Three products you want to detoxify now!
When I decided to make the switch to safer beauty options, I was a little hesitant because I had a giant makeup collection and was so reliant on the performance of my products. I spent years making sure I had the products that worked for me and now I had to start all over again.
I took the slow approach to not overwhelm myself. I started my journey with Beautycounter and then took it to Instagram to explore more options. Ladies, don’t get stuck to the fact that you NEED to walk into a Sephora or Ulta to purchase makeup. There are so MANY companies out there that offer online consultation, color-matching and free returns. So unlike others, I didn’t have the fear of online shopping for makeup.
So, what did I decide to switch first and what do I recommend to you? The three basics (which may not be most basic but two of them are the worst offenders and one is always on your skin); foundation, mascara and lipstick. Yes, I realize that lipstick isn’t an essential but the statistics on lead in lipsticks are astonishing and I recommend you switch those tubes out for better choices!
Mascara and lipstick are on every clean beauty brands top list of items to switch. Due to the ingredients lists of these items containing highly toxic ones, brands always suggest ditching your mainstream options for safer ones. I’m going to be honest, my lipstick collection is insane, and this took me a whole year to completely switch (I literally just threw out my last liquid lipstick from Smashbox – a fav of mine for years – a week ago).
Did you know? Carbon black is the main ingredient in most mascaras and has been linked to It is produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-based products such as coal tar,¹ and has been linked to increased incidence of cancer and negative effects on organs.² There are lipsticks that may contain lead in them? Companies are not intentionally adding heavy metals to cosmetics. Instead, they are typically contaminants that tag along with both mineral and synthetic ingredients used to give products color.³
Here are my recommendations of brands to try below for each category. Feel free to comment and ask for help depending on your skin type, preference and dupe needs I got you.
Mascara
It was very difficult for me to replace my holy grail and to be honest, I am still trying to find the perfect mascara… However from the ones I have tried so far, here are some favorites:
BeautyCounter Volumizing Mascara : This stuff was my first “clean” mascara. I actually didn’t like it at all. Then they reformulated it to be wetter and it performs so much better. I actually feel like it gives me more separation than volume but it doesn’t transfer or flake and lasts all day!
Fitglow Beauty Vegan Good Lash: Out of the two, this is the closest to my all-time favorite mascara. It gives me a ton of volume and is super black! The only issue is that it transfers on my top lid (hooded eye problems).
Foundation
This was definitely the easiest switch as I never really had a favorite foundation. I was literally always looking for something new and better. I can honestly say that I have found better performing options in the clean realm. Here are my favorites so far (one that I always stick to):
Fitglow Beauty Vita-Active Foundation : This is a very fresh foundation. It’s medium to full coverage but it doesn’t cake up or seem super matte. I have oily skin but this gives my skin an extra glow without looking like a hot mess. I do set with a powder but I think both dry and oily skin types could use this. It also lasts all day!
BeautyCounter Tint Skin: This is my FAVORITE base of all time. That’s it. I always go back to it. It gives me a fresh face that looks hydrated and real. I love it. It covers what I need it to cover but lets my skin breath and look like skin. SERIOUSLY, everyone should try this. This will always be a backup in my makeup drawer. LOVE LOVE LOVE.
For my ladies out there who die for MAC’s Mineralize Skin Finish Natural. I found your dupe! The W3LL People Bio Based Foundation is literally the same thing without all the irritants and animal testing ;)
For a super high-coverage (close to Estee Double Wear) foundation, I highly recommend the Crunchi Foundation. This was actually my first clean foundation without me even knowing about this movement. The product seemed amazing and I gave it a go and I absolutely love it!
Lipstick
Clove and Hallow Lip Glaze: My bestfriend got me this as a Christmas present and I am obsessed. First of all, their packaging is adorable (white and clean and amazing). These are more along the lines of a pigmented lip gloss but without the stickiness. I want to buy all the shades! My favorite shade: Mai Tai
100% Pure Lip Caramel: This is a liquid lipstick that’s very hydrating and moisturizing. It also provides a ton of pigment so try out the bold colors! My favorite shade: Scotch Kiss.
W3LL People Optimist Lipstick: This stuff is super pigmented, semi-matte and literally lasts a long time! I also love that it doesn’t dry out my lips even though it is matte. My favorite shade: Om Yeah!
BeautyCounter Sheer Lipstick: These were my first switch to clean lipsticks and are a staple in my routine. I actually keep my favorite shade with me in my workbag all the time because it’s a safe color for everyday wear. Don’t let the sheer title surprise, these babies still pack a punch of color without being too bold. They also stay on for a very long time. My favorite shade:
BeautyCounter Color Intense Lipstick: So these babies though pack a punch of color and when they leave your lips, they actually leave a stain so it literally never leaves your lips. These are my favorite night time lippies. My favorite shade(s): Garden Party, Girls Night and Twilight. P.s. I recommend Mini Lip Vault, if you want to try these out!
Have you made the cleaner switch? What is holding you back? Let me know in the comments below! I would love to help you find dupes for your current favs <3
xx,
Dilara
International Carbon Black Association. Available online. July 14, 2014.
Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Carbon Black. Available online. July 14, 2014.
https://blog.beautycounter.com/lead-in-your-lipstick-the-facts-on-heavy-metals-in-cosmetics/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA1sriBRD-ARIsABYdwwFXoTzdoxjRVB5hwboGdIr8TTuFs7EoLzUsoMBLnWRRWWX2di--sSkaAn3pEALw_wcB