Ready for a confession? Up until about a year ago, I was still using the same Purpose face wash, Clean&Clear lotion, and drug-store makeup that I had been using since high school. It was working for my skin and I just didn't want to put the time, energy, and investment into researching and purchasing better brands. Plus I don't wear makeup all that often, so my 8-10 year old eyeshadows and bronzers were still holding up just fine!
“I didn't even know that wheat (gluten) was found in many haircare products like shampoo.”
While my diet saw a major overhaul back in 2010, the process of changing over my household cleaners, hygiene products, children's products, makeup and skincare has been a much slower process. For the first few years after shifting my diet, I didn't even know that wheat (gluten) was found in many haircare products like shampoo. I also didn't realize that the chemicals I was cleaning with were toxic and could potentially be harming my body while I was working so hard with food to heal it. But it all felt overwhelming at first so I just kept on using what I was used to. Finally I caved and the first thing to go were all of the cleaning products under my sink. The next was to change my shampoo and conditioner. And the final thing, just over the past year has been to overhaul my skincare and makeup.
To Learn More about Beautycounter click here
Enter BeautyCounter. I posted my old makeup bag on Instagram about a year ago and most of my readers were surprised (and appalled haha!) to see how old and likely unsafe everything was. I asked for recommendations on better brands and BeautyCounter was left in the comments over and over and over again. I initially tried a few different brands that were recommended by readers in addition to BC, but landed on continuing to use BC because the pigments were bold and beautiful and I loved the way the skincare and foundations made my skin feel. I don't like anything heavy, and everything from BC that I put on my face felt light and fresh.
So I continued replacing my products one at a time over the past year and have been a closet BeautyCounter user. I am asked so frequently what I use on my skin and what makeup I use, but I didn't want to recommend anything until I was sure that I loved it, that my skin loved it, and that it was the best option for safe ingredients.
“I have been a closet BeautyCounter user.”
A few of years ago, the laundry list of unsafe ingredients that I was supposed to stay away from would have overwhelmed me and I would have just turned a blind eye and continued using things I shouldn't be. Give me food item and I can pull out all of the bad ingredients in no time, but cleaning and beauty products were a little more confusing for me. Now that I have been a part of the health industry for so many years, I have had exposure to so much research and so many articles by my peers that I feel a little more confident knowing what is and isn't ok to use. While BeautyCounter isn't “organic” or “all-natural” they are committed to using safe ingredients and practices, and I feel confident using it on myself and my family.
They have committed to a health and safety standard that goes well beyond what is legally required in the United States. BeautyCounter's Never List™ is made up of more than 1,500 questionable or harmful chemicals that they never use as ingredients in their products. This includes the over 1,400 chemicals banned or restricted in personal care products by the European Union, plus additional chemicals screened by Beautycounter and found to be of concern.
Now that I feel like I have given the products a fair test, utilizing them for over a year, I feel better about recommending them when you all ask. The company has a TON of products and it can be a little overwhelming on the website, so I compiled my list of my favorite products that I use or use on my kids on a daily basis for you. If you have any questions about BeautyCounter itself or any of the colors or products I list below, please feel free to leave a comment below we can help to answer them!
Rejuvenating Night Cream | Rejuvenating Eye Cream | Lip Conditioner | Rejuvenating Toner Pads | Cleansing Balm
Broad Spectrum SPF30 | Cream Cleanser | Balancing Charcoal Facial Mask
Shell/Matte | Peach/Bronze | Pearl/Champagne | Oyster/Amythyst
Brow Pencil Medium | Eye Pencil Black
Tint Skin Foundation | Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer | Touchup Concealer Pen
Mattifying Powder | Contour Matte Bronzer | Blush Duo (Flamingo/Apricot)
Sheer Lipstick : Currant | Twig | Terra
Lip Gloss : Peony | Fig | Opal
Nice Do Kids Shampoo | Super-Duper Clean Kids Body Wash | Kids Not a Knot Conditioner
Daily Protective Balm | Gentle All-Over Wash | Calming Diaper Rash Cream
Jet-Set Travel Essentials | Essential Nourishing Collection | Brush Collection
Disclaimer: I decided to become a consultant with BeautyCounter because I believe in their mission to get safer beauty products into the hands of everyone, and to change the way our country regulates the ingredients that go into our skincare and beauty products. I also just really, truly enjoy the products as with any products or brands I recommend here. While I am not being compensated as a partner to post here, I will receive commission for any products purchased through my site, which continues to help support my blog and creation of cookbooks.
