Trying to find makeup that is non-toxic and budget friendly is no easy task. But it is possible to find products that use natural ingredients at affordable prices. After years of searching for and testing products from so many brands at both high and low price points that all claim to be “clean”, I’ve found some truly amazing products right at the local drugstore. This list is great for anyone in their teens and 20’s, just starting their skincare and makeup journey, but also for anyone looking for clean products that won’t break the bank! So if you are looking for the best affordable clean makeup brands, here are my top three go-to drugstore clean beauty brands and favorite products from each one:
PHYSICIAN’S FORMULA
Physicians Formula was created by allergist, Dr Frank Crandall in 1937. Dr Crandall’s wife had extremely sensitive skin and couldn’t find skincare products that worked for her. So Dr. Crandall developed a new kind of makeup that was hypoallergenic, safe for sensitive skin and eyes, and created without any skin irritants or the 150+ known harsh ingredients commonly found in personal care items. They are now one of the best clean makeup brands with a huge collection of skin care and clean makeup products including moisturizers, serums, eye makeup, blush and lip gloss all using organic ingredients. You can find their full range of natural products on their website or at Ulta Beauty.
Foundation
Organic Wear Silk Foundation Elixir
This light coverage foundation blends in nicely to create a dewy face. This clean makeup product is buildable and meant to replicate the look of real skin and it’s not cakey. It’s also extremely nourishing and weightless.
Bronzer
This ultra-luxurious creamy bronzer delivers a radiant natural glow on every skin tone. It’s got tons of vitamins that soften and condition your skin leaving it smooth and silky. Extra bonus: it even smells like you are on the beach!
HONEST BEAUTY
Jessica Alba created Honest Company in 2011 as a way to offer more affordable clean products to the masses. The list of ingredients they use are all natural and high quality. From body care products for adults & baby and makeup with clean ingredients, she’s built an empire within the beauty industry and is considered one of the best affordable clean makeup brands.
Blush
Although I typically do not wear cream blush, I have to say that this is one cream blush that I really like. The texture is silky and soft. The skin friendly formula delivers a soft, dewy, flush finish. It’s best to apply it with your fingers so that you can blend and build the color. The blush comes in a plethora of pretty shades that you can even apply to your lips to give them a little sheer tint.
Mascara
Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer
Honest has become one of my go-to natural makeup brands and for good reason. This beauty award winning, best-selling double-sided mascara works to prime and lengthen your lashes. Don’t be fooled by the very small, soft bristle applicator brush. This small but mighty wand helps layer the product to give you more volume.
Related: Clean Makeup Kit Essentials
BURT’S BEES
Burt’s Bees was founded in 1984 and it is a nostalgic brand for me. Long before I knew anything about the world of clean beauty or hormone disruptors, their glosses and tinted balms were all I used. Their mission since their inception was to deliver the best non-toxic products made with clean formulas and none of the harmful chemicals most makeup and skincare contains. If you’re looking for a clean beauty routine or natural personal care products, look no further than Burt’s Bees. It’s one of the best affordable clean makeup brands out there.
Bonus: the company also keeps sustainable packaging top of mind. They’ve designed all of their packaging to be recyclable, powered their facilities with renewable electricity, and promised to keep 1.5 million pounds of plastic out of our oceans.
Lip Balm
If you are like me, you have at least 4 have Pomegranate lip balms in a drawer or in your makeup bag at all times. This natural lip balm is moisturizing and it softens dry lips. It glides on smoothly and gives you a tint free matte finish. At only $3.99 per lip balm, it’s one of my favorite affordable clean beauty products that I use daily.
Oil-Control Powder
This is another one of my favorite affordable natural beauty products on the market. This oil-control powder gives you a natural look and makes your skin feel smooth and even. It’s lightweight and made with bamboo to blur imperfections. This product will get rid of your shine (especially if you have oily skin) and keep your makeup in place all day for long-lasting wear.
