Conventional Makeup vs. Natural Makeup: Which one are you?

Conventional Makeup vs. Natural Makeup: Which one are you?

I used to grab whatever foundation or mascara was trending at Priceline without thinking twice. If it looked good, lasted all day, and was on sale, it was in my makeup bag!

But when I learned what was actually in most conventional makeup, my entire perspective shifted and now, I’ll never go back.

This article isn’t about fear-mongering or telling you to throw away everything in your bathroom today, it’s about awareness, so you can make informed choices about what goes on (and into) your body.

What you put on your skin matters

Your skin is your body’s largest organ and it’s not a solid barrier, it’s porous, meaning it absorbs a percentage of what you put on it.

Once absorbed, these chemicals enter your bloodstream and are processed by your liver. While your liver is designed to detoxify, it was never built for the chemical cocktail we face daily from food, air, water, cleaning products, and yes, devastating I know… makeup.

Over time, this daily exposure can lead to:

• Hormonal imbalances

• Acne and skin irritation

• Fatigue and brain fog

• Fertility struggles

• Accelerated ageing

• Increased toxic load that can contribute to chronic illness

What’s lurking in conventional makeup?

Let’s look at some popular Australian makeup brands and the ingredients you’ll often find in their products:

1. Maybelline

Common ingredients:

• Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben) – hormone disruptors

• Synthetic dyes – may be contaminated with heavy metals

• Fragrance/parfum – can contain hundreds of undisclosed chemicals

2. L’Oréal

Common ingredients:

• Phenoxyethanol – linked to skin irritation and nervous system effects in high doses

• Silicones – can trap dirt/oil and cause breakouts

• PEG compounds – potential contamination with carcinogens during manufacturing

3. MAC Cosmetics

Common ingredients:

• BHT/BHA – potential endocrine disruptors

• Talc – may be contaminated with asbestos if not tested

• Petrolatum/mineral oil – can block pores and trap toxins

4. Revlon

Common ingredients:

• Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives – linked to allergies and cancer risk

• Coal tar dyes – some linked to cancer and neurotoxicity

5. Rimmel London

Common ingredients:

• Fragrance – hormone-disrupting

• Synthetic waxes – petroleum-derived

• Parabens – hormone-disrupting

These brands dominate store shelves but rarely do we see ingredient transparency in their advertising.

The Hormone Connection

Many of these ingredients are endocrine disruptors. That means they can mimic, block, or interfere with your body’s natural hormones affecting everything from your menstrual cycle to your mood, metabolism, and fertility, yet many women continue to use these products daily then wonder why they’re periods are painful or their peri-menopause symptoms are out of control.

Your body has to work overtime to detoxify them daily, which can put constant pressure on your liver and immune system.

Do you have to give up makeup?

Absolutely not! I personally love wearing makeup whether it’s a little eye-makeup and mineral powder during the week, or going full glam for an event.

The difference? I now choose clean, low-tox brands that perform beautifully without the hidden health cost.

My Top 5 low-tox makeup brands

These are the brands I use and recommend to women who want beauty without compromise:

1. Eco Minerals

• Why I love it: Their mineral foundation gives the most flawless, breathable coverage, and the mascara has no toxic scent and never irritates my eyes.

• Promise: 100% pure minerals, zero talc, parabens, or synthetic fragrance.

• Bonus: Eco-friendly refill packs (I love these!).

2. Ere Perez

• Why I love it: Plant-based ingredients and skin-loving formulas that feel nourishing.

• Promise: Cruelty-free, toxin-free, and performance-driven.

3. Eye of Horus

• Why I love it: Their eyeliners and mascaras are long-lasting but gentle on sensitive eyes.

• Promise: Inspired by ancient beauty rituals, using natural waxes and oils.

4. Luk Beautifood

• Why I love it: Their lipsticks are literally infused with food-grade ingredients – they smell and feel amazing and I use them all the time.

• Promise: Pure, natural, edible beauty (and if they’re on your lips, you should be able to eat them!).

5. Inika Organic

• Why I love it: High-performance, certified organic products that rival luxury department store brands.

• Promise: Vegan, halal, and 100% natural.

Simple steps to transition to low-tox makeup

1. Swap one product at a time – start with what you use most (foundation or mascara for most women).

2. Check the ingredients – use apps like EWG Skin Deep or Think Dirty.

3. Listen to your skin – irritation, breakouts, or dryness could be a sign your products are too harsh.

4. Don’t be afraid to experiment – clean beauty has come a long way; performance is now on par with conventional brands.

The Bottom Line

Makeup should enhance your natural beauty, not silently harm your health.

When you choose low-tox products, you’re not only protecting your hormones, skin, and liver… you’re also supporting brands that care about your wellbeing and our planet.

And the best part is that you still get to feel confident, radiant, and a little glamorous, every single day 🎀

Ready to start your low-tox beauty swap? Join my For Her Friday email list and you’ll get my free Healthy Habits Guide for Women 30+ instantly!

It’s packed with my go-to swaps, product recs, and daily habits to help you feel amazing from the inside out. 💛