Lipsticks (Traditional)
Description
February 24, 2023
By Lisa Petrison
The bullet lipsticks and liquid lipsticks on this page are more on the traditional side in terms of offering fuller coverage color and (in many cases) longer wear.
Many of these are matte products, though a few formulas with more of a glossy texture are included.
Most of these lipsticks are at least somewhat less moisturizing than many other lip products, and many of them focus mostly on brighter or darker shades.
Historically, I have mostly steered away from traditional lipsticks because I have felt that the colors tended to be too intense for my low-contrast coloring (apparently a “Soft Autumn”).
However, some of these companies offer lipstick shades that have worked well for me, either on their own or with the addition of a little dab of lip gloss on top.
Using a little bit of cream highlighter on top also can make matte lipsticks more wearable for me (I especially like RMS Master Mixer for that).
Using both a lip primer (I use MAC Prep + Prime the most) and a lip pencil also helps to make most of these lipsticks feel and look better to me.
For the most part, I have been using pink, peach and neutral versions of the lipsticks that I have tried.
I therefore may not be able to provide an ideal assessment of how some of the other shades offered in these lines may perform and encourage others to share their experiences with the brighter or darker versions in the comments section.
TOP PICKS
♣ Living Clean Superstars:
Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G. Lipstick ($34+)
Jane Iredale Triple Lux Lipstick ($35)
Kosas Weightless Lipstick ($28)
Lisa Eldridge Insanely Saturated Lip Color ($36)
Lisa Eldridge True Velvet Lip Color ($36)
MAC Lipsticks ($21+)*
MOB Cream Lipstick ($27)
+Rituel de Fille Enchanted Lip Sheers ($25)
+Rituel de Fille Forbidden Lipsticks ($25)
RMS Wild With Desire Lipstick ($28)
Violette_FR Petal Bouche Matte ($28)
♦ Additional Possibilities:
+100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Cocoa Butter Matte Lipstick ($28)
Bare Minerals Mineralist Hydra-Smoothing Lipstick ($20)
Burt’s Bees Satin & Glossy Lipsticks ($9)
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick ($34+)
Clinique Pop Lip Color + Primer ($22)
Honest Liquid Lipstick ($15)
Ilia Color Block Lipstick ($28)
Laura Mercier Rouge Essential Cream Lipstick ($34)
Nars Powermatte Long-Lasting Lipstick ($34)
Rose Inc. Satin Lip Color Refillable Lipstick ($28)
Sephora Collection Clean Liquid Lip Mousse ($15)
♦ Not Yet Tried:
Saie Lip Blur ($24)
♠ Trash Can:
Aveda Pure Nourish-Mint Liquid Color Balm ($32)
Burt’s Bees Matte Sticks ($7)
Glossier Generation G ($18)
MAC Love Me Liquid Lip Color ($26)
Sephora Collection Rouge Lacquer Long-Lasting Lipstick ($15)
♥ Lisa’s Choice:
Kosas Weightless Lipstick ($28)
Lisa Eldridge True Velvet Lip Color ($36)
√ MAC Lipsticks ($21+)
Rituel de Fille Enchanted Lip Sheers ($25)
Notes:
1) Living Clean Superstars = Products with high scores on both Performance Rating (5) as well as Ingredients Rating (4/5). + Clean Pick (Ingredients Rating = 5).
2) Lisa’s Choice = Products that I would purchase again for my own personal use. √ Lisa’s Favorite
3) *MAC Lustreglass lipsticks include a PEG and MAC Powder Kiss lipsticks include unspecified flavor. These versions thus do not qualify as Living Clean Superstars.
The next section contains affiliate links. Living Clean in a Dirty World may receive a commission if readers click on these links and then purchase products. Living Clean in a Dirty World also may accept product review samples but receives no other compensation from companies mentioned on this website.
100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Cocoa Butter Matte Lipstick – $28
Living Clean Rating: 9 out of 10
Performance Rating: 
(4 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: 
(5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Problematic Colorings: None
Silicone Level: None
Breakage: No
The description for this product reads, “An innovative cocoa butter matte lipstick with a vegan and cruelty-free formula that keeps lips moisturized all day long while providing stunning, long-lasting color. Formulated with chocolate and antioxidant-rich fruit pigments like cherry, blueberry, and peach. Made with a nourishing blend of cocoa butter, shea butter, and vitamin E to moisturize and protect delicate lips from dryness.”
These lipsticks from 100% Pure contain only natural ingredients, without any artificial colors or other potentially problematic substances.
The lipstick from this line that I own does feel unusually clean to me, with an attractive natural fruity/floral taste and smell.
It feels quite cushiony and moisturizing on my lips even without the use of a lip balm underneath.
I find it pleasant to wear and feel like it has reasonable staying power, especially considering how clean it is.
On the downside, I feel that the shade that I own – Cassia (“a neutral, deep antique pink”) – seems pretty lifeless even though in theory it should be a good color for me.
It does help to put a touch of gloss (even clear gloss) on top, however.
I also feel that this lipstick emphasizes the texture of my lips more than I would prefer, revealing the presence of fine lines and uneveness in my lips.
While it would be interesting to go to a 100% Pure store to look at a variety of shades to make a more informed decision, I don’t see myself buying more lipsticks from this company since I doubt that the other colors are going to be better on me than this one.
Size: 0.15 oz.
100% Pure Rating: 4.7 Stars (2568 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Yes
Think Dirty Rating: 0 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 1 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: None
Fragrance Ingredients: Pomegranate, Cacao, Rose Petals Flower, Lavender flower/leaf/stem, Rosemary leaf extract
All Ingredients: Organic Cocoa Seed Butter, Shea Butter, Extracts of Cherry Fruit, Plum Fruit, Cabernet Grape Fruit, Raspberry Fruit, Blueberry Fruit, Blackberry Fruit, Peach Fruit, Apricot Fruit, Tomato Fruit/Leaf/Stem, Pomegranate, Cacao, Rose Petals Flower, Lavender Flower/Leaf/Stem, Rice Starch, Vitamin E, Candelilla Wax, Silica, Rosemary Leaf Extract
Bare Minerals Mineralist Hydra-Smoothing Lipstick – $20
Living Clean Rating: 7 out of 10
Performance Rating: 
(3 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Natural Flavor, Linalool
Problematic Colorings: Yellow #6, Yellow #5, Red #28, Red #6, Red #7
Silicone Level: None
Breakage: No
The description of this product reads, “A clean, vegan moisturizing lipstick that provides full-coverage color with lightweight, smoothing hydration. Provides richly pigmented, moisturizing color in just one swipe. Significantly improves the look of fine lip lines and dryness. Nourishes lips with naturally-derived hydrating fruit oils. Flatters all skin tones with range of nature-inspired shades, from earthy nudes to blooming pinks.”
Although this lipstick feels less problematic to me than the Bare Minerals lip gloss, it still has a faintly chemical taste.
A vaguely fruity flavor (said to be derived from natural ingredients) also is used.
EWG points to a chemical called glyceryl behenate, which is a type of glycerin, as potentially problematic, in addition to a variety of colors and a couple of natural flavor additives.
The ingredient list also includes some other manufactured chemicals that I don’t feel especially good about ingesting even if they have yet to be determined by scientific researchers to be unsafe.
On the plus side, I have found that the product is rather hydrating and looks nice on my lips, especially if I put a little lip gloss on top of it.
The ingredient list mentions shea butter, jojoba oil, sea buckthorn oil, and squalane as contributors to the hydration level.
While the product does not seem to hold up for an especially long time on my lips, it is easy to reapply and feels nice when I put it on.
I have tried two versions of this product – Insight (“pink beige”) and Honesty (“mauve pink”).
While neither of these is an ideal lipstick shade for me, I have found that they are such pretty colors that I look okay in them anyway.
Although this lipstick is not as clean as I would like it to be, I do really like the hydration benefits.
Size: 0.12 oz.
Ulta Rating: 4.5 Stars (3697 reviews)
Credo Clean: Unclear
Clean at Sephora: No
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Problematic Colors, Natural Fragrance, Glyceryl Behenate)
EWG Product Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 7 (red)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Yellow #6 (7), Yellow #5 (6), Red #28 (5), Natural flavor (4), Glyceryl behenate (3), Linalool (3), Red #6 (3), Red #7 (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Natural flavor, Linalool
All Ingredients: Castor Seed Oil, Diisostearyl Malate, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Octyldodecanol, Rice Bran Wax, Candelilla Wax, Silica, Shea Butter, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Jojoba Seed Oil, Flavor, Sea Buckthorn Oil, Pomegranate Flower Extract, Glyceryl Behenate, Polyester-1, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Squalane, Tocopherol, Linalool. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Mica, Iron Oxides, Blue 1, Red 6, Red 7, Red 28, Yellow 5, Yellow 6
Burt’s Bees Satin & Glossy Lipsticks – $9
Living Clean Rating: 7 out of 10
Performance Rating: (3 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Mild (taste)
Processed Fragrance: Natural Flavor, Linalool
Problematic Colorings: None
Silicone Level: None
Breakage: No
Although the Burt’s Bees lipsticks look good according to EWG criteria, I have found them to have an unpleasant taste that I think is associated with some kind of laboratory-produced chemical, accompanied by the usual Burt’s Bees fruity-type “natural flavor” that I also don’t like very much.
I had hoped that the reformulation of the Satin versions in early 2022 would address this problem, but the one that I purchased tasted the same as the lipsticks did before the reformulation.
Although the Glossy versions have a different ingredient list, the taste seems to be similar to me.
The lipsticks contain no artificial colors, which some people may find to be appealing.
However, after trying four different lipsticks from this brand (including some that are appropriate shades for my complexion), it’s my conclusion that they are having a hard time getting the colors right.
They certainly don’t look like what I have come to expect from higher-end lipsticks using natural colors such as Rituel de Fille, at any rate.
Other than the critical aspects of color and taste, I think that these are okay lipsticks.
They go on easily and smoothly without my having to put on lip balm first; feel cushiony and nice on my lips; and last for a pretty long time before I need to reapply them.
