7 Clean Makeup Favorites for The Minimalist

Today’s beauty post is all about my clean makeup favorites!  What does clean beauty mean? To me, it means safe and non-toxic for humans and the environment.

I took an interest in clean beauty after landing a partnership with a local luxury organic skincare brand back in 2019. From there, I started reading about some of the toxic ingredients often found in beauty products. I also learned about green washing, or when a brand conveys false impressions about their products being “clean.”

I’m much more invested in a clean skincare routine but it’s taken me a little bit longer to find the best clean makeup favorites that work for me. Here are seven clean products that I would recommend:

ILIA Limitless Mascara
This was the first makeup product I ever tried from ILIA. I think this is a great lengthening and volumizing mascara combo. I’ll reach for this when I’m in the mood for a more glam eye makeup look. The tiny little comb section of the comb really does separate my lashes. No clumps here!

ILIA Liquid Powder Chromatic Eye Tint
This liquid-to-powder eye tint is like the clean version of Lidstar. I have the shade Dim, which is this beautiful, subtle pink and lavender lavender shade. I find that the product works best without eye primer and blends best with just my finger.

Lauren Conrad Liquid Eyeliner
I’ve tried a bunch of products from LC’s clean makeup brand (review here) but I have to say the liquid liner is my favorite of the bunch. The felt pen-like tip will hug your lash line but it does take a few minutes to dry. It’s very easy to use though and I feel like it’s a must-have for anyone that struggles with applying liquid liner. I hope they come out with a dark brown shade because that would be *chef’s kiss* perfection.

Undone Beauty Lip to Cheek Palette
I’ve basically stopped wearing power blush because they rarely have staying power like a cream blush does. This is my go-to, affordable dewy cream blush that also doubles as lip color. It also has three finishes within the compact so you can opt for light, medium or opaque. I have two shades, Rosewood (a dusty mauve) and Rosy (a true pink). I prefer Rosy on most days because it’s bright and looks very flattering on my fair skin.

Undone Beauty Water Bronzer
My favorite bronzer stick also happens to be vegan and super affordable! I have the shade Baked (ideal for those with blue, pink or red undertones) and I love that it’s not too orange or dark for my very pale complexion. It has this really nice cooling effect when you apply it directly to your face. I’ll either blend it with my fingers or a damp beauty sponge. It’s made with coconut water and instantly adds that sun kissed look. AND it’s only $10! Check out more Undone Beauty product reviews here.

Covergirl Clean Fresh Skin Milk Foundation
Covergirl launched a vegan makeup line, formulated without talc, parabens, phthalates, and sulfates. I’ve only tried a couple products from the collection but I really love this foundation (I wear shade 520 Fair). I know it has a bunch of mixed reviews in the beauty realm but personally I’ve never experienced any issues with it. I wouldn’t even consider it to be foundation because the coverage is more light/medium than full. It has a dewy finish and I like to either use a foundation brush or a damp sponge to blend.

Tower 28 Milky Lip Jelly Gloss
It’s creamy, it’s shiny and not too sticky. I have the shade Oat (semi-sheer, peachy pink) but I will say my tube looks definitely more peach than it does pink. This gloss looks very natural and will definitely work for any “fresh face” look.

You can shop my clean makeup favorites below, including my favorite necklace by Missoula Jewelry! What other clean makeup products should I try next?