My Favorite Natural Makeup Products

I’m sharing some of my favorite natural makeup products that are free from many ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or health concerns. Plus, they’re my favorites because they look great and wear well!

I’ll share resources for checking the safety of makeup products, and more about why I’m so passionate about makeup free of toxins, especially as someone with multiple chronic illnesses.

It can be quite the time investment to find out which makeup is safest for your skin and health.

I’m hoping this post will save you a lot of trial and error, and ultimately both time and money as you find healthier products.

I’m by no means an expert when it comes to makeup, and I like being creative with different looks for costumes or character-inspired outfits. If that sounds interesting to you, let’s dive in!

I’d love to hear in the comments if you try one of these and find a new favorite.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small portion of sales, at no additional cost to you. Nothing is sponsored, all recommendations are my own Thank you for supporting my blog through your purchase!  

I’m not a doctor, and I’ve based my makeup choices on my own research. Something may work well for me but not for everyone who has similar health conditions. If you have any questions about if a product is safe for your health, consult your healthcare provider. Please note: I’m using the term “natural” because these products feature healthier ingredients and leave out toxins. Please see the products’ descriptions to see what percentage of the ingredients are natural, organic, etc.

 

Where to check products for ingredient safety

No one wants to intentionally put endocrine disrupters, carcinogens or other harmful substances on their skin.

I highly recommend the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database to check products before you buy. I don’t put any product on my skin before checking it through this database.

This EWG article gives a great overview for beginning your own research on ingredient safety in makeup: The Toxic Twelve Chemicals and Contaminants in Cosmetics

 

Why I made the switch to natural makeup

 

I have very sensitive skin—I deal with acne and eczema, though thankfully my eczema is mostly nonexistent since I switched to natural makeup and skincare products. I started to make the switch in my teens, and have continued to find healthier products as I’ve done more research, and as new products have become available.

My skin is combination oily/dry, so I’m very choosy about products not clogging my pores or drying out my skin.

I also have asthma, allergies, and MAST cell activation, so I’m extremely sensitive to fragrances and numerous ingredients, both synthetic and natural. So I look for products where ingredients are clearly listed. (Especially since I’m allergic to various natural ingredients as well—I’m looking at you lavender!)

I especially look into products that list “fragrance”—check out this EWG article on this topic.

I also have a history of cancer in nodules in my thyroid and one of my lymph nodes. I’ve had two cancer scares since then, so I don’t mess around with when something is a suspected or known carcinogen. I share my story and health struggles in the hopes that others can have the information to choose healthier products and hopefully avoid some of what I’ve been through.

Interested in learning more on this topic? Check out my post: Why To Use Natural Skin Care Products If You Have A Chronic Illness

My favorite natural makeup products

Whew, we made it through the stuff we want to avoid putting on our skin, now let’s dive into the fun stuff! Here are the products I like to use for a regular makeup look as well as costumes and cosplays!

 

Here’s a picture of my makeup for my Cyberpunk Escape Room Party (Click the link to see how you can easily throw you own escape room party and customize a party kit.)

 

Foundation

Burt’s Bees Mattifying Powder Foundation (Bare)
My go-to foundation. I like that it feels lightweight, like I’m not wearing foundation.

Gabriel Cosmetics Dual Powder Foundation (Extra Light Beige)
This was my go-to up until a few years ago. I still recommend it, as it provides fuller coverage when you need it. I tend to find I’m between extra light beige and light beige, so I’d mix the two colors as I applied.

 

Blush

Gabriel Cosmetics Blush (Apricot-Peachy Pink/Warm Matte)
I used to use the cool tone Willow in blush, but I switched to Apricot (warm tone) last year. Looking back on pictures, I realized the cool blush was making me look paler. I’m much happier with the apricot shade.

 

Money saving tip: Find out whether cooler or warmer makeup tones look best with your natural skin tone and coloring. Check product descriptions for “cool” or “warm” before you buy.