I don’t think that I will be buying any more of them though.
Size: 0.12 oz.
Burt’s Bees Rating: 3.9 Stars (803 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Natural Fragrance, Non-Organic Vegetable/Soy Oils)
EWG Product Rating: 2-4 (green/yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Linalool (3), Titanium dioxide (3), Natural flavor (4). (Also contains Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Soybean Oil.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Natural flavor, Linalool
All Ingredients (Satin): Diheptyl succinate, castor seed oil, capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymer, beeswax, candelilla wax, sunflower seed oil, behenyl alcohol, oleic/linoleic/linolenic polyglycerides, C12-18 acid triglyceride, lanolin, hydrogenated vegetable oil, carnauba wax, moringa oleifera seed oil, raspberry seed oil, sorbitan tristearate, glyceryl caprylate, flavor*, tocopherol, soybean oil, lauroyl lysine, citric acid, linalool. May contain: mica, titanium dioxide, carmine, iron oxides. *natural flavor
All Ingredients (Glossy): Capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymer, castor seed oil, diheptyl succinate, beeswax, candelilla wax, oleic/linoleic/linolenic polyglycerides, behenyl alcohol, lanolin, behenyl olivate, meadowfoam seed oil, mango butter dimer dilinoleyl esters/dimer dilinoleate copolymer, sunflower seed oil, C12-18 acid triglyceride, hydrogenated vegetable oil, sorbitan tristearate, carnauba wax, raspberry seed oil, moringa oleifera seed oil, soybean oil, glyceryl caprylate, flavor*, tocopherol, hydrogenated lecithin, citric acid, linalool. May contain: carmine, iron oxides, mica, titanium dioxide. *natural fragrance
Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G. Lipstick – $34+
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Living Clean Rating: 9 out of 10
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Ethyl Vanillin
Problematic Colorings: Red #6, Red #7, Blue #1, Yellow #5
Silicone Level: None
Breakage: No
The description of this product reads, “K.I.S.S.I.N.G is my signature range of lipsticks curated with modern and classic icons in mind. The Lipstick Tree extracts will help protect your lips from UV damage, leaving them kissably-soft. Light-diffusing pigments give you a luminous, full-bodied pout, as they capture and reflect light back out. The blend of waxes helps the formula glide over your lips for a seamless finish with no bleeding outside your lip line!”
Because I liked the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution lipstick (described below), I tried a product from another Charlotte Tilbury lipstick line called K.I.S.S.I.N.G.
The K.I.S.S.I.N.G. lipsticks do not contain silicone or BHT, but are similar to the Matte Revolution lipsticks in other ways.
Personally, I don’t have a problem with my lipsticks including silicone since it doesn’t seem to have the same sorts of negative effects on my lips that silicone has on my face.
I’m more concerned about BHT (especially in a product that is likely to be ingested), but then again, its presence may prevent lipsticks from going bad as quickly (with rancid oils not being good for health either).
I have found that the K.I.S.S.I.N.G. lipstick goes on pretty smoothly and holds up reasonably well.
It has a mild smell and taste of vanillin that I find to be acceptable.
For those who are trying to choose between the two formulas, it’s my feeling that the K.I.S.S.I.N.G. lipsticks are not quite as good on performance as the Matte Revolution ones, but still perform pretty well and may be considered better from a “clean beauty” standpoint.
As with the Matte Revolution lipsticks, most of the K.I.S.S.I.N.G. lipsticks are brownish-pink or brownish-peach shades with the potential to look good on me.
The color that I chose, Nude Romance, is described as “a universally flattering peachy nude.”
I think that it looks nice on me, though maybe not quite as nice as the Matte Revolution Pillow Talk.
Size: 0.12 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.0 Stars (194 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: No
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Problematic Colors, Ethyl Vanillin)
Think Dirty Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Product Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Titanium dioxide (3), Red #6 (6), Red #7 (6), Blue #1 (7), Yellow #5 (6). (Also contains Ethyl Vanillin.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Ethyl vanillin
All Ingredients: Octyldodecanol, polybutene, pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate, ethylene/propylene copolymer, caprylic/capric triglyceride, vp/hexadecene copolymer, diisostearyl malate, mica, silica, hydrogenated styrene/methylstyrene/indene copolymer, ozokerite, stearalkonium bentonite, propylene carbonate, pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate, crambe abyssinica seed oil, ethyl vanillin, bixa orellana seed extract, dicalcium phosphate, tin oxide. May Contain: titanium dioxide, iron oxides, red 6, red 7, blue 1, yellow 5.
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick – $34+
Living Clean Rating: 8 out of 10
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (3 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Ethyl Vanillin
Problematic Colorings: Red #28, Red #6, Red #7, Blue #1, Yellow #6, Yellow #5, Carmine
Silicone Level: High
Breakage: No
The description of this product reads, “A blend of oils, triglycerides & waxes give you buildable, long-lasting colour for up to 10 hours! Ideal for a long-lasting, buildable, soft matte finish. 3D glowing pigments create the illusion of glowing lips that appear wider and fuller. Antioxidant Lipstick Tree and orchid extracts soften, protect and hydrate for younger-looking lips. The revolutionary, angled square tip mimics the shape of a lip brush for perfect application every time.”
The Pillow Talk shade of the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution lipsticks has been said to be the most popular luxury lipstick in the U.S. and is a favorite of many celebrities.
While it is a nude pink that I always thought would look good on me, it was my assumption that I wouldn’t be able to wear it due to the presence of many undesirable ingredients.
However, at least according to EWG criteria, this lipstick does not seem to be all that bad from a toxicity standpoint.
This formula does include a couple of different forms of dimethicone (silicone), which some people find to be problematic.
While I do not much like primers or foundations that include silicone, this is because they do not allow my skin to sweat properly and seem to be bad for my skin.
Silicone itself (especially the forms present in this lipstick) do not seem significantly problematic from a health standpoint, and my lips seem to respond well to silicone-containing lipsticks.
A more controversial ingredient is the fat preservative BHT, which some people perceive to be totally unacceptable but which is stated by EWG to be only mildly problematic.
While large amounts of BHT have been shown to have negative health effects (such as hormone disruption or cancer) in animal studies, the idea that the chemical might cause such problems in the amount ingested from lipstick use is more questionable.
The fact that BHT may preserve oils (with rancid fats also serving as a health hazard) is another factor to consider.
While I’m not crazy about the fact that this product contains vanillin, the scent/taste is not very strong and the formula tastes okay to me other than that.
In general, I rather like wearing this lipstick and think that it tastes and feels fine to me.
It goes on really easily and looks good without a lip liner (though the matching Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk lip liner – also very popular – has been a nice addition).
Although it is described as a “matte” lipstick, I am happy that it does not require the addition of lip gloss to look soft and inviting on my lips. It seems to last pretty long between touchups as well.
Almost all of the Matte Revolution colors are brownish-pink or brownish-peach, and I suspect that I would look good in all of them.
If I were to buy another it might be Super Cindy (“a muted taupe nude”), which is in the “Hot Lips” collection but uses the Matte Revolution formula.
Although I like these lipsticks, they are rather on the expensive side and so I think I might be better saving my money and using it to buy Lisa Eldridge lipsticks instead, though.
Size: 0.12 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.3 Stars (506 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: No
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (BHT, Problematic Colors, Vanillin, Non-Organic Corn Oil)
Think Dirty Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Product Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Dimethicone (3), BHT (3), Tocopheryl Acetate (3), Titanium Dioxide (3), Red #28 (5), Red #7 (6), Red #6 (6), Blue #1 (7), Yellow #6 (7), Yellow #5 (6). (Also contains Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ethyl Vanillin, Carmine, Corn Oil.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Ethyl vanillin, Papaya fruit extract, Orchis mascula flower extract, Bixa orellana seed extract
All Ingredients: Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Trimethylolpropane Triisostearate, Dimethicone, Microcrystalline Wax, Polyethylene, Polybutene, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica, Dicalcium Phosphate, Ethyl Vanillin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tocopherol, Safflower Seed Oil, Corn Oil, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-t-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Papaya Fruit Extract, Orchis Mascula Flower Extract, Bixa Orellana Seed Extract, BHT, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tin Oxide. May Contain: Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Red 28, Red 7, Red 6, Blue 1, Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Carmine.
Clinique Pop Lip Color + Primer – $22
Living Clean Rating: 7 out of 10
Performance: (3 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Problematic Colorings: Red #7, Blue #1, Yellow #6, Red #33, Red #6, Red #30, Yellow #5, Red #22, Red #28
Silicone Level: None
Breakage: No
The description of this product reads, “A rich color plus a smoothing primer in one that keeps lips comfortably moisturized. Luxurious yet weightless formula merges bold, saturated colour with a smoothing primer. Glides on effortlessly to a modern-velvet finish. Colour stays true, keeps lips comfortably moisturized.”
This line seems to offer colors that are a bit brighter and more opaque than the ones that are used in the Dramatically Different lipstick line from Clinique.
I can detect a slight chemical taste that is a little annoying to me, but it is not so noticeable that it has kept me from wearing these lipsticks once in a great while.
Clinique often gives these lipsticks away as part of their bonus offers and so I have a couple of them, including Bare Pop and Love Pop. Both of those shades have been okay for me, even though on the Clinique website they look like colors that I probably should avoid.
It may be that many of the other colors would work on me too, therefore.
The formula for these lipsticks is so light that they do not last very long on my lips and so would need to be reapplied often to look good – something that I never have been motivated to do since I do not like the taste very much.
While I don’t think I ever would buy these lipsticks, I probably would try another color if I got it for free in a Clinique bonus and then wear it occasionally if it looked good on me.
Size: 0.13 oz.
