Finding non-toxic makeup at Target and other conventional retailers is more difficult than it should be. But I think things are getting a little better.
At the time of this post, Target actually has an entire section on their website dedicated to “clean” makeup and beauty products. I’ve noticed other retailers, including Amazon and Sephora, doing similar things.
This post may contain affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure here.
My Favorite Non-Toxic Makeup at Target
If you’re standing in Target’s makeup section right now, trying to decide which brand of a particular product that you should purchase, here is a quick rundown. I tried to give you a mostly non-toxic option for every makeup product that would be used on a regular basis, but let me know in the comments if I missed anything! I wasn’t able to find bronzer or blush at my Target store that I was willing to recommend.
Please note that none of these products are perfect. Some contain ingredients that I would otherwise try to avoid, but I only included products that you can purchase in-store. There are some makeup brands that you can purchase on Target’s website that have cleaner ingredients (looking at you, W3LL People mascara). That being said, I’ve found some products that are okay options when you’re shopping at Target and don’t have time to order something online.
Non-Toxic Primer at Target
Milani Prime Shield Face Primer
This primer goes on smooth, and it’s very hydrating for dry skin. It’s a great layer under foundation because it makes your skin look smoother, and it has a matte finish.
*This product does contain phenoxyethanol, which is on my “avoid” list. However, if you are in a pinch, and you need an inexpensive primer, this is an “ok” option.
Neutrogena Prep + Correct Primer
I haven’t used this particular primer, but it gets incredible reviews from other customers. People say it goes on smooth and reduces redness, even without foundation on top of it!
*This product does contain phenoxyethanol, which is on my “avoid” list. However, if you are in a pinch, and you need an inexpensive primer, this is an “ok” option that works really well.
Chemical-Free Foundation at Target
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint
This foundation is lightweight and buildable, and it’s great for dry skin. It has hyaluronic acid in the formulation, which helps plump and refresh your skin.
*This product does contain phenoxyethanol, however, but it is a better option than many of the other foundations that you can find at Target, many of which include talc (which can be contaminated with asbestos).
Target’s Cleanest Concealer
Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Concealer and Foundation
This concealer/foundation duo is terrific (especially for the price). It goes on smooth, and it’s one of the best full-coverage foundations/concealers that I’ve found at Target. As great as it looks, it does contain phenoxyethanol, which is on my “avoid” list. But it’s a good option when you’re in a bind in the aisles of Target.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Concealer
This line of products from Neutrogena is great for dry skin because they contain hyaluronic acid, which is not toxic and helps hydrate your skin. It is a lighter coverage though, so it doesn’t do a great job of covering large blemishes, but it does even out the skin tone fairly well, and it feels great on your skin.
*Contains phenoxyethanol.
The Best Non-Toxic Highlighter at Target
Maybelline Face Studio Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter
This highlighter is beautiful, and it stays put throughout the day. It does have some shimmer to it, so if that’s not something that you’re used to, this may not be the best product for you, but the ingredients are the cleanest I saw on the Target shelves, and it really works great.
The Best Non-Toxic Finishing Powder at Target
Honest Beauty Invisible Blurring Loose Powder
This is the most expensive product on my list, but it’s also the cleanest. I love this powder! It mattifies and sets your makeup, and it helps absorb oils. Not to mention that it’s cruelty-free! It’s the perfect finishing touch to your beauty routine!
Non-Toxic Eyeshadow Palette at Target
Milani Most Wanted Palettes
While it doesn’t get the best reviews, this eyeshadow palette has fairly clean ingredients, and it’s great to use when you’re in a pinch. The formula is buildable, and the colors are great!
Clean Beauty Eyeliner at Target
Wet n Wild Icon Kohl Eyeliner – Black
I don’t use eyeliner very often, but this one is only a dollar, and it’s super pigmented and easy to apply. The black black (or Baby’s Got Black) is cleaner than the brown one (Simma Brown). It has a lot of ingredients, but most of them are pretty clean. It does contain phenoxyethanol though, which I typically try to avoid.
Milani Stay Put Matte Liquid Eyeliner
If you prefer liquid eyeliner, this one is your best bet when you’re standing in the makeup aisle at Target. Again, it has phenoxyethanol, but most of its other ingredients are pretty clean, and it’s ok to use every now and then.
The Best Non-Toxic Mascara at Target
Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer
This mascara is my go-to when I need something quick. It does a great job of lengthening your eyelashes, and it has a primer that comes with it! I don’t typically use a mascara primer, but it’s interesting to see the difference when you use one like this. A lot of mascaras make my eyes water throughout the day, but this one’s clean ingredients keep me free of irritation.
The Best Natural Lip Color at Target
Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer
Burt’s Bees makes a lot of fairly clean beauty products, but my Target store only carries their lip products. The lip shimmer doesn’t disappoint though. It’s lightweight and comes in a variety of different shades, and the peppermint oil gives it that refreshing tingle that you know and love from Burt’s Bees.
Ingredients to Avoid when Shopping for Non-Toxic Makeup
If you’re looking for non-toxic makeup at Target and can’t find the brands or products that I listed above, you can look through the ingredients on your own and try to grab the best options that are available. If you don’t know what ingredients to avoid, you can find a list of the biggest offenders here. You can also check out the EWG’s Skin Deep database.
