Swoop Dreams: Makeup

Irony is a funny, funny thing. I decided a while ago that I wanted to write a post about my attempts to clean up my makeup act, by which I mean replacing items full of toxins with green, sustainable choices. I’m not some beauty expert, but Lord knows I do love a product. Every time I hang out with friends it seems we spend at least 30 minutes in full product debrief mode. Dare I say I was getting a bit confident about my beauty regime, especially as I was becoming the type of person who could brag about the virtue of my choices. And that is when the irony struck. As I was busily pulling together this Swoop Dreams post, my chin experienced a 7th grade style attack of breakouts. Nothing quite like good ol’ spray of pimples will pull you back down to earth for a reality check. Don’t worry. It’s not from any of the makeup. Rather, it’s from a very restful week of vacation that involved shocking food choices (hello you old friend, refined sugar). Beauty really is from the inside. Regardless of all of that, the moral of the story is this: don’t get to big for your britches. I ain’t no beauty expert, but please still enjoy all of the fantastic finds below.

As I mentioned above, these are my first baby steps into making over my makeup bag. Everything here is a tried and true product that I have added to my daily regime. To state it bluntly, I don’t wear much makeup. The items shared here are what I use on a daily basis so I show up to work looking like someone who cares juuuuuust the right amount. And some of these things might not fit everyone's definition of nontoxic, natural, green beauty. As with all things Swoop, this is about doing better while also giving yourself a little grace. I definitely have more ground to cover especially in the skin care department (especially since I am dealing with a DEFCON 1 situation over here on half of my face). You will notice some items are totally missing from my beauty regime, like eye shadow and eye liner. I'm still working to find replacements for the things I have been using for years.

I think makeup is incredibly personal, so please take all of my suggestions with your own grain of salt. I would love to hear from you what natural beauty products you are loving these days. Feel free to share some picks in the comments section below-- I'm always looking for recommendations. I'll continue to keep you updated on any new finds that make their way into my beauty regime.

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FACE

  • ONE:  I'm a big fan of tinted moistruizer. I love that I barely feel it on my face and that it gives the perfect amount of coverage to smooth out my god given gifts and imperfections. Ilia's Tinted Moisturizer is exactly what the doctor ordered-- SPF to keep my skin safe, a healthy dose of coverage and all day dewy moisture, plus it uses 100% natural dye and is organic AND vegan. 
  • TWO: Going toxin free with my concealer seemed a bit reckless, but I have been very surprised by the coverage offered by Glossier's Stretch Concealer. It looks absolutely natural on my skin and I can add layers for more coverage when I need it. Plus, at only $18 a pod, it beats out all the pricey competition. 
  • THREE: I have already waxed poetically about my love for this palette. The highlighter, bronzer, and blush are perfect for day to day use. I apply these to my face in sleepy haze each morning and blend using my beauty blender. You can also order these as individual bronzer, blush, and highlighter. Which I promise you will because addiction is impossible to avoid after you start using it. RMS packs its makeup with natural ingredients that are great for your skin, like coconut, jojoba, and buriti oil. 
  • FOUR: On those days that I have no one to impress, I skip all of the above steps and just apply this sunscreen. I love how moisturizing it is as well as it's wonderful smell that feels like summer in a tiny little bottle. 

EYES

  • ONE: When I marched into Follain on a mission to purchase natural mascara, the fabulous saleslady told me that I needed to wear a lash conditioner underneath so it won't slip off my lashes. As someone who is very prone to a raccoon look approximately an hour after mascara application, I was immediately hooked on this. It conditions my lashes and promotes falsie length growth, all while helping my mascara look even better.
  • TWO:  If you asked me what single makeup item I would take with me to a deserted island (which in all honesty, why am I taking makeup? I would take many, many things before I chose anything from the makeup category) my hands down answer to your ridiculous question would be Boy Brow. I'm not sure exactly what it is about this magic wonder, but when I put it on, I look and feel like a million bucks even with a completely bare face. If you already are a person who applies product to your brows, order this the next time you are due for a refill. You will NOT be disappointed. 
  • THREE: My lashes have a mind of their own. They love to fall out mysteriously at times when they feel like it. But even my lashes have been whipped into shape with this mascara , a non toxic find from W3II People that looks truly amazing. 

LIPS

  • ONE: I had a really crappy day at work recently and figured out the only thing that could make it better was to buy myself a present. Somehow, fate led me to this Hourglass Treatment Oil which is essentially heaven for your lips. Full of essential oils, this wonder both treats your lips and looks fantastic on top of any lip color. 
  • TWO: My mother read about this Korres Lip Butter in the Wall Street Journal and bought it for the ladies in the family. Nothing like an awesome beauty product someone a committed fan of the WSJ... oh and all the other valuable bits like the actual news. Free of all the bad stuff like parabens and sulfates, this adds the perfect amount of color for day time use and feels so great on your pout.
  • THREE: While recently serving in a wedding party, I was stopped dead in my tracks by this RMS Lip Shine in Sacred which one of the other bridesmaids was wearing. I immediately stole it from her bag and applied it before sauntering down the aisle. It has staying power as well as a great punch of color.