You might notice every time you walk through Sephora or the beauty aisle of your favorite department stores, most products are marketed as “clean beauty” but when was the last time you actually thought about what truly is considered “clean”?
Clean beauty has been around for quite some time. Brands have been transitioning to more ethical manufacturing methods and using ingredients that are either organic, fair trade or more sustainable. They focus more on the safety of formulas and ingredients. Many makeup brands focus on makeup with skincare benefits as a result of this. The main reason companies have made such a big transition to this is because consumers are becoming more cognizant and educated on what they’re putting on their bodies and what is good for them.
With so many options out there, it gets overwhelming. Clean makeup is different with each brand, and it's hard to find the ones that truly adhere to that label every step of the way. Our editor’s have shared their favorite clean makeup brands and products that you can add to your routine.
Face
ILIA The Base Face Milk Essence - Ilia is known for their quality clean products, and this is no exception. If you’re looking for a hydrating primer that's still light on your skin, this is a great option.
Kosas Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer - If you’re looking for the perfect “your skin but better” concealer this is it. It’s on the thicker side, which makes it hydrating and helps with creasing, while it also comes with a wide range of shades so it works for so many skin types.
Ciele tint & PROTECT - Clean beauty often means makeup with skincare benefits. This skin tint gives a natural finish, but is still buildable, while it also includes SPF 50. It’s perfect for everyday wear.
MERIT The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick - Merit is easily a favorite when it comes to many products, and this complexion stick is one of them. This is perfect if you’re someone who just likes a little coverage or cover specific areas with a light tint.
Kulfi Main Match Concealer - Kulfi beauty is an emerging brand built by South Asian women. Aside from the fact that its a clean brand, we love the inclusivity of different skin tones and formulas that work for South Asian women and many more.
Saie Glowy Super Gel - This is a favorite amongst a few of our editors. It’s non-comedogenic and uses clean ingredients that are also sustainable. And of course, it gives you a great natural glow.
Tower 28 Beauty BeachPlease Lip + Cheek Dewy Cream Blush - This is a great two in one product. The creamy formula dries with a natural finish that isn’t too dewy or too matte.
Westman Atelier Face Trace Cream Contour Stick - The creamy formula of this leaves you with a natural sculpted look. While there isn’t a super extensive range of shades, they all have neutral undertones so it works for different skin tones.
Eyes
Caliray Come Hell or High Water Mascara - This is one of our favorite waterproof mascaras. It lengthens and curls, while making your lashes look full. Unlike many other waterproof mascaras, this one doesn’t require a ton of remover and rubbing to come off.
ILIA Fullest Volumizing Mascara - If you prefer something that isn’t waterproof or if you have more sensitive eyes, I love this Ilia mascara. You still get the volume and intensity without any harsh ingredients.
Yves Saint Laurent Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara - If you’re looking for a more luxury brand version of mascara, this one from YSL is made without sulfates or parabens so you still get luxurious lashes without harsh ingredients.
Caliray Surfproof Easy Glider Eye Definer - If you’re looking for a long lasting liner, this is the perfect product. It dries down quickly and doesn’t smudge, but it still gives a natural defined look to your eyes.
Kosas Air Brow Clear Eyebrow Gel - I’ve always preferred clear brow gels so you get more control on pigment distribution with the pencil. This one from Kosas is great because it strengthens the brow hairs while also making them stay in place.
Kosas Brow Pop Nano Eyebrow Pencil - Once you’ve brushed your brows with gel, go in with this pen to fill in the sparse areas. It leaves really natural hair like strokes so you don’t end up with blocky eyebrows, but still have full and lifted brows.
LAWLESS The Dreamy Dozen Volume Two Talc-Free Eyeshadow Palette - The issue with most talc-free shadows is the pigment is usually two subtle. With this palette, you’ve got a good range of pigmented neutral shades that work well with different eye and skin colors, all with clean ingredients.
Lips
Ami Colé Hydrating Lip Treatment Oil - Not only is Ami Colé a clean brand, but its also a black owned brand. This is great for so many skin tones and types, but especially great for women of color to have formulas catered to their skin.
Kulfi Lassi Lips Staining Long-Lasting Moisturizing Lip Oil - Kulfi beauty is another women of color owned brand, which is great for different skin tones and types. This lip oil also doubles as a stain, so even if the shine wears off, you’re left with a nice natural pigment.
ILIA Lip Sketch Hydrating Lipstick + Lip Liner Crayon - If you’re looking for more of a lip stick, this one from Ilia gives you the pigment and the hydration. Unlike the lip oils, this doesn’t have the glossy finish, and dries matte. However, we love that this can double as a lip liner if you’re looking to layer colors and get a more precise application.
Kulfi Heirloom Satin Lipstick - If you like the Kulfi beauty lip oil and want more of a pigmented lipstick, this is a great alternative. What I love about this is the brown girl friendly nude shades. It’s easy to find nude lipsticks that wash me out, but these pigments work so well for deeper skin tones and olive undertones.
Westman Atelier Lip Suede Lipstick Palette - If you’re anything like me, then the perfect lip combo is usually a mix of more than two lipsticks to get the perfect shade. This lip palette allows you to be more creative and mix together colors and tones to your liking, with the convenience of it all in one compact.
