How to have a star-worthy makeup look while reducing your impact on the environment? Like always, one of the best ways to green in your beauty routine is to go minimal but during the holidays and special occasions is always nice to add a little bit of glamour and a festive glow to your look. Every little bit counts and so, as you ponder your choices as a consumer, consider eco-friendly cosmetics.
Many cosmetic and skincare brands have taken dramatic strides towards greening not only their products, but their packaging as well. These products often contain no preservatives, colorants, dyes or perfumes. Here five of this season's favorite eco-glamorous makeup looks, tips and cosmetics that will have both you and the environment looking its best. Going green, after all, is always in style.
1. Brighten your eyes with shimmer
This holiday season, shimmery eye shadows continue to be on trend. To brighten your eyes and add sultriness try a touch of silver and gold on your eyelids and the corner of your eyes.
Tip: You can also try a modern take on smoky eyes and use a shimmer to create a smudgy effect.
Green this look: Try
Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Eldorado ($16), from Urban Decay's ever-expanding line of vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics. Also try
Tarte Lock and Roll in Gunmetal ($17), which is free of parabens, synthetics and features green recyclable packaging as well.
2. Create a dramatic look with eyeliner
An eyeliner is a must for well-finished eye makeup and to create an instant new look. Eyeliner can make even the smallest eyes appear larger which is a huge reason so many people use it, but applying it correctly is key.
Tip: Using a thin pencil will give you a more subtle effect, while using a liquid liner or thicker pencil will create a more dramatic look.
Green this look: For dramatic, smoky or cat eyes try
Illuminare Beyond Black Eyeliner ($21) which is a richly pigmented, silky cream mineral eyeliner you could ever dream of! This is a paraben free, waterproof formula that also comes in an earth friendly glass jars. Also try
Gabriel Cosmetics Eyeliner in Black ($12) to softly accent eyes. This eyeliner is eco-friendly and enriched with natural plant waxes to glide on easily without pulling or stretching the delicate eye area.
3. Make your eyes come alive with mascara
Long and thick eyelashes are a simple way to bring your holiday look from drab to fab. Before you apply mascara, curl your lashes to make your eyes seem larger. Use an eyelash curler and curl your lashes very carefully, positioning the curler around your eyelashes with the upper lashes between the edges of the curler.
Tip: Don’t apply more than two coats of mascara – otherwise you can make your lashes appear too done and unnatural. First, apply a thin coat and let it dry. Then build up with a second coat of mascara. When applying mascara to the lower lashes, gently brush the tip of the applicator across them.
Green this look: Choose black mascara and apply it after you have curled your lashes. Try
Tarte 4-in-1 Natural Mascara in Black ($18) for a more dramatic bombshell lashes result. Also Try
ZuZu Lux Mascara in Onyx ($17) which is a gentle and non-irritating mascara enriched with vitamins and herbal extracts and suitable for sensitive eyes.
4. A party look with pretty lips
Lip glosses are a great way to finish off your party look – not only are they quick and easy to apply, they always create a glamorous, finished look. If you are feeling frisky and want to make a bold statement, try sultry-red lips which are hot this holiday season!
Tip: Apply a dusting of your face powder or a bit of foundation to your lips to help maximize the staying power of the lipstick or gloss. Depending on your dress color, choose a lip color that enhances the outfit. Apply the lip gloss over your lipstick to create a playful look and to make your lips appear luminous. Remember the golden rule: if your eyes are bright, choose a more neutral color for your lips and vice versa if your eyes have less color.
Green this look: For a glamorous red-lips looks try
ZuZu Luxe Lipgloss in Caliente ($18). This formula is gluten and lead-free and also long-lasting for up to 12 hours. For a more natural effect but that also add a little shimmer and fun to your look, I like
Cargo Plant Love Botanical Lipsktics ($20), a sheer, creamy lipstick formulated with natural and organic ingredients.
5. Blushed Cheeks
The holidays or other celebrations are great for wearing blushed cheeks. I favor blush colors that have a touch of gold or bronze in them because when you smile, it picks up the light beautifully and it looks great in photos as well.
Tip: Choose cheek colors that have tiny bits of gold and bronze in them because it gives your cheeks a dewy look. If you are not sure about what color to pick, Coral and Pink shades go well with any skin tone.
Green this look: For a more shimmery-blushed effect try
Alima Luminous Shimmer Blush ($15) which is a pure, luscious and richly pigmented shimmering blush that goes on sheer and blends beautifully for a healthy glow. All Alima cosmetics are certified all-natural and use environmentally-friendly packaging. If you are looking for a more naturally blushed-look I like
Aubrey Organics Silken Earth Blush in Warm Rose ($12), made with natural colors, sustainable and agricultural ingredients.
What's your favorite green makeup tip? share with us!
Phot0 credit: Getty Images
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