Must-read beauty advice for all budding natural beauties.
Skincare: First up, it’s important to be aware that most skincare can’t be 100% organic. This is because most skincare products are water-based, which means some preservative system is necessary. Oil-based products, however, do not need preservatives, so can be 100% natural. Cleansing oils - which are becoming increasingly popular - are a lovely way to dissolve makeup and various other debris, without stripping skin dry. Try: Bloom Nuts About You Cleansing Oil ($28 from Bloom).
Oils are also a great way to deliver a high-potency treatment. Rosehip oil is one of the best around, and it’s especially great for ageing, sensitive and dry skin. Try: Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil ($16.95, see Trilogy for stockist info). As for moisturiser, Stem Organics does a great range of lotions for various skin types and needs, all featuring 80+% certified organic ingredients - see Stem Organics for more info. For other great super-natural skincare options, check out the rest of the Trilogy and Stem Organics ranges, and the luscious Organic Pharmacy range (from Rescu Beauty Bar). For one of the best organic treatments around, spoil yourself with a facial by Ilsci, an organic range from Hungary that is extremely results-oriented. See True Solutions for product and salon details.
Makeup: While not technically organic, pure mineral makeup is a great option for natural beauties because of what it leaves out. For example, talc, binders and artificial colours. Check out the pure mineral foundation ranges from Bloom, i.d Bare Escentuals and Inika. (Tip: buy the suggested application brush and have a few lessons - it’s a very different way of wearing makeup.) The coloured minerals are also great buys. You can dust them onto cheeks and lids, and even mix them with a little lip balm (like Simmons’ Paw Paw Salve, from health food stores) to customise a tint. Inika also has a chemical-free mascara worth checking out.
Hair: There are many lovely organic haircare options - just check the beauty aisles of stores such as Macro. Haircolour is where it gets tricky. You need some degree of chemicals for a successful dye job. A great compromise is Aveda, whose professional haircolours are up to 99% naturally derived. Call 1300 300 054 for salon details.
Body: Again, take a stroll down the beauty aisle of Macro or your local health food store, and you’ll easily find great natural buys that, if not completely organic, will at least be free of the likes of parabens and sulfates. For a real treat, Jurlique makes some of the most sumptuous blends around, featuring herbs and flowers direct from the biodynamic Jurlique farm. Buy them at Jurlique. As for a body bronzer, if you’re ready to give the chemical-laden fake tan the flick, but still want some safe glow, try mixing some Bloom Mineral Radiant Touch in Sunkissed ($35 from Bloom) into your body cream.
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