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Organic Cosmetics On a Budget

Organic Cosmetics on a Budget

Several readers have asked lately about finding organic cosmetics that won’t break the bank.  Like conventional cosmetics, you often get what you pay for.  But inexpensive does not necessarily have to mean ineffective, even with organic cosmetics.  You just have to know where to look…

Following are some of my favorite cost-effective organic skincare and makeup products, a couple of great discounts plus some tips on saving green with green beauty:

Organic Skin Care & Body Care

Lavera (one of my long-standing favorites) makes both skincare and makeup that are not only fabulous, but safe and budget-friendly.  FACES Organic Skincare Systems offer products for each skin type.  My top picks – Wild Rose Cleansing Milk ($19) and Calendula Balancing Cream ($23.50).

You can find Lavera products at LoveTrueNatural.com.  Get 20% off your first time order with code FIRSTORDER.  (First time order offer excludes kits and clearance items.)

SKIN brand offers a wide range of products for face and body at very reasonable prices.  And they come in bigger sizes too.  My faves from this brand – Apricot Mango eye cream (($24.95), Lemon Lips lip balm ($6.95) and Naked Skin unscented face & body lotion (14.95).

Get 15% off all SKIN brand products at Caren Online through Jan 15th 2012 with code SKIN15

For body, it is hard to beat Shea Moisture Organic Coconut & Hibiscus Shea Butter Wash($9.99).  Thick and rich (so it lasts a good, long time) and smells delicious.  Love it!  Added bonus:  you can pick it up at Target, Wal-Mart or Walgreen’s.

Makeup

Lavera is also one of my staple makeup brands, with prices ranging from $11-$24.  My all-time favorite mascara is Volume Mascara in black ($20) and Mattifying Mineral Finish Loose Powder ($20), both of which last a long time.

SANTE is another terrific organic makeup brand, and offer lots of products and colors.  I totally love the Eyeshadow Sticks ($12) and Eyeliner Pencils ($11).  Both go on really smooth but stay put. 

Another all natural makeup line that is also easy on the pocketbook is Benecos.  The range begins at just $9 and even includes nail polish ($11.99)free from the most harmful polish ingredients.  While I have not yet tried any Benecos products personally, they do come highly recommended.  Look for my review on this line coming up soon. 

You can find Lavera, Sante and Benecos products at LoveTrueNatural.com.  Get 20% off your first time order with code FIRSTORDER.  OR score this awesome Benecos Holiday Glamour Set for eyes, only $30!  (First time order offer excludes kits and clearance items.)

100% Pure makes great skincare and body care, but it is hard to beat their cream blushers, Pot Rouge ($15).  Come in lots of sweet colors, too.  Same goes for their Shimmery Lip & Cheek Tints ($15), a multi-use product.

Don’t worry, we won’t forget the lips.  Crazy Rumors Lip Colors are pretty, tasty, and keep lips super soft.  And at just $4.99 you can have a couple.

Tips

There are a few tricks you can use to extend the life of your organic cosmetics.  While there are certain products you will probably use up more quickly (facial cleansers, moisturizers, foundation), others are a good long term investment.

A good facial oil not only offers your skin added hydration and glow-i-ness, but can stretch your moisturizer and double as a treatment.  I like to add a few drops at night to my regular moisturizer.  No need to purchase a nighttime moisturizer, and a facial oil lasts and lasts because you only use 2-3 drops at a time.  You can spend a mini-fortune  on facial oils, but two I like that are not bank-breakers:  MuBeauty ($45) and Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil ($24.95).

Purchasing samples and try-me sizes are a good way to see if you like a product before laying down the cash for the full-size.  Spirit Beauty Lounge has a great deal on samples – purchase 10 samples for $25.  Caren Online also sells Try-Me sized products at very reasonable rates.

Have questions on organic cosmetics?  Drop me a comment below…

[Girl with money image via Shutterstock]

Written by Liz Thompson

I am an organic beauty expert, writer, and mom of two young environmentalists who can already spot a toxic product when they see one. Read more about me at Organic Beauty Source.com, and find me on , Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook.

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