Lipsticks (Easygoing)
Description
November 1, 2022
By Lisa Petrison
These products (almost all of them introduced over the past couple of years) give the polish and refinement of a traditional lipstick, but with the easygoing moisturizing benefits of a lip balm.
Although they likely will not last on the lips for as long as traditional lipsticks, they tend to look more natural on the face and to be easy to reapