I recently did a poll on my Insta Stories to see if you would be interested in a “what’s inside my makeup bag” post, and 95% of you said “heck yes!!!”, so here it is! Putting this post together has also been a good way of filling the lack of recipe creation lately. I’m currently on an elimination diet to test for allergies (the worst!!) and basically can’t eat anything fun, so there hasn’t been much testing going on over here. It isn’t forever though! I keep telling myself that I will be a normal human being again someday, hah. But I’m soooo grateful that I’m already seeing improvements in my allergic reactions since cutting out the ingredients that my test found I’m sensitive to. I’ll keep you guys posted if you’re interested.
Read on for the deets on my current go-to makeup products. If you haven’t checked it out yet, be sure to read my Favourite Skin Care Products post too.
Lips:
I’m going to kick this off with my favourite category—lips!
Shade: Black Cherry
Cruelty-free, vegan
This tinted balm is perfect for kicking around the house! I love the subtle hint of colour this black cherry hue adds.
Shade: WCW
Cruelty-free, vegan (Note: Tarte is now owned by a parent company, KOSÉ, which is not cruelty-free.) :(
One of my fave lip gloss colours of all time. *heart eyes for berry tones* Biggest gripe? The tube is messy and lip gloss always explodes out the sides when I close it.
Shade: 805 Raspberry Red
Cruelty-free, vegan
This is a close runner-up for my favourite gloss shade. I actually like this one’s ingredients and packaging better than Tarte’s (no explosions!).
Cruelty-free, vegan
Ohhhhh yeah. You know I’m obsessed with this gloss. I talked about it in my Favourite Skin Care Products post too. I think of it as a 2-in-1 product because it’s a good lip moisturizer when you’re just lounging around the house (a little bit goes a long way), and it works as a fantastic “top coat” on top of lip colour to add a glossy sheen.
Dr. Hauschka Lip Gloss (*new)
Shade: 03 – Blackberry
Cruelty-free
Silky soft and made with mineral-based pigments, this is my newest go-to lip colour! It’s long-lasting and the Blackberry shade (03) is just perfection!
Foundation + concealer:
Physicians Formula Spotlight Illuminating Primer
Shade: Glow
Cruelty-free
This is a primer, but I use it on top of foundation as a highlighter on my cheekbones, temple area, and bridge of nose. I love how refreshed it makes my skin look even when I haven’t slept much. I tried it as a primer and wasn’t overly wowed, so I prefer to use it on top.
Physicians Formula The Healthy Foundation with SPF 20
Shades: LN4 and MN4 (I mix the two shades in the summer)
Cruelty-free, vegan
Oh BOY have I tried out a lot of vegan foundations. So, so many misses. This one was good enough to keep using, so that’s progress! My biggest complaint is the packaging (it’s awful, quite frankly, because it’s hard to get the product out and I’m not a fan of the applicator stick). Their shade selection is also quite limited. I have to mix two shades in the summer to get my perfect match! I also wish the ingredients were more natural, so I guess you could say I’m still on the hunt for my holy grail vegan foundation! This one will definitely do in the meantime.
Physicians Formula Concealer Twins Cream Concealers
Shade: Yellow/Light
Cruelty-free
I don’t use the yellow shade as I find it’s too noticeable on my skin tone, but I do use the light shade for around my eyes. I’m not sure if I’ll repurchase this concealer as it’s super light and doesn’t cover that much. I also wish they had more shades!
Blush + brush:
Shade: Sassy Salmon
Cruelty-free
I don’t normally go for such a bold blush shade, but I fell in love with this one! It really pops off my cheeks and a little bit goes a long way. It’s my new go-to.
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush
Shade: Paaarty
Cruelty-free
This blush was sent to me as a free sample from Sephora a year ago, and I used it until every last bit was gone! I’m not sure if I’ll repurchase because I’m loving the Benecos so much.
Tarte Bronze & Glow Double-Ended Contour Brush
I love this double-ended brush. I use the small end for blush and the large end for translucent powder.
You might be wondering…Ange, where is the bronzer? The contour powder?! Lol. I don’t use them because anytime I have tried to apply them I turn out looking like I have dirt on my face. So I just kind of gave up! But this tempting 50% off sale at Sephora is making me want to try the Tartiest PRO Glow Highlighter & Contour Palette!
