Color Balms
Description
November 1, 2022
By Lisa Petrison
Just over the last couple of years, tinted balms designed to provide color to the cheeks as well as the lips have emerged as a new beauty category.
Personally, I really like the glowy and youthful look that many of these tinted balms give to my face.
Most of these products use a clear base, which means that even if they are brightly colored, they give my skin more of a subtle dewy look than I typically can get from cream blush.
Color balms typically do not totally dry down on the skin and instead retain a sticky feeling that some people find unappealing, however.
Products that I have observed to have more of a glowy/sticky balm-like quality are discussed on this page.
Ratings for this product category are given using the assumption that user does not mind the sticky quality.
A few additional products with the word “balm” in their names seem to me to perform more like cream cheek colors and therefore are discussed on the Cream Blush page.
TOP PICKS
♣ Living Clean Superstars:
+Evanhealy Color Balms & Glow Balms ($28)
Jones Road Miracle Balm ($38)
+Rituel de Fille Color Nectar Pigment Balm ($26)
+RMS LipShine ($25)
+Saie Dew Balm ($18)
Typology Tinted Balm ($22)
♦ Additional Possibilities:
Chanel No. 1 de Chanel Lip & Cheek Balm ($45)
Glossier Balm Dotcom ($12)
Olio E Osso Tinted Balms ($28)
♦ Not Yet Rated:
Bloomeffects Tulip Tint Lip & Cheek Balm ($29)
♥ Lisa’s Choice:
Evanhealy Color Balms & Glow Balms ($28)
√ Rituel de Fille Color Nectar Pigment Balm ($24)
Saie Dew Balm ($18)
Typology Tinted Balm ($22)
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 for my own personal use. √ Lisa’s Favorite
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Bloomeffects Tulip Tint Lip & Cheek Balm – $29
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: 
(4 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
Problematic Colorings: Red #27
The description of this product reads, “Meet the ultimate lip-to-cheek hydrating tint available in three universally flattering shades to enhance the complexion and build to your desired intensity. This skincare-makeup hybrid features a hydrating blend of Jojoba oil and Shea butter for deep moisture and nourishment while peptides, a collagen-boosting complex and our signature Proprietary Dutch Tulip Complex help to smooth and plump skin for instant radiance.”
I have yet to try this product but hope to do so soon.
Size: 0.4 oz.
Awards: Allure Best of Beauty 2022
Credo Rating: 4.6 Stars (41 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Unclear
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Problematic Colors, Glyceryl Behenate, Benzyl Alcohol)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Glyceryl Behenate (3), Titanium Dioxide (3), Phenoxyethanol (4), Tocopheryl Acetate (3), Benzyl Alcohol (6), Sodium Lactate (3), Red #27 (5),
Fragrance Ingredients: Sweet Almond Oil, Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax.
All Ingredients: Jojoba seed oil, caprylic/capric triglyceride, sweet almond oil, jojoba esters, canola oil, c12-15 alkyl benzoate, candelilla/jojoba/rice bran polyglyceryl-3 esters, acacia decurrens flower wax, glyceryl stearate, octyldodecanol, sunflower seed wax, corn starch modified, glyceryl behenate, shea butter, corn starch, silica, brassica campestris/aleurites fordi oil copolymer, titanium dioxide, cetearyl alcohol, sodium stearoyl lactylate, hydroxystearic/linolenic/oleic polyglycerides, eclipta prostrata extract, ethylene/propylene/styrene copolymer, water, ethylcellulose, polyglycerin-3, isostearyl alcohol, hydrogenated dilinoleyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol, glycerin, mica, butylene/ethylene/styrene copolymer, tocopheryl acetate (d-alpha), iron oxides, benzyl alcohol, neem leaf extract, caprylhydroxamic acid, tulipa hybrid meristem cell extract, sodium gluconate, sodium lactate, ethylhexylglycerin, red 27, moringa oleifera seed extract, methylglucoside phosphate, copper lysinate/prolinate, pentylene glycol, sodium hyaluronate (l), phenethyl alcohol, caprylyl glycol, hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin, potassium sorbate, palmitoyl tripeptide-38, caesalpinia spinosa gum, n-prolyl palmitoyl tripeptide-56 acetate, maltodextrin, wine.
