11 Best Affordable Clean Makeup Brands To Try
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If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably wondered if finding affordable clean makeup brands that actually work is possible.
Between chasing after my toddler (who has a knack for finding my lipsticks) and trying to figure out which products won’t irritate my sensitive skin, I’ve realized that clean beauty is the way to go. But let’s be real, sometimes those “clean” labels come with a hefty price tag.
That’s why I’ve spent countless hours researching, testing, and scouring reviews to find the best affordable clean makeup brands that actually work. Because looking and feeling fabulous shouldn’t cost a fortune, or expose you to a bunch of toxic ingredients.
So whether you’re new to clean beauty or a total pro, get ready to discover these clean and affordable makeup brands that won’t break the bank.
What Is Clean Beauty?
So, what exactly is “clean beauty,” anyway? It’s not just about slapping a green leaf on the label and calling it a day.
Clean beauty means using products that are made without ingredients that are known or suspected to be harmful to human health. This includes things like parabens, phthalates, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, and a whole bunch of other unpronounceable chemicals.
But why bother switching to clean makeup? Well, for starters, your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it absorbs a lot of what you put on it. So if you’re putting on products daily filled with questionable chemicals, those chemicals can end up in your bloodstream.
Clean makeup is not only better for your health, but it’s also often better for your skin. Many clean brands use natural ingredients that nourish and soothe your skin, leaving it looking radiant and healthy. Plus, you can feel good knowing you’re not contributing to the pollution of our planet with harmful chemicals. It’s a win-win!
The Ultimate List of Affordable Clean Makeup Brands
Alright, let’s dive into the good stuff: the ultimate list of affordable clean makeup brands that won’t disappoint!
Who says clean beauty has to break the bank? These brands prove that you can get gorgeous makeup without emptying your wallet.
e.l.f. Cosmetics
You’ve probably seen e.l.f. products on the shelves at your local drugstore, and for good reason! This brand is a total steal, offering a wide range of clean makeup and skincare products that actually work.
Their products are a must-try, with everything from foundation to eyeshadow made with clean ingredients that won’t irritate your skin. Plus, their prices are so affordable, you can experiment with new looks without feeling guilty.
Where to buy: e.l.f. Cosmetics website, Target, Ulta, and most drugstores.
Highlights: Affordable, high-quality, wide range of products, cruelty-free, vegan
Honest Beauty
Honest Beauty, founded by Jessica Alba, has quickly become a staple in the clean beauty world. Their products are made with safe, non-toxic ingredients, and they’re transparent about what goes into their formulas.
Their tinted moisturizer is a fan favorite, offering light coverage and a dewy finish that looks like your skin but better. They also have a great selection of eyeshadow palettes, mascaras, and lip products.
Where to buy: Honest Beauty website, Target, Ulta, and some drugstores.
Highlights: Safe ingredients, transparent labeling, wide range of products, cruelty-free
Pacifica Beauty
This brand is a favorite among clean beauty enthusiasts for its fun, colorful packaging and commitment to sustainability.
Pacifica Beauty offers a wide range of products, from makeup to skincare to haircare, all made with clean ingredients and without any animal testing.
Their eyeshadow palettes are especially popular, with pigmented shades and buttery textures that blend like a dream.
Where to buy: Pacifica Beauty website, Target, Ulta, and some drugstores.
Highlights: Wide range of products, colorful packaging, sustainable practices, cruelty-free, vegan
Covergirl Clean Fresh
Yes, Covergirl! They’ve hopped on the clean beauty train with their Clean Fresh line, and it’s surprisingly good.
Their foundation is a standout, offering buildable coverage and a natural finish that looks like your skin but better. Plus, it’s infused with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to keep your skin hydrated and glowing.
Where to buy: Covergirl website, Target, Ulta, and most drugstores.
Highlights: Affordable, easy to find, good for sensitive skin, cruelty-free
Burt’s Bees
Burt’s Bees isn’t just about lip balm anymore! They’ve expanded their offerings to include a lovely selection of clean makeup options.
Their makeup line is known for its natural ingredients, like honey and beeswax, and gentle formulas that are perfect for sensitive skin.
Their “Mattifying Powder Foundation” is a great option for oily skin, and their “All Aglow Bronzer Stick” gives you a sun-kissed look without the sun damage.
Where to buy: Burt’s Bees website, Target, Ulta, and most drugstores.
Highlights: Natural ingredients, gentle on skin, cruelty-free, wide range of shades
WELL PEOPLE
This brand is all about plant-powered beauty, using natural ingredients to create makeup that’s good for your skin and the planet.
Their Expressionist Mascara is a favorite. It gives you long, voluminous lashes without any clumping or flaking. Their Bio Tint Multi-Action Moisturizer is another great option, offering light coverage and SPF 30 protection.
