Our columnist reveals the eye-popping wonders that’ll make your Christmas sparkle, whatever your plans
It’s going to be all about the eyes, this Christmas. Partly because when we’re out and about in our masks, we can’t actually SEE lips. If eyes are (famously) ‘the windows of the soul’, then eye make-up is the window frame. Now, back when I started wearing natural eye make-up, options were a) few and far between and b) tended to send all but the most eco of warriors scurrying back in the direction of synthetic-powered options. But whether it’s sophisticated mascara wand design or micronised pigments which glide on like silk, a huge technological quantum leap has taken place in terms of the textures and staying power of products on offer from natural brands, today. I think you’ll find these are eyeopeners (in every way).
Inika Pressed Mineral Shadow Duo
These satiny shadows offer a shadow and a highlighter in one clear-lidded palette: pressed mineral formulations in seven pairs of shades. Since minerals are non-irritating, they’re also a brilliant choice for sensitive eyes, as well as for natural beauties.
Dr. Hauschka Defining Mascara
With mascara, success is all down to wand/ lash ‘compatibility’ – but this long, slim brush seems to work well for most lashes, defining and lengthening. Botanicals including eyebright and beeswax nourish as you sweep, and you’ve a choice of black, brown, or a rather showstopping blue.
RMS Beauty Eye Polish
At first glance, these are simply a lovely choice for those who like their shadows gleaming and shimmering, with a colour spectrum that spans iridescent cream to silvered taupe. But beyond that, the shadows glide on to deliver welcome, skinfriendly moisture to the always-thirsty eye zone.
Aveda Brow Definer
Not only are eyes the windows to our souls – but brows are the architecture of the face, adding structure and an instant groomed finish. What I love about this 100 percent naturally-derived pencil is not only its wood aesthetic, but the built-in spoolie brush to sweep through brows, finishing them perfectly after your pencil handiwork.
Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic Eye Make-up Remover
At the end of the day, meanwhile, we want to take our make-up off again without tugging or dragging the skin. Natural formulas don’t always meet that benchmark, but I love this: softly scented with Damask rose, with antioxidant white tea, cooling aloe vera – and it does the job, beautifully. A total pleasure to use.
1. Inika Pressed Mineral Shadow Duo, £22
2. Dr. Hauschka Defining Mascara, £19
3. RMS Beauty Eye Polish, £26
4. Aveda Brow Definer, £18.50
5. Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic Eye Make-up Remover, £11.
Jo Fairley is the co-founder of Green & Blacks and author of The Beauty Bible. Head online to see her latest projects at josephinefairley.com