Ulta Rating: 4.6 Stars (822 ratings)
Credo Clean: Unclear
Clean at Sephora: No
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Problematic Colors)
EWG Product Rating: 3-4 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Tocopheryl acetate (3), Red #7 (6), Blue #1 (7), Titanium dioxide (3), Yellow #6 (7), Red #33 (4), Red #6 (6), Red #30 (5), Yellow #5 (6), Red #22 (5), Red #28 (5)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Castor Seed Oil, Diisostearyl Malate, Trioctyldodecyl Citrate, Lanolin Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Candelilla Wax, Castor Isostearate Succinate, Silica, Octyldodecanol, Ozokerite, Polyethylene, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Wheat Germ Extract, Olive Fruit Extract, Wheat Bran Extract, Microcrystalline Wax, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Apricot Kernel Oil, Shea Butter, Cholesterol, Barley Extract, Ceramide 2, Palmitic Acid, Squalane, Lauryl Pca, Lauryl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Linoleic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glyceryl Stearate, Oleic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Sulfate, Alumina, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Barium Sulfate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Aluminum Hydroxide, Tin Oxide, May Contain: Mica, Iron Oxides, Red 7, Blue 1, Titanium Dioxide, Yellow 6, Red 33, Red 6, Bismuth Oxychloride, Carmine, Red 30, Yellow 5, Red 22, Red 28
Honest Liquid Lipstick – $15
Living Clean Rating: 8 out of 10
Performance Rating: (4 / 5)
Ingredient Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Mild (taste)
Processed Fragrance: None
Problematic Colorings: Red #7, Red #6, Blue #1, Yellow #6
Applicator Type: Doe-foot applicator
Gloss Level: Slightly glossy
Breakage: No
The description of this product reads, “An award-winning, vegan, velvety matte liquid lipstick that is comfortable and provides lasting hydration. Drench your lips in comfy (non-drying), velvety matte color. No need to sacrifice color for care. Unlike traditional lipsticks, this award-winner provides lasting hydration, and is infused with Avocado Oil to help nourish and hydrating ingredient, Hyaluronic Acid. The ultra-pigmented liquid lip stays put for up to 6 hours in 8 flattering shades. Made with Avocado oil + Hyaluronic Acid. Works for all skin types.”
This product from Honest is one of the few liquid lipsticks that I have managed to find that does not feel unacceptably toxic to me.
It is available in eight shades and, though described as matte, seems to me to have a slightly shiny finish.
It is a slippery feeling product, but the texture is thin and there is no stickiness at all.
I have the shade Off Duty, which is a pinkish nude that looks pretty on me. Most of the other shades are much darker or brighter.
The first ingredient listed is coconut alkanes, and some additional hydrating ingredients (including avocado oil and hyaluronic acid) also are included. I do think that this product feels moisturizing to my lips.
While it’s my experience that this product has a slightly bitter taste, it is about at the same level as in many cleaner lipstick formulations.
Size: 0.12 oz.
Ulta Rating: 4.5 Stars (32 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Problematic Colors)
EWG Product Rating: EWG Verified
EWG Ingredient Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Yellow #6 (3), Titanium dioxide (3), Red #7 (6), Red #6 (6), Blue #1 (7), Yellow #6 (7)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Coconut Alkanes, Kaolin, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Synthetic Beeswax, Castor Seed Oil, Methyl Dihydroabietate, Avocado Oil, Silica, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Tocopherol, Water, Hydroxyacetophenone, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Red 6, Red 7, Blue 1, Yellow 6, Manganese Violet
Ilia Color Block Lipstick – $28
Living Clean Rating: 6 out of 10
Performance Rating: (3 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (3 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Natural Fragrance, Citronellol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool
Problematic Colorings: Red #7, Yellow #5, Red #30, Red #28, Red #22
Silicone Level: None
Breakage: No
The description of this product reads, “A clean, handcrafted lipstick with high-impact color and supreme hydration, for all-day wear and care. Clean color, big impact. This full-coverage lipstick is handcrafted with custom pigments in organic castor seed oil—giving you four times the intensity with a creamy finish. For a bold, longwearing lip that stays smooth. A balanced mix of classic shades including soft nudes, bold reds, and vibrant berries offers a solid block of color with even textures and smooth, creamy finishes.”
The ingredient list for this product includes a number of potentially problematic substances, including benzyl alcohol; benzyl benzoate; several kinds of naturally derived but highly processed scents; “natural fragrance”; rosa canina oil; and several artificial colors.
Although I was tempted not to bother with this lipstick at all, I finally gave it a try.
I do feel that there is a distinct scent and flavor to the lipstick that is stronger than with many of the other products on this page. I guess I would describe it as a sort of citrus/vanilla, though whether the natural fragrance actually includes vanillin, I don’t know.
I chose the shade Amberlight (“French nude with neutral undertones”) and think that it is a very pretty color on my lips as well as my cheeks.
However, I don’t feel like the formula works very well on my lips. It looks pretty smeary unless I use a lipliner, and even then it does not look that great.
In addition, while I don’t know that I would exactly say that this product has been irritating to my lips, it definitely doesn’t seem to do my lips any favors.
All in all, therefore, I have not been inclined at all to reach for this product when choosing a lipstick.
This particular shade does seem unusually well-suited to my complexion in terms of serving as a blush, and so I have been using it for that purpose.
The flavor and scent are less bothersome when the product is used on my cheeks, and the formula seems to work well for that.
I don’t see myself buying any more products from this lipstick line though.
Size: 0.14 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.6 Stars (114 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
Think Dirty Rating: 4 (yellow)
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Problematic Colors, Natural Fragrance, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Benzoate)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 8 (red)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Tocopheryl acetate (3), Natural fragrance (8), Rosa canina fruit oil (3), Benzyl alcohol (6), Benzyl benzoate (5), Citronellol (4), Geraniol (5), Limonene (5), Linalool (3), Red #7 (6), Yellow #5 (6), Red #30 (5), Red #28 (5), Red #22 (5)
Fragrance Ingredients: Natural fragrance, Mango seed butter, Rosa canina fruit oil, Rosemary leaf extract, Raspberry seed oil, Acacia decurrens flower wax, Citronellol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool
All Ingredients: Castor Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Candelilla Wax, Carnauba Wax, Apricot Kernel Oil, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, Rice Bran Extract, Jojoba Seed Oil, Jojoba Esters, Hydroxystearic/Linolenic/Oleic Polyglycerides, Sunflower Seed Wax, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sunflower Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Shea Butter, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Aroma, Mango Seed Butter, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Cocoa Seed Butter, Grape Seed Oil, Raspberry Seed Oil, Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax, Polyglycerin-3, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Benzoate, Citronellol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxide, Red 7, Yellow 5, Red 30, Red 28, Red 22, Manganese Violet
Jane Iredale Triple Lux Lipstick – $35
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Living Clean Rating: 9 out of 10
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Vanilla Extract
Problematic Colorings: Red #6, Red #7, Red #27, Red #30
Silicone Level: None
Breakage: Yes
The description of this product reads, “Triple Luxe Long Lasting Naturally Moist Lipstick offers richly-pigmented color in a breakthrough ‘Triple’ formula that’s long-lasting, natural and moisturizing. Stylishly chic shades glide on for a creamy matte finish. Antioxidant-rich Moringa Oil soothes and nourishes. Unique blend of waxes and oils softens, protects and hydrates. Tahitian Vanilla and Blackberry offer a subtly sweet flavor and fragrance. Sleek rose gold bullet tube features a magnetic closure.”
This lipstick from Jane Iredale looked pretty similar to the Charlotte Tilbury ones on my lips but contains a higher proportion of natural ingredients.
It went on very nicely even without a lip liner and has a soft cushiony feeling.
The formula looked good on me and (for a lipstick that is this moisturizing) seemed to hold up pretty well without my needing to reapply it.
It smelled and tasted pretty strongly of vanilla, but in this case it is real vanilla rather than vanillin (an artificial version that I would prefer to avoid).
The ingredient list also mentions ginger and blackberry extracts as being present, though whether they are contributing to the flavor, I don’t know. In any case, I really liked the smell and taste of this product and enjoyed using it.
Unfortunately, the lipstick that I owned broke off at the base after I had used it only a few times (and without my putting any particular pressure on it), and I see from the Amazon and Jane Iredale website reviews that this has happened to many other people.
I was able to resume using the lipstick by scooping out the extra product from the base and then pressing the broken-off lipstick back into it.
I still consider the tendency to break in this way to be a major problem, however.
Another challenge with regard to this line seems to be in the area of the colors, with many additional users complaining in the reviews that the color that they received doesn’t suit them.
I tried the shade Sakura (described as a “warm bubblegum pink”) as a gift with purchase. This was a shade that I was considering buying anyway based on the photos and description, but I don’t much like how it looks on me since it is lighter and cooler than I expected. (It does look nice if I add a too-bright-for-me lip gloss on top of it, though.)
Considering that not very many retail outlets have Jane Iredale products available to try on in the store, I think it would be good for the company to work some more on providing on their website an accurate representation of what their lipsticks actually look like, including showing them on different skin tones.
Full-face pictures (rather than just photos of swatches and lips) and more accurate color descriptions would be especially helpful.
Size: Unclear
Amazon Rating: 3.9 Stars (212 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Problematic Colors)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Titanium dioxide (3), Red #6 (6), Red #7 (6), Red #27 (5), Red #30 (5)
Fragrance Ingredients: Ginger root extract, Vanilla tahitensis fruit extract, Blackberry fruit extract
All Ingredients: Castor Seed Oil, Avocado Oil, Jojoba Esters, Candelilla Wax, Copernicia Cerifera Cera, Moringa Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Moringa Oil/Hydrogenated Moringa Oil Esters, Hydrogenated Palm Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, White Mustard Sprout Extract, Ginger Root Extract, Pumpkin Seed Extract, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Grape Seed Extract, Vanilla Tahitensis Fruit Extract, Blackberry Fruit Extract, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Isopropyl Myristate, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate. May Contain: Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Red 6, Red 7, Red 27, Red 30
Kosas Weightless Lipstick – $28
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Living Clean Rating: 9 out of 10
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Orange Oil, Vanillin, Limonene, Linalool
Problematic Colorings: None
Silicone Level: None
Breakage: No
The description of this product reads, “A game-changing clean lipstick made with active botanical oils and butters to hydrate and nourish. Comfiest feel, lasts all day. Buttery and pigment-rich, this innovative formula of 6 botanical oils and 3 hydrating butters creates nourishing, long-lasting color that’s a new take on lipstick. Clean formula, comfy feel. The pure, weightless formula gives you the payoff you want without feeling heavy. Smooth, lived-in finish always.”
