Lucky Right Now

What you need to know this instant.

The Prettiest Makeup in Chicago! (Bonus: Totally Planet-Friendly)

Jill Russell
It happens to the best of entrepreneurial minds: the light-bulb moment. Freelance makeup artist Sheila Hansen, who has worked for Chanel and Bobbi Brown, had hers in 2009. After experiencing a pesky reaction to a new brand of eye cream, Hansen made the switch to natural skincare and makeup products and saw her problem vanish almost immediately. A few months later, Hansen launched If A Goddess Wore Makeup.

Along with selling personally vetted products to eco-conscious makeup lovers, she offers lessons and glams up faces for special events. "I'm very strict about ingredients and performance," she says. "Nothing lands on my shelves before being put to the test." In honor of Earth Day this April 22, we asked Hansen to put together a minimalist makeup bag--five multitasking products that work overtime to eliminate the need for scads of pencils, creams and powders. "There's nothing more eco-conscious than simply cutting down on the amount of stuff you use," she notes. Here, Hansen shows you how to live up to the green gold standard.

1. Nvey Eco Organic Moisturising Liquid Foundation, $45 (shown in shade #510)

"The modern way to wear foundation is to use it only where you need it," says Hansen. "Dab it on to touch up discolorations, mainly in the center of the face, to even out the complexion and get rid of any redness."

2. Pink Quartz Mineral Powder Bronzer, $18

"This universally flattering shade of Pink Quartz's powder works for all skin tones, leaving just a touch of shimmer. What most people don't realize is that a great bronzer also doubles as the perfect neutral brown shadow for lids. Using a large brush, blend color lightly onto cheekbones, top of the forehead, down the bridge of the nose and on the chin and jawline. Switch to an eyeshadow brush, or simply use your fingers to pat the bronzer onto the eyelids, just up to the crease."

3. Vapour Aura Multi-Use Blush, $28 (shown in Starlet)

"The stick form lends itself well to layering and allover enhancement. Use fingers to pat it on the apples of the cheeks, and then blend for a fresh pop of color. For more eye definition, apply it to the crease; and for a light gloss, dab it onto lips."

4. Gabriel Color Eyeliner Pencil, $12 (shown in Navy)

"Miraculously smudge-proof for a plant-based liner, Gabriel's Kohl pencils glide on effortlessly. They really make the eyes stand out--all you need is a thin line drawn close to the lashes on the top lids."

5. Gabriel Color Mascara, $16 (shown in Black)

"Some people have reservations about using natural mascaras, but this one is amazingly creamy, with a great brush that prevents clumps. It does it all--lengthening, thickening and separating lashes. Use one coat for day, and swipe on a second to amp up the drama for evening."

All products available at ifagoddessworemakeup.com

What's with All the Spam in the Comments Section?

We're sure that you've noticed the flood of spam in the comments section lately. Spammers beware--we are completely on top of it. As we figure out a way to put a stop to this madness, we ask you for your patience and that you don't stop leaving your own comments, because we love hearing from you!