Makeup wipes offer a convenient way to remove makeup at the end of the day. They are particularly useful for wiping off mascara and foundation. However, it's important to note that after using makeup wipes to remove facial and eye makeup, it's recommended to follow up with a cleanser and then your preferred moisturizer for a complete skincare routine.
While baby wipes are generally safe for skin, they are formulated for the delicate skin of babies and may not contain the necessary ingredients to effectively remove waterproof makeup.
This review delves into the Honest Beauty & Skincare line, examining its claims of being clean and effective. Honest is a skincare and beauty brand that emphasizes the absence of toxic ingredients. The brand is readily available in major retailers such as Target, Ulta, and on Amazon.
The Honest Company: Origins and Philosophy
Founded by actress Jessica Alba in 2012, The Honest Company launched its beauty line, Honest Beauty, in 2015. The company's inception was inspired by Alba's desire to create safer alternatives to conventional baby products, which often contain synthetic fragrances and petrochemicals, following the birth of her first child in 2008.
The Honest Company's product development is guided by the Honest Beauty Clean Standard, a science-backed approach that prioritizes safety, sustainability, and effectiveness. It's important to acknowledge that the term "non-toxic" lacks a universal definition, meaning interpretations and reviews may vary.
Ingredient Analysis: Concerns and Reassurances
A closer look at the ingredient lists reveals certain ingredients that may warrant attention. For instance, the Beauty Sleep Resurfacing Serum and the Honest Calm & Porefect Serum contain phenoxyethanol, a preservative derived from the reaction of ethylene oxide, phenol, and an alkali.
The Liquid Eyeliner includes denatured alcohol, which is alcohol rendered unfit for consumption to circumvent alcohol beverage taxes. Additionally, the Eyebrow Pencil, certain shades of the Vibeliner Pencil, and the Liquid Lipstick utilize lake dyes.
Several cleansers, including the Gentle Gel Cleanser, Calm On Foaming Cream Cleanser, and Gel Clarity Foaming Acne Cleanser, contain cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine. This ingredient is also found in Honest's shampoo + body wash, Mama’s Gotta Glow Face + Body Wash, and Bubble Bath. While cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine is generally considered safe, there can be a potential concern for contamination during the manufacturing process, which might lead to allergic reactions. However, high-grade products are typically free from such impurities.
Honest has addressed these concerns, stating, "We take care to source only ingredients that meet our Honest Standard. As always, all Honest products are Toxicologist Audited for potential human health concerns." They further clarify that higher grades of cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine do not contain impurities that may cause allergic reactions.
Acne-Safe Products
Honest Beauty offers several products formulated without pore-clogging ingredients, making them suitable for acne-prone skin. These include:
- Honest Stay Hydrated Hyaluronic Acid + NMF Serum
- Honest Daily Green Juice Antioxidant Super Serum
- Honest Gel-To-Milk Makeup Melting Cleanser
- Honest Makeup Remover Facial Wipes
- Honest Beauty In The Clear Acne Serum
Recommended Skincare Routine with Honest Products
For a comprehensive skincare routine using Honest products, consider the following:
Morning Routine:
- Cleansing: Start with the Honest Gel-To-Milk Makeup Melting Cleanser.
- Serum Application: Choose a serum based on your skin type:
- For acne-prone skin: Honest Beauty In The Clear Acne Serum
- For increased moisture: Honest Stay Hydrated Hyaluronic Acid + NMF Serum
- For a healthy glow: Honest Daily Green Juice Antioxidant Super Serum or Honest Vitamin C Radiance Serum
- Moisturizing:
- For light hydration: Honest Beauty The Daily Calm Moisturizer
- For intense hydration: Honest Beauty Hydrogel Cream
- Makeup Application (if applicable):
- Primer: Honest Everything Primer Glow + 2HA
- Foundation/Tinted Moisturizer: Honest CCC Clean Corrective With Vitamin C
- Concealer: Honest Flex Concealer
- Eye Makeup: Honest Eye Catcher Lid Tint and Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara and Lash Primer
Evening Routine:
- Cleansing: Begin with the Honest Gel-To-Milk Makeup Melting Cleanser.
- Targeted Treatment: Apply Honest Retinyl Serum to address wrinkles and fine lines.
- Moisturizing:
- For light hydration: Honest Beauty The Daily Calm Moisturizer
- For intense hydration: Honest Beauty Hydrogel Cream
Honest Products for Sensitive and Itchy Skin
Honest offers fragrance-free cream and lotion options that are beneficial for children with itchy, irritated, dry, or sensitive skin.
- Honest Face + Body Lotion: This lotion has a lighter consistency, making it suitable for summer use or when lighter hydration is needed. It is soothing, and a fragrance-free option is available.
- Honest Eczema Cream: This cream has a thicker consistency and is effective in soothing dry, irritated skin. It absorbs easily without feeling greasy.
- Honest Healing Head-To-Toe Ointment: This ointment serves as a good alternative to Vaseline.
Product Reviews
Honest Eczema Cream
This mid-weight eczema cream is easy to rub in and does not leave your skin feeling greasy. It does a great job at hydrating dry skin and makes it feel very soft. It also has a soothing effect that’s a relief for irritated skin.
Would I Buy This Again? Yes
Honest Mascara
This is one of the first clean mascara brands that I tried, and I was instantly impressed. This classic mascara works to lengthen and volumize your lashes. It comes with a built-in primer serum, and I would definitely recommend using this first to get the most out of this mascara.
Would I Buy This Again? Yes
Honest Balm
I wasn’t quite sure how to use this balm at first. I didn’t think it was moisturizing enough for my lips. However, I did dab it on the prominent parts of my cheekbones and I really liked how it added a nice sheen. I loved that after applying this balm, it did not leave a greasy residue, but actually made my cheeks feel wonderfully soft.
Would I Buy This Again? Yes
Honest Gel-To-Milk Makeup Melting Cleanser
This is a nice, soothing cleanser that doesn’t dry out your skin. It starts out as a gel, but once you add water and rub it between your hands, it has a milky consistency. It works well as a pre-cleanser if you want to remove makeup first. It made my skin feel silky, smooth, and totally clean after using it. After looking closely at the ingredient list, I realized it’s actually acne-safe too. So if you have acne-prone skin, this cleanser will not clog your pores.
Would I Buy This Again? Yes
Honest Cream (likely referring to a general moisturizer)
This cream has a medium consistency and works well for my dry skin, but it is also perfect for any skin type, including sensitive skin. I love that it rubs in easily and doesn’t have a greasy finish.
Would I Buy This Again? Yes
Honest Makeup Remover Facial Wipes
Enjoy a gentle wipe with a plant-based cloth featuring a sugar-derived surfactant that removes dirt, oil, and even waterproof makeup without feeling harsh on skin. Using one sheet at a time, gently wipe around the eye area, face, and neck to remove dirt and makeup. Use as directed and avoid direct contact with eyes. If contact occurs, flush thoroughly with water.
These wipes are a convenient method for removing end-of-the-day mascara and leftover foundation. They are saturated well and feel soft on the skin, with a durable texture. The lid effectively keeps the wipes moist, preventing them from drying out.
Some users find them to be a bit pricey, but they are convenient for travel and offer a pleasant scent. While they work effectively, some reviews suggest that cheaper alternatives may perform similarly.
Other users have described these as their absolute favorite makeup wipes, noting that they are large and thick enough to remove a full face of makeup, including glitter and mascara, with just one wipe. They are considered worth the cost, especially as they come with 30 wipes per pack.