Makeup has never really been my thing. A tom boy for most of my teen years, I hated the stuff! Looking back now, I think it was more the obsession other girls seemed to have with making themselves look “better” with makeup (and the opposite acquired effect of over application) rather than my just not liking makeup. That and being somewhat clueless as to how to wear it!

Thankfully I’ve grown up and out of my aversion to makeup, and though I don’t wear it on a daily (and sometimes not even weekly basis :D) I do like the effects that can be achieved! Some gracious friends have given me some tips and pointers and Pinterest is literally a wealth of information and tutorials for getting various looks.

My first introduction to a more natural approach to makeup was Bare Escentuals mineral powder foundation – I’ve had that baby for, oh, 6 or 7 years? (Yes, that’s how little I use, and yes, I know, you really should replace your makeup frequently! But it was expensive, so that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.) Beyond the mineral powder, the thought never entered my little brown-haired noggin to look for other natural makeup products.

In the past year I’ve found myself really desiring to find more natural and, where possible, fair trade and ethically produced sources of makeup. As I began to research natural cosmetic companies, I stumbled across Cowgirl Dirt Cosmetics.

Now I’ve always been a cowgirl at heart (I named my bike Lightning and we rode across the vast open expanse of my parents yard on a regular basis. Plus, I have a cowboy hat and boots, so there! :D). And I’ll admit, the name alone lassoed me in real quick! I knew I just had to find out more about this makeup.

The Nitty Gritty on Natural Makeup

Cowgirl Dirt Cosmetics

Based in the Texas hill country, COWGIRL DIRT is a family owned and operated business.

COWGIRL DIRT products are made with the purest natural and organic ingredients. Our collection of mineral-based products not only enhances your natural beauty, but also contains vitamins, nutrients and anti-oxidants that nourish your skin.

See what I mean? Already, what’s not to love?! Natural, organic, family owned and operated – and affordable.

But let’s back the wagon train up just a second. You may be wondering what exactly is the problem with conventional cosmetic products? In a nutshell:

Many cosmetic products are chock full of parabens, sodium laureth sulfate, formaldehyde, and other toxins which are known to create problems in our bodies and the environment. And hundreds of products sold in the U.S. contain ingredients banned in cosmetics in Japan, Canada (yay!) or Europe.

Still not convinced? Check out the full “dirty dozen” list of ingredients to avoid (and why!) and more details on why natural cosmetics are better in this post on Almost Exactly.

Back to Cowgirl Dirt!

I opted to try out the sample sizes, which in and of itself is a fantastic idea. Not only are you preventing a whole lot of product from going to waste, but you also get to try out a lot more options to decide what you like. If, that is, you’re able to decide – there are so many great products!

After trying just a couple of the samples, I went through my mostly-expired collection of ‘OK’ makeup and cleared it out to make room for the new girl in town. I am sold!

Here are two looks I created with my Cowgirl Dirt cosmetics. Keep in mind I prefer a much more natural, everyday look as opposed to dramatic eyes or anything, but there are many, many colours to choose from, as well as tips and pointers under each product to help you apply your makeup.

Cowgirl Dirt Cosmetics Look #1 – Lightly Fancy

Under eye highlighting concealer 

Neutral medium concealer 

Mineral Powder Foundation in Champagne 5

Matte Eye shadow in Wheatfield

Highlight Eye shadow in Tough Enough

Wild West Blush in Ponderosa

Yeehaw Lip Stick in Cash

Lash ‘Em Up Mascara in Black

This is the most makeup I ever wear, and typically I go for a little bit less! My skin is very combination oily and dry, so I often have a hard time finding a good balance for wearing foundation, but the powder with concealer did a great job throughout the day! I could have put more on, but I was being super conservative and just testing it out.

Cowgirl Dirt Cosmetics Look #2 – Everyday

Under eye highlighting concealer

Neutral medium concealer

Southern Belle Cream Foundation in Champagne Neutral 5

Silk Veil finishing powder in Dun

Matte Eye shadow in Wheatfield

Highlight eye shadow in Ponderosa

Yeehaw Lip stick in Champion

Lash ‘Em Up Mascara in Black

I know, I know, they’re super similar! But the biggest differences are in the subtle details and changes in the foundation choices, eye shadow colours and blush :D

Though I wasn’t as big of a fan of the cream foundation because my skin tends to be oilier in the summer, I think it will be an amazing option for the winter.

I got 3 or 4 different Neutral shades (3, 4, 5 and 6) to test them out, and they’re very similar, but just a little bit different from each other. I can blend them together if needed, or use lighter shades in the winter when I don’t have as much of a tan.

I’m really in love with the concealers as well! Dark circles run in the family (as does the tendency to not get enough sleep) and these concealers do the job.

All of the products go on really easily, not over-powering and very smooth. In finding the right shades for your skin tone, customer service was incredibly helpful through e-mail, as well as using the charts on their site.