A few years ago, I was invited to a direct sales party for a skincare company I won’t name. To be honest, I barely washed my face at that point, but I wanted to support my friend and bought some products. They were pricey, to put it mildly, so I started using them.
Around the same time, I began to have some odd things happen to me health-wise. After a few months, I went to my doctor’s office to figure out what was going on. After lots of questions and an exam, we determined that I was having a horrible reaction to those expensive products. Two weeks after I discontinued using them cold turkey, my symptoms were gone.
Ever since, I’ve been very intentional about reading labels and ingredient lists on my skincare and beauty products, so I thought I’d share a few of my clean favorites today!
What does it “clean and sustainable” actually mean, anyway?
To be honest…there’s no clear definition within the beauty industry, so it can mean something different to every company. For some, “clean” means organic or non-toxic ingredients. For others, it means vegan ingredients, free of dyes, or paraben/sulfate free. And as for “sustainable,” most companies use that term to mean that they do not harm the environment in any way. This can look like using recycled or recyclable packaging, not testing on animals, or sourcing products ethically.
As for me, I look for products that are as natural and environmentally friendly as possible, but I also care that they get the job done. So, here’s a quick glance at some of my seven favorites this year that fit that category.
My Top Clean & Sustainable Beauty Picks
Beautycounter Cleansing Balm
I was a Clinique girl for years, but I’ve recently made the switch to this balm and absolutely adore it. It’s hydrating, gets every bit of my makeup and dirt off, and leaves a glow. Bonus: It can even double as an overnight mask during those dry winter months. It’s a bit pricey but worth it and lasts forever!
Thayer’s Facial Toner
I’ve tried several toners over the last 10 years, and I always come back to this one. It’s just that good! With mostly organic and naturally sourced ingredients, it leaves my skin fresh, hydrated, and ready for the next few steps in my routine. It also helps that it’s very inexpensive and available just about anywhere.
Acure Brightening Facial Scrub
I’ve been using this one for several years now for good reason. Simply put, it smooths everything out, gets rid of build-up and dead skin, and gives me that baby-bottom softness I want three days a week. Buyer beware: It’s made from sea kelp and French green clay, so it’s a little bit dark green, a lot gritty, and a little shocking at first. But trust me, it exfoliates so well that you won’t even care!
Beautycounter Counter+ Overnight Resurfacing Peel
This powerful peel is something I use once or twice a week to really overhaul my skin and start fresh. It’s full of glycolic and lactic acids to resurface my skin and make it crazy smooth. I leave it on overnight and use my Acure scrub (above) the morning after. I honestly can’t stop touching my cheeks afterward!
Sunday Riley Light Hearted Sunscreen
I was beyond thrilled to learn that Sunday Riley was free of all the junk I didn’t want on my skin and that it actually works! This sunscreen is lightweight, blocks blue light, doesn’t break me out, and has anti-aging properties as well. A must for me every morning!
Tula Signature Glow Facial Mist
I’ll admit that I only tried this one because it came in a beauty box subscription earlier this spring, but I am completely loving it! I use this as a primer for my foundation after sunscreen, and it helps my makeup last all day. It leaves my skin glowing and hydrated enough to not soak in all the foundation when it first goes on, and I love the fresh scent!
Burt’s Bees Miracle Balm
This one I love because I can literally apply it head to toe. It moisturizes my face, elbows, lips, cuticles, knees, and more. It has a coconut oil base, not petrolatum, and I love the soft floral smell.
Read More: Under $30 Summer Skincare Guide
Have you made the move to clean beauty? Have a favorite product to share? Tell us below!
