Clean beauty products I’m using and loving

MARIE VERONIQUE | Pre + Probiotic Daily Mist*

I was not a believer in toners/mists until I tried this. This is truly the one item I have to use whenever it looks like I may be starting a PD episode again (Marie Veronique’s line in general saved my skin after trying so, so many ‘remedies’ for perioral dermatitis…I wrote about my experience here). Much easier than a greek yogurt mask, and just as effective if not more so. Won’t be without it.

GET IT AT: Credo Beauty | The Detox Market

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LIVE BOTANICAL | Radiance Elixir*

Another mist that has proved it’s effectiveness! Described as a “hydrating mist with serum-like qualities”, it definitely helps with hydration AND I kid you not, makes pores appear to shrink and give an overall look of smoothness. She has several seasonal offerings, and while I’ve blown through 2 bottles of the rose & tulsi blend, I can’t wait to try others.

Code HAPPYMEDIUM saves you 20%!

GET IT AT: Live Botanical

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TOWER28 | SOS (Save. Our. Skin) Daily Rescue Facial Spray

I thought my PD (perioral dermatitis)-fighting arsenal was pretty solid, so as much as I’d already come to love this brand, I didn’t immediately pull the trigger on trying this. So dumb. The glowing reviews are all well-deserved as this mist is something special. If you have any type of skin sensitivity, jump on this. You’ll see redness start to dissipate IMMEDIATELY. And while I still use my trusty pre-probiotic spray, this has become my go-to the second I have any sort of issue. Definitely one of my top picks in clean beauty for 2021!

GET IT AT: Credo Beauty

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KOSAS | Plump + Juicy Vegan Collagen Spray-On Serum

Rarely do I come across a mist that you can tell is truly doing something other than providing a sensory experience and/or a brief layer of moisture before applying your other products, that really could be accomplished by splashing cold water on your face. But Kosas has knocked it out of the park with this Spray-On Serum! My skin feels instantly moisturized, hydrated and plump. No irritation on my supersensitive skin, and plays nicely with all of my other products. Truly a lifesaver this winter when my skin is superthirsty, I’m deeming it a must-have in your winter skincare arsenal! And if you like a dewy look, I think it would be great for setting your makeup and providing some glow. So good! Made my Best of 2022 list!

GET IT AT: Credo | Kosas | The Detox Market

KHUS + KHUS | D DROP Humectant Factor

Hydrated skin = less-aged-looking skin. And more importantly hydrated skin keeps your barrier strong. I began using this last January when my winter skin got incredibly dry. It was a HUGE help, layers well with all of my other favorite products, and causes no irritation. I’d also venture to bet that the peppermint (yes, a wee bit of peppermint) helped to get rid of a minor dermatitis issue. Super refreshing, especially in hot weather…I wish I could use it whole-body! If you’re looking for a hydrator, this is a great one. One of my favorite products for sensitive skin AND made my Best of Clean Beauty for 2022!

GET IT AT: Beauty Heroes

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LIVE BOTANICAL | Solar Return Revitalizing Essence

One of my favorite finds this past summer! Created to be restorative to sun-loved and/or retinol-treated skin, it’s hydrating and refreshing (especially so if kept in the fridge!), and contains no essential oils so it’s fab for us sensitive-skinned peeps. I didn’t change much about my skincare routine this summer other than adding this to the mix, and my fine lines were definitely improved, plus I don’t get nearly the peeling and dryness from my retinols (plant-based or Altreno). Also perfect after a day in the sun. I’ve continued to use this for when I need some additional hydration (which is basically every day in the winter!), and definitely after retinol treatments. Ree-hee-heally hoping this becomes apart of the permanent line!! Also made my Best of 2022 list!

Code HAPPYMEDIUM saves you 20%!

GET IT AT: Live Botanical

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MARIE VERONIQUE | Barrier Restore Serum*

Have I mentioned that Marie Veronique’s line completely saved my skin from perioral dermatitis? This is one of those products that I get really antsy about getting low, because it literally stops a PD break-out in its tracks when I see it coming on. Absolutely phenomenal at re-balancing barrier function. Magic in a bottle.

