As we have all become more aware of what we eat, with organic, gluten-free and dairy alternatives all the rage, so too have we become aware of what we put on our face and skin.
The organic beauty sector has grown significantly over the past few years, with sales in the UK rising by 13 per cent in 2016.
The hike in sales means even more products, which to be authentically organic should be accredited by the Soil Association or a recognised alternative from the brand’s own country, are being made and are now readily available. In this list, you’ll only find certified organic products.
Organic make-up products avoid parabens and other chemicals commonly found in make-up, which is good news if you’ve got sensitive skin.
1. Dr Hauschka Lipstick in Bromelia: £20.50, Dr Hauschka
A high quality nude lipstick should be a staple in any make-up bag. Dr Hauschka, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, delivers a fragrant, long-lasting lipstick available in 18 shades. Our favourite is Bromelia: a nude with pink and brown undertones which is natural, yet striking, with enough shade to transfer from day to night. The lipstick is moisturising thanks to the hydrating rosehip and rose wax ingredients, leaving a glossy finish which doesn’t dry out the lips.
Certified by NATRUE
2. Zao Sublim’ soft primer: £34.95, Glow Organic
Zao’s cute varnished wood packaging looks great, and the product inside is equally excellent. This primer can be applied to clean or moisturised skin before application of foundation or tinted moisturiser. It mattifies and moisturises the skin, making foundation application easier. The French brand also claims this is a good product for acne-prone skin due to the bamboo leaf extract, although we weren’t able to test that.
Certified by Ecocert Greenlife and Cosmebio
3. Liquid eyeliner: £19, Dr Hauschka
This eyeliner glides easily onto the eyelids, and that’s where it stays throughout the day and into the evening. Personally, we prefer liquid eyeliners with brushes, so this one was right up our street. The brush is thin enough to navigate onto the eyelid to create an excellent arch, as well as the all-important cat-eye flick. All of Dr Hauschka’s eye products contain eyebright to calm and soothe tired eyes, which is a welcome addition. Available in both black and brown.
Certified by NATRUE
4. Inika organic BB cream: £27.50, Feel Unique
Inika’s BB cream manages to be simultaneously light in texture while also providing a thorough and solid coverage. The combination of prickly pear, pomegranate, avocado and jojoba oils leaves the skin hydrated, meaning that while it blends almost seamlessly in with your skin tone, it also allows the skin to breathe. Combining primer, moisturiser and foundation, it not only cuts out the middle man but makes him well and truly redundant. As one of the first organic beauty brands, all of Inika’s ingredients are ethically sourced, natural and come from botanicals or minerals.
Certified by Organic Food Chain Australia
5. Odylique Mascara: £17.50, Love Lula
A good mascara is difficult to find but Odylique’s offering is up there with the greats. Both elongating lashes and providing volume, it offers lasting coverage without clumping. What’s more, it feels gentler on the eye than some other mascaras. It’s even a favourite of Harry Potter’s very own Emma Watson. Using organic herbs and plant waxes such as aloe vera, calendula and sea buckthorn fruit (and no synthetic chemicals, preservatives or solvents), it is the first mascara certified by the Soil Association standards. Odylique is also a cruelty-free, Fairtrade, vegan-friendly brand.
Certified by the Soil Association
6. Lavera tinted moisturising cream: £12.90, Naturisimo
This works equally well under make-up or as a stand-alone product. The lightweight, creamy moisturiser, which includes organic aloe vera, magically covers blemishes and redness. It creates a naturally radiant finish, allowing freckles to shine through. Dating all the way back to the mid-70s, Lavera uses raw plant materials which often comes from certified organic agriculture and all of its products are wholly free of synthetic perfumes, preservatives and colourants.
Certified by NATRUE
7. Inika Light Reflect cream: £19, Feel Unique
This illuminator is applied to the cheekbones and brow bones but can also be used on the eyelids and lips. The light reflect cream both contours the face (especially by defining the cheekbones) and helps to achieve a dewy look. The highlighter is subtle rather than striking so creates more of a natural, daytime effect. The tube is small (only 8ml) so at £19 each, use sparingly.
Certified by Organic Food Chain Australia
8. Ilia translucent powder: £30, Naturisimo
This follow-up to Ilia’s ‘Fade Into You’ powder is a good choice for summer as it has an SPF20 rating. The powder, made from 40 per cent organic ingredients, is applied via a soft vegan synthetic twist-up brush which does not irritate skin. This design makes it a compact tool which can be easily kept in handbags for re-application. A lighter powder, this is an excellent choice for controlling shiny skin.
Certified by USDA Organic
9. Vapour Stratus Instant Skin Perfector: £40, Free People
While on the more expensive end of scale, a little goes a long way with this. The waxy stick glides easily across skin to create a dewy radiant glow and can be worn on its own for a natural look. We found it to be an excellent primer which sits well under foundation, helping it to last longer.
Certified by the Organic Trade Association
The Verdict
Dr Hauschka’s lipstick is just as nourishing and long-lasting as any designer brand and has the five-star, rich colour to match.
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