Chanel No 1 de Chanel Lip & Cheek Balm – $45
Overall Rating: 
(3 / 5)
Performance Rating: (4 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: 
(2 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Mild (Taste)
Processed Fragrance: Fragrance (Botanical & Synthetic)
Problematic Colorings: Red #36, Red #6, Red #7, Yellow #6, Red #33, Yellow #5, Blue #1, Red #22, Red #28, Red #30
The description of this product reads, “A multi-use lip and cheek balm enriched with Red Camellia Oil. The nourishing, buttery formula melts into skin while adding a touch of colour. Lips appear vibrant and plump. At the heart of the collection is the Red Camellia flower, whose revitalizing powers and extraordinary energy give it perennial youth. Red Camellia Oil delivers softness and helps maintain skin’s barrier function.”
No 1 de Chanel (which was introduced in January 2022) is Chanel’s first attempt to enter the cleaner beauty space. The initial launch included several skincare products, a foundation, and this lip/cheek product.
Oddly, thus far the line has been sold in the U.S. only in Ulta stores and on the Chanel website.
The first thing to know about this line is a Chanel representative informed me that the “fragrance” mentioned on the ingredient list includes synthetic as well as botanical fragrance.
I personally think that the inclusion of fragrance in all the No. 1 de Chanel products (except for the eye cream) has driven away many people who otherwise might have been very interested in the line.
I feel like the fragrance in this product has been light and has not kept me from using small amounts of this product on my cheeks (but not on my lips). Other people may be more bothered by it, though.
Another issue with this product is that it has a distinctly sticky texture similar to that of lip gloss (or the Jones Road Miracle Balm), and that this has caused many people to complain that the product is not suited for use on the cheeks at all.
Personally, I have found that the product is so highly saturated with color that I need to use relatively little on my cheeks to get a pretty effect and that therefore the stickiness issue has not been much of a problem for me.
People who use more of the product may notice the stickiness more, though.
Probably due to the inclusion of the fragrance, I do not feel good at all about the taste of this product and so would not use it on my lips.
This is too bad since the product does look quite nice on my lips.
The product is available in six shades. I have the color Vital Beige (a rosy color that seems similar to that of having increased bloodflow to my cheeks).
I think that it is quite pretty on me me and that it looks somewhat different than all of the other blush products that I own.
It also seems to hold up on my skin without disappearing better than many other products.
All in all, I guess that the closest comparison for this product is the Jones Road Miracle Balm, with both products giving my cheeks a lovely youthful glow that I don’t seem to be able to get from regular cream blush products.
The differences are that this one is much more pigmented, does not have a shimmer, comes in a smaller container appropriate for use on the go, uses fragrance rather than essential oils, and is much more expensive.
All in all, I think this is an interesting product and might purchase it again for my own personal use if Chanel would just remove the synthetic fragrance from it.
Size: 0.23 oz.
Ulta Rating: 3.8 Stars (15 reviews)
Credo Clean: Unclear
Clean at Sephora: No
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Yes
Pregnancy Pick: No (Synthetic Fragrance, Problematic Colors)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 9 (red)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Fragrance (8), Red #36 (5), Red #6 (6), Red #7 (6), Yellow #6 (7), Red #33 (4), Yellow #5 (6), Blue #1 (7), Red #22 (5), Red #28 (5), Red #30 (5), Titanium dioxide (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Fragrance
All Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate/Dimer Dilinoleate Copolymer, Diisostearyl Malate, Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer, Dextrin Isostearate, C8-12 Acid Triglyceride, Candelilla Wax, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Glyceryl Behenate/Eicosadioate, Silica, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Isostearic Acid, Tocopherol, Fragrance, Alumina, Tin Oxide. May Contain: Red 36, Red 6, Red 7, Yellow 6, Red 33, Yellow 5, Blue 1, Red 22, Red 28, Red 30, Bismuth Oxychloride, Iron Oxides, Manganese Violet, Titanium Dioxide, Mica.
