God I love makeup. I could easily spend an hour creating a look while watching Netflix and some chai tea. All the new products, colors and innovations keeps me coming back to Sephora like a crack addict seeks his dealer. Lately however, natural cosmetics have got my attention.

Have you thought about all the stuff (aka junk) put into cosmetics to do all the wonderful things it does? One could say that frequent makeup application can exacerbate preexisting skin problems like acne and blackheads, which can lead to scarring and hyper pigmentation, which in turn, leads to more dependence on makeup. It’s a vicious circle.

This is my everyday go-to makeup. You’ll see that it’s populated by natural cosmetics like Jane Iredale, 100% Pure Minerals, Tarte, Josie Moran, and au Naturale.

And while Mac Cosmetics is a leader in the industry for good reason, take a look at the makeup artist’s skin next time you take a visit to the counter. Mac girls have some of the worst skin I’ve ever seen; and I suspect it’s because Mac was originally designed for print, television and the runway–not for soccer moms on their way to yoga.

I’ve known about natural options for makeup for years, but I’ve been skeptical about its effectiveness, color selection and longevity. You’d be surprised though–today’s natural makeup options might win you over, and here’s five reasons why.

Eye Makeup: au Naturale; Lips Tarte

The Technology is Better

Granted, there’s still some ways to go when it comes to pigments that market to women of color, there’s no disputing that there’s already a ton. The the use of minerals like mica, iron oxides, silica and pearl powder create a rainbow of possibilities. The colors are super vivid and easy to apply. Check out this palette I snagged from au Naturale cosmetics…it’s the BOLD eye palette, on sale for $48.

It’s Easier to Remove

Tarte Liquid Lipstick: “Twerk”

If you’re not going to be on television, or preparing for a photo shoot, why do you need 12-hour, long wear, waterproof makeup? Is it really that serious in Corporate America these days? I can’t tell you how nice it is to take off all my makeup easily with a few swipes of a damp towel or makeup remover towelette. There’s no need for excessive rubbing that can irritate your skin–especially around the eyes. But many products in the natural lineup is long lasting, like the mineral powder makeup from Tarte I use, that lasts up to 12 hours.

The Makeup Can Actually Be GOOD for Your Skin

Makeup that can actually IMPROVE the condition of your skin? Yes…it’s totally possible. For example, Tarte Cosmetics uses Amazonian clay that mattifies the skin and can actually improve your skin’s condition.

Not only that, but many of the natural cosmetics lines use beneficial oils like shea butter, castor oil, macadamia nut oil, and more. Here’s one of my new favorites from au Naturale…the color is gorgeous, and the ingredients list is a thing of beauty…

Ingredients: Ingredients: Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia (Macadamia) Seed Oil, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax,  Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Fruit, Camelina Sativa (Camelina) Seed Oil, Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed wax, Rubus Idaeus (Red Raspberry) Seed Oil, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Mica, Iron Oxide, Titanium Dioxide

Less Exposure to Toxins

You skin is the largest organ on your body and is capable of absorbing outside liquids and gases just as sure as your stomach and lungs can. If you can reduce the amount of carcinogens, artificial preservatives and synthetic goo, why wouldn’t you? If you’re watching what you put in your stomach, you need to watch what you put on your skin. You’d be surprised at how much your skin can consume!

I Feel Like I’m Doing Something Good!

Creating healthy competition and rewarding companies who are environmentally conscious and use clean ingredients means less “Franken Factories” and animal cruelty. I know it sounds a little “granola,” but what do you expect from a California girl?

Now does that mean I’ll NEVER use other mainstream products? Goodness, no. I’m too much of a product junkie to leave all that crack behind, but as for everyday, I’m sticking with these.

My Favorite Natural Makeup Companies:

Tarte
100% Pure Minerals
Jane Iredale
au Naturale
Josie Moran
Mineral Fusion