my clean makeup favorites

I WAS A VERY girlie girl growing up and probably imagined myself sailing through my adult life with perfectly coiffed hair and a perfectly lined lip. I still have that fantasy on occasion, but… my casual, active lifestyle just doesn’t really call for it and I’m usually in a pretty minimalist, ‘natural’ state. I mostly choose to focus that girlie energy and long-standing clean beauty obsession on my skin and skincare [and the 11 lip glosses I always have in my bag]. That said, I do use some pretty things when I want to get gussied up to go out or sometimes just because it’s fun to be a little extra. I try out a lot of makeup even though I don’t use it everyday. It’s just fun and I guess some of that girlie girl love of makeup is still thriving inside, even if it doesn’t always show on my lids and lashes. I love to stay up on the latest clean brands and trends, plus I learn a lot from the cutie teen girls in my life.

SO HERE are my current favorites for cheeks, lips and lashes. If you manage to sail through your life with perfectly coiffed hair and a perfectly lined lip, please do share how you do it, there’s still time for me to make my 12-year-old self extra proud. And to learn more about the skincare I love, check out My Clean Beauty Favorites for a BIG list. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

My Clean Makeup Favorites

+ Ok, I recognize that sunscreen does NOT qualify as makeup to normal people, but I LOVE Tower28’s Sunny Days SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen and I wear it everyday for some light coverage. It’s about as close as I get to a daily ‘foundation’ type product, so it’s ON the list. It’s a broad-spectrum SPF formula that comes in 14 shades [I like Ocean Park]. It goes on smooth, doesn’t feel heavy or greasy and doesn’t get all caught up in my wrinkles. It leaves my skin looking even and maintains the moisture that it so badly needs. It’s basically awesome. + $32

+ This Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 is the closest I get to a foundation. It’s awesome. The coverage is light, but enough for me, and it’s super hydrating so it doesn’t settle into my wrinkles and make them look worse like some products do. It comes in like 87 shades, so you’ll def find one that works for you. I hoped when it launched that it could act as my daily SPF, but it’s just a bit too thick for that, especially when I’m working out + sweating. But for a low maintenance makeup person, this is perfection. + $48

+ I love a multitool and this Gen See Clean Sheen Cheek + Lip is versatile, so pretty and easy to use. It’s buildable and blendable and a little goes a long way. I like Lychee for my complexion, just a little dab on the cheeks and a swipe on the lips and I’m ready to go. + $24

+ I love this Ilia Multi-Stick Cream Blush + Highlighter + Lip Tint so much. It can be as subtle or pop-y as you like, it doesn’t get stuck in my wrinkles and it comes in a ton of pretty colors for every skin tone. It’s easy to apply, too, and doesn’t stain. I use Dreamer on cheeks and lips and it’s perfect for me. + $36

+ Saie is a gorgeous clean beauty brand that combines sophistication with accessibility. I really love their Glossybounch Hydrating Lip Gloss Oil and SuperSuede Powder Blush. I have the Dew Blush on my list. The lip shades look super bright, but they’re sheer and blend perfectly when they’re on. People also love the Slip Tint Tinted Moisturizer SPF, but I haven’t tried it yet. It’s all super clean and lovely. +

+ Ok, this Tower28 MakeWaves Mascara won the Allure Best of Beauty award BEFORE it even launched and has since become a bit of a cult favorite and I think it’s totally deserved. Tower28 is formulated for sensitive skin and this def doesn’t mess with my super sensitive eyes. I love the silky, lightweight formula and the applicator, which combine to give you a super smooth and not at all clumpy look. LOVE it. + $20

+ I love the way this Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara doesn’t clump up my lashes. It goes on really smoothly because the unique brush has a different pattern on each side, one that lets you lift and separate while applying. It also has a bunch of super nourishing ingredients and it doesn’t bother my sensitive eyes. Love it. + $28

+ Westman Atelier Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Balm ticks all of the boxes for me and my fussy lip needs. It has no bothersome taste or smell, isn’t sticky or tacky, has universally flattering colors and is super hydrating even after wearing it for a while. I have Cool Beige and it’s a pretty, neutral with enough hint of color for me. + $38

+ Love the Tower28 LipSofties even though they actually violate one of top my lip goo rules - they smell. But yummy. Not in a saccharine sweet Lip Smacker kind of way, but in a subtle, yummy way. Dulce de Leche and Red Bean Mochi are my favorites. They’re both super pretty neutrals. And the SOS clear balm is in my car, bag or pocket at the ready at ALL times. I also love Tower28 ShineOn Lip Jelly [love Pistachio]. + $16

+ I also love this Exa All Smiles Universal Glow Lip Oil. It’s not sticky, doesn’t smell, has a little hint of shimmer and is super hydrating. The colors looks wild, but they’re sheer and pretty. LOVE it. + $15

+ Kosas’ Wet Lip Oil Gloss is super hydrating and not sticky or stinky, so… I love it. It’s intended to ‘plump’ but I can’t make that claim, I don’t notice a difference. I will say it doesn’t feel all bee-stingy like some plumping glosses [personally do NOT like that feeling] and instead just feels really nourishing. Unhooked is an everyday go-to shade for a no-fuss, but put together vibe. + $24

BUY FROM KOSAS or FROM SEPHORA