I’ve always been a less-is-more kind of girl when it comes to everyday makeup. My philosophy has always been that makeup should enhance your natural beauty and features and let your skin breath. When COVID hit and I was home 24/7, I leaned hard into going with as little makeup as possible, as often as possible, simply because I didn’t need to wear so much.
I took the opportunity to spend more time on skincare, less time on makeup, and streamline my morning routine. Now I’ve got an easy, Zoom appropriate, everyday look down to 5 minutes or less! It’s my “I forgot this meeting was a video meeting” look. These are some of my favorite products that are my go-to’s for a quick, easy effortless look.
As a point of note, I generally only use non-toxic and clean products in all areas of my life {cleaning products, hair care, makeup, skincare, fragrance linens etc.}. Obviously I’m human so this might not always be the case {if so I will call it out}, but I do try my best to be intentional and cognizant about what I’m putting in, on and near my body. All of these are non-toxic and clean, free from harmful chemicals, irritants and hormone disruptors. All of the ingredients and certifications are listed on the product pages!
Foundation
The Minimalist by MERIT Beauty
This has been such a game-changer in my makeup routine. I don’t generally like to wear a ton of makeup to begin with and generally go for light coverage and some concealer if anything so at first, I was skeptical. After one try though I was completely sold. It’s literally replaced my BB cream and concealer. It’s super light-weight, doesn’t leave my skin feeling dry, and gives me the coverage that I want where I want and last all day long. I recommend using it with a blending brush for a more even finish. Also of note, on MERIT’s website you can send a makeup free selfie and they will color match for you. This is what I did and they nailed the color.
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint
On days that I’m really pressed for time or don’t want to do a full face, but still want a little coverage I will use this “serum” instead The Minimalist. {Depending on what I’m doing I will add some of Ilia’s concealer or use The Minimalist as concealer, but most of the time I just use the serum}. It doesn’t give me as much under eye coverage as The Minimalist, but it’s perfect for light coverage. It also has SPF 40 which I love because I always forget to put it on in the morning. It has all the hydrating and skin tone evening things {hyaluronic acid, plant-based squalane, and niacinamide} so it gives a really natural, dewy look, but also has good coverage and sun protection without being greasy or oily. Ilia also does skin matching via a photo and great customer service to go along with it.
Ilia True Skin Serum Concealer
This one is relatively new to my makeup bag, but so far I really like it! It blends well, doesn’t cake up and feels really light. Similar to the Super Serum, it leaves my skin feeling hydrated, but not greasy.
Blush
RMS Lip2Cheek
This was one of the first “clean” products that I tried years ago and I haven been using it ever since. I absolutely love it. To be honest, I haven’t tried many other non-toxic blush’s out there because I love this one so much. It has a thicker texture, but blends oh-so nicely. I generally use it just on my cheeks; I found it to feel a little too matte on my lips. It’s not bad though with a little lip balm!
MERIT Beauty Flush Balm
This is a close runner up to my RMS blush. It’s definitely lighter weight and easier to apply. That said, I feel like it doesn’t last as long as the Lip2Cheek, which I don’t necessarily mind since it’s small enough that I can keep it in my bag to re-apply. This one works well on the lips too!
Brows
MERIT Beauty Brow 1980
The perfect combo of tint and hold. It doesn’t have as strong of a hold as the REFY Brow Sculpt, but it’s pretty darn close, and the best that I’ve tried when it comes to clean tinted brow gel.
REFY Brown Sculpt Shape and Hold
If you ask me, this is the holy-grail of brow gels. It’s probably not as “clean” as MERIT’s, but it keeps my pesky brow hairs in place all day. Sometimes I will use this first and then follow with MERIT’s Brow 1980.
KIMIKO Super Fine Eyebrow Pencil
Another one of those products that I’ve been using for years simply because it consistently get’s the job done. One of the reasons I love this brow pencil is because it’s not too soft. I like a pencil that will blend with the rest of my brow rather than drop a blob of color that looks like someone took a crayon to my brow. This brow pencil gives me hair like strokes that I can brush through for a natural look.
Mascara
MERIT Clean Lash
This is hands down the best clean mascara that I have ever tried. Seriously, the best. It lasts all day, doesn’t fall out or smudge, and really lengthens, lifts and defines my lashes. I cannot say enough good things about it!
xo
-S
