Introducing “The Glow Girl Certified” Best in Clean Beauty

Say hello to “Glow Girl Certified” clean beauty (and wellness)! I created this Best in Clean Beauty list for you as a result of all the requests that have come in asking for my favorite product picks to be housed in one place. These tried and true selections have been thoroughly tested by me personally and help me to look and feel my best. #10yearsyounger. I will keep adding new, highly curated products to the list that I can advocate for, and will update it monthly so you can stay informed of my latest finds. I am so excited to share this information with you, and I hope you find it helpful!

xxMelissa

Click on the links for more info on the product and to order!

*Check out the new starred products added to the list*

Pictured: the KORA Organics Rose Quartz Heart Facial Gua Sha and Olie X Melissa Meyers Golden Ray Glow Drops Face Oil

Pictured: the KORA Organics Turmeric 2-in-1 Brightening and Exfoliating Mask

SKINCARE

Beauty Pie - Use code MELISSASENTME for $10 off membership

Bioeffect

Furtuna Skincare

Goop

Kora Organics - Use MELISSA15 for 15% off

Replenix

Perricone MD

ESPA Skincare

MDO by Dr. Simon Ourian

Juice Beauty

True Botanicals

Vertly

Voyage et vie - Use code glowgirl15 for 15% off

Masks -

Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Gold Eye Masks

Chok Chok face mask - Use code MELISSA40 for 40% off

KORA Organics Turmeric 2-in-1 Brightening and Exfoliating Mask

Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Full Strength Exfoliating Mask

Face Tools - 

KORA Organics Rose Quartz Heart Facial Gua Sha

Nurse Jamie Instant Uplift

Nurse Jaime Dermascrape

Tripollar STOP Vx

Wildling Empress Stone

Honey Belle Premium Jade Facial Roller

Jenny Patinkin Rose on Rose Face Roller 

Sdara Skincare Microneedle Skin Roller

Honey Belle Premium Amethyst Facial Roller

Cleansers -

* KORA Organics Milky Mushroom Cleanser - Use MELISSA15 for 15% off

Nama Fiji Cleanser

Kora Organics Milky Mushroom Cleanser

Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser

Pai Skincare Middlemist Seven Gentle Cream Cleanser

Pai Skincare Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser

Pai Skincare Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil

Reflekt Reflekt 1 Daily Exfoliating Face Wash

Nama Fiji Cleansing Milk

Facial Exfoliators -

TULA Exfoliating Treatment Mask

TULA So Polished Exfoliating Face Scrub

GOOP GLOW Microderm Instant Glow Exfoliator

Juice Beauty Prebiotix Instant Flash Facial

Toners -

Indie Lee CoQ-10 Toner

Serums - 

Soma Ayurvedic Vitamin C Serum

Bioeffect Serum

Beautycounter Counter+ All Bright C Serum

Winged Youth Radiance Serum - Use code GlowGirl15 for 15% off

Tata Harper Resurfacing Serum

Vertly CBD Face Serum

Shani Darden Lactic Acid Exfoliating Serum

Face Moisturizers, Creams, and Oils - 

*Kora Organics Tumeric Glow Moisturizer - Use discount code MELISSA15 for 15% off

*Summer Fridays Cloud Dew Oil-Free Gel Cream

Furtuna Trio

Replenix Age Restore Nighttime Therapy

True Botanicals Renew Radiance Oil

True Botanicals CBD Anti-Inflammaging Oil

Rejuvenate with Nousha The Reset Facial Oil - Use discount code GLOWGIRL15 for 15% off

Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Overnight Serum

Beautystat Universal Moisture Essence

Angela Caglia Moisturizer

GOOPGENES All-in-One Nourishing Face Cream

Pai Skincare Age Confidence Cream Echium & Macadamia

TULA Hydrating Day & Night Cream

AYR Skin Care Restore Night Cream

Furtuna Skin Replenishing Balm

Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream Rich

Saint Jane Luxury CBD Beauty Serum

Furtuna Skin Biphase Moisturizing Oil

Eye Creams and Oils - 

Kora Organics Eye Oil - Use discount code MELISSA15 for 15% off

Replenix Age Restore Retinol Eye Repair

SiO Beauty Super EyeLift Undereye Patches

GOOPGENES All-in-One Nourishing Eye Cream

TULA Rose Glow & Get It Cooling & Brightening Eye BalmBeautycounter Counter+ All Bright C Serum

Suncare - 

*COOLA Suncare Full Spectrum 360 Sunscreen Set

Replenix Antioxidant Sunscreen Spray

Pictured: the Whish Beauty Coconut Milk and Verbena Self Tanner

BODY

Exfoliators and Scrubs - 

Dermasuri Exfoliation Glove

TULA Exfoliating Sugar Scrub

Beautycounter Sugar Body Scrub in Lemongrass

Kopari Beauty Coconut Crush Scrub

Goop G.Tox Dry Brush

Self-Tanners - 

Whish Beauty Coconut Milk and Verbena Self Tanner

KORA Organics Gradual Self-Tanning Lotion

Body Creams, Body Butters, and Oils - 

Necessaire Body Moisturizer

CBD + Nature Body Scrub

Wellphoria Nourishing Hand and Body Lotion

Primally Pure Eucalyptus + Lavender Body Butter

Sagely Naturals Relief and Recovery CBD Cream

Goop Nourishing Repair Body Butter

Furtuna Alberi Biphase Moisturizing Oil

Furtuna Skin Rinascita Delle Olive Replenishing Balm

Indie Lee Essential Body Lotion

KORA Organics Noni Glow Body Oil

Kopari Restore Body Butter

Winged CBD Radiance Body Oil - Use code Glowgirl15 for 15% off

Primally Pure Almond + Vanilla Body Butter

Thisworks Perfect Hands Intense Moisture

Juice Beauty Green Apple Hand Cream

Bath -

Necessaire Body Wash

Vertly CBD Bath Salts

Lab to Beauty The Brightening Body Wash - Bubble Bath

Deodorants -

Primally Pure natural deodorant - Use code GLOWGIRL for 10% off

Native Natural Deodorant

Primally Pure Lavender Deodorant 

Agent Nateur N°3 Deodorant

Kosas Chemistry ADA Serum Deodorant

Hand and Nails -

Whish Hand Cream and Cuticle Oil

Juice Beauty Green Apple Hand Sanitizer

Toothpaste -

LEBON Cap Farrat Mood Toothpaste

Photo Credit: Stefanie Marie

BEAUTY

Brands-

Bare Minerals

W3ll People

Lilah B.

Kosas

Ere Perez

Ilia Beuty

Westman Atelier

Primer -

Tula Face Filter Blurring & Moisturizing Primer

Tinted Moisturizers -

Saie Beauty Slip Tinted Moisturizer

Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer

COOLA Organic Face Rosilliance BB+ Cream SPF 30

Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

Concealer -

RMS Beauty “Un” Cover-Up Concealer

Ilia True Skin Serum Concealer

Beautycounter Touchup Skin Concealer Pen

Foundation -

ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation

Eyeliner -

SAINT Cosmetics Lipstick

Ere Perez Jojoba Eye Pencil

Eyeshadow -

W3LL People Natural Eye Palette

Ere Perez Eye Pallete

Ilia The Necessary Eyeshadow Palette

PYT Beauty No BS Eyeshadow Palette

SAINT Cosmetics Eye Palette in Nude

Mascara -

Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara

Ere Perez Avocado Waterproof Mascara

Kosas The Big Clean Mascara

Brows and Lashes -

Luna Nectar Moon Boost Lash & Brow Enhancing Serum

Neu Lash Growth Serum

Ere Perez Almond Brow Pencil

Bronzer and Blush -

W3LL People Natural Bio Bronzer Powder

Westman Atelier Beauty Butter Powder Bronzer

Ilia Beauty Multi-Stick

Lune + Aster Baked Bronzer

RMS Sensual Skin Trio - 3 in 1 powder palette with bronzer, blush, and highlighter

