Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UC Irvine chapter.

Like most beauty lovers, my go-to makeup is ever changing. As I have learned more about green beauty and the ingredients that are in makeup, I have become more cautious of the products that I use every single day. Currently, my beauty bag is a mix of all-natural ingredient products. I have some products that I am finishing off and will then find a green alternative while there are other products that I don’t use every day but love on occasion. Also, as someone who likes to pack as few products as possible when traveling, this set has been working beautifully for that grab-and-go lifestyle. 

Now on to the makeup!

The Base:

Burt’s Bees BB Cream: I am not one to wear foundation as I much prefer a good BB cream that can smooth out my skin while still allowing my face to look natural. It is very important when choosing a BB cream to select one that contains SPF to protect you from harmful UV rays. With this specific product, there are only three shades, which can be difficult to shade match but I do find that they tend to blend in with your skin tone. Hopefully they come out with a larger shade range in the future. In regard to its ingredients, technically Burt’s Bees BB Cream is only 98.9% natural. However, the two ingredients that can be harmful to your skin, silicone and parabens, are not in this product. I am still on the quest for an even better BB cream so I am sure by this time next year I will have a new favorite.  

Pacifica Liquid Cover Concealer: This is the newest edition to my beauty bag. Pacifica is an affordable, 100% vegan natural beauty brand, and on my hunt for a natural concealer that can deliver full coverage results, I found their Liquid Cover Concealer. Since I only conceal my under eyes (if you’re a student, you understand) or anywhere I have a blemish or a major red area. The best part is that a little goes a long way, so this product will last you a while. They have 13 shades, which I do believe can be improved because not everyone has the same undertone, but overall its a good start and the product works great.  

NYX HD Finishing Powder: Okay, so this product is not on the green beauty list, but it is a dupe for the Fenty Beauty Invisimatte Blotting Powder. I prefer translucent finishing powders because I find that tinted ones or powder foundations can make me look too powdery and cakey. I use this strictly for setting my concealer and canceling out any shiny areas on my t-zone. I intend to try an all-natural translucent powder once this one hits pan, but again this one is affordable and works great!

W3LL PEOPLE Bio Bronzer Stick: This is the priciest item in my bag, but still reasonable and totally worth it for people with fair skin looking for a bronzer that won’t be too heavy or dark. As it is a stick formula, it is perfect for travel and is easily blendable and buildable. I usually wear this as a bronzer but have also used it as a wash of color on my eyelids. W3LL PEOPLE is a green beauty brand and I intend to try more of their products in the future. 

Burt’s Bees All Aglow Highlighter Stick: Out of the three available shades, I use the one called Opal Mist. I find it works perfectly for a natural everyday highlight. This Burt’s Bees product is made of 100% natural ingredients that are also very nourishing. Again, I love a stick formula for travel.

The Eyes and Brows: 

e.l.f Instant Lift Brow Pencil and the Colourpop Brow Boss Gel: This is my current eyebrow team. I love using the tinted brow gel for a natural look and the pencil if I want a bolder brow. The e.l.f pencil has a spooly on the end which is also a plus, but I do much prefer the e.l.f Ultra Precise Brow Pencil. Even though these products aren’t also on the green beauty list, I cut brows some slack because if it is affordable and it works well, then that’s all I need. I also adore Colourpop and nothing can beat e.l.f prices, so that’s that. 

Revlon Colorstay Creme Eyeshadow: I recently found this product, and I have to say I love it. I have the shade 730 which is perfect for an easy wash of color on the eyes for an everyday look. They have a bunch of colors and the formula is fantastic.

Tarte Tarteist Pro To Go palette: I don’t do a whole eyeshadow look every day (keeping it real as I’m a student and prioritize my sleep), but when I do I find this mini palette to be oh so perfect for any look from natural to glam. The number one reason I got this pallet is because of the itty bitty size which is perfect for travel. It also contains the right range of eye shadows to create a coehisive look so I don’t need to pack any additional palettes.

 

Lips and Perfume:

Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm: This is my all-time favorite lip balm and it is 100% natural. Enough said.

Burt’s Bees Satin Lipstick: I am a huge lipstick fan and have a large collection of favorites, but to keep this makeup bag minimal, I will only mention this one. I prefer Burt’s Bees lipstick for everyday because it is all-natural and apparently, most of the lipstick we wear we end up unkowingly eating. I have the shade Blush Basin which is a perfect everyday color, but they also have a ton of bolder lip color choices as well. 

Blossom Beauty Roll-On Perfume Oil in Rose: This specific scent by Blossom Beauty is to die for! I fell in love with the Jo Malone scent Red Roses, but the price tag is hefty. This Blossom scent is very similar to the Jo Malone one but with a much nicer price tag. The packaging is also extremely portable, perfect for throwing in your purse or travel bag. Not to mention it’s super cute with the floating flowers. Another perk? It is 100% natural and alcohol-free. 

https://www.thayers.com/shop-thayers/premium-witch-hazel/rose-petal-facial-toner/

Thayers Rose Petal Facial Toner: I transferred this product into a mini spray bottle because my favorite use for it is as a setting spray after my makeup. I also like to put some of a cotton pad and rub it on my face at night because I find it to be very hydrating.

Photographer and writer studying art and literary journalism at UCI. I like food, fashion and photos.
Elizabeth is a second-year English major at University of California, Irvine. This is her second year as a writer for Her Campus UCI, but her first year as Co-Campus Coordinator. In her free time she loves to write short stories and read fantasy novels.