7 Clean Beauty Finds at Sephora – With Honest Reviews

To be quite honest, I’ve never been a huge makeup gal. The idea of caking my skin with layers of foundations, bold lipsticks, and fake lashes has never peaked my interest. (Though I have done all of those at some point). Even today I don’t recall my first makeup memory as a child. Many women have these picture perfect memories of watching their mother’s play with different makeup, hoping to catch a swipe of their shimmery pink gloss. But what I remember most, is the simple lineup my mom kept. Mascara, Estée Lauder bronzer, eyeliner, and a palette of eyeshadow. Simple, elegant, and effortless..

I still attribute my mother for this. Without actually speaking the words, she taught me the true meaning of natural beauty. Her simplistic approach to not only makeup, but beauty as a whole reminds me that it doesn’t have to be fussy, or complicated. And for this reason I never felt the need to contour, or fill my makeup bag to the brim.

This is why clean beauty has peaked my interest so much over the years. Now that clean makeup brands are emerging out of every corner, the desire to achieve a natural look is not only encouraged, it’s the mission. I enjoy trying new products here and there, and feel at ease knowing they’re better for my health. Last week, I decided to take a quick trip to Sephora and see which clean beauty products they carried in store. To my pleasant surprise, there were rows and rows of options! Though it was a hard decision, I was able to snag seven of some of the bestselling products on the market. Scroll on to see the full lineup, and get my honest thoughts on each of them…

What are some of the reasons you enjoy using clean beauty products?

1. Merit Beauty, Perfecting Complexion Stick

Pros: I was on the hunt for a concealer when this complexion stick crossed my path instead. I sampled a few colors in store to find a match for my skin, and immediately loved the glide-on texture. Because Merit Beauty is all about minimalism, this stick is specially designed to make small edits where need be. It’s the perfect cross between a foundation and a concealer, super lightweight, and ideal for a quick routine. Plus, it stays on all day, and gives the perfect matte look. (This was hands down my favorite purchase out of the seven!)

Cons: I hardly have anything negative to say about this product at all. But, if you are someone who enjoys the full coverage and consistency that a foundation provides, this product may not be for you. (However that doesn’t mean you still can’t give it a go for under the eyes!)

2. Kosas, Setting & Smoothing Powder

Pros: I’ve always been intrigued by KOSAS products because of their approach to “comfy makeup.” They use ingredients such as pink algae, passionfruit leaf extract, and hyaluronic acid to brighten, soothe, and smooth your skin. I purchased this setting powder, which comes in a compact form instead of loose (A+ if you’re always in a rush like me). The product gently sets your foundation, concealer, or anything underneath while feeling as if nothing is there. This is a big highlight for me considering previous powders have made my skin feel greasy and heavy. If you enjoy that “no makeup, makeup look” then I highly recommend giving this product a try!

Cons: I would recommend getting a good foundation brush for this product. Because the product is made to feel extremely lightweight, it does take a couple applications for me to notice it’s there. If you enjoy a heavier texture, then this product may not be for you.

3. Ilia Beauty, Limitless Lash Mascara

Pros: It’s no secret I’m an advocate for Ilia – they’re definitely the gold standard for clean beauty (in my opinion). But I haven’t actually tried their mascara until now! The product holds up to it’s flake-free formula all day (with no excess under the eyes), and is very easy to remove. The shorter side of the brush is made to curl and create volume, while the longer side lifts, lengthens, and separates. And because it’s made with a blend of organic Bee and Carnauba Waxes, I enjoy knowing my lashes are being nourished all day long.

Cons: There is a lot of praise behind this mascara – and while it’s great for everyday use, I was a bit disappointed in the the lack of volume. If you like a mascara that creates big, bold lashes, this product may not be for you.

4. Saie, Glowy Super Gel

Pros: This product really does exactly as it describes. “The idea is is the filter you wish you had on all the time” says founder Laney Crowell in a recent Goop interview. All I need is a single pump on my fingertip to mix in with foundation, and the result is a fresh, smooth, all-over glowy layer. Plus, it’s easy to travel with, recyclable, and pretty!

Cons: The overall shimmer this product provides is truly beautiful – but I see it as more of a luxurious, extra-step in your beauty routine. If you’re a bare minimum type of gal (like myself) I don’t find it completely necessary.

5. Bite Beauty, Upswing Liquid Eyeliner

Pros: I’m a liquid eyeliner gal through and through. I decided to try Bite’s extreme longwear liner after hearing such good reviews. So far, I’m thrilled with the results. The leading factor I look for in liners is easy application. After trying a sample first in store, it checked that box immediately. The product dries immediately after use, but isn’t hard to remove if you make a mistake. Plus, because it’s made with nourishing passionflower extract, it doesn’t flake or disappear after a long day of use. The color sinks right in!

Cons: I love a good cheap find, and eyeliner is usually one you can skimp on. However, when it comes to face makeup I like knowing everything I put on is clean. If you don’t like to spend more than $10-ish for eyeliner, this product may not be for you.

6. Milk Makeup, Lip + Cheek

Pros: I received this product as a free gift in my purchase and am shocked by the results. It serves as a multiuse product that can be applied on cheeks or lips for a pop of color (so far I’ve used both). In the past, I’ve had trouble finding a liquid blush because most were too difficult to apply. For this one, I simply apply a few dabs on to my cheek bone as a last-step. The result: a beautiful, subtle rosy cheek.

Cons: I use this as a final step in my routine, usually after bronzer. It’s a nice little addition for extra color (especially in Spring). But, If you’re looking for a product to completely replace your bronzer or blush, this product may not be for you.

7. Living Proof, Full Dry Volume Blast

Pros: This product isn’t technically clean at Sephora, but I decided to throw it in the mix anyhow. Because I have very fine hair, I’ve been searching for something to give it more texture. I should note that I have never been a hairspray gal (and actually despise the smell of most). So I find this product very beneficial. It’s really easy to use, and I appreciate that it’s made to use on dry hair (since I need it most on non-wash days). Plus, the scent isn’t overpowering at all, and it provides just enough body without making me look like I just stepped out of the 70’s.

Cons: It’s not a product that is certified clean at Sephora. Especially now that I’m pregnant, I kind of regret buying a product that contains potentially harmful ingredients (especially fragrances). However, I definitely don’t beat myself up for it. If you’re one that enjoys keeping an entirely clean beauty lineup, this product may not be for you.