If you're interested in learning more about becoming a consultant and joining my team, click here!
lifestyle photo by Jennifer Skog Photography
hair&makeup by Lindsay Skog
Diane
Thank you for this Danielle. I too have found it a bit overwhelming to find ‘safe’ products to use. I now have some products to check for.
Sam Cleveland
I’ve been looking at being a consultant because there aren’t products like this out by me and this is the only stuff that helps my sons eczema ! I was looking at becoming a consultant just now and I was confused . What starter pack to do you choose etc ?
Elizabeth Calhoun Swarr
Hi Sam! I’m a Director with Beautycounter, our team always recommends the Ultimate starter kit. It’s your opportunity to buy all/most of the collections – this offers you the opportunity to share and educate re the brand and products with others. We offer the powerful combination of safer products that work beautifully along with a profitable business opportunity – and its an innovative company to align yourself with! Happy to answer any questions as well.
Sam Cleveland
Oh thank you so much ! I’ll definitely reach out with more questions soon !
Sarah Jones Clark
I agree with the Ultimate Starter Kit too – best deal you can get. 🙂
Danielle
Hi Sam – It’s really up to you! I only purchased the Skin Care classics package because I already had a lot of the makeup and a couple of the skin care products and loved them but wanted to try a few others without a huge upfront investment. The only required pack is the $85 materials package. Those other sets are just offered at a steep discount when you first sign up as a consultant for you to start building your collection.
Sam Cleveland
Ok thanks Danielle !
Sarah Jones Clark
Finding something to help my son’s eczema was what led me to Beautycounter a few years ago. As soon as I learned of the company’s mission I knew I had to be a part of it. It’s an amazing company full of incredible consultants!
Bernadette Fisher
Full disclosure: I am a Director with Beautycounter and have been with BC as a consultant for over a year, before as a client when I fell in love with the products and our mission! Everything I have read in your article makes my heart sing as we are so much a business trying to make a difference in the industry – we are advocating for more health protective laws, we educate our consumers with our Never List of 1500 ingredients and as Danielle says, we offer some amazing products! Testimonials like Danielle’s are so wonderful to hear! yeah!
JordanvonTrapp
BC is great! For 100% nontoxic, made in a cert. organic facility skin care products AND amazing home cleaning products/ stain remover extraordinaire / essential oils at SUPER REASONABLE prices, please look at Pure haven essentials! (Yes I am a consultant because it would be silly not to be because I love the products so much! Id love to help anyone make some great choices for their homes and families!
Amy Everhart
Yeah! Pure Haven Essentials!!!! Love all of my products and I am a Consultant also!
Teresa Malone
What do you use for shampoo and conditioner? What about hair dyes? Thanks!
Danielle
I love the BC shampoo and conditioner but recently I started using this brand because this pregnancy has made my scalp super dry and it’s been really helping! https://amzn.to/2ngsNk6
Teresa Malone
Thanks so much for the suggestions!
Becky McFarlan Schreiner
As a Beautycounter Director this makes me so very happy! I am a big fan of your cookbooks and love the fact that you not only overhauled what you eat, and overhauled your personal care products! Cheers to safer better beauty.
