Shimmer Oils & Gels
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October 1, 2022
By Lisa Petrison
The products on this page are designed to provide a sheer glow to the face, through the use of shimmery highlighting materials suspended in an oil or gel formula.
Most of these products also include skincare ingredients, which may be helpful for some people but not necessarily appropriate for everyone’s skin issues.
The products may be used in a number of different ways, including underneath foundation; on top of foundation; mixed with foundation; or on their own without any foundation.
In addition, they may be used all over the face to provide a general glow or just in certain places as a highlighter.
They also may be used on the shoulders or on other areas of the body to create a mild shimmery glow.
TOP PICKS
♣ Living Clean Superstars:
Athr Beauty Desert Moon Illuminating Oil ($38)
+Glossier Future Dew ($26)
Ilia Liquid Light Serum Highlighter ($42)
+Live Tinted Hueglow ($34)
+RMS Master Radiance Base ($30)
Saie Glowy Super Gel ($28)
♦ Additional Possibilities:
Jones Road Shimmer Face Oil ($34)
Milk Bionic Glow Liquid Highlighter ($34)
♦ Not Yet Tried:
Dr. Barbara Sturm Glow Drops ($60)
♠ Trash Can:
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Or ($39)
♥ Lisa’s Personal Choice:
Live Tinted Hueglow ($34)
√ RMS Master Radiance Base ($30)
Notes:
1) Living Clean Superstars – Products with high scores on both Performance Rating (5) as well as Ingredients Rating (4/5). + Clean Pick (Ingredients Rating = 5).
2) Lisa’s Choice – Products that I would purchase for my own personal use. √ Lisa’s Favorite
Athr Beauty Desert Moon Illuminating Oil – $38
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: 
(5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: Low
The description of this product reads, “Glisten under the desert moonlight with our lightweight face and body glow oil. Formulated with skin-loving ingredients, this quick-to-dry oil reflects your inner glow while deeply nourishing, hydrating and moisturizing. Harnessing the power of pure diamonds, this luminous oil brightens skin while protecting against electromagnetic frequencies. Desert-derived jojoba oil provides the skin with deep moisture. Organic upcycled meadowfoam seed oil is packed with antioxidants that are anti-aging and protect the skin from free radicals. Desert-derived rosehip oil helps to restore skin elasticity and even out dark spots over time. Conflict-free diamonds help to improve skin texture while delivering an illuminating glow.”
This product consists of a slightly thick, translucent oil with shine and sparkle from both mica and diamond dust.
The product contains a small amount of tiny glittery particles that I suppose are the diamonds. I think the effect is pretty but reasonably subtle, with potential for day as well as evening use.
The product feels nice on my skin and has not caused any noticeable irritation.
I think this works well as a first layer when wearing either a very light foundation or a stick foundation used as spot coverage.
I also might use this as a highlighter on top of any other makeup that I might be wearing since the sparkle from the diamonds is especially pretty.
The same basic product was recently released in two additional shades – Desert Sky (a pink champagne) and Desert Sun (a golden bronze).
Size: 1 oz.
Credo Rating: 4.8 Stars (29 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Rosa Canina Seed Oil (3), Titanium Dioxide (3). (Also contains Polymethylsilsesquioxane.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract
All Ingredients: Meadowfoam Seed Oil**, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate*, Zinc Stearate, Triethylhexanoin, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Magnesium Myristate*, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Silica*, Synthetic Beeswax, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract*, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract*, Diamond Powder, Rosa Canina Seed Oil**, Jojoba Seed Oil*, Tin Oxide*. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide*, Ethically Sourced Mica*, Iron Oxides*. *Natural Derived, Organic & Organic + Fair Trade.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Glow Drops – $60
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: 
(4 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: Moderate
The description of this product reads, “Glow Drops revitalize tired, dull skin and restore radiance leaving you with a natural, healthy #SturmGlow whenever you need it. Polygonum Bistorta Root is a potent anti-aging ingredient which optimizes skin tone, while Wild Rose Extract refines pores giving the complexion a more even appearance. Purslane, whose chemistry boasts high Vitamin levels and Omega 3 Fatty Acids, reduces the visible signs of irritation. And Dr. Sturm’s proprietary blended formulation of low and high weighted Hyaluronic Acid molecules binds moisture and replenishes internal molecular levels. Providing a hydrating and plumping effect while also supporting the skin’s natural barrier function. Optical pigments provide an instant shimmer to the skin.”
I have yet to try this product.
Size: 0.34 oz.