Highlighters -

Jillian Demsey Cheek Tint

Merit Highlighter

Westman Atelier Super Loaded Tinter Highlighter

Au Naturale All-Glowing Creme Highlighter

RMS Beauty Living Luminizer

Lip Gloss & Lip Stick

SAINT Cosmetics Lipstick

Kosas Wet Lip Oil

Lilah B. Lovingly Lip Tint Oil

Kari Gran Tinted Lip Whip Treatment Balm

Ere Perez Cacao Lip Colour

Saint Jane Beauty CBD Lip Gloss

Wander Beauty Lip Retreat Oil

COOLA Mineral Liplux Organic Tinted Lip Balm SPF 30

*COOLA Organic Hydrating Lip Oil Sunscreen SPF 30

Beautycounter Sheer Lipstick

Lune + Aster Vitamin c+e Lip Gloss in Poet

Luk Beautifood Lip Nourish Pink Juniper Natural Lipstick

Au Naturale Eternity Lipstick in RoseGlow

Photo Credit: Stefanie Marie

HAIR

Christophe Robin hair products

Shampoos -

Native shampoo

GLOSS MODERNE Clean Luxury Shampoo

Innersense Hydrating Cream Hairbath Shampoo

Virtue Refresh Dry Shampoo

Virtue Recovery Shampoo

Wellphoria Nourishing Shampoo

Conditioners -

Native Conditioner

GLOSS MODERNE Clean Luxury Conditioner

Innersense Hydrating Cream Conditioner

Flora Remedia Lavender Hair Oil TreatmentEco Therapy Revive Conditioner

Malibu C Color Prepare Wellness Hair Remedy

Innersense Sweet Spirit Leave-In Conditioner

Wellphoria Nourishing Conditioner

Dry Shampoo-

*Act And Acre Dry Shampoo

*Vegamour Dry Shampoo Use GLOWGIRL20 for 20% off

Mousse and Mists-

Innersense Volumizing Foam

Virtue The Finale Shaping Spray

COOLA Scalp & Hair Mist (sunscreen for hair)

Innersense Hair Love Prep Spray

Hair Mask -

GLOSS MODERNE Clean Luxury Masque

Innersense Hair Mask

Serums, Supplements, and Treatments -

VIVI Root 66 Serum

Hush + Hush Deeply Rooted Hair Growth Supplement - Use code “MELISSA” for 20% off)

For All Exfoliating Scalp Treatment

Vegamour Gro+ Advanced Lash Serum Use GLOWGIRL20 for 20% off

Neu Lash - Growth Serum

Vegamour Biotin Hair Gummies Use GLOWGIRL20 for 20% off

*Vegamour GRO+ Advanced Brow Serum Use GLOWGIRL20 for 20% of

Other -

*Virtue Texturizing Spray

Neu Lash - Growth Serum

Raindrops Lite- Shower Filter

T3 Cura Luxe Professional Ionic Hair Dryer

T3 Whirl Trio Interchangeable Styling Wand Set

SUPPLEMENTS

*Thorne Health Supplements - Get 20% off the products I use on my store

*Thorne Niacel 200 - Get 20% off the products I use on my store

Lakanto monk fruit sweetener - Use code Glowgirl15 for 15% off

GOOPGLOW Morning Skin Superpowder

Nordic Naturals Algae Omega supplement

Winged Sleepy CBD Gummies

ThisWorks Deep Sleep Pillow Spray

SkinTē Sparkling Collagen Teas - Use code GLOWGIRL30 (valid for 30% off 12-pack purchases)

