Makeup Loves

This post is not sponsored. It comes to you from a very enthusiastic makeup-lover

Over the next few weeks I have had a couple weddings to attend (OOTD to come soon!). This means organizing outfits, shoes, makeup - everything. As this final wedding draws near, I noticed a trend in my makeup. While I was looking through my makeup yesterday, looking for my missing Burt's Bees lip balm (oh, what else is new? I'm always misplacing that thing), I noticed something that I never had before: I have a love affair with Physicians Formula and Mineral Fusion makeup.

If I were to pluck out the majority of my most-used products these two companies would be center stage. If that doesn't constitute a love-affair, I don't know what does. In honor of this, I thought I'd talk about my beloved products. I have very sensitive skin and none of these products bother me; I honestly could not rave about them enough.


Physicians Formula's Organic Wear Natural Lash Boosting Mascara ($9.95)

**Not tested on animals**

70% of this product comes from organic farming! Just that fact alone makes me want to happy dance. (This information comes from the product's page, go here to read more.)

Buying more natural products is not always the most cost effective for people. What I love about both this Physicians Formula Organic Wear mascara and the Mineral Fusion one I have listed next are that they are more affordable than other natural or organic product lines I have come across. Also, neither is tested on animals!

When it comes to this Physicians Formula mascara, I love it because the brush separates my lashes well. They look more numerous, thicker, longer, and stand out. (I was not one blessed with long, large, lushes eye lashes so, for me, this is a huge A+ in a product!) It also is not waterproof, so it is super easy for me to take off at night. The downside is that if I cry or sweat, off it comes. While I used to hate this I now prefer it. Taking off my eye make up is now gentler on delicate eye skin and muscles. All it takes is a little water on a wash cloth and a 1-2-3 swipe! It's really gentle and easy to clean off. Also, non-waterproof mascara has less chemicals in it than waterproof mascara, which is another huge A+ in my book.

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Mineral Fusion's Lengthening Mascara ($14.99)

**Never tested on animals**

This mascara makes my eye lashes appear longer and much, much thicker. I've used this product for awhile now and am always pleased with it. I do find it smudges less than the Physician's Formula product, but the brush also does not separate my lashes as well as the Physicians Formula mascara. Because of their opposing pros and cons, I often go between the two depending on what effect I want. I love them both equally!

Just as with the Physicians Formula mascara, this Mineral Fusion product is not waterproof.

For more important info on why I love Mineral Fusion, check out the foundation product listed towards the end of this post!





Physicians Formula's Shimmer Strips: Custom Eye Enhancing Shadow & Liner - Nude Collection ($11.95)

Custom Eye Enhancing Shadow & Liner Nude Collection - See more at: http://www.physiciansformula.com/en-us/productdetail/eyes/eye-shadows/07871.html#sthash.2nrMyBFE.dpuf

Custom Eye Enhancing Shadow & Liner Nude Collection - See more at: http://www.physiciansformula.com/en-us/productdetail/eyes/eye-shadows/07871.html#sthash.2nrMyBFE.dpuf

**Not tested on animals**

Now, this product isn't organic or overly healthy or anything like that. I have had this for years. I think this might even be high school-years old. But let me tell you: it is one of my favorite products. I have received countless compliments on how well-blended, natural, and stunning my eye makeup has been while where this product. It is incredibly versatile! With the variety of nudes it is easy to get a well-blended day look. Come night it is easy to transition to a more smoky, sultry eye. If you have never gotten yourself a good nude product, go do it. It is one of the best tools you can have your beauty care setup.





Mineral Fusion's Concealer ($24.99)

**Never tested on animals**

This is my favorite concealer ever. I have gone through a lot of them. A lot. Having two shades to work with allows me to use one underneath to fight the scarring, redness, or blemishes and the other on top to seal-the-deal. It covers so well and the color I use blends into my skin so well that I have even worn it without foundation before, on days I just want to cover up and go out. This product also lasts a really long time. A little goes a long way. I have had my container of concealer since December and it is still going strong! I won't have to re-buy until just before school starts.

