Best Makeup and Brushes for That Natural Look

Though makeup trends may come and go, there’s one trend we’re sticking to for good: ditching chemicals in favor of natural ingredients that are just as high-performing as they are good for our skin. After all, if we’re picky about our food and household items, shouldn’t these strict standards extend to beauty essentials? And here’s a little beauty secret: Achieving a more natural look is a lot easier with products made from natural ingredients. So whether you’re shopping for yourself, a friend, or your mom, we’ve got everything you need for you and the natural beauties in your life.

Natural Makeup Q&A

Before we dive into our extensive list of natural makeup all-stars, let’s take a look at some of the most-asked questions about establishing a natural makeup routine.

What are the most nourishing makeup ingredients?

When shopping for makeup brands that will also care for skin, opt for lines with primarily natural, organic ingredients like hydrating coconut oil, shea butter, or vitamin E, free radical-fighting green tea extract, or sun-protecting zinc oxide.

Are there any ingredients I should avoid?

Since most of what goes on our face is absorbed into our skin, knowing which makeup ingredients to avoid is a must. Do your best to steer clear of irritating sulfates, parabens, petroleum, and the “toxic trio” dibutyl phthalate, toluene, and formaldehyde sometimes found in nail polish.

What order should you put makeup on?

It may seem like a matter of preference, but the order that you apply your makeup can play a role in how well it holds up throughout the day. According to a makeup pro, here’s the order you should follow (though please note that if you choose to use a primer that should always come first):

1. Foundation/BB Cream
2. Concealer
3. Blush/Highlighter/Bronzer
4. Eyeshadow
5. Eyeliner
6. Mascara
7. Lips

What’s the best way to clean makeup brushes?

The first rule about cleaning makeup brushes is to remember to clean them consistently. (Some dermatologists recommend about once a week.) Opt for a gentle soap or a makeup brush cleanser—don’t use regular soap as that can dry out bristles. Using lukewarm water, hand-wash the bristles with the cleanser, and rinse clean. Reshape the brush and leave to dry with the bristles hanging off the counter to allow for full airflow.

What is makeup primer?

Prepping your skin before makeup application is an often overlooked but important step. Primers are designed to create an added layer between skin and makeup for a smoother application and to extend the wear of your makeup. Primers can also offer additional benefits like helping to even skin tone, illuminating skin, mattifying skin, minimizing pores, or delivering extra hydration.

Top Natural Makeup Brands

From raw pigments to natural minerals, these pure makeup lines are proven to perform.

Mineral Hygienics

This mineral-based line doesn’t just focus on masking skin imperfections, but also helps improve skin with all-natural formulas that include sun-protecting zinc oxide.

RMS Beauty

This skin-nourishing makeup line uses raw, food-grade, organic ingredients to pamper the skin and minimize signs of aging without harsh chemicals.

No Miss Cosmetics

Chemical-free and environmentally friendly, this fresh, innovative line offers on-trend makeup must-haves, including nail polish.

Mineral Fusion

This professional-grade line of multi-tasking essentials is also free of parabens, gluten, artificial colors, phthalates, and other harsh ingredients.

Well People

This modern makeup line is built on simplicity, authenticity and performance, using botanical-based formulas without fillers, propylene glycol, petrochemicals, or petroleum by-products.

29 Best Makeup Products

Finding the best makeup foundation, the best makeup palettes, the best eye-makeup remover, or the best primer can make your head spin—especially if you’re looking for brands that keep their formulas close to the earth. Here are 29 picks that more than make the cut (and find even more here).

Top Mineral Foundations, Concealers, and Finishing Powders

These foundations, concealers, and powders help create a flawless canvas without harsh chemicals.

Mineral Fusion Liquid Mineral Foundation

Formulated with nourishing ingredients like green tea, pomegranate, vitamin C, and peptides, this easy-to-blend foundation pampers skin while delivering full coverage.

Well People Foundation Stick

This creamy makeup stick is ideal for on-the-go touch-ups and easily melts into skin for a flawless glow.

WELL People Bio Brightener Invisible Powder

Bring your skin into soft focus with this ultrafine loose powder that blurs and softens imperfections while imparting a youthful glow.

Well Bio Tint Multi-Action Moisturizer With SPF 30

This two-in-one skin perfector hydrates, protects, and brightens with phytonutrients and pure zinc while premium natural pigments help even skin tone.

Mineral Fusion Radiating Illuminating Powder

Combining these four light-reflecting, mineral-based shades provides a healthy dose of radiance while warding off free radicals.

Mineral Fusion Pressed Powder Foundation

Made from gluten-free, vegan minerals, this pressed powder grants flawless coverage while also giving a nourishing boost to the skin.

