Switch to Non-Toxic Makeup with These Must-Haves
JANUARY 2023
Some people in my life call me high-maintenance; I prefer the term “particular.” Either way, I am that way when it comes to everything, makeup included. When I purchase makeup, I look for it to be vegan, ethically-made, environmentally-friendly, and free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, synthetic fragrance, and any harmful ingredients. I will preface this by saying that I am not a huge makeup-user. That being said, the products I love, I really love. Without further ado (and in no particular order):
Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream
I discovered this product three years ago when I was deep into researching the best sunscreens for brown skin. In keeping with nontoxic standards, I knew I wanted a mineral-based SPF (mineral sits atop the skin whereas chemical rubs in). This one comes in both non-tinted and tinted; I found the non-tinted to leave a white cast on me (as many mineral sunscreens do) so I opt for the tinted.
This cream combines extremely light coverage with SPF, and is a delicious velvety texture that sits smoothly on the skin. It never pills, flakes, or dries, and gives the exact finish that comes to mind when you think of dewy skin. On occasion, I will wear this during the day when I want a little skin-evening (I say occasionally because I usually leave my skin bare). But, and perhaps what I like best, I mostly use it as a primer under heavier foundation for the smoothest finish. And, of course, if I am applying proper foundation during the day, this also takes care of the sun protection. If I am traveling, this one is coming with me – it’s easy enough to layer under a powder, too, if that’s all I’m able to bring on the plane. I would classify this as a ride-or-die.
(disregard the broken lid in this photo)
bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Cream
I discovered this one seven years ago when a very enthusiastic Sephora employee was doing the most to promote the brand. I used this religiously all throughout university - in shade Dune 7.5 to be exact - until fourth year when I wanted more coverage for my post-birth-control acne.
This cream instantly gives a glow while evening out my skin tone. It always made me feel extremely fresh and I felt like it added a little “umph” to my skin, so much so that I would often get asked what I was wearing. Since starting to oil cleanse, this product alone is not the most compatible with me anymore so I sometimes mix it with foundation for a tamer radiance. Regardless, I would still rank it in the top 5 products I’ve ever used. My only suggestion would be to pair it with a powder for the T-zone/combine it with another product if you run oilier since it does have that shinier finish.
(I’ve clearly used this product down to the very last drop)
The Laneige lip mask and Summer Fridays butter balms seem to be taking the beauty world by storm. My question is: why has nobody mentioned the Biossance lip balm?! Hear me when I say I L-O-V-E this product. If your lips are chapped, this will revive them in literally one night. I love to slather on a thick layer when I sleep for maximum hydration. It’s clear and fragrance-free, making it perfect for the minimalist daytime look, too! Lastly, this balm comes in a well-designed tube to optimize on-the-go application. Cannot say enough good things about this product and the brand overall.
Another brand that I adore, LipLab makes the BEST. LIPSTICKS. EVER. I first discovered this brand at a Movember event maybe ten years ago when it was part of the goody bags. What I love most about these lipsticks/lip pencils/lip crayons is a) the intense pigment b) the massive range of shades (everything from a signature red to surprisingly palatable purple) and c) the impressive smudge-proofness. Back when they were Bite Beauty, they had also expanded into other makeup. I actually still use, and LOVE, their foundation. Despite being discontinued, it remains another reason why am I such a huge fan of the brand as a whole.
(said foundation that I will use until the very end)
The newest to my makeup bag, I stumbled upon Tower28 when @bonberi posted about her favourite Asian-American-owned brands. I have shade “Wild – Sheer Raspberry” - it’s vibrant, it’s fun, it’s slightly floral-scented, and it’s that iconic glossy plump look; “lip jelly” really is quite apt. I love how it brightens my face and makes me feel a little more put-together. Even when I have no other makeup on, I will throw this on to elevate any look for any occasion. The only reason it’s not making my ride-or-die list, like Biossance and LipLab, is because I wish the initial shine was longer-lasting so I could reapply less frequently.
This one came to me when I was in Miami in the sweltering heat and felt like my skin needed copious amounts of SPF (and I wasn’t even at the beach). While the initial purpose was for skin protection, I now layer this on top of my Josh Rosebrook cream and LipLab foundation for the perfect balance of dewy-but-not-greasy-skin; it’s a fine balance, people. I find it also extremely useful for when I am breaking out and want something to stay put over the redness. I never thought I would be a back-seat-toucher-upper but will certainly keep this around for now.
Some other brands I want to try next are Saie, Rare Beauty, Kosas.
Let me know if you’ve tried any of these brands/products! What are your ride-or-dies?