GET IT AT: Credo Beauty | Violet Grey

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MAYA CHIA | The Straight A™*

If you’re looking to add a gentle, clean retinol treatment to your routine, this is the one. I can use this every night without any issues, but I typically insert a moisture-bomb night once or twice a week, plus a night or 2 of Altreno (tretinoin). In the warmer months this is plenty moisturizing for me, but in the winter I layer with a cream.

Something about these companies that start with ‘M’, hmmm….

GET IT AT: Maya Chia | Credo Beauty | The Detox Market

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MAYA CHIA | The Super Lift Vitamin C-More*

I’m still in early days with this, but fingers crossed, I think I’ve finally found a vitamin C serum that doesn’t freak my skin out! This really does have a lovely, immediate effect on the skin, and I’m really interested to see the long-term results. And the smell…it’s like walking through an orange grove. UPDATE: totally love this, and it was one of my top clean beauty loves of 2021!

GET IT AT: Maya Chia | Credo Beauty | The Detox Market

ACTIVIST MANUKA | Green Botanical Face Serum

They had me at “healing, and anti-inflammatory”! Honey is well known for both its antibacterial and moisturizing properties, and when I saw this was included in a Beauty Heroes Discovery box earlier this Spring, I had to try it. Smells good, feels good, no irritation (knocking on wood) and definitely moisturizing. I know it’s labeled a serum, but just a heads’ up that this is definitely an oil.

GET IT AT: Beauty Heroes

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LE PRUNIER | Plum Beauty Oil*

I’m proud to say that I started using this oil not too long after it launched, and waaay before all the hype. But know this…the hype is real. My skin loves this, and in fact it was one of the only oil moisturizers I could use for a long time (thanks again, PD). Pure plum oil, from my home state! Just can’t beat it.

GET IT AT: Beauty Heroes | Credo Beauty | The Detox Market

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VOTARY | Super Seed Facial Oil* and Super Seed Nutrient Cream*

Oooh Votary, you kill me. I got this duo from Boxwalla for a killer deal, and while I’m so glad to have found them, when I run out of the stash I’ve acquired (thanks, Poshmark!) I’m not sure what I’ll do. These are spendy, folks. But the oil is fragrance free and fantastic…and on days my skin is super-reactive, it’s my go-to as I know it won’t irritate in any way. And the bottle is huge…since I rotate it with Le Prunier, it’s lasted forever. But the cream…ooooh the cream. It is so nourishing (think old school cold cream at night!), but somehow has this fantastic matte dry-down. It soothes and calms and hydrates like nothing else. I don’t need the cream as much in the summer (unless I’ve been a bad girl with my SPF), but in the winter, it’s a lifesaver for dry skin and what I reach for most nights. Hard to come by in the States…hoping more shops pick up this line!

GET IT AT: Boxwalla

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MAYA CHIA | The Advanced Response Complex Face & Neck Firming Cream

Miracle worker. I almost didn’t try this because my skin was so reactive this winter, but I’ve been hunting for something that’s great for the neck area, and the initial reviews were so fantastic. I have great luck with this line and couldn’t pass up a good deal, so I jumped in. So freaking glad I did!! I’ve tried too many anti-aging creams in the past decade, and this one right here is truly the only one I’ve used that has visible results. Not only did my irritations go away, my skins just looks…younger. And it’s definitely firmed up my neck, whoopheeeeee!!! I wish I could afford to slather it over my entire body. Believe the hype, this one is a hero product!

GET IT AT: Maya Chia | Credo Beauty | The Detox Market

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CV SKINLABS | Calming Moisture*

This is one moisturizer I think everyone should have in their arsenal. This is a light-feeling lotion, but boy does it hydrate. It also soothes irritated skin and calms redness. Fragrance-free and safe for the most sensitive of skin. It’s been a lifesaver for times when I couldn’t use anything else, and has also been great on my teenagers’ skin when dealing with irritated acne flare-ups…hydrated without causing more acne. Get the small bottle and keep it around for emergencies!!

