What I've Been Loving Lately: Clean Girl Makeup Favourites
- Marielle Liana
- Jun 22
- 4 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
What is clean makeup glow? It’s the new standard in beauty—where radiant, healthy-looking skin meets makeup that feels barely there. Inspired by the skin-first approach of modern beauty, clean makeup focuses on lightweight, hydrating formulas that enhance your natural features without masking them. From dewy skin tints to balmy highlighters, this effortless glow is powered by products that care for your skin while delivering that fresh, lit-from-within finish. In this article, I’m sharing 10 must-have clean makeup essentials— From Laneige’s nourishing Lip Treatment Serum to Milk Makeup’s dewy cream blush and Rare Beauty’s silky highlighter, these glow essentials are designed to enhance your natural complexion—leaving your skin looking fresh, radiant, and effortlessly luminous.
Natural Base
What to look for?
Lightweight Texture – Opt for formulas that feel breathable and blend seamlessly into the skin for a second-skin finish.
Buildable Coverage – Choose bases that allow you to layer without caking, so you can customize your look from sheer to medium.
Radiant or Dewy Finish – Look for a soft, luminous glow that enhances your natural complexion without excess shine.
Skin-Loving Ingredients – Prioritize products with hydrating or skin-benefiting ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, or SPF for added skincare benefits.
Clinique - Even Better Clinical™ Vitamin Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 45
First off, we’re starting with a beautiful, natural base. Whether it’s a skin tint or a light layer of foundation, the goal is a sheer, radiant finish that looks like skin—just a little more polished. One of my go-to options is the Clinique Even Better Clinical Foundation. Infused with vitamin C and SPF 45, it not only evens out the complexion but also offers all-day protection—perfect for everyday wear in sunny climates. For days when you want a touch more coverage without compromising breathability, the Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation is a dream. It evens out and smooths the complexion while offering a buildable formula that can take you from barely-there to full glam, all while maintaining a natural, skin-like finish.
Dior - Backstage, Face & Body Foundation
Concealers/Correctors
Next up: concealer. A natural base isn’t complete without a little extra support where you need it—and for that, I always reach for the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer. It’s super creamy, long-lasting, and feels like second skin. What I love most is how it blends effortlessly without creasing or smudging, even after a full day. It leaves no residue, no heavy finish—just smooth, natural-looking coverage. Truly a no-makeup makeup essential and an all-time favorite in my routine.
What to look for?
Lightweight, creamy texture – Avoid heavy, thick formulas that settle into fine lines.
Blendability – A seamless finish is key for a natural look.
Crease-resistant & long-wearing – Especially important for under eyes and around the nose.
Tarte - Shape Tape Concealer
Favourite Brush
One brush I always reach for is the dual-ended brush from Makeup by Mario. It works for both foundation and blush, and helps you control how much coverage you want. It’s an all-purpose brush that makes everyday makeup quick and easy.
Mario Beauty - F4 Foundation Brush
Cream blush
Why choose a cream blush?
Blends naturally into the skin for a soft, dewy finish that looks like a real flush.
Easy to apply and build—no brush needed, just tap on with fingers for everyday glow.
One of my go-to cream blushes is the Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek Stick. Its multi-use formula is a favorite—I love how easily it blends and builds, whether I’m using it on cheeks or lips. The shade range is beautiful, and my top pick is Quirk—a soft, effortless flush that works every time.
Milk Blush - Lip & Cheek
Highlighter - For a healthy glow
For that soft, radiant glow, I love the Rare Beauty Liquid Luminizer in the shade Enlighten. It gives a beautiful luminous glow that catches the light just right. The formula is airy, super lightweight, and melts into the skin without ever looking cakey—perfect for that natural, lit-from-within finish.
Rare Beauty - Positive Light Liquid Luminizer
Natural Favourite Lip Combo
For a soft, dewy lip look, I pair the MAC Lip Liner in Spice with the Laneige Sugar Glaze Lip Tint Serum. They complement each other perfectly—adding subtle definition and a natural, glossy finish. The frosty sweet scent of the Laneige gloss is to die for—it literally smells like a sugar-glazed doughnut from Krispy Kreme!
As an alternative, the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm in Pink Sugar is just as dreamy—hydrating, glossy, and perfect for a fresh everyday look. Honestly, are you even a girl if you’re not into lip combos?
Laneige - Sugar Glaze Tinted Lip Serum
M.A.C - Lip Linner In "Spice"
Summer Fridays - Pink Sugar
To finish everything off, I always reach for the Rare Beauty Setting Spray. It locks in your makeup for a long-lasting look while keeping the skin feeling fresh and hydrated. Plus, it gives a beautiful glowy finish that ties the whole natural makeup look together perfectly.
Rare Beauty - Always An Optimist 4-In-1 Mist
Want a beauty routine that’s effortless and leaves your skin glowing? These favorites help achieve a natural, radiant look that anyone can recreate. When you’re ready to refresh your makeup collection, click the button below to shop all my the must-haves and wishlist picks.
Here’s to glowing every day!