Evanhealy Color Balms & Glow Balms – $28
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: 
(5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Vanilla Extract
Problematic Colorings: None
The description of the Color Balms reads, “Natural mineral pigmented color balm for face and body. Delicate infusion of color, moisturization & nourishment. Featuring our beloved Al Amal Women’s Cooperative Argan Oil and wild Chilean Rosehip Seed Oil. These creamy balms moisturize and nourish the skin while infusing delicate color onto the face. They are highly adaptable, very forgiving and easy to use. Apply this nourishing balm with finger or brush to eye, lip or cheek. Easily buildable and blendable.”
The description of the Glow Balms reads, “Luminizing moisture and glow balms for face and body. Adaptable, gentle & forgiving on the skin. Our Glow Balms act as universal luminizers and highlighters, and infuse the skin with ethereal light. They provide a dewy, enchanting luminescence that sets your skin alight and create a magnetic aura of radiance. Apply to the high points of the face, cheekbones, brow bones, bridge of the nose, cupid’s bow or anywhere you want to draw attention.”
These balms have unusually clean ingredient lists, and I have felt really good about putting them on my face, eyes and lips.
I think that for many people (especially those who are sensitive to many different ingredients), these balms might be a good possibility to consider.
They give me a glowy pretty look that I think is especially natural and youthful.
They are made from ingredients that are mostly on the natural side and that I feel good about, and they feel nourishing and non-irritating to my skin.
Unlike most of the other balms on this page, these products do not feel very sticky on the skin and seem to slowly dry down pretty much entirely.
The scent is natural vanilla extract, which I find quite appealing.
Most of the shades are muted enough that I don’t feel like I need to worry at all about whether I am applying the product right or if it has smudged or worn off. It just gives me a bit of a healthy glow.
I also like the fact that the products are sold in small glass containers that may be appropriate for use on the go.
The product is available in eight shades, and I have tried five of them.
Because I don’t feel that the website gives enough information to allow people to make good decisions about which ones to buy, I am giving a description of the shades that I have tried here.
The Celeste Color Balm is described as “a coral pink facial balm.” I agree that this is a coral, but one with pigment that is quite light. It gives my face just a hint of a healthy glow that I think is pretty.
The Stardust Glow Balm is described as “a golden rose facial balm.” I have found this color to be quite similar to the Celeste version, even when swatched heavily on my hand and especially when applied to the face. The Stardust version does have a little bit of frosted shimmer that is somewhat noticeable on the cheeks and that is especially noticeable when applied heavily to the lips.
The Venus Color Balm is described as “an earthy nude facial balm.” I found it to be quite heavily pigmented and to be a pretty strong mauve with a cool taupey undertone. I can use this on my lips but do not feel that it works well as a blush on my warm skin.
The Elysium Glow Balm is described as “a champagne highlight.” This mildly shimmery highlighter is a warm ivory, but the color is very faint and the look on my skin is rather subtle.
The Helios Glow Balm is described as a “bronze highlight.” This product is quite pigmented and is a medium-tan sort of color, with a neutral undertone. I have not found that it works well as a bronzer on my warm skin. I’ve been able to get some use out of it as an eyeshadow (and haven’t noted that it has caused any irritation to my eyes).
The products that I have not yet tried are the Juno Color Balm (“a berry stain”), Nova Color Balm (“a sheer poppy facial balm”) and Luna Glow Balm (“a pearl highlight”).
In general, I have found most of the shades in this line to give the same sort of pretty effect as the Jones Road Miracle Balms, but I like these products better in terms of their ingredient lists, their vanilla scent, their small container size, and their lack of irritation to my face.
(As described, the Helios and Venus versions are more heavily pigmented and give a different sort of look.)
I’d like to try the Nova version soon, to see if it might give my cheeks and lips a pop of color that would be appropriate for my undertone.
