6 Natural Eyeshadows That Are Good For You and the Environment

Natural Eyeshadows

Byrdie / Jaclyn Mastropasqua

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.

01 of 06

Everyday Minerals Eyeshadow

Everyday Minerals Eyeshadows

 Courtesy of Everyday Minerals

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

02 of 06

Zuzu Luxe Eyeshadow

Zuzu Luxe Eyeshadow

Courtesy of Amazon

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

03 of 06

Zuii Organic Eyeshadow

Zuii Organic Eyeshadow

 Courtesy of Zuii Organic

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

04 of 06

Urban Decay Naked Eyeshadow Palette

Urban Decay Naked Eyeshadow Palettes

 Courtesy of Nordstrom

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

05 of 06

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

Eyeshadow Primer Potion

Sephora

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

06 of 06

Everyday Minerals Makeup Brushes

Everyday Minerals Eye Shadow Brush

Everyday Minerals

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.

FAQ
  • How long can you keep powder eyeshadow?

    Generally speaking, powder eyeshadows can last about two years, but should be replaced every three to six months.

  • What are eyeshadows used for?

    Eyeshadows are used to add a pop of color to the eye. Some also use eyeshadow as eyeliner, a brow filler, or as highlighter.

  • Can you put eyeshadow on without primer?

    Eyeshadow can certainly be put on without a primer. However, it's better to apply with a primer as it'll help it last longer.

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