2020 Natural Makeup and Skincare Routine
I’ve been using natural makeup and skincare products almost exclusively for several years. Here’s the 2020 update on what I’m still loving and what’s new.
Every spring I post a natural makeup and skincare routine update. I get a lot of questions about what products I’m using whenever I show my face on camera somewhere (thank you!) since I like a borderline salamander moisture level that appears glowy. When I mention it’s all natural products, there are questions.
I get it! It’s an overwhelming process to switch from conventional makeup and skincare to natural ones. Which is why I share what I’m using. I’m all about doing the research, being the guinea pig, and simplifying it to give you the bottom line.
WHY NATURAL MAKEUP?
Your body absorbs what you put on your skin. While a lot of sources quote 60-70% absorption of product, I've seen conflicting numbers so I won't state a definite here. So let's go into this knowing some of the product ingredients are going into your body. And the ingredients...they're not good. The US is decades behind cosmetics ingredient regulation. There are over 1000 ingredients banned in the UK while in the US...it's only about 30 ingredients on the banned list.
WHERE SHOULD I START?
Switching from conventional makeup was overwhelming for me. I didn't know everything to stay away from (I still don’t know all the ingredients that are to be avoided). I wanted products that worked as good as or better than conventional. Especially since it's not exactly an inexpensive foray into the natural product world. I'm currently 95% natural in my makeup and skincare routine. I’m leaving 5% for a questionable hairspray and dry shampoo I’m using.
If you're a beginner and don't have the same skin type as me (normal to dry in winter) or are looking for other products, I highly recommend Follain which is basically the Sephora meets Whole Foods of natural makeup. It's a curated website with several physical locations in major cities that only allows certain standards of product and ingredients in the shop. You should absolutely use the chat function on their website and if possible, book a one on one consultation with them.
SKIN TYPE NOTE
These 'Holy Grail' makeup items are based on what has worked for me. I'm mostly normal skin type but in winter I am dry...so there are lots of cream based vs powder products here. If you're 'greasy', this is probably not a good selection for you. I also want to say these smaller brands don't necessarily have an inclusive shade range. Many of these products are also on the lower coverage side of the spectrum. I, thankfully, have 'good skin'. I don't have a lot of pigmentation or textural issues, so the selections in the face section below are not full coverage. I will also say that compared to conventional products which now boast 24 hour wears (why???), natural products are definitely not as long lasting for wear period. So go into this knowing you cannot wear this make up from 7 AM to 9 PM and have it look flawless without touchup. Expectations people.
Older natural product routines
It’s kind of fun to go back and see what’s changed and what hasn’t. I am still using the same mascara and brow products as 2018. When you find what works, you celebrate. The biggest change in products happened last year when I had a one on one consult at Follain which I highly recommend! They helped me find my go-to foundation/concealer testing several products on my skin to find which ”melded” the best instead of sitting on top of the skin.
Skincare
Facewash:
If I had to re-order something right now, it would 100% be Cocokind oil to milk cleanser. It’s the only facewash I’ve tried that I’ve ever cared about. But with that said, I typically use whatever natural soap is on hand in the bathroom paired with this little antimicrobial, recyclable scrubber. That and a micellar water with washable, reusable makeup pads to remove eye makeup.
Daily moisturizer:
Follain Replenish + Protect: I’ve never been so in love with a moisturizer. Follain came out with self branded skincare a few months ago and they definitely did their testing! It’s lightweight (not greasy) and absorbs quickly but is very hydrating (said as someone with dry skin). It also contains bakuchiol which is a non-irritating retinol alternative and in combination with the peptides also included it improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Depending on how deep you want to get into skincare jargon, the Follain moisturizer also contains sodium hyaluronate which is a humectant that helps the skin retain and attract moisture. It’s also cruelty-free.
Chris’s Daily moisturizer:
Weleda Skinfood Light Nourishing Cream: This category sparks joy. Yes, Chris also uses natural products and he has never had higher praise for a product than this one. I think the exact words were “I’m only using this moisturizer forever. I don’t ever need another”. This is coming from someone whose statement of high praise is “not bad”.