LiefRoyal CBD Oil 1250 mg

Juice Beauty Prebiotix Antioxidant Beauty Boost

Thorne Research NAC

TRU NIAGEN NAD+

SkinTē Sparkling Collagen Teas - Use code GLOWGIRL30 (valid for 30% off 12-pack purchases)

LiefRoyal CBD Oil 1250 mg

Juice Beauty Prebiotix Antioxidant Beauty Boost

Thorne Research Vitamin D

Ora Organic Probiotics

Femmenessence MacaHarmony

Relizen -Use code glowgirl20 for 20% off your first month’s subscription

Hush + Hush PlantYourDay Protein - Use code MELISSA for 20% off sitewide

Joya Adaptogen Bliss - Cacao Elixir Blend

Kroma Superfoods Ultimate Vitality

Om Mushroom Superfood - Use code MELISSAMEYERS for 20% off sitewide

Beauty Bar Chocolate - Use code GLOWGIRL10 for 10% off sitewide

Saffron Latte

Fatty acid supplement by Fatty15

Winged Relaxation CBD Gummies Use code Glowgirl15 for 15% off

CBD

Beauty -

Saint Jane Calming Luxury Lip Shine

Rejuvenate With Nousha Face Reset Oil 

Saint Jane Vitamin C Drops

Winged Face Oil - Use code Glowgirl15 for 15% off

Lab to Beauty Lip Balm   

Switch2Pure Bright and Shine Gel Cleanser

Sagely Naturals CBD Brightening Eye Cream

Saint Jane Luxury Beauty Serum 

Priya Apothica CBD Bliss Renewal Serum

Priya Apothica CBD Phyto Metamorphosis Cream

Lord Jones Acid Mantle Repair Moisturizer 

*True Botanicals CBD 500 Anti-Inflammaging Treatment Oil

 Hair products -

For All Hydrating CBD Hair Mask 

Lab To Beauty Shampoo 

Lab To Beauty Conditioner

Wellphoria Nourishing Shampoo 

Wellphoria Nourishing Conditioner 
 

Bath & Body -

Winged Radiance Body Oil - Use code Glowgirl15 for 15% off

Lord Jones CBD Body Lotion

Vertly Relief Lotion

Prima R & R Advanced Recovery Cream - Use code GLOWGIRL for 20% off

*Prima Beyond Body Oil Stress Remedy Use code GLOWGIRL for 20% off

Herbivore Botanicals Emerald CBD Cleansing Bar Soap  

Sagely Naturals Calm Relief And Recovery CBD Roll-On

Lab To Beauty Soothing Bath Soak 

Highline Wellness Hydrate, Relax, Restore Bath Bombs

Dr. Kerklaan Natural CBD Sleep Cream

*CBD + Nature Body Scrub

*Terra Vita Revive CDB Bath Salts

 Ingestibles -

Winged Sleepy CBD Gummies -Use code Glowgirl15 for 15% off

Winged Relaxation CBD Gummies - Use code Glowgirl15 for 15% off

*Winged Rise Up Energy and Focus CBD Gummies Use code Glowgirl20 for 20% off

Favour Gum

Lief Royal 1250 Full-Spectrum CBD Oil

Calivolve RESTORE Collection Chocolate Box 

 Gron Adaptogenic Chocolate Sampler

Highline CBD Clarity Gummies

The Trusted Lab CBD Wellness Gummies With Vitamin C + Zinc

 Topical Pain Relief -

Prima Bath Gem - Use GLOWGIRL for 20% off

NuBloom Sleep Balm Stick

Leef Organics Recover CBD Sport Herbal Recovery Formula

Switch2Pure Be Chill Body Rub

Pictured: the Beautycounter Sheer Lipstick

BEAUTY COUNTER

After years of testing several Beautycounter clean beauty products, I have been very impressed with many of their products and will be reporting on my favorite items from their line. The company is a leader in the clean beauty movement and I stand behind their philosophy to help educate and share the safest, best quality products available!

