The Best Beautycounter Makeup & Skincare Products (Including tons of Reader Favorites!)
What I think of Beautycounter makeup, plus some of your favorite clean skincare products!
Chances are you’ve heard the term “clean beauty” – but what is it?! Umm good question. Up until a few months ago, I had no idea either! I mean, the products I typically use can’t be THAT bad for me, right?
Well, I could tell myself that… but why would I justify being ignorant about what I put on my face when I’m so passionate about reading ingredient labels for everything I put in my body? How does that make sense? I watch documentary after documentary about nutrition, and preach about the dangers of aspartame and high fructose corn syrup… when over in the beauty aisle, there are thousands of harmful ingredients that haven’t even been regulated.
In fact, Beautycounter’s website reveals that the United States hasn’t passed any major laws to regulate the safety of ingredients in personal care products since 1938. I’m sorry, WHAT?! And in case you think it’s just because everything is fine… the European Union has banned close to 1,400 chemicals in product formulas for these types of products within the past 20 years. The U.S. has only partially banned 30. That’s it.
Again… WHAT?!
Okay, in case I’ve riled you up… deep breaths. I don’t mean to scare you! That being said, there is so much research that links our exposure to toxic chemicals with health issues like asthma, cancer, and even infertility. So if we CAN limit our exposure to those things, shouldn’t we try? If we are going to spend money on eye cream and foundation and lipstick anyway… isn’t it worth it to at least consider products that we don’t have to worry about?
The whole “clean beauty” world is quite intimidating. Where do I start? Am I just supposed to throw away every other product I own? And who decides what is “clean” and what isn’t? Turns out, there are a lot of companies working to make their products safer for all of us, and the EWG (Environmental Working Group) has a helpful website and app to help you identify brands you can trust.
And as for throwing your whole makeup and skincare collection in the garbage… I personally don’t think that’s necessary. At least, that’s not what I’m doing! Instead, I’m slowly learning what I can, paying attention to the things I can part with/replace, and setting a goal to make smart and informed purchases in the future. Am I going to be perfect? Probably (umm definitely) not. Is it still worth educating myself and making small changes over time? I certainly think so!
Enter: Beautycounter Makeup and Skincare Products
For me, Beautycounter makes the whole concept of transitioning to clean products easier. First of all, they go beyond what is required by U.S. law and have proactively prohibited over 1,500 questionable or harmful chemicals. And second, so many people are OBSESSED with it because they don’t have to sacrifice anything for the safer choice. Their products still work – and we all know that that’s a real factor when shopping for skincare and makeup. Don’t deny it!
And just in case you’re wondering if this post is sponsored by Beautycounter – it’s actually not! As usual, I will receive a commission if you make a purchase, but (again, as usual!) all of the opinions listed below are my honest reaction to the products… or exactly what YOU submitted to me! Honestly, I know I’m not the only one who is overwhelmed by all of this, so I thought a post would be helpful!
So give this roundup a read, maybe add a few things to your cart – and if you think you really want to start transitioning to products like these, you can become a Band of Beauty Member. It only costs $29 annually, and you’ll get a welcome gift when you spend $50 or more AND free shopping on every order over $100. You’ll also get 15% off your subtotal in product credit to use towards your next purchase. So, every time you spend $100, you’ll get $15 off your next purchase. Awesome, right? You can sign up here if you’re interested!
Beautycounter Makeup & Skincare Products I’ve Tried:
Countermatch Adaptive Moisture Lotion
I usually don’t like putting lotion on my face, so the fact that I love this one totally surprised me! I usually pick a serum or an oil before a lotion, because lotion tends to feel heavy on my face. But not this one! This is now my favorite moisturizer, besides a few oils I love by another brand (more on those in a few weeks!).
Dew Skin Moisturizing Coverage
Remember when I didn’t list a foundation in my beauty roundup a few months ago because I didn’t like any? Well, that’s changed! This Dew Skin Moisturizing Coverage feels so good on my skin – better than anything else I’ve tried. I can’t even think of another foundation that feels so light and hydrating. It doesn’t provide a ton of coverage, so if that’s what you’re looking for, keep reading…
Tint Skin Hydrating Foundation
If you are looking for a foundation with more coverage than then Dew Skin, this Tint Skin Foundation is the best. In fact, it’s my favorite Beautycounter makeup product! It still feels lovely and hydrating, but it definitely covers blemishes and imperfections a little better. I like that it still looks super natural, too.
