It used to be that “natural” beauty products meant a funky smell, gritty textures and less-than-head-turning packaging. But today’s organic and natural beauty stash has gotten a serious makeover, pushing the envelope of natural and good-for-the-environment to the realm of luxurious. Here’s a look at some of the latest eco-friendly products that really get my engine revving (my hybrid engine, that is).

1. Physicians Formula Bamboo Wear Compact with Mirror & Brush

The first thing that struck me about Physician Formula’s Bamboo Wear Compact was that it was freakin’ beautiful. The 100% naturally sustainable bamboo refillable compact was eye-catching and the powder and bronzer refills reminded me of much pricier versions by Chantecaille and Chanel with the imprinted multi-tonal textures. The bronzer was a bit dark for my fair complexion, but the face powder was soft, light and performed as promised delivering a hint of luminosity while masking shine. Unlike some other refillable compacts, the inserts are kept in place with powerful magnets so there’s no worry about them slipping out. The top compartment slides open to reveal a mirror and brush (thought I prefer using my own powder brush, this one would deliver a surprisingly decent result a pinch), though the design is a bit faulty in that you can’t have the mirror and powder open at the same time because of the rotating design. All in all, an impressive eco-friendly and cost-effective compact ($6.95 compact, $9.95 each for bronzer or face powder inserts).

2. June Jacobs Vanda Orchid Collection Dry Oil Body Spray

A great summer staple for keeping skin hydrated and happy, dry oil spray moisturizes and leaves skin with a soft, sexy sheen. June Jacob’s Vanda Orchid Dry Oil body Spray is my new favorite, as it’s not too greasy (I mean, it’s oil, so it’s greasy, but not like “greased pig” magnitude) and it absorbs quickly. It has a light, sweet floral smell that isn’t overpowering (and dissipates quickly if you’re not a fan of scented oils) and is free of parabens, preservatives, petrochemicals, synthetic dyes, sulfates or artificial fragrance. Best of all, it offers some pretty hefty anti-aging benefits with free-radical-fighting ingredients like white, red and green tea, goji berry, pomegranate and grapeseed extracts, combined with moisturizing squalene, Vitamin E and orchid flower extract. The collection ($33-$60) also includes a Body Balm, Shower Gel and Body Mist.

3. Naturopatihica Aloe Cleansing Gel

True to its name, the first ingredient in Naturopathica’s Aloe Cleansing Gel ($28) is in fact aloe. So it not only cleanses dirt and makeup, it soothes and moisturizes skin without stripping it. Always committed to the environment, Naturopathica’s products are all free of synthetic solvents, thickeners and emulsifiers and never contain petroleum-based ingredients, artificial dyes or fragrances. This foaming, sulfate-free is made from aloe, coconut oil, lavender oil and rose oil—99% of its ingredients are from natural origin and more than 50% are from organic farming. It degunks pores and removes eye makeup on the first try and leaves skin soft without a hint of tightness. (As a special bonus to my readers, you can get a 15% discount on your entire online purchase with the discount code: abetterbeauty. Valid through May 31, 2010.)

4. LUSH Naked Kit

Whether you’re already a fan of this planet-friendly line (which touts natural ingredients and minimal to no packaging) or not, the limited-edition LUSH Naked Kit of six solid, preservative-free bestsellers is a must ($20). Neatly tucked inside a biodegradable box you’ll find Mini Squeaky Green Shampoo Bar that revitalizes and stimulates the scalp, Mini Therapy Massage Bar to soothe with natural oils, Sexy Peel Soap made with lemon and lime, Mini Buffy Body Butter packed with natural butters and exfoliating sand and your choice of cleanser and toner.

5. Korres Lip Butter

Tinted lip balms are a staple of my summer makeup bag, and the ultra-hydrating Korres Lip Butters ($10) are amongst my faves. Free of petro-chemicals, mineral oil, silicones or propylene glycol, the nourishing lip treatments smooth on without being sticky and the juicy colors are just plain fun—not to mention incredibly wearable. And it actually has more staying power than most lip balms. The only downside is that the lip pots aren’t ideal for women with long nails—a Qtip or lip brush can easily solve this problem. And in my book, that’s a small price to pay for truly comfortable, moisturized lips.

6. philosophy the color of grace heavenly light pink illuminator

Always a favorite of eco-conscious gals (and their less recycling-minded counterparts, for that matter), philosophy has been expanding its offering of cosmetics with each passing season. This summer’s new collection of girly inspired makeup ($17 and up) is infused with a hint of the best-selling amazing grace fragrance, and of course, is free of parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, talc, sulfates, propylene glycol, fragrance and pegs that can harm skin (and aren’t particularly kind to the environment either). Of the collection, the Heavenly Light Pink Illuminator is a perfect shade of pink to enhance skin tone without making it ruddy. The liquid luminizer hydrates and soothes with brightening botanicals, giving you an “I just had 12 hours of beauty sleep” look. I’m not completely sold on the flow-through brush–the trick I think is to dispense it onto your finger rather than directly onto your face for maximum control. But I adore how it mixes with foundation for a gorgeous allover glow.

Disclaimer: Some of the products mentioned in this review/article were furnished to me by a PR firm or corporation. Please see my full disclosure policy for more information.