Eyebrows:
My brows have always been light and pretty much nonexistent (thank you to my dad for those genes!), so if I want to feel put together, I will ALWAYS do my brows. I first use the Benecos pencil to fill in patchy areas, and then I use the Tarte mousse with the bamboo angle brush (which is included!!) to bring it all together. Really love this combo for my brows! So easy, long-lasting, and doesn’t smudge.
Benecos Natural Beauty Eyebrow-Designer
Shade: Blonde
Cruelty-free, vegan
Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Brow Mousse
Shade: Ash Blonde
Cruelty-free, vegan
Eyeshadow + eyeliner:
Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Eyeliner Trio
Shade: Warm Nude
Cruelty-free
I don’t use eyeliner everyday, but I always use it when I’m going out somewhere special, especially in the evening. I love this trio because it comes with black, brown, and bronze shades, which are the ones I normally gravitate toward.
Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips All-In-1 Custom Nude Palette For Face & Eyes
Shade: Natural Nude
Cruelty-free
I love this all-in-1 palette because you can use it as a cheek bronzer, over your eyelids, or anywhere you want a pop of shimmer on your face!
Mascara + eyelash curler:
Pacifica Beauty Stellar Gaze Length & Strength Mascara
Shade: Supernova (black)
Cruelty-free, vegan
I’ve tried out a lot of vegan mascaras and this is my favourite “everyday” mascara that I’ve been using for a few years. It’s light and perfect for daytime, but you can layer it for a slightly more dramatic look too.
My eyelash curler is by Sephora!
Powder + concealer:
Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-free Mineral Face Powder
Shade: Translucent Light
Cruelty-free
I have to say, this isn’t my favourite setting powder by any means. In fact, I find it goes on too powdery and I wish it were more dewy, so I use a very light hand when applying it. In the past I would use powder all over my face thinking that I had to get rid of any and all shine, but lately I only use a bit on my nose and a tiny bit on my forehead. I find using less powder really lets my natural (and makeup-accentuated!) glow shine through.
Update: I’ve been using 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Foundation Powder and I quite like it! It is vegan, cruelty-free, and free of 1,000 toxins.
Physicians Formula Gentle Cover Concealer Stick, Light
Shade: Light
Cruelty-free
I use this occasionally if I need to cover a pimple. I think the shade is a bit too light for my skin tone though so I probably won’t repurchase.
PS: My black and gold makeup bag is from Shoppers Drug Mart!
Do you have any fave makeup products to share? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!
I really enjoyed this post! I would love to see more “lifestyle” content from you.
So glad to hear that Kathleen…it was a fun change!
Check out https://graydonskincare.com/. I’ve got their FaceGlow and it’s pretty awesome. They say they’re plant-powered, so hopefully they meet your standards :)
Thanks Christine, I haven’t heard of the brand before but will check them out!
I use their moisturizers Graydon Green Cream and Berry Rich.Also their aloe milk cleanser 3in1 and love,love love all ofthem!!:)
I haven’t tried other products from this brand,but i can imagine they would not disappoint me!
Angela,
These are great suggestions. I have a feeling you’d love Beautycounter products! My daughter and I both use them for a few reasons: their commitment to reforming legislation, and asking for more regulation in the industry is so important for our health (listen to Gregg Renfrew’s interview on Politico just shared this week); and their products simply rock. Not all of their products are completely vegan (some use beeswax & a few cruelty-free ingredients), but you need to check them out! Find me on Instagram if you’re curious: @healthy_beautiful_ ? (or on Twitter: @healthybeautybc)
I’ve heard good things about their products! I enjoy the oil cleansing balm (not sure of the exact name), but since my skin started having bad reactions I’m only using coconut oil as a cleanser right now. Thanks Colleen!
This post is so fun! I’ve been overhauling my makeup and skincare lately, trying to streamline and make sure everything is as “green” as possible (it’s tough!). If you’re in need of foundation recommendations, Alima Pure Satin Matte loose powder has been my go-to for years. I have super sensitive skin and it doesn’t irritate it at all, plus they have a ton of shades (and samples available!). I also just started using Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Youth Cream Compact Foundation which is great for summer because it’s dewy and light, and I apply it with a beauty blender from Sephora (best discovery in a looong time). For finishing powder, I love RMS “un” powder.
