Clean Makeup Alternatives

Replacing all my makeup with clean alternatives required lots of research, ordering, sampling & returning. This post has been a process of trial & error that has taken me about a year to fine tune.  I'm really happy to have found brands that offer great products that have allowed me to have zero guilt about leaving some of my old toxic favorites behind for good. I'm going to share all my makeup favorites and the shades I wear in each, sorted by category below. 

As far as where to buy all this Credo is my favorite. It's like Sephora but EVERYTHING is clean. I love that so many of my favorite brands can be bought there at the same time. They offer 10% off your first purchase too.

Tinted SPFs, Foundations, Powder & Concealer

Suntegrity Impeccable Skin in shade Buff- Mineral Matte tinted coverage with Broad spectrum SPF 30 coverage. This one is my favorite everyday base. I either wear it alone of make a little cocktail with a drop of my other non SPF foundations. I apply this one with my Artis oval 7 brush. Minimal coverage color-wise but feels very hydrating. 

ILIA Super Serum Skin tint SPF 40 in shade ST9 Paloma- This one is my second fav base that offers sun protection. Honestly the only reason I use it any less than the Suntegrity is that the eye dropper isn't as easy to use as the pump. It comes out a bit white which can make it seem like its going to be too light but it self adjusts just like when you apply sunscreen to your body and it looks a bit white at first. This has the coverage of a tinted moisturizer. Just a touch of color but makes your skin feel great because its a serum so the skincare is built right in. 

ILIA True Skin Foundation in shade SF3.5 Corsica- A medium to light coverage foundation. This is the one I mix with a little of either of the above SPF bases. Perfect for days you want to feel like you are wearing makeup but not too much. Just your real skin but better. 

Kosas Tinted Face Oil- This is one of those that just sounds like a disaster but holy cow is it good. I'm not sure how it works or what the magic is in it but its a dry oil that feels so silky and dreamy on your skin but doesn't look like oil like the name suggests. Unlike any other foundation I've ever tried. 

Merit Perfecting Complexion Stick in shade Bisque- The claim is that its not a foundation or a concealer but it will replace both. It's just so easy to use! I just use a few dabs in the spots I and it in and buff it with my Morphe buffer brush which is the most affordable and effective brush for your money in my opinion. 

Kosas Super Creamy Concealer in shade 3.5- Another fine Kosas product with the skincare made right in! What could be better. This concealer has zero cakey properties! Just lush, creamy and glowing.

ILIA Radiant Translucent Powder SPF- This acts like a mattifier. Its a white powder that goes on with no color but the best part of all is that its SPF 20. Its basically powder sunscreen. Even Athena likes to use this one. All the fun of using Mamas makeup brushes but gives her & I some extra sun protection.

Bronzer & Highlighter 

 ILIA Nightlite Bronzer in shades Novelty and Drawn In- I Love these two because they are truly matte bronzers which seems to be kind of tricky to find. Most have a touch of sparkle in them and I like to have the option of adding that on my own with a different product.

Beauty Counter Luminous Highlighter Powder in Topaz- This is my favorite highlighter I've ever used. A peachy bronze with the prettiest natural shine. Reminds me of that subtle sparkle of tanned cheeks. I use this one on my cheekbones as well as in any place you would use highlighter. 

glo Skin Beauty Bronze in shade Sunkiss- This is your all in one bronzer highlighter. Bronzer with a little hint of sparkle for when you want a little easy color and warmth. 

Kosas: Tropic Equinox Color and light creme- This is legit the best color I've ever used on my cheeks. I bought it as a bronzer but use it as a blush. It comes with the darker shade as well as a highlighter in a duo. The cream blends like a dream and is the perfect non-pinky blush that acts like a color corrector to take the reddish tone out of my skin. My favorite grab and go color. Some days this is all I wear and it wakes my skin right up. 

Lips

ILIA Balmy Gloss Tinted Lip Oil in shade Only You- Pretty much the only actual lip color I wear. A great rich nude in a super luxe oil formula. Feels so lightweight that it's a wonder that there is any color in it at all. Just a nice touch of color.

Billie Super Salve- I got a holiday kit with all 3 colors in it and love them all. Each has just a slight wash of color but feel nourishing like a chapstick or lip balm. Rhubarb, which is an orangy-red, is my most used of the three followed by Sorbet, a light wash of creamy soft pink.

Kosas Wet Lip Oil in Jellyfish- Lish is just like the ILIA lip oil only with the faintest tint of pink. Really just like a clear lip balm in my opinion.