Sephora Rating: 3.7 Stars (298 reviews)
Credo Clean: Unclear
Clean at Sephora: No
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Phenoxyethanol (4), Dimethicone (3), Sodium hydroxide (4), Rosa canina fruit extract (3), Titanium dioxide (3). (Also contains Citric Acid.)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Water, Sweet Almond Oil, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glycerin, Lactobacillus/Portulaca Oleracea Ferment Extract, Butylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Panthenol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Stearic Acid, Dimethicone, Carbomer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Mica, Hexylene Glycol, Polygonum Bistorta Root Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Alcohol, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Pantolactone, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Alumina, Tin Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides.
Glossier Future Dew – $26
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: None
The description of this product reads, “A shortcut to the way your skin looks after a full skincare routine—dewy, glowing, cared-for—in one long-wearing product. Nourishing oils (that don’t feel greasy) immediately give you a gleamy, well-moisturized look that lasts up to 12 hours. Powerful plant-based extracts work to make your skin look brighter, instantly and over time. Use it as the last step in your skincare routine after moisturizer, serums, and sunscreen. Doesn’t interfere with makeup—just makes skin dewier.”
This is a thick translucent enhanced oil product with just a very slight amount of sheen from the mica.
I think that it works well on its own or as a base for light foundation.
I also can see mixing it with a foundation to thin it out a bit and to give a lower-coverage look.
It feels good on my skin and hasn’t caused any irritation.
Size: 1 oz.
Contains Silicone: No
Glossier Rating: 4.3 Stars (1680 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Product Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Rosa canina fruit oil (3), Tocopheryl acetate (3), Titanium dioxide (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Rosa canina fruit oil, Evodia Rutaecarpa fruit extract, Rosemary leaf oil
All Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Squalane, Isoamyl Laurate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Butylene Glycol, Jojoba Seed Oil, Propanediol, Isohexadecane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Evening Primrose Oil, Olive Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters, Grape Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Polyglyceryl-6 Pentaoleate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract, Rosemary Leaf Oil, Castor Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Chloride, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Tin Oxide, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides.
Ilia Liquid Light Serum Highlighter – $42
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level (Eyes): Mild
Lisa Irritation Level (Cheeks): None
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: None
The description of this product reads, “A serum highlighter that delivers a dewy glow with blue light protection. Ilia Liquid Light Serum Highlighter is a gel-based liquid highlighter that illuminates and gives a natural dewy finish to the skin. Vegan and cleanly formulated with a blend of organic and natural botanicals, the serum-like consistency melts into your skin and provides a boost of freshness on contact with a soft wash of metallic glow. Marine Actives in this liquid highlighter help protect against UV light and pollution.”
This liquid highlighter is available in three shades – Nova (“soft gold”), Atomic (“soft pink pearl”) and Astrid (“soft rose gold”).
I tried the Nova shade.
Compared to most of the other liquid highlighters that I have used, this one is more densely pigmented and with much more of an obvious golden shimmer.
I personally feel that I need to use this highlighter extremely sparingly since otherwise the golden color is much too much for me.
Wearing this product under a foundation with more coverage also tones the shine down enough to make it wearable for me.
Even then, I probably would only use it for a special party or other evening event.
The perplexing thing for me is that the pump container only seems to be willing to dispense a pretty generous squirt of the product rather than just the small drop that I am wanting to use. I therefore end up washing much more of this product down my sink drain than ends up on my face.
Still, provided that I am sparing enough with the product, it looks very pretty on me.
I also personally think that it’s a good thing that it quickly dries down to the point where it feels more like a foundation and less like a face oil on my skin.
Although I have tried using this product on my eyelids, I feel that it is a little irritating when used in that way. That is too bad since it otherwise does look nice on them.
I have not found that my skin has been irritated as a result of using this product on the rest of my face though.
Size: 0.5 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.2 Stars (386 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Benzyl alcohol (4), Titanium dioxide (3). (Also contains Acrylates Copolymer.)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Diisostearyl Malate, Mica, Isopentyldiol, Polyglyceryl-10 Eicosanedioate/Tetradecanedioate, Rice Starch*, Benzyl Alcohol, Maris Sea Water, Xanthan Gum, Alcohol, Acrylates Copolymer, Dehydroacetic Acid, Pistacia Lentiscus (Mastic) Gum, Lecithin, Hydrolyzed Algin, Phenethyl Alcohol, Sucrose, Tin Oxide. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides .
Jones Road Shimmer Face Oil – $34
Overall Rating: (4 / 5)
Performance Rating: (4 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Mild (Itching)
Processed Fragrance: Orange Oil, Grapefruit Oil, Linalool, Citral, Citronellol
Silicone Level: None
The description of this product reads, “Subtle glow in a bottle. Lightweight and silky with a glass-like finish, the Shimmer Face Oil instantly wakes up the complexion and adds radiance to the body. A makeup–skin care hybrid, the Shimmer Face Oil is blended with 9 nourishing oils that give skin a boost of extra moisture without feeling heavy. “
This product (introduced in 2022) is available in four shades – Pink Opal (“a light pink with fine opalescent shimmer”), Cool Rose (“a cool rosy pink with fine monochromatic shimmer”), Midas (“a medium gold with a fine monochromatic shimmer”), and Bronze (“a medium bronze with fine gold and silver shimmer”).
This product is a little more opaque than some of the shimmer oils mentioned on this page, but not nearly as much so as the Ilia product.
I tried the Cool Rose color and thought that (even though it is not an ideal color for me) it applied nicely and looked pretty on me.
Unfortunately, it also caused significant itching of my skin.
This has happened with other Jones Road products (including the What The Foundation and Miracle Balms) as well.
I think that the issue is that the company is including substantial amounts of essential oils in the products as preservatives and that this is causing irritation to my skin.
I don’t consider this to be a reason that people whose facial skin is able to tolerate essential oils should avoid this product, though.
Apart from the essential oils and the other natural fragrance ingredients, it looks pretty clean to me and I would use it if my own very sensitive skin were not bothered by it.
Size: 0.5 oz.
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Limonene (5), Tocopheryl acetate (3), Orange oil (5), Grapefruit peel oil (3), Linalool (3), Citral (5), Citronellol (4), Titanium dioxide (3). (Also contains Coconut Oil, Vegetable Oil.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Sweet almond oil, Orange peel oil, Pomegranate seed extract, Grapefruit peel oil, Linalool, Citral, Citronellol
All Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, isononyl isononanoate, silica silylate, isododecane, jojoba seed oil, neopentyl glycol diheptanoate, avocado oil, camellia japonica seed oil, grape seed oil, sweet almond oil, vegetable oil, limonene, tocopheryl acetate, aleurites moluccanus seed oil, rubis occidentalis seed oil, calcium aluminum borosilicate, orange peel oil, punica granatum seed extract, grapefruit peel oil, linalool, ascorbyl palmitate, tin oxide, tocopherol, citral, citronellol. May contain mica, titanium dioxide, iron oxides.
Live Tinted Hueglow – $34
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: None
The description of this product reads, “An innovative serum-meets-moisturizer highlight. Wear under, in, and over your face makeup or slather onto your body. A multitasker with a subtle, yet impactful micro-shimmer finish. Skincare-first to create a lit from within glow. Built with sustainably-sourced squalane (Ecocert approved) and a superpowered blend of botanical extracts. Thoughtfully crafted with light reflecting properties.”
This product is available in two shades – Dawn (“illuminating rose gold”) and Dusk (“illuminating bronze”).
Although Live Tinted seems to have as its primary focus people with darker skin tones than I do, I feel that the Dawn shade has worked quite well for me.
It has just a little color and a moderate amount of shimmer, and I think that it looks really nice on my skin.
I also like the fact that the product comes in a plastic squeeze bottle rather than a pump, since I can use just the amount that I need rather than wasting extra product.
I think that the product looks nice as a primer underneath a light foundation or (applied more sparingly and strategically) on its own.
It also mixes well into liquid foundation.
Probably if I were going to own just one highlighter to use for everything, this one would be a quite good choice.
Size: 1.7 oz.
Awards: 2021 Glamour Beauty Award Winner
Credo Rating: 4.8 Stars (180 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Titanium dioxide (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Achillea millefolium flower/leaf/stem extract, Ascophyllum nodosum extract, Panax ginseng root extract, Passiflora edulis fruit extract, Tilia cordata flower extract, Coltsfoot leaf extract
All Ingredients: Squalane, sunflower seed oil, coco-caprylate/caprate, ethylene/propylene/styrene copolymer, synthetic fluorphlogopite, mica, titanium dioxide, sodium hyaluronate, achillea millefolium flower/leaf/stem extract, ascophyllum nodosum extract, panax ginseng root extract, passiflora edulis fruit extract, tilia cordata flower extract, coltsfoot leaf extract, pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate, iron oxides, tin oxide, trihydroxystearin, butylene/ethylene/styrene copolymer, ethylhexylglycerin, ethylhexyl palmitate, glucomannan
Milk Bionic Glow Liquid Highlighter – $34
Overall Rating: (4 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: 
(2 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Fragrance
Silicone Level: None
The description of this product reads, “A 90% natural, weightless liquid illuminator with skincare benefits that can be worn multiple ways (on your face, your body, mixed with your favorite moisturizer or foundation) for a luminous, natural-looking glow. This product is 90% natural, vegan, clean, cruelty-free, paraben-free, silicone-free, and gluten-free.”
