches your face? We all know it is important to keep our hands off of our skin. But what about your cell phone, sunglasses, or pillow case? Make sure anything that comes into contact with your face gets a regular cleaning.

6. While we are on the subject of stuff that touches your skin…are your hair care products making their way onto your face? Hair products that are spritzed and sprayed on can cause breakouts if they dry on your face, so make sure to cover your skin when applying or wipe off right away. And when showering, always wash your face after conditioning your hair.

7. Another hair/zit dilemma? If you are dealing with breakouts on forehead and sides of cheeks, it could be due to hair touching these areas. Pull hair back with headbands and hair ties on second day hair days if you think this could be an issue.

8. Too much of a good thing? Yep, that spot control product that has been saving your life could also be your skin’s enemy. Zit zappers work by soaking up excess oil. Overuse means skin dries out, becomes flaky, traps that oil, and gives you a big honking zit. Save the spot treatment for reducing the appearance of an existing blemish, not as a preventative.

9. Love enlisting the help of a good mantra for problem solving? Author and metaphysical teacher, Louise Hay, says the emo link to acne is not enough self-love, and offers these words for some spiritual skin healing: I love and accept myself where I am right now.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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Image of girl in glasses via Shutterstock

The post 9 Surprising Causes of Acne You May Be Overlooking appeared first on EcoSalon.

You no longer have to sacrifice performance in the name of healthier products. Still, shopping for natural cosmetics can seem daunting. There are so many natural beauty brands around these days. How can you tell which are the best organic makeup brands?

We’ve evaluated many natural cosmetics lines, zeroed in on the cream of the crop, and comprised this guide to help you get started. Everything you need to know about choosing the best organic makeup brands for you.

We skip straight over the greenwashed, pseudo eco, barely natural stuff and get straight to what’s best in organic makeup. Top brands, quality ingredients, and high performance design. We put each brand through our safety criteria so you can be sure everything here is made with natural and organic ingredients, and free from harmful chemicals. We have also noted any pertinent certification and commitments in each brand summary, such as BDIH or NaTRUE certified, cruelty-free, gluten-free, or vegan.

Want a real life opinion on these products? Of course you do! Professional makeup artist, Kelly DeMauro, has tried them and gives her honest evaluation to help you make better buying choices. Like going shopping with a girlfriend who has a whole lot of experience.

Here’s what we look for in a safe cosmetic product:

Safe ingredients – The first step in identifying a safe cosmetic is to take a look at what it’s made of. This means reading the ingredient listing. Cosmetic ingredients go by many names and can be difficult to decipher. Use our handy Dirty 13: Most Harmful Ingredients to Avoid in Cosmetics list to help ID toxins in beauty products. Find an ingredient you are unsure of not on our list? Search The Environmental Working Group Skin Deep database.

Clear ingredient listings – Truly natural cosmetic manufacturers are proud to display the healthy ingredients they use. If a product does not include a clear ingredient listing, assume it is not safe until you can find more information.

Brands we can trust – Cosmetics brands with a clear ingredient and manufacturing commitment are worth following. Brand websites usually include a page on safety criteria. If a conventional product line begins carrying a “green” product or two, best to investigate before purchasing.

High performance – It is not worth buying a safe product if it doesn’t perform well too. All products and brands we recommend behave like conventional products, or better.

Of course, price factors in to buying decisions too. We get that! Which is why we’ve included a handy pricing code for each of the brands in our Best Organic Makeup Guide, ranging from least expensive ($ from $9-35 ), moderately priced ($$ from $12-50)  to higher in price ($$$ from $15-150). Scroll to bottom for a complete pricing breakdown of brands at a glance.

Ready to learn more about the best organic makeup brands? Let’s go!

1. 100% PURE *Antioxidant Rich* $$

Brand Highlights: Fruit dyes give these makeup items their vibrant hues, including products for face, cheeks, lips, eyes, and even a skin luminizer. Antioxidant rich, 100% Pure cosmetics help to protect from environmental damage and premature aging.

Vegan, nano- and cruelty-free, produced using solar power, biodegradable and recycled packaging. Read more about 100% Pure’s commitment to safety.

Why We Love It: 100% Pure uses real fruit pigments to color its makeup products. Acai berry Eye Liner? Blackberry Mascara? Peach Cheek Tint? Delicious!

Who’s Wearing: Jessica Alba loves the Tinted Moisturizer with SPF.