Size: 0.17 oz.
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Yes
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Rosa Canina Fruit Oil (3), Tocopheryl Acetate (3). (Also contains Organic Coconut Oil.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Rosemary Leaf Extract
All Ingredients (Juno Color Balm): Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Beeswax*, Castor Seed Oil*, Mango Seed Butter, Silica, Polyglyceryl-10 Pentaisostearate, Argan Kernel Oil*, Cocoa Seed Butter*, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract*, Undecane, Sunflower Seed Oil, Tridecane, Lauryl Laurate, Coconut Oil*, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil*, Tocopheryl Acetate*, Rice Bran Extract, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Sunflower Extract, Tocopherol. *Organic Ingredient
All Ingredients (Stardust Glow): Beeswax*, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Castor Seed Oil*, Mango Seed Butter, Silica, Polyglyceryl-10 Pentaisostearate, Argan Kernel Oil*, Cocoa Seed Butter*, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract*, Undecane, Sunflower Seed Oil, Tridecane, Lauryl Laurate, Coconut Oil*, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil*, Tocopheryl Acetate*, Rice Bran Extract, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Sunflower Extract, Tocopherol. *Organic Ingredient.
Glossier Balm Dotcom – $12
Overall Rating: (3 / 5)
Performance Rating: (3 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (2 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Flavor/Aroma (Botanical & Synthetic)
Problematic Colorings: Red #7
The description of this product reads, “A hydrating lip balm packed with antioxidants and natural emollients to nourish dry, chafed skin—in original or other fun flavors. Choose from Original (which doubles as a skin salve) or other flavored formulas (Mint and Coconut go on clear, while the others—including Lavender, our latest flavor!—give a sheer tint). Formulated with nature’s heavy-duty moisturizers: Castor Oil, Beeswax, and Lanolin. Dense, waxy texture stays in place to seal in moisture. Leaves lips looking smooth and hydrated, not shiny.”
These balms seem to be promoted primarily for use on the lips, but some versions have potential for being used on the cheeks as well.
Because they contain petrolatum, some people use them for slugging during the winter months to seal in moisture.
Some of the versions – including Lavender, Rose, Cherry, Mango and Berry – are tinted with color and may add a slight flush to the cheeks or lips.
Unspecified “flavor/aroma” as well as some botanically derived processed fragrances (citronellol, geraniol and linalool) are listed as an ingredients.
I emailed Glossier to ask about the “flavor/aroma,” and a representative responded, “Instead of using fragrance, we use flavor (both artificial and naturally derived. Our Original Balm Dotcom is the only balm we offer that is free of artificial flavor.”
This product also includes petrolatum and BHT, which some people find problematic.
I tried the Rose version in this balm and didn’t feel like the flavor or scent was that problematic. .
Perhaps the amount of artificial fragrance that is used is rather slight.
Although I don’t think I would buy this product again, the little sample tube that I own feels okay enough to me that I might pull it out and use it as a topper for my moisturizer if I get any really dry patches this winter.
Size: 0.5 oz.
Glossier Rating: 4.4 Stars (5173 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Unclear
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Petrolatum, Problematic Colors, Natural Flavorings, Synthetic Flavorings, BHT)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 7 (red)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Petrolatum (4), Flavor (4), Tocopheryl acetate (3), BHT (3), Citronellol (4), Geraniol (5), Linalool (3), Red #7 (6). (Also contains Triethoxycaprylylsilane)
Fragrance Ingredients: Flavor/Aroma
All Ingredients: Petrolatum, Castor Seed Oil, Beeswax, Lanolin, Flavor/Aroma, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Rice Bran Extract, Sunflower Extract, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Silica, Alumina, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, BHT, Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool, Red 7, Iron Oxides.
(All information is for the Rose Balm Dotcom shade.)