This highlighter (introduced in late 2021) is part of Milk Makeup’s line of liquid cheek products.
It is available in two shades – Virtual (“luminous peach”) and Reality (“luminous bronze”).
I’ve swatched both of these products at Sephora and have used the Virtual shade at home.
I feel that the base is more opaque than is the case with some of these other shimmer oils but that it looks pretty on me.
The main issue with the ingredients list is that the product contains unspecified fragrance and that I have not been able to get confirmation from the company that synthetic fragrance is not used.
However, I feel that the product has only a very faint scent that is not objectionable to me.
Size: 0.91 oz.
Awards: Allure Best Of Beauty Award Winner 2022
Sephora Rating: 4.7 Stars (125 reviews)
Credo Clean: Unclear
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 7 (red)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Acacia senegal gum (3), Tocopheryl acetate (3), Glyceryl caprylate/caprate (3), Potassium hydroxide (5), Sodium benzoate (3), Phenoxyethanol (4), Fragrance (8), Titanium dioxide (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Fragrance
All Ingredients: Bitter Cherry Fruit Water, C10-18 Triglycerides, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Mica, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Water, Acacia Senegal Gum, Corn Starch, Mushroom Stem Extract, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Hydrolyzed Pea Protein, Sr-Hydrozoan Polypeptide-1, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glucose, Lecithin, Glyceryl Caprylate/Caprate, Sodium Gluconate, Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Succinate, Tin Oxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Fragrance, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides
RMS Beauty Master Radiance Base – $30
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredient Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: None
The description of this product reads, “Your secret weapon for blurring imperfections and the ultimate glow. A universally flattering incandescent whipped cream highlighter. Works in 4 ways to blur imperfections and create the ultimate glow. This highlighting cream contains a combination of organic jojoba, chia and meadowfoam seed oils to hydrate, firm and smooth while light-reflecting pearls help to diffuse imperfections with a soft radiant glow. Use alone, as a base, mixed with foundation or as a highlighter on its own. Thoughtfully packaged in a glass jar.”
This product is available in two shades – Rich In Radiance (“a rose gold incandescence for light to medium skin tones”) and Deep In Radiance (“an auburn incandescence for deep skin tones”).
It has a mousse-like texture and is fairly opaque.
I tend to use it just as a finishing-touch highlighter and feel that it gives my face a bit of a warm glow that I think is attractive.
It’s actually one of the few makeup products that I think makes a noteworthy difference in terms of how good I look when I am wearing it.
The product can also be mixed with foundation or applied as a primer underneath it.
The product has a clean ingredients list but includes a small amount of coconut oil (which some people prefer to avoid).
I haven’t found that this product has caused any irritation to my skin and can even use it on my eyelids.
The product comes in a relatively large glass jar that I find a bit awkward to use.
In addition, even though I wash my hands before using it, I worry a bit about contamination since it does not include preservatives. So far it seems to be okay though.
Size: 0.5 oz
Sephora Rating: 4.5 Stars (209 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Titanium dioxide (3). (Also contains Coconut Oil.)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: *Jojoba Seed Oil, *Castor Seed Oil, Mica, *Beeswax, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, Lauroyl Lysine, Silica, *Coconut Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, *Chia Seed Oil, Tocopherol (non-GMO), Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxide. *Certified organic.
Saie Glowy Super Gel – $28
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Silicone Level: None
The description of this product reads, “Welcome to the glowiest, lightest weight luminizer. Wear it alone. Or under (or mixed with) foundation or tinted SPF as a primer. OR over any look for a super glowy finish. Feels like nothing. Looks like everything.”
This product is available in two shades – Starglow (“universal champagne”) and Sunglow (“warm golden bronze”).
Starglow, which I have tried, also is available in a mini version (currently priced at $15).
This product has what I think is a pretty strong smell that is unfamiliar to me. I wonder if it is from the papaya seed oil.
I don’t find the smell to be unpleasant but it definitely is noticeable.
Other than that, this seems to be a nice product that looks good on me.
Although it includes the preservative polysorbate-60 (which to my understanding would make it ineligible to be sold at Credo), I have not experienced any irritation as a result of using it.