GET IT AT: Credo Beauty | The Detox Market | Safe & Chic

Heavy Duty/Treatment Moisturizing

MARIE VERONIQUE | Barrier Lipid Complex*

I pondered placing this in the ‘Serums’ tab, but it truly does belong here as it’s a killer of a moisturizer! Again, it’s one of the products that saved my skin during bouts of perioral dermatitis. As you’ll read in reviews, it does not smell great. But it also doesn’t have any essential oils, which makes it great for us sensitive types. And it just feels so damn good when you put it on. In the summer I don’t need this quite as much…maybe once a week, or just if I can feel any dry patches (or PD) coming on. But in the winter, every 2 nights keeps my skin happy. Can’t be without it, I stock up during sales!

GET IT AT: Credo Beauty | CAP Beauty

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LIVE BOTANICAL | Sanctuary Barrier Balm*

Another fantastic product from LB. I’ve always been wary of balms as they almost always broke me out, but somehow this gem traps all of the moisture onto your skin while being super-breathable. The texture is unique as well…almost whipped and airy! And the smell is like taking a walk in nature (but no essential oils here). Definitely a winter staple for me.

Code HAPPYMEDIUM saves you 20%!

GET IT AT: Live Botanical

FITGLOW BEAUTY | Vita Shield SPF 30

I have been through some sunscreens, y’all. And when it comes to a clean, mineral-based sunscreen for everyday, this is one of the best. Not shiny (shiny is no bueno on maturing skin IMHO) – I’d say it dries down to demi-matte on me, little to no white cast (just needs a good rub in), plays nicely with serums/oils/moisturizers (no pilling) and best of all no break-outs or irritation.

GET IT AT: Beauty Heroes

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KINFIELD | Daily Dew SPF 35

I’m not sure what magickery Kinfield used to create this, but they changed the SPF game with this one. Oh, I was so excited when I found this over the summer. Finally, FINALLY, a clean, non-nano zinc-based face sunscreen that breathes! You know when you exercise with your mineral-based sunscreen on, and it feels like your whole face is a wet sloppy mess (because it is)? It’s like putting a sheet of cling wrap over a warm zucchini…all that condensation just gets trapped and slides around. Well I’m excited to say that Daily Dew is no cling wrap. No mess, no crazy sweating, smells great, very little white cast, not hard on the budget, water-resistant and reef-friendly. I will say it’s a bit glowy for me (I prefer a more satin finish), but honestly I’m really only using it for workouts and beach/pool time anyway. For those that do like some glow, Daily Dew did seem to play nicely with makeup. Doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin, plays nicely with my other skincare products, this, my friend, is a GAME. CHANGER. Best of 2021!

If you purchase at Kinfield, HAPPYMEDIUM15 gets you 15% off!

GET IT AT: Kinfield | Credo Beauty

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KOSAS | DreamBeam SPF 40 PA++++

This has taken over as my top everyday pick! Feels great on, plays nicely with my other products, and I LOVE that it’s got a bit higher SPF than your typical daily sunscreens. Don’t let the ‘tint’ fool you…the slight beige-y/apricot hue just takes away the issue of whitecast, but doesn’t provide any sort of coverage (peep my reel on IG). DreamBeam is moisturizing, but needs a bit more moisture beneath during the Winter when my skin is super dry. Perfection in warmer weather when my skin is more combo. And you know I’m not much for super glowy, and while this says it has a subtle radiant finish, I’d say it’s more of a satin finish on me. Which means it’s PERFECT. Well done, Kosas!!! Added to the top of my Best Clean Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin.

