Clean beauty has been a buzzword for years now, but here’s the thing most people don’t say out loud: just because something’s labeled “clean” doesn’t mean it works. I’ve tried more than my share of products that looked great on paper but fell flat in real life — chalky textures, weak pigmentation, irritating formulas hiding behind a greenwashed label. But when you do find those gems — the ones that nourish your skin and perform like a pro kit staple — that’s where clean beauty becomes not just a trend, but a lifestyle you want to stick with.
The first product that made me believe clean beauty could be powerful is one I use on both myself and my clients: the Stephany Artistry “Unstoppable” Matte Lip Kit. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and infused with ingredients that hydrate rather than strip your lips — but more than that, it delivers bold, modern color with a velvet finish that holds up through photoshoots, weddings, and all-day wear. This isn’t a balm pretending to be a lipstick. It’s a serious player in my kit, and the best part is knowing I’m not layering harmful synthetics on my skin — or anyone else’s.
The backbone of a good clean beauty routine is skin prep, and here’s where I’m unapologetically picky.
But lip color is just the start. The backbone of a good clean beauty routine is skin prep, and here’s where I’m unapologetically picky. Products that claim to be natural but irritate the skin are out. What I look for is high-performance, botanical-based skincare that calms the skin and helps it glow from the inside out. When the foundation is solid — when skin is hydrated, balanced, and smooth — makeup becomes optional. That’s the power of clean beauty at its best. And that’s also the goal of every makeup session I offer: enhancing what’s already there, not masking it.
I also gravitate toward clean products that understand melanin-rich skin. Too often, clean beauty lines don’t offer inclusive shades or undertones. That’s not just lazy — it’s a missed opportunity to celebrate real diversity. So when I curate products for my studio or my clients, inclusivity isn’t optional. It’s a baseline. We’re talking lightweight, breathable foundations that offer coverage without dulling your glow, and bronzers that enhance rather than gray out deeper tones. Clean doesn’t mean colorless. It should mean conscious — about people, skin, and impact.
That’s one of the reasons I’m so proud of what we’re building at Stephany Artistry. Whether it’s the lip kits we create or the brands we recommend, every choice reflects a deeper intention: clean, effective, and real. You won’t find me pushing anything that doesn’t do what it claims — because beauty should feel good, but it should also work. It’s that simple.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the flood of greenwashed marketing and want to find clean products that actually perform, I invite you to book a session with me. Whether it’s a wedding trial, a one-on-one makeup lesson, or a personalized skincare consultation, we’ll build a routine that aligns with your values — and your lifestyle. You can explore our services or schedule time with us on the Stephany Artistry Services page.
Because clean beauty isn’t about perfection. It’s about intention, consistency, and — most importantly — results. And yes, you can have it all.