What an extraordinary journey it has been! As the year commenced, I embarked on a deep dive into the burgeoning world of non-toxic cosmetics through my unique initiative, the Clean Beauty 5 x 5 series. This project wasn’t just about trying out new products; it was a rigorous, real-world test where I evaluated five (and often more!) items from the same makeup category – be it foundation, mascara, or concealer – to assess their true all-day staying power and overall performance. While challenging products like lipstick and eyeshadow never quite live up to “all-day” promises for me, the series aimed to unearth genuine gems that truly shine.
Over the course of this extensive exploration, I conducted more than ten distinct tests, putting over 50 products through their paces. This journey led to countless revelations, introducing me to some absolute “holy grail” products that have earned a permanent spot in my routine, alongside a few unexpected “flops.” The year 2019 proved to be a pivotal year for the clean beauty movement, with an impressive surge in innovation and quality. I’m thrilled to report that I’ve discovered several products that are so outstanding, I anticipate using them for years to come.
To celebrate the culmination of this year and the Clean Beauty 5 x 5 series, I’m excited to share a comprehensive full-face makeup look, featuring my absolute favorite product from each category. This list isn’t necessarily about products launched in 2019 (though some were); rather, it highlights my personal discoveries and beloved staples from this past year. Think of this as a time capsule, capturing the very best of clean beauty that resonated with me in 2019. With 2020 promising even more exciting new releases and experiments, I hope this guide provides a fantastic starting point for anyone looking to embrace cleaner beauty choices. Let’s dive into my top picks!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- My Favorite Clean Foundation
- My Favorite Clean Concealer
- My Favorite Clean Bronzer
- My Favorite Clean Blush
- My Favorite Clean Highlighter
- My Favorite Clean Brow Product
- My Favorite Clean Eyeshadow
- My Favorite Clean Eyeliner
- My Favorite Clean Mascara
- My Favorite Clean Lipstick
My Favorite Clean Foundation: Vapour Soft Focus Foundation
For those who adore a luminous, glowy complexion and seek medium coverage from their foundation, the Vapour Soft Focus Foundation is an absolute game-changer. This product truly delivers a radiant finish that makes your skin look healthy and vibrant. Its unique formula is crafted with an impressive array of natural ingredients that nourish the skin while providing buildable coverage.
In my experience, to truly optimize its wear and finish, incorporating a high-quality primer is essential. The formula, while beautiful, can feel quite silky and smooth, so a good primer helps it adhere seamlessly to the skin, ensuring longevity throughout the day. My personal go-to for this is a natural primer that complements the Vapour foundation perfectly. Beyond its stunning finish, the ingredient list of this foundation is truly stellar, reflecting a commitment to clean beauty standards without compromising on performance. For those seeking a more robust, full-coverage option within the clean beauty realm, I wholeheartedly recommend Gressa, which also offers an incredible formula.
READ MORE: The Best All-Natural Foundations for Every Skin Type
My Favorite Clean Concealer: W3ll People Bio Correct Multi-Action Concealer
When it comes to achieving flawless, full-coverage results that last, the W3ll People Bio Correct Multi-Action Concealer is my ultimate holy grail. This powerhouse concealer is designed not only to mask imperfections but also to deliver multiple benefits to the skin. It’s incredibly long-lasting, providing dependable coverage that stays put throughout busy days without creasing or fading. I particularly appreciate how effectively it de-puffs the delicate under-eye area, helping to reduce the appearance of tiredness and giving a more refreshed look.
Moreover, its color-correcting properties are remarkable, neutralizing discoloration to create an even-toned canvas. The convenient tube packaging is a thoughtful design choice, making it highly portable and easy to apply precisely where needed. Formulated with truly great, clean ingredients, it performs exceptionally well and has consistently proven itself as an overall winner in my comprehensive tests. My only significant critique is the current shade range, which I sincerely hope W3ll People will expand to be more inclusive in the future.
READ MORE: The Best Clean Concealers That Actually Work!
