Over the past few years, I have slowly been transitioning to "cleaner" and "greener" beauty products. It's no small feat, 1. considering the amount of products I use on a daily basis and 2. how hard it can be to find brands that perform as well as their non-clean counterparts. But I've been determined, and have pretty much transitioned over my skincare, make-up, fragrance, and nail polish to "cleaner" alternative. 
 
I'm preeeettttyyy picky about what I'm looking for and have high expectations for how a product should perform. So I've tested A LOT of different cosmetics and skincare in particular to find brands and products that are high quality and effective. After lots of trial and error, I feel like I have a pretty solid list of brand and product recommendations. And I finally realized, my curated recommendations might be worthwhile to someone else ... so I'll be sharing my fave products and brands here and in upcoming posts!
 
So let's start with SKINCARE. This is definitely one of the more difficult categories to go "clean", as effectiveness is critical for me! The below brands and products are  really incredible and are premium, but not crazy expensive. I have used all of these for a long period of time and highly recommend everything!

Caudalie

IMO, you can't go wrong with any of Caudalie's products for any skin type. Originating in France, they offer solutions for dry, acne-prone, mature, and sensitive skin. My two fave products I use from them are en luscious eye cream and a hydrating and brightening serum:

Resveratrol-Lift Firming Eye Gel Cream

Radiance Dark Spot Serum Vitamin C Alternative

Ever Skincare

I use Ever Skincare more than any other brand, as Iove so many of their products. Ii find that they are a bit more unknown than other brands (as you can only purchase their products directly from them and are unavailable at any other retailer). But their line-up is uh-mazing and I can't recommend this brand enough. My skin stays hydrated all day long thanks to their moisturizers and serums. But my MOST fave product of theirs is the balm cleanser - it is a game changer! Super hydrating and gently removes all of my make-up (including tough to remove mascara) in a flash. Here are my specific recommended products from Ever:

Luminous Nutrient-Rich Cleansing Balm

Reveal Biomimetic Peel Pads with LSR10®

Hydralift Moisture Injection Cream with LSR10®

 
Jurlique

Originating from Australia, Jurlique sources many of their ingredients from their own farm. Very high quality and gorgeous scents! My most favorite product of theirs is a hydrating essence and it is a MUST for your regimen! It significantly adds hydration to my skin. I use it after toning and prior to a serum. It works and I cannot recommend it enough.

Activating Water Essence+

Root Science

Root Science was founded by my friend Gigja and she has an incredible lineup of products. Originally from Iceland, she has focused her line on safe + healthy ingredients that are proven to be effective: the perfect harmony of nature + science. Most of her products are oil based and treat all skin conditions. They are luxurious and they have made a huge improvement in the overall condition of my skin. I generally use her products at night, but they definitely could be worn as serums under your makeup during the day as well. Here are my two favorite of her products:

Arctic-C Brightening Serum

Botanic-A 1% Bakuchiol Natural Retinol Alternative Serum

I hope you've discovered a few new gems here that you might be able to add into your skincare regimen! I currently use all of these products regularly and can't recommend them enough!