I’ve had a decent amount of success with some new-to-me beauty purchases in recent months and wanted to share some of my favorites with you guys since these are products I’ve come to love and use regularly. I still stand by my favorites from my 2020 post but the below beauty finds have found their way into my makeup bag and are products I find myself reaching for on a daily or almost-daily basis.
Recent Beauty Favorites
I had ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint on my radar because it seemed to pop up on a bunch of lists for best clean beauty products. I held off buying it because I still regularly use and love my bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Gel Cream and thought the products would be similar. Thank you to my mom for gifting me with the ILIA Super Serum for my birthday back in April because I love it and feel like it is quite a bit different from other skin tints/foundations I’ve tried in the past.
First, I LOVE the way it feels when I apply this to my skin. My skin drinks it up and I truly feel like it’s improving my skin as I apply it thanks to Hyaluronic Acids, plant-based Squalane, and Niacinamide that work together to even tone, soften fine lines and imperfections and plump the skin.
The first time I applied it, I was thrown for a loop because it takes a couple of seconds to really absorb into the skin. When I read the “how to use your skin tint” instructions, it was a game changer. Give the super serum 30-60 seconds to absorb and adjust to its true color (it applies lighter than you think you need at first) and then it dries into a beautifully dewy finish. It’s the perfect base for days when I want a natural look that also offers a bit of coverage in a way that allows my skin to breathe without looking like I’m wearing a ton of makeup. I love this for day-to-day wear and apply it first thing in the morning because I’m all about taking advantage of the SPF 40 coverage! If I want more coverage, I use my Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue (it layers well for additional coverage) but this skin tint super serum has a more natural, dewy look that’s great for everyday wear.
When I shared my last beauty roundup a year-and-a-half ago, I mentioned my frustration in trying to find a decent clean beauty mascara. ILIA Fullest Volumizing Mascara was recommended to me and I’m not sure why it took me so long to try it but after falling in love with ILIA Super Serum, I figured I should give it a go since the brand was 1-for-1 on clean beauty successes with me so far.
The minute I saw the mascara wand, I could could tell the mascara was going to be a hit! The wand is thick and fluffy — just my style — and the mascara immediately impressed me. It added length and some serious fluffy volume to my lashes. It is, without a doubt, the best clean beauty mascara I’ve tried… and that is by a LONG ways.
Consider me influenced! I saw a bunch of beauty influencers and my blogging buddy Jen rave about these caviar eyeshadow sticks so I added one to my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale order since I know Nordstrom makes it easy to return beauty products if they don’t work out for whatever reason. Here’s the thing: I’m not big into eyeshadow. I have small eyes and rarely take the time to apply eyeshadow in my day-to-day life. It’s something I reserve for special occasions (ya know, when I pretend to know what I’m doing in the beauty department) but I’ve been making an exception for this eyeshadow stick! It’s creamy and easy to apply and I love the way it allows me to add a little color and pop of definition above my lash line. I use the color I ordered (khaki) as almost an eyeliner substitute and love the way it makes me look more awake and put together without the severe look of a harsh line of eyeliner. I’m a fan!!
W3LL PEOPLE Multi-Use Cream Stick was an impulse addition to a Thrive Market order and my first impression when it arrived was that it was tiiiny. I imagined a much larger stick of makeup but, upon first use, my negative first impression evaporated and I fell in love BIG TIME.
I’ve tried other cream blushes/lip balm combos from clean beauty brands in the past and always felt like they didn’t rub into my skin well and looked almost clown-ish no matter how much effort I put into blending. This stick is the total opposite and has the most natural look and a stunningly perfect soft pink color. I love it for adding a pop of sun-kissed color to my cheekbones and a little bit of pink to my lips. I apply it after my primer + ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint and it blends perfectly into my skin. This combo ends up giving me a dewy look that feels light and fresh for summertime.
MyChelle Sun Shield Liquid Tint is similar in application to the ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint but if you’re not as into the dewy look, this liquid tint has a gorgeous matte finish. It’s a clean beauty find that I think looks lovely layered under makeup or applied to my face for lightweight coverage. The formula of this tint is oil-free with a 100% mineral-based broad-spectrum sun protection to protect skin against harmful UVA + UVB rays and for my fellow Thrive Market fans, it’s another beauty find you can nab for less on their site!
Graydon Skincare Face Glow Primer feels lightweight and silky on my face — almost like a super-soft second skin. It’s a tinted moisturizer, illuminator and primer in one and I look forward to applying it before all of my other makeup to help my makeup last longer. It gives my skin a silky-smooth, radiant base and I swear it even helps smooth the look of the fine lines and wrinkles I have on my forehead and in between my eyes.