 

Mascara

I currently go back and forth between two mascara brands I really like. I’ve used Gabriel’s for 10+ years. It has a more subtle look, and I’ve enjoyed also trying Honest brand for a little more volume.

FYI I do struggle with my  mascara smudging, but I think that’s a “me” problem vs. the products, as I deal with dry eyes/watery eyes and have had a lot of issues with my contact lenses the last several years.

Gabriel Cosmetics Mascara (Black)

Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer | 2-in-1

 

I used several of these products for my Disneybound Loki outfit in this photo.
(You can find more of my Disneybound (character-inspired outfits) here and here and Instagram.)

Fun fact: I was having an asthma attack during these photos and had just taken my inhaler. I had to sit down immediately after taking a few snapshots.  

Makeup is one of the tools I use to “fake” being well and help me feel a little more like myself while living with chronic and invisible illnesses.
I think the fact that I look this put together in the final photos shows the quality of these makeup products too!

 

Eye liner

Honest Beauty Liquid Eyeliner (Black)
I LOVE this liquid eyeliner. I’ve had so much fun playing with different looks with this the last couple of years. Easier to use, easier to remove, and better lasting than other eyeliners (liquid or otherwise) that I’ve tried.

 

Eye Shadow & primer

Gabriel Cosmetics Eyeshadow (Charcoal)
This worked great for a smoky 1920s look!

Gabriel Cosmetics Eyeshadow Primer
Ladies if you have hooded eyes like me—give this product a try. I’ve been able to wear eye shadow at last without it ending up in a line in my eyelid crease. Game changer!

 

Money saving tip: Did you know that if you return five empty containers to Gabriel, you can choose a free product? I haven’t done this yet, but I’m one empty container from being able to. I love that this program also keeps waste out of landfills!

 

Here I am wearing several of these products for my Ariel cosplay:

You can check out more pictures of my Disney Princess costume on Instagram.
(PS I am also wearing these magnetic eyelashes and this wig).

 

Lip Products

Zuzu Luxe Lipliner (Cherry)
I find most lipsticks too sticky so I usually opt for just lipliner instead. It looks like they stopped making my favorite shade (drat!) so I’m linking to cherry, a cool red that did not work for me, but is super pigmented for you cool ladies. 

Gabriel Cosmetics Lip Gloss (Venus)
This is my favorite gloss product. They must have just renamed/redone their shades because I’m not seeing my favorite color listed for this product either. I’ll report back when I try it—I’ve linked to the one that looks most like what I’ve purchased in the past.

PS I’ve tried several Gabriel and Zuzu lipsticks and though I’ve not found my perfect shade, the products are good quality. 

BESAME Lipstick (Red Hot Red) 1959 Vintage Shade
I found my favorite shade of lipstick last year in this warm red! Most lipsticks feel too sticky too me–This lipstick felt more lightweight and provided great coverage, even with me slightly changing my lip shape to more closely resemble Ariel. It has a bit of a taste which I wasn’t wild about, but so far it’s the best highly-pigmented lipstick I’ve tried. Several vintage/cosplay YouTubers I follow recommend it. I do have some concerns about a few ingredients in this product, so I’m just planning to wear it for pictures and parties. 

Badger Cocoa Butter Lip Balm (Creamy Cocoa)
Okay it’s not technically makeup, but this is my go-to lip balm and I’m obsessed with the yummy cocoa scent and the fact that it actually keeps my lips moisturized. 

Medicine Mama’s Sweet Bee Magic Organic Lip Balm & Face Balm
A very healing balm that gives my lips a fantastic gloss. I also add water and use it as face or hand lotion when I need extra hydration. It works like a charm to soothe irritated skin.

 

I hope this list has been helpful for you and that these resources help you feel more informed as you choose makeup products.

Which products do you hope to try?

I’m also curious—what natural lipstick do you guys like best? I think that’s the product I’d most like to experiment with.

 

You may also like:
My Go-To Natural Skin Care Products
A Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free Starter Kit: My Go-To Shopping List
How to Find Financial Assistance for Chronic Illness Expenses

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