Mommy Greenest Approved: Au Naturale Cosmetics Natural Beauty
Remember when I shared how I put on my natural beauty face in five minutes? I just discovered a brand-new line of natural beauty products that delivers all the components you need—plus gives back to transform the lives of African girls. From brushes to mineral powders to pencils and more, Au Naturale is my new favorite natural beauty obsession, so I hooked you up with 25% off plus a chance to win a $150 shopping spree!
Love natural beauty? From brushes to powders to pencils and more, Au Naturale delivers—and they give back to African girls. Win an Au Naturale $150 shopping spree and get 25% off! Natural beauty means different things to different people. For Au Naturale founder Ashley Prange, it means vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free, paraben- and petrochemical-free, non-nano and incorporating as many organic ingredients as possible. Au Naturale is made in the USA, and gives back 10% to a Zambian school that Ashley has supported since college.
Hits all the bases, right? But get this: Au Naturale is so confident in their natural beauty formulations that on their ecommerce site they’ve put the EWG Skin Deep Database rating for each product right next to the ingredients list. Talk about taking out the guesswork!
As you know from my natural beauty post, I’m a true devotee of mineral powder foundations, and those from Au Naturale don’t disappoint: In a wide range of shades for every skin tone, the company even offers a Fresh Face Kit that includes powders in several different shades—plus Blush, cruelty-free Brush and Finishing Powder—so you can identify the best hue for you.
Au Naturale is big on multitasking. The bestselling Organic Crème Highlighter Stick works on so many levels—highlighter, foundation, eye shadow or blush—in a shimmery, peachy shade that you just swipe on and blend in. And the Lip & Cheek Tint delivers just the right amount of stain for the perfect blush and pout.
But probably the most fun are the products that Ashley developed with model Julie Henderson—of Sports Illustrated fame. Together, they created the $35 Au Naturale Holiday Shadow box that you could snag if you’re the Mommy Greenest reader to win a $150 shopping spree! Feeling lucky? Enter below, then now through 12.15.14 use “Greenest25” for 25% off on Au Naturale.
This post was sponsored by Au Naturale and meets the standards I’ve established to endorse a brand as “Mommy Greenest Approved.” Click here for more about Editorial Standards.
112 Comments
Laura
What other brands do you recommend? I was just reading about how unregulated cosmetics are in the US and it’s disturbing. I try really hard to buy only Natural products, but cosmetics are one area I haven’t researched much. It’s so hard to have the time, and money, to stay on top of everything. I really like Origins, Aveda and Boscia. Do you know anything about them? Also since European countries have stricter regulations is it better to buy from brands made in Europe or do they reformulate products for the U.S. market? Thanks!
Rachel Sarnoff
I would say in general that yes European regulations are stricter and so you get “cleaner” products from European brands. Also there seems to be less greenwashing with European brands, but that’s totally just my opinion. I haven’t researched those brands so I can’t comment but as a rule of thumb, here are some ingredients you could try to avoid: https://mommygreenest.com/health-beauty-red-flags/ Also Whole Body section at Whole Foods and the personal care at http://www.ThriveMarket.com are held to higher standards. For the brands that I recommend, click the “Mommy Greenest Approved” category and you can scroll through to see which apply to you. Let me know if you have more questions, I’m always here 🙂
Cynthia Richardson
Argan oil
LaRae Longbottom
I have just started realizing the MILLION uses for coconut oil! SOOOOO versatile!
Christy
I love my coconut oil. Also, Hurraw lip balm (not sure if either of those count, but they’re both awesome!)
Rachel Sarnoff
Love Hurraw! Best flavors, and raw vegan is always good!
Linda Kish
Tinted moisturizer.
Itzel G.
Cocnut oil!!! It’s a miracle worker!
Ashlyn
I absolutely can’t live without all natural foundation! It goes all over your skin, so I don’t want chemicals absorbed in!
Rachel Sarnoff
It’s true! Between that, sunscreen and lotion, the exposure–if you’re not using natural brands–is huge. Thanks for sharing Ashlyn!
Laura
Tinted moisturizing sunscreen
Rachel Sarnoff
I use that every day, too. Wish I’d started using sunscreen earlier!