Thanks Amanda! I agree, it’s such a process finding products that satisfy different needs. I love your recs…will definitely check them out :) Thanks for sharing!
I love Pacifica’s mattifying powder for foundation, Wet N Wild’s bronzer and Too Faced’s better than sex mascara.
Also, NYX’s eyebrow pencil is a total dupe for ABH’S and I’m obsessed!
Thanks for the recs, Jennifer! I’ve heard great things about that mascara
I enjoyed this post – I’ve been doing an “overhaul” of my make-up to ensure it’s all cruelty-free. Thanks to your prior mentions, I’ve also got Hurraw and Tarteist glosses in my purse and enjoy both. I’ve been using ELF products and particularly like their matte neutral shadows and their Cover Everything concealer – I can almost use it as a quick make-up on weekends; it looks yellow, but somehow does not look yellow on my skin at all (and I am definitely on the ‘pink’ side) and evens my skin out.
So glad to hear you’ve picked up some of my fave products Connie. I always have those in my purse :)
have you tried out beautycounter? I found them about a year ago when I was looking to find products that were not just natural and cruelty free, but also worked well (a surprisingly hard combo to find!). They are a company that bans over 1500 potentially dangerous toxins from their products but are still safer and high performing. Every product is cruelty free and many are vegan. Check out Beautycounter.com/LindsayLewis and email me at [email protected] if you have any questions about the company or products!
I’m sorry you’re going through food sensitivities. elimination. This is something I’m dealing with, and would love to hear more. Thanks for your candor.
Thanks for weighing in Myrl…I will be sure to share more soon!
Have you ever tried Limelife by Alcone professional makeup and all natural skincare?? We are leaping bunny certified, and I guarentee you once you try it you’ll be hooked for life. Not only do I guarantee it but we have a 30 day money back guarantee. Check it out at makeupandpucker.com or reach out to me by message at makeup and pucker on facebook. I’d be glad to send you some samples!
Thanks Nancy! I will check it out for sure :)
angela, you’re getting hit up by some multi-level marketing scheme
sellers (Beauty Counter, Limelife). Please avoid getting sucked into buying these products; once you’re in it’s hard to get out. Plus it supports a financially cruel
(to the sellers) practice. Just a head’s up :)
I would love to hear about your elimination diet experience. I did one last year and it changed my life! In fact I stayed on it for over 4 months because I was too afraid to reintroduce anything for fear of feeling bad. I’m glad you’re feeling better :)
Hey Amber, Oh I can relate to that…my allergic reactions have totally brought in so many negative emotions with food lately :( It’s not fun at all and I sympathize anyone going through it. I will be sure to share more soon with an update though!
Was your test for allergies or food intolerances? If food intolerances, what company made the test? I have food issues too.
Hi Nicole,
I just replied in more depth to another reader on this, but in short I had the IgE blood testing and electrodermal testing done for sensitivities to food/additives/environmental/etc. I had the skin prick/scratch testing done 4-5 years ago and nothing turned up. I’m still waiting on my blood test results to come back but will try to update in the future when I have news to share!
Thank you Angela for this fun blog on your makeup bag and for being cruelty free!❤️? I hope you get to the root of your food allergies.
Instead of foundation, I use a tinted moisturizer by Lauren Mercier in the color sand. It gives great coverage and color! I use the regular formula, not the oil free one.
I also love Ulta Beauty concealer and mascara. They have the best mascaras and they’re cheap!
Thanks for the recs, Kathleen! I’ll be sure to check them out :)
What a fun post! While it’s a higher price point, I really love French brand Chantecaille. It’s my understanding that their face products, and mascara, are vegan and everything is cruelty free. They even donate to many wildlife rescues. They have a heavier ‘going out’ foundation as well as a tinted moisturizer. Also perhaps keep an eye on the products you are using that have clay as I found they really kicked in my allergies. Same with some organic beauty products especially if you have any tree/grass allergies. Thank you again for sharing!
