Makeup doesn’t have to be heavy on the skin, and some brands prioritise using skin-friendly ingredients. Skin preparation is an essential part of a healthy skincare routine, but that doesn’t mean it should be limited to just applying makeup.
If you want to protect your skin, regardless of its condition, here are five brands to choose from.
Refy Beauty
Refy Beauty is a relatively new brand on the market. Still, it has achieved great success thanks to its commitment to ethical production principles and its focus on skin health in the beauty industry. In particular, over the past year, they have dedicated themselves to creating products such as their face contour, a 2-in-1 moisturising and sculpting product that reduces puffiness and hydrates the skin. Other pre- and post-makeup skincare products include a 2-in-1 daily cleanser for removing makeup in the morning and evening, as well as a sculpting makeup base.
As for their cosmetics in general, their philosophy is that the formulas for their lip products, cream blushes, bronzers, etc., are suitable for a wide range of skin types and are also fragrance-free, dermatologically tested, and paraben-free. This means they strive to create natural formulas that complement the skin rather than harm it.
BareMinerals
A pioneer in mineral cosmetics, they are distinguished by their extremely lightweight texture, which is an excellent advantage for those who don’t like heavy textures and prefer a more natural look. They have worked hard to create smooth formulas so that the makeup feels like you’re not wearing anything at all. Their foundations and powders are free of parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and chemical sunscreens.
Their philosophy is based on a line of non-comedogenic products, making them a very popular choice for people with subtle skin, acne, and rosacea. Clinique
Another long-established basic makeup brand that positions itself as hypoallergenic and 100% fragrance-free, making it a popular choice for many. Unfortunately, the company still conducts animal testing, which negatively impacts its rating. It’s important to note that large companies like Clinique, while taking steps to ensure the safety of their products for the skin, still use outdated testing methods.
ILIA
ILIA is a leading natural cosmetics brand fully dedicated to creating cosmetic products, including makeup, that are beneficial and suitable for the skin. Upon closer inspection, you’ll find that its wide range of products, including foundations, lip products, and concealers, contains plant extracts, vitamins, and moisturising ingredients.
Its philosophy and main competitive advantage are based on creating products with clinically proven ingredients that promote skin health. This means that its products contain few or no toxic ingredients, which is an excellent advantage for those with skin problems or who want to be more mindful of the products they use.
Colorescience
This brand has distinguished itself with its mineral cosmetics, similar to BareMinerals, but with a greater emphasis on sun protection (SPF). While many cosmetic products are designed to protect against the sun, not all use non-chemical sunscreens, which is what Colorescience offers.
Colorescience sunscreens use physical filters, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, making them far less irritating to the skin than chemical sunscreens. This makes them an excellent choice for those looking for practical protective cosmetics, and they are also suitable for people with very sensitive skin. They are ideal for those who want to use a lightweight product during warmer months while still providing extra protection against harmful UV rays.
Conclusion
To understand which brands are good and which to avoid, one should consider not only their hypoallergenic properties and dermatological testing, but also their values and ethics. Large brands like Clinique still don’t fully adopt ethical and sustainable practices, even though they could afford to. Research is crucial and easily accessible thanks to tools like Google and artificial intelligence. Therefore, if you want to be more mindful when choosing brands, consider all the factors that are important to you, from ensuring fair trade ingredients to recyclable, sustainable infrastructure.