NATURALLY GORGEOUS

Want to know more about what's in your beauty products? And more important, what's not? Sephora created a comprehensive glossary of terms to help you make sense of all the green and not-so-green ingredients out there. Read through it to find out what "natural" really means and what it takes for a product to earn the 100% Certified Organic seal.


A quick skim of the terms reads like a toxic house cleaner. Clearly nobody wants lead or petroleum on their faces, right? But if you’ve read the news ever you know that the cosmetics industry uses all kinds of ingredients in its products — some dangerous, some just plain confusing. What many of them have in common is that that don’t belong anywhere near our largest organ.

Making the switch to all natural makeup is great for the earth, your skin and your health, and surprisingly easy on the budget. The most cost effective way to restock your beauty bag is by replacing your current products with green counterparts as they run out. 

Here's well-to-do's round-up of five green + glamorous cosmetic brands to get you looking and feeling fresh-faced without breaking the bank.

ALIMA PURE

Alima Pure takes being natural seriously. Super seriously. They scored a BDIH certification - the highest for natural cosmetics. Their lightweight Satin Matte Foundation ($20) and Luminous Shimmer Eyeshadow ($9) rank among their best sellers. Though the line is moderately priced, if you're fickle or nervous to commit, the products are also available for sale in small sample sizes (the Satin Matte Foundation, for example, is $1.50). 

CARGO PLANTLOVE

ECOCERT certified, the environmentally conscious PlantLove line from edgy brand Cargo is the epitome of accessible, eco-friendly beauty. From the 100% natural ingredients to the biodegradable packaging (made from corn), PlantLove is stylin'. The Essential Eye Shadow Palette ($32), is a fan favorite, as is the Daily Gloss ($12).

JOSIE MARAN COSMETICS

Mom, model, actress and 2007 Dancing with the Stars contestant Josie Maran launched her own makeup line in 2006. The natural beauty teamed up with the Environmental Working Group's site Skin Deep for the creation of the cosmetics' formulas. The whole line is worth checking out but the two products most buzzed about are her Argan Cream Blush ($22) and Argan Mascara ($22). Available at josiemarancosmetics.com and also sephora.com.

NVEY ECO

The entire Nvey Eco brand is certified by the Organic Food Chain. In addition to its environmentally friendly practices, Nvey Eco is celebrated for making long-lasting, durable cosmetics. And like Alima, Nvey offers samples in everything from Organic Cake Eyeliner ($2) to Organic Erase Corrective Makeup ($2) to Organic Lip Stick ($2.50). Even cooler, as the first collection of brushes ever to be made with compostable handles, you can use each brush fully and then return it back to Nvey's headquarters in exchange for a discount coupon toward future purchases!

PHYSICIANS FORMULA ORGANIC WEAR

You probably know Physicians Formula from taking a stroll down the cosmetics aisle at your local drug store. But did you know that the brand also has a high quality organic line? Physicians Formula Organic Wear was the first ECOCERT certified American organic makeup line. The line contain 100% certified organic ingredients and is packaged in environmentally conscious paper compacts. Award winners include the Bronzer Booster ($14.95) and 2 in 1 Bronzer & Blush ($13.95).

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If you can’t be sure a product is safe, and it isn’t doing you any favors, why bother using it? We've given you well-to-do's award winners so no more excuses! Eco-friendly makeup is safe, works and doesn’t cost any more than your average chemical-based cosmetics. With the options listed above you'll be naturally gorgeous in no time.

xx S+S