If you’ve been around these parts for awhile, then you’ll recall that I’ve been on a personal journey to find cleaner and non-toxic products for many aspects of my lifestyle. I’m always on the hunt to find cleaner makeup products to try out and I’m ready to share my thoughts with y’all, so here are my latest finds for non-toxic makeup that works. 

// //// // // // // in Vacay // c/o

I’ve already worked towards making a transition to cleaner and non-toxic products in the realms of skincare (see the post here) and chemical-free deodorants (read the post), so the next facet I wanted to explore was makeup.

I acknowledge that switching to entirely non-toxic makeup and skincare is something that’s super difficult, because quite frankly a lot of clean makeup products are free of the ingredients that make normal makeup work or have staying power. Initially, I was pretty hesitant to make the switch, mostly because I had personal tried and true makeup favorites that I’ve worn for years. But, with each year, there are more and more articles and commentary about the toxicity of some of our favorite makeup brands, and honestly it freaks me out to think that my skin (the largest organism we have!), is potentially absorbing these chemicals and toxins. No thanks! 

So before I dive into each of these non-toxic makeup products, I want to preface by saying this: I have not totally rid myself of all non-toxic makeup. I couldn’t bring myself to just throw a lot of the expensive products away. So, I’ve since compromised with myself and bought a few clean(er) makeup products to try, PLUS resolved to finish off the non-clean makeup products I already own. Hopefully, I can finish off these older makeup products and add even more clean makeup products to my routine.

Non-toxic makeup that works 

 So, I’m still on the hunt for a clean SPF, but for the time being I made the switch to this Supergoop product. I love that it’s mineral based and the matte finish really works here in Houston with the endless humidity. If I hadn’t made it clear in prior posts, I’m a freak about sunscreen application and never leave the house without it! I had previously been using Clinique tinted SPF and realized there were tons of chemicals and ingredients I had never even heard of in it. Yes, the Supergoop isn’t totally clean, but I definitely feel like the mineral-base is a step in the right direction! I will say, that the matte finish isn’t my favorite, but it’s tolerable. I think my next purchase will be this Beautycounter tinted SPF I’ve heard great things about.

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I discovered thebrand at my local store. Previously I reached for Nars and other high-end concealers, so I had high expectations and figured they wouldn’t be met with a cleaner, less toxic concealer. Well, I was wrong. This concealer really works. It’s Vegan, Paraben and Phthalates-free, plus vitamin-infused. I love the formula, as it has substance but isn’t too heavy. It definitely works for my under-eye circles and has staying power. I highly recommend this concealer as a cleaner makeup alternative.  I will say, if you like a heavier, more tacky consistency, with more coverage, then this non-toxic option is not the best for you.

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I’m almost positive I keep a lip balm in every drawer, purse pocket and any other place possible! I’m never without my lip balm, because my lips seem to always feel chapped or dried out, no matter the time of year. I’ve actually talked about other Drunk Elephant products previously (see here) and really like their products. The brand keeps itself free of “the suspicious six” in their products (1. silicones, 2. chemical screens, 3. sensitizing colorants/perfumes, 4. sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) 5. essential oils, 6. drying alcohols). This lip balm is a must for anyone looking to try a clean alternative.

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 If you hadn’t noticed, I tend to go for a more natural makeup look and don’t wear a lot of it. That being said, I’ve had this bronzer for at least a year and just recently finished it. While it’s not completely void toxic ingredients, it is Paraben-free, Talc-free and cruelty-free. The product formulation has a bit of shimmer, which might bother some, but it also has staying power. Quite frankly, a little goes a long way! Again, I’ve heard that Beautycounter makes a great bronzer that’s an ideal alternative and a non-toxic makeup product that works.

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 I wanted to pick up a blush that had great pigmentation and staying power, and lucky for me this palette also included a bronzer. On the cleaner-side of regular makeup products, although not entirely clean. I do love both the blush and bronzer, they’re really pretty and natural colors that work for both day and evening.

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So, my ride or die eyeliner, the Stila liquid liner, has since been replaced by this awesome clean beauty line. I had never been able to find an alternative that I loved as much as my Stila one, but this is it. Not only is the formula waterproof, but it’s also quick-drying. Apply once in the morning and no need to reapply.  The brand is vegan, gluten and paraben-free, plus they’re very well-known for their nail polish, which I also have and really love. Their nail polish is eight-free when most luxury nail brands are only free of five toxic ingredients.

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 Another product that I was super weary of trying to replace with a cleaner, non-toxic brand… mascara. I love my Estee Lauder, Givenchy and other high-end mascaras. I will say that this Lash Food mascara works, but it’s not a complete swap for the bigger brands I’ve used for years. Lash Food products are free of prostaglandin, sulfates, phthalates and synthetic fragrances. They’re also dermatologist-tested and a plant based product. I do recommend this mascara, and feel like you’re not totally sacrificing on the integrity of the mascara when swapping out for a cleaner alternative. Just avoid rubbing your eyes if at all possible, as it can rub off on to your delicate under eye skin.

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I recently spoke with someone about how our lips are tricky because we not only apply product to it, but we also have the chance to ingest it without even noticing. I’m currently on the hunt for some cleaner lipstick and lipgloss alternative, but for the time being, I’ve enjoyed this liquid lipstick formula. It’s bold and bright for summer (color is Vacay), and it stays put for hours without needing re-application. Vegan and paraben-free plus includes Vitamins C + E in the formulation. It’s definitely hydrating too!

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Like I said, this is a preliminary review of clean and non-toxic makeup that works. I know I have much more exploring and discovering to do! I’m hoping to transition over my routine to at least 75% clean and non-toxic in the coming year or so. I know it’ll be quite a bit of trial and error, but I’m ready for it! Let me know in the comments if there are any brands worth trying and products you’ve found.