Paint your face... cruelty free cosmetics using Ecotools and The Body Shop

The Body Shop
Eco Tools
Josie Maran Cosmetics
Physicians Formula   

The Body Shop brushes which I'm certain if you have used these before namely the Face and Body brush, the Kabuki and the Blusher brush know that they are excellent. I love them and have been using since a friend bought me a large bronzer brush for my 19th birthday. Thanks Nicola! They provide great coverage and are extremely soft.  They are easy to clean and dry as soft as when first purchased.  Prices are approximate at $28.00 / €26.00 respectively. A staple in my list and as they are cruelty free I think a must try if you haven't already. 

Ecotools Brushes, blusher, eye shadow etc. These are great and cheaper than The Body Shop.  They are 100% cruelty free and natural.  They are soft and absolutely worth buying. I love these brushes. Both the face and eyeshadow brushes are brilliant providing a good finish.  They are available almost everywhere, Boots Ireland, Tesco, CVS, Target and Ralph's.  Example: The blusher brush is €10.99 in Boots and prices start at $4.79 in Target. 

The Body Shop Shimmer Waves Highligher/Bronzer $22.00 / €23.00 approx. A

go to, I've bought this palette three times. I love the colour and I think it's similar to the Bobbi Brown block only half the price. The packaging is however useless. The plastic box even on my third one is as bad as the first. It's not durable for an on the move makeup bag within your handbag. I swore on the second one that that was it, I'm not buying this again because it breaks every time in the same place (the lid) but I'm known to be a little mouthy that way and I like the colour and the price and I may just be a cheapo!

Josie Maran Cosmetics is a cruelty free company and available from

Sephora. This was first given to me as a gift and I loved it.

Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil- $48.00. This is the BEST product to hydrate my skin.  I have dry skin in places and am prone to acne break outs on my chin. The argan oil helps moisturise my face and deal with any acne.  Contrary to what you would think, I know putting oil on acne feels wrong, this works wonders and is another staple in my bag.  I put it on before bed and sometimes under moisturiser.  It can be a little too oily if you use too much so a tiny few drops is enough to cover your face and neck. I have also used it on the dry ends of my hair.  A warning though, it can make your eyelashes oily if used under a day moisturiser and your mascara will make for a getaway.  Found out the hard way! I made the mistake of buying the light oil to try instead of the regular and hated it, but light is available for those who'd prefer.

Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturiser SPF 47 .  This has a lovely scent.  I use it every day. It provides good coverage and protection but it is hard-ish to rub in and I think it's a little expensive at $32.00 for a 2oz bottle. I haven't found another that I like enough to re-place this one yet and I'm on my second bottle. I will be on the look out for a cruelty free replacement but I may just be a loyal argan f-oillower. 

Josie Maran Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation in fair /light.  I LOVE this! It goes on white and matches to your skin colour and tone.  It again is a little pricey at $42.00 but it gives a flawless finish and you don't need that much to cover your face, therefore the bottle lasts ages.  Be sure to try and match your skin tone to the right colour choice before purchase.  It comes in 3 different shades, fair/light, light/medium and medium/dark. One downside to this is it can get grainy near the end of the bottle. 

Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free

Mineral Airbrushing Pressed Powder SPF 30 in Creamy Natural.  $12.79 in Target.  This provides a flawless finish and good coverage without having to use a cream foundation. Especially good for the days you don't want to wear makeup but have somewhere to go or also used over a foundation for an airbrushed feel. I put it on with The Body Shop kabuki brush.  It's perfect if you are in a hurry. Nearing this end of it's life however the pressed powder breaks up (like most I think) and this can be extremely annoying. Definitely worth a try for its price point, SPF and cruelty free stamp from Peta.


All content (writing and photographs) is my own and original unless otherwise stated. Copyright © 2015. Ruth S