Treatments and Serums
Sunday Riley Good Genes: Yep- still using it! I know it’s expensive, but it’s worth it! It contains licorice and lemongrass as well as prickly pear extract to reduce the appearance of surface redness, dark spots and promotes an even skin tone. To be honest I’m not certain if this is 100% natural since I buy it on Sephora, but it’s very helpful for clearing skin congestion thanks to its lactic acid ingredient. Start slowly. It’s powerful. I’ve used this for multiple years now and think this is one of the keystone products to my routine.
Tammy Fender Capillary Strengthening Oil: Still an essential. I took a break for maybe two months to see if it was still working as well as I thought it was and my god I NEEDED IT BACK. If you buy one thing I list in this post, make it this. If you suffer from skin redness (mild rosacea, broken capillaries etc), you will love this product. I have some facial redness on my cheeks and this has helped decrease it significantly. I use this as my night time moisturizing step.
SUN PROTECTION
Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream, SPF 30: SPF, redness reduction and a great base for make up. This is still my daytime moisturizer base.
MASKs
Farmaesthetics Herbal Hydration Complex: Hydrating, redness reducing- it’s the mask you need after wearing makeup or traveling for a few days in a row. It’s so good even Chris can tell right after I use it. Now I will say, I have a feeling Follain’s new hydrating mask may beat it- I just haven’t tried it yet!
Follain Dual Detox Mask: Purify + Resurface: I had just finished a product that was more than double the price and a smaller size and this product is SO MUCH BETTER. It’s a clay mask with AHAs and BHA in a very creamy formula. I cannot get enough of this mask.
MAKE UP
FACE MAKE UP
Under-foundation glow/highlighter: RMS Living Luminizer: A hydrating highlighter that’s noticeable but not insane looking.
Foundation and concealer: RMS uncoverup : I use this as my concealer and foundation. With that said, I do not use this all over my face. I only use under my eyes, to spot conceal and that’s it. I use the color 22 in summer.
Setting Powder: RMS unpowder: In the heat of summer I will use this to set certain areas of my skin. I’ve also used this as an eye shadow base and it works well.
Bronzer: W3ll People: BIO bronzer chubby stick: Great for blending and works well as eyelid color in a pinch! It’s definitely warmer tone, so this one can’t double as a contour.
EYE MAKE UP
Day to Day Mascara: W3ll People Expressionist: I'm so thrilled with this as a day to day mascara. It separates and evenly coats lashes. There's nothing clumpy about this. If you have lots of lashes you’ll love this for a day look. I do several layers to get the effects I’m looking for.
Intense Mascara: Jane Iredale Longest Lash Mascara + Pure Lash Extender Conditioner: If you are just now switching to natural make up this is the mascara for you. It's intense and can easily stack up against high impact mascaras at the drugstore. BUT, you need to buy both the conditioner and mascara itself.
Eyeliner : Kjaer Weis Eye Pencil in Black: In my experience, this stays put better than the other pencils, so if you’re looking for a great black pencil, this is it. My one gripe about this pencil is how heavy the metal cap is.
Brow Gel: Jane Iredale Purebrow: This colored brow gel is easy to sweep on and use a clean spooly to brush through. I use the color 'blonde' as a medium brunette.
Eyeshadow: W3ll People Nudist Palate: For YEARS I’ve been saying how I’m still looking for a very small basic palate with nudes. W3ll People finally made one! It’s plant based and they apply easily. I wish the brown tone one had a black pigment but I’ll take it.
Lip Color
Ere Perez Beetroot: I’ve always been a bit bashful about red lipstick. As someone who eats and drinks constantly, I don’t want to worry about brightly colored pigment all over my face. But this TRULY has staying power. I’ve worn it to conference cocktail hours and never worried.
W3ll People Optimist Semi Matte lipstick- Soul Mate: Great texture, easy to apply and an excellent ‘pink but nude’ color if you’re on the fair skinned side. This is what you’d carry in your bag without a mirror.
Jane Iredale Play On Lip Pencil- yummy: One part lip balm, one part lip color. It applies like a hydrating balm but has the coverage of a lipstick. This is a definite summer color.
Nail Polish:
Palate Polish in Earl Grey: It’s small batch, 10 free and vegan. It’s also one of the polishes the only salon I visit uses (Nothing In Between which is a non-toxic salon. Their natural gel manicure and minimal nail art is beyond). The coverage is fantastic and the colors are named for foods. (Cayenne pictured above- I want to get my hands on this one!)
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