Transition to a Clean Makeup Routine w. Product Recommendations

As we start socializing more and more this summer, we’re all getting back into our makeup routines. I’m slowly trying to get a complete clean makeup routine, but I’m going to use up everything I own first.

Transitioning to a clean beauty routine is daunting at first and expensive. I recommend starting with items in your routine you often switch up (i.e. not that tried and true products you swear by). Once you get those taken care of, you can start on trying to find clean alternatives to everything else.

I talk about how to find clean beauty because it isn’t straightforward. We’re also all busy, so shopping at your go-to stores makes it an easier process!

Clean beauty is an important part of sustainable living (what we put on our skin matters as much as what we wash down the drain). Be sure to check out these other clean beauty roundups:

Clean Beauty at Nordstrom
Clean Beauty at Target
Clean Beauty at Walmart
Clean Beauty at ULTA

Transitioning to a Clean Makeup Routine

Below is everything in my makeup routine – clean and not clean. My transition is taking even longer than expected with all this time at home!

I’ve put an asterisk* next to the clean beauty items in my routine to make it easier and have linked to the clean beauty items I plan to try as soon as possible!

Concealer*

I’ve been using this RMS Beauty Un Cover-Up concealer for over a year. You can read my initial review of the RMS Un Cover-Up here!

RMS Beauty is a clean beauty company that sells its items in recycle containers – often made of recycled materials and reusable!!

The concealers seems like it won’t do much, but it does while adding a lovely life to your skin!

Foundation

This is also my second time using the Hollywood Flawless Filter Foundation in “3 Light/Medium.” I apply it using the Magic Complexion Brush. I’m obsessed with the dewy look this gives to my skin, but it doesn’t feel heavy or annoying.

The brush is great for any foundation or tinted moisturizer. I use it to tap onto skin; It provides seamless coverage!

I’ve been using this same foundation for well over a year. My next clean alternative will likely be the ILIA foundation* or the RMS Un-Foundation*.

Bronzer

Really going back here. I’ve been using this Matte Radiance Bronzer in “02” for over 6 years and I love it. I use the angled brush to lightly apply it to my cheeks and the bridge of my nose.

The compact comes with a lot of powder, so you rarely need to buy it new, which is always welcome news!

This is another long standing carry over. The container holds A LOT of product, so it’s taking me a while to get through it. Next up will be either the w3ll people bio bronzer or the Kosas The Sun Show Baked Bronzer.

Blush*

I started using the Kosås Color & Light Powder Blush Duo in “Contrachroma” when I started getting into clean beauty. I only use blush at the moment – applied with blush brush. It’s a beautifully subtle color.

The highlighter doesn’t have as much sheen as I like for a highlighter, however, so I use it as an eyelid base with just my mascara and, sometimes an eyeliner.

Highlighter Powder

This is another one I’ve been using for years. I featured this one in my how to brighten under eyes tutorial over two years ago and I think it’s the only product from that setup I still religiously use.

This Matte Radiance Highlighter Powder in “Highlight 01” is actually in the same product line as the bronzer above. I apply it with the eye blender brush to my high cheek bones and bridge of my nose. It makes me look healthy and rested instantly!

When I finally run out of this one (it might actually be a few years), I’m hoping to try Dehiya Beauty’s THE HALO EFFECT*.

Brow Gel*

I’ve shared this ILIA essential brow gel before. I’m now on my second tube – it’s just perfect for me. Eyebrow products were the last thing I added to my setup, but one of the first things I switched out in my clean makeup routine!

I use the blonde color as I always have in eyebrow products. Though it’s a gel, it doesn’t go on heavily or cake at all! I’m really loving the ILIA brow gel!

Mascara*

So. My mascara was the one product I had a ride-or-die for. I’ve been “addicted” to the Diorshow Addict for years. It gave me great coverage and was easy on my sensitive eyes, but it came time to start trying clean mascaras. I’ve tried a few (read a review here) and have had mixed experiences.

The current one I’m using is the ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara (read my full review here). I really like the coverage (the wand took some getting used to on my part) and it’s fine for my sensitive eyes.

While I love this mascara, I’ll probably try a different one next – just to try more! On my rader are the RMS Beauty Volumizing Mascara and the Papillon Organic Mascara.

Setting Powder

And again – the setting powder for the ages. This Translucent Setting Powder is the best I’ve found. I apply it with a kabuki brush. You can read my full review of the Laura Mercier Setting Powders and why this one is just so amazing!

I do also have the RMS “UN” Powder*. The consistency is really fine and I’m aware of it on my skin. I haven’t really given it a full trial run (again since we’ve been home so much), but thus far I haven’t loved it!

Transitioning to a Clean Makeup Routine {w. products}