Clean Beauty Round up

Ever since I can remember, I’ve been obsessed with make up. During dance recitals, I would get so excited to sit on the bathroom floor while my Mom did my makeup. There’s just something so special about the art of “getting dolled up.” With that said, these days you can almost always catch me somewhat bare faced, in gym clothes (that may or may not be wet with sweat). While I enjoy make up, I also love being natural. By saying natural I mean two things. 1.) I wear minimal make-up and 2.) I opt for non-toxic (i.e. natural) make up and skin care.

By exposing myself to the world of clean beauty and asking a ton of questions each time I shop, I’ve not only found a ton of new favorite brands and products, but have also gained a lot more knowledge. Today, I wanted to do a round-up for you because there are a few i’m just so excited about. Also, all products detailed here are linked at the bottom of this post. 🙂

Primer + Tinted Moisturizer

The first step to make-up is always primer, diminishing pores and providing the perfect blank canvas for the rest of your face products. I’m obsessed with Veil Mineral powder by Hourglass. It’s vegan, cruelty free,  paraben and sulfate free. Not only that, but it feels soo light on your skin and makes your face baby smooth and poreless: like porcelain.

For a lighter look, I opt for tinted moisturizer. This also contains SPF, and evens out your skin tone (with a glow, and even some shimmer if you like), minus the heaviness of foundation. I previously used Laura Mercier for both primer and tinted moisturizer, but since discovering my new fave store Credo Beauty, i’ve switched to Ilia’s sheer vivid tinted moisturizer, in shade Hanalei. If I’m not getting the coverage I need, I’ll pair this with concealer. 

Of course, not everyone’s skin is created equally, so if you prefer a BB cream or foundation, just make sure what you purchase is non comedogenic (formulated to not clog pores). Scope out your local beauty store, check labels, try them on, and buy products that feel good for YOU.

That Glow though (Highlight + Bronzer)

When contour kits came out a few years back, I took one look and said no way! The entire process is SO intimidating! And, while we all love a nice cheeky cheekbone, its also nice to wear makeup that is a little bit more subtle for an every day look. With that said, I recently found that if I can find a bronzer and highlighter stick, I can quasi-contour without going overboard. So easy and I love it! My favorite products right now are from Vapour beauty, purchased at Credo. The highlight and bronzer pair so nicely together, all you have to do is blend with a beauty blender and viola! Glow achieved.

I like putting the highlighter above my eyebrows, around, and then onto the top of my checks. For the bronzer, I place on the lower portion of my cheeks, right on the cheekbone.

For some added color, I’ll often also add BareMinerals bronzer that has more of a pink hue. It was part of my Tone It up prize pack and I love it.

Give it some Pout

Lastly, LIPS! The most important step for any lip application is to nourish. I love this lip scrub from cocovit (A chicago based local company), and I’ll use it a few nights after my shower and then wipe off with a wet towel. After (and also probably 100x daily), I’m obsessed with applying the Vapour lip conditioner. This combination will protect from dry lips during this cold season! Exfoliation is key – and remember to avoid licking your lips (my aestheticians key tip).

I’ve always loved lip glosses more than lipsticks, simply because of how they feel on my more full lips. With that said, I fell in love with this lipstick while shopping at Credo recently. Despite being non-toxic, the pigmentation is great and it is beautiful. The brand is Lily Lolo and the color is rose gold. Found at Credo beauty and linked below!

When you end your day and need to wipe this ALL off, I always opt for a less water-based make-up wipe. I love these because they’re extremely nourishing and non-drying, while still providing that fresh and clean feeling. Available at Credo and ALSO TARGET! For really stubborn eye make-up, I typically just take a cotton round, dip it into coconut oil, gently rub over eyes then wash my face.

 All products mentioned are linked here! Scroll through for all products.

The below list breaks down the other products I use on an almost daily basis (although I am VERY barefaced at the moment, haha). I am continuously on the hunt for non-toxic products, so please keep that in mind as some of the below are not. I would love any recommendations – as I am always open to switching and trying new, more natural products!

• Eyebrow pencil – Anastasia beverly hills (Ulta, sephora)
• Undereye Concealer – Nars creamy concealer (Ulta, Sephora)
• Spot Concealer – Tarte Amazonian clay (Tarte is also paraben free! Ulta and Sephora)
• Mascara – Gifted by Tarte (Ulta, Sephora)
• Setting Powder – Make Up Forever – Ultra HD (Ulta, Sephora)

I am always so excited when I find new products that I love, especially when they’re CLEAN, so please let me know what you think of these recommendations! I am planning to share a separate skin care post soon, featuring my favorite deodorant, moisturizers, under eye creams, face oils, exfoliators, toners, face wash, and masks, so stay tuned!