2. ALIMA PURE *Good for Rosacea/CIS* $$

Brand Highlights: The finest grade minerals are used to create these makeup products. Collection includes mineral powder foundations, concealer, highlighter, bronzer, blusher, and eyeshadow in a wide range of rich colors, plus mascara, eyeliner pencils, and six lipstick hues. To go with the mineral powders, Alima Pure offers the most extensive range of makeup brushes we’ve seen yet. A makeup artist’s, or any gal’s, dream.

Nano-, gluten-, and cruelty-free, enviro-friendly packaging, and BDIH certified. Read more about Alima Pure’s commitment to safety.

Why We Love It: Alima Pure wants you to love their makeup as much as they do. So, they’ve come up with several application tutorials, plus a cool foundation color selection tool.

Best For: These mineral makeup products work well on all skin types, from acne to dry, and even sensitive. They are gentle, breathable, and beneficial to those with rosacea or Cosmetic Intolerance Syndrome (CIS), and are bismuth oxychloride (BOC) free. Added bonus: The titanium dioxide and zinc oxide included in the foundation provide some SPF protection for incidental sun exposure.

3. BENECOS *Super Affordable* $

Brand Highlights: The Maybelline of natural makeup. Ok, here’s what we mean. Benecos is free from toxins, high performance, budget friendly, and everyone loves it. This well rounded line up includes everything you need to stock your makeup kit.

German made, BDIH certified, fair trade, cruelty-free, biodegradable, recycled packaging. Read more about Benecos’ commitment to safety.

Why We Love It: Benecos makes a BB Cream that a) is free from harmful ingredients, and b) actually works. It also helps to calm redness and irritation. Win!

Best For: Women or makeup artists who are looking to stock a natural makeup kit sans the sticker shock.

Kelly says…

Benecos Lipstick: Very nice! Definitely hydrates. Application: Use a liner underneath for long lasting color.

Benecos Eyeshadow Quad: Well-milled, almost creamy texture which makes application a breeze. With these four staples it is easy to mix and match from day to night and since the colors are already picked out for you, you don’t have to worry that they won’t go together. Application: Use with primer for longer lasting color.

Benecos Mascara: I liked the application and the natural fullness it gave my lashes, this isn’t a product to use for a dramatic look but as a simple everyday look I think it’s great.

4. DR. HAUSCHKA  *Best Mascara* $$

Brand Highlights: One of the first natural beauty brands, Dr. Rudolf Hauschka started the company in 1935 in Germany as an avant-garde natural medicines line. Dr. Hauschka’s medicinal creations sans alcohol for preservation caught the attention of many anthroposophic doctors of the time. It also caught the attention of the Nazi Party, resulting in the ban of these medicines and imprisonment of Dr. Hauschka.

Dr. Hauschka teamed with esthetician, Elisabeth Sigmund, in 1960 and began creating healthy skincare. Stable cream bases that required no chemical preservation and natural essential oils were the basis for the line. The rebel brand continues to serve up high quality beauty products today. Truly the pioneers of natural beauty.

The brand utilizes only the best quality ingredients, many of which are grown organically and biodynamically in its own gardens. Dr. Hauschka products are certified natural by NATRUE and BDIH. The Dr. Hauschka makeup line includes essentials for face, eyes, and lips. Read more about Dr. Hauschka’s commitment to safety.

Why We Love It: Has to be the mascara. You know how you’ve tried natural mascara after natural mascara only to be let down time and again? All you want is a mascara that offers color, length, and volume, along with no smudging or running. It’s enough to make you run back to the synthetic stuff, right? Wait! If you have yet to try this gem you are in for a treat. This is not only a great mascara, it is the natural mascara.

Who’s Wearing: Used in Hollywood in film and TV, and Broadway. Just check out the long list of places Dr. Hauschka has starred.

5. HAUT COSMETICS *Sample Sizes* $$$

Brand Highlights: Haut may mean skin in German, but to us it means these natural cosmetics are…hot, hot, HOT! Super clean and totally modern with a unique twist. This range covers the beauty gamut with mineral pigments and creams for face, cheek tints and balms, lip gloss and tints, and eye colors and brighteners.

Mascara?, you ask. Nope, Haut Cosmetics takes a different route with lashes. As in faux lashes. It’s true, the most lush and fluttery lashes made from sanitized human hair. For real. Quell your mascara melancholy and get your fabulous fringe on.

