Some people inherit money from their families. Others acquire significant pieces of jewelry. I got dark circles. Trust me, I would have gladly accepted real estate or a priceless work of art, but instead I was bequeathed the hereditary gift that keeps on giving. My grandma had them. My mom has them. And I can already see the familiar blue-gray half moons forming under my toddler’s eyes. Have I accepted my fate with resignation? Do I venture out into the world looking like I was on the losing end of an alley fight? Not a chance. I won’t step outside to get the newspaper without first applying a serious slathering of under eye concealer or foundation. I go natural, of course—organic when possible—and have found that the right product will also mask pimples, broken capillaries, blotchy spots and any other imperfection that has worked its way onto your otherwise flawless face.
Reliable Dr. Hauschka has edged in on the foundation game with a product made from many of the same deliciously natural ingredients found in his moisturizers—avocado oil, jojoba seed oil, shea butter and the like. Hauschka’s Translucent Make-up ($36.95, Amazon.com) is designed to go on light and smooth for that make-up-free made-up look that we all pretend we’re not striving for.
Leave it to the Aussies to develop a certified organic (by the Organic Food Chain of Australia, thank you very much) foundation overflowing with ingredients that are good enough to eat, like sweet almond oil, wild marjoram, thyme, and cinnamon bark. Yum. NVEY ECO Organic Moisturizing Fluid Foundation ($45, Amazon.com) also contains “rose absolute,” a seemingly magical potion made from rosebuds picked and distilled right after the morning dew (30 roses are required for one skimpy drop of oil).
For some, a mineral foundation is the only way to go. For others, the idea of dusting crushed up mica and iron oxide on your cheeks is downright wacky. Mineral converts choose to brush it on instead of dab it on for a number of reasons—the makeup is often lighter, easier to apply and full of good things (um, minerals). And if AfterGlow Cosmetics’ Organic Mineral Foundation ($38, Amazon.com) is your coverage of choice, you’re also enjoying ingredients like organic grape seed and organic pomegranate extracts in addition to said minerals. But like Hauschka and NVEY, this coverage doesn’t come cheap. Perhaps you can think of it as an investment in your face.
Those in need of spot concealing—usually of the emergency variety—as well as a financial breather, should check out Organic Wear’s Concealer Stick ($6.95, Drugstore.com) made from 100 percent natural ingredients—of which 72.5 percent are farmed organically. Hit with an unexpected zit? Right before the big date? Or the big meeting? Bet you’re glad you tucked that stick in your purse this morning.
