Living clean and green isn’t just limited to reducing your carbon footprint and eating organic produce – it’s also about what’s in your makeup stash. So if you’re looking to better your beauty habits for 2016, we’ve got you covered with our round-up of the best cosmetic brands available in Singapore that are all-natural, organic, vegan, cruelty-free or eco-friendly.
First up, what do these labels mean?
Natural: Ingredients are derived from natural sources with no synthetic compounds.
Organic: Only plant-sourced ingredients are used and cultivated without synthetic chemicals or pesticides.
Vegan: Does not contain animal-derived ingredients such as lanolin, beeswax, and collagen. Vegan brands also don’t do animal testing.
Cruelty-free: Does not do product testing on animals.
Psst…want to know where to get your natural skincare and makeup fix? Head to these organic beauty stores in Singapore.
Josie Maran (natural, organic, and cruelty-free)
As a former model and face of Maybelline, Josie Maran certainly knows a thing or two about makeup – which is why her own eponymous cosmetics line is such a winner. Its star ingredient is 100% organic Argan oil (found in all products like foundations, concealers, and bronzers) that’s sustainably harvested from all-female cooperatives in Morocco. Better yet: Josie Maran Cosmetics also favours fair trade practices and eco-friendly packaging – making it easily one of the best natural makeup and skincare brands in the market.
Available online and at Sephora.
RMS Beauty (organic and cruelty-free)
Tried and trusted by countless celebs, RMS Beauty is the brainchild of renowned makeup artist Rose-Marie Swift who wanted to create an anti-aging and long-term beauty cosmetics line – and that she did. Free of harmful chemicals, synthetic preservatives, and genetically altered ingredients (GMO), all of the RMS Beauty products are formulated with raw, food grade, and organic ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter, jojoba oil, and rosemary extract. Bonus: RMS Beauty is 100% cruelty-free too. One must-try product is the RMS Living Luminizer, which has a cult following for its flattering highlighting finish on all skin tones.
Available online at The Naturally Better Company.
tarte (cruelty-free and vegan-friendly)
The word’s still out on whether tarte can be classified as truly all-natural, but the American makeup brand touts itself as a leader in eco-chic beauty: its products are infused with superfruit and plant extracts, vitamins, and are free from parabens or synthetic fragrances. But what do we love most about tarte? Its pretty packaging with vibrant colours and cheery prints that’s made from sustainable and recyclable materials.
Available online and at Sephora.
Tata Harper (natural, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly)
100% natural and non-toxic ingredients 100% of the time: that’s the motto of Tata Harper. Manufactured in small batches in their Vermont-based laboratory with concentrated natural formulas, you can rest easy knowing that all of Tata Harper products are safe yet effective – and the accolades speak for themselves. The 100% natural and non-toxic Volumizing Lip and Cheek Tint is favourite amongst beauty editors, thanks for its long-lasting sheer finish yet that’s formulated with Spanish Lavender and acai fruit oil.
Available online and at The Naturally Better Company.
ILIA (natural and organic)
Thanks to its sleek packaging and on-trend products, ILIA is another standout brand in the organic beauty market. Founded in Canada in 2011, ILIA prides itself as a niche colour cosmetic line with an ethical-sustainable approach to beauty. Each of its products – ranging from the ever-popular Tinted Lip Conditioners to Illuminators and Shadow Sticks – is filled with up to 85% bioactive certified organic ingredients.
Available online, at The Naturally Better Company and Zalora.
Antonym (natural, organic, and cruelty-free)
Who says beauty can’t be eco-luxe? That’s what Antonym sets out to be with its makeup line that’s natural, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly. How so? Certified by Ecocert, Antonym is free of parabens, synthetic fragrances, sulfates – resulting in stellar products with strong pigmentation and luxurious textures. Its line of vegan makeup brushes is another must-try.
Available online and at Luxola.com