Vegan, gluten- and cruelty-free. Read more about Haut Cosmetics’ commitment to safety.

Why We Love It: The step by step guide to creating your own custom color, with options that address your skin issues, wants, and coverage concerns.

Best For: Women looking for customizable makeup products or who have trouble matching foundation.

6. ILIA BEAUTY *Pure Modern* $$

Brand Highlights: You know the saying, it’s what’s on the inside that counts? This goes for beauty products as well as humans. Still, Ilia Beauty products are just as gorgeous on the outside. You certainly won’t be afraid to keep these beauties on your bathroom shelf. Nor will the quality of these high performance makeup items disappoint. A celeb favorite, Ilia lipsticks and products for face have made many a star appearance. Gorgeous modern colors in high performance formulations.

Cruelty-, gluten- and dairy-free. Read more about Ilia Beauty’s commitment to safety.

Why We Love It: Let’s just say, we don’t hate the wide array of glorious lipstick shades and blogger collabs.

Best For: Anyone who likes their eco makeup with a modern edge.

7. KARI GRAN *Minimalist Beauty* $$

Brand Highlights: Small but mighty. This label may not carry a huge selection of makeup items, but a well edited crop of lovely must haves. Customizable mineral makeups and tempting Lip Whips are the staples of Kari Gran.

Wild harvested, non-GMO, cruelty-free. Read more about Kari Gran’s commitment to safety.

Why We Love It: A new way to customize foundation. You choose your mineral foundation color and mix with a pump of Kari Gran Essential Serum. Lightweight hydration with the light reflecting benefits of mineral powder.

Best For: Those who feel a healthy lifestyle and skincare regimen is the basis of their beauty kit.

Kelly says…

Kari Gran Essential Foundation: Very happy with the color, a little really and truly goes a very long way. Application: Use as a cream for easy application.

Kari Gran Mineral Eyeshadow: Suitable for a wide range of skin tones. Application: May be used wet or dry, use primer to avoid creasing.

Kari Gran Concealer: Don’t need to use a great deal of product to achieve results. Color stays true all day. Application: May be applied wet or dry with brush, sponge, or fingers.

Kari Gran Setting Powder: Gives a nice finish. I did not experience a cast at all.

Kari Gran Lip Whips: Sinks into your skin effortlessly and truly hydrates. Definitely a staple.

8. KJAER WEIS *Luxe* $$$

Brand Highlights: Dream formulas in killer packaging. That’s Kjaer Weis in a nutshell. Super creamy makeup in brilliant hues shape this line of products for face, eyes, and lips. Apply with fingertips or a brush for a natural look, only better. Layer for more intensity.

The Intelligent Refill system means you buy the uber cool compact once and replace with refills. Reduces waste and makes trying out new colors more affordable.

Cruelty- and gluten-free. Read more about Kjaer Weis’ commitment to safety.

Why We Love It: The sheer, dreamy colors win all women over. But the signature red Kjaer Weis box with jewel-like compact contents is the Tiffany’s makeup equivalent.

Best For: Those who love sheer, buildable color.

9. LA BELLA FIGURA *Exotic* $$

Brand Highlights: The women of La Bella Figura have taken what they know about skincare and created equally supreme makeup products. LBF creates extracts from herbs they grow themselves. And in community gardens of Chicago, no less. Now that’s dedication to the craft.

The La Bella Figura makeup line includes exotically hued cream blush and lip colors, plus a corrective highlighter, coming soon.

Vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free. Read more about La Bella Figura’s commitment to safety.

Why We Love It: With the Seed to Skin program, La Bella Figura seeks the “most sustainable, unrefined and potent ingredients” to use in its products.

Best For: Sensitive and congested skin types.

10. LAVERA *Non-Allergenic* $

Brand Highlights: A straight forward cosmetics line that behaves like conventional makeup, only no harmful or harsh ingredients. Lavera offers beauty must haves for the essential makeup kit. Items for face, eyes, and lips, and even a BB Cream.

Lavera was originally created as a solution to reactive skin conditions. All products, including makeup, are super gentle on skin and eyes.

Vegan, NATRUE Certified Natural, cruelty- and gluten-free. Read more about Lavera’s commitment to safety.

Why We Love It: Celebrity makeup artists, models, and actresses love Lavera makeup. Debra Messing, Jerry Hall, and Suzy Amis, to name a few.

Best For: Those with very sensitive or reactive skin, allergies, or women undergoing chemotherapy.

