Natural beauty comes in all shapes, shades, and sizes – shouldn’t your makeup?

Having been, literally, covered head-to-toe in makeup over the years, I’ve long since learned that not all brands are created equal.

Upon finding out that so many cosmetics contain highly untested chemicals, I vowed to only use sustainable options during photo shoots and special occasions that call for makeup (I don’t wear it on a day-to-day basis). There are numerous options on the market, but most well-known is likely to be Jane Iredale, a no-animal-testing, mineral-based extensive cosmetics line.

I’ve never used Jane Iredale’s products before, but not for lack of interest. Since I don’t wear makeup that much, it didn’t seem worth the investment to buy a full-size product that I didn’t even know if I would like. The universe is mysterious and just as I thought about finally ordering some of Jane’s creations, I was given the chance to test them for you – my fantastic readers.

Read on for my scathingly honest reviews and, by popular demand, an EXCLUSIVE GIVEAWAY of some of Jane Iredale’s most sought-after products.

Dream Tint SPF 15 Cream Foundation (shade reviewed: Light; $36 USD)

I tend to shy away from any foundation out of fear that I will look like I’m wearing a clown mask. This particular foundation is more like a tinted moisturizer and it does a wonderful job on both counts. Dream Tint does a fantastic job blending in, especially when you use their suggested Blending Brush. The foundation also comes with directions on the easiest way to apply it, so I didn’t feel like I was walking blind.

From a moisturizing angle, I was even more impressed - algae extracts are listed as the main ingredients for this purpose and they do a great job; my skin was noticeably softer after removing the foundation at the end of the day. I can easily see myself using this on a more daily basis, both as a light-coverage foundation and an SPF-providing moisturizer.

Circle\Delete Under-Eye Concealer (shade reviewed: #2; $29 USD)

Openly loved by the folks at Allure and Natural Health Magazines, I’m always looking for a quality product that will cover my genetically-caused under eye circles. Using either a finger or a camouflage brush, it is easy to see why this product is so widely publicized - it rocks! Of course, being a “skin care makeup” brand, there is a delightful selection of moisturizers that make your skin even healthier.

I wish this product had come with directions since there are 2 colors inside. A little further reading into their website and I found your are supposed to start with the lighter shade, which you can use alone or layer with the second shade to help it match your skin seamlessly. Either way, I was elated with how well this product worked on both my under eye circles and concealing stray zits on my face. You do need to make sure to “set” your skin with loose powder after applying, otherwise Circle/Delete doesn’t seem to last all day.

Brush-Me Matte Loose Finish Powder ($46 USD)

Loose powder is a vital part of any makeup bag, and this is one of the best I’ve ever tried. The travel-ready brush is helpful for touch-ups throughout the day, which I often need thanks to my oily forehead. Yet this is another product that could use directions. With the graphics printed inside, it can be a bit tough to tell when the brush is locked and unlocked – if you leave it unlocked and carry it around, you can be sure you will have a mess of loose powder waiting for you. That issue aside, the powder itself is great and a perfect finish to any makeup routine.

PurePressed Triple Eye Shadow (shade reviewed: Khaki Kraze; $27 USD)

Choosing eye shadow can seem very daunting with the thousands of options available. Jane makes it uber easy with her Triple Eye Shadow, which is grouped into shades that enhance each eye color and skin tone in particular. Using the Crease and Eye Contour brushes, you can create countless moods and looks for both day and night with just three shadow colors. Keep in mind that, since they are mineral powder-based, a little goes a long way – start with a light touch and add more as needed and your style will last all day.

24-Karat Gold Dust Powder  (shade reviewed: Gold; $12 USD)

Even as a teenager, I was never much for sparkly, glittery products. I recently read an interview with a make-up artist, who said that gold is one shade that looks good on every skin tone. Not keen on gold either, I knew it was time to take the plunge and try both with the Gold Dust Powder.

Only one word can describe this product: fun! Just like with the eye shadows, a little goes a long way, but it is widely versatile - eyes, lips, cheeks, hair, shoulders – it looks good everywhere on you. Jane doesn’t cut any corners either, using food-grade gold for this series of powders.

PureGloss for Lips (shade reviewed: Strawberry; $19 USD)

It’s no secret that I am not one for lipstick – as it fades and flakes (which truly natural lipstick will eventually do), it looks just awful. So you’ll find an array of lip glosses in my makeup bag instead, which are much more forgiving in both fading and color coverage. The Jane Iredale PureGloss has a great sheen that doesn’t make you look tacky.

The Strawberry shade I tested looks bright in the tube, but remember – it is lip gloss, so the color ended up being a flawless pink/red that would easily work on anyone. Add in the fantastic all-natural moisturizers inside and you have a great replacement for your average lip balm.And now … you’re favorite part of the week … the EXCLUSIVE GIVEAWAY!

What will you win? Jane Iredale PureGloss for Lips in Strawberry AND More Lip Plumper – a perfect combo for looking good while fighting off dry, cracked lips. For some added “bling”, use your new Jane Iredale 24-Karat Gold Dust Powder in Gold.

How to Enter :: It’s easy! Just comment on this entry with your answer to this question – “Which eco-beauty brand have you always wanted to try?” (for an extensive list of companies for men & women, click here)

That’s it! Make sure to include your e-mail address in the space provided or I can’t contact you if you win.

The Rules/Fine Print :: One entry per person, per e-mail address. Winner will be selected at random via Random.org.

Contest runs from today, Tuesday, January 27th til next Tuesday, February 3rd.