I have spent countless hours searching for the ultimate natural foundation that balances skin health with flawless coverage, and I want to share my honest findings on Toups and Co Organics.
I have found that while the brand’s ancestral, tallow-based approach sounds perfect on paper, the real-world application for many users—myself included—tells a much more complicated story.
In this article, I will break down why you might want to look elsewhere for your makeup needs, especially if you have specific skin textures or high performance expectations.
My Personal Experience with Toups and Co Foundation

I remember the first time I unscrewed the lid of a Toups and Co tallow balm; I was genuinely excited to try something so “clean” that I could practically eat it.
I am a person who struggles with occasional dry patches and hormonal breakouts, so a foundation based on grass-fed tallow seemed like a dream come true for my sensitive skin.
I noticed immediately that the scent was very “earthy”—not necessarily bad, but definitely not the luxury floral aroma you get from high-end brands.
I found that the texture was much thicker than I expected, feeling more like a heavy ointment than a fluid makeup product.
I realized, however, that “natural” doesn’t always mean “easy to wear.”
I eventually applied the liquid foundation using my fingers, as the brand suggests, and I noticed it felt quite tacky on my skin for the first twenty minutes.
I found that it didn’t so much “sink in” as it did “sit on,” and as the day progressed, the weight of the tallow started to feel a bit suffocating in the humidity.
I am someone who checks the mirror frequently, and I was disappointed to see that by lunch, the foundation had settled deeply into the fine lines around my eyes.
I noticed that instead of a healthy glow, my face looked somewhat oily, and the pigment had begun to separate in my T-zone.
I eventually tried setting it with their mineral powder, but I found that this only made the finish look cakey and emphasized my pores.
I realized that while I love the idea of supporting a small, family-owned business with high standards, the actual performance on my skin was lackluster compared to modern “clean” competitors.
I noticed that after three days of consecutive use, I started seeing small whiteheads along my jawline, which I rarely get.
I found that the high oil content, while nourishing for some, was simply too much for my combination skin to handle during a normal workday.
I finished my trial feeling frustrated because I really wanted to love this brand, but the technical application and longevity just weren’t there for me.
Maintenance and Tips for Natural Makeup

- Always Store in a Cool Environment: you should keep these tallow-based products away from direct sunlight or heaters: I found that the foundation can literally melt into a soup if left in a hot car: this results in the separation of oils and pigments: I noticed the texture is much more consistent when kept at a steady 65-70°F.
- Use a Dedicated Makeup Spatula: you should avoid dipping your bare fingers directly into the jars to prevent bacterial growth: I found that natural products without parabens are very sensitive to contamination: this provides a longer shelf life for your expensive foundation: I noticed that using a clean tool kept my breakouts at a minimum.
- Shake Liquid Formulas Vigorously: you should spend at least thirty seconds mixing the bottle before every single application: I found that the heavy minerals often sink to the bottom while the oils rise: this results in an even color distribution: I noticed that failing to shake leads to a greasy, sheer mess on the first pump.
- Apply to Damp Skin Only: you should use a facial mist or apply immediately after your toner: I found that tallow spreads much more easily when the skin has a bit of slip: this results in a thinner, more natural-looking layer: I noticed that applying to bone-dry skin leads to dragging and patchiness.
- Set with a Silica-Free Powder: you should use a very fine mineral powder to lock the heavy oils in place: I found that this is the only way to get more than four hours of wear out of the product: this provides a semi-matte finish that looks more professional: I noticed that a large fluffy brush works better than a sponge for this step.
- Check the Expiration Dates Frequently: you should treat these products more like food than traditional cosmetics: I found that after six months, the scent of the tallow began to change: this results in a higher risk of skin irritation: I noticed that writing the “open date” on the bottom of the jar is a life-saver for safety.
Pros and Cons of Toups and Co: The analytical benefits:

Pros of Toups and Co: The analytical benefits:
- Nutrient-Dense Tallow Base: It features 100% grass-fed tallow which is naturally rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K: I found that it feels very protective against harsh winter winds: this results in a barrier that mimics your skin’s natural sebum: I noticed it provides an immediate softening effect on extremely dry elbows.
- Truly Minimalist Ingredient Lists: It utilizes a “less is more” philosophy where you can actually pronounce every word on the label: I found this refreshing in an industry full of synthetic fillers: this provides peace of mind for those with chemical sensitivities: I noticed the lack of artificial dyes is a huge plus for reactive skin.
- Ethical and Regenerative Sourcing: It features ingredients from small farms that focus on soil health and animal welfare: I found that supporting this business model feels better than buying from a massive conglomerate: this results in a smaller carbon footprint for your beauty routine: I noticed the brand is very transparent about where their fats and oils come from.
- Safe for All Life Stages: It utilizes formulas that are generally considered safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding: I found it to be a gentle option for moms who are worried about hormone disruptors: this provides a “clean” alternative for the whole family: I noticed the “Everything Bar” is particularly versatile for children.
- Non-Toxic Sun Protection: It features non-nano zinc oxide in many of its products which provides a physical barrier against UV rays: I found that it doesn’t cause the stinging sensation often associated with chemical sunscreens: this results in a safer way to protect your face daily: I noticed it doesn’t leave as much of a white cast as some other natural brands.
Cons of Toups and Co: The analytical drawbacks:
- Heavy and Tacky Texture: because the main ingredient is animal fat, the product remains physically heavy on the surface of the skin: I found that it never truly “dries down” like a conventional foundation: this results in a sticky feeling that can catch hair or dust: I noticed it feels quite hot on the face during summer months.
- Poor Longevity and Separation: because the formula lacks synthetic binders or “film-formers,” the pigment tends to slide around as your natural oils break through: I found that I looked “melted” by the six-hour mark: this provides a major inconvenience for people with long workdays: I noticed the coverage becomes splotchy by late afternoon.
- High Potential for Breakouts: because tallow is highly occlusive and can trap bacteria or sweat against the skin: I found that it led to congestion in my pores after just a few days: this results in “oil bumps” for those with even slightly oily skin: I noticed it is much too heavy for anyone prone to acne.
- Settling Into Fine Lines: because the thick oils don’t flex well with facial expressions: I found that it gathered in my smile lines and under-eye creases almost immediately: this provides an “aging” effect rather than a smoothing one: I noticed it makes wrinkles look more pronounced after an hour of wear.
- Inconsistent Scent and Shelf Life: because it is a natural product without strong preservatives or artificial fragrances: I found that the “beefy” smell of the tallow can be quite strong in some batches: this results in a product that can go rancid faster than traditional makeup: I noticed that jars can be unhygienic for long-term use.
Also Read: My Thoughts On Jane Iredale Makeup
Toups and Co Vs. Other Brands
- Toups and Co Vs. Crunchi
I found that Crunchi is the modern “clean beauty” standard that I noticed uses much more advanced chemistry than Toups and Co.
You should realize that Crunchi’s Beautifully Flawless Foundation has a much more traditional “liquid” feel that I found stayed in place all day.
I noticed that Crunchi uses a glass bottle with a pump, which I found to be far more hygienic than a tallow jar.
I believe that Crunchi is the better choice for you if you need professional-level performance without the greasiness of animal fats.
I noticed that while Toups and Co is “ancestral,” Crunchi feels much more like a high-end luxury product from Sephora.
- Toups and Co Vs. Araza Beauty
I found that Araza is very similar to Toups and Co because I noticed they also focus on “Paleo” ingredients like coconut oil.
You should realize that Araza’s Mango Cream Foundation has a slightly better “slip” than the Toups tallow balm.
I noticed that Araza still suffers from the same “melting” issues in the heat that I found so frustrating with Toups.
I believe that both brands are too heavy for anyone with oily skin, but Araza’s scent is slightly more pleasant and fruity.
I noticed that Araza offers a wider range of shades, which I found makes it easier for you to find a perfect match.
- Toups and Co Vs. Well People
I found that Well People is a more “accessible” clean brand that I noticed you can find at major retailers like Target.
You should realize that Well People uses plant-based ingredients like broccoli seed oil instead of beef fat. I noticed that their Bio Stick Foundation is much easier to travel with than a bulky jar of tallow.
I found that Well People has a much more “breathable” feel on the skin, which I noticed prevented the midday sweatiness I felt with Toups.
I believe that if you are new to clean makeup, Well People is a much safer and more predictable starting point for you.
- Toups and Co Vs. 100% Pure
I found that 100% Pure is unique because I noticed they use fruit pigments rather than minerals to provide color.
You should realize that their Healthy Foundation has a very matte finish that I found to be much better for aging skin.
I noticed that it doesn’t settle into lines nearly as much as the oily Toups and Co formulas. I found that 100% Pure smells like actual fruit, which I noticed was a refreshing change from the earthy scent of tallow.
I believe that if you want a “lit-from-within” glow without the shine, 100% Pure is the superior analytical choice for you.
- Toups and Co Vs. Westman Atelier

I found that Westman Atelier is the “clean luxury” heavyweight that I noticed is used by many celebrities. You should realize that their Vital Skin Foundation Stick is formulated by a world-class makeup artist.
I noticed that the texture is incredibly refined and “blurs” the skin in a way that Toups and Co simply cannot. I found that the price is much higher, but I noticed the performance justifies the cost for special occasions.
I believe that while Toups is a great “homestead” product, Westman Atelier is what you should buy for a truly flawless, red-carpet finish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Many professionals consider Westman Atelier or 100% Pure to be superior for aging skin because they provide coverage without the heavy oils that settle into deep wrinkles.
The company was founded and is currently owned by Emilie Toups, who started the brand in her kitchen to help her daughter’s eczema.
Yes, they pride themselves on using 100% natural, recognizable ingredients like grass-fed tallow, organic oils, and mineral pigments without synthetic preservatives.
In the clean beauty world for 2026, Crunchi and Westman Atelier consistently hold the highest ratings for both ingredient safety and professional performance.
Final Thoughts
You should buy Toups and Co if you have extremely dry skin and you prioritize a “farm-to-face” philosophy over modern cosmetic performance.
I have found that for the average user, however, the heavy texture and poor staying power make this a difficult recommendation for daily wear.
I believe you should look toward more balanced clean brands if you want a foundation that actually stays on your face and doesn’t clog your pores.
I hope this review helps you avoid a “greasy” mistake and guides you toward a product that truly makes you feel beautiful!