Also, I know matching your skin tone online is super hard, but this chart helped me a lot!
Touchup Skin Concealer Pen
Honestly, I don’t love this concealer pen as much as the Bare Minerals concealer I talk about in this post – but it was worth a shot! If you aren’t as concerned with your under eye circles and you really only use concealer for a few blemishes or to cover some redness, I’d still recommend this though!
Color Pinch Cream Blusher
I wasn’t sure about this blush at first – probably because I smeared it across my cheek haphazardly. Woops! Once I tried it again, I realized that if you build it slowly, you can get the perfect rosy cheeks. AND it stays on! (I have the hibiscious color.)
Volumizing Mascara
My eyelashes aren’t my best feature. They pretty much stick straight out – yes, even if I use an eyelash curler ? I’ve tried it all! So while this mascara isn’t life changing for me, I think it’s comparable to other options out there. Plus, it’s nice to have a “clean” option since it sits so close to your eyes!
Color Define Brow Pencil
LOVE THIS! I don’t like to fuss over my eyebrows too much, and I’ve never been interested in the drawn on look. I’m not knocking anyone who does, I just prefer them to look more natural and this brow pencil helps me do just that. I was using Burt’s Bees before this, which is a great inexpensive option. I just need to research if it’s considered “clean” or not – I told you, I’m still learning!
Sheer Lipstick
This lipstick is hydrating, subtle, and oh so pretty. I can’t wait to try more colors!
All of *YOUR* Favorites
Cleansing Balm
Out of everything, this cleansing balm was the most recommended item of them all. It’s a little pricey, but it’s a makeup remover, cleanser, and overnight mask all in one product.
“If you haven’t tried the cleansing balm yet – DO IT! It will remove ALL YOUR MAKEUP at once!”
Charcoal Face Mask and Bar
The charcoal mask and bar were recommended a ton, too. One reader said “If I feel a breakout coming on, I immediately use the charcoal mask. And it smells amazing.” You guys raved about how clean the bar makes your skin feel, too. I would never think to wash my face with a bar, so I’m glad you guys said something!
Countermatch Collection
As I mentioned, I have and love the Countermatch Adaptive Moisture Lotion, but clearly there is much more to love from the Countermatch collection. Turns out the reason it’s so great is because it adapts to your skin and your environment to give you the perfect amount of hydration. So cool, right?! Along with the lotion, you guys also love the Intense Moisture Serum and the Eye Rescue Cream.
“My skin has never looked so flawless, it’s amazing. And my skin has not felt dry or even slightly itchy during this Fall season.”
I’m always on the hunt for a good eye cream, so I was super impressed when I read that 89% of women reported under-eye puffiness was reduced and fine lines were diminished after 8 weeks of using this product. That’s pretty darn good! Plus, one of you said:
“Gets rid of my dark circles like no other product.”
Hand Cream
One of you said that the hand cream is something you “buy over and over again. It smells lovely, but isn’t an overpowering fragrance!” Apparently the body lotion is “beyond amazing” too!
No. 3 Balancing Facial Oil
This oil restores balance, hydrates, and evens skin tone. Plus, my ears perked up when one reader said:
“The Balancing Oil is a game changer for my skin.”
Plumping Facial Oil
Another recommended facial oil if you like the balancing oil!
Classic eye shadow palette
A few of you have raved about the strong pigments in these eye shadows – plus the colors are beautiful!
Lip Conditioner
Great for this cold weather!
Eye Makeup Remover
I mean, aren’t we all always looking for the best way to get eyeliner off?! Can’t wait to try this!
Rejuvinating Toner Pads
I usually ignore toners (woops!), so I like that you guys added these to my radar. Beautycounter says to “swipe them on after cleansing to remove any residual makeup and impurities.”
No. 3 Balancing Facial Mist
If you love the charcoal mask and bar, you might want to try this one, too. It’s made with charcoal powder and kaolin clay – and in addition to absorbing oil and calm redness, it also sets makeup, too!
Shampoo & Conditioner
No one specified which exact shampoo and conditioner they love – but it seems like you can’t go wrong!
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Have you tried Beautycounter makeup or any of their other products?
Do you pay attention to clean beauty? Would you like to read more about it here? I’d love to hear your feedback, questions, and ideas! I’m happy to be your clean beauty guinea pig and researcher as we all figure this stuff out ?
PS. You might also like My 10 Favorite Beauty Products and Beautycounter’s Black Friday Sale!
