Natural Cosmetics Part 2

First...I must apologize for the lack of entries. With the Holiday Season, my spare time got crunched from little to nothing...

BUT...now that I have a moment...I have returned with Natural Cosmetics Part 2

In my last entry, I discussed some basic educational guidelines that will make your search for a natural and/or organic makeup line easier. I have done some research of my own, and have a few brands and products that I love, hate or were surprised by!

Before I start with my findings...this is what I took into consideration.
1) The brand, what it stands for, its philosophies and purpose. 2) Their marketing. Do they have nothing but popular celebrities on their campaign? Do they sound like they are trying to sell you something. 3) Do they offer ingredient information easily and readily?

Almay Pure Blends - $6-$15 - Walmart or like stores
Surprised? You ought to be. This product line is made with 95% natural ingredients. No parabens, no talc AND is hypoallergenic. Their website has tons of information on their ingredients, formulations and products. If you click on "for professionals" it allows you to view their "brand formulary" which lists ALL of their products ingredients. My only concern is many lines do what Almay has done. Taken their name, and attached a new "segment" of natural and organic makeup. A brilliant marketing strategy because they can tap into the market of consumers looking for a good alternative to synthetic makeups. Thankfully, Almay has lived true to their advertisements and does offer exactly what they say they offer, because many lines doing this same thing SAY they have a segment for these items, but they still contain all the junk in their basic segments. So it is up to you to decide if their purpose matters to you.

Neutrogena - $6 - $15 - Walmart or like stores
Many people think Neutrogena and think it has to be good...its #1 dermatologist recommended. Well, yes, but with any product line, remember that 1) you don't know who the recommendee is. Very easily could be a poorly practicing doctor. and 2) Money talks. People can be bought to recommend anything. So do your research. Neutrogena isn't a bad line. It has been around forever, I have used it as well as many of you. But its natural factor is low. Their website doesn't list ingredients (I searched and searched, and if I missed it, they are hiding it quite well). Of course they have products like their "Healthy Volume Mascara" which is made with Olive Oil. Don't let marketing fool you. A greasy hamburger has veggies on it...that doesn't make it healthy for you. So. Bottom line? The worst option as far as makeup as a whole goes? No, and definitely not for the price. The best option for a natural product? No.

Physicians Formula - $6-$15 - Walmart or like stores.
This is a line that has been under the radar for many people. I can sum it up very easily. All of its aspects highly compare to Almay's Pure Blends. They have an "Organic" and "Mineral Wear" segment that are for the most part, good quality products (they do contain talc...). However, again, they have their basic segment, which products contain talc as well as a whole list of ingredients that I cannot pronounce. (not sure if I mentioned this before but, if you can't pronounce it, its probably synthetic). The lines are fun, bright and typically might appeal to a younger crowd. They also contain more options to appeal to a wider range of people as well.

Clinique - $14-$35 - Department Stores
Clinique is mostly known for their skin care. I like to think of Clinique as the more costly version of Neutrogena. A good product in general? Yes. The best for your natural pick? No. One thing that really irked me on their website is that they have an article about how "Natural Isn't Always Better". They say "Poison Ivy is natural...but we wouldn't recommend rubbing that on your skin". WELL OF COURSE NOT. And this just frustrates me because it is completely one sided. They talk about how natural ingredients are commonly allergens and so they do not use them. Well, I don't know how Almay did it, but Pure Blends are hypoallergenic. But part of being natural, even if its only partially, is eliminating ingredients that are proven unsafe for your skin such as mineral oil, alcohols, etc. NOW maybe Clinique has done this, but their ingredients are not listed on their website so I am not sure. Don't get me wrong, Clinique is not a bad line, especially for those who are sensitized or extremely allergic to many products. If that person were to ask me for a recommendation, I'd recommend Clinique. That is their purpose, their philosophy. But for a natural recommendation, not the best.

Korres - $9 - $45 - Sephora
I might be biased, but I will recommend Korres day in and day out. Simply put...they are 100% a Natural Product Line (their body products are wonderful too!). They have made a commitment to NO mineral oils, parabens, sulphates, petrochemicals, AND MORE!! Their product is the only one I can truly say PERFORMS and lasts. Feels good, smells good, and works. They are an international company founded in Athens (where many of our beauty rituals are rooted). Their website contains LOADS of information on their history, founders, purpose and products. If I had to give them a score on 1 - 10, I'd give them a 20.

Tarte - $10 - $65 - Sephora
Again, a favorite of mine. A lot like Korres in the aspect that it is a 100% Natural line with purpose and philosophies built around that. Their products don't contain parabens, petrochemicals, phthalates, sulphates or synthetic fragrances AND their packaging is recyclable! Tarte is a little louder than Korres as far as their color options go, which is nice to have since many natural lines are very muted. What is even more fun is, the founder of Tarte wanted a Glamorous line, to put a halt to the stereotype that glamorous, functioning beauty products could not be healthy. So their packaging is beautiful, but classy too. Their website also has a TON of information.

Now, I know this is a ton of information, and in reality, I could have gone on for days. These are the lines that are constantly sticking out to me, which is why I chose to write about them.

Have a favorite or want more information on a line I didn't mention?? COMMENT and let me know! I will find it, try it, research it and spread the word. Until then, don't be afraid to educate yourself. Look at labels, read websites. What works for one person might not work for you.

Have a safe and HAPPY Holiday :)