The best eco-friendly makeup for a greener beauty routine
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I know April (aka Earth Month) is a time many brands mention green beauty like a fleeting thought, but the fact is - the clean beauty industry isn't going anywhere. In fact back in 2022, The Conscious Insider noted "The global clean beauty market value is expected to grow to 15.3 billion U.S. dollars by 2028, signifying a notable surge in consumer interest and demand for clean and sustainable beauty products."
Brands like Alpyn Beauty - a clean beauty brand that offers clinical grade formulas enriched with wild plants from Jackson Hole, Wyoming - have skyrocketed in popularity not only in part to their formulas and results, but also their mission. Alpyn purchases support national park rewilding efforts, a positive impact any consumer would feel good about. And retailers like Sephora, Ulta, and Target are carving out valuable floorspace for clean product displays.
Today we're exploring the best eco friendly makeup options that harness the power of natural ingredients, while minimizing their environmental impact. From formulas with plant-based ingredients to ones with sustainable packaging, these products are ready to amp up your makeup routine with a wonderfully green bend.
But first, what is clean beauty?
Clean beauty refers to a conscious choice of using organic makeup products that are free from harmful ingredients, while also considering sustainability and their environmental impact. It emphasizes a commitment to carbon neutrality, ensuring that the manufacturing, packaging, and sourcing of these products minimize harm to the planet. Many brands like RMS Beauty, Kjaer Weis, and even Burt's Bees are recognized in this clean and natural beauty industry, but it can be tough to gauge the best among the clutter.
Here are 7 of the Best Eco Friendly Makeup picks for your cosmetics bag:
Our criteria for these picks? One, I’ve used them, and two, they include clean ingredients, stem from clean beauty brands committed to not using synthetic ingredients or synthetic fragrances, and frankly, are high-quality products.
1. Kosas Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer
One of those amazing skincare-makeup hybrid products, I've been a fan of this concealer packed with caffeine and hyaluronic acid since its debut, and use it on a daily basis. Best part: It comes full-size or as a 0.2oz perfect for sneaking into your purse.
2. Saie Slip Tint Lightweight Tinted Moisturizer
An Allure Best of Beauty award winner has entered the chat, and it's taking the cosmetics industry by storm. Slip Tint contains hyaluronic acid for hydration, licorice root extract for brightening, and 100% mineral zinc oxide SPF 35 for UVA/UVB and free radical protection. I've only been able to trial a test size of this so far, but it's on my buy list for my next shopping trip, especially because that light tint blended so amazingly well into my skin tone.
3. ILIA Beauty Multi-Stick
Multi-task with ease using Ilia Beauty's multi-stick. While ILIA is one of those natural makeup brands best known for it's cheek tint, this plant-based product also complements lips, and eyes, proving minimalism can be both glamorous and eco friendly. I have one in my workbag and one in my purse for on-the-go touchups.
4. Summer Fridays Butter Lip Balm
This is a makeup industry hit among tweens, teens, and us moms for a reason: The balm provides super hydration with a blend of shea and murumuru seed butters, vegan waxes, and a natural vanilla fragrance. I "borrow" my teen's all the time... maybe it's time for my own.
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5. W3LL PEOPLE Expressionist Mascara
For as much as I love ILIA Beauty's Limitless Mascara (and other cosmetic products too), my favorite 'drugstore dupe' is the Expressionist Mascara by W3LL PEOPLE. It's formulated with natural ingredients - i.e. no synthetic dyes or fragrances, or other toxic ingredients. As if the bump in volume wasn't enough, the wand makes my lashes almost (almost!) look fabulously faux.
6. Tower 28 Beauty SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray
Wait, why am I including a facial spray in a list of clean makeup brand products? Because dunno about you, but I love securing my final makeup look every morning with a light setting spray. This option by Tower 28, is powered by anti-inflammatory ingredients, made with vegan ingredients, and - surprise! - comes in reusable packaging, reducing my carbon footprint.
7. e.l.f. Halo Glow Contour Beauty Wand
As if the 100% vegan, cruelty-free labels on this new product that's become a TikTok sensation weren't enough, its liquid, buildable contour formula is also infused with 2% squalane which has been sweet for my sensitive skin. Where other conventional makeup brands have tried for years, I love that e.l.f. makes this deeply-discounted product just feel luxe. This has become a new and recent fave.