If you’re looking for a completely clear super clean sunscreen to apply to your face that won’t clog your pores and doesn’t feel thick and sticky, Biossance Sheer Mineral Sunscreen is your winner! It’s EWG-certified (so, basically, the cleanest of the clean) and is Ryan’s favorite sunscreen for his face, too!
I personally still gravitate toward my beloved Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 for my face because I love the tint and dewy look but the Biossance Sheer Mineral Suncreen is a fabulous find for days when I want sun protection that is truly clear.
I added this blush to a diapering bundle order through The Honest Company’s website since that’s a nice way to save a little money on their products and it was an immediate winner for me! It’s another clean beauty find that looks beautiful applied dusted lightly on top of my cheek bones after I apply my Beautycounter bronzer and love the subtle sun-kissed look is gives my cheeks.
Beauty Favorites
Here’s a rundown of the beauty products I’m currently using on a regular basis, categorized by their use! If you’re at all interested in a breakdown of my skincare routine, just let me know! (Note: My skincare post would be a VERY short post because I’ve paired back my skincare products dramatically and am very happy with this decision. Keepin’ it simple!)
FACE:
- Face Sunscreen: Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 / Biossance Sheer Mineral Sunscreen
- Primer: Graydon Skincare Face Glow Primer / bareMinerals Prime Time BB-Cream SPF 30
- Foundation/Skin Tint: ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint / MyChelle Sun Shield Liquid Tint / bareMinerals Complexion Rescue / bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Hydrating Foundation Stick
- Concealer: Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
- Bronzer: Beautycounter Radiant All Over Bronzer
- Cheeks: W3LL PEOPLE Multi-Use Cream Stick / The Honest Company Beauty Lit Powder Blush
- Setting Powder: RMS Beauty Unpowder
EYES/BROWS:
- Brows: Benefit Goof Proof Eyebrow Pencil
- Eyeshadow: Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eyeshadow
- Eyeliner: Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner Pen
- Lashes: ILIA Fullest Volumizing Mascara / Tarte Opening Act Lash Primer / L’Oreal Lash Paradise
LIPS:
- Lip Balm: NOW Completely Kissable Organic Peppermint Lip Balm
- Lip Gloss/Color: Fresh SUGAR Tinted Lip Treatment / Beautycounter Lip Gloss
- Lip Stain: Benefit Posietint Lip Stain / The Balm Stainiac Lip Stain
Question of the Day
Have you had any beauty-related purchases blow your mind recently? Please share!
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Loved this post. The ILIA serum sounds awesome!
Thank you for this post! I really need some guidance in this department, the choices are so overwhelming! I tried some beauty counter stuff, but I don’t think they are right for me 🙁 . I am not into the dewy look so I appreciate the recommendations for the non-dewy look. What order do you apply these products? I never know what to do when? HA HA HA!
ha! totally get that!! for my day-to-day look, i’ll often just do the ilia or mychelle serum followed by the well people cream color stick and call it a day! when i want to put more time and effort into my makeup, my order looks like this: primer, skin tint/super serum or foundation, concealer, bronzer, blush (or, if i’m using a cream blush, i’ll apply it before bronzer) and then next i’ll do my eyebrows, eyeliner and mascara followed by lips!
So weird, you had this same post like a month ago!
I haven’t done a beauty post since Feb 2020 actually! I’ve included a handful of these products in a past Things I’m Loving Friday post so perhaps that’s what you’re remembering?
Julie – I love this post! I’m always looking for skin care and make-up recommendations. Please do a post on your skin care routine. I’m always interested in hearing what other people do so I can get a better routine myself.
I’m really intrigued by the shadow stick. I may have to try it!
What are you using and loving for shampoo and conditioner? Always on the lookout for something new!
I’m honestly not too picky about my shampoo & conditioner! I’m using NOW shampoo & conditioner right now and also like Baxter & Living Proof a lot!
what color did you get in the laura mercier caviar stick? I love those- always on the hunt for new colors that aren’t too glittery
khaki! when i order it again, i’ll probably go a little lighter but i like the color for an almost eyeliner replacement!
I really want to try the ilia skin tint! What shade do you use? I’m struggling to pick the right one and am similar in complexion to you. Thanks!
I’d love an updated skincare post, even if it’s short! I’m definitely on the same train as you with trying to simplify and “clean up” my skincare and beauty routine, and have gotten some great recommendations from your blog and Instagram over the years. I’m a rosehip oil loyalist because of you! 🙂
Thank you so much for doing posts on your clean makeup you love! I’ve made some switches based on your recommendations, and loved them. Would be great to hear what you like as far as skincare! I’ve been on the hunt for a retinol with a good EWG score that isn’t super expensive…but these posts are so helpful!