GET IT AT: Kosas | Credo Beauty | The Detox Market

MAYA CHIA | The Eye Achiever*

Love the roller ball. Love that it’s so good that I don’t know how good it is until I cheat on it and use something else for a bit (the grass is not always greener, learn, Tracey, learn!). Definitely makes a difference in fine lines, and don’t let it being an oil deter you…sinks in after a few minutes and plays very nicely with concealer, though this is usually my nighttime eye ‘cream’ unless I’m particularly dry. And this little bottle lasts a looooong time…only a wee bit is needed. My only complaint is that with the dark bottle I can never tell when I’m dangerously low….

GET IT AT: Maya Chia | Credo Beauty | The Detox Market

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TWELVE BEAUTY | Rapid Eye Treatment

This became an important part of my hydration arsenal over the Winter. I mist, dab this all over the eye area (great for depuffing too), then put on eye cream. Might be able to go with just this in the Summer, we’ll see! The big takeaway for this one is its healing aspects… it definitely helped my eyelids heal from a bout of product-induced dermatitis; that alone makes it really amazing, as I’d tried everything but an Rx (thank you to Sarah James of Whoorl for this rec! And if you love makeup application tips, make sure and follow her IG, she’s one of my favorite clean beauty bloggers!).

GET IT AT: Integrity Botanicals

I’ve pulled together a post of all of my current favorite lip balms and treatments right here!

LEAHLANI | Mermaid Mask*

LIVE BOTANICAL | Glowing Honey Mask

LIVE BOTANICAL | Tidal Moon Moisture Mask

CAIRE | Triple Lift Molecule Mask

M PICAUT | Hydra Lagoon Overnight Mask

ERIN’S FACES | Valencia Orange Body Butter

This is the creamiest, dreamiest body butter I think I’ve ever used. The texture is unbelievable! And the smell is so fresh. I’ve been using this right at the end of my shower to seal in moisture, and my skin is just so freaking soft. But no greasiness or oiliness. Some kind of magickery!!

LUXURIANT | Monoi de Tahiti Oil*

I’m never without Monoi oil, and have used it for years. Such a great moisturizer, and can be used on your hair too! This seller has been my go-to for over 5 years. The scent will take you straight to a tropical destination.

FREE + TRUE | Body Prophet

So happy I got a sample of this, as otherwise not sure I would have tried it (the pumpkin threw me off lol). So good after a day at the beach! Not sure if it’s enough for a dry winter, but it’s been lovely all summer….

KOSAS | Chemistry AHA Deodorant

So last year I relied solely on Ursa Major’s Sublime Sage Deodorant…it was the first I’d found that actually kept odor away and didn’t irritate (coconut oil-based stick deos irritate and discolor my skin). Sadly I developed a sensitivity to something in it about a year in, so the hunt was on once again (I still highly recommend it…my skin is just freaking overly sensitive). Enter the magickery that is this deodorant serum from Kosas!!! I got the unscented to be safe and not irritate my skin further, and honestly I figured it would be money down the drain as surely I needed some sort of fragrance to mask the bad stuff, right?! But lo and behold, Kosas is not kidding about the AHA keeping PH balanced and unstinky, AND I feel like my skin just looks brighter. I’m super impressed, and interested to see how it holds up this summer.

This category is one I struggle with. Natural deodorants just don’t cut the mustard during hot weather or work-outs as they’re simply deodorants, not anti-antiperspirants. The hunt continues….

NEAL’S YARD REMEDIES  | Frankincense Intense Hand Treatment Serum*

Several bottles in on this, and luckily one bottle lasts a long time (I use it at night before bed). Sinks right in! In the dryer months I seal it with a thicker cream or balm, but in the warmer months it’s moisturizing enough on it’s own. Has definitely made a difference on hands that are starting to show their age (sun damage from the young-and-dumb years). Gift-worthy for sure, my mom loves to receive this stuff!

TRUE ORGANIC OF SWEDEN | All You Need Is Me

Looking for a clean swap for Aquaphor? This is it! Soothes my husbands dry, cracking hands in the winter, great on dry heels, cuticles and even lips.

