I’m ALL about a statement lip and come holiday time I’m a red lip loyalist. I view a red lip as an accessory that can add a pop of fun to an otherwise neutral outfit or enhance an already festive ensemble. I love that red can be bold and bright or subtle and soft – it’s all about finding the right shade and finish for your skin tone! I tend to rotate between a few favorites depending on my outfit…and my mood 😉
Before I spill the tea on my faves, let’s rewind a bit. When I started switching out my products to safer options, I did NOT want to switch my lipsticks. It pained me to say goodbye to my classic Chanel and matte MAC reds that I had worn for so many years. I thought – and you might be thinking this too – it’s the smallest amount of product ever so does it really matter if my lipstick is clean? To which I now say YES! It does. And here’s why: as lipstick is applied on our mouths, its no surprise that we ingest what we put on and the average lipstick may contain traces of lead and other heavy metals, harmful dyes and artificial fragrance ?
Heavy metals are contaminants that tag along with cosmetic colorants and do not have to be declared on product labels. Most companies don’t intentionally use heavy metals, but they may not thoroughly test for contaminants either. The FDA and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics have both conducted tests demonstrating significant amounts of lead in some popular lipsticks. Yuck!
Artificial fragrances contain blends of ingredients that aren’t required to be disclosed by US law and may include trace amounts of phthalates and synthetic musks which are linked to reproductive and hormone disruption. Double yuck!
Needless to say, I tossed my old reds in the trash and after some trial and error, I finally feel like I have a well-rounded CLEAN collection of red lipsticks!
VAPOUR BEAUTY High Voltage Lipstick in BLAZE
This creamy lipstick is a silky poppy red with a matte finish. I love it paired with warmer colors and it’s great for daytime, too! The formula is hydrating, long lasting and easy to apply and the matte finish feels and looks just as good as my old MAC version. Key ingredients include nourishing jojoba oil and soothing sunflower oil. Why is it safer? High Voltage is formulated without petroleum, polybutene, silicone, dimethicone or polyacrylamide.| $35 from Credo Beauty
BEAUTYCOUNTER Color Intense Lipstick in BEAUTYCOUNTER RED
BC Red is a universal red with slight orange undertones and a luxe satin finish – it reminds me of the red lipstick in vintage J.Crew catalogs! The creamy formula moisturizes so lips feel soft and smooth while natural peppermint oil delivers a subtly refreshing flavor. The staying power is fantastic – the shade gradually fades vs leaving a crusty outline like most lipsticks. Why is it safer? Natural peppermint is the only scent you’ll find here – fragrance is on Beautycounter’s never list! | $34 from Beautycounter
BEAUTYCOUNTER Color Intense Lipstick in GIRLS’ NIGHT
The CLASSIC red that everyone loves! This is the same forumla as BC Red but with blue, cool tones. It’s that perfect “cherry” or “holiday” red that many of us search for and, for that reason, it’s my most worn holiday lip! Why is it safer? In order to ensure that Beautycounter lipsticks are free of heavy metals, they conduct testing on every shade before approval and on every production batch. | $34 from Beautycounter
PYT Strike Twice Lip Duo in TELL ALL
Part lushly pigmented lipstick and part patent-shine gloss, this duo can be worn together or separately for two equally smashing looks! Tell All is a neutral red that is more subtle for daytime and pairs well with warm and cool skin tones (and apparel)! Also you simply cannot beat the $18 price tag. Why is it safer? This lipstick is formulated without 1,300 yucky ingredients and is fragrance free! | $18 from Credo Beauty
PRO TIPS – Prevent feathering by priming lips with a clean primer like this one or by using a clean concealer on your lips (favorites include this one and this one) before applying your lipstick. For even more precision, use a clean liner like this one and bring it with you for touch ups! For easy, clean and thorough removal – use a makeup removal wipe on your lips (my favorite) followed by a gentle sugar scrub and hydrating balm. You can get ALL of my clean lip care favorites in this kit!
If you’re wanting to make the switch to safer lipstick and are wondering how can you ensure the ingredients are clean – here’s my biggest tip: shop from places that do the work for you, like Beautycounter, Credo Beauty and Follain. All three have strict approval processes and only source and sell the safest ingredients, products and brands. That way, you can feel good knowing that your lipstick is good for you, too!
P.S. If you have questions about clean beauty or need help with more customized recommendations, fill out my Skincare + Beauty Questionnaire here or drop me a note in the comments! And don’t forget, you can always get 15% off at Follain with the code ref15_l9ci4m ?
Clockwise starting from top left: Vapour High Voltage Lipstick in BLAZE, Beautycounter Color Intense Lipstick in BC RED, Beautycounter Color Intense Lipstick in GIRLS’ NIGHT, PYT Strike Twice Lip Duo in TELL ALL
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It’s amazing how many different reds there are! One for every skin tone. You look good in them all. ?
Ellen you are too kind! Honestly it blows my mind – it was tough keeping this to FOUR!