Danielle
Hi Erica- Thank you for your support of my cookbooks! To be honest, I completely agree with you and avoided it for that reason over for a long time. I have a hard time trusting products that are MLM companies because so many jump on the bandwagon so quickly and it’s in your face too much. As I mentioned, I used these products for the past year “secretly” for that reason, because I find MLMs to be kind of annoying and untrustworthy. But I actually really have enjoyed these and am asked so frequently what I use, so I made the decision to share my experiences. Don’t worry though, this blog and of course my books will still be food focused. I just wanted to have a post to point people towards when they ask.
Autumn Cappalonga
I appreciate your kindness. I had the pleasure of meeting you in person a few years ago in Redding, CA. You were as lovely in person as you are in your interactions online. What a treasure you are to the Wellness Community… Your responses, specifically to posts that are unkind are much appreciated!
Jenny Desjardins Hubbard
I am a Beautycounter Director (in Canada) and I am thrilled that you have joined our team, Danielle!!!
For those wondering, Beautycounter does not operate as an MLM. We are a direct sales brand and for those who choose to further our mission as consultants, we are not required to build teams.
I applaud you for lending your powerful voice to a fantastic company and hope our paths cross one day soon!
Kathleen Higgs
Hi Danielle! I too use some Beauty Counter makeup but I wanted to let you know of the company that I work for..Pure Haven Essentials. We don’t carry as much makeup but have all other personal care and home cleaning products. They are all made in our organic certified facility in RI. Our skin care line and our shampoo and conditioner are top sellers..check it out: Thank you for using your voice to spread the word! One family at a time:)
Linda Lee
I love and use their shampoo and conditioner!
Danielle
I feel that way too sometimes so that is why I got the foundation too. The pen can be used to hide small blemishes but I’d use it underneath the tint skin.
Beverly Patterson
Does the lipstick stay on? I hate lipstick stains…on ANYTHING!
Tracy
The only lipstick I have found that doesn’t come off is LipSense. It doesn’t transfer to ANYTHING! It’s amazing! I can send you info about it.
Jennifer Roach
If you’re trying to stay away from unnatural products, I wouldn’t use LipSense :/
Beverly Patterson
What about Jane Iredale? Not trying to hijack the conversation; I’m curious if anyone else has tried their line.
Kim Gardner
I’ve used Jane Iredale’s power foundation. It has great coverage that doesn’t fade like other powders. It is one of the best mineral foundations I’ve tried. I live in a warm climate, so sweat proof is a must. This powder stays and still looks good in hot weather. The one issue I am beginning to have is that powder shows fine lines.
Jocelyn K Bacon
Hi Danielle, I use products from 100% pure for my make up and shampoo and conditioner! They are an amazing company. If you ever want to branch out and try them, I highly recommend the company. I especially love their mascara-which is pigmented with black tea!
Kara LaFrance
I’m curious how you made the decision to go with “safe” chemicals as opposed to the organic and vegan lines that are high end and not MLM? I tried BC, it did nothing for me. I do like the shampoo and conditioner but there are better options so I’ve switched. The face wash was nice but didn’t remove makeup and I need it simple. With a rare disease and autoimmune from rare disease treatment I’m only going with clean products bc is any chemical really safe? Sure I cheat here and there but over all I’m rebuilding my makeup. BC, after trying, didn’t make the list. I don’t need anymore endocrine disrupters.
You have the best paleo cookbooks out there! We love them. And no matter what makeup you use you certainly are beautiful!
Lisa Stormont
This line is confusing. I’ve looked several times and can’t figure out what I should order. The high prices are a deterrent. Wish they had samples or I could go to a store to check them out.
Janis La Crosse
There are a lot of options to choose from! A consultant would be able to help you out and can also offer samples. You can locate someone local to you on the Beautycounter website. Or, if no one is nearby, most consultants are happy to ship out samples. I do it all the time. ?
Courtney Walter
We have several great products and the prices are extremely reasonable given there are no fillers, leading to more concentrated product allowing you several months of use verses what we’re so used to- replenishing products every 30 days. Most of my products last 4-6 months before I have to buy a new bottle. Many consultants will send you samples and we also have a 60 day return policy!
