The Shortlist: Nontoxic February Favorites
Welcome to The Shortlist - a collection of the clean beauty, wellness and daily rituals I’ve loved this month.
February was very much about refinement for me. Fewer products, higher standards, and things that actually support my skin, body, and routines long term. This list is a true snapshot of what I’ve been reaching for daily, not what’s trending, not what’s new, just what’s earned a spot.
Buckwheat Tea (Sobacha)
Buckwheat tea has become a staple for me throughout the day. It’s naturally caffeine free but still feels grounding and satisfying, which makes it an easy swap when I want something warm that’s not coffee.
Buckwheat is rich in antioxidants, especially rutin, which has been studied for its role in supporting circulation and vascular health. It’s also mineral rich, containing magnesium and potassium, and is traditionally used to support digestion and gut comfort. Despite the name, buckwheat is naturally gluten free and not related to wheat at all.
It has a mild, nutty flavor and is gentle enough to drink all day long.
Hair Care & Body Care
The Shelter Skin Hair Brush
This brush is designed to do more than detangle. The metal pins stimulate the scalp, supporting circulation to the hair follicle, which is a key component of long term hair health and growth support. I use it daily, both for brushing and intentional scalp stimulation.
Bur Bur Shampoo and Conditioner
My favorite nontoxic shampoo and conditioner. Gentle on the scalp, nourishing for the hair, and truly one of the best clean hair care duos I’ve found.
Solar Body Oil
I’ve been using this for months now, long before release. The scent is a luxe orange creamsicle with a soft hint of jasmine, fresh, warm, and perfect for spring. Body oils help replenish lipids in the skin barrier, especially when applied after showering, which supports hydration, elasticity, and overall skin health.
Press On Nails
When it comes to nails, press ons are the best nontoxic option second to nothing at all. They allow you to avoid acrylics, gels, and repeated exposure to harsh solvents.
I’ve been loving Glamnetic for their designs and consistency, and I always go for a medium almond shape. I pair them with the Olive & June brush on nail glue, which makes them last up to two full weeks when applied properly. It’s the most practical, lower exposure option I’ve found.
Makeup I’ve Been Reaching For
My makeup approach continues to get simpler and more refined.
• Makeup by Mario Skin Enhancer - a sheer bronzer that somehow ends up being the most natural, believable warmth on the skin
• mph beauty Underpainting Palette - specific cool toned contour shade that I use almost exclusively for nose contour. It’s the perfect shade and texture. Yes, it is excessive to buy the palette just for that, but I love it.
• Saie Lady Blush layered with Rare Beauty Hope, which creates the perfect neutral mauve pink. The Saie blush gives soft pigment, while the Rare Beauty adds the most ethereal shimmer and glow
As I age, I use less and less powder and lean more into cream products that move with the skin and look more natural over time.
Shelter Skin Valentine’s Day Lip Elixir Duo
The Valentine’s Day Lip Elixir Duo has been on constant rotation. The mocha shade is the perfect sheer brown, flattering, wearable, and effortless. Both formulas are deeply hydrating thanks to lanolin and nourishing oils, and they leave lips soft without that heavy or sticky feeling.
Skincare I’ve Been Loving Lately
Shelter Skin Gua Sha
If you deal with TMJ, jaw tension, or facial tightness, this tool is essential. Regular gua sha and acupressure can help release muscle tension, support lymphatic drainage, and promote relaxation in the face and jaw.
Mara and Kosas Oil Cleansers
Oil cleansing is one of the most effective ways to remove makeup, sunscreen, and buildup without disrupting the skin barrier. These two consistently remove everything while leaving the skin calm and balanced.
Goop Glow Microderm
This is my favorite physical exfoliant. Used sparingly, physical exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and improve skin smoothness when followed with proper hydration and barrier support.
Mara Pearl Peptide Glaze
Often compared to Rhode, but in my opinion, better and actually clean. It delivers instant hydration and glow using peptides, algae derived ingredients, and beta glucans that help support the skin barrier and elasticity.
Anua Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid is one of my go to ingredients for keeping skin clear and calm. It helps support acne prone skin, reduce redness, and improve texture while being well tolerated.
4AM Rest Serum
This has been my go to for extra hydration without congestion. Key ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and barrier supporting humectants help draw water into the skin, while soothing ingredients support overnight repair and calm inflammation. It’s ideal when skin feels depleted, stressed, or reactive.
Acne Girl Acne Dots
Hydrocolloid patches help protect blemishes while absorbing excess fluid, which can support faster healing and prevent picking. The red case is also practical, I never lose them.
Vetted Dermlab (Acne Prone + Anti Aging)
Vetted Dermlab is the best clean anti aging routine I’ve found that also doesn’t break me out, which is a rare combination.
The lineup includes:
• A cleanser that removes everything without stripping
• A genuinely clean retinoid, supporting skin renewal and collagen production
• A non oxidized vitamin C, critical for stability and effectiveness
• A rich moisturizer that layers beautifully under makeup
It’s a full routine that supports clarity, texture, and long term skin health without compromising acne prone skin.
Shelter Skin Valentine’s Day Lip Elixir Duo
The Valentine’s Day Lip Elixir Duo has been on constant rotation. The mocha shade is the perfect sheer brown, flattering, wearable, and effortless. Both formulas are deeply hydrating thanks to lanolin and nourishing oils, and they leave lips soft without that heavy or sticky feeling.