Putting the “Clean” in Clean Girl Makeup: Your Guide to Nontoxic Essentials
August 2023
While I love all things beauty, I don’t consider myself a makeup connoisseur; I’m definitely more of a skin-first kind of girl. If you’ve read about my skin journey, you know that I’m extremely proud of the current state of my skin. From a bird’s eye POV, my routine includes: meditation, Gua Sha, facial reflexology, oil cleansing, targeted herbs, and a very colourful diet. Since I give it so much TLC, I want my natural skin to show. This summer, I’ve really been experimenting with a less-is-more approach and have finally nailed down my top picks for a minimalist makeup look (emphasis on minimal), keeping within my preferences for clean products, of course.
To me, “clean girl” means effortless and refreshed. For the face, it’s a little umph, it’s a little extra glow, but never cakey or heavy. For the lips, I want soft, I want buttery, and I want an almost-excessive shine.
To achieve this look flawlessly, I turn to:
FACE
bareMinerals Complexion Rescue® Tinted Moisturizer
I would go so far as to say that this product alone epitomizes the no-makeup makeup look. I’ve been using it for eight years and I still feel like it’s underrated. It has an incredibly velvety texture, is lightweight and extremely blendable. It leaves me feeling sun-kissed and dewy, plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some SPF. I usually take shade Dune 7.5, and this year because I’ve been spending more time in the sun, I’ve opted for Spice 08.
Available at bareMinerals, Sephora
Supergoop! (Re)Setting 100% Mineral Powder
My favourite part about this product isn’t that it makes for an easy on-the-go-retouch or that it’s a mineral SPF—it’s that it keeps my makeup intact every single time. This is especially useful for when I’m breaking out because I can spot treat and trust that the redness will stay covered. Since becoming an oil-cleanser, I can go from dewy to greasy when I wear a gel-based product like said bareMinerals one. This powder seamlessly doubles as a way to mattify my T-zone, maintaining the overall radiance of a clean girl look.
Available at Supergoop!, Sephora, Shopbop
LIPS
Kosas Plump + Juicy Lip Booster
More is more when it comes to this one; when I apply it, I slather it. Personally, I want it to seem as though I’ve smeared oil all over my lips before leaving the house (that’s that almost-excessive-shine I was talking about). I love that it’s a clear formula and the emphasis is on the thick, silky consistency. When I’m not wearing any other makeup, I typically still wear this—I can’t get enough of the supple, hydrated effect. This product is also great for an overnight treatment when my lips need some replenishment. Overall, my lips have been feeling much softer – pillowy some might say - and I certainly know why.
Available at Kosas, Sephora, The Detox Market
If you’re wondering what other nontoxic products I recommend, read about them here!
As for the clean girl makeup look, you’re all set (and see it IRL below)!
(Written August 2023, edited May 2024)