Makeup -

Skin Twin Featherweight Foundation

Color Define Brow Pencil

Sheer Lipstick

Touchup Skin Concealer Pen

Beyond Gloss Trio

Skin care -

All Bright C Serum

Countersun 

One Step Makeup Remover Wipes

Countertime Regimen Set

Sugar Body Scrub in Lemongrass

Hydrating Body Lotion in Citrus Mimosa  

Citrus Mimosa Hand Wash and Hand Cream

Counterstart Cococream Cleanser 

Brightside DuoBeautycounter

Who What Wear Feature - Top 7 Natural Non-toxic Self-Tanners for the Most Perfect Sun-kissed Glow!

Just like wearing the perfect outfit or a great hair day can make me feel fabulous, having a golden tan does the trick for me too!

I love having sun-kissed skin, but as I’ve gotten older I have become more conscious of minimizing the effects of sun damage, so I turn to self-tanner to get my 24/7 golden glow. While I’ve tried countless brands over the years, in 2019 I made a commitment to clean up my beauty routine. In my latest feature for Who What Wear, "7 Nontoxic Self-Tanners That Deliver Glowier Results Than the Actual Sun,” I share my tried and true favorites, as well as tips to make a tan look natural and last as long as possible. 

With a new year (and a new decade) upon us, it’s the perfect time to hit the reset button, create intentions and detox your beauty routine. Why not start with your self-tanner? Read on to see my recommendations in the full article and make 2020 your most glowing, nontoxic tanning year yet!

I love sporting a healthy, tanned glow all year round! A great tan magically seems to improve the tone, texture and color of the skin—plus it does wonders to camouflage imperfections. Gone are the days where you had to bask in the sun for hours to look like a bronzed goddess or use a smelly, toxic self-tanner that turns your skin into looking like a roasted turkey! 

Over the years, I’ve road-tested countless self-tanners and have decided this year to try some of the non-toxic ones to see how they compare. These products have exceeded my expectations big time so I’ve put together a list of my favorite clean-beauty, self-tanning products that are not only safe to use but also provide the most gorgeous, naturally bronzed skin. 

In order to get the best, most natural and long-lasting tan, make sure your skin gets some TLC before and after tanning! The most important tip I can share when it comes to best practices for self-tanning is to exfoliate beforehand to ensure even coverage. I like to use the Dermasuri Exfoliating Scrub Mitt  from head to toe in the shower. Unlike loofahs or bath sponges, this mitt’s unique fabric texture removes surface layers of buildup and dead skin cells instantly! I use the mitt with water, or with my favorite body scrub.

The botanical-based self-tanning products listed below are all derived from organic ingredients and formulated without any harsh chemicals, preservatives, parabens, or unnatural fragrances. And, the best part, orange skin is nowhere to be found; all of these suggestions offer the most natural, golden look! Also, I only tried products that went on clear or white and did not stain clothes or sheets. 

1. Whish

This natural self-tanner is at the top of my list--it hydrates the skin and the scent is an incredible combo of coconut milk + verbena! The streak-free formula goes on just like your favorite body butter and can be used every day. After the product develops, the tan is a perfect golden brown. It’s free from parabens, sulfates, DEA and TEA, with naturally sourced organic ingredients that also firm and moisturize. I’m so obsessed with this product that I shared it with my husband and daughter who both have fair and sensitive skin. They are huge fans now with bottles of their own!

2. Kora Organics

An amazing gradual self-tanner, this is my fave for a buildable tan. Its super-natural color is great even for fair-skinned girls. They use DHA that is naturally derived from sugar which is a safe, non-toxic alternative to naturally brown the skin. Free from harmful chemicals, it has a pleasant spa-like scent and is great to use year-round. Leave it to Miranda Kerr to create a certified organic self-tanner that’s a true winner!