For more info on why I love Mineral Fusion, check out the next product!






Mineral Fusion's Pressed Powder Foundation ($29.99)

** Never tested on animals**

This product isn't cheap by any means. As a college student forking out money to pay for classes, commuting costs, and other expenses I know how important it is to stay on budget. However, I also know how important it is to have good products. The further I travel on my path towards being a Naturopath, the more important it becomes that I stand by my resolve to put the least harmful products on my body that I can. This does not mean that I think Mineral Fusion is the best company out there. But I do know, health-wise, it is better than a lot of others. The benefit to my health, to knowing what I am putting on my skin is not overtly harmful, means a lot to me. As Mineral Fusion puts on their About Us page, they aim to really care for skin. This means no "gluten, parabens, talc, artificial colors, synthetic fragrances, SLS, and phthalates." (All of this information is on the About Us page.) And for the vegetarians out there, the product is 100% vegetarian with a large percentage also being 100% vegan. In their product descriptions they call this "formula purity."

Also, as an eco-lover and tree-hugger, it makes me happy to know that the company is "committed to sustainability and utilize wind power, soy inks, packaging from recycled materials and packaging that is recyclable." (All of this information is on the About Us page.)  Plus the company has a lot of other great missions - like raising awareness of domestic violence and showing support to battered women.

Beyond these factors, which although a significant enough, when I pay $30 for a product, I want it to work and work well. So, let me tell you: it works. This make up gives me one of the most flawless looks I have ever achieved with a make up. And, if I want an extra oomph (say on a day I am super self-conscious) I layered the make up like this: BB cream, concealer, foundation. I take a lot of pictures because I am big on memories and moments. Whenever I use this product and especially when I layer, I never have a problem. My skin always looks flawless, uniform in color, healthy, and youthful. It is so lightweight that I often forget I am wearing anything. It is like a second layer of skin.

And, the big plus for me: this stuff lasts forever. I use this foundation nearly every day. I bought the one I am using now in December (and that was only because I misplaced my old one in luggage)...it is now June. Six month's later and my make up is as full as the first day I bought it.  Because of the coverage quality I use 1/2 of the make up I normally would. When I break it down, even though $30 feels like a lot when I buy it, it really ends up being pennies in the bucket since it lasts so long.




Physicians Formula's Gentle Wear 100% Natural Origin 2-in-1 Bronzer & Blush ($13.95)

**Not tested on animals**

Another more natural product from Physicians Formula (paraben-free!), this 2-in-1 Bronzer & Blush has been my favorite blush for a really long time. The color is smooth, soft, and natural. It can be applied lightly to add a healthy glow during the daytime or darker at night, to accentuate cheekbones. This Bronzer & Blush is lightweight. Just as with my foundation I forget I am wearing it!





Mineral Fusion Lipstick ($14.99)

(No photo available, because I seem to have misplaced it. Oh no!)

**Never tested on animals**

This is my newest buy. As I slowly move away from more chemical-laden brands into more natural, and even organic products, in my beauty care, my next swap out is lipstick. I have been needing to do this for awhile. Most of my products are old. Knowing that most of the lipsticks available to us in America are lead-laden, I've been wanting to find a more reliable source. The more I can decrease exposure to environmental toxins like lead, the better. Even in natural products, this is becoming an issue. (Burt's Bees, a favorite product of mine, has been labeled as having an acceptable level of lead for consumer use by law, but consumer questioning of the high levels has led to the company looking at ways to reduce lead contamination. Yay!)

Mineral fusion aims to have as little lead in their products as possible. These two articles here and here discuss their process.

I am happy and proud to say that I love this lipstick. It is soft and smooth, not at all drying. The colors are rich and stunning. I have definitely found my new lipstick!