Natural Makeup 101: Eyeshadow Edition

Depending on the occasion and our personal mood, we can use eyeshadow to create a variety of makeup looks, ranging from dramatic and full to natural and effortless. There are numerous eyeshadow options available, including bright, dramatic, glittering, metallic, matte, and subtle. But instead of buying whatever we first come across, it’s best to pay careful attention to the kind of makeup products we use, especially eyeshadows.

Eyeshadows come into close contact with our eyes, and as such, they can easily irritate or harm them. That being said, it’s recommended to look for products that are made from natural and organic ingredients. You should only want the very best for your skin since it absorbs everything you apply on it.

What Is the Most Natural Eye Shadow?

Switching to natural eyeshadow is an excellent way to eliminate synthetic elements that may irritate your eyes. You can achieve gorgeous, healthy-looking eyes while being environmentally conscious by selecting skin-friendly eye shadow with natural ingredients. To find the best product, it’s important to understand the primary pigment components and how to use them to create stunning looks.

Natural Pigments

Natural eyeshadows often use finely powdered minerals as pigments. Some of the most popular mineral pigments include zinc oxide, mica, iron oxides, and titanium dioxide. These are safe and mild for the skin and can produce various colours and textures.

Iron Oxides

These are naturally occurring minerals used as pigments in makeup, especially eyeshadows. They come in various colours such as yellow, red, brown, and black and are composed of iron and oxygen. Regulatory agencies like the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Union (EU) consider them safe for use in eyeshadows and many other beauty products. Iron oxides are perfect for natural cosmetics because they are durable, resistant to fading, non-toxic, and have a minimal chance of triggering allergic reactions.

Mica

Mica is a naturally occurring mineral often used as a colourant in natural eyeshadows and other cosmetic items. Its composition includes silicate minerals that come in various colours, including white, silver, and brown tones. The natural beauty industry values mica for its ability to provide multifaceted colour and a shimmering or sparkly look. It is also well-known for its capacity to reflect light, giving the appearance of more vibrant and sparkling eyes.

Regulatory agencies, including the FDA and EU, consider mica safe for cosmetic products. Ensure you choose brands that use ethically and sustainably sourced mica to create the finest natural eyeshadows.

Titanium Dioxide

Titanium dioxide is another natural mineral used in eyeshadows. It is an opaque, white powder that enhances the eyes’ appearance. This foundation colour can be combined with other natural pigments to create a variety of shades and textures. Additionally, it helps improve the consistency and texture of the eyeshadow, making for easy application and blending.

Benefits of Using Natural Eyeshadows

Since our eyes are among the most sensitive areas of our bodies, traditional eyeshadows can be more damaging to our skin than their natural counterparts. Conventional eyeshadows often contain artificial chemicals, dyes, and preservatives, which can be problematic for sensitive skin or those with allergies. Organic eyeshadows are typically free of pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and fertilisers, using naturally derived pigments from fruits, minerals, and plant extracts.

Most organic brands support sustainable practices that lessen harm to animals and the environment and are vegan and cruelty-free. Because of these qualities, organic eyeshadow is much kinder and safer—not only for the area around our eyes but for the environment too.

Natural eyeshadows are versatile and can be used in many ways. Whether in moisturising cream pots or finely ground powder textures, you can confidently create stunning looks. Wet or dry eyeliner in deep blue, brown, and black works great for eyes, cheeks, and lips. Rosy nudes are also versatile for these areas.

Every natural eyeshadow comes in unique hues and effects, whether you prefer dramatic or subtle looks. These eyeshadows are long-lasting, giving a dramatic colour payoff throughout the day because they are pigment-rich and durable.

How Can You Choose the Best Eyeshadow Colour Combinations?

Choosing the right eyeshadow colour combinations involves understanding the colour wheel and pairing complementary shades to enhance your eyes. For versatile looks, pair similar shades for a gradient effect, mix neutrals with rich colours, and match cool tones with cool and warm tones with warm. Adding shimmer to matte eyeshadows can brighten and add depth.

Eye colour-specific recommendations include neutral and warm shades for brown eyes, warm pinks and greens for hazel eyes, bold shades for deep eyes, soft tones for blue eyes, tan and purples for green eyes, and smoky greys for grey eyes.

Additionally, selecting eyeshadow combinations that complement your skin tone can elevate your makeup. For example, dark skin tones benefit from bright colours and metallics, dark brown skin suits all palettes, olive skin looks best with jewel tones, medium skin pairs well with warm shades, and light skin glows with cool shades.