Kelly says…

Lavera Foundation: Matched very well. One of the best matches I’ve had in any cosmetic line. I love that it enhanced my natural skin tone while subtly reducing any redness, and would recommend this to those looking for something similar to a BB cream. Application: Best results with fingers.

11. RMS BEAUTY *Cult Classic* $$$

Brand Highlights: Organic beauty darling, this tried and trusted brand has been seen on many a runway and fashion mag. Created by celeb makeup artist, Rose-Marie Swift, as a means to dealing with the toxic build up in her blood stream from years of using mainstream cosmetics in her work. The result? The clean, high performance cosmetics Swift uses on her clients (and herself!) today.

A coconut cream base gives RMS Beauty cosmetics for face, eyes, and lips a rich glossy texture. Never drying or dulling, these products give brilliant color and a youthful appearance. The range also includes mascara and facial powder.

Gluten-, soy-, nano-, and cruelty-free. Read more about RMS Beauty’s commitment to safety.

Why We Love It: Cult beauty hit RMS Beauty Living Luminizer is the best known highlighter for good reason. Nothing offers instantly glowing, radiant skin quite like it. Use on face, eyes, collarbones, even lips.

Best For: A dream for dry and mature skin, but women of all skin types love these cosmetics. A GOOP favorite.

12. TATA HARPER *Upscale Homegrown* $$$

Brand Highlights: Growing and harvesting ingredients, designing and developing natural products, on site small batch production. Sound too good to be true? This is how Tata Harper cosmetics are made. The idyllic Vermont setting and home grown feel of these beautiful products are tempting. The fact that they are also super luxe and perform like a dream is the crowning glory.

Tata Harper cream based cosmetics for lips and cheeks are suffused with natural pigments. Soften and moisturize the skin while offering sheer, vibrant color.

Vegetarian, EcoCert Certified Natural Cosmetics, gluten- and cruelty-free, recycled and recyclable materials. Read more about Tata Harper’s commitment to safety.

Why We Love It: Tata Harper cosmetics are produced in cow powered facilities. Learn more about how it uses sustainable energy from recycled methane gas.

Who’s Wearing: Gwyneth Paltrow, Christy Turlington, and Julianne Moore are Tata devotees.

Kelly says…

Tata Harper Limited Edition Honey Resurfacing Mask: Loved using this gentle resurfacing mask! Used the mask shortly before bed and found my skin looking plump, hydrated, and fresh the following morning.

13. VAPOUR ORGANIC BEAUTY *Celeb Fave* $$

Brand Highlights: Designers behind this brand are natural cosmetics product formulators and a former Kevyn Aucion Beauty president. To say they know beauty is an understatement. The outcome is Vapour Organic Beauty, an extensive line of pure makeup products.

Foundation and skin perfectors, lip colors and plumpers, eye color, blushers, bronzers, and highlighters. Everything you need for the well rounded beauty kit.

Cruelty- and nano-free, recycled packaging. Read more about Vapour Organic Beauty’s commitment to safety.

Why We Love It: Vapour offers a sample program of 5 samples for $15. Great way to try before you invest in full sized products.

Who’s Wearing: The list of celebs and bloggers who love Vapour Organic Beauty is long. They’ve even collaborated with health gurus Kimberly Snyder and Gwyneth Paltrow on curated collections.

Kelly says…

Vapour Concealer: Neutralizes darkness without heavy coverage or a finish that is too matte and opaque. I actually look very well rested!

Vapour Multi-Use Stick: Sheer but noticeable color.

14. W3LL PEOPLE *Funky Chic* $

Brand Highlights: Funky name at the forefront with a unique founding crew behind this brand of healthy cosmetics. Designed by an “elite makeup artist, cosmetic dermatologist and treehugging entrepreneur”, W3LL People is minimalist makeup that’s max on style.

The line may be paired down in quantity but over delivers on color and quality. Choose from items for face, lips, cheeks, and eyes.

Cruelty-free. Read more about W3LL People’s commitment to safety.

Why We Love It: Foundation and concealer stick in one. Who doesn’t love a good multi use product? And the powder mineral eye colors are earthy perfection.

Best For: The urban minimalist with mad style.

Kelly says…

W3LL People Foundation: New best friend? Maybe. Evens out everything just enough to look natural and healthy. Stays on all day without much need for touchups.

W3LL People Mineral Blush: Gorgeous natural “lit from within” look. One of my favorite powder blushes I’ve used in ages. I’ve also been using it to matte my lipsticks for extra staying power with a bit of a pink flush.