Dee
Just one???!!! Oh my gosh, that’s hard to pick, but I’m thinking lipstick is essential for me…or maybe mascara…no, lipstick! 🙂
Rachel Sarnoff
Way to commit, Dee 🙂
emily fu
Natural beauty product I can’t live without is definitely witch hazel & lavender toner from thayers- but as for cosmetics, it’s definitely red apple lipsticks.
Rachel Sarnoff
Hm… this red apple lipstick is obviously something I need to check out, you’re the second person to recommend it!
Sherry B.
Baking soda!
Rachel Sarnoff
Ooh, how are you using that? I’ve heard everything from deodorant to facial scrub 🙂
Jen K
Mineral foundation!
Rachel Sarnoff
Me, too!
Sarah
Thank you, Rachel, for giving us this great opportunity. I love a company that is creating healthy alternatives & also gives back to humankind. It is a plus that I don’t have to double check their products with my SkinDeep app from EWG!
Rachel Sarnoff
I know, isn’t that great? I love that it’s all right there. SUCH a great brand, inside and out 🙂
Rachel Beltz
I’m just beginning my journey in natural products, so I haven’t really found anything worth sharing yet! 🙁
Rachel Sarnoff
Stick with us, you’ll find a LOT to talk about!
Rachel Beltz
I’d be more than happy to! 😉 I’m already in love with your blog!
Rachel Sarnoff
Aw…! 🙂 🙂
Alicia
mascara helps me look awake when I’m exhausted! (baby tired:)
Rachel Sarnoff
Baby always means tired, so sorry! I also used a LOT of blush during those years 🙂
Kayla @ TheEclecticElement
My Red Apple lipstick! I was never a lipstick person until I found that company 🙂
Thank you for this fantastic opportunity!
Rachel Sarnoff
Ooh I will have to check that out!
Rosalie Sliva
Eco make-up is healthy for the person AND the environment–GREAT!!!
Rachel Sarnoff
Totally! 🙂
Eva
Foundation is a must.
Rachel Sarnoff
I use powder foundation. You?
lori byrd
must have lip gloss!
teresa b.
I need this sooooo badly!!!!!!!
Rachel Sarnoff
Good luck Teresa! It’s a great line!
Courtney Turner
Lavender is a life-saver! Apple cider vinegar (for my hair conditioner and face toner) and a good mascara are also must-haves :).
Rachel Sarnoff
I JUST discovered apple cider vinegar for my hair this year and it has TOTALLY changed my life for the better. My recipe is 2/3 conditioner to 1/3 vinegar. Makes it shiny! how do you use it?
Jennifer S.
I’ve just recently started “playing” with coconut oil, and so far it is working great. As for makeup, I have to have foundation and blush. The rest is optional although it’s fun to create different looks. But I can leave the house without them if necessary (or I’m feeling lazy!)
Dinah
Love true/real all-natural products. My 1st “essential” always is lipstick!! After that, mascara. If time, eyeliner & concealer or eyeshadow base, that’s about the most I ever make time for anymore….
Rachel Sarnoff
I hear you, sister!
B
Coconut Oil
Rachel Sarnoff
Face, hair or body–or all?
anne hill
lip balm
daphne
Mineral foundation
sandra
I actually don’t use cosmetics on a regular basis but like burt’s bees
Rachel Sarnoff
Ooh me too!
debbie
glowing skin
Rachel Sarnoff
Yes, best cosmetic EVER! 🙂
rachel
I have to have foundation!!
Melissa Palmer
my natural beauty item that I can’t live without is Frankincense oil. My face has never been so clear.
Rachel Sarnoff
I’ve never heard that used on skin directly, what are you diluting it with? What’s the concentration? Any skin clearing tip we need to know more about. Thanks Melissa!
Kimberly K
I must have foundation!!!!
deanna
I have been out of foundation for months and dont know which one to buy. Money is so tight I am afraid to try anything and need recommendations for sure.
Robyn A.
A little blush goes a long way for making me look less tired!
Rachel Sarnoff
Agreed! I’ve been known to use lipstick in a pinch 🙂
Corinne
How do I just choose one?! I guess it would have to be concealer. It was actually one of the very first beauty products I used when I starting wearing makeup at 15… because I just needed to! I inherited dark circles from my mom and just a dab of concealer, I learned at a young age, makes a world of a difference! A rosy-colored blush is a very close second!