Jones Road Miracle Balm – $38
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Mild (Itching)
Processed Fragrance: Ginger Root Oil, Grapefruit Oil, Orange Oil, Rosemary Oil, Rose Geranium Oil
Problematic Colorings: Red #28
The description of this product reads, “It’s all in the name. Miracle Balm is the secret of no-makeup makeup: a wash of soft-focus moisture to perfect and enhance skin. A light-reflecting superproduct that’s as versatile as it is simple to use. Wear Miracle Balm alone or layer on top of foundation for an instant refresh.”
The development of these tinted balms was the original impetus for the founding of Jones Road, and I have encountered many people (especially older women) who say that this has become one of their favorite makeup products.
The product is a soft balm that is easy to scoop up with the fingers and apply to the skin.
Most of the shades are lightly tinted with color and contain just enough shimmer to create a healthy and natural-looking glow.
There also is a natural shade (with just a bit of tint) and a few shades with brighter color or more obvious glitter.
Like the Jones Road What The Foundation, the Miracle Balms have been rather polarizing in terms of how people respond to them.
While a lot of people seem to really love this product, many others do not like it at all.
Because this is a balm, it does not dry down and maintains a tacky feeling on the skin
The fact that most of the shades are not very brightly tinted means that a good bit of the product may be needed in order to get much color, thus intensifying the stickiness.
Those with long hair that falls onto their face often complain especially vehemently about this product, saying that their hair has a tendency to get stuck in it.
In general, it seems to me that this product may not be that appropriate for many younger women (especially those with oilier skin) but may be especially useful for women with aging skin.
Company owner Bobbi Brown (who is in her 60’s) states in a video, “My favorite product for mature skin is hands down the Miracle Balm. Because the Miracle Balm is a skincare moisturizer with beautiful oils in it meets makeup. So it’s got a tint for the skin, it has luminosity. You could use it as blush. You could use it to make yourself look like you’ve been in the sun. You can use it on your lips, on your eyelids, on your neck. You could even use it in your hair. And it is moisturizing, it adds luminosity. So it just really makes you look pretty and it’s easy. And days where you don’t have a lot of makeup, this does the trick.”
Personally, I like the appearance of this product on my face as long as I only use a little bit of it, since it gives me a youthful dewy look and also blurs my wrinkles.
However, unfortunately I have given up on using this product since it invariably makes my face start to itch a little while after I put it on.
I believe that the reason for this is the inclusion in the product of substantial amounts of essential oils, which apparently are used as preservatives.
(Miracle Balm has a shelf life of 18 months, which is pretty long for a product like this that is frequently contaminated as a result of fingers being dipped into it, in my opinion.)
This product contains rose geranium oil (which always irritates my skin even in very small quantities) and ginger root oil (which has a distinctive smell that I don’t much like and also may be an irritant).
Three additional essential oils – grapefruit, orange and rosemary – used in the product also have some potential to be irritating.
I have reacted the same way to the Jones Road foundation and shimmer oil (both of which also include large amounts of essential oils), but I have nonetheless been able to get some use out of those products by using them over a good primer.
I feel that the main benefit of the Miracle Balm is that it is something to be thrown on casually in lieu of makeup, and that needing to put primer on first pretty much defeats the purpose of the product, though.
While EWG agrees that several of the essential oils used in the product have the tendency to be irritating, I don’t want to suggest that other people should not use the product if their skin is not bothered by it and have not found many other people who have reported problems with it.
I would use it myself if my skin could tolerate it.
Another issue with this product is that regular-sized jars are quite large and thus not appropriate for use on the go (which is when I think that many people would be most inclined to use this product).
Miniature jars sometimes are included in Jones Road kits, and it would be nice if those were made available for individual purchase.
If the company were to release an unscented version in a small container that I could carry around with me, I would become a big fan and purchase it regularly, I think.
So I am keeping my fingers crossed for that to happen.
Size: 1.76 oz.