Where to buy: WELL PEOPLE website, Target, Credo Beauty
Highlights: Plant-powered ingredients, natural finish, cruelty-free, vegan
Saie Beauty
This brand is all about creating makeup that makes you feel good, both inside and out.
Saie Beauty’s products are made with clean, skin-loving ingredients that enhance your natural beauty. Their Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer is one of my favorites, offering lightweight coverage and a dewy finish that looks like your skin but better.
Their Mascara 101 is also a winner, giving you long, voluminous lashes without any clumping or smudging.
Where to buy: Saie Beauty website, Sephora
Highlights: Clean ingredients, dewy finish, effortless makeup, cruelty-free, vegan
Tower 28
Tower 28 is a beach-inspired clean beauty brand that’s perfect for sensitive skin. Their products are formulated with soothing ingredients like aloe vera and green tea, and they’re free of common irritants like fragrance and essential oils.
Their “SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray” is a favorite, helping to calm and hydrate irritated skin. Their “BeachPlease Luminous Tinted Balm” is another winner, giving you a sheer wash of color and a dewy glow.
Where to buy: Tower 28 website, Sephora
Highlights: Clean formulas for sensitive skin, beachy aesthetic, multi-purpose products, cruelty-free, vegan
The Detox Market
Okay, so The Detox Market isn’t technically a brand, but it’s an online retailer that curates the best of the best in clean beauty.
They have a huge selection of brands and products, so you’re sure to find something you love. Plus, they have a helpful quiz that can help you find the perfect products for your skin type and concerns.
Where to buy: The Detox Market website
Highlights: Huge selection of clean beauty brands, helpful quiz, free shipping on orders over $50
Lily Lolo
Lily Lolo is a UK-based brand that’s been making waves in the clean beauty world with their mineral makeup.
Their products are made with natural ingredients that are gentle on your skin and won’t clog your pores. Their mineral foundation is a cult favorite, offering buildable coverage and a natural finish that looks like your skin but better.
They also have a great selection of eyeshadows, blushes, and bronzers in a wide range of shades.
Where to buy: Lily Lolo website, Amazon, The Detox Market
Highlights: Mineral makeup, natural ingredients, buildable coverage, wide range of shades
Clove + Hallow (Clover)
Clove + Hallow, now known as Clover, is another brand that’s making clean beauty accessible to everyone. Their products are affordable, high-quality, and made with safe ingredients.
Their “Skin Dew” foundation is a must-try, offering light to medium coverage and a dewy finish that looks like your skin but better. They also have a great selection of lip products, including their “Lip Glaze” which is super hydrating and comes in a range of beautiful shades.
Where to buy: Clove + Hallow website, Ulta, Amazon
Highlights: Affordable, high-quality, safe ingredients, wide range of shades
Tips for Shopping Clean on a Budget
Clean beauty doesn’t have to be a luxury. With a little savvy shopping, you can build a makeup collection that’s good for your skin, the planet, and your bank account. Here are a few tips to help you shop clean on a budget:
Read Labels Like a Pro: Don’t be fooled by greenwashing! Just because a product says “natural” or “organic” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s clean. Look for certifications from reputable organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) or Made Safe.
Familiarize yourself with the EWG Skin Deep database and CosDNA to check the ingredients list for any red flags like parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. You can also use apps like Think Dirty or EWG’s Healthy Living to scan product barcodes and get ingredient safety ratings.
Shop Sales and Discounts: Many clean beauty brands offer sales and discounts throughout the year, so sign up for their email lists or follow them on social media to stay in the loop. You can also find great deals on clean beauty at discount retailers like TJ Maxx and Marshalls.
Explore Sample Sizes: Many brands like Sephora and Ulta offer sample sizes of their products, so you can try them out before committing to a full-size purchase. This is a great way to experiment with different brands and find what works best for you without breaking the bank.
Prioritize Multi-Use Products: Look for products that can be used in multiple ways. For example, a multi-purpose stick that can be used as a tinted lip balm and a blush, and a liquid highlighter that can also double as an eyeshadow. This will help you get more bang for your buck and reduce the number of products you need to buy.
DIY Clean Beauty: Get creative in the kitchen and whip up your own clean beauty products. There are tons of recipes online for everything from face masks to lip scrubs. Not only is this a fun way to get creative, but it can also save you a ton of money.
Related: Try this easy DIY natural handmade makeup remover recipe!
Focus on the Essentials: You don’t need a million products to create a beautiful makeup look. Start with the essentials, like a good foundation, mascara, and lip color, and build from there as your budget allows.
I hope this guide has helped you discover some new favorites. Remember, clean beauty is a journey, not a race. Start small, try new things, and have fun with it! Your skin (and your wallet) will thank you.
Now it’s your turn! Have you tried any of these brands? What are your favorite clean makeup products? Share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow the blog on social media for more clean beauty tips and tricks.
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