Decorative Cosmetics

The difference isn’t only the origin of ingredients, but also the way products are formulated. Conventional make-up often uses synthetic polymers, silicones, artificial colourants and added fragrance to create a specific texture and longer wear.

Natural and “bio” make-up typically relies on mineral pigments, plant oils, waxes and extracts. The finish on the skin often looks more natural and feels lighter. With “bio” options, some ingredients also come from organic farming and are certified (e.g. COSMOS Organic).

Coverage depends on the specific formula and product type, not only on whether it’s natural. In natural make-up, you’ll find everything from light to medium and higher coverage.

The difference is often more about the final effect: natural foundations usually look more natural and layer well. For a very matte, high-coverage look, choose based on the texture description and your skin type.

Mineral foundation is based on mineral pigments (e.g. iron oxides) and often includes mineral ingredients that influence coverage and the look on the skin (e.g. zinc oxide or titanium dioxide).

Loose mineral foundations often have a very short ingredient list. In liquid or cream versions, mineral pigments are combined with a water–oil emulsion, which affects spreadability, comfort and the final finish.

The key is your undertone (warm, cool, neutral), and only then the depth of shade. The wrong undertone shows on the skin even if the shade depth is close.

It helps to compare against a foundation that already works for you and follow undertone descriptions (e.g. “for redness-prone skin”, “warm”, “neutral”). With mineral foundations, it’s common for the shade to look more natural and blend in more once worked into the skin.

Often yes, but it can’t be generalised. One advantage is a clearer ingredient list without synthetic fragrance and without unnecessary ingredients used mainly for texture effects.

Even in natural cosmetics, some ingredients can still cause sensitivity (e.g. essential oils). If your skin is reactive, check the INCI and start by testing a new product on a small area.

SPF indicates the level of protection against UVB. If a foundation has SPF (e.g. 15 or 25), it contains UV filters – in natural cosmetics, often mineral ones (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide).

In practice, foundation is usually applied in a smaller amount than sunscreen, so the protection may not match what you would get from a full layer of an SPF product. For longer time in the sun, it’s better to use a separate SPF product and apply foundation afterwards.

The main differences are texture, application and the finish on the skin.

Liquid foundation spreads easily and often looks natural. Cream foundation is typically richer and often offers higher coverage. Loose mineral foundation is water-free, light, and allows you to build coverage gradually, but it needs careful buffing in with a brush.

In certified natural and organic cosmetics (e.g. under COSMOS standards), the standards don’t allow synthetic polymers used for film-forming and a “plastic” finish, so they are not commonly found in these products.

If a product isn’t certified, it’s worth checking the ingredients list. In make-up, synthetic polymers are used for wear, adhesion or a smoothing effect.

A brightening serum is liquid and usually more subtle – you can use it on its own, under make-up, or mixed into foundation. It often creates a natural glow over a larger area.

Highlighter is usually more concentrated and applied to specific areas (cheekbones, bridge of the nose). The difference is mainly intensity, and whether you want an all-over glow or targeted highlighting.

The price reflects the origin of ingredients (including ingredients from organic farming), certification, smaller production batches, and the fact that some cheaper synthetic additives used to adjust texture aren’t used in natural cosmetics.

That said, a higher price doesn’t automatically mean a product will suit everyone. It’s worth looking at the ingredients, texture, shade and finish – these are usually what matter most in practice.