PRICE RANGE BREAKDOWN OF BRANDS

$ From $9-35: Benecos, Lavera, W3LL People

$$ From $12-50: 100% Pure, Alima Pure, Dr. Hauschka, Ilia Beauty, Kari Gran, La Bella Figura, Vapour Organic Beauty

$$$ From $15-150: Haut Cosmetics, Kjaer Weis, RMS Beauty, Tata Harper

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The post The Best Organic Makeup Brands | Consumer Guide appeared first on EcoSalon.

Natural. Organic. Green. We are familiar with these monikers. But when searching for safe cosmetics, how do you truly know what is safe and what is not? By learning to identify which cosmetic ingredients to avoid.

Ignore what may be on the front of a product label and get to the real information. The ingredient listing. Even products that say “Natural” or “Organic” sometimes contain nasty toxins detrimental to our health.

Below are the ingredients best avoided in cosmetics and how to easily identify them on a product ingredient listing. Bookmark and save this list so you can refer to it while shopping. And remember, no clear or readily available ingredient listing on the label? Back away from the product.

1. 1,4 Dioxane

Usage: A chemical by-product of ethoxylation, an ingredient processing method used to make petro-ingredients less irritating to skin

Toxicity: Carcinogenic, suspected cardiovascular and blood toxicant, gastrointestinal toxicant, immunotoxicant, kidney toxicant, neurotoxicant, respiratory toxicant, skin toxicant

Found In: Shampoo, facial cleansers, body wash, bubble bath, baby bath, liquid soap

How to ID: Because 1,4 Dioxane is a contaminant produced during the manufacturing process, FDA does not require it to be listed on a product ingredient listing. EWG.org recommends looking for common ingredients which may contain the impurity, identifiable by the prefix or designations of ‘PEG,’ ‘–eth–,’ ‘Polyethylene,’ ‘Polyethylene glycol’ ‘Polyoxyethylene,’ or ‘–oxynol–’ (FDA 2007)

2. DEA, TEA

Usage: Foaming agent

Toxicity: Skin sensitizer, can form carcinogenic compounds when mixed with certain cosmetic ingredients

Found In: Makeup, body wash, shampoo, skincare

How to ID: DEA or Diethanolimine, TEA or Triethanolamine, Cocamide DEA or Cocamide Diethanolimine, Lauramide DEA or Lauramide Diethanolimine, DEA Lauryl Sulphate or Diethanolimine Sulfate, Linoleaide DEA or Linoleaide Diethanolimine, Oleamide DEA or Oleamide Diethanolimine

3. Formaldehyde

Usage: An impurity released by some chemical preservatives

Toxicity: Carcinogenic, skin and lung irritant, gastrointestinal or liver toxicant and neurotoxin

Found In: Nail polish, deodorant, shampoo

How to ID: Formaldehyde, Formalin, Urea, Diazolidinyl urea, Imidazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, Quaternium-15, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, and Sodium hydroxylmethylglycinate

4. Heavy Metals (Metalloestrogens)

Usage: Sweat blocker, colorant, whitener, lightener

Toxicity: Possible carcinogen, developmental and reproductive toxicant, organ system toxicant, allergies and immunotoxicant, bioaccumulation

Found In: Lip products, whitening toothpaste, eyeliner, nail color, foundations, sunscreens, eye shadows, blush, concealer, moisturizers, eye drops

How to ID: Aluminum, Aluminium flake, Aluminum, LB Pigment 5; Pigment metal 1; A 00; A 95; A 995; A 999; AA 1099; AA1199, Lead acetate, Lead flake, Chromium, Thimerosal, Hydrogenated cotton seed oil, Sodium hexametaphosphate

5. Methylisothiazolinone (MIT)

Usage: Preservative

Toxicity: Possible neurotoxin, possible health risks to unborn babies, allergic reactions

Found In: Hair care, body wash, sunscreen, skin care

How to ID: > 3 (2h) -Isothiazolone, 2-Methyl-; Methylchloroisothiazolinone225methylisothiazolinone Solution; 2-Methyl-3 (2h) -Isothiazolone; 2-Methyl-4-Isothiazolin-3-One; 2-Methyl- 3 (2h) -Isothiazolone; 2-Methyl-2h-Isothiazol-3-One; 3 (2h) Isothiazolone, 2methyl; 2-Methyl-3 (2h) -Isothiazolone; 2-Methyl-4-Isothiazolin-3-One