My Favorite Clean Bronzer: HAN Bronzer
The HAN Bronzer is a true standout, earning its place as a triple threat in the clean beauty category thanks to its exceptional quality, accessible price point, and impressive ingredient list. I personally use the shade Malibu, and I’m consistently amazed at how a small amount of product goes a long way to create a beautiful effect. As someone who prefers a powder bronzer that imparts a warm, sun-kissed glow, this product absolutely hit all the right notes for me. Its finely milled texture blends effortlessly into my skin tone, providing a natural warmth without any orange undertones.
The result is a healthy, radiant look that mimics a day spent in the sun, enhancing my features with a soft, natural contour. I truly cannot emphasize enough how much I love this bronzer. It provides that coveted vacation glow, making it an indispensable part of my daily makeup routine. For anyone seeking an effective, affordable, and clean bronzer, HAN is undoubtedly a top recommendation.
READ MORE: The Best Natural Bronzer (Powder + Cream Options)
My Favorite Clean Blush: Bite Beauty Multistick
Another product that deeply impressed me with its remarkable longevity is the Bite Beauty Multistick. This versatile product is not only incredibly long-lasting but also boasts a super natural finish, making it a fantastic addition to any clean beauty arsenal. The fact that it’s readily available at Sephora is a huge bonus, making clean beauty more accessible to a wider audience. I’m particularly fond of the color Praline, which is beautifully described as a “spicy peach.” This shade provides the perfect pop of vibrant yet natural color on my cheeks, instantly brightening my complexion and adding a healthy flush.
Its multi-use functionality means it can be applied to lips and eyes as well, offering incredible value and convenience, especially for on-the-go touch-ups. The creamy, blendable formula glides effortlessly onto the skin, allowing for seamless application and a natural-looking flush that lasts for hours. Bite Beauty has truly mastered the art of creating high-performance, natural products, and this Multistick is a shining example.
READ MORE: The Best Natural Blushes
My Favorite Clean Highlighter: Vapour Highlight Stick
For achieving that coveted natural luminosity, the Vapour Highlight Stick is my absolute go-to. This product effortlessly imparts a beautiful glow without ever looking artificial or overly sparkly. I adore its subtle rose gold hue, which is incredibly flattering on various skin tones and blends seamlessly to create a refined radiance. What sets this highlighter apart is its ability to deliver a natural, dewy finish that makes your skin appear healthy and hydrated, rather than simply dusted with glitter.
It provides that perfect touch of radiance that suggests a naturally glowing complexion, as if you woke up with perfectly luminous skin – a totally normal and desirable outcome, wouldn’t you agree? The stick format makes application incredibly easy and precise, allowing you to highlight the high points of your face with minimal effort. It’s the ideal product for anyone seeking a sophisticated, understated glow that enhances their natural beauty.
READ MORE: The Best Natural Highlighters
My Favorite Clean Brow Products: Ecobrow Defining Wax + Ere Perez Brow Gel
When it comes to perfectly sculpted yet natural-looking brows, I rely on a dynamic duo: the Ecobrow Defining Wax and the Ere Perez Brow Gel. I’ve been a loyal user of the Ecobrow Defining Wax for years, and for good reason. It consistently delivers an effortless yet polished brow look that never appears too “done.” To apply, you’ll need an angled brush, but the process is surprisingly simple and quick. The rich, buildable formula allows you to fill in sparse areas and define your brow shape with precision, resulting in a beautifully natural, feathered brow that looks perfectly groomed without being overly rigid or artificial. For those who prefer not to use a separate brush, Ecobrow also offers a convenient brow pencil alternative.
Now, if you struggle with unruly brow hairs that seem to have a mind of their own, constantly going in every which way, allow me to introduce you to your new best friend: the Ere Perez Brow Gel. This product is a revelation for taming and setting brows. On days when I’m wearing a full face of makeup, I typically fill in my eyebrows with the Ecobrow wax and then finish with a sweep of the clear Ere Perez Brow Gel to lock everything in place and ensure my brow hairs stay perfectly coiffed all day. For a super natural, “no-makeup” makeup look, I often skip the wax entirely and simply use the clear brow gel to shape and set my brows, giving them a tidy, polished appearance without added color. Ere Perez also offers tinted brow gels, providing a fantastic double whammy: you can lightly fill in your brows and set them simultaneously for streamlined perfection.