Mineral Fusion Warm Concealer Duo

Cover dark circles, imperfections, and acne spots with this customizable, all-natural duo.

RMS Beauty Un-Cover Up Concealer

This lightweight, hydrating formula not only works to cover blemishes and dark spots but helps to reveal healthier looking skin.

Natural Mascara That Works

Batters up! You’ll love these luxurious lash favorites.

RMS Beauty Defining Mascara

Using certified organic oils, mineral pigments, butters, and waxes, this rich mascara adds dramatic flair without flaking, smudging, or clumping.

Mineral Fusion Waterproof Mascara

Made with high natural wax, this waterproof formula repels water while nourishing lashes with nourishing argan oil, aloe, and panthenol.

The Best Natural Eyeshadows

You’ll only have eyes for these sensational shadows.

No Miss Cosmetics All-Natural Eyeshadow

This mineral-based shadow adds a pop of iridescent color without dyes and is totally cruelty free.

Mineral Fusion Espresso Gold Eyeshadow Trio

Reveal your inner bronze goddess with this richly pigmented trio of shimmering gold, matte beige, and chocolate shadows.

Mineral Hygienics Coffee Bean Mineral Eyeshadow

Perfect for day or night, this reflective tawny-brown shade has just the right amount of pizazz.

RMS Beauty Eye Polish

This creamy, raw pigment-based shadow delivers a youthful vibe thanks to its glossy sheen.

Non-Toxic Blushes and Bronzers

Feeling a little cheeky? These blushes and bronzers will get you glowing.

Mineral Fusion Blush

This triple-milled mineral blush delivers a healthy flush and a dewy finish using a clean, nourishing formula.

RMS Beauty Buriti Bronzer

High in vitamin A and beta carotene, this Buriti oil-based bronzer nourishes skin while imparting a sheer, sun-kissed look.

RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek Balm

Perk up cheeks and lips with this one-and-done essential, which helps create a fresh-faced, luminous appearance.

Well People Multi-Use Cream Stick

This convenient makeup stick can be used on cheeks, lips, and lids and boasts a vegan, satiny formula that doesn’t include harsh chemicals.

Best Natural Lipsticks & Lip Gloss

You won’t help but pucker up for these lip finishes.

Mineral Fusion Pomegranate Lipstick Butter

Hydrate lips with cocoa seed butter, avocado oil, cranberry seed oil, and shea butter, while delivering long-lasting color.

RMS Beauty Lip Shine

Shine on with a hint of color along with nourishing fatty acids and vitamins A and C.

Mineral Hygienics Natural Lipstick

This cruelty-free, skin-soothing lipstick glides on with ease and is free of artificial ingredients.

Mineral Fusion Lovely Lip Gloss

This high-shine gloss moisturizes with sunflower seed oil and vitamin E while warding off free radicals with white teas, pomegranate, and vitamins A and C.

Well People Lip Butter

A cross between lipstick and lip balm, this stick gives a subtle dose of color along with soothing aloe and omega oils to leave lips supple and soft.

Essential Natural Makeup Brushes

We’ve narrowed down the best makeup brushes to give your old routine the brush-off.

RMS Beauty Skin2Skin Blush Brush

Using expertly placed high-end, synthetic fibers, this blush brush presses and blends color into the skin for long-lasting wear.

RMS Beauty Skin2Skin Foundation Brush

Designed to mimic skin-to-skin makeup application, this vegan brush is extra soft for an “airbrushed” foundation look.

Eco-Friendly and Organic Makeup Removers

Hit refresh with these skin-soothing makeup removers.

RMS Beauty Makeup Remover Wipes

This organic, coconut oil-based wipe easily melts away makeup to reveal clean, moisturized skin.

S.W. Basics Makeup Remover

The best makeup removers keep it simple, and this genius product delivers a clean slate with just three ingredients: organic sweet almond oil, organic extra-virgin olive oil, and organic jojoba oil.

Maxim Hygiene Organic Cotton Rounds

Made with 100% certified organic cotton, these rounds are a medicine cabinet staple and won’t break apart when tasked with makeup removal.

DIY Beauty

These at-home makeup recipes are ideal for natural beauties.

2-Ingredient Cream Blush Stick

A little coconut oil and a slice of your favorite lipstick shade is all you need to create a convenient stick blush at home.

All-Natural DIY Lipstick

Make a killer, totally natural lipstick yourself with non-toxic crayons, coconut oil, and rich shea butter.

Sugar and Spice Lip Scrub

Slough away dry winter lips with this exfoliating mix of sugar, raw honey, coconut oil, and cinnamon.