Tracey U
@lisastormont:disqus, I agree! Very pricey. Not that our health shouldn’t be a priority, but eating organic AND buying lots of beauty and personal care products quickly adds up. I wish there would be a more affordable line.
Christy Kay
Thank you thank you for this post! After Angie Smith posted on her facebook live I have been reading all about beauty counter I have been wanting to make the switch as my makeup is one of the last toxic things I am holding onto and just can’t seem to let go of. I have been afraid to make the plunge without trying on the foundation to match your skin. Are there any online tools or tricks to make sure you get the right color match for the foundations and blush/bronzers?
Danielle
As a baseline for you – I wear linen during the winter and sand during the summer. This chart will be able to help you. And if you end up finding that the shade you pick isn’t quite right, BC has a great 60 day return policy!
https://www.beautycounter.com/againstallgrain?goto=find-your-shade
Danielle
Hi Katie – As a baseline for you – I wear linen during the winter and sand during the summer. This chart will be able to help you. And if you end up finding that the shade you pick isn’t quite right, BC has a great 60 day return policy!
https://www.beautycounter.com/againstallgrain?goto=find-your-shade
Danielle
To our knowledge, our products do not contain gluten. However, none of our products are certified gluten-free, because our manufacturing partners are not certified gluten-free.
As always, we encourage customers who have serious allergies to consult a doctor or conduct a patch test before using any product.
Sarah Jones Clark
This is a world’s colliding moment for me, Danielle. I’ve been following you and using your recipes for about 3 years since I went gluten free. Now I’m relying on them even more (I have all 3 cookbooks) as my 12 year old was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease in December. We’ve been doing SCD and I love knowing that whatever I make with your recipes, will turn out well. I’ve been a part of Beautycounter for almost 3 years – and originally found it while searching for non-irritating products for that same child. You will LOVE being a part of Beautycounter and our mission and I’m so glad you’ve joined us. Oh and I’m linen in Winter and sand in Summer too. 🙂
Kim Gardner
From what I can tell, the Tint Skin Foundation looks to be a light coverage. How well does the concealer work? Unfortunately, I have dark spots that need fuller coverage.
Danielle
Yes that is correct. the foundation offers full coverage!
Alexandra Carullo
I recently found out that the Plumping line contains rye extract and I believe is their first product containing gluten.
Danielle
Yes their brand new + line does contain rye extract and is the first to contain gluten. I was pretty disappointed to read that when it came out last week, but I’ll just stick to using the older items.
Lindsay Patrick-Bergland
Hello,
I have been trying to find a mascara that’s safe for very sensitive eyes. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you!
Diana Lynch
Do you use a primer under your makeup? I don’t see one for Beauty Counter so was wondering if you use one and if you do what do you use?
Thanks!
Diana
Danielle
No I don’t!
Carol Terney Federoff
I prefer products from Lemongrass Spa! They have all skin care, not just cosmetics and are completely gluten free!
Valerie Reinders
Hi, I have been looking for some good nontoxic makeup and I thought I found it with Beauty Counter. However, after ordering a whole new bag full of makeup I looked at the ingredients list and it’s full of wheat and barely! Shoot. I thought it was gluten free. Maybe you can make a statement in your blog post that it isn’t gluten free? I just assumed it was because you’re “against all grain”. Thanks!
Bekah Kleinman
Hi Valerie, I stopped using Beauty Counter for that very reason — they are not certified gluten free. I have Celiacs disease (diagnosed in November) and, as a result, have overhauled my healthcare/hygiene/beauty products. I found a brand called Mineral Fusion that I LOVE! Their products are gluten free, paraben free, artificial colors free and phthalate free! Most of the makeup and skin care line is EWG Verified and I actually prefer every product I’very used to Beauty Counter, with the exception of the mascara.
