The First Product That Made Me Question Ingredients
I’ll never forget the moment it all started.
A few years ago, I booked a facial with a holistic aesthetician—not really knowing what I was walking into. I just wanted clearer skin. But during the appointment, she asked me to bring in all the skincare products I was using at the time. So I showed up with a bag full of bottles I thought were “clean enough.”
She started reading the ingredient labels out loud… and I was shocked. There were so many things I couldn’t even pronounce. Synthetic fragrance. Harsh preservatives. Known hormone disruptors. She gently walked me through what each one could be doing to my skin—and possibly even my overall health.
That moment changed everything.
It sent me down a rabbit hole of researching ingredients and becoming so much more mindful of what I was putting on my body every single day.
My First Swap: Skincare
The very first switch I made was my skincare. I started using OSEA, and I noticed a difference almost immediately. My skin felt calmer, clearer, and just... healthier. I started with their skincare line but quickly fell in love with their bodycare too.
When I worked at a clean beauty store, the Undaria Algae Body Oil was a bestseller—and once I tried it, I instantly knew why. It smells like a spa and makes your skin glow. I’ve repurchased it for years now. I also love their Undaria Algae Body Lotion—so hydrating, non-greasy, and full of clean, skin-loving ingredients.
✨ You can use code CLEANLIVING for a discount on anything OSEA.
My Second Swap: Makeup (ILIA + RMS Favorites)
After skincare, I moved to makeup. I wanted products that actually worked—but without all the junk. ILIA was one of the first clean makeup brands I tried, and honestly? I still use these staples today:
💧 ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40- This was my first clean skin tint swap, and it’s still a favorite. It’s makeup, skincare, and SPF all in one. Lightweight, glowy, never cakey—it gives that “your skin but better” finish. Perfect for everyday.
👀 ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara- If you’ve ever DMed me asking for mascara recs… this is the one I always recommend. It lifts and lengthens without smudging or flaking. I’ve gone through so many tubes.
🔥 ILIA Fullest Volumizing Mascara- When I want more drama—like for date night—this is my go-to. Bold, volumized lashes with zero clumps.
🌸 ILIA Multi-Stick Blush- The perfect 2-in-1 product. I swipe this on my cheeks and lips for a quick flush of color. So creamy, so blendable.
🛍️ P.S. ILIA is 20% off until June 13, so if you’ve been eyeing anything, this is the best time to grab it.
👉 Shop the ILIA Sale Here!
RMS Beauty favorites that I’m obsessed with—especially when I want that radiant, barely-there makeup look!!!
✨ Use code KARLY-20 to save on RMS Beauty.
✨ RMS Tinted Daily Radiance SPF 30 Serum, RMS ReDimension Hydra Powder Blush, RMS Radiance Lock Setting
Third Swap: Deodorant
My next big switch was ditching my Dove deodorant for something cleaner. I swapped to Humble, and I haven’t looked back. No aluminum. No synthetic fragrance. And it actually works.
Since that one facial, clean living has become part of my everyday life. And while it didn’t happen overnight, every swap added up—helping me feel better, inside and out.
If you’re just starting your clean journey, here’s what I recommend:
👉 My Full List of Clean Swaps
👉 NON TOXIC Deodorant List
👉 NON TOXIC Summer Must Haves!
You don’t have to overhaul your routine all at once. Just start with the product you use most often—and go from there. 💛
