The words ‘natural’ and ‘organic’ are beauty buzzwords that seem to feature in every makeup marketing ploy these days (with little to no verification). But fear not, we’ve researched and tested the beauty brands genuinely sticking to their ethical values, carving sustainability where they can, and insisting on cruelty-free practices whilst still producing long-lasting, high-performing make-up that contributes to a healthier, happier beauty routine.
From the flawless foundation that nourishes skin, to must-have mascara that hydrates lashes, we’ve done the legwork (yes, testing beauty products is such a drag) to bring you our favourite, non-toxic and safe-to-use cosmetics for every category in your cosmetics kit.
The Skin
Behind its flawless finish, do you feel like your foundation is clogging your pores and hindering your skin’s health rather than healing it? Skincare-powered makeup brand, Ilia, aims to develop makeup that not only enhances your beauty when it’s on, but treats your skin at the same time. The award-winning True Skin Serum Foundation is enriched with a powerful blend of botanical actives (aloe leaf, rosehip, jojoba and marula oils to name a few) that soothe irritations, tame redness and plump fine lines while the formula itself seamlessly blends into skin to blur imperfections and minimize pores.
The fragrance-free, cruelty-free and vegan silky liquid is available in 30 shades and you can shop safely knowing the brand is rooted in tackling deforestation, using recycled packaging and conscious, carefully-selected ingredients.
True Skin Serum Foundation, Dhs233, Ilia
The Cheeks
Moroccan brand Whind’s Instant Glow Tinting Water is the glowing game-changer for all skin types. This everyday solution offers a natural bronzed tint to skin, using a botanical alternative to the traditional bronzing agent DHA. Infused with erythrulose, the product interacts with skin proteins to gradually build color and leave you with a radiant sun-kissed flush. Free from mineral oil, sulfate detergent and nasty parabens, simply massage 2-3 drops onto a clean face or mix with your favorite serum or face oil and don’t forget to wash your hands afterwards.
With added hyaluronic acid, you’re hydrating and plumping your skin as you glow… sold! Bottled in artisanal-inspired glass packaging and jars, the brand is not only eco-friendly but also PETA-certified, cruelty-free and vegan. Whind also promise that all of their products are biodegradable ー not an ocean-clogging microbead in sight.
Marrakech Sun Instant Glow Tinting Water, Dhs189, Whind
The Lips
Looking for fuller lips without painful and problematic injectables? Manifest Beauty’s Plump Pout Lip Plumping Oil offers a non-invasive route to luscious lips. Favouring the natural and nourishing properties of Columbian chili, cinnamon extracts and jojoba oil over toxic ingredients, it sweeps onto lips for a 100 per cent clean and vegan experience. Available in five subtle shades including Dubai Gold, apply it overnight as a mask to wake up with a perfectly hydrated pout, or simply layer on top of your favorite lipstick throughout the day. Find it on MissPalettable.com, the conscious online UAE beauty store.
Plump Pout Lip Plumping Oil, Dhs109, Manifest Beauty
The Eyes
Shop with pure peace of mind with clean beauty brand, Dime, as they promise full transparency on ingredients and never use parabens, sulfates or phthalates in their formulas. The volumizing mascara is a must-have for conscious beauty buffs, gliding on smoothly to separate lashes and create a fuller flutter. As it’s enriched with squalene too, it not only adds shine to your natural lashes but nourishes them through the day to prevent breakage. After a full day of jumping between AC and sunshine, we witnessed zero smudging, flaking or smearing.
The Brows
For anyone seeking HD brows without the permanence, Sculpted by Amiee’s Shape and Set Brow Duo is the next best thing. This multipurpose product (that’s Leaping Bunny approved) features a soft angled pencil on one end and a clear brow fixing gel on the other, offering everything you need for gorgeously, groomed brows. The angled pencil gives a precise shaping with subtle, hair-like strokes, while the gel sets and styles your brow hairs in place for the whole day.
Not only is the brand dedicated to your best brows yet, but their ReSculpted environmental initiative encourages recycling by rewarding customers with discounts for returning empty products, and they’re partners with tree-planting charity, Hometree, to restore woodlands in Ireland, where Sculpted was founded.
