Young Adults

Ladies, the wait is officially over. I created this section with my younger cousins and friends in mind — the ones who are just starting to explore makeup and skincare. I’m so excited to share a curated list of trendy, beginner‑friendly beauty brands that are easy to find in stores or online, and honestly, completely mom‑approved.

When I was younger, I wish someone had guided me toward products that were gentle, clean, and acne‑safe. It would’ve saved me from a lot of breakouts and trial‑and‑error. So think of this as the big‑sister starter kit I wish I had.

Grab your older sister, cousins, friends, aunties, and mom — it’s time for a clean, confidence‑boosting makeup haul.

I chose brands that offer a wide range of shades and fun colours, because when you’re young, makeup should feel creative, expressive, and playful. Enjoy exploring, experimenting, and finding what makes you feel like you.

Skincare Comes First

Makeup is fun, creative, and expressive — but here’s the truth every young adult should know. Your makeup will never look its best if you don’t take care of your skin. A smooth, healthy base makes everything else easier.

Before you dive into your new makeup routine, here are a few pro tips to keep your skin clear, clean, and glowing.

Pro Tips for Healthy Skin

1. Wash your hands before touching your face

This is the simplest way to prevent breakouts. Clean hands = clean skin.

2. Always remove your makeup at night

Use a gentle cleanser (I’ll link my favourites below).

Avoid makeup wipes unless you’re traveling and have no other option.

Why:

Makeup wipes leave behind residue that clogs pores and causes acne.

3. Wash your brushes and beauty tools regularly

Anything that touches your face needs to be cleaned — brushes, sponges, beauty blenders, all of it.

If you don’t:

You risk acne, rashes, dermatitis, and even infections like pink eye.

4. Know when your makeup expires

Once you open a product, it’s exposed to air and bacteria.

Look for the little jar symbol with a number inside (like “6M” or “12M”).

That’s how long the product is safe to use after opening.

If the texture changes or it smells off, throw it away — even if the date hasn’t passed.

Bonus:

Many brands offer recycling rewards when you return empty containers.

5. Less is more

You don’t need heavy makeup to look beautiful. Stay true to yourself and don’t let social media pressure you into trends that don’t feel like you.

6. Be kind — always

Not everyone learns makeup at the same pace. If another girl hasn’t mastered the Instagram‑influencer look yet, help her instead of judging her.

Girls are stronger together.

Juice Beauty

Blemish Clearing Cleanser- This face wash cleanser will keep your skin clear, glowing, and completely filter‑free for Instagram.
Blemish Clearing Serum- This is a great spot treatment for those random blemishes that show up out of nowhere
Oil Free Moisturizer- It’s lightweight and absorbs quickly, so you can move on to your makeup routine sooner.
Juice Beauty Peel- With three different strengths available, you’ll be able to find a mask that perfectly suits your skin’s needs.
Eco-Wash Cloth - Made from 100% bamboo, it’s soft, gentle, and perfect for all your skincare needs.

Cocokind

Mymatcha Stick- A multi‑use essential that targets dry spots, puffiness, and dark circles — and it doubles as a hydrating lip balm. Perfect for quick touch‑ups and everyday glow.
Turmeric Stick- A gentle spot treatment for sun spots, acne, and any unexpected blemishes that decide to show up.
Macabeet Stick-This buildable lip balm gives you sheer to medium colour, and it also works beautifully as a natural blush. A must‑have for soft, effortless makeup looks.
Makeup Bag Essentials
All of these sticks are true makeup‑bag must‑haves — versatile, easy to use, and perfect for everyday routines.
Oak to Milk Cleanser- A gentle face wash ideal for anyone with allergies or sensitive skin.
Bonus: Cocokind uses sugarcane tubes instead of traditional plastic for this product, making it a more sustainable choice.
Organic facial cleansing oil - A soothing cleansing oil that melts away makeup while calming stressed or irritated skin.
Organic chia facial oil- Apply before sunscreen to get the full benefits of chia. It helps balance moisture levels and supports clearer, healthier‑looking skin.
Cocokind Lip Balm- Simple, nourishing, and perfectly balanced. It’s rich without feeling heavy and absorbs quickly for soft, hydrated lips.
Note on Cocokind Makeup
I did purchase Cocokind’s makeup line, but due to a new formula, the brand is currently relaunching this category. It’s not available online at the moment, so I’ll update this section once it returns.

