Makeup is meant to enhance your beauty, not cover it up; and certainly not to clog your pores, make you age faster, and cause cancer. Thanks to the growing awareness about petrochemicals in beauty products, the market for organic, natural, and chemical-free makeup is advancing everyday. So, without further ado, here are a few boutiques in Toronto to discover the good stuff. [Photo courtesy of The Detox Market]
If you’re all about the organic lifestyle, then you’ll love The Big Carrot. Shop for groceries and cosmetics in one go. Head to this natural food market in Greektown and look for the body care sign. You’ll find loads of natural and organic bath and beauty brands to choose from. Start your facial canvas with a primer by Zuii, made with inflammation-reducing organic rose water. Then go for the natural, anti-aging finish of Logona foundation and freshen up your look with their blush. Looking for lengthening mascara? Try a selection by Zorah, made with organic Argan oil.
Article 27 carries nothing but 100% certified natural, organic, and ecological products – their cosmetic products are safe for your skin and the environment, from the packaging to the ingredients. In stock is Studio 78 eye makeups, like their smooth pencil made with organic beeswax, sunflower and essential oils, or their colour shadows that nourish and protect the delicate skin area around your eyes. Give your lips some love with Plante System balms, scented with natural extracts like vanilla, orange blossom, and cherry. You’ll find tons of organic and natural skincare options, hair care, fragrances and bath products here, too.
Don’t want to put your Sephora points to waste, eh? Tip: Ask a beauty advisor for organic makeup options or something free of harsh chemicals like silicones, sulfates, and parabens. One option is Bite Beauty, a moisture-rich lipstick brand that’s handcrafted with organic ingredients. Their Glacé lip crayon is a close match to Soar by MAC, a lip liner that sold out at the mere mention that Kylie Jenner wears it. There’s also Nudestix, a Canadian line offering a collection of triple-use makeup crayons that can be used on your eyes, lips, and face and are certified USDA organic.
Cancer can spark a sense of real awareness of the things we put on and in our bodies. It's what inspired Clementine Fields, an online natural and safe beauty store, free of harsh chemicals. Order makeup and skincare products to be delivered to your door or for pick-up in Toronto at Coal Miner’s Daughter on Queen Street West. You can ask for up to five samples (one per product) per order if you're unsure how a product will perform on your skin. Insider tip: Allure magazine raved about the Vapour Beauty stain blush, available at this e-boutique.
Sometimes you have to take a pause and take care of yourself. Visit the Pause Beauty Boutique for a spa makeover. They have free makeup applications on offer when you purchase from from the Fitglow Beauty, cruely-free, all natural makeup line. Pucker up with glossy lipsticks, hide your dark circles with their concealer, or rose your cheeks with their mineral blush – all made with certified organic ingredients. They also offer organic spray tanning by Fake Bake (free from artificial preservatives and parabens).
Jacob & Sebastian is TO’s go-to for all your au naturel and organic beauty products. From skincare to bath and body care, you can slather the goodness on all over. You’ll find some top-notch makeup options at this Queen West spot, like creamy lip and cheek stains from Tata Harper (all products are 100% natural and on average 30% organic). Shop certified organic and refillable eye shadows, foundation, blush, and highlighters by Kjaer Weis, or lip luxuries by Dalish, a Toronto-based, kitchen-made cosmetic line that’s natural, free of harsh chemicals, and uses organic ingredients like castor oil and carnauba wax.
Located at Bathurst and Harbord Streets, Health Hut is an all-natural lifestyle boutique. They carry natural and organic beauty brands like RMS Beauty, Ilia and Tata Harper. You’ll also find Earth Tu Face’s skin stick, an all-purpose applicator for face, lips and body, made with organic oils like olive, geranium flower, rose and lavender. At Health Hut, you’ll find more than just cosmetics, like bath and body, haircare, mom and baby, skincare and travel products, including natural remedies and lifestyle goodies like candles, jewellery and food. It’s your one-stop shop for a healthy mind, body and soul regime.
Your face will blossom with the makeup options at this Distillery District boutique. Blossom Lounge is an apothecary-like destination where you can shop items for your wardrobe, home, and skin. Some items to add to your makeup bag: 100% organic vegetable-base lip butter by Lalicious that soothes and leaves a tint of colour, ILIA tinted lip conditioners, made with organic ingredients (tip: the Crimson & Clover is a beautiful, vibrant shade of rouge), and, for some healing coverage, try the ILIA foundation (made with certified organic and calming botanicals like green tea and rosemary extracts).
Cosmetic ingredients shouldn’t be hard to decode. If they are, chances are they’re no good for your skin or the environment. At Natural Code, you’ll find natural and organic luxury products like Studio 78’s Let’s Get Married, a velvety liquid lipstick that’s made to last. The Au Naturale organic bronzer and highlighter sticks are perfect travel items for on-the-go applications. Makeup removers by S.W. Basics (made with sweet almond, extra-virgin olive, and jojoba oils) will make a welcome addition to your before-bed routine. Hot tip: Shopping at Natural Code is by appointment only, so be sure to call ahead.