Cheeks

ILIA Multi Stick in shade I put a Spell On You- The only Blush I own. It's either this or the Kosas tropic Equinox from the bronzer section. Thats it! This one can be used all over hence the multi stick part of the name but I only use it on my cheeks.

Mascara

Saie Beauty Mascara 101 in Black: This is the only one for me. I have repurchased this one so many times. Its just so good I don't even try any others. Good formula, Quality brush and smooth application. 

Eyeliner

ILIA Clean line Gel Liner in shade Dusk- A great dark brown with a twist up applicator. Easy application and no sparkle.

Beauty Counter color Outline Pencil in brown- this one is my favorite for everyday. Light coverage and natural look especially for the lower lid. it also has the teeniest bit of sparkle that really goes unnoticed on the eye but adds to its easy wearability. This one requires a sharper in case thats a deal breaker for you.

Jillian Dempsey Khol Eyeliner in WaterProof Rich Brown- Easy to wear dark brown. This and the ILIA are my most worn. i like that this comes with the little smudger on the end too. easy to apply and not at all dry like some waterproof colors.

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in shade Trooper Black- I got this one as a sample and it said it was vegan but I'm not sure if this one is clean but it's the only black liquid liner I have and I don't use it much, you know, considering I haven't really needed a dramatic cat eye during a pandemic. 

Eyeshadow

p/y/t Beauty Day-to-Night No BS eyeshadow Palette- This is the only Eyeshadow I own now. I had a hard time finding one with neutrals that were matte and wearable. Every color in this Palette is an easy to wear neutral with colors that work for both day and night. All you need and really affordable!

Can't live without Tools

Tweezerman tweezers- Took me a few years to get a pair but once I bit the bullet and stopped buying cheap drugstore tweezers and used these, there was no going back. I have had these for probably 10 years and they are still just amazing.

Tweezerman Slant scissors- My eyebrows were once referred to by a high school friend as a square root symbol. Since they have that naturally angular arch, these scissors help me get a really straight and precise line to knock out all those little hairs. i just brush up with a spoolie and trim. Ive had and used these for probably 5 years. Solid investment. 

Kevin Accoin Sharpener- YEARS ago, like 12, after thinking I could just use any old sharpener and it would be fine, someone hyped this one up and I was like, no way, it won't matter. Oh, but it did and there is no going back. Sharpens every pencil perfectly. No more wasted liner from failed attempts at getting a solid point. And it's only $4

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler- The best. Had it for years and all I have to do to freshen it up is buy the extra insert pads and swap them out from time to time. gives the most perfect curl with no weird dent.

Recent Finds

I've been doing a little shopping for spring so here is a quick round-up of the things that I'm loving. 

This vest is full of happy colors! And this scooter brings me so much joy so I can scoot right alongside Athena on hers.

I bought this dress in 3 colors and love all of them. It's only $27 and I got them during the 20% off dress sale at Target.

Here is the same dress as the black and white gingham. This one looks like a solid light pink but it's actually a very subtle stripe.

This $24 skirt has a smocked elastic back and a smooth front which makes it look like a real waistband but adds in comfort. This ribbed tee I grabbed in black and white and is only $8.

Athena's favorite color is purple so when this $25 Zara romper came, she wasn't taking it off. 

Got her this $18 umbrella for Valentines and I don't blame her for loving it. It's kind of every little girls dream come true.  I'm totally going to borrow it from her when I need it.

This is another Target dress. I'm loving the tan gingham the adjustable straps.

The famous $26 joggers! They are simply MAGICAL! So many of you have messaged me after you bought them too and told me how much you love them too. The most comfortable smooth waistband and super soft material that doesn't pill! I'm on pair three now. I have black, olive and this rusty red.

The joggers in action at the Aviary with Athena. She's my new photographer in the wild and not bad at it. This fleece is a winner too. Not too heavy but super cozy and zippered pockets so I'm not dropping all of our stuff.

This vintage look yellow sweatshirt is kind of cropped but I bought it in a Tall and it's perfect. Also, here are the joggers AGAIN in olive. 

These are great Freda Salvador  knock offs Just don't buy them on the weekends because Amazon is jacking up the price to take advantage of when you have time off to shop. I bought them for $42 and last I checked they are now at $75!

I've been obsessed with the Varley Vine pullover but refused to pay $160 for it. I found this similar one recently at Aerie and got it on sale for $30! Its perfectly distressed and feels very high quality. Same shoes as above.

This turtleneck sweatshirt is so cozy. I stalked it until it went on sale and then got it for an extra 50% off! Its selling out quickly but if you use code SOCUTE it discounts it to $14! Comes in both black and white too.

