When I first learned about Almay’s new Pure Blends makeup, I was skeptical. I assumed that this was likely another case of greenwashing a line of traditional chemically synthesized cosmetics with a few botanical ingredients thrown in and deemed “natural.” But when I looked into it, I found out otherwise.
Almay’s new Pure Blends makeup is indeed legitimately green, containing at least 95-percent natural ingredients. Made in Almay’s manufacturing plant in North Carolina, the line consists of foundation, lip gloss, blush, powder and eye shadow made without silicone, mineral oil or other petroleum-derived ingredients, or chemical additives like parabens. The vast majority of its ingredients are of mineral and plant origin, including Lotus Extract, Acai Extract, Orchid and Papaya Extract, and the products are packaged in highly recyclable paperboard.
I tried Pure Blends eye shadow in Lavender and the lip loss in Peony. I loved the sheer, buildable coverage and texture of the eye shadow, and the color was pretty. The lip gloss was very oily at first, almost as if the formula had separated, but after a few shakes, it worked fine.
Overall though, I think Almay is to be commended for its efforts, for manufacturing its products in the U.S., for its highly recyclable packaging and also for its website, which is wholly transparent and informative. I would recommend Almay Pure Blends to anyone looking for natural yet affordable cosmetics.
find @ almaypureblends.com.
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I hope they will start making skincare. It would be nice to find affordable, green skincare products.
TO CEO OF ALMAY: i strongly encourage acne and other new skin care outreach with new products that reduce oily skin, fight bacteria, are unscented, exfoliate, brighten, tighten, hydrate, and protect skin, using formulas with avacado, papaya, melons, citress, and grain products, mostly for their enzymes and exfoliating quailities, grind peach pits, avocado pits, papaya seeds, rice, wheat, to add to formula for exfoliation.
I use the liquid foundation by mixing a dab in with my regular sunscreen. I find it works really well year round with a semi-matte finish even with my oily skin. I would appreciate a wider color selection though. Also, I find it really difficult to fully trust a company that does not use green practices with all their products. Still, for the price, I don’t know of anything comparable.
I tried the Pure Blends foundation because I was running out of my Ocean Mist mineral foundation (and didn’t think to buy a new one in time). The coverage is VERY sheer and it broke me out pretty badly after only using it one time.