These high-quality lipsticks from Kosas are available in what seems a carefully curated selection of shades, all of which seem likely to be flattering to a variety of skin tones and undertones.
The company also is thoughtful enough to allow consumers to try out all the colors before making a purchase decision by offering a sample card for $3 (with the cost deductible from any future Kosas order made within a month).
I therefore have had a chance to try all 11 of the currently available Kosas shades and have been surprised at how many of them have looked nice on me (at least when applied sheerly with a lip brush).
If I liked heavily pigmented lipsticks, this would be my favorite brand, I think.
Kosas lipsticks have been cited as favorites by a number of celebrities including Gwyneth Paltrow, who sells them on her Goop website. (Her preferred shade is Royal, described as a “cool tone berry.”)
The line includes two relatively sheer lipsticks: Stardust (“warm tone sheer neutral”) and Rosewater (“cool tone sheer pink”). Although these are both a little brighter than the lip colors that I typically choose, they look nice on me and I have enjoyed wearing them.
I also really like the shade Vegas (“warm beige”), which is available only from the Kosas website.
Although the Kosas lipsticks look better on me when I am wearing lip liner, I have been able to get away with wearing them on their own. I have found that they go on really easily and have good staying power.
I’ve not found it to be all that necessary to wear primer under these lipsticks, and they look very nice even without lip gloss on top.
They feel and taste pretty clean to me, and the ingredient list looks pretty good.
However, they do contain orange oil (which some people may find irritating) and vanillin (an artificial ingredient usually derived from petrochemicals that I would prefer to avoid). The scent is noticeable but not terribly strong.
If they were to substitute real vanilla for the vanillin, this product would be just about perfect for many lipstick users, I think.
Size: 0.14 oz.
Credo Rating: 4.7 Stars (228 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Problematic Colors, Vanillin, Orange Oil)
Think Dirty Rating: 3 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Orange oil (5), Rosa canina oil (3), Tocopheryl acetate (3), Limonene (5), Linalool (3), Titanium dioxide (3), Red #7 (6), Red #30 (5). (Also contains Vanillin.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Orange peel oil, Mango seed butter, Rosa canina fruit oil, Rosemary leaf extract, Vanillin, Limonene, Linalool
All Ingredients: Castor Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Candelilla Wax, Octyldodecanol, Lanolin Oil, Silica, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Beeswax, Carnauba Wax, Cera Microcristallina, Rice Bran Extract, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Cocoa Seed Butter, Grape Seed Oil, Shea Butter, Caprylyl Glycol, Safflower Seed Oil, Orange Peel Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sunflower Extract, Mango Seed Butter, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Jojoba Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Vanillin, Limonene, Linalool. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Red 7, Iron Oxides, Red 30
Laura Mercier Rouge Essential Cream Lipstick – $34
Living Clean Rating: 8 out of 10
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (3 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Problematic Colorings: Blue #1, Red #7, Red #28
Silicone Level: High
Breakage: No
The description of this product reads, “The ultimate statement-making lipstick. Weightless, high-impact long lasting color with a satin finish. Rouge Essentiel Silky Crème Lipstick fuses high-impact color with weightless decadence for the ultimate sensation in lip color. The custom-curved bullet is sculpted to envelop lips and deliver long lasting intense color in one silky swipe. The long lasting, silky cream lipstick formula lasts up to six hours without transferring, feathering, drying, fading or smudging. Infused with Mediterranean Sea algae extract, this lipstick moisturizes and smooths lips’ appearance, creating a perfected canvas for bold color payoff. Micronized coated pigments provide strong color intensity for uniform color release.”
This is a silicone-based lipstick containing multiple kinds of dimethicone that I have enjoyed using.
It feels similar to the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution lipsticks, providing a cushiony soft feeling and look.
I especially like this lipstick because I am not detecting any type of taste or fragrance (and no such ingredients are listed as being included).
While this lipstick contains a small amount of talc, I do not personally consider that to be a deal killer when used in a cream product since there is no danger of it being breathed in even if asbestos contamination were to be present.
I think that the formula looks nice on my lips even when I am not wearing lip liner, and it also holds up pretty well.
A downside of this brand is that I had a hard time deciding which color to buy, which is why I ended up with a shade that was not very well-suited to me.
I have the color A La Rose (“light dirty pink”) in this lipstick. It has turned out to be a little bit too much of a cool pink color to be ideal on me, though I feel like I can get away with it if I am wearing the right clothes and other makeup.
While the Laura Mercier site has a try-on feature, it unfortunately uses a live camera (which I have not found to be very accurate for color selection even if I take my computer or phone outdoors). I have done much better in choosing colors on the MAC site by uploading a high-quality still photograph of myself.
Laura Mercier lipsticks may be available to swatch in some Sephora stores, though.
Size: 0.12 oz.
Ulta Rating: 4.5 Stars (505 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: No
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Unclear
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Problematic Colors, Talc)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Talc (5), Tocopheryl Acetate (3), Titanium Dioxide (3), Blue #1 (7), Red #7 (6), Red #28 (5), Zinc oxide (3). (Also contains Cetyl Dimethicone, C30-45 Alkyl Dimethicone.)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Cetyl dimethicone, di-c12-13 alkyl tartrate, octyldodecanol, c30-45 alkyl dimethicone, polyethylene, caprylic/capric triglyceride, microcrystalline wax, talc, stearalkonium bentonite, synthetic fluorphlogopite, dicalcium phosphate, tocopheryl acetate, camellia oleifera seed oil, jojoba seed oil, padina pavonica thallus extract, pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate, caprylyl methicone, propylene carbonate, mica, tin oxide. May contain: titanium dioxide, blue 1, iron oxides, red 7, red 28, zinc oxide.
Lisa Eldridge Insanely Saturated Lip Color – $36
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Living Clean Rating: 9 out of 10
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Problematic Colorings: Red #6, Red #7, Blue #1, Yellow #5
Silicone Level: High
Breakage: No
The description of this product reads, “This full on, deliciously creamy, full coverage Lip Colour glides seamlessly on to the lips and delivers a weightless, luminous demi-matte finish in one swipe. Make a statement with the electrifyingly glamorous paintbox of rainbow brights and insouciant pouty pinks of the Insanely Saturated Lip Colour range. Joining the iconic, fan favourites Rainbow Spill and Skyscraper Rose come three exciting and vivid new shade additions: Strawberry Shock, New Wave and Sunday Matinee.”
This lipstick is a tiny bit less matte than the Lisa Eldridge True Velvets lipsticks but otherwise seems very similar in terms of the formula.
It goes on really easily and wears well without smudging – no small feat with a lipstick this saturated.
As with all the Lisa Eldridge lipsticks, this product feels good to me and has what I consider to be an acceptable ingredient list.
In addition to some artificial colorings, the product contains laureth-12 (a sulfate) and bis-PEG-12 dimethicone beeswax (a silicone containing polyethylene glycol), both of which would make the product ineligible to be sold at Credo due to concerns about contamination of the materials.
I personally feel fine about using this lipstick, though.
I tried this lipstick in the shade Sunday Matinee, which is described as “A soft, pouty medium pink with a hint of warmth. Never washed out or too try-hard, it’s as insouciant and laid back as a Sunday spent watching your favourite, classic film.”
I have found that this shade looks rather muted (though saturated) in terms of the color when I put it on in my bathroom, but that it turns into something much brighter and punchier when I am out in the sunlight.
I still like the way that it looks on me, but it definitely gives off more of an avant-garde vibe than anything else in my lipstick wardrobe.
The other shades in this line are all frankly experimental, with especially bold colors in the undertones.
I am impressed with all the Lisa Eldridge lipstick formulas and think that these lipsticks could be good possibilities for those who like the available shades.
Size: 0.12 oz.
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Problematic Colors, PEG, Laureth-12)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Dimethicone (3), Bis-PEG-12 Dimethicone Beeswax (3), Laureth-12 (3), Titanium Dioxide (3), Red #6 (6), Red #7 (6), Blue #1 (7), Yellow #5 (6).
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Dimethicone, Octyldodecanol, Polyethylene, Polysilicone-11, Nylon-12, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Bis-PEG-12 Dimethicone Beeswax, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Dicalcium Phosphate, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Avocado Oil, Shea Butter, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Laureth-12, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Propylene Carbonate, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Red 6, Red 7 Lake, Blue 1 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake.
All information is for the Sunday Matinee shade.
Lisa Eldridge True Velvet Lip Color – $36
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Living Clean Rating: 9 out of 10
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (3 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Problematic Colorings: Red #6, Red #7, Red #28, Blue #1, Yellow #5
Silicone Level: High
Breakage: Yes
The description of this product reads, “Saturated and highly pigmented lipstick with a beautiful, true velvet effect on the surface of the bullet which looks exactly like velvet fabric. The formulation is a creamy, hydrating matte with a slight sheen – it’s not a ‘flat’ matte. The colour is long wearing and non drying on the lips.”
This lipstick gives a true matte effect on the lips, but also feels quite creamy and moisturizing.
Although I usually use lip primer under all saturated lipsticks, it hardly seems necessary with this one.
In addition, I have found the product to have a totally neutral taste and to feel good on my lips.
Usually even with the matte lipsticks that I tolerate, my lips feel a lot worse after I have worn them for an extended period of time.
With this one, my lips not only do not feel worse, they may feel a little better than if I had been wearing no lip product.
While the lipstick does not last anywhere near as long as any of my MAC lipsticks (and disappears entirely if I eat a meal), it is so comfortable to wear that I really like it anyway.
This is a silicone-containing lipstick, which may be problematic for some people but which I personally consider to be fine.