3. Botanic Tree

Great for sensitive skin with no fake tan smell, it’s vegan-certified and free from anything toxic. The quick-drying lotion goes on white and is also streak-free, with natural ingredients such as jojoba, avocado, apricot, grape seed, and coconut. This formula can also be used on your face and is perfect for all skin types. I found the tan to be very natural and gradual so it’s good to use daily if you want to build up a rich glow.

 4. Beauty by Earth 

Say hello to perfect sun-kissed skin! This tanning product does a great job of covering up natural skin imperfections and leaves you with a glowing, golden color. I love that the simple, natural and organic ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and Japanese green tea leaf extract, leave my skin looking and feeling fabulous. It’s is also a great alternative to the top brands that sell chemical filled tanners. I’m not the only one that thinks so—you can check out the 4700 five star reviews on Amazon too!

 5. Isle of Paradise

I am extremely picky when it comes to self-tanners for the face and found this one to be amazing with its color-correcting technology! Just add the clear drops to your fave moisturizer and integrate into your regular skincare routine for a perfect sun-kissed glow. You can feel confident putting this on your face since it’s cruelty-free, 100% vegan and made using certified organic ingredients. It has low pH levels, non-sensitizing and hypoallergenic ingredients, and pure oils. There are no mineral oils, petroleum, gluten, GMOs, or toxins. This formula offers light, medium, and dark tan options. I like to use medium as it gives me the perfect amount of glow every time!

6. Vita Liberata

I wrote about this self-tanner on The Glow Girl blog in the summer of 2018 when it made its debut. This invisible foaming tanning water is super-fast drying and perfect when in a hurry or you have to get dressed quickly after applying. It also leaves the skin with a great natural glow and will never stain even the whitest clothing or sheets! It’s also contains certified organic ingredients and made with natural extracts like pomegranate, papaya, aloe vera and licorice to enhance skin with no tell-tale self-tanner scent. Tip: I like to wait 4-8 hours before showering off to make sure to get the full effects of this tanner!

7. The Organic Pharmacy

This self-tanner was developed using a unique DHA derived from sugar beets, which is an Ecocert-approved ingredient from one of the UK’s best natural, cult clean-beauty brands. All of their products are 100% non-toxic and between 90 – 99.9% organic. Their formula comes in a glass bottle pump and goes on as a natural-colored lotion leaving skin with a gorgeous bronzed glow as it develops. The scent is mild and it blends easily, leaving skin super moisturized.

The Best Moisturizers to Take Your Tan to the Next Level

After your tan has made its debut, it's important to moisturize and keep skin hydrated to help the color last as long as possible. Below are my clean beauty favorites that will surely extend the longevity of your gorgeous glow…

Eighteen B Hydrate + Restore Rich Cream 

I just discovered this face cream and I’m obsessed! Made with B-silk protein which is known to improve skin texture and firmness, I use this on my face to keep it moisturized after I tan. With ingredients like ceramides, leaf extract, and sunflower seed oil offering fantastic hydration, it also softens my fine lines and makes my face feel smoother. 

Golden Ray Glow Drops Face Oil 

I love to use oils to keep the skin on my face deeply moisturized and to prolong my faux tan as long as possible. I’ve been using my newly launched face oil daily (in partnership with Olie Organic Face Oils), with its incredible active ingredient, French Marine Algae! This natural ingredient not only builds collagen but also locks in hydration for the best moisture retention.

Primally Pure Body Butter 

This organic body butter smells incredible, with ingredients that are safe enough to eat. It’s an all-natural, deep moisturizer--because it’s so hydrating, my tan lasts much longer if I apply it after the tan is freshly developed. A little bit goes a long way so the jar lasts a while!

I have been working on this article for months and have personally tested each and every product listed above to give you the best options for a clean beauty tan that will leave you with the safest and most beautiful natural glow all year long! Whether you want to look like an exotic sun-worshipper or just enhance a sallow-skinned winter look, I’ve got you covered! 

xx Melissa

Check out the full feature on Who What Wear HERE!