When I was a teenager, walking through the makeup aisle with my mom was a magical time. It’s a place where dreams could potentially come true. At least, that’s how I felt when I finally purchased makeup of my own (big fan of lip gloss). I was crossing into a wonderful dream world of adulthood and beauty while participating in a feminine rite of passage. 

Except when I grew up, I learned that these strolls down the makeup aisle can spell disaster for my skin. For most makeup products, we are buying cancer in a bottle. Most products contain petrochemicals, heavy metals, carcinogens that cause cancer (hello BHTS, BHAs), and worst of all, fetal tissue. Paying astronomical amounts to poison my skin was not one of my dreams, trust me. 

An extensive list of ingredients to avoid can be found here and here. 

Luckily, there’s a solution. Refine’s clean beauty picks are not only good for your body, but also good for the environment. 

For the lips 

Honest Beauty Tinted Lip Balm 

An incredible dupe for the famous Clinique’s Black Honey, this juicy lip tint is made with avocado and açai oils. It adds a wash of color and provides up to 8 hours of moisture.  

Wellpeople Lush Tinted Lip Oil 

With a clear wash of color and a glossy finish, this lip oil combines soothing plant-based moisture with a refreshing peppermint scent. 

100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Pomegranate Oil Moisturizing Lipstick 

Full-coverage with a satin finish, this anti-aging lipstick is made in the U.S.A. With cocoa and shea butter, this lipstick is formulated using fruit pigments such as plum, raspberry, and grape.

Ilia Color Block Lipstick 

With this lipstick, you get hydration, full coverage, and long-lasting wear from castor oil in each swipe. Not to mention some bold, beautiful colors!

For the face 

Axology Balmie Highlighters 

Made with 9 natural ingredients, this product can be used on lips, eyes, cheeks, and as a highlighter! These eco-friendly, plastic-free crayons offer the same product amount as a regular lipstick.

Cheekbone Beauty Sustain Complexion Pencils 

Blendable. Buildable. Smooth and creamy. Use these complexion pencils as a concealer, primer, matte highlighter, contour, and even bronzer. It’s perfect for any occasion!

Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 

This is where your skincare and makeup routine combine. Meet a hybrid serum, moisturizer, SPF, and foundation all rolled into one. This award-winning skin tint comes in 30 shades and delivers light coverage, a dewy finish, and sun protection. 

For the eyes

Honest Beauty Extreme Length 2-in-1 Mascara 

This double-ended mascara and primer elevates your lashes for an eye-opening lift. Made with Jojoba esters, the primer creates an even base to enhance the lengthening mascara. 

Wellpeople eyeshadow palette 

Made with vegan ingredients and organic botanicals, this palette adds a gorgeous shimmer to your look, morning or night. No creases!

Ilia Fullest Voluminizing Mascara 

Who doesn’t want thicker and fuller lashes? This product achieves just that with its nylon micro-bristles. No lash left behind!