In addition to some artificial colorings, the product contains laureth-12 (a sulfate) and bis-PEG-12 dimethicone beeswax (a silicone containing polyethylene glycol), both of which would make the product ineligible to be sold at Credo due to concerns about contamination of the materials.
I personally feel fine about using this lipstick, though.
I tried the popular shade Velvet Muse (“a sensual, smoky rosewood shade with the perfect mix of pinky brown and dirty rose undertones to make this shade super wearable across a wide variety of skintones”). It was a bit more muted than I anticipated but has worked well for me.
I purchased the matching Lisa Eldridge lip liner along with it and feel that the two have worked well together.
Sadly, the lipstick broke at the base within a couple of weeks after I received it, even though I had only used it a handful of times.
I was able to repair the lipstick by digging the remaining product out of the base and then gently pressing the broken piece into the holder.
I saved the extra product and have gotten some use out of it by applying it with my finger, which I usually don’t like to do with lip products because it is messy.
In this case, though, I feel that the product actually looks really good on me when I use it that way, and so I am not too upset about the incident.
Although I’ve yet to hear of other reports of the product breaking from influencers, the fact that the Lisa Eldridge site does not allow user reviews where people could share any breakage experiences that they may have had makes me a little more hesitant to buy another lipstick from the True Velvet line.
When I contacted the site about the issue, they asked me to share a photo of the broken lipstick and then offered to send me a new one.
Probably I will buy at least one more of this lipstick eventually since I otherwise like the formula so much and since many of the colors are really appealing to me.
Size: 0.12 oz.
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: Unclear
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Problematic Colors, PEG, Laureth-12)
EWG Ingredients Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Dimethicone (3), Bis-PEG-12 Dimethicone Beeswax (3), Laureth-12 (3), Titanium dioxide (3), Red #6 (6), Red #7 (6), Red #28 (5), Blue #1 (7), Yellow #5 (6)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Dimethicone, Octyldodecanol, Polyethylene, Polysilicone-11, Nylon-12, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Bis-PEG-12 Dimethicone Beeswax, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Propylene Carbonate, Laureth-12, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-DI-T-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Mica, Tin Oxide. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Red 6, Red 7, Red 28, Blue 1, Yellow 5.
MAC Lipsticks – $21+
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Living Clean Rating (All But Love Me and Powder Kiss): 9 out of 10
Living Clean Rating (Love Me and Powder Kiss): 8 out of 10
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating (All But Love Me and Powder Kiss): (4 / 5)
Ingredients Rating (Love Me and Powder Kiss): (3 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Flavor, Sodium Saccharin (Powder Kiss); Vanillin (All Others)
Problematic Colorings: Blue #1, Red #6, Red #7, Red #28, Red #30, Red #33, Yellow #5, Yellow #6, Red #21, Red #40, Red #22, Red #27, Yellow #10
Silicone Level: High (Powder Kiss); None (All Others)
Breakage: No
MAC is often cited as the top lipstick brand in the U.S., with two of its shades – Velvet Teddy and Ruby Woo – invariably making the lists of the top lipsticks sold in both the U.S. and worldwide.
Interestingly, at least according to EWG, most of the MAC formulas also are pretty clean – actually more so than the lipsticks from some brands that market themselves as specializing in “clean beauty.”
The company’s popular Matte lipsticks, for instance, contain no ingredients considered by EWG to be problematic except for the artificial colors and titanium dioxide.
Detailed ingredient information on all MAC lipstick lines (bullet-style only) may be found on the MAC Lipsticks page of this website.
I purchased a number of different bullet-style MAC lipsticks for this project and found that all of them felt fine to me.
I also tried the MAC Prep + Prime Lip Primer, which is a silicone-based product that EWG rates as a 1 (green) on their 1-10 toxicity scale.
I was happy to find that the primer has helped a great deal in terms of making the classic MAC lipsticks (as well as other lipsticks that I own) feel more easily wearable to me and that it has not irritated my lips at all.
Many of the most popular MAC lipsticks are from the company’s Matte line, which is stated as having the ability to last for up to 10 hours. While my own MAC lipsticks have not lasted that long, I agree that they have lasted on my lips for far longer than any other lip product that I have tried.
The Matte and Satin lipsticks seem very similar to me and have very similar ingredient lists. These lipsticks do go on pretty dry, to the point that I have found using the MAC lip primer (or, less preferably, some other kind of lip balm) to be mandatory when using them.
Lip liner is also very helpful with these lipsticks in creating more definition, with a little touch of lip gloss or highlighter on top seeming essential to finish the look.
While completing all these steps may seem a bit tedious, I think that – especially for those who are using bright or dark lipstick colors – the end result may be well worth it in terms of wearability and staying power.
Some of MAC’s other lipsticks – including the Amplified Creme, Cremesheen, Frost, Lustreglass, and perhaps especially the Love Me lipsticks – are much more easygoing in terms of how they feel on the lips.
While they may not last for as long as the matte lipsticks, they are so much easier to use that re-applying them does not seem like much of a chore.
One of the things that I like most about the MAC line is the ability to upload a photo of myself to the website and then to see what the different shades of lipstick offered will look like on me.
I have found this to be extremely accurate as well as very efficient in terms of helping me to choose colors that will look good on me.
Colors that I have purchased and liked include Velvet Teddy and Mehr (in the Matte line), Good Health and Twig (in the Satin line), Half ‘N Half (in the Amplified Creme line), Hug Me (in the Lustreglass line), Pink Power (in the Frost line), and Sakura SZN (in the Love Me line).
The MAC Powder Kiss lipsticks include silicone, as well as unspecified “flavor” and saccharin (and no vanillin). While I had anticipated not liking this formula, it actually turned out to feel acceptable to me. I wouldn’t buy another shade in it, though.
The Retro Matte lipsticks also contain silicone, as well as a couple of other questionable ingredients – glyceryl linoleate and glyceryl linolenate. This formula is used for the popular Ruby Woo shade as well as a few other highly saturated shades. I have not yet tried any lipsticks from this line.
Overall, I have found the MAC lipsticks that I have tried feel okay to me from a toxicity standpoint. None of them has been irritating to my lips and the taste has been acceptable.
The lipsticks do have a mild taste/smell of vanillin, but it is not nearly as strong as it is with some lipsticks and I am not detecting anything else that is problematic when I use them.
All in all, I feel that MAC lipsticks have several major advantages over most lipsticks sold by “clean beauty” companies: they are available in a wide variety of highly pigmented and attractive colors; they last for a long time on the lips; and they are reasonably priced.
The presence of MAC beauty counters in many stores where the products can be tried on as well as the excellent “Try It On” feature on the MAC website also may be very helpful in allowing people to choose the right shades for them.
Size: 0.1 oz.
Awards (Satin): In Style Best Lipstick 2022
Ulta Rating (Matte): 4.5 Stars (1742 reviews)
Credo Clean: Unclear
Clean at Sephora: Unclear
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Problematic Colors; Some versions may contain Vanillin, BHT, PEG’s, Sodium Saccharin, and/or Flavor.)
Think Dirty Rating: 3/6 (green/yellow)
EWG Product Rating: 3/4 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 6/7 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients (Amplified): Tocopheryl acetate (3), Titanium dioxide (3), Blue #1 (7), Red #6 (6), Red #7 (6), Red #28 (5), Red #30 (5), Red #33 (4), Yellow #5 (6), Yellow #6 (7). (Also contains vanillin.)
EWG Problem Ingredients (Cremesheen): Cetyl lactate (4), Tocopheryl acetate (3), Titanium dioxide (3), Blue #1 (7), Red #6 (6), Red #21 (5), Red #7 (6), Red #28 (5), Red #30 (5), Red #33 (4), Yellow #5 (6), Yellow #6 (7). (Also contains vanillin.)
EWG Problem Ingredients (Frost): Titanium dioxide (3), Blue #1 (7), Red #6 (6), Red #21 (5), Red #40 (6), Red #7 (6), Red #28 (5), Red #30 (5), Red #33 (4), Red #40 (6), Yellow #5 (6), Yellow #6 (7), Yellow #5 (6). (Also contains vanillin)
EWG Problem Ingredients (Love Me): Tocopheryl acetate (3), BHT (3), Titanium dioxide (3), Blue #1 (7), Red #6 (6), Red #7 (6), Red #21 (5), Red #27 (5), Red #28 (5), Red #30 (5), Red #22 (5), Red #33 (4), Yellow #5 (6), Yellow #6 (7). (Also contains vanillin)
EWG Problem Ingredients (Lustreglass): Tocopheryl acetate (3), Titanium dioxide (3), PEG-10 phytosterol (3), Phenoxyethanol (4), Blue #1 (7), Red #6 (6), Red #7 (6), Red #21 (5), Red #27 (5), Red #28 (5), Red #30 (5), Red #33 (4), Red #21 (5), Red #28 (5), Red #30 (5), Yellow #5 (6), Yellow #6 (7)
EWG Problem Ingredients (Matte): Titanium dioxide (3), Blue #1 (7), Red #6 (6), Red #7 (6), Red #21 (5), Red #28 (5), Red #30 (5), Red #33 (4), Yellow #5 (6), Yellow #6 (7), Yellow #10 (7). (Also contains vanillin.)
EWG Problem Ingredients (Powder Kiss): Dimethicone (3), Flavor (4), Titanium dioxide (3), Blue #1 (7), Orange #5 (4), Red #6 (6), Red #21 (5), Red #28 (5), Red #30 (5), Red #7 (6), Red #21 (5), Red #28 (5), Red #33 (4), Yellow #5 (6), Yellow #6 (7). (Also contains sodium saccharin, nano silica dimethyl silylate, dimethicone crosspolymer.)
EWG Problem Ingredients (Retro Matte): Dimethicone (3), Glyceryl linoleate (3), Glyceryl linolenate (3), Titanium dioxide (3), Red #6 (6), Red #7 (6), Red #28 (5), Yellow #5 (6), Yellow #6 (7), Yellow #10 (7), Red #33 (4), Blue #1 (7), Red #30 (5), Orange #5 (4). (Also contains vanillin.)
