I've been a fan of organic and natural skincare for a few years now, but it's taken a little longer for me to really discover and get into cosmetics that fit those descriptions. I will hold my hands up and admit that I'm a real sucker for the wannabe glossiness of designer make-up brands and have never been really tempted to wean myself off them.

But from time to time I am confronted with a compelling reason to change my ways (if not permanently, then at least every now and again). I might find that my eyes start watering after applying mascara or eyeliner or I might be plagued with a crop of angry red bumps around my nose. I wouldn't want to lay the blame on any particular brand – the reasons could be numerous – but when it happens it plants the idea in my mind that going natural might be a good idea.

It wasn't such an enticing idea a few years ago – choice was limited and packaging rather humdrum. But that was then.... things have picked up dramatically recently. Pacakging for one is generally chicer than it used to be, which is a bonus. And those scare stories about exactly how much lipstick we ingest in a lifetime (pounds of the stuff!) are pretty compelling...
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Organic Glam (OG) by The Organic Pharmacy
'Smokey' Eyeshadow Palette (£30.95 )
I was initially tempted by the anthracite grey in this quartet of shades – always useful as a liner as well as a shadow. But it turns out that the other three shades are also pretty useful. There's a bright white – great for the corners of the eye and under the brow, a pale banana yellow and a misty grey (both of these can be blended with the anthracite to soften it.

And all of them are intense pigments, so do their job well. Also comes in Nude Brown and Plum quartets. OG make-up is made with mineral pigments, herbal extracts and antioxidants and contains no artificial preservatives and fragrances.
www.theorganicpharmacy.com
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Green People
'Plum' Eco Eye Trio (£18.40 )
From a darkish mauve through to a soft and then icy pink, these colours work well individually or you can sweep a brush across all three for a blended tone – which is useful. Contains no petrochemicals, parabens, phthalates or propylene glycol. Three other colourways available.

'Brown Black' Volumising Mascara (£14.35 )
At first I wasn't sure whether I could actually detect any actual 'volumising' going on here (I was just glad to have a mascara that was suitable for sensitive eyes), but as I've been using it everyday and become bolder, there's definitely a sense of fuller, thicker lashes. Contains no mercury, just shea butter and almond oil to condition. And I really like the not-quite-black colour (it also comes in Black)
www.greenpeople.co.uk
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Inika

'Bordeaux Bliss' Mineral Lipstick (£15.35 )
This matte look lipstick has a very creamy texture, which makes it feel soft and
comfortable to wear. The colour was not the deep 'wine' tone that its name suggested, but no matter, I still liked the muted pinky-brown shade. This Australian brand is '100% natural' and the certified vegan and organic products are completely free from harsh petrochemicals, fillers, talc, parabens etc.

'Purple Minx' Mineral Eyeliner (£11.75 )
This pencil has a good, intense mauvy-grey colour (not too scarily vibrant) and is quite subtle unless you press a little harder for extra depth. It smudges well which is a plus in my book and I also like the fact that it comes with a sharpener in the lid.
www.inikacosmetics.co.uk
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Bellapierre
'Desert Rose' Mineral Blush (£29.99)
Unlike lots of blushers, this one is a very generous size and comes in a mirrored compact that also contains a puff (although I prefer a brush). The soft pinky peach tone (one of four shades) is prettily flattering and has good depth of colour. Along with foundation and a bronzer this is part of Bellapierre's relatively new range of natural mineral make-up in compact form – great for anyone who struggles with loose powder. And they're made with pure mineral pigments together with jojoba and honeysuckle extract.

Eyeliner Trio (£29.99)
I love this little set. The three little liquid liners (in black, plum and bronze) are contained within a clever dispenser that allows each one to push up – but not out – just enough to unscrew the lid that contains the brush. It's very handbag friendly in terms of size and shape (no mistaking it for a pen when rummaging!) and the three shades (made with natural waxes and infused with white and green tea extracts) are all useful.
www.bellapierre.co.uk
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Lavera
'Ivory' Natural Liquid Foundation (£11.90 )
This pump action bottle contains an almost mousse-like, creamy foundation that gives a really good colour. The packaging might make it look suspiciously like it's going to be a Nancy del'Olio tan shade, but the Ivory tone was spot on for me. It goes on smoothly and gives an even coverage (blending away dark circles and red bits) without looking too heavy. Contains organic aloe vera as well as various nutients, minerals and vitamins and comes in four shades.

'Plum Brown' Soft Lip Liner (£6.90)
This pencil is beautifully soft in texture (made with organic materials including jojoba oil) which means that it can be used to fill in the colour of the whole lip as well as lining it. A little more pressure makes it strong enough to line a deep lipstick, but it also works well with 'nude' shades. Also comes in 'Apricot Beige'.

All Lavera products are free from parabens; petrochemicals; synthetic aromas, colours and preservatives.
www.lavera.co.uk
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Korres
Wild Rose Foundation SPF 20 (£20 )
This 'brightening and long-lasting' foundation goes on like a tinted moisturiser, but with a much more definite coverage. It feels light and comfortable on and my skin looks even, but not 'caked' in colour. I also like the fact that there's an SPF included. As with all Korres make-up, the foundation is free from harsh chemicals and synthetic substances, while the wild rose is a source of vitamin C so actually helps to repair fine lines.

'Coral' Zea Mays Blush (£ )
Not sure who (or what) Zea May is, but don't be put off by the rather fierce looking deep tone to this blusher, which contains corn starch powder particles. Unless you're very heavy-handed with a brush it can be as subtle as you like. I just lightly sweep the brush over the surface and sort of dab-cum-stroke the velvety powder on. it also works well as a pinky base on eyelids.
0870 850 3868 for stockists
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Living Nature
'Medium' Concealer (£14.30 )
In a handy little tube with a narrow nozzle, this concealer feels light and creamy to use but gives extremely good coverage where it's needed (under eyes, on chin, around nose). Also comes in 'light' and 'dark' shades.

'Riverstone' Eye Pencil (£10.20 )
A lovely soft texture to this vegetable wax pencil, which is a dark grey-brown shade (two others are available). Absolutely no heavy pressure needed to create a strong, even line, which smudges well if you prefer that soft, smokey look.

While many of the ingredients used are organic, Living Nature's make-up is described as 'natural' and contains no harsh and/or synthetic ingredients.
www.livingnature.com