2018 Best in Green Beauty

It’s the start of a new year which means it’s time for my annual best of green beauty list! I started working on this list with the idea of creating an immense guide to all my favorites across all categories when I realized, well, I’ve actually already done that. For those of you who want a mega deep dive into everything I’m currently using and loving in terms of skincare, cosmetics, and body care (plus all my discount codes), you can find more than you could ever want to know here.

That leaves this post as an assemblage of my very favorite products of the year. Whether new, new to me, or something I just used all the damn time, these products are truly my crème de la crème of 2018. Enjoy!

COSMETICS

Kosas Lipsticks – I think we all know by now that any Best Of list originating from this website will most likely include Kosas lipsticks. What can I say at this point…this line of gorgeous, wearable lipsticks has been my very favorite since the inception a couple of years ago. How it’s possible that each and every shade looks so good on so many different skin tones I will never know, but I’m all here for it. Everything you could possibly need to know plus swatches of all the shades on me can be found here.

Fitglow Lip Serums – Just as my love for Kosas in the lipstick category is off the chart, the exact can be said for Fitglow Beauty in the lip gloss department. I simply can’t get enough of the Lip Colour Serums…I always have at least three in my purse and I don’t know exactly what that means about me, but I’m owning it. Full review here.

RMS Champagne Rose Luminizer – Let me state for the record, I have ridiculously high standards for highlighters. And what are those standards, you ask? Oh, let me share them all. First off, it needs to be the right shade – not too silver, not too gold, not too anything, really. I want the highlight to look absolutely natural next to the skin. #nostrobeforme

Secondly, no glittery-type particles that sit on the face. I want a sheen, people, not a gaudy, glittery mess. (Am I the only one who becomes slightly agitated with rogue pieces of glitter strewn upon the face? I CANNOT DEAL.) Lastly, I need blending perfection. I want to look like a lady who just emerged from a spa day, not a disco ball. All of that being said, the champagne rose luminizer by RMS is A+ and then some. Run, don’t walk.

Ere Perez Oat Milk foundation – This is my new find of 2018. I love the way this foundation looks on my skin – very dewy, yet natural. I reviewed this foundation in more detail here.

Kjaer Weis Cream Shadows – To my ladies who don’t think cream shadows wear well, these are for you. These shadows don’t look or feel like traditional cream shadows in that they don’t move around the lid and/or crease at all. And you will notice a difference when you feel the product…it doesn’t move around too much in the pan, but that’s also why it also doesn’t move on your lid. You definitely need to let the warmth of your skin activate and soften the formula before applying. Oily eyelid types, this is your dream. I have three out of the four colors: Gorgeous is a lovely taupe that would suit any eye color, Alluring is a dark navy (great for a liner or smoky eye), and Enticing is a sexy golden bronze.

Clove + Hallow Lip Velvets – All-day staying power and the most intense, gorgeous matte shades. This is the most long-wearing lipstick I’ve ever used, green beauty or not. These puppies don’t budge. I’m wearing Sugarbear here, Road Trip here, and Napa here.

Olio e Esso Balms – So happy I was introduced to these balms this year. They are truly do-it-all workhorses – I wear them on lips, cheeks, and as a highlighter. My full review is here, and three new balms were just announced that I’m so excited to try. Keep you posted.

Palettes in Necessary Neutrals (limited edition and won’t be available for much longer), Statement, and Romance

Beautycounter Eye Shadow Palettes – Best pressed eyeshadows in green beauty, no question. The perfect combination of pigment and blendability. I have tried far too many green beauty pressed eyeshadows that just don’t have any color payoff. #why

I have personally purchased all 5 of the palettes and use them all constantly. (You know, I just have to say, it’s a real shame that some people shy away from Beautycounter’s products because of their business model alone. Let me put your mind at rest…you can buy directly from the Beautycounter website and no one is going to be knocking on your door to become a sales consultant. I promise this isn’t a Tupperware party so don’t let that dissuade you from trying some of their great products!) The eyeshadows are the real deal amazing.

SKINCARE

Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser – One of the biggest changes for me in 2018 involved morning cleansing as I did a little switch up with my products. This exfoliating scrub by Suki is the best way to wake up. It smells super bright and citrusy and perks my tired ol’ skin right up. Totally makes my skin even and purifies pores, and reduces gross build-up. Boom.

Indie Lee Gentle Daily Peel Pads – 50% the time I use the Suki cleanser in the morning, and the other half I use these gentle daily pads by Indie Lee. I am absolutely obsessed with these pre-moistened pads filled with nothing but skin-glowing goodness. Natural Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) from Wintergreen, Australian Caviar Lime derived Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Vitamin C combine to gently exfoliate dead skin cells, dissolve excess sebum and improve skin clarity. Jasmine, Sophora Japonica Flower and Burdock Root extracts ensure skin is left calm, hydrated and conditioned. I’m in love. Plus, they are so easy – just pull one out of the pot and swipe away, no water needed.

Maya Chia The Optimist – This is the only toner/mist that has pulled me from the warm embrace of MUN Anarose Toner. (I still love you and use you daily, my dear Anarose!) The Optimist provides a powerful, yet weightless, boost of hydration for plumper, deeply moisturized skin. Honestly, I’m so intrigued by the engineering of the spray mist mechanism because it doesn’t send a heavy dousing of product on your skin…it’s more like a halo of mist that lands gently over the face. This is why it’s become a favorite of mine as it’s so perfect for setting makeup or refreshing the skin throughout the day. Plus, it’s made with a proprietary blend of antioxidants, amino acids, polysaccharides, phytonutrients, and fatty acids, such as Sake, White Tea, Chia Seed, Astaxanthin, and Licorice Extracts for radiant, nourished, glowing skin. Sold.

Patyka Advanced Plumping Serum – I’ve mentioned this many times on my Instagram stories this year (here’s a video walking through my morning routine) as an addition between my toner and my moisturizers, and it does exactly what it says. Plumps my skin so beautifully. Before I started using it, I definitely had more texture to my skin which I believe was due to dehydration. This serum keeps my face dewy, hydrated, and smooth.

Beauty Retailers:

Aillea Beauty – Aillea really has become my favorite online retailer this year due to a few factors. First off, the brand selection is robust and on point, but it’s the customer service that really won me over. And if you are lucky enough to live in Denver, Raleigh, Atlanta or Charleston, they have brick-and-mortar stores to peruse in person! (Please come to OKC! I’m begging!)

Salt + Water – For my OKC locals, my friend Chelsey opened a beautiful wellness shop this year that is so well-curated. She currently is in a pop-up in Midtown, but the permanent location will be in Film Row opening later this month! A must-visit for locals.

Of course, I always love Citrine, Petit Vour, and the Beauty Heroes shop too!

That wraps it up for 2018, but I would love to know your favorites from the year. Let me know in the comments!

More posts you might like:

Best of 2017 in Green Beauty

Best of 2016 in Green Beauty