Awards: Allure Best of Clean Beauty 2022
Credo Rating: 4.0 Stars (205 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Unclear
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Problematic Colors, Essential Oils, Phenoxyethanol)
Think Dirty Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Product Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Grapefruit Peel Oil (3), Orange Oil (5), Rose Geranium Oil (4), Phenoxyethanol (4), Tocopheryl Acetate (3), Titanium Dioxide (3), Red #28 (5). (Also contains Ginger Root Oil, Rosemary Oil.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Ginger Root Oil, Grapefruit Peel Oil, Orange Peel Oil, Sea Buckthorn Fruit Oil, Rosemary Leaf Oil, Rose Geranium Oil
All Ingredients: Castor Seed Oil, Beeswax, Castor Isostearate Succinate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Diisostearyl Malate, Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride, Coconut Alkanes, Mica, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Brassica Campestris/Aleurites Fordi Oil Copolymer, Jojoba Seed Oil, Argan Kernel Oil, Ginger Root Oil, Grapefruit Peel Oil, Orange Peel Oil, Sea Buckthorn Fruit Oil, Rosemary Leaf Oil, Rose Geranium Oil, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Silica, Tocopherol, May Contain: Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Iron Oxides, Bismuth Oxychloride, Titanium Dioxide, Tin Oxide, Red 28
Olio E Osso Tinted Balms – $28
Overall Rating: (4 / 5)
Performance Rating: (4 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Very Mild
Processed Fragrance: Grapefruit Oil, Limonene, Linalool, Citral
Problematic Colorings: Red #21, Carmine
The description of this product reads, “Our most essential, versatile product is nourishing on lips and cheeks, soothing on skin and hair, and adored by all who discover them. Swipe across lips or slide over cheekbones for a subtle glow. Apply and blend to lips, cheeks, eyelids or anywhere you need a little extra pigment.”
These balms (made by hand in small batches in Portland, Oregon) are available in a variety of pretty colors, with varying levels of brightness and shimmer.
Only some of the shades are available via Credo.
I tried the French Melon (“a beautiful light wash of pink orange melon pigment”) and think that it is a good shade for me.
However, it does not contain any shimmer and looks like just a plain blush on my skin.
I would be interested in trying one of the shimmer versions listed on the company website to see if it worked better for me.
The product contains grapefruit oil and some processed botanical fragrance (limonene, linalool and citral), and it has a citrus-y scent that I find to be pleasant.
When I do a direct comparison with the Jones Road Miracle Balms, this product has a stiffer formula that I have found more difficult to use.
While this product is definitely less irritating to my skin than the Jones Road balm, I still don’t feel that it feels that great on my skin and am guessing that the essential oils are responsible for that.
Those who do not react to essential oils may do well with it, I would think.
Size: 0.35 oz.
Credo Rating: 4.5 Stars (309 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Problematic Colors, Essential Oils, Botanical Fragrance)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Grapefruit peel oil (3), Limonene (5), Linalool (3), Citral (5), Red #21 (5), Titanium dioxide (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Grapefruit peel oil, Limonene, Linalool, Citral.
All Ingredients: Shea Nut Oil, Olive Fruit Oil, Natural Beeswax, Grapefruit Peel Oil, Carmine, *Limonene, *Linalool, *Citral. May Contain: Carmine, Red #21, Titanium Dioxide, Manganese Violet, Iron Oxides, Octyldodecyl Oleate, Annatto, Mica, Synthetic Fluorophlogopite, Tin Oxide, Silica. *From Essential Oil
Rituel de Fille Color Nectar Pigment Balm – $26
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Lavender Oil
Problematic Colorings: Carmine
The description of this product reads, “Color Nectar Pigment Balm is a range of perfectly translucent yet stunningly vibrant shades inspired by sweet flowers in bloom, the wild lure of pollinators, glistening honey, and the hum of the hive. These are ambrosial formulas with an irresistible jelly texture and finish. Color Nectar Pigment Balm is for every part of the face, and always vibrant, moisturizing, blendable and easy to apply. These makeup balms are perfectly palm-sized translucent colors to keep with you always and wear every day. Think of Color Nectar Pigment Balm as the little sister to Inner Glow Crème Pigment. Color Nectar Pigment Balms are extremely sheer but bright, created in cute colors with a dewy jelly finish. They are perfect for creating sheer effects, and come in a new, more petite star-dusted compact perfect for keeping with you always in pockets or bags.”