6. Parabens

Usage: Preservative

Toxicity: Found in breast tissue, acts like estrogen in the body, could lead to impaired fertility or fetal development

Found In: Soap, skincare, body care, hair care, toothpaste, deodorant

How to ID: Alkyl parahydroxybenzoate, butylparaben, methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparabens

7. Petrolatum

Usage: Emollient or lubricant

Toxicity: Commonly contains impurities linked to cancer

Found In: Skincare, body care, lip balm, makeup

How to ID: Petrolatum, petroleum jelly, mineral oil

8. Phthalates

Usage: Often used as a carrier for synthetic fragrance

Toxicity: Can negatively affect fertility and fetal development, considered a probable carcinogen by the World Health Organizaiton

Found In: Hair spray, lipstick, perfume and nail polish

How to ID: Benzylbutyl phthalate (BzBP), Di-n-butyl phthalate or Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), Diethyl phthalate (DEP), and sometimes Fragrance (though even nontoxic product makers use the term “fragrance” to protect trade formulas)

9. Propylene Glycol

Usage: Helps a product to retain moisture

Toxicity: Penetration enhancer (alters skin structure, allowing other chemicals to more easily enter the system)

Found In: Skincare, hair care, body care, makeup, baby care products, contact lens cleaner

How to ID: Propylene Glycol, Proptylene Glycol, 1,2-Propanediol. Related synthetics: PEG (polyethylene glycol) and PPG (polypropylene glycol)

10. Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate

Usage: Makes a product foamy

Toxicity: Penetration enhancer (alters skin structure, allowing other chemicals to more easily enter the system)

Found In: Shampoo, facial cleansers, body wash, bubble bath, baby bath, toothpaste

How to ID: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate, Anhydrous Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Irium

11. Synthetic Colorants (FD&C colors)

Usage: Coal tar (petroleum) derived and commonly tested on animals due to their carcinogenic properties, used to artificially color a cosmetic product

Toxicity: Can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions

Found In: Shampoo, facial cleansers, body wash, skincare, baby care products, hair care, makeup

How to ID: FD&C or D&C followed by a name and number (FD&C RED NO. 40)

12. Synthetic Fragrances

Usage: Combination of chemical ingredients used to artificially scent a cosmetic product

Toxicity: Can cause allergic reactions, headache, dizziness, and rash (children tend to be particularly sensitive), respiratory distress, and possible effects to reproductive system

Found In: Hair care, skin care, makeup, body care, perfume

How to ID: Fragrance, parfum (It is important to note that the terms “fragrance” or “parfum” sometimes occur on an ingredient listing which contains natural fragrance ingredients and no chemical ingredients. This is most often due to manufacturer trade secret and should be disclosed on the label.)

13. Synthetic Sunscreens

Usage: Provide sun protection

Toxicity: Have been found to mimic estrogen in the body potentially causing hormonal disruption, can also cause skin irritation and easily absorb in to the skin

Found In: Sunscreens, facial moisturizer, lip protection

How to ID: 4-Methyl-Benzylidencamphor (4-MBC), Oxybenzone Benzophenone-3, Octyl-methoyl-cinnamates (OMC), Octyl-Dimethyl-Para-Amino-Benzoic Acid (OD-PABA), Homosalate(HMS)

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Want eyes that pop? There is one makeup technique that will take your peepers to a whole new level beyond the basic cat eye.

You know makeup contouring, right? The tactic of applying makeup in a way that highlights your best facial features, while diminishing those you’d rather not draw attention to. Still not familiar? Kim Kardashian. Now you get the picture.

When done right, makeup contouring can give an airbrushed effect to skin and perfect the features. But if you, like many women, feel this method seems fake or sometimes even scary, here is a new one for you.

Eye contouring.

Same thought, but on eyes. Making the most of what you have with makeup. Eyes close set? Contouring can make them appear less so. Deep set? Bring out your windows to the soul. Just looking for peepers that wow? This is your baby.

Chaos Magazine recently cited the technique as the newest big thing in makeup. No foundation overload and eyes will definitely be the main focus. It does require a bit of knowledge and maybe more than a little practice, but the method more than ups your eye game.

For the sake of staying within somewhat natural looking limits, we are going to break down a simple eye contouring look. Of course, all of the following products are natural too.