EWG Problem Ingredients (Satin): Titanium dioxide (3), Blue #1 (7), Red #6 (6), Red #7 (6), Red #21 (5), Red #28 (5), Red #30 (5), Red #33 (4), Yellow #5 (6), Yellow #6 (7), Yellow #10 (7). (Also contains vanillin.)
EWG Problem Ingredients (Prep + Prime Lip): Cyclopentasiloxane (3)
Fragrance Ingredients (All Except Powder Kiss): Vanillin
Fragrance Ingredients (Powder Kiss): Flavor, Sodium Saccharin
Contains Silicones: Matte Retro, Powder Kiss, and Prep + Prime products only.
More ingredient information is listed on the MAC Lipsticks page of this website.
MOB Cream Lipstick – $27
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Living Clean Rating: 9 out of 10
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Limonene, Vanillin, Orange Oil
Problematic Colorings: Yellow #5, Yellow #6, Red #6, Red #7, Red #27, Red #28, Red #30, Red #33, Blue #1
Silicone Level: None
Breakage: No
The description of this product reads, “One swipe color saturation, beyond creamy texture. Infused with vitamins C and E, chamomile, and jojoba for rich hydration. Clean and vegan. Hydrate and calm your lips with an infusion of Vitamins C and E, chamomile and jojoba. We loaded our lipstick with a high, 15-20% pigment load for one swipe, full coverage color. Our natural tripeptide gives a plumping effect for a dewy, creamy finish.”
MOB is a new brand from some of the original people (including a key makeup formulator) who started MAC back in the 1980’s.
Their lipsticks seem similar to those from MAC in terms of the amounts of pigment used and the fact that they seem to be especially targeting professional makeup artists.
Unfortunately for me (since I have a very difficult time remembering numbers) all of their shades are designated only by numbers rather than names. I tried M61 (“soft coral”) as well as a sample of M58 (“tawny rose”) in the cream lipsticks.
The full-size lipstick seemed much better to me than the sample in terms of how it felt on my lips.
In sharp contrast to MAC lipsticks, the full-size lipstick that I bought is creamy and hydrating for my lips (to the point that I actually want to wear it).
I found that the product felt and tasted clean on my lips, without causing any irritation.
Other than the artificial colors, the only issues that EWG considers to be problematic are limonene and orange oil. Vanillin (artificial vanilla) also is included.
I feel like the smell and flavor of this lipstick is mild enough to be basically non-existent, at least to me, though.
The color of the lipsticks is quite saturated. In addition, the two colors that I tried (though described with the words “soft” and “tawny”) seemed to be pretty clear tones rather than the “mucky” ones I feel are best suited to my complexion.
For those who want a brighter and fully saturated lipstick, I think this could be an excellent choice.
The finish on these lipsticks is distinctly glossy, but in a pretty way.
They also have a line of matte lipsticks (so far with only two shades available) that I have not tried yet.
The containers for these lipsticks are refillable, with the cost of the plastic containers only $5.
I like the containers, except for the fact that there is no way to know what shade of lipstick is inside without removing the lid.
I would think that this would be especially annoying for makeup artists but really for anyone who becomes committed to this brand.
The lipstick refill actually does come with a small clear plastic lid, but it is supposed to be temporary. Maybe I will just keep using that one and throw away the black plastic lid.
My other option seems to be to write a description of the shade (since there is no shade name) on FrogTape and then stick it to the container.
I think it would be better if (as is the case with most of the other MOB products) clear plastic were to be included in the design so that it is obvious without opening the case which color is inside.
Or at the very least, the company could include a sticker with the shade number and description for the user to attach to the container.
While I really like the formula for these lipsticks, I am having a hard time thinking that it would be a good idea for me to buy more of them since I no longer have a great deal of confidence that I will be successful in choosing a shade that works well for me.
If I had more information about what the colors look like (such as might be provided through influencer swatch videos, better photos on the website, or a “Try It On” feature like MAC uses), I would be much more likely to feel confident about making another purchase.
I do really like the formula and so also would be willing to spend some money buying color samples (such as Kosas or Rituel de Fille offer) to try to find shades that would work for me.
Size: 0.10 oz.
Credo Rating: 5.0 Stars (15 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Problematic Colors, Natural Fragrance, Orange Oil, Vanillin)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Limonene (5), Orange oil (5), Yellow #5 (6), Yellow #6 (7), Red #6 (6), Red #7 (6), Red #27 (5), Red #28 (5), Red #30 (5), Red #33 (4), Blue #1 (4). (Also contains Vanillin.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Limonene, Vanillin, Orange Peel Oil
All Ingredients: Jojoba esters, tridecyl trimellitate phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate, diisostearyl malate, polyhydroxystearic acid, microcrystalline wax, carnauba wax, cetearyl nonanoate, capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymer, silica, dilinoleic acid/propanediol copolymer, triacontanyl pvp, n-capryloyl lysine, ethylhexyl palmitate, tocopherol, bisabolol, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, phytosphingosine, tribehenin, sorbitan isostearate, limonene, vanillin, ascorbyl palmitate, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, orange peel oil. May contain: titanium dioxide, iron oxides, yellow 5, yellow 6, red 6, red 7, red 27, red 28, red 30, red 33, blue 1
Nars Powermatte Long-Lasting Lipstick – $34
Living Clean Rating: 8 out of 10
Performance Rating: (4 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Problematic Colorings: Blue #1, Red #28, Red #6, Red #7, Yellow #6
Silicone Level: Moderate
The description of this product reads, “High-intensity matte formula that glides on bold color with 10-hour wear. A dynamic blend of pure pigments suspended in rich emollient oils and color-locking ingredients, it saturates lips with dense color that glides on effortlessly and wears comfortably. Limited Edition.”
These new lipsticks from Nars (released in 2022) have an ingredient list that looks good to me, with only the artificial colors being problematic.
The product has worked well for me, without causing any skin irritation and without any smell or taste the I find to be objectionable.
The lipstick goes on smoothly and easily, and I think that it looks really nice on me.
I have not needed to wear a lip liner with this product to have it look good on me. I am able to fill in my whole lip area evenly even when I am not paying much attention, and the product stays where it is supposed to stay.
The odd thing about this lipstick is that while it goes on feeling rather creamy and velvety (sort of similar to the Lisa Eldridge matte lipsticks), within just a few minutes after application it turns into a finish that is quite dry and (to me) slightly uncomfortable.
It is so surprising to me how quickly that change happens. It is almost like a magic trick.
Before using this product, I thought that the MAC matte lipsticks and the RMS Wild With Desire lipsticks were on the dry side. This one is much, much more dry, though.
While it is certainly possible to use a clear lip gloss on top of this product to stop it from being so dry, that also negates the whole point of this lipstick as being a product that gives a true matte finish.
In addition, compared to the MAC matte and satin lipsticks, the staying power of this lipstick is not nearly as long.
I have the color Free Bird (“peachy coral”) and think it looks great on me. Supposedly Free Bird is a less saturated color that many of the other lipsticks in this line, and probably that is one reason that I personally am happy with it.
All in all, I really like this lipstick in many respects, but have not been wearing it much due to it being so drying.
I’m still glad that Nars is introducing some cleaner products to the marketplace though.
Size: 0.05 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.6 Stars (232 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: No (Meets Criteria)
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Problematic Colors)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Tocopheryl Acetate (3), Blue #1 (7), Red #28 (5), Red #6 (6), Red #7 (6), Yellow #6 (7). (Also contains Caprylyl Methicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate.)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Isododecane, Synthetic Wax, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Caprylyl Methicone, Octyldodecanol, Hydrogenated Microcrystalline Wax, Lauroyl Lysine, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polyethylene, Hydrogenated Styrene/Isoprene Copolymer, Polysilicone-11, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate. May Contain: Blue 1 Lake, Iron Oxides, Red 28 Lake, Red 6, Red 7 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake.
Rituel de Fille Enchanted Lip Sheers- $25
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Living Clean Rating: 10 out of 10
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredient Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Lavender Oil
Problematic Colorings: Carmine
Silicone Level: None
Breakage: No
The description of this product reads, “Inspired by ancient botanicals, these highly moisturizing lip sheers offer translucent yet vibrant color. Every Rituel de Fille product is obsessively formulated in-house with the smallest number of ingredients possible. Each carefully-selected pigment, oil and wax has a purpose, we use nothing extraneous and avoid fillers. This attention to detail creates intense color and exceptionally long wear while maintaining a velvety texture. Finished products and raw ingredients are all cruelty free. Made with 100% natural ingredients. Synthetic dye free. Synthetic fragrance free. Paraben free. Phthalate free. Sulfate free.”
Rituel de Fille is the one company that I have found that is able to create beautiful and highly saturated lipstick colors using only natural coloring agents.
Their products are unusually clean in general and therefore are quite appealing to me.
Although the looks featured on the company’s website tend to be extremely dramatic, I have found many of the shades offered to be totally wearable and pretty as everyday makeup looks for me.
I’ve personally had very good luck with the Rituel de Fille Enchanted Lip Sheers, which actually are not very sheer at all and are available in a variety of gorgeous colors with the potential to look good on many people.
I’ve really liked Whitethorn (“natural fleshy pink”), Bittersweet (“dusty papaya”) and Narcissus (“neutral peach”), and I would be interested in trying some of the other shades as well.
The Enchanted Lip Sheers colors have a good bit of staying power on the lips, though not as much as (say) the MAC Matte or RMS Wild With Desire lipsticks.
I tend to do better with them if I use my MAC lip primer or even just some lip balm underneath them, rather than putting them straight on my bare lips.
An odd thing about these lipsticks is that they are scented quite strongly with natural lavender oil.
While I like the smell of lavender, having it be present this strongly in a product intended for my mouth always startles me even though I have used these lipsticks dozens of times.
Although I would prefer that my lipstick have no scent at all, lavender is better than many other fragrance options, I guess.