Danielle
Hi Valerie – to my knowledge, only the newest Beautycounter+ skincare line has barley in it. All of the makeup and other skincare lines are gluten-free. That new line came out just after I posted this blog post so I will definitely make a note now for others. Thank you!
Nikki Reid
I’m ready to order! I just need a little help knowing which foundation color would be best for my skin. I’m also in need of a brow pencil, eye shadow, blush, and a gloss. Once my face wash and lotion empty, I’ll be looking to buy those too. I could also be pursueded into buying a couple fancy extras like face primer or oil or charcoal wash etc. let me know how to proceed 🙂 ty Nikki
EMail is [email protected]
Patricia Ilnicki Mann
contact their customer service, they were amazing at helping me figure out what colour to get based on my current foundation – just msg them with the brand/colour!
Patricia Ilnicki Mann
I recently made the leap and bought their foundation. I’ve been hesitant because I wasn’t sure what colour to get. I emailed customer service for some help and they were amazing – they helped colour match my current foundation to their colours. When my foundation arrived it was actually a closer match to my skin than my old stuff was!! The coverage is AMAZING for my skin and does a great job at covering imperfections and giving me an airbrushed look (with their retractable brush that I got as well). Best part, it’s cheaper than my old foundation!
Tina Wilson
I’m a VIB Rouge at Sephora and thought I was buying the BEST products for my face. The more I learn, the more I find out how much I don’t know!
Laura Olson
Hi Danielle, I love BeautyCounter already, but would love to sign up for your newsletter and be entered in your giveaway. HOever, the “return” feature isn’t working for me. Should I just click “subscribe?”
Danielle
Yes! That should work.
Erin Lorello
I recently started using some beauty counter products and am excited to get your newsletter now so that I can learn more about the products and hopefully overhaul my entire beauty routine soon!
Danielle Pozun
This is the next phase to healing my body. For years I have frequented the department store counters and realizing that I need to not only change my food but what we use on our face and body is just as important. I am looking forward to receiving your newsletter and starting to make slow changes with personal hygiene and cosmetic purchases. Thank you for sharing this information.
Mary Smith
Which shade do you use for the tinted moisturizer? I’m torn between No. 1 and No. 2… I have fairly light skin with freckles. Thanks!
Danielle
Hi Mary, email [email protected] for any Beauty counter questions and we’ll get them answered for you.
pamela
Oh wow, you are fabulous!!!
Trish Devine
Hi There! I’m trying to subscribe to the newsletter, but it isn’t working via the return option or the subscribe button. Thanks!
Danielle
Hi Trish,
Try hitting the Subscribe button. Different people have had different results!
Trish Devine
Thank you! I think it finally worked, yay! ?
Danielle
Unfortunately we do not provide samples, but there are some consultants that are able to! We can help with any questions you have if you’d like to order online, just email [email protected]. BC also has a great return policy, but you can also locate a consultant in your area who will have samples for you to try!
Lindsey
Hi Danielle- I know you live in Colorado (as do I) and I have EXTREMELY dry skin, especially in the winter months. I am using the BC’s No. 2 Plumping Facial Mask set, but my skin is **still** extremely dry after using it. What do you suggest I use? I have also tried using the BC’s Nourishing Day Cream + Broad Spectrum SPF 30 (after using the No 2 set) without much luck. Should I try the night cream or a different set? I’m at a loss!! Please help. Thanks!
Erin
I hope you already got your answer, but just in case, it is a non nano zinc oxide sunscreen. If you look at Dew Skin on the website, there is a tab where we list absolutely every ingredient used so you can check to make sure it will be okay for you.
bethalevy
You must be getting lots of credits from me with Beauty Counter. I have purchased almost all the products in a few doses to switch everything over to this brand. Its certainly not cheap! Wish they would bulk order the charcoal soap. Can not justify $25 on a bar of soap that lasts a week even though I love it!