First of all, what the f–k is clean beauty? There’s no official or singular definition, but this is what I’ve gleaned from my research:
Clean beauty products are formulated without known or suspected toxic ingredients (including, but not limited to: sulfates (SLS and SLES), parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, triclosan, and triclocarban). They use both natural and man-made ingredients and focus on safety over the source. Not all “natural” ingredients are safe (i.e. lead or poison ivy) and not all synthetic ingredients are unsafe.
It sounds kind of stupid now that I’m writing it out… like why haven’t we been doing this all along?! Regardless, it’s time to start thinking about what we put on our faces + bodies as well as what we put in them. The thing that prompted this whole research whirlwind was actually the launch of Vitruvi’s Dynamic Skincare, where you create your own custom face oil based on your skin’s changing needs (yes, you actually do it so you know exactly what’s in it). It’s such a cool concept and is surprisingly easy (I was worried I’d spill oil all over my kitchen counter…). I explain everything and take you through a clean beauty routine with some of my favourite skincare + makeup brands. I hope this is helpful!
SHOP THE PRODUCTS:
Vitruvi Dynamic Skincare face oil
Shot on Canon GX7 mark ii in collaboration with the lovely people at Vitruvi
The oils sound amazing and I was pleasantly surprised at how affordable they are.
Author
Yes, I love Vitruvi, they’re such a great company – and they’re Canadian!
xx Jill
I’m a 51 year old Mom of 2 in NY and just happened to stumble upon your videos on Youtube, they are great. Was wondering if you would do a post on cleaner beauty products…thank you. Would love to see more of this, keep up the great work.
Author
So happy to have you! This is my first clean beauty post but will definitely be doing more in the future!
xx Jill
Ilia makes a good natural mascara! Lots of conditioning ingredients and it has a double sided brush. I also like their multi sticks, and NOTO Botanics multi-benne stain sticks (so good for traveling, I use color Ono Ono) and hydra highlighter.
100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream is so creamy I love it for winter. I also like to use their super fruits reparative cream around my mouth in the winter because I get soo dry there.
Sunday Riley Saturn Sulfur Acne Mask as a spot treatment for breakouts is a lifesaver.
I also just got turned on to a natural Australian haircare brand, O&M, which is at Sephora now. So far I’ve only used their Frizzy Logic shine serum but I really like it and have ordered their Root Lift and a couple hair masks.
Author
Thanks so much for the recommendations!
xx Jill
I’ve always wondered about Honest Beauty’s mascara but haven’t tried it yet. I would love to see you review their makeup line! xx
Author
Good call, I definitely need to try their products!
xx Jill
Origins unfortunately does test on animals 🙁 They still sell in China and by law animal testing is mandatory. Really unfortunate to learn since the brand has such great products! Thanks for the other recommendations – excited to try Drunk Elephant!