Size: 1 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.6 (459 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Polysorbate 60 (3), Rosa canina oil (3), Lactic acid (4), Titanium dioxide (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Papaya seed oil, Rosa canina fruit oil
All Ingredients (Starglow): Water, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Glycerin, Mica, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Squalane, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenethyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polysorbate 60, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Papaya Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Lactic Acid, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides
All Ingredients (Sunglow): Water, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Glycerin, Mica, Sodium Acrylate/sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Isohexadecane, Phenethyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polysorbate 80, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Papaya Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Sorbitan Oleate, Lactic Acid, Tin Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides.
Shopping List
This section lists products that seem that they may have potential and that I am hoping to try in the near future.
Readers are highly encouraged to bring other relevant products that they have tried to my attention so that I can add them to this list.
Chantecaille Liquid Lumiere – $46
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter – $44
E.L.F. Halo Glow Liquid Filter – $14
Johnny Concert Drips Liquid Luminizer – $45
LYS Beauty Aim High Multi-Use Liquid Highlighter – $19
Maya Chia The Highlight of the Day – $42
Trash Can
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Or ($39): This popular French product has an overall clean ingredients list and provides a very pretty shimmer. However, it also contains synthetic fragrance that I found to be repugnant. I would try an unscented version from this company if one were to be released though.
About This Website
The Living Clean in a Dirty World shopping website is designed to provide guidance to those seeking out products that are relatively low in toxicity and that provide generally positive user experiences.
Although the skincare and makeup sections have a particular focus on products appropriate for women who are in their 40’s or beyond, the information provided may be useful for other people as well.
The products are curated by Lisa Petrison, who has been focused on helping people to improve their health by avoiding toxicity since 2008 and who heads the Paradigm Change organization.
Her Living Clean in a Dirty World blog site discusses a variety of topics of relevance to those who are working to pursue a more natural lifestyle with less exposure to harmful toxicity.
Lisa is the author of several books, including A Beginner’s Guide to Mold Avoidance (co-written with Erik Johnson).
She also runs the Paradigm Change website (focusing on issues related to toxic mold illness) and the Mold Avoiders Facebook group (designed for the discussion of all topics of interest to those pursuing the mold avoidance approach described in the “Beginner’s Guide” book).
Lisa was born in August 1964 and has yet to try cosmetic surgery, Botox or other cosmetic treatments requiring interactions with a physician, or beauty products containing retinoids.
In her former life, Lisa worked as a business school professor, as a marketing consultant to a variety of large companies, and as a reporter covering the advertising industry.
She holds a Ph.D. in marketing and social psychology from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University as well as B.S./M.S. degrees from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern.
Lisa would like to extend a special note of appreciation to Ellen Kleiman-Redden for her help in trying out products and discussing issues related to this project.
She also would like to thank the many members of the Mold Avoiders community who have shared suggestions of products to be included here.
A Note From Lisa
Products that I have tried or researched and that I have not found to be acceptable from a toxicity standpoint have been omitted entirely from the discussions on this website.
However, since a goal of this project is to introduce people to a range of options in terms of price and functionality, some products discussed on this site include ingredients that may not be appropriate for everyone.
It’s my hope that all individuals making their way to this site will find at least a few options from each product category that meet all of their own needs and wants from a variety of perspectives.
The vast majority of cosmetics marketers now offer affiliate programs in which Internet content creators may earn commissions if people who are referred to the companies’ sites by clicking on links end up making purchases.
I participate in quite a few individual affiliate programs as well as in the Sovrn/Viglinks program (which automatically converts regular links into revenue-generating links).
Links on this page that may result in affiliate income may include – but are not necessarily limited to – those from the following companies: Athr, Chantecaille, Charlotte Tilbury, Credo, Dr. Barbara Sturm, E.L.F., Glossier, Goop, Ilia, Johnny Concert, Jones Road, Live Tinted, LYS Beauty, Maya Chia, Milk Makeup, Pharmaca, Rituel de Fille, RMS, Saie, and Sephora.
Reader comments about products discussed on this website are very welcome.
Thoughts may be shared either by posting them in the comments section at the bottom of this page or by sending them directly to me at the following email address:
info at paradigmchange dot me
Companies that would like to offer me complimentary products to try out may contact me at this address as well.
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Those signing up will receive a free PDF copy of the book Back From The Edge (describing the extraordinary life of mold avoidance pioneer Erik Johnson) and also will be automatically entered in sweepstakes giving away a variety of cleaner products.
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