It can be a difficult task to find natural eyeshadows that are both good for you and the environment. This includes also finding eyeshadows that are not tested on animals and don't have poor reviews.
One thing to remember when shopping for natural eyeshadows is this: Mineral makeup is king. Mineral makeup is largely made up of purely natural ingredients, including titanium oxide, zinc oxides, iron oxides, and mica. Non-organic shadows tend to contain very few naturally occurring ingredients. They also can contain preservatives that may not be good for you.
The following list includes several tried and true natural eyeshadows, as well as a few wonderful eyeshadow primers and an illuminator that can be used to wake up the eyes.
Everyday Minerals Eyeshadow
What We Like
- Clean, simple formula
- Lightweight
- Buildable
What We Don't Like
- Possibly too shimmery for some
We absolutely love the color options available in Everyday Minerals Eyeshadows. And, you can't beat the price. These eyeshadows have great staying power if applied wet (just dip your brush in a bit of water before dipping it into the shadow) and over an eyeshadow primer.
Finish: Sheer | Form: Powder | Size: 0.03 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Zuzu Luxe Eyeshadow
What We Like
- Vegan
- Full of rich, bio-available nutrients
- Comes in 16 shades
What We Don't Like
- Not very long-lasting
Enhance your eyes with Zuzu Luxe 100 percent natural mineral eyeshadows. Fresh and superbly blendable, these gorgeous shadows come in 16 stunning, ultra-wearable shades that can be worn alone or combined.
Price at time of publish: $18
Finish: Velvet | Form: Powder | Size: 0.07 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Zuii Organic Eyeshadow
What We Like
- Perfect for sensitive eyes
- Talc-free
- Naturally derived, mineral enriched colors
What We Don't Like
- Need to apply two coats for richness
Zuii Organic's eyeshadows get rave reviews from our experts. One writes that Zuii is one of the best natural brands on the market today for eyeshadow. Their shadows are highly pigmented and there are many amazing colors to choose from. We love Moss (deep green), Black Diamond (very black with subtle sparkles), Blackberry (deep purple), Blue Marine (beautiful medium royal blue), Brownie (dark gold), Mustard (medium tan with slight yellow and shine), and White Diamond (sparkly white).
Price at time of publish: $25 for Blackberry
As with all mineral shadows, you should apply with an eyeshadow brush and apply a primer on lids beforehand.
Finish: Sheer | Form: Powder | Size: 0.21 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Urban Decay Naked Eyeshadow Palette
What We Like
- Strong staying power
- High blendability
- Velvety texture
What We Don't Like
- Pricey
Some of the most popular eyeshadow palettes on the market, Urban Decay's Naked series is well-priced considering you get so many shadows in each palette. For luminous shades with shimmer and sparkle, try the Naked 2 palette. Or, for something a little sexier, opt for the Naked Cherry palette.
Price at time of publish: $54
Finish: Shimmer, Satin, Matte, Metallic | Form: Cream | Size: 0.21 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
What We Like
- Vibrant pigments
- Crease-free
- Lasts up to 24 hours
What We Don't Like
- Hard to apply
Urban Decay's primer potion is a beauty editor favorite. Most mineral eyeshadows require a primer on your lid to make them stay longer and this is an excellent option.
Price at time of publish: $25
Finish: Natural | Form: Cream | Size: 0.33 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Everyday Minerals Makeup Brushes
What We Like
- Wallet-friendly
- Dense and plush
- Vegan
What We Don't Like
- Synthetic fibers shed a bit
Mineral makeup usually requires a good mineral makeup brush for application. These brushes from Everyday Minerals get great reviews and are loved for their price.
Brush Material: Synthetic | Size: 1.0 x 1.0 x 6.7 in.
What To Look For in a Natural Eyeshadow
Ingredients
Natural (or mineral) makeup, like these eyeshadows, are made up of certain ingredients like zinc oxides, mica, titanium oxide, and iron oxides.
Highly Pigmented
Some natural eyeshadows are sheen or sheer, so it's imperative to look for shadows with a lot of pigment. Highly pigmented shades will allow you to get the most out of your eyeshadow. It'll provide a bright or natural pop of color to your eyeshadow and let you get the most bang for your buck.
Blendability
The great thing about eyeshadows is their ability to create a multitude of looks. To use them for different looks, make sure your shadows have blendability. This will allow you to cut crease, create different shapes, or fuse a multitude of colors together.