A List of My Proven, Favorites-Natural Personal Care and Makeup Products
Making the switch to more natural personal care and makeup products is exciting and daunting at the same time. Exciting because you know you’ll be creating a healthier you; yet daunting, because where in the world do you start?!?
If you’re wondering why using healthier products is important in the first place, check out my post How to Shop for Healthier Personal Care Products and Minimize Toxicity. It explains how the cosmetic industry isn’t very regulated, which leads to the use of toxic ingredients. I also review how the Skin Deep® database system works to research ingredients and products.
Once I realized the products I was using on my and my baby’s skin could actually be harming us (absorption into the blood stream and organs), I dove into finding different natural personal care and makeup products.
Now if you’re like me, and like instant gratification, than this post is for you! It took me a few years to find replacements for everything (something about babies and family businesses keeping me busy!) and I’ve compiled it all into one big list, broken down by category.
Last Updated September 2023
*This blog post contains various health information. Nothing is intended to be, nor should it be construed as, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any supplement(s) discussed and/or listed should be reviewed by your health professional before using. If you have a medical concern, please consult with an appropriately-licensed physician. If you think you have a medical emergency, contact your doctor immediately. Full medical disclosure here.
First Things First
To start with, I don’t use anything I haven’t looked up on Skin Deep®. I try hard to adhere to products with an overall score of 1-4. If the product I’m using isn’t listed, then I look up each ingredient individually, write down their scores, and average it out to come up with my own score. It doesn’t take that long – I promise! EWG VERIFIED™ products make it even simpler.
Second, if there’s something I feel I can make myself, I do! Please don’t be intimidated with cost like I initially was. As I experiment with different homemade recipes, I’m finding many ingredients can be used in more than one recipe.
Third, Keep it simple! My entire family uses these natural personal care products. Using the minimalist mentality, we got rid of having a different set of soaps/lotions for everybody. I’ve also found the fewer products I use, and the better quality they are, the less I need!
Lastly, don’t be discouraged by higher price points (i.e.: beauty counter pricing vs. retail store). Just as organic, minimally processed foods are more expensive, so are natural personal care and makeup products. Considering these products effect our health, we don’t mind spending a little more and budget accordingly.
Natural Personal Care Products
Facial moistureizer:
Andalou Brightening Probiotic & Vitamin C Renewal Cream – The texture of this cream is so light and has an uplifting, citrusy smell! It has tangerine and orange peel oil in it, which I’m cautious about using in the sun/near my eyes (citrus oils can cause photosensitivity in sunlight/irritation), but I’ve never had a problem. This has been one of my favorites from over the years. The jar lasts about 5 months (using on face once a day).
Vintage Tradition Tallow Balm – Balms are thicker by nature; however, this one soaks in quickly. I use it mostly in colder weather, when the air is drier. The best part is, it’s literally tallow, olive oil, and essential oils. All natural, healthy ingredients. A small jar lasts about four months (using on face once a day, hands/legs occasionally).
My own Homemade Face Lotion – I use this as a body lotion too.
Face & Body Wash:
Kiss My Face Pure Olive Oil Bar Soap Fragrance Free – Love that there are only 3 ingredients in this soap! It leaves everyone’s skin soft and smooth. This has been a staple in our house for over 7 years and is found in most retail stores. I usually get the 3-pack and they last around 6 months.
Hand Made Soaps – Locally made bar soaps are also nice to enjoy, as long as the ingredient list is clean. It’s important to make sure good quality essential oils are used for scents as opposed to anything listed as “fragrance”.
Deodorant:
American Provenance – I switched several years ago and have loved, loved it! Both hubby and I use it. Haven’t had any issues with marking on clothes and lasts all day (even through a workout)! Only need one, maybe two swipes! Some of their scents have changed over the years, so check the ingredients to make sure it’s made with essential oils and not “fragrance”.
Young Living Deodorant – Another great option, but a bit pricier. These go on sale occasionally, so I only use here and there.
Hair:
The Honest Company Shampoo & Body Wash – EWG VERIFIED™- Hubby and kids have used this for over 7 years now and love the Citrus Vanilla scent. The same conditioner is used too. There have been a few tears when it gets in the eyes, but no complaints otherwise.
ATTITUDE Super Leaves Nourishing & Strengthening – EWG VERIFIED™- I use both the shampoo and conditioner. Love the price point, smell (not a fan of vanilla!), and feel of my hair.
Innersense – Hair Love Prep Spray & I Create Volume – It has taken a long time to find healthy hair styling products that actually work! These fill both buckets. The I Create Volume works well whether I style my hair wavy or straight.
To Clarify Hair – If you hair occasionally feels like your shampoo isn’t getting all the gunk out, try this. Put some raw apple cider vinegar diluted with water (around 50/50) in a spray bottle, spritz on hair, leave on for a few minutes, and then rinse in the shower!
Natural Makeup Products
Foundation:
Jane Iredale HydroPure Tinted Serum – Lightweight coverage with a dewy finish. I like that I can use this by itself and don’t need to put moisturizer underneath to have it apply nicely. You can let it dry/absorb and apply another layer for heavier coverage. I don’t wear makeup every day, so a bottle lasts about 10-11 months. I’ve been using this for three years now and love it!
Blush:
Jane Iredale PurePressed Blush -Comes in multiple shades and is easy to apply whether using a blending or fan brush.
Eye Makeup:
Jane Iredale Purepressed Eye Shadow – I’ve been using one variation or another for a couple years now. They come in single colors or palettes of 3 or 6. They glide on nicely and blend well when using multiple shades.
Zuzu Luxe Eye Shadow – If you’re looking for brighter colored eye shadows, try these out.
Mascara:
Zuzu Luxe Mascara – Hands down my favorite mascara EVER! Goes on smoothly, rarely clumps, and is so easy to wash off!!! I’ve been using it for about 4 years now and have had no issues with irritation or smudging; even if I go a few days in between wearing.
Makeup Remover:
Coconut Oil – Put a little coconut oil on a cotton pad; wipe face and eyes. Very budget friendly! I do wash my face with a warm washcloth afterwards to remove any excess oil.
100% Pure Rose Micellar Cleansing Water – I really enjoy this cleanser, but it is expensive. Since I don’t wear makeup that often, a bottle lasts almost one year.
How to Switch to Natural Personal Care & Makeup Products
Information Overload!!! I get it. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, and considering how many products we use, it’s also easy to procrastinate or ignore. Skin Deep® offers this helpful tip page as a quick cheat sheet.
My suggestion: Focus on one product at a time!
I started with body wash, shampoo, and conditioner since everyone in the household uses them. Then I researched facial lotion since it’s the first layer on my face and used daily.
When I had a handle on those, I started looking at different makeup brands. I tried ones I could find at local stores first, and then broadened the search to online. Some brands offer sample sizes and/or have independent consultants, which are great ways to try things and see how your skin reacts before purchasing!
Finally, I started experimenting with making my own concoctions. My babies were a good reason to figure this out as I wanted them to have minimal exposure to chemicals.
Interested in getting more bang for your buck while switching to natural personal care and makeup products? Take a look at your physical health and eating habits too! I’ve found the more I heal my insides (gut health), the better my skin and hair are, which means less products are needed!
Go back to the basics and check out my posts on Gut Flora and the Gut Lining to find out why healing from the inside out is just as important. Remember, it’s not just about using something natural – it’s about protecting and increasing your health!
