I am always on the lookout for new makeup that meets my clean standards. With the beauty industry being unregulated as it is, that has been quite a challenge!
I love when a brand takes pride in clean ingredients and performance, as there is no reason we can't have both!
Inika's ingredients are ethically sourced from natural botanics and minerals. You can tell that they are passionate about quality, so we were fast friends.
Inika is an Australian brand, born out of Sydney in 2006. I read about Inika Organic Cosmetics about a year ago, but didn't have access as they weren't sold in the States. Imagine my excitement to know that my friends at The Choosy Chick were going to become the first US stockist--it was going to be a good day.
The Certified Organic Liquid Foundation with Hyaluronic Acid is loaded with antioxidants and skin-fortifying ingredients like argan, VitaminE and rosehip oil. Aloe vera and Jojoba to help soothe and hydrate the skin, and a does of hyaluronic acid for better skin elasticity and hydration. I have the Beige color, which turned out a bit too dark for me, but has worked wonders for several of my clients. This foundation is lightweight, provides immaculate coverage and allows the skin to breathe since this foundation is non comedogenic and does not clog pores. I loved that it didn't settle into fine lines, the color stayed consistent throughout the day and wore well with, or without primer.
The Certified Organic BB Cream is your basic 3-in-1 approach of a primer, moisturizer and foundation, all in one. What sets this BB Cream apart from the rest, is its certified organic ingredients which include Prickly Pear Avocado, Pomegranate and Jojoba oils to help nourish and hydrate the skin, while providing a flawless finish. Prickly Pear is a favorite ingredient amongst the Green Beauty movement lately, as well it should be!
"Prickly Pear Oil moisturizes and softens the skin, intensely hydrating the skin. It is deeply penetrating – helping create soft, younger looking skin. Tightens pores and has essential fatty acids to help keep the collagen layer of your skin moist and healthy."
I have the Nude shade, which matches me perfectly. It is lightweight, provides the medium coverage I prefer, and wears all day without feeling like I am wearing anything.
The Certified Organic Perfect Concealer is a beautiful bridge between the finish of a cream concealer, and the weight of a liquid concealer--best of both worlds! I typically go for a cream concealer as I have a dark under eye area that is the bane of my existence. This concealer surprised me in that it gave me the coverage that I required, without the weight that is typical of a cream concealer. It didn't migrate or settle under my eyes throughout the day, and wore beautifully with, or without primer. I have the Light shade, which is a touch lighter than my foundation (as it should be), and covers beautifully without using much at all.
The Organic Eye Pencil is divine! Handcrafted from natural plant extracts and minerals, this eye pencil glides on effortlessly, packs a great punch of color, and wears all day without smudging. I have the Coco shade which is a rich dark/smoky brown, great for everyday wear and to pull off the perfect "no makeup" look. I will be getting these in all the shades for sure!
I loved the texture and feel of the Certified Organic Lipstick. Made with a Shea Butter base, blended with rich Argan, Avocado and Jojoba oils, this lipstick glides on and wears all day without sucking the life out of your lips. This lipstick is super moisturizing and wears well, with the only reapplication need after eating. I have the Pink Poppy shade which isn't my favorite for myself, but I am planning on checking out a few other colors soon including: Sheer Peach, Honeysuckle, Nude Pink, Flushed and After Dark.
I loved the Organic Mineral Blush Puff Pot! It was fun and whimsical with its packaging that required a vintage "puff on the cheek" application. I have the Pink Petal shade which was perfect for me--not too bright and an ideal shade for everyday wear. If you're the kind of gal that likes to find her colors and stick to them, definitely check this color out.
The Inika Trial Pack is a great way to experience the line before jumping in with both feet. I have the Light/Medium kit which includes: Mineral Foundation Powder 'Unity' (0.7g), Mineral Foundation Powder 'Nurture' (0.7g), Certified Organic Liquid Foundation 'Beige' (4ml), Certified Organic Pure Primer (4ml)
Both of the mineral powders matched me well, though I think Unity would be my truest color. I loved the Organic Pure Primer, which ever worked great under my eye makeup, and will be including a full size of it with my next order.
Overall, I am beyond impressed with the Inika Organic Cosmetics line, and only sad that I wasn't able to have access to them until now! I love their clean formulations, beautiful balance of both classic and bold colors, and the obvious intentionality behind their products. This is a brand I will stock both personally and professionally, and will eagerly await any new releases. If you haven't checked them out yet, definitely do and be sure to tell me what you think.