The beauty business is buzzing with ethical and eco brands right now. But natural beauty brands and organic beauty brands differ in ethics and ingredients - one is derived from nature the other uses ingredients grown without pesticides.
There are now vegan brands in the fold, too. As beauty joins the environmental campaign trail, we decipher the codes, and round up some of the best beauty brands with a conscience. Not to mention the hero products your make-up bag shouldn’t be without…
1.ILIA
Established by Vancouver-born Sasha Plavsic, Ilia is an entirely natural makeup range which has won over beauty editor’s all over the world. They offer complete transparency where ingredients are concerned and everything is rooted around natural and organic elements.
It’s a winning combination of intense pigments - no compromise on colour - and super nourishing active ingredients. The Limitless Lash Mascara and Clean Line Liquid Liner are two of the brand’s best sellers. Treat your lashes for the party season ahead.
2. L’OCCITAINE
Already a from favourite, L’Occitane have just launched new make-up and skincare range inspired by the markets of Provence. And all those captivating fruity aromas and the vitamin-rich fruits that grow in the Mediterranean sunshine. The Marmalade Kiss Delicious Lip Scrub contains Vitamin E. It is also enriched with mandarin extract, carrots, pomelo and pomegranate oils.
The pomelo are farmed in a protected area, and harvested by hand. The organic carrots are cultivated in the heart of Provence, while our pomegranate oil is cold-pressed using a traditional method. The accompanying lipsticks and balms are also 100% vegetarian, silicone free and free of mineral oils.
3. SUSANNE KAUFMANN
Inspired by an upbringing in the Austrian Alps, Susanne Kauffmann’s skincare line is organic and completely natural. Jennifer Aniston is a fan. She harnesses the ingredients of flora and fauna and all Kaufmann’s products reflect the brands holistic approach to wellbeing.
One of the hero products – it sells out time and time again - is the Advanced Anti Aging System Skin Lightening and Radiance Complex. The formula is blended with pea extract, and is designed to reduce pigmentation, even tone and boost radiance.
4. HOURGLASS
Californian cosmetics brand Hourglass is a cruelty free beauty brand, and although not entirely vegan at the moment, they have pledged to become so by 2020. They pride themselves on being modern and innovative yet never compromise on their ethical values.
The number one selling product is their Veil Mineral Primer - a must-have for make-up artists - and the Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash Mascara isn’t far behind. It promises fluttery flirtatious lashes and is free from parabens, sulphates and phthalates.
5. ALISSI BRONTE
Spanish brand Alissi Brontë is fast becoming one of the go-to beauty brands for natural, organic and ecological skincare. Products are paraben, paraffin and mineral oil-free, and deliver authentic organic goodness straight from Spanish farms.
Our can’t-live-without product is the ExtremUVA Extreme Sun Protection. Suitable for all skin types, its formula offers extreme – it’s all in the name - UVS/UVB protection. It’s water-water-soluble and also glides on without any stickiness.