Hey Jamie, I haven’t heard of that brand before, but they sound awesome! And that’s super interesting about the clay ingredient…I wouldn’t have thought to check that out, but I’m going to investigate my products now :)
I don’t normally wear make up but I do love the Hurraw! lip balm. I gift it in Christmas stockings. I’d love to hear about your elimination diet. I’ve been reading about them but haven’t had the courage to start one. :-)
Hurraw! should’ve named their products lip BOMB because they are the best…lol #reallybadjoke
I’ll do an elimination diet update soon!
Loved hearing your pics! Always looking for ideas in Cruelty-Free vegan products. Vapour lip products are great.
Thanks Cherie :) I will check out Vapour…I’ve heard of them but never tried any products
Hi Angela!
Are you still looking for a vegan foundation? Arbonne makes a great one. I especially love the CC cream for summertime because it’s so lightweight and natural looking.
Anyway, here’s the link to check out the foundation if you’d like. ☺
http://CariPeck.arbonne.com/
Disclaimer: I am an independent consultant for this company and receive commissions off all purchases. However- I would still happily recommend the products even if I wasn’t. ☺
Hey Angela!! Thanks for sharing! My girlfriend locally sells hurraw and now I can’t wait to go check it out as I’ve been overlooking it for a loooonnnng time. Dumb question maybe, is bare Minerals not vegan/cruelty free? Gosh I hope not, I’ve been using it for years and it’s the only foundation that seems to work on me. The loose powder turns some people off but you can’t beat it for minimal ingredients, great wear, good shades and non-chemical SPF.
If I may share also, my eyes are SO sensitive and mascara has always been a pita for me. But I LOVE these two – Emani and Lily Lolo. They’re not waterproof so they pretty much come off with facewash, and maybe a drop of jojoba or coconut oil. <3
Hey Shayna, Glad you enjoyed the post! To be honest I’m not too sure about Bare Minerals, but you may want to check their website FAQ page (assuming they have one!) or Cruelty-Free Kitty website (love) https://www.crueltyfreekitty.com/ as it lists a bunch of brands and whether they are v + cf. Thanks for the mascara recs too!
Thanks for the share Angela! I’d love to see the results of your elimination diet, I just did one as a response to a ton of long standing digestive upset and rashes and found out I had to cut out most of the things that were in my regular rotation (ie quinoa, peanut butter :( )
Hey Amanda, Glad I’m not alone in this :) Did you see any improvements yet? I seem to have a lot of interest so I will definitely share more soon!
This was a fun post to read! I like the lifestyle posts mixed in, it reminds me of your posts from many years ago! I love Face Glow from Graydon Skincare as a foundation. I use a lot of their products but it’s mostly skincare otherwise.
Thanks Jenn! So happy to hear that!
I use only green clean vegan skincare and makeup exclusively. Two of my favorite foundations are RMS “Un” Cover Up, which can be used as both a foundation and concealer, and Vapour Beauty Atmosphere Soft Focus Foundation, which gives my skin such a nice glow. For a small fee, you can order samples of your choice from Vapour Beauty in order to choice your perfect color. For blush, I love both Kjaer Weis in Blossoming and Tata Harper in Very Popular, which can also be used as a lip color. These colors are great for light to light-medium skintones.
Oh I’ve been wanting to try those Tata Harper blush/lip duos. They look great! Another vote for Vapour…I will have to look it up soon. Thanks Teresa!
Hi Angela,
I really enjoyed this post.. going to try the tart lipgloss because I’m in the market for a new shade :) I would really enjoy more lifestyle content.. I must say I was super suprised when the results of the OSG newsletter survey said that people wanted more recipes? I’ve been a longtime reader and part of the reason I’ve always loved your blog is because you’re not a robot who just pumps out recipes, and tells us a bit about whats going on in your life.
I’d love to see a post of the results of your elimination diet, I’m going through some digestive issues and had to do one myself. I felt so bored LOL I realized how much I love food during that diet, but I found out alot of the things I was eating regularly were triggering inflammation
Thanks for everything you do!
Aww thank you Amanda, that’s so interesting to hear! The recipe creation vs. lifestyle content is a topic of ongoing debate, in my brain, always, hah. Thanks for weighing in.
You summed up how I’m feeling about the elimination diet too..bored! And I realized too how much joy food brings to my life in a whole new way. The freedom of being able to eat what I’m craving or inspired by…and also connecting with friends and family though food too. I’m in full on gut healing mode right now though so I hope once I do this my allergic reactions will go down.