 

Favorite Things of 2020

Taking a look back at 2020, there were lots of positives mixed in with the terrible. I have been keeping a list in my phone of things that I am thankful for every day and used it to put together a compilation of the heros of the year that helped me find small bits joy broken up into entertainment, movement, beauty and clothing. 

Entertainment

Pop Apologists- This podcast is just what I needed while staying at home with Athena this year! The hosts, Lauren and Chanler are delightfully witty sisters who give their hot takes on pop culture and share family stories that are too good to be true, but they are! Their humor breathes life into my Wednesdays. Mondays too, since they offer a bonus episode each week on Patreon, and you know I am a subscriber! Basically I just want to be part of their family!

Libby/ Overdrive- My way to listen to audio books for free. Most larger cities use this app in collaboration with their library. You borrow audio files via the app and you do have to wait for titles to come in, but you can put up to 10 on hold so I just like to stock it full so there is always something coming my way. I was able to listen to over 50 books this past year and did an extensive round-up post you can find here.

Beats By Dre Power Beats- Where would I be without these wireless headphones! The only reason I can get through an audiobook or podcast ever. I literally have them in right now. They are always in my ears even if I'm not using them. I have incredibly small ear holes and these are the only wireless earphones that have ever fit me because they come with 3 sizes of inserts to ensure great fit. I bought them in the most bright shade they offered so they would be easier to find if lost. 

Movement

La Scoota- Early quarantine I saw how much Athena enjoyed her little micro mini scooter so I thought to myself I deserve that same joy so I looked into an adult scooter. Got myself this one and love it!

FP Movement- They have been amazing at offering free live zoom classes from their stores all over the country and IG Live classes from all over the world. Find the 37 days of free workouts that are saved to their page's "lives" to do whenever you want here! I have discovered some amazing teachers like Mallory, Bri and Sarah that I may have never had the joy of practicing with if it weren't for WFH, workout from home!

Dance Church GO!- Dance Church bring so much joy to my life. People think that because of the name it has something to do with actual religion and that couldn't be farther from the truth! It's basically the most fun lightly choreographed dance party you can do in your home with killer music and the best instructors. It's a donation based class live every Sunday and we love joining in and supporting them. 

Mad Fit on Youtube- Maddie has been so fun for Athena and I! We love her 15 TikTok dance workouts and I love that she uses the clean versions of songs so I don't have to worry about Athena picking up an F bomb here or there.

Melissa Wood Health- She offers short yet intense workouts you can really do anywhere. I have been able to squeeze them in while Athena plays at the park. I love that she releases new workouts each week and puts a suggested weekly schedule together so it takes the guesswork out for me. A membership for the year is right around $100. 

Beauty

Dyson Air Wrap- Literally the best thing to have ever happened to my head. It's like the best salon blow out you've ever gotten, only you can do it at home. The price tag is quite hefty but I truly think it's worth it's weight in gold. I tell anyone who asks that if my house was on fire I would grab my child and my air wrap. This is how much love I have for it.

Face Forward- Truly the best moisturizer I've ever used. Every single person I've made use it or sent it to as a gift has become hooked. It's clean, natural and as toxin-free as it can get. You can use it on anything and everything. Lips, face, children, boo boos. Whatever. It works! Comes in this handy stick or jar options. At just 26 bucks you can grab a few to keep everywhere.

Dae shampoo and conditioner- Early summer they had a sale so I gave it a shot because my Beauty Counter set was coming to its end. I was so surprised how well this stuff worked. The deep conditioner is fantastic and all of it smells great. The most impressed I've been by a hair care line in many years and there is a noticeable difference in the texture and shine in my hair since using it. 

Floof- Seriously the best dry shampoo I've ever used. I was really loyal to Oscar Blandi until they discontinued their powder one which left me trying to find a solid replacement for the last two years. I also wanted one that was made from clean ingredients. Playa was pretty good, but once I got my little bottle of Floof with my monthly Billie razor subscription, I was sold. Makes my hair last 4-5 days and if I do my scrunchie trick I don't even have to touch up my curls at all. Incredible and just $14.

Clothing

CJLA- I'm so happy I discovered this brand earlier this year. All their pieces are meant to be comfy, easy to mix and match and they always have such great sales! I have the Paris coat in two colors (wearing the beige pictured above), Kinney tie-dye pull over and Gwyneth Cardigan. 

Hill House Home Nap Dress- The launch of the year. An insane amount of sales were made on the day of the launch so much so that the Tartan Ellie Nap Dress that I scored (checking out six mins post launch) is long gone!