These little balms are currently available in six shades, all of them quite brightly colored.
These colors are rose pink, plum, cherry red, watermelon, kumquat, and passionfruit yellow.
I’ve not found stickiness to be much of a problem with these balms, due to the specific formula used as well as the fact that they are so brightly colored that not much is needed to create a pretty effect.
The company has a program where five color samples can be purchased for $15 (and then a $10 discount obtained on a future purchase), and so I have tried several of the shades, including Bee Sting (“pinched pink”), Bloodflower (“cherry glaze”) and Snapdragon (“juicy kumquat”).
Despite the fact that I don’t usually do that well in brighter makeup colors, I thought that all of these looked really pretty on me.
I purchased and have enjoyed using Snapdragon, which is a red-orange shade that looks very pretty on both my cheeks and lips.
Although I usually am hesitant to use brightly colored makeup, these products are so easygoing that I might purchase additional shades as well.
Note that a Rituel de Fille makeup artist will suggest appropriate shades if people send them a photo and information on what they are looking for (e.g. “Soft natural shades that will look good on me”). Based on my own experiences, I suggest trusting the makeup artists on this.
Like most of Rituel de Fille’s products, this one has an unusually clean ingredients list. No artificial colors are used.
The product feels really clean to me and has not irritated my skin at all.
However, the product does have a strong scent from lavender oil, which may bother some people.
Size: 0.11 oz.
Credo Rating: 4.5 Stars (8 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Yes
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Titanium dioxide (3). (Also contains Beeswax, Carmine, Lavender Oil.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Rosemary leaf extract, Lavender oil
All Ingredients: Jojoba Seed Oil, Castor Seed Oil, Lanolin USP, Silica, Candelilla Wax, Beeswax, Carnauba Wax, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Sunflower Seed Oil, Lavender Oil, Tocopherol (Non-GMO Soy Derived). May Contain: Carmine, Iron Oxides, Annatto, Titanium Dioxide.
RMS LipShine – $25
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredient Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Problematic Colorings: None
The description of this product reads, “RMS Lipshine adds a touch of shine on your lips while also providing intense nourishment. Combining nourishing oils and pure mineral pigments, this natural formula is highly emollient and visibly hydrating. The lip shines also doubles as a beautiful soft cheek stain.”
This is an older product from RMS, consisting solely of natural ingredients (almost all of which are organic).
It previously was offered in many different shades, but at present only the Bloom version (“a sheer, youthful petal-pink with the most subtle hint of shimmer”) is available on the company website.
I tried a different pink color, called Enchanted.
Although the product has a tendency to get messy if I use more than just a small amount, I really like the way that it looks on both my lips and cheeks.
The product also feels quite clean to me.
The taste is almost totally neutral and non-objectionable, and the moisturizing benefits are great.
The only issue that I have with it is that I do not really like putting on tinted lip products with my finger since that requires me to wash my hands both before and after using it (making it especially inappropriate for use on the go).
The fact that this kind of lip gloss may need to be reapplied frequently makes all the handwashing that I would have to do to use it when out and about feel particularly unrealistic.
I do like using it as a cheek and lip color when I am at home, though.
Size: 0.20 oz.
Credo Rating: 4.3 Stars (16 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Yes
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide (3). (Also contains Coconut Oil.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Cocoa Seed Butter, Centella Asiatica Extract, Rosemary Extract
All Ingredients: *Castor Seed Oil, *Coconut Oil, *Buriti Oil, *Carnauba Wax, *Cocoa Seed Butter, *Beeswax, Centella Asiatica Extract, *Rosemary Extract, **Tocopherol. May Contain: Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide, and Mica. *Certified Organic. **Non-GMO.
Saie Dew Balm – $18
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Problematic Colorings: None
The description of this product reads: “Game changer. This highlighter is more dew than strobe, giving cheeks and glow zones the most gorgeous, wet sheen. You can feel the plumping moisture (it feels SO amazing) and you’ll love the long-lasting glossy finish.”