Products and Tips for a Fairly Natural Eye Contouring Look

Eye Makeup Primer: This is super important in helping eye shadow stay put and maintain that contoured look. Apply Benecos Natural Eyeshadow Primer to lids for a matte surface.

Eye Shadows in a Neutral Range Palette: Dr. Hauschka Eyeshadow Palette contains four shades perfect for this look. Start by applying the lightest shade under brows and to corner of eyes. Next, apply the second lightest shade to the crease, blending out and slightly upward at the outer edge. Using the lighter brown hue, blend into the outer edge of crease. Use the darkest shade along the lash line.

Black Eyeliner: Apply either liquid or pencil eyeliner (your choice) to lash line. Try 100% Pure Black Tea Long Last Liquid Eye Liner or Blackest Creamy Long Last Liner.

Black Mascara: Finish up with a swipe or two of Dr. Hauschka Volume Mascara to top and bottom lashes.

There you have it. Your new eye contouring look. The ‘No Makeup’ Makeup Look, it is not. Use this look for times when you want to dazzle.

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More stores are cropping up with nontoxic cosmetics all the time. But the best place to get your natural beauty fix on is still online. The widest selections of top natural beauty brands are at your fingertips.

It used to be a few staple stores were the source for shopping many natural beauty brands at one time. Usually, a trip to several online destinations was required to score all desired products.

Now, there are so many fully stocked online shops brimming with natural beauty goodness. Lovely products, useful information, professional tips, and handy buying guides. Takes the mystery and struggle right out of buying the best beauty products.

Check out where you should be shopping for organic cosmetics and why. Time to throw out last year’s stuff and stock up on some fresh new beauty loot.

6 Hottest Online Natural Beauty Shops

1. Spirit Beauty Lounge

Spirit Demerson continues to reign as the queen of online natural beauty shopping. A long list of safe beauty items, plus one of the best sample selections out there. Choose up to six samples for $25. The best way to order custom try-before-you-buys. Also, a slew of expert picks to get you started.

2. Eco Diva Beauty

Shop for the best of the best in natural beauty. Eco Diva Beauty carries some of the top organic beauty brands, along with a few higher end lines, like La Bella Figura. This is one you’ll want to frequent, for sure.

3. CAP Beauty

A unique lineup of some brands you don’t stumble across every day. Quickly becoming a green beauty gal favorite, you can pick up the usual suspects while perusing some newer product lines. Be sure to check out The Captivator Energy Mist, a pretty sweet collab with Lotus Wei.

4. Beau Tea Bar

Shop organic beauty and … tea! This cool shop is a mashup of natural cosmetics shop and tea bar. The perfect way to make sure you don’t overlook you inner beauty.

5. Le Vert Beauty

A superbly edited lineup of natural beauty. The cream of the crop in nontoxic skincare, makeup, and body care in one fresh and gorgeous spot.

6. Bella Floria

A beautiful selection of natural beauty products that you don’t see elsewhere. The likes of 100% Pure, H. Gillerman, and Nvey Eco, make an appearance at this online store with a corner shop feel.

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Whether you are running late for work or just feeling easy-breezy, a super simple look means less time in front of the mirror. The single summer makeup product to get you through the season.

Summer is meant to be fun and free. Don’t get bogged down by a high maintenance beauty regimen. Ditch the multi-product routine and get in on the goodness of a paired down look.

One little beauty product is truly all you need to get through most summer events. And that solitary product is … drumroll, please … lip color.

Mmmm, hmmm. Lip color is your bestie for the next few months. Use it to give some glow or add a little punch. C’mon, I’ll show you how to use this lone makeup must have for insta-summer gorgeousness.

4 Simple Summer Makeup Looks

For Work

You stayed out too late the night before (seriously, how many weeknight parties are on your summer schedule?), or simply languished on the patio a bit too long this morning. Here’s where a little multi-tasking comes in. A creamy lip product, that triples as cheek and eye color, is it. Smudge universally flattering RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek in Promise on upper and lower lash line, press onto cheekbones, and swipe on lips. You are out the door, girl.

For Lunch Out

Because you will be eating al fresco, all that is needed is one good application of something bold. Try Kjaer Weis Lip Tint in Romance, don your prettiest summer hat and sexiest shades. Done.

For a Day at the Beach/Pool

Still wearing mascara to the beach? Please, please stop. No one needs lashes for time in the surf. A simple hint of radiance is it for hanging beach or poolside. Apply natural glisten with Ilia Beauty Lip Gloss in White Rabbit, along with your favorite SPF, of course.