S.W. Basics

Cleanser - I use this cleanser with a cotton round or a reusable face towel. It’s gentle, effective, and helped restore my skin after reacting to a harsh cleanser I used before. One bottle lasted me about a month, but your usage may vary depending on how often you wash your face.
Toner - This toner is exactly what you need when starting a clean skincare routine. It worked beautifully on my combination and sensitive skin.
Rose Water Spray - This trendy mist is a favourite for a reason. It’s calming, refreshing, and perfect for summer days when you need a quick pick‑me‑up at work or while shopping. Don’t wait to try it — it only has one ingredient.
Aloe Vera Powder - A quick, easy way to make a fresh aloe mask without hunting down a plant or buying expensive bottled aloe. These convenient packets make it simple to add aloe vera into your routine anytime.

‍ ‍Mascara‍ ‍

Pacifica-Stellar Gaze Length & Strength Mascara (Black)(Vegan)- A vegan formula that lengthens and strengthens while giving your lashes a soft, natural lift.
Well People-Expressionist Mascara (Black) (Gluten Free)- A clean, gluten‑free mascara that defines and separates lashes without clumping.
100% Pure- Maracuja Mascara (Black) (Vegan)- A vegan option with a lightweight feel. Not waterproof and may produce small flakes throughout the day
100% Pure-Ultra Lengthening Mascara (Black)(Vegetarian) (Flake free and Water Resistant) -A vegetarian formula that delivers beautiful length. Flake‑free and water‑resistant for longer wear.

Foundation/Concealer‍ ‍

100% Pure Powder Foundation -This is one of the cleanest and healthiest foundations on 100% Pure’s website. I wear the shade Golden Peach, and it’s perfect for combination skin. The formula is buildable, lightweight, and made with clean ingredients that shouldn’t trigger acne.
100% Pure Cream Foundation - Just like the powder foundation, this cream formula is packed with clean ingredients and performs beautifully. I also wear Golden Peach in this one. It provides moisture during the winter months, offers buildable coverage, and can be worn alone or paired with powder depending on the finish you want
2nd Skin Concealer This one was tricky to color‑match online, but once I found my shade, it became a staple. The first ingredient is olive squalane, so it has a noticeable scent at first, but it fades quickly. Blend it immediately with a beauty blender because it dries fast. It’s perfect for covering random acne, brightening under‑eye puffiness or discoloration, and even works as an eyeshadow primer in a pinch.
Pacifica- A simple, affordable pressed powder with cleaner ingredients than many mainstream brands. It comes in a few shades and is easy to find at Target, making it a great everyday option.
Well People- A cleaner alternative to the powders you see in most makeup tutorials. I’ve used this brand myself and recommended it to family and friends — it’s a solid, clean beauty option with reliable performance.

‍ ‍Eye Shadow‍ ‍

100% Pure Pretty Naked Palette -This palette includes five essentials: a pale‑pink luminizer/highlighter, a soft brown‑pink blush, and three eyeshadows in the shades Flaxseed, Toffee, and Chestnut. With five products plus a mirror, it’s an amazing value for clean beauty lovers.
Note: Natural eyeshadows don’t always adhere the same way synthetic pigments do. A mattifying primer can help, along with good brushes and proper layering. If you’re serious about clean eyeshadow, the options below are great non‑toxic choices.
Pacifica- Mineral Eyeshadow Palette (Pink Nude)-This palette may look simple, but simple is back. The shades stay in place well and transition effortlessly from day to night.
And honestly — with filters on every app, you don’t need wild colors to stand out. You’re already beautiful without heavy, stage‑style makeup. Clean, natural looks let your real features shine.
Well People- Nudist #2 Eyeshadow Palette -A sleek, neutral palette that looks good on everyone. The shades are easy to blend and hold up well throughout a busy day without smudging.
RMS Eye Polish-A cream‑based eyeshadow option for days when you want a bolder, longer‑lasting look. RMS products perform beautifully, and their cream shadows add depth and dimension with minimal effort

Makeup Brushes/Tools/Accessories‍ ‍

Clean, effective tools that elevate your routine — all chosen with performance, longevity, and skin health in mind.

