While looking for cosmetic products to enhance your natural beauty, you don’t want to clog your pores with chemicals that can harm your complexion in the long run.
As we spend time worrying about what we put into our bodies, we should also consider the cosmetic products we use.
Our skin is the body’s biggest organ and can absorb harmful chemicals that cause health issues with repeated use.
This guide will help you learn about the best clean makeup brands on the market for a healthy and glowy complexion. So, let’s dive in.
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What is Clean Makeup?
Before getting into the best clean makeup brands, we should explore the definition of clean makeup. So, what does ‘clean makeup’ actually mean?
Clean makeup refers to beauty products made using natural ingredients with little or no chemicals.
Most clean makeup is made of plant-based ingredients, minerals, and natural compounds that don’t harm the skin when used regularly.
These products emerged as a trend in response to the growing concerns about the safety of using cosmetics products.
As scientific research proved that some chemicals and preservatives can adversely affect your health, these clean makeup brands offer a healthier alternative, while giving you the look you’ve always wanted.
They’re made of sustainable resources to reduce the beauty industry’s negative impact. Some brands also ensure that their products are cruelty-free.
Mainly, you’d want to look for products that are free of silica, parabens, sulfates, talc, hydroquinone, refined petroleum, and synthetic fragrances.
Most of these products are also vegan and many are hypoallergenic to suit people with sensitive skin.
Nevertheless, paying attention to the list of ingredients is paramount as you don’t want to use something that could cause any harm.
But that’s not all.
Clean makeup products are biodegradable because they’re made of natural ingredients, so they help you reduce your carbon footprint.
Many brands also choose environmentally friendly and recyclable packaging.
So, you can see why I’m personally a big fan of clean makeup brands!
Best Clean Makeup Brands
The following clean makeup brands are some of my personal favorites, and are made mostly of natural ingredients using environmentally friendly practices.
At the same time, they provide good value for money allowing you to achieve your favorite makeup look without harming your body.
Here are my top picks.
1. Ilia Beauty
Sasha Plavsic formulated her makeup products for years and then decided to launch her own cosmetics brand, relying on sustainability practices and natural ingredients.
The products are made without gluten, parabens, propylene glycol, mineral oils, and cyclomethicones, although they might contain some safe chemicals.
People love how they can achieve a minimalist makeup look with clean products that won’t cause breakouts.
Good makeup starts with using the right base. The Base Face Milk Essence preps your skin with 4-sized hyaluronic acid molecules for long-lasting hydration.
The Super Serum Skin Tint is a bestseller and one of my favorites. It’s vegan, non-comedogenic, and has SPF 40 to protect your skin from damage.
It can also help reverse the effects of blue light. The lightweight and hydrating formula won’t settle into any lines, giving you a flawless look.
Complete your look with the cruelty-free non-toxic Limitless Lash Mascara and the versatile Multi Stick For Lips + Cheeks without looking overdone.
2. Thrive Causemetics
Who said that clean makeup brands should cost a fortune?
Thrive Causemetics offers affordable, natural makeup that won’t harm your complexion or strain your budget.
The brand offers a wide range of skincare and makeup products, all made according to environmentally conscious guidelines and using the best vegan ingredients.
Many users love the eye makeup products, starting with the Eye Lift 360.
This eyeshadow primer is gentle on your skin, doesn’t cause any irritation, and helps your eyeshadow last longer, especially in hot weather.
The Focus Eyeshadow Palette comes in two shades to complement any eye color and skin complexion.
And don’t forget to enhance your look with the gentle Infinity Waterproof Eyeliner, which comes in eight shades.
Although this is a clean makeup brand, the Liquid Lash Extension Mascara gives you the look of lash extensions. The mascara comes in six different shades for a glamorous effect.
3. Merit Beauty
Enjoy a minimalist look with safe and clean makeup products from Merit Beauty. This LA-based brand offers essential makeup products that suit every complexion.
Starting your makeup with Instant Glow Serum prepares your skin while providing hydration.
It contains niacinamide to even out the skin tone, while the cacao seed extract improves the blood flow for an instant plumping effect.
And the benefits don’t stop here. The serum also contains Japanese goldthread root to protect your skin from free radicals.
For a glowy and healthy look, The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick will be an excellent choice. It’s great for travel because it doubles as a foundation and concealer.
You can also use other shades as a highlighter and contour or bronzer. The great news is that this product comes in 20 shades, so it works for all skin tones and shades from warm to cold.
4. Haus Labs
Founded in 2019 by Lady Gaga, Haus Labs offers clean, vegan, and cruelty-free makeup, infused with skincare products.
I personally consider this the perfect clean makeup brand for the no-makeup look, as most of the products feel so light that you don’t feel you’re wearing anything.
To achieve the ‘your-skin-but-better look’, I recommend the Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation. It comes in 51 shades, which is more inclusive than many other makeup brands.
The foundation contains fermented arnica which helps with redness from rosacea and evens out the skin tone.
The Hydrating + De-puffing Concealer is another favorite as it blurs your under-eye lines, brightens the area, and depuffs it within two weeks.
My other favorite product is the Hybrid Lip Oil, which hydrates your lips and makes them look juicy and plump.
Wrap Up
It’s important to choose high-quality makeup made from the best ingredients to keep your skin looking its best. Luckily, there are plenty of clean makeup brands out there.
Many of these clean makeup brands also provide skincare benefits, nourishing your skin from the inside while giving you the look you’ve always wanted.
If you’re thinking about switching to clean makeup, I’d really recommend giving these brands and products a try.