A Capsule Approach to Eco-Beauty: Holiday Gift Ideas, Makeup Edition

I wish I had enough time to put this series into video format but I just don’t think I do! I got some requests to provide suggestions/gift ideas for those new to eco/green beauty. I thought I’d do a series of blog posts on creating a “starter kit” (not a fan of that phrase, anyone have anything better?!) across makeup, skincare, hair care, and lifestyle. These are my top picks for what I think would make nice gifts to any woman in your life interested in cleaner/greener products. Keep in mind these are all products I personally use and love, and therefore are targeted towards my skin type/hair type/preferences.

Let’s start with the most fun: MAQUIALLAGE.

1. An all-purpose facial sunscreen/base product

One of the most important products to transition first is anything you’re rubbing all over your skin. My favorite everyday first base product is the Suntegrity 5-in-1 Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen. The texture is beautiful, coverage is light/light-medium, and I feel it would work well on a variety of skin types.

2. A concealer

I think nearly everyone benefits from some undereye brightening! Concealer is also one of my favorites products to buy and try. My long-time favorite is the Studio 78 corrector in At Dawn, and my recent love is the Tarte Undereye CC Corrector in Light/Medium. The Studio 78 is a cleaner formulation, and is a cream-to-powder texture. The Tarte CC product is much creamier and more moisturizing, but I don’t have any issues with creasing or settling into fine lines. Highly recommend both of these!

3. A cream lip/cheek product

These little pots of cream color product are SO versatile, and I think make fabulous gifts because of their versatility and aesthetic appeal (like tell me who doesn’t love to receive a beautiful little glass pot of makeup?). My top pick is RMS Diabolique, though I know many people react poorly to coconut oil. I’d also recommend the Gressa Lip Boost in Bare, for a nude option. Bonus, you can swipe the Lip Boost in Bare on the lids too, and it’s trés belle.

4. Eyeliner

So for me this is a MUST but I know not everyone strives for the “everyday glam” look. I personally cannot exist without black liquid liner, and my longtime pick is Zuzu Luxe in Raven. It’s affordable, clean, dries down nicely, and stay put (on me). I know the application is not the easiest for everyone, but practice mes amis. Rome wasn’t built in a day!

5. Mascara

Another makeup bag necessity, my dream team this year has been the Lily Lolo Mascara in Black, with Too Faced Better Than Sex over top. This gives me fluffy, extremely full, beautiful lashes. Keep in mind mascara seems to be EXCEEDINGLY personal, so take my rec here with a grain of salt; but I think a tube of Lily Lolo + a travel sized Too Faced Better Than Sex is a beautiful little eco-beauty gift (Too Faced Better Than Sex rates a 2 on EWG I believe, though the Lily Lolo ingredients are better).

Next up in the series will be a capsule approach to eco-skincare. Stay tuned! xoxo.