This product seems to me to be quite close to the Jones Road Miracle Balm in terms of the effect that it has on my skin.
However, I like it quite a lot better because 1) it does not include large amounts of essential oils that have irritated my skin, 2) it is dispensed in a squeeze tube that allows me to use just a bit of the product without having to put my fingers in a jar, and 3) the size of the container is small, meaning that it is practical for use on the go.
The product is available in three shades – Bronze Nectar (“It’s like golden hour all the time”), Rosy Gold (“a universal sparkling rosé”), and Saie Lilac (“a futuristic take on lilac”).
I tried Bronze Nectar and have really liked the way that it looks on me. The product has just a little bit of shimmer and color, which I think gives me a pretty youthful look in combination with the dewiness of the balm.
While I don’t think that lilac is probably the best color for me, it looks like it could be really nice for some people with cooler skin than I have.
This product has an unusually clean ingredient list and feels really good to me.
I have enjoyed using it on my lips as well as on my cheeks.
Size: 0.33 oz.
Awards: Allure Best of Beauty 2020; Elle’s Best of Green Beauty Awards
Sephora Rating: 4.1 Stars (164 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Yes
EWG Ingredient Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Titanium dioxide (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Jojoba Esters, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Olive Oil, Capryloyl Glycerin/sebacic Acid Copolymer, Tribehenin, Glyceryl Stearate, Beeswax, Mica, Sambucus Nigra Fruit Extract, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Silica, Hydrogenated Sunflower Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Hydrogenated Sunflower Seed Oil Glyceryl Esters, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Tin Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides.
Typology Tinted Balm – $22
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Problematic Colorings: Red #6/7, Yellow #5, Blue #1/4, Red #27/28
The description of this product reads, “Enriched with hyaluronic acid and raspberry seed extract, these multi-purpose balms slightly tint the lips and cheeks while providing them with comfort, nutrition and hydration. Apply a dab of balm to the fingertip then gently massage in to the lips and / or cheeks. Repeat as many times as desired during the day. This tinted balm is suitable for all skin types. It is enriched with hyaluronic acid, raspberry seed extract and peppermint macerate, so helps to nourish and hydrate the lips.”
This product is currently available in five shades – Ruby Red, Powder Pink, Dusty Pink, Coral Orange, and Plum Purple.
It is more of a semi-liquid product and is packaged in a squeeze tube, which I personally like somewhat more having to open a jar.
I tried the Dusty Pink color and found that it worked well for me on my lips and on my cheeks.
It has the dewy look of a balm but doesn’t seem as sticky to me as some products.
I’ve not had any problems with this product irritating my skin.
It might be fun to try this product in a brighter color.
Size: 0.50 oz.
Typology Rating: 4.0 Stars (112 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Yes
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Problematic Colors, Glyceryl Behenate, Peppermint)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 7 (red)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Peppermint leaf (4), Glyceryl behenate (3), Titanium dioxide (3), Red #6/7 (6), Yellow #5 (6), Blue #1/4 (7), Red #27/28 (5)
Fragrance Ingredients: Peppermint Leaf, Red Raspberry Seed Oil
All Ingredients: Castor Seed Oil, Tribehenin, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, C10-18 Triglycerides, Sunflower Seed Oil, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Silica, Peppermint Leaf, Red Raspberry Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Pentylene Glycol, Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide, Tocopherol, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Stevia Extract, Sorbitan Oleate, Glyceryl Behenate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Red #6/7, Yellow #5, Blue #1/4, Red #27/28
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.
Kari Gran Lip Whip Color Balm – $25
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).
Links on this page that may result in affiliate income may include – but are not necessarily limited to – those from the following companies: Amazon, Bloomeffects, Burt’s Bees, Chanel, Credo, Glossier, Jones Road, Kari Gran, Olio E Osso, Rituel de Fille, RMS, Saie, Sephora, Typology, and Ulta.
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!
Links on this page are in orange (no underlining).