Rachel Sarnoff
Agreed! 🙂
ioana c
I like mineral makeup
Raine
Witch Hazel and Vitamin C serum!
Ellen DeFrancesco
I’m so pale that even Casper the Friendly Ghost is tanner than I am. A must have for me is blush…just so no one would confuse me for a corpse. I’d love to win!
Rachel Sarnoff
Ha! Love this comment. Thanks Ellen!
Clifford Bonesteel
This would be great for my wife. She has been wanting to try your products for a long time now but we have not been able to afford it. Hope I win and Good Luck everyone
Rachel Sarnoff
Great! Good luck 🙂
Meagan
Mascara is a must for me, being a redhead with fair lashes.
Rachel Sarnoff
Me too, and I’m brunette! 🙂
adrienne zedella
I love anything that keeps my skins and lips from drying out
Deborah Zarett
Entry link isn’t working for me…
Rachel Sarnoff
It seems to be working now, let me know if you still have a problem? Thanks!
Deborah Zarett
Won’t load on my phone. I may need to use a “real” computer.
Rachel Sarnoff
I just checked it and it is working..at least for the moment! Sorry about the challenges, Deborah!
Deborah Zarett
My phone refuses to cooperate!
Kim Cage
Love all natural foundation and mascara!! Makes a huge difference!
Rachel Sarnoff
Agreed! Or just tinted SPF moisturizer. Daily!
Clark M
Mascara.
Rachel Sarnoff
This seems to be a theme 🙂
lisa
i can’t live without eye liner
Brigit
Hi! I love all natural Rosewater. It is so refreshing especially during the cold winter months 🙂
ood natural honestDinah
Love honest good all-natural companies they are so valuable, and what woman doesn’t like make-up & need @least a little!!
Corinne N
Blush/bronzer for an instant beautifying pick me up!
Jaime S
coconut oil for everything!
Christina
I love reading about natural products and especially trying them out!
Rebecca
I can’t live without face moisturizer! Everyone needs a well hydrated face 🙂
jan
my lipbalm
md kennedy
I have to have a mineral finishing powder
Marlene V. (Enelram)
chapstick
Jia Hui
Eye-liner, and I’m still finding ones I love and drawing it better each time. 🙂
Brittney Minor
I love my Aveda products! But I can’t live with out Mascara!
Christina Ferguson
I can’t live without their Organic Creme Foundation. 😀
Rachel Sarnoff
Ooh have to try that one! Thanks Christina!
Heidi Baumgart
Under eye and foundation are a must. Glad for this brand review as I need to clean up my make up soon!
Rachel Sarnoff
Yes, especially foundation–that’s probably the best thing to clean up first, since you’re putting more of it on every day. Thanks for sharing Heidi!
mel
lip gloss, especially in the winter
Rachel Sarnoff
Definitely! Can’t live without!
Jessica
Mineral powder eyeshadow! My eyes are sooo sensitive!
lindsey
would love to try this out!
lorie pattison
foundation of course! Thanks for the chance!
Megan
Natural mascara! Some days it’s the only thing I wear!
Rachel Sarnoff
Absolutely! And lip gloss 🙂
Samantha
Concealer
Stasia
Shimmer! I want me some au naturale holiday shimmer!! 🙂
Rachel Sarnoff
So pretty! Total instant pick me up!
Dorothea
Blush is a must-have for me!
Natalie F
I can’t live without baking soda, it makes a great face wash. Also, coconut oil.
Rachel Sarnoff
Really? How do you use the baking soda as face wash? Have to try that!
Amy B
Would love to try this natural makeup!
Stephanie
Au Naturale’s products look amazing! I love companies that are vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, and give back to charities. Thanks for the chance to win!
Rachel Sarnoff
Yes Au Naturale really hits all the bases, right? Thanks for sharing Stephanie!
Carrie Duran
I love using coconut oil as a moisturizer. I use it all over my body!
Stephanie Harris
I must have all natural mascara and foundation. 🙂
Natalie S.
I can’t live without lipstick! Lipstick is everything.