Photo: Alima Pure/Facebook
The recent reports of K-beauty products being recalled due to the high concentration of antimony (a heavy metal that is possibly cancer-causing) has definitely made us more aware that what we put on our skin actually ends up in our bodies. Rather than slathering on your face with well-known brand-name cosmetics that are packed with a long list of random chemicals that you can’t even pronounce, let alone understand what they are, replace them with these makeup brands with products that are free of nasties like silicones, petrochemicals, parabens and alcohol.
Canvas
If you to create a smooth canvas for your makeup, you need to take good care of your skin. All of the skincare and aromatherapy products from this Australian organic label is made with a minimum of 90 per cent organic ingredients and do not contain chemicals like parabens, sulfates, propylene glycol, synthetic fragrances, artificial colouring and GMOs.
One star product from the brand is the Special Care Calendula Soothing Cream ($75.70) that contains mandarin orange essential oil and allantoin to promote the healing of wounds and scars. Formulated with moisturising shea butter, aloe vera leaf extract and olive squalene, this multi-purpose cream hydrates the skin without leaving a sticky or greasy residue. Because of its velvety finish, you can layer the cream under your makeup.
Available online, Canvas Singapore.
Savvy Minerals
Savvy Minerals is a cosmetics line started by Utah-based brand Young Living Essential Oils that specialises in organic, unadulterated essential oils and oil blends. Endorsed by designer, author and former Laguna Beach star Kristin Cavallari, this brand new line features an extensive range of chemical-free and mineral-based cosmetics that include foundation, blusher, bronzer, eyeliner, shadow and translucent powder.
Available from Young Living’s office (TripleOne Somerset) and online, Young Living Singapore.
Three
The Japanese cult beauty brand is best known for its holistic skincare. Using ingredients from Japan, the skincare brand prides itself on conforming to international organic certification standards and using only the finest plant-based ingredients like essential oils, botanical oils and plant extracts. The brand also has a makeup range that is packed with organic botanical oils that will pamper your skin while accentuating your best features.
Since THREE is a Japanese makeup brand, it has a colour palette that will flatter most Asian skin tones. Most of the shades in its eyeshadow palette and eye gloss, for instance, are neutral colours like copper and brown that not only complement Asian skin tones but are also perfect for everyday wear. The brand’s bestseller is its balancing cleansing oil ($68) that removes excess sebum, makeup and impurities in the gentlest way.
Available from TANGS.
Alima Pure
It’s nice to know that founder of Alima Pure, Kate O’Brien, is on our side when it comes to toxin-free makeup. When the makeup artist first started Alima Pure in 2004, she did it with the intention to provide her daughter with mineral makeup that was free from toxins and irritants. Alima Pure is a makeup brand that prides itself on using only the highest quality and purest ingredients like nourishing plant oils and soothing botanicals.
The brand is known for its creamy pressed eyeshadows ($45) that are made with hydrating avocado oil and collagen-stimulating jojoba. These pigmented powders provide a bold colour payoff while moisturising and nourishing the skin.
Available from Sephora.
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