In addition, these lipsticks come in a tube that is only a little larger than a cigarette and that contains only about half the amount of product in standard-sized lipsticks. The cost-per-gram price is thus pretty high.
In general, though, I think that this is a really lovely lipstick line and that the colors that these artists have managed to create using only natural ingredients is quite an accomplishment.
Those who are uncertain about whether the colors will work for them may want to start out by purchasing a set of five samples of the company’s lipsticks or other products ($15) to see which ones suit them the best.
Size: 0.06 oz.
Credo Rating: 4.7 Stars (109 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Appropriate: Yes
EWG Product Rating: 1 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Titanium dioxide (3). (Also contains Lavender Oil, Carmine.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Lavender oil, rosemary leaf extract
All Ingredients: Castor seed oil, jojoba seed oil, candelilla wax, silica, beeswax, caranuba wax, titanium dioxide, carmine, iron oxides, lavender oil, rosemary leaf extract, tocopherol (non-GMO)
Rituel de Fille Forbidden Lipsticks – $25
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Living Clean Rating: 10 out of 10
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredient Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Lavender Oil
Problematic Colorings: Carmine
Silicone Level: None
Breakage: No
The description of this product reads, “Dramatic, boldly pigmented, and powerful to wear. An intensely saturated, rich and luxuriant lipstick carefully crafted to reveal bold, daring color and impart enduring moisture. Every Rituel de Fille product is obsessively formulated in-house with the smallest number of ingredients possible. Each carefully-selected pigment, oil and wax has a purpose, we use nothing extraneous and avoid fillers. This attention to detail creates intense color and exceptionally long wear while maintaining a velvety texture.”
The formula for these lipsticks is basically the same as that for the Rituel de Fille Enchanted Lip Sheers (discussed above), but using either deep red or quite pale shades.
Only natural ingredients (including natural coloring agents) are used.
It’s my impression that these shades are intended to be rather dramatic and possibly to get across a Goth or witchy-type vibe, though of course how the look comes across may vary depending on the rest of the makeup as well as clothing.
I tried the shade Fortune Teller (“oxblood berry red”) and found the color to be extremely rich and beautiful (if ill-suited to my own complexion). However, the color disappeared almost entirely from my lips soon after I put it on. I wonder if there is a way to increase the staying power.
I also tried the shade Oracle (“warm rosy beige”), which held up much better on my lips. Although this looked like it would be one of the more wearable light shades in this line and was pretty when swatched on my hand, I found it to be too light and too grey to be flattering to me (or at least to give me the sort of look that I prefer to wear).
Like the Enchanted Lip Sheers, these lipsticks are scented quite strongly with lavender oil and come in very small tubes.
Those who are uncertain about whether the colors will work for them may want to start out by purchasing a set of five samples of the company’s lipsticks or other products ($15) to see which ones suit them the best.
Size: 0.06 oz.
Credo Rating: 4.7 Stars (95 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Yes
EWG Product Rating: 1 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Titanium dioxide (3), Zinc oxide (3). (Also contains Carmine, Lavender Oil.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Lavender oil, rosemary leaf extract
All Ingredients: Castor seed oil, jojoba seed oil, silica, candelilla wax, beeswax, carnauba wax, rosemary leaf extract, lavender oil, tocopherol (non-GMO). May Contain: Carmine, mica, iron oxides, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, annatto, bronze powder, copper powder, calcium sodium borosilicate, sunflower seed oil, tin oxide, aluminum hydroxide, stearic acid
RMS Beauty Wild With Desire Lipstick – $28
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Living Clean Rating: 9 out of 10
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Problematic Colorings: Blue #1, Red #40, Yellow #5, Red #28, Yellow #6, Red #6, Red #7
Silicone Level: None
Breakage: No
The description of this product reads, “Bold, richly pigmented, long-lasting lipstick. Creates a high-impact satin finish with active clean ingredients. Feels naturally comfortable on lips. Infused with RMS’s Beauty Oil, this lipstick delivers antioxidants and luxurious skin-caring benefits. In a range of wearable shades. Won’t feather or bleed.”
Rose-Marie Swift (the founder of RMS) wears red lipstick every day as her signature look, and so it makes some sense that the company would offer a good line of highly pigmented lipsticks.
The Wild With Desire lipsticks are similar to the MAC Matte lipsticks, meaning that just putting them on bare lips and then leaving it at that does not work well for me at all.
Instead, I need to start with lip primer or balm; then line my lips with a lip pencil (lightly coloring my whole lips with the liner); then apply the lipstick; and then finish it off with a dab of lip gloss and maybe a little bit of highlighter.
This is admittedly a bit of work, but it does give me an attractive and dramatic look that lasts for hours.
The EWG website cites only artificial colorings and licorice leaf as potentially problematic ingredients in these lipsticks.
I consider it to be a big plus that (unlike MAC lipsticks) the RMS lipsticks do not contain any vanillin. In addition, they seem to contain a higher percentage of natural rather than “safe synthetic” ingredients.
I do not detect any problematic smell or taste in these lipsticks, and they feel pretty clean to me.
So far, I have tried two colors that were available only in an RMS sample collection: Temptation (“a classic pinky-mauve”) and Unmistakable (“a subtle pinky-nude”). The first one is quite bright but nonetheless has been wearable for me, and so I think that some of the other RMS lipstick colors may be easily wearable too.
Based on my experiences so far, I think that if I wanted to wear vivid lip colors on a regular basis, the RMS lipstick would be one of my top choices (along with Kosas and MAC). I think it’s a good formula and the colors all look really pretty.
Size: 0.15 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.5 Stars (35 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Problematic Colors)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Blue #1 (7), Red #40 (6), Yellow #5 (6), Red #28 (5), Licorice leaf extract (5), Yellow #6 (4), Red #6 (3), Red #7 (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Calendula officinalis extract, Hemidesmus indicus root extract, Turmeric leaf extract, Withania somnifera root powder, Meadowfoam seed oil
All Ingredients: *Castor Seed Oil, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate, Beeswax, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, Kaolin, *Candelilla Wax, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, *Carnauba Wax, *Cocoa Seed Butter, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Silica, Tocopherol, Isostearyl Palmitate, *Shea Butter, Cetyl Alcohol, *Jojoba Seed Oil, *Hypericum Perforatum Extract, *Equisetum Arvense Extract, *Calendula Officinalis Extract, *Hemidesmus Indicus Root Extract, *Turmeric Leaf Extract, *Withania Somnifera Root Powder, *Licorice Leaf Extract, *Olive Leaf Extract, Lecithin, Propanediol, Pentylene glycol, *Rice Bran Wax, Propylene Carbonate, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, **Buriti Fruit Oil. May Contain: Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide, Red 28, Mica, Blue 1, Red 6), Red 7, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6. *Organic Ingredient.
Rose Inc. Satin Lip Color Refillable Lipstick – $28
Living Clean Rating: 7 out of 10
Performance Rating: (3 / 5)
Ingredient Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Very Mild (Taste/Skin)
Processed Fragrance: Lemongrass Oil, Coriander Oil, Ethyl Vanillin, Rose Geranium Oil, Geraniol, Linalool, Citronellol
Problematic Colorings: Red #6, Red #7, Red #28, Yellow #5, Blue #1
Silicone Level: None
Breakage: No
The description of this product reads, “A rich refillable lipstick that plumps the lips while drenching delicate skin in moisture and visibly blurring the appearance of vertical lip lines. The creamy formula delivers lasting, weightless color with concentrated active ingredients — it’s classic lipstick with a skincare twist. Powerful botanicals smooth the lips and deliver a fuller look, oil-dispersed sodium hyaluronate visibly plumps and vitamin E creates a soft and supple finish.”
This is a new line of refillable lipsticks in mostly muted tones that was introduced by Rose Inc. in early 2022.
Although this lipstick seems to have received pretty good reviews, I have been somewhat less enthusiastic about it.
I do really like the colors of these lipsticks (10 shades are offered so far).
I have the shade Besotted (“beige pink”) and think that the color is very pretty.
However, I have found that the lipstick has more of a flat texture than the pictures would suggest. Even if I wear lip gloss with it, I don’t feel that I like the way that it looks on my lips all that much.
The lipstick also has more natural fragrance ingredients than I think is likely necessary, including lemongrass oil, coriander oil, ethyl vanillin, rose geranium oil, geraniol, linalool, and citronellol.
While the fragrance is not very strong, it is noticeable in terms of both the smell and the taste. I also found the lipstick to be slightly annoying to my lips.
The lipstick case for this product feels a little light to me, which is interesting considering that most refillable lipsticks use rather heavy and expensive cases. I wonder how it will hold up over time.
Refills are priced at $18.
Size: 0.14 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.7 Stars (384 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Problematic Colors, Essential Oil, Natural Fragrance, Ethyl Vanillin, Non-Organic Vegetable Oil)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 7 (red)
EWG Problem Ingredients: C13-15 alkane (3), Rose geranium oil (4), Geraniol (4), Linalool (3), Citronellol (4), Titanium dioxide (3), Red #6 (6), Red #7 (6), Red #28 (5), Yellow #5 (6), Blue #1 (7). (Also contains Ethyl Vanillin, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Rosemary leaf extract, Cymbopogon martini herb oil, Coriander fruit oil, Ethyl vanillin, Rose geranium oil, Geraniol, Linalool, Citronellol
All Ingredients: Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Castor Seed Oil, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Synthetic Wax, Candelilla Wax, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Isopropyl Palmitate, Silica, Swertia Chirata Extract, Brassica Alba Sprout Extract, Squalane, Sodium Hyaluronate, C13-15 Alkane, Sunflower Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Lecithin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenethyl Alcohol, Cymbopogon Martini Herb Oil, Coriander Fruit Oil, Ethyl Vanillin, Rose Geranium Oil, Water, Geraniol, Linalool, Citronellol. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Red 6, Red 7, Red 28, Yellow 5, Blue 1.