For an Evening Party

Underwhelmed at the idea of going eye makeup free? Use your natural summer glow to your advantage and play up lips instead. A hit of Vapour Organic Beauty Aura Multi Use Stain in Impulse is sexy and dramatic. When going sans eye makeup, be sure skin is clean and brows are tidy. An outfit in complimentary colors keeps your look fresh and interesting.

You see, summer makeup can be gorgeous with just one little product. Now you have time for what’s important. Summer fun.

Check out all of the summer chic products here:

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The post 4 Simple Summer Makeup Looks Using Only One Product appeared first on EcoSalon.

There are many more safe cosmetic brands on the market compared to a decade ago. But label reading has not gotten any easier. Time to up your cosmetic ingredient listing translation skills.

“I just love this skincare line, and it’s natural!” How often do you hear this said these days? It is great that more and more people are interested in healthy products. But the sad reality is, many “green” products really aren’t all that healthy. The labels may say it is natural, it may have a few plant ingredients and the name may sound natural, but these things do not mean a product is safe.

That is what we are truly after here. Safe products. Forget natural, even organic. Think healthy, good for you cosmetics. And there is only one way to identify safe products for sure. Read the ingredient listings.

You’ve heard it before, it is important to know what is in your products. But are you often stumped by hard to decipher cosmetics ingredients? They can be difficult to read and some not so clean manufacturers even go out of their way to make harmful ingredients less identifiable. All caps, bold print, and no readily apparent listings are just some of the ways conventional brands make ID-ing nasty ingredients tougher.

It doesn’t have to be that way. You can learn to read ingredient listings, simply and effectively. All you need is a few hot tips and one helpful crib sheet.

7 Steps to Reading Cosmetic Ingredients Listings Like a Pro

1. Like I said above, the terms on the front of a product label often mean very little. Reputable nontoxic brands mean what they say. But you will see everything from “Natural” to “Organic” to “Pure” on products that contain synthetic ingredients. Ignore the front of a product label and turn to the back (or the packaging) and look for an ingredient listing. No listing on the packaging or product? A brand website will sometimes carry ingredient listings. Still can’t find one? Consider it not worth your time and move on.

2. Speaking of ingredient listings on brand websites. Have you ever been searching products and notice all ingredient listings say “Key Ingredients”? Bet they are all healthy looking too, right? Many toxic brands who market themselves as clean will use this tactic to showcase the healthy ingredients they use. The problem is, they are not disclosing all ingredients, so we can’t be sure if it is safe or not. This is always a red flag to me and I assume they are using ingredients they don’t want us to know about.

3. When you do find an ingredient listing, it is important to know how to decode it. Ingredients are listed in order of concentration, from greatest to least. So say a product is aloe based (aloe making up the greatest portion of the product), aloe would be first on the ingredient listing. And so on.

4. Feel like you are reading Greek? Sometimes even natural ingredient names look chemical. Brands who follow the INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) labeling standard are required to list ingredients using scientific names. For instance, Jojoba oil would be listed as “Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil”. This can make an ingredient listing look crazy long and hard to read. INCI also requires fragrance from essential oils be listed as “Fragrance” or “Parfum”, which both sound synthetic. Brands using essential oils for fragrance usually note this under the ingredient listing.

5. Of course, you are going to come across indecipherable ingredient names that are not healthy. Take a look at our 11 Toxic Cosmetic Ingredients to Avoid for help in identifying toxins. Bookmark for handy access while shopping.

6. We don’t always have time to peruse each and every label. When in a rush try this tip: Check the first five and last five ingredients on a listing. The first five make up most of the product, the last five are usually fragrance and preservatives. Not foolproof, but if these look clean, it is a fair bet that the product is safe.

7. Organically produced ingredients are healthier than the rest. But the most important first steps are to make sure a product is free from harmful ingredients. A product made with a few organic ingredients can still contain synthetics. Organic labeling for cosmetics is the same as for food: “100% Organic” means a product contains only organically produced ingredients, “Certified Organic” means the product is made of at least 95% organically produced ingredients, “Made with Organic Ingredients” means the product contains at least 70% organically produced ingredients. The remaining 5-30% is what you need to check out.

The long and short of ingredient listing reading is this: Don’t get fooled by natural or organic claims, know what you don’t want in your products, and do your own research. Your health will benefit from it.

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