100% Pure Foundation Brush- A long‑time favourite in my kit. The bristles stay soft and dense even after years of use. Just remember: clean brushes = clearer skin. 100% Pure offers a full line of clean, cruelty‑free brushes, so explore their collection and use my code for discounts and free shipping.
Non Latex M akeup Blender- (Pink) A soft, latex‑free beauty blender that works beautifully for both concealer and foundation. It washes well and blends product seamlessly.
RMS Brush - Designed for cream or liquid foundation, but I personally love it for contouring. It gives precise, natural definition without harsh lines — perfect for a soft sculpt.
Eco Tools Brush Set- A great starter set for anyone beginning their makeup journey. I’ll be adding a full brush guide soon, so save this page and check back. You can also follow my IG @letmeseethelabel for clean, eco‑friendly, non‑toxic beauty tips.
Plume Eye Lash Curler - A metal eyelash curler is a forever tool — just replace the lash pad regularly and keep everything clean. Since curlers touch the base of your lashes and eyelids, mascara residue can build up and cause irritation or even eye infections if not cleaned properly.
Green Tea Fiber Brow Builder- (Medium Brown) The small brush takes a moment to get used to, but once you do, the control is unmatched. Perfect for shaping, tinting, and defining brows naturally.
Creamy Long Last Liner: Blackest- A cleaner black eyeliner that glides on smoothly and lasts most of the day. It performs similarly to conventional liners — without the toxic ingredients.
Eyebrow Pencil-Coming soon! I’m currently testing a few clean options. Stay tuned for my top pick.
100% Pure Pencil Sharpener - The sharpener I use to keep my 100% Pure eyeliner pencil in perfect shape. Simple, effective, and mess‑free.

Deodorant

Finding the right clean deodorant is definitely a trial‑and‑error journey — just like every other clean beauty category. Over time, I’ve found reliable options for both men and women that actually perform.

Tip: When transitioning from conventional deodorant to non‑toxic formulas, consider doing an armpit detox to help your body adjust.

ThinkSport - A soft floral scent with a smooth, gel‑like texture that applies easily. As a former athlete, I can confidently say it lives up to its performance claims.
Note: This formula contains baking soda. If you have sensitive skin, patch‑test first
Pretty Frank - The brand recently updated its name and packaging, but the formulas remain the same — especially the baking‑soda line, which includes scents like Lavender and Unscented, both of which I used this year.
They also launched a baking‑soda‑free line that I’m excited to try next. The texture is creamy, smooth, and easy to apply.
Rustic Maka - A Michigan‑based, women‑owned company — and one of the cleanest deodorant brands I’ve found. Their formulas are smooth, gentle, and ideal for sensitive skin.
Scents I’ve tried and loved:
• Calming Fields (Baking Soda Free)
• Lemongrass Gardens (Baking Soda Free)
• Take a Hike
Their deodorants smell amazing, work well, and are some of the most affordable clean options available.
Click the brand name to start shopping.
Canada Note:
If you’re looking for Rustic Maka in Canada, you can find it at theorganicbunny.com.

Hair Care

Womensense-This is one of my favourite clean hair‑care duos for styling and everyday use. I found it at my local health and wellness store here in Canada (Banwell), but the main link will help you locate this brand near you. The scent is fresh, the formula is gentle, and it leaves your hair soft and manageable.
100% Pure -A lightweight formula suitable for all hair types. The scent is simple and neutral — perfect for anyone sensitive to fragrance or looking for a gender‑neutral option. Both sizes are great because the whole family can use this clean, gentle formula.
Carina Organics- Try the Peppermint Shampoo for a cooling effect and dandruff control, then pair it with their Deep Treatment Conditioner in any scent. I personally use the deep treatment instead of the daily conditioner for extra moisture — it makes styling so much easier.
They offer a wide range of scents, it’s affordable, and it’s organic. My favourites are Sweet Pea and Citrus, depending on the season.
Rahua- I ordered the classic version, and my first impression was the woodsy, earthy scent — but don’t worry, they offer lighter options too. The classic formula is clarifying and works well between seasons, especially if you deal with dandruff or scalp imbalances.
As always, check the label for any allergies, even with organic brands.
True Botanicals- A high‑end, celebrity‑loved clean beauty brand. I finally purchased the shampoo and conditioner bundle, and just like the other brands listed, it’s highly rated for its clean, nourishing ingredients.

Hair Styling Products

Womensense- Hair Oil Treatment -The perfect treatment for achieving a smooth, healthy blowout.
Carina Organics -Hair Spray - Yes! A non‑toxic hairspray for special events exists. They offer two other scent options on their website, but Sweet Pea is my go‑to.
Carina Organics -Hair Gel (Sweet Pea or Unscented) I love using this gel to scrunch my hair or enhance my natural beach waves in the summer. It holds up all day, no matter the climate. I’ve used it in California, Nevada, South Dakota, Minnesota, Indiana, Michigan, Florida, and now Canada — it performs everywhere.
Captain Blankenship -Dry Shampoo- A clean dry shampoo that works beautifully even on medium to dark brown hair. No chalky residue — just brush it through or use your fingers to distribute it evenly.
Cocokind-Dry Shampoo/ Calming Powder- One of the first non‑toxic dry shampoos I found online, and it’s incredibly versatile. Women can use it as dry shampoo, and men can use it to reduce moisture in certain areas during the summer months.
John Masters Organics Sea Mist - Sea Salt Spray- An organic sea salt spray with lavender for effortless beachy waves. I used the older formula, but both versions work beautifully. This brand is easy to find at local health and wellness stores — grab it next time you’re out.

Nail Care

Nail polish is fun, expressive, and honestly… a skill. The more you practice, the better your at‑home manicures will look. And when you head to a salon with friends or family, bring your own polish if they don’t carry healthier options like the ones below.

Ever wonder why nail salons smell so strong — or why nail techs wear masks?
Traditional nail polish contains harsh chemicals that can cause respiratory irritation, allergic reactions, and even long‑term reproductive issues. Many nail techs have experienced these effects firsthand.

It’s important to remember: anything you apply to your skin or nails can impact your health. Chemicals absorb quickly — sometimes just as fast as eating something unhealthy.

The good news:
All of the clean nail polish brands below are priced similarly to conventional polishes, making this one of the easiest clean‑beauty swaps.

Prim and Pure- A gentle, family‑friendly polish option that’s safe for all ages. Clean, simple, and perfect for everyday use.
Pacifica - Easy to find at Target, Whole Foods, and many local health stores. A great everyday clean option with beautiful shades.
Honeybee Gardens- One of the easiest non‑toxic polish brands to find online. Reliable, accessible, and clean.
Piggy Paint- A popular brand known for its bright, fun colors — great for kids and adults.
Ella and Mila- My mom bought this brand from Target and loves it. Clean formulas with gorgeous, modern shades.
Sensational Nailtural - Made with plant‑based ingredients like potato, beet, and cassava flour. A unique, cleaner alternative.
100% Pure - This brand has become one of my favourites, and now is the perfect time to try clean polish without the guilt.
Mineral Fusion - Widely available at health stores like Home Grown Wellness here in Canada, or online at Well.ca. Click the brand name to shop, and don’t forget to use my coupon code for a discount.
Cote- A newer clean brand with modern, minimalist bottles. Grab one for yourself and one for a friend.
Ten over Ten - One of the first non‑toxic polishes I ever owned — I bought it at J.Crew years ago. Target now carries the largest color selection.
BKIND- A newer clean‑beauty polish brand that performs just as well as OPI — without the harsh chemicals. Smooth, long‑lasting, richly pigmented formulas that make switching to clean polish effortless.

Nail Polish Remover

Switching to clean nail polish is a great first step — but pairing it with a non‑toxic remover makes the biggest difference. These options work just as well as conventional removers, without the harsh fumes or drying ingredients.

Mineral Fusion- Commonly found at local health stores or online at well.ca. For a nail polish remover, it has a noticeably less toxic smell and removes polish just as quickly as conventional formulas. A reliable, easy swap.
Well.ca. For a nail polish remover, it has a noticeably less toxic smell and removes polish just as quickly as conventional formulas. A reliable, easy swap.
Piggy Paint - The name is cute, but the formula is serious about being clean. This remover is super affordable and easy to find online, at Target, or at Thrive Market. A great option for families or anyone starting their clean‑beauty journey.
Honeybee Gardens -The first healthier alternative to acetone I ever found online. Gentle, effective, and a long‑time favourite for anyone wanting a cleaner option without sacrificing performance.
Pure Anada Nail Polish Remover - A very popular choice here in Canada and widely available online. If you’re in the United States, you may need to choose one of the other options listed above, but Canadians will have no trouble finding this one.
BKIND – (Nail Polish Remover)- A clean, plant‑based remover that’s gentle on nails but still effective. BKIND is known for its eco‑friendly formulas, and their remover is no exception — low‑odor, non‑toxic, and perfect for anyone wanting a cleaner alternative without compromising performance.

Toothpaste

Finding a truly healthy toothpaste has been a journey. Some formulas are chalky, some are too thin or too thick, and some look nothing like the bright white pastes we grew up with. But the real question is: is it healthy?

I’ve researched fluoride, sulfates, baking soda, silica, glycerin, and multiple types of clay. What’s hiding in our toothpaste should concern all of us — so let’s navigate this together.

A Note on Toothbrushes

Investing in a long‑term, eco‑friendly toothbrush is just as important as choosing a clean toothpaste. Plastic toothbrushes can take up to 1,000 years to decompose. When possible, choose a 100% bamboo toothbrush — and double‑check that both the handle and bristles are fully compostable.

Compostable items can be replanted, composted, or — if your parents approve — safely tossed into a bonfire.

LMSTL is not responsible for fires. Always get permission from a parent before being near, starting, or adding anything to a bonfire.

Davids Toothpaste - My most recent toothpaste purchase — and a great one. It scored well on the Think Dirty app, and I ordered it from Integrity Botanicals. The texture is similar to Crest: smooth, familiar, and satisfying. Your breath stays fresh just as long, but with cleaner ingredients.
Redmond Toothpaste - Ready for something different? This natural toothpaste is the color of clay — because it is clay‑based. It has only six ingredients: water, bentonite clay, sea salt, and essential oils (if you choose a flavored version). The Wintergreen option uses xylitol as the sweetener. Sweetened or unsweetened, they all work the same.
The only downside: your breath won’t stay fresh all day, so pairing it with a clean mouthwash or breath tablets is ideal. Still, it’s one of the most affordable, minimal‑ingredient options out there.
Essential Oxygen Organic Brushing Rinse- A clean, refreshing mouthwash you can purchase from Well.ca or Thrive Market. Available in a 10 oz bottle for home and a 3 oz bottle for travel.
Desert Essence- A healthier floss option made with tea tree essential oil and beeswax. Gentle, effective, and a great swap if you’re avoiding conventional waxed floss.
Attitude- (Fluoride‑Free)- I’ve been using this one recently from Amazon, and it’s quickly become a favourite. It’s fluoride‑free, vegan, sugar‑free, and made with plant‑ and mineral‑based ingredients. The peppermint flavor is clean and refreshing without being overpowering, and the texture feels more like a traditional toothpaste — which makes the switch to cleaner oral care so much easier. A great everyday option if you want something effective, familiar, and low‑tox.

Lip Care

Healthy, hydrated lips make every selfie better — and these clean lip care picks keep your pout soft all year long. Grab one for yourself and another for your best friend. And if you’re feeling cute, tag me in your IG selfies at @letmeseethelabel.

Sam Soulutions- Order this one online right away — it smells exactly like an orange creamsicle. My husband is a total lip balm snob, and even he loves this formula. It’s incredibly smooth, deeply moisturizing, and keeps your lips soft all day.
Vapour-I adore the packaging on this one. I’ve been using it for the last two months, and it’s become my winter essential because it’s so moisturizing. A luxe, clean option that feels amazing on the lips.
Lisa’s Ideal Health- Our go‑to blend all year long. I send this lip balm to family and friends because it’s that good — smooth, refreshing, and perfectly balanced.
Lisa’s Ideal Health- Lip Scrub- A must‑have for dry or cracked lips during the fall and winter seasons. It gently exfoliates while keeping your lips soft and prepped for balm or lipstick.
Osmia- Lip Doctor- This balm uses avocado and olive oil to lock in moisture and nourish your lips deeply. It’s affordable, effective, and perfect for colder months. I’m using it right now and love how soothing it feels.

Clean Face Moisturizers, Serums and Body Lotion!

Men

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