The Active Edit

How to Choose the Best Natural Foundation

written by: Kristen - Beauty Editorpublished on 30 May, 2024

We’re here to help you choose the best natural foundation

Choosing the right foundation is a big decision. Okay, maybe not a "who shall I marry (or will I marry!)" sort of a big decision, but it can have a big impact on how you feel about facing the world. If your foundation makes your skin feel dry, cakey, irritated or worse, cause blemishes, then it's got to go. You need a natural foundation that respects areas of sensitivity and won't clog pores and will let your fresh and beautiful skin glow through. We’re talking about clean beauty makeup bases full of natural minerals, botanicals and skin nurturing ingredients that your skin will simply fall in love with.

Natural Benefits

One great choice when looking for a better foundation is a natural mineral foundation. These foundations are infused with modern technology and to keep your skin feeling amazing all day, minus any irritation or congestion concerns. Because they are created from natural, healthy minerals from the earth, most offer some level of non-chemical SPF sun-blocking protection. Furthermore, a natural foundation can give you a flawless finish and a perfect base for other makeup in your beauty routine.

If this has you feeling hopeful that there is a better way to use foundation, you'll love this round up of the best natural foundations available to you. There really is something for every skin.

1) Jane Iredale Amazing Base Loose Powder SPF20

We wanted to start with an incredibly natural mineral foundation from Jane Iredale that will get you excited. Jane Iredale Amazing Base Loose Powder SPF20 is made from micronized minerals that goes one step further with non-chemical SPF 20 portection. The loose mineral power is a master multitakser performing on the skin as your concealer, foundation, powder and sunscreen all in one. As a bonus, you can apply this foundation with a brush or flocked sponge.

What We Love: It contains algae extract that, among many benefits, reduces inflammation, soothes sensitive skin, and protects against UV radiation, while enhancing moisture retention by promoting the rejuvenation of your skin's naturally protective lipid barrier.

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2) Inika Organic Loose Mineral Foundation SPF25

This loose mineral foundation goes on perfectly for a naturally radiant skin appearance. Inika Organic Loose Mineral Foundation SPF25 is a 100% natural mineral foundation, concealer and powder all in one. It employs titanium and zinc oxide to give you built-in UV reflective sun protection of SPF 25 while its water-resistant properties means it stays put longer. Plus, it's great for all skin types.
What We Love: This natural foundation is so gentle, it can be used on skin that is compromised with problems like acne, rosacea, pigmentation, scarring, and can even be used after cosmetic and facial procedures.

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3) asap Pure Mineral Make-Up

Foundation doesn't need to just cover and be a base for more makeup. asap Pure Mineral Make-Up not only gives full, perfect coverage using natural mineral ingredients, but it has blended the old with the new by adding the latest in skin technology. They use a new skin brightening active, chromabright, and hyaluronic acid microspheres to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This foundation repairs as it goes.

What We Love: On top of providing SPF 15 and luminous coverage that's safe to go over acne, rosacea, pigmented, and allergy prone skin, this product is never tested on animals. Even better, the company is Australian made and owned. What's not to love?

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4) Tribe Skincare Mineral Makeup Powder SPF15

When you need a natural foundation that ticks all the boxes, then this is the one for you. Tribe Skincare’s loose powder foundation gives you the ultimate control over coverage so you can enjoy a sheer natural finish right through to a full coverage result thanks to a non-cakey yet buildable formula. The SPF 15 protection stays active all day long, until you remove your makeup, whilst the non-comedogenic natural minerals mean breakouts and congestion are never a concern.

What We Love: We spoke about box ticking, well how about this list… Vegan, Australian made, cruelty-free, non-comedogenic, natural & a pregnancy safe formula. 

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5) Jane Iredale Beyond Matte Liquid Foundation

When skin radiance is the goal, reach for the Jane Iredale Beyond Matte Liquid Foundation as this natural foundation leaves a truly flawless finish. Working double-duty as a foundation, primer and concealer, this nourishing formulation is further enhanced with hydrating hyaluronic acid and skin firming peptides to beautifully blur the lines between skincare and clean makeup. This medium to full coverage foundation is lightweight on the skin yet minimises the appearance of pores, shine and softens fine lines.

What We Love: The long-wearing formula takes you from workday to after work drinks while never needing a touch up. Furthermore, this 100% vegan and cruelty-free formula nourishes all skin types and leaves a beautiful semi-matte finish that looks amazing in photographs.

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6) Youngblood Loose Mineral Foundation

One of the big benefits of natural foundations is that it gives a boost to your skin to let your natural, healthy glow shine through. Youngblood Loose Mineral Foundation gets that, and gives you the silky, sheer, high performance coverage without any added glitter or shimmer. And you don't need much of this concentrated formula, so a little goes a long way. You can even mix it with your favourite light moisturiser to create a creamy liquid foundation.

What We Love: You can blend your own colour of powder from the incredible 15 different shades available, or use a lighter one on your face with a darker one for a bronzer. And to help you dispense, it comes with an exclusive sifter to make it easy and precise to use.

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7) Aspect Minerals Liquid Foundation

If you love a liquid foundation or your skin is more on the sensitive side, it is well worth trying this colour correcting foundation from Aspect. Not only will this silky coverage deliver a natural and healthy looking glow to your skin, but it also diffuses the appearance of redness, uneven skin texture and open pores through a light to medium coverage. This means your natural features shine through whilst the imperfections remain camouflaged. In addition, Hyaluronic Acid, Mica, Kaolin Clay and Squalane boost the skin’s hydration and protection against free-radicals.

What We Love: Use this foundation to achieve a healthy glow that feels lightweight and barely there to wear. Add a little more to build the coverage as desired and enjoy the skin smoothing result with long wearability.

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Choosing to go au natural with your skincare and makeup bears countless benefits for your skin. Discover our top 10 natural skin care Australian brands to complete your clean beauty journey as you hunt for the best natural foundation for your skin’s unique needs.

No matter what skin type you have, or what your demands are from your foundation, you can find a natural mineral foundation that boosts your complexion, won't damage or clog your skin whilst giving you the daily sun protection you need.