One of the most notable changes within the beauty industry is the rise of clean makeup. The term “clean” is vague and open to interpretation, but it generally means a brand makes products without harmful chemicals and irritating ingredients like artificial fragrances and more. We can all agree that makeup ingredients should be safe for the skin and the environment. We still have a long way to go to achieve that goal, but countless companies are pushing for eco-friendly, safe, and effective beauty products.
Consumers are becoming more aware of what they put on their skin. Skinfluencers like Hyram Yarbo (@skincarebyhyram) and James Welsh (@james_s_welsh) encourage their followers to check the ingredients list on skincare products before purchasing. The same goes for makeup products.
When we think of clean makeup, we tend to think of makeup that doesn’t perform. Whether it’s lack of pigment, lack of shade range, or patchy formulas, we tend to be wary of clean makeup (especially when it comes to everyday workhorses like foundation and mascara). But this isn’t 2010. We’ve come a long way since the first lackluster clean formulas, and top brands now have best-in-class products that win out over designer standbys. Here are two brands at the forefront of the changing makeup industry that we can’t get enough of.
Ilia Beauty (Shop all here)
Ilia Beauty’s skincare-powered makeup can easily compete with high-end department store brands. Who wouldn’t want to wear makeup that gets the job done and protects your skin against environmental stressors? Beyond innovative skincare-level formulas, Ilia also pays attention to the packaging, using recyclable components that are kinder to the earth.
These products are a must-try!
Super Serum Skin Tint ($46, Shop here)
Meet your new best friend: an SPF 40 foundation hybrid that offers light and dewy coverage. This tinted serum is full of hydrating and soothing ingredients, like plant-based squalene, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. Non-irritating mineral sunscreen will protect you from UVA/UVB rays, as well as blue light or infrared rays.
True Skin Radiant Priming Serum ($52, Shop here)
Infuse your skin with beneficial ingredients while creating the perfect, silicone-free canvas for a smooth makeup application. Hibiscus extract, beta-glucan, and aloe diminish the appearance of pores and protect against pollution. Get ready to have glass skin that glows from within.
Multi-Stick ($34, Shop here)
Whether you are a makeup beginner, a minimalist, or always on the go, this one-and-done color will be there for you. It’s easy to blend with fingers or brushes and goes just about anywhere—lips, cheeks, or eyes. The multi-stick comes in a range of shades to flatter any skin tone. Whether you are looking for a bright orange like Cheek to Cheek or a dusty mauve like At Last, there is definitely a stick for you. It’s cute and compact, yet long-lasting and vibrant.
Kosas (Shop all here)
Kosas’ mission is to provide clean formulas with exceptional skincare benefits. There is no compromising here; you will get the best of both worlds. Their packaging is fun and electric, while their formulas outperform top-tier beauty industry titans.
These products are a must-try!
Wet Lip Oil Gloss ($27, Shop here)
Show your lips some TLC with this oil gloss that nourishes and repairs dry, cracked lips. This hybrid formula comes in sheer washes of color to match any mood. What is it that makes this gloss so juicy and hydrating? A blend of peptides, evening primrose oil, avocado oil, and shea butter. You will want to drench your lips in this product every day.
Revealer Concealer ($28, Shop here)
It’s better to ask what this product doesn’t do because this formula is versatile. This concealer offers coverage and acts as an eye cream—we wish we could multi-task that well! It’s formulated with caffeine, arnica, and peptides to plump and hydrate the skin. Your under-eyes will love it. Additionally, it’s pigmented enough to double as a spot treatment wherever needed.
The Sun Show Bronzer ($34, Shop here)
Now you can have that golden-hour glow 24/7. You can achieve the exact amount of warmth you want with this buttery, buildable baked bronzer (say that 5 times fast). It’s formulated with shea butter and meadowfoam oil to keep your skin calm and hydrated. No more shimmery orange particles snagging on dry skin! Blend it all over the face and in the crease of your eye to look like a bronzed summer goddess.