Saie Lip Blur – $24
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
Problematic Colorings: Yellow #6, Red #7
Silicone Level: None
The description of this product reads, “It’s the coveted, effortless french girl lip look done the saie way: The first clean matte lipstick that’s longwearing, shine-free, and hydrating. Lip Blur is packed with a blend of nourishing ingredients including Hyaluronic Acid, Olive Oil, Jojoba Esters, and Berry Fruit Wax to condition lips and blend in seamlessly. All six shades are formulated to be super comfortable, buildable, and achieve a softly-blurred to full coverage matte finish.”
I have yet to try this product but plan to do so soon.
Size: 0.07 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.6 Stars (263 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Problematic Colors)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Yellow #6 (7), Titanium Dioxide (3), Red #7 (6),
Fragrance Ingredients: Rhus Verniciflua Peel Wax, Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax
All Ingredients: Octyldodecanol, Candelilla Wax, Carnauba Wax, Castor Seed Oil, Sunflower Seed Wax, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Jojoba Esters, Hectorite, Undecane, Olea Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Silica, Tridecane, Shorea Robusta Resin, Rhus Verniciflua Peel Wax, Polyglycerin-3, Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax, Sodium Hyaluronate. May Contain: Yellow 6 Lake, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Red 7 Lake.
Sephora Collection Clean Liquid Lip Mousse – $15
Living Clean Rating: 8 out of 10
Performance Rating: (4 / 5)
Ingredient Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Problematic Colorings: Red #6, Red #7
Applicator Type: Doe-foot applicator
Gloss Level: Slightly glossy
Breakage: Not Applicable
The description of this product reads, “A clean, liquid mousse with a whipped, velvety texture in highly pigmented colors that give lips a comfortable, long-lasting, satin-matte finish. This lip mousse provides a bold lip color that‘s long lasting and won‘t bleed or feather. The texture glides on lips and provides full coverage in just one swipe while smoothing and blurring the look of lip lines. This lip mousse is also fragrance free and suitable for sensitive lips.”
This liquid lipstick is part of Sephora’s own small collection of cleaner beauty products, manufactured in Italy.
The products include very simple ingredient lists. This one consists mostly of dimethicone (silicone), along with a few other “safe synthetics” and some rosa canina extract.
Nine shades are available, with only the brighter ones containing artificial coloring agents.
I tried the Peony (“mauve pink”) shade, which goes on easily and looks nice on my lips. It has no noticeable smell or taste.
While there is nothing about this product that I find actively objectionable, I have found that I don’t ever feel much like using it and do not especially enjoy using it when I do use it.
Therefore, although I am not saying that I necessarily think this is a problematic product, I also don’t feel inclined to highly recommend it to others either.
Size: 0.135 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.4 Stars (135 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean At Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Problematic Colors)
EWG Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Dimethicone (3), Red #6 (6), Red #7 (6), Rosa Canina Fruit Extract (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Rosa Canina Fruit Extract
All Ingredients: Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Octyldodecanol, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Red 7, C18-36 Acid Triglyceride, Kaolin, Polybutene, Red 6, Red 28, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Iron Oxides, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract.
(All information is for the Rose shade.)
Violette_FR Petal Bouche Matte – $28
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Living Clean Rating: 9 out of 10
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredient Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Problematic Colorings: Yellow #5, Red #7, Red #28
Applicator Type: Doe-foot applicator
Gloss Level: Matte
Breakage: Not Applicable
Although I have not found many liquid lip colors that have felt okay to me, this one has worked well.
The color is quite bright, but it applies easily and looks nice on me.
Size: 0.12 oz.
Violette FR Rating: 4.6 Stars (698 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Maybe
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe
EWG Ingredient Rating: 7 (red)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Yellow #5 (6), Red #7 (6), Red #28 (5), Dimethicone (4), Tin Oxide (4), Phenoxyethanol (4), Silica (3), C13-15 Alkane (3), Tocopheryl Acetate (3), Titanium Dioxide (3), Iron Oxides (3).
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Isododecane, Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Castor Seed Oil, Candelilla Wax, Polybutene, Silica, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Propylene Carbonate, Tribehenin, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, C13-15 Alkane, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Carnauba Wax, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Citrate, Mica, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Tin Oxide, Phenoxyethanol, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Yellow 5, Red 7, Red 28.
Shopping List
This section lists products that seem that they may have potential and that I am hoping to try in the near future.
Readers are highly encouraged to bring other relevant products that they have tried to my attention so that I can add them to this list.
100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Pomegranate Oil Anti-Aging Lipstick – $28
GXVE Anaheim Shine Clean Satin Lipstick – $26
Lawless Satin Luxe Classic Cream Lipstick – $28
Saint Jane Beauty Luxury Lip Cream – $28
Trash Can
Aveda Feed My Lips Pure Nourish-Mint Liquid Color Balm ($32): This Aveda product felt unusually toxic to me, to the point that I never have been able to bring myself to wear it. EWG’s “Build Your Own Report” function gives it a 9 (red), citing a long list of problematic ingredients – licorice root extract (4), flavor (4), geraniol (5), eugenol (5), limonene (5), citronellol (4), linalool (3), citral (5), cinnamal (5), benzyl benzoate (5), titanium dioxide (3), yellow #5 (6), red #6 (6), red #7 (6), blue #1 (7), orange #5 (4), yellow #6 (7), and red #33 (4).
Burt’s Bees Matte Stick ($7): This product felt like something that I should avoid and had what I felt was a quite unpleasant taste. It also was quite dry and, in my opinion, not very attractive looking. EWG gives it a 4 (yellow), citing natural flavor (4) and linalool (3) as potentially problematic ingredients.
Glossier Generation G ($18): This “sheer matte lipstick” from Glossier has a peculiar chemical-y taste (and also an odd flat appearance that looks a little dated to my eyes). It is an older formula than the Glossier UltraLip (released in 2021), which I really like. EWG rates Generation G as a 7 (red), citing as problematic cyclopentasiloxane (3), cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 dimethicone (3), phenoxyethanol (4), PEG-10 dimethicone (3), PEG/PPG-20/15 dimethicone (3), isoceteth-10 (3), laureth-4 (3), cyclotetrasiloxane (8), tocopheryl acetate (3), benzyl alcohol (6), titanium dioxide (3), red #6 (6), red #7 (6), red #30 (5), and red #33 (4).
MAC Love Me Liquid Lipcolor ($26): Because I like the MAC Love Me lipsticks, I decided to try this liquid version as well. I found this to feel unacceptably problematic to me and also to be rather messy to try to use. EWG gives the product an 8 (red), citing as problematic petrolatum (4), tocopheryl acetate (3), titanium dioxide (3), flavor (4), phenoxyethanol (4), blue #1 (4), red #6 (6), red #7 (6), red #21 (5), red #27 (5), red #28 (5), red #30 (5), red #33 (4), yellow #5 (6), and yellow #6 (7).
Sephora Collection Rouge Lacquer Long-Lasting Lipstick ($15): Although this lipstick is stated as being Clean at Sephora, it contains synthetic fragrance and tasted terrible to me. This is unfortunate, since the hydrating formula otherwise seems that it may be a good one. EWG gives the product an 8 (red), citing as problematic the yellow #6 (7), red #28 (5), red #6 (6), yellow #5 (6), titanium dioxide (3), red #7 (6), parfum/fragrance (8), and BHT (3). The product also contains citric acid.
About This Website
The Living Clean in a Dirty World shopping website is designed to provide guidance to those seeking out products that are relatively low in toxicity and that provide generally positive user experiences.
Although the skincare and makeup sections have a particular focus on products appropriate for women who are in their 40’s or beyond, the information provided may be useful for other people as well.
The products are curated by Lisa Petrison, who has been focused on helping people to improve their health by avoiding toxicity since 2008 and who heads the Paradigm Change organization.
Her Living Clean in a Dirty World blog site discusses a variety of topics of relevance to those who are working to pursue a more natural lifestyle with less exposure to harmful toxicity.
Lisa is the author of several books, including A Beginner’s Guide to Mold Avoidance (co-written with Erik Johnson).
She also runs the Paradigm Change website (focusing on issues related to toxic mold illness) and the Mold Avoiders Facebook group (designed for the discussion of all topics of interest to those pursuing the mold avoidance approach described in the “Beginner’s Guide” book).
Lisa was born in August 1964 and has yet to try cosmetic surgery, Botox or other cosmetic treatments requiring interactions with a physician, or beauty products containing retinoids.
In her former life, Lisa worked as a business school professor, as a marketing consultant to a variety of large companies, and as a reporter covering the advertising industry.
She holds a Ph.D. in marketing and social psychology from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University as well as B.S./M.S. degrees from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern.
Lisa would like to extend a special note of appreciation to Ellen Kleiman-Redden for her help in trying out products and discussing issues related to this project.
She also would like to thank the many members of the Mold Avoiders community who have shared suggestions of products to be included here.
A Note From Lisa
Products that I have tried or researched and that I have not found to be acceptable from a toxicity standpoint have been omitted entirely from the discussions on this website.
However, since a goal of this project is to introduce people to a range of options in terms of price and functionality, some products discussed on this site include ingredients that may not be appropriate for everyone.
It’s my hope that all individuals making their way to this site will find at least a few options from each product category that meet all of their own needs and wants from a variety of perspectives.
The vast majority of cosmetics marketers now offer affiliate programs in which Internet content creators may earn commissions if people who are referred to the companies’ sites by clicking on links end up making purchases.
I participate in quite a few individual affiliate programs as well as in the Sovrn/Viglinks program (which automatically converts regular links into revenue-generating links).
Reader comments about products discussed on this website are very welcome.
Thoughts may be shared either by posting them in the comments section at the bottom of this page or by sending them directly to me at the following email address:
info at paradigmchange dot me
Companies that would like to offer me complimentary products to try out may contact me at this address as well.
Individuals who are seeking out less-toxic products or who are interested in pursuing a cleaner and healthier lifestyle may want to sign up to receive occasional email newsletters from Living Clean in a Dirty World.
Thanks very much for visiting the Living Clean shopping site!
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