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I tried a few organic / natural makeup and skincare products. Then visited my dermatologist regarding severely itchy skin.

She said, "Considering your sensitivity and allergies - why would you put plants and allergens on your skin?"
Ah hah.

So, while we may have the best of intentions - natural and organic is just not practical for everyone.

Aveda!

I used to love Olay products until I found out they test on animals.

I like Burts Bees makeup - especially the lipstick. It has good colors, and no nasty chemical smell!

I used Burts Bees for a while, but then they were purchased by a company that tests on animals... So that put an end to that.

I'm ultimately more concerned about whether or not my cosmetics are cruelty-free than if they're organic, so I usually use a combination of Hard Candy, Urban Decay, and indie brands like Alima Cosmetics. Their mineral foundation is amazing!

I really love the Bare Escentuals makeups. They are natural and not tested on animals. I have been wearing their products for years. It's made a big difference in the look of my skin too, for the better.

I recently made a post on my blog about eco-friendly beauty products.

http://thelionsof.blogspot.com/2008/08/it-is-hard-making-transition-from.html

I am quite happy with all of them, even with normally sensitive skin. I find that my hair, skin, and teeth seem to like the change.

I use Arbonne. It's expensive, but I want my face looking good for a long time, so it's worth it.

Everyday Minerals is another make up company to check out - natural and not tested on animals, and the quality/shade selection is great. It is also not expensive, comparable to drugstore brand prices, but it's only available online.

Jane Iredale makes really fantastic mineral makeup, its pricey but I dont think I've used anything that gives a naturally glowing look as well. It also works well on my very sensitive skin.

My forays into natural makeup have been confined to Bare Escentuals (which I love) and the brands I find at Whole Foods or the local Co-op so the price point isn't that much more than what I'd find elsewhere. I like Lavera a lot and second the Aveda suggestion.

I love Jane Iredale makeup also. While I agree that testing on animals is horrible, so are all of the toxins in mainstream cosmetics. With all of the new "green" products on the market, it is quite easy to find non-toxic quality products that do not test on animals. At the very least, I would avoid products that contain ingredients listed in the "dirty dozen," many of which have been banned by the EU.

http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/122/dirtydozen

Speaking of online-only mineral makeup companies, there is a whole cottage industry of woman-owned businesses which sell inexpensive samples and provide outstanding customer service. I never thought I'd buy makeup this way, but there are some truly outstanding products to be had. Additionally, many sell ranges for women of color.

Some of my favorites are MAD Minerals, Pure Luxe, Monave & Lumiere (google).

With a strong sensitivity to fragrances, it's nice not to have to worry about if my eyes will swell shut--not to mention having to pay for advertising & hype. Department stores no longer get my cosmetic $$!

I use Bare Escentuals make up along with Avedas facial care products. Yeah, it costs a bit more, but Im totally worth it. Although, I do like Benefits cream eye shadows. They dont smudge or crease like other brands Ive tried do.

How long have you been using Arbonne and which products would you recommend??

i just wish i could find a concealer which hasn't been tested on animals and which looks right on me. i'm half mexican and irish so i've got a skin tone that doesn't get paid attention to by the industry, i guess. know of any brand which includes "nontraditional" skin tones?

Heather leaf-

You might want to try a mineral powder solution, because then you can combine shades until you find the perfect color for you.

I'm a Zuzu Luxe devotee - they make the *best* lipsticks I've ever used.

I don't use that many beauty products (very few people actually need to), but all of them are organic. I want to look as good as Catherine Deneuve does when I'm her age...and no, I don't believe the gold-stitching rumor.

I switched to all-natural deodorant and it gave me a rash. My doctor pointed out that poison oak is "all natural."

deeboyayay- I use Arbonne's mineral powder foundation. I love it because I know it's better for my skin and, since it's powder, it doesn't feel like it clogs my pores. I also use their face wash, day and night cream, and toner from their Intelligence line. There is a skin care line for different age groups. I definitely recommend it.

someone please clip that lady's thumbnail.

I love Everyday Minerals' stuff as well.