Going Green: Natural and Organic Beauty Products

Want to do your part to save the environment and use products that are natural and organic? These days, it seems environmentally-conscious labels and brands are popping up all over the place. From the bounty of products available at Sephora to brands like Kiehl's and John Masters Organics, everyone is going green! Even e.l.f. and Physicians Formula have launched mineral makeup lines. But knowing the difference between natural, organic, mineral and all the rest can be quite confusing -- which is why we're here to help you figure it all out! Plus you can pick up some fantastic goodies along the way!

Mineral Makeup
This is makeup made from natural minerals that have been crushed into silky powders and formulated without icky substances like preservatives, oil, fragrance, waxes and talc. They're great for all skin types and especially perfect for people with acne, rosacea or sensitive skin! Check out these fabulous options.

Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Polish -- 10 gorgeous shades, like Bianca (golden peach), Brandi (candied plum) and Candi (strawberry) make lips full and super-shiny.
$18 at bareescentuals.com




Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Concealer Stick -- This concealer even contains SPF 15, so your face will be protected all day long.
$6.95 at physiciansformula.com

TheBalm Overshadow -- A luxe loose powder in four gorgeous shades that can be dusted anywhere from your eyes to your collarbone for a bit of extra shimmer.
$14 at sephora.com




Starter Kit -- Get foundation, concealer, blush and two brushes, all stowed in a handy-dandy makeup case. Bonus? These products are all made without chemical dyes.
$20 at eyeslipsface.com

Natural Makeup and Skincare
Using plant-based and naturally-derived ingredients, these products are made without synthetic fragrances or dyes, parabens or other chemicals. There are seriously tons of fantastic makeup, skincare and bath products to choose from -- here are a few we just can't live without!

Phytodefrisant Botanical Hair Relaxing Balm -- Dying to tame wild, crazy frizz? A dab of this non-oily formula -- created with ferula, garlic and horseradish -- will make those locks sleek, even if it does sound like something that should be used to ward off vampires!
$26 at sephora.com



Korres Natural Products Wild Rose Mask -- Shea butter, avocado butter, Provitamin B5 and Argan tree oil combine with wild rose oil to really make skin glow.
$27 at beauty.com




The Carol's Daughter Almond Cookie Collection -- The Body Cleansing Gel is simply superb, the Sea Salt Body Scrub will leave your skin silky smooth and the Shea Souffle is to-die-for. Plus, they all smell like fresh-baked cookies. Mmmm.
$13.50-$30 at sephora.com



Organic Beauty
These products are grown without pesticides, insecticides and herbicides and their production has to be certified as organic by independent organizations like EcoCert or the Soil Association. The USDA's National Organic Program takes care of this for personal care products in the USA. There are four levels of USDA Organic certification, as follows:

1) 100% Certified Organic: certified by the USDA and can bear the USDA Organic Seal

2) Certified Organic: product has at least 95% Certified Organic ingredients and is certified by the USDA, bearing the USDA Organic Seal

3) Made with Organic Ingredients: the product is made with 70-94% Certified Organic ingredients and is certified by the USDA, but does not bear the USDA Seal

4) Less than 70% Organic Ingredients: organic ingredients are marked with an asterisk and only the ingredients are certified by the USDA. The product can't call itself organic and can't bear the USDA Seal.

Check out these products that we guarantee will make you want to go organic!

Nvey Eco Organic Moisturizing Mascara -- Nettle and horsetail may not sound like stuff you want to get near your lashes, but this brand's formula is created with Vitamin B5 to keep them looking lush. We're totally jonesing for the blue shade.
$24 at saffronrouge.com



Juice Beauty SPF 15 Tinted Lip Moisturizers -- Honey and bee propolis make lips so soft, and the three shades give the most beautifully subtle hint of color.
$15 at sephora.com




Care Stella McCartney Toning Floral Water -- Antioxidants like green tea and linden blossom soothe while cornflower revitalizes, leaving skin beautifully refreshed.
$36 at sephora.com




Parabens
These are the most commonly used synthetic preservatives in beauty products. Products formulated with parabens have a long shelf life by inhibiting the growth of yeast, mold and harmful bacteria. But many companies are going paraben-free with their products -- here are some fantastic choices.

Baby Bee Buttermilk Bath Pint -- Hey, this doesn't just have to be for babies! We all have sensitive skin. Made with real buttermilk, a few spoonfuls of this will give you a totally relaxing bath.
$16 at burtsbees.com

Clean Balance Shampoo -- Get rid of all that nasty buildup with this mix of organic elements like oats and rice, sweet-smelling lavender and rosemary, and healthy amino acids.
$23 at sukipure.com


Lola Cosmetics Paraben Free Creme Duo Foundation -- It's oil-free, it's gel-free and the two different shades will totally conceal any imperfections.
$35 at ulta.com