READ MORE: The Best Clean Beauty Brow Products
My Favorite Clean Eyeshadow: Aether Beauty Rose Quartz Crystal Gemstone Eyeshadow Palette
I am absolutely enamored with the Aether Beauty Rose Quartz Crystal Gemstone Eyeshadow Palette! This palette stands out not only for its stunning array of shades but also for its exceptional performance. The colors are remarkably highly pigmented, delivering intense color payoff with just a single swipe. The range of colors included is incredibly versatile, offering everything from soft neutrals to vibrant jewel tones, making it suitable for creating a myriad of looks, from subtle daytime elegance to dramatic evening glamour.
While I’ve noticed a minor amount of fallout during application, this is easily mitigated by simply tapping off any excess product from the brush before applying it to the eyelids. This small extra step is well worth it for the incredible color and blendability you get. Beyond its stellar performance, the eco-friendly packaging is a significant bonus, aligning perfectly with clean beauty values. The combination of its impressive versatility, rich pigmentation, and sustainable design makes this palette an undeniable winner in my book for any clean beauty enthusiast.
READ MORE: The Best Natural Eyeshadows
My Favorite Clean Eyeliner: W3ll People Hypnotist Eye Pencil
After testing a selection of natural eyeliner pencils, the W3ll People Hypnotist Eye Pencil emerged as the clear and undisputed winner. This eyeliner truly impressed me with its exceptional high performance and remarkable longevity. It glides on smoothly, delivering intense color that stays put throughout the day without smudging or fading, which is often a challenge with natural formulas. What makes it even more appealing is the wide variety of colors it offers, allowing for creative and versatile eye looks.
Currently, I only own it in the beautiful plum shade, which adds a subtle yet striking pop of color, but I am definitely planning to invest in other shades to expand my collection. Its creamy texture ensures effortless application, whether you prefer a sharp, defined line or a soft, smudged effect. This pencil proves that clean beauty doesn’t mean sacrificing efficacy, making it a must-have for anyone seeking a reliable and non-toxic eyeliner.
READ MORE: The Best Natural and Non-Toxic Eyeliners
My Favorite Clean Mascara: ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara
If you’re like me and perhaps tried ILIA’s old mascara formulation and consequently swore off trying any of their mascaras in the future, then you’re in for a delightful surprise. I, too, was skeptical, but I’m incredibly grateful that someone convinced me to give their new ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara a second chance, because it has since become my ultimate holy grail mascara. This mascara is a true triumph in clean beauty, offering unparalleled performance.
Its innovative dual-fiber wand is a stroke of genius: one side is expertly designed for incredible lengthening, while the other is dedicated to building impressive thickness. The result is lashes that boast definite va-va-voom, appearing dramatically longer, fuller, and beautifully defined. Beyond its transformative effect, its wear is simply superb. Even at the end of a long day, there was not a single flake or smudge under my eyes, a testament to its long-lasting and resilient formula. ILIA, you have truly made an impressive comeback with this product, setting a new standard for natural mascaras.
READ MORE: The Best Natural Mascaras
My Favorite Clean Lipstick: ILIA Tinted Lip Conditioner
When it comes to the world of non-toxic lip products, the ILIA Tinted Lip Conditioner holds a special place as an OG on the market and remains one of my tried-and-true favorites. This product is an excellent entry point for anyone just beginning their journey into clean beauty lipsticks. It strikes a perfect balance, offering the luxurious feel and performance comparable to conventional lip products, but with the added peace of mind that comes from using truly good, clean ingredients.
It provides a beautiful wash of color that enhances your natural lip tone, coupled with rich hydration that keeps your lips feeling soft and nourished throughout the day. The formula is comfortable, non-sticky, and provides a subtle sheen that looks effortlessly chic. Whether you’re a seasoned clean beauty enthusiast or simply curious to explore healthier makeup options, you absolutely cannot go wrong with this versatile and beloved tinted lip conditioner. It truly embodies the best of both worlds: stunning aesthetics and wholesome ingredients.
READ MORE: The Best Non-Toxic Lipsticks