Another challenging category for me…still on the hunt for a fantastic, keep-in-your-purse hand cream that is non-greasy.

KOKUA SUN CARE | Hawaiian Natural Zinc Sunscreen SPF 50

I was super happy to find this last year! 25% Non-nano Zinc Oxide, 80 minutes water-resistant, reef safe and gets a great rating from EWG.  Moisturizing, white-cast is easily rubbed out, and the coconut-vanilla fragrance…takes me right to the islands!

RISEWELL | Balancing Mouthwash*

Clean, ph-balancing mouthwash that does the job. (it’s mouthwash…not too much sexy about it!)

CURLS | Blueberry Bliss Reparative Leave-in Conditioner

I actually use this primarily as a detangling rinse-out…has great slip, smells great. If I’m using a foam/mousse for styling I’ll use a small bit of this beforehand and it doesn’t weigh down my fine hair. Smells great!

LONG HAIR DON’T CARE | Rich Abyssinian Conditioner

This is far and away my favorite conditioner. Again, I use as a detangling rinse out. Refreshing, tingly, great slip. The problem is catching it in stock. But if you can grab a bottle, GRAB TWO! The Blueberry Bliss is as close as I’ve found in consistency to this, but LHDC is still the overall best.

INNERSENSE | I Create Volume

Listen, curly girls. You MUST try this. Especially if you have 3A/3B curls that’s fine and easily weighed down (though it also works great on my daughters’ super tight curls). I’ll be forever grateful that my hairstylist @ajstain introduced me to this styler! I’d used much of the rest of the line, but ICV just never hit my radar…it’s described as “…a volumizing cream with a lightweight lotion feel”, and history shows that cream and lotion stylers do NOT work on my beast. But here’s the thing…I Create Volume IMHO is no cream, nor lotion. It’s a lightweight, liquid GEL. And when applied to WET hair (praying hands-style), scrunched first with your hands to help distribute, and then with a t-shirt or microfiber towel to get out excess water, you get gorgeous, defined, bouncy curls. No flaking, hardly much SOTC needed. AND a little goes a long way. It’s the goodies ladies, get you some. Best of 2021!

CURLSMITH | Curl Defining Styling Soufflé

I keep cheating on this, and coming right back to it. It’s hard to use too much (and even if you do, curls still look good!). Gives me lovely soft, defined curls after I SOTC (scrunch out the crunch).

Coming soon…promise!

EYESHADOW

KJÆR WEIS | Refillable Pressed Eyeshadow* (Charmed, Grace)

Both of these shades are perfect for that no makeup makeup look. Kjaer Weis eyeshadows apply beautifully and easily, great staying power, and my favorite thing is that there’s not fallout all over my undereye area…super fine and applies where you want it.

RMS Beauty | Eyelights (Blaze, Spark)

I could just kiss RMS! I was so sad when I had to break up with Ilia’s cream shadow as it caused an allergic reaction #stupidsensitiveskin. Eyelights *might* even apply a little easier as it doesn’t dry down quite as fast. The colors are gorgeous and I can’t wait to try others! Fantastic for a one-and-done eye.

EYELINER

ERE PEREZ | Jojoba Eye Pencil* (Bronze, Stone, Earth)

I was a HUGE fan of Urban Decay’s 24/7 eyeliners. Creamy, great colors and they stayed the *beep* on. These are the closest I’ve found in clean beauty. Bronze is gorgeous, and Stone has a bit of a UD ‘Underground’ vibe (one of my faves). My only complaint is the lid…all of mine split almost immediately.

FITGLOW BEAUTY | Vegan Eyeliner (Mulberry)

Got this for the color, and it’s lovely. I loved me a Black Honey gel liner (if you only rocked the lippie, you missed out!), and this color is in that wheelhouse.

MASCARA

ATHR BEAUTY | The Big Bang Mascara

This one gets a big YAAAAAAAAS! I was so sad when Ilia’s mascara started flaking on me, and after trying several others that were new on the market (with the same flaky results), ATHR launched this beaut. I get lovely long lashes, holds a curl well, and no flaking until the very end of the day (minor). Thank you ATHR BEAUTY!!!

BROWS

KOSAS | Air Brow Tinted Volumizing Treatment Gel (Soft Brown)

Love everything about this. Color is fab, stays on, easy to apply and looks natural.

LIP  GLOSS

ERIN’S FACES | Fruit Smoothie Lip Gloss (Sonata)

Oh I have fallen hard for this lip gloss. GLASS tube (so cool), fantastic staying power for a gloss, and it has PEPPERMINT?! The minute I saw that Erin’s new lip gloss has peppermint in it I had to snag one and boy am I glad I did. New favorite! Sonata is described as a pinky brown, but it’s definitely a dark peach on me. I totally dig it but I do hope she adds a more brown and/or mauvey number to the line. Love love love the texture of this gloss!!!

FITGLOW BEAUTY | Lip Colour Serum* – Au, Ti, Ful, Buff

I’ve mentioned my lippie problem, so suffice to say I have tried many lipglosses. These are just so comfy on. Beautiful colors, packed full of goodness for your lips, no stickiness (I actually wish they had a bit more sticky so they’d last a tad longer). Love the scent, too!

TOWER28 | ShineOn Lip Jelly – Cashew, Almond

I’m telling you, watch out for Tower 28. LOVE this lipgloss, super cushiony. More sheer than the Fitglow, but I haven’t tried the other shades yet. And smells like a cupcake…nothing wrong with that!

PYT BEAUTY | Full Filled Lip Gloss  – Skinny Dip (Clear)

This was my quarantine go-to, as it’s super minty and stiiiicky! Stayed on under the mask, and made it so refreshing in there LOL. Great on its own, super glossy, or over a matte lippie. Definitely gives the appearance of plumping…lips definitely appear fuller and smoother.

TINTED LIP BALM

ILIA | Balmy Tint – Memoir

Finally a tinted lip balm that’s really freaking tinted! Creamy, buttery goodness, moisturizing, can go on sheer or build it up.

KOSAS | LipFuel Tinted Lip Balm – Flow

The clear version of this (Baseline) has been in my purse for quite a while now. So happy they came out with Flow, as it’s definitely my jam. Not super pigmented, but gives a lovely wash of color, all in the awesomeness that is the LipFuel base.

You’ll find both of these mentioned in my ‘Best Clean Lip Balms‘ post!

LIPSTICK

OGEE | Sculpted Lip Oil* – Nolana, Gardenia

I don’t wear a lot of lipstick in the summer, but I love these sticks. Moisturizing with great color payoff.

CLOVE + HALLOW | Lip Velvet – Cupcake

If you’re looking for a matte lippie, try this one. Not nearly as drying as others, and the color is gorgeous.

SAINT JANE BEAUTY | Luxury Lip Cream – Soul

I will tell you…I came across this lipstick entirely by accident. I’d never heard of the brand, but I was on the hunt for something that mimicked the look used on Adele on the cover of her new album. The color Soul looked to be a close match, and it is! But more importantly, this is a tremendous addition to the world of clean matte lipsticks. Namely because I don’t feel like my lips are screaming for hydration when I wear it (unlike many others). And such great ingredients! “Formulated with antioxidant-filled hemp extract to help sooth and protect lips from daily environmental stressors. The blend found in this formula is crafted with the same botanical oils found in skincare, to help moisturize and nurture this delicate area.” I’m excited to try other colors, because this is truly a great lippie and I’m so glad I stumbled across it (maybe I should thank Adele??).

LIP LINER

KJAER WEIS | Lip Pencil (Saturate)

I always feel let down by lip liner…it’s usually too drying and makes me lips look older. But this liner really lives up to the rave reviews. It goes on creamy but has terrific staying power. And the heft of the lid makes it feel so shmancy! Saturate is the perfect shade to add depth, shadow and definition. Will definitely try other shades! One of my favorite Spring Discoveries.