Looking for ways to look your best — naturally? Look no further. Through reviews of all-natural and organic products and investigations into cosmetic ingredients, our Natural Beauty column will help you make more informed decisions about your beauty purchases.

Ever since I began my quest to find the best all-natural and organic cosmetics, I have jumped from product to product, always looking for something newer, better, safer. My last foray into the makeup aisle was no exception. I went to the store armed with information from Skin Deep, the Environmental Working Group‘s cosmetic safety database, about some brands of mascara and foundation, my basic makeup needs. Since coming across this database two years ago, my beauty purchasing habits have been forever altered. Skin Deep ranks cosmetics on a scale from one to 10, one being no hazard and 10 being very hazardous, based on the ingredients in the product and any health impacts to which those ingredients could be linked. I try to buy products that are rated as low as possible, preferably three or lower.

As a result of my research, I planned to buy products from the Almay Pure Blends line. The mascara and foundation tubes boast that they are 97 percent natural, and the foundation is rated three out of 10 on Skin Deep, which indicates a moderate hazard. However, some of the ingredients, such as sodium borate, have been linked to cancer and reproductive toxicity.

As far as quality goes, they are decent. For me, they get the job done, but I can see how the products might not hold up to other customers’ expectations. The foundation formula is a little thin, but it leaves my face looking fresh and dewy. I would describe it as more of a tinted moisturizer, so it’s probably not ideal for those looking for more substantial coverage. I usually set it with some loose powder for a more matte finish.

The mascara can get a little clumpy if I coat it on too thick, but I found that it comes off easily (when I want it to) rather than leaving dark circles under my eyes for days. I wouldn’t say these products are outstanding as far as performance goes, but I do feel pretty good about putting them on my face.

The Almay Pure Blends line also includes eye shadow, loose powder, lip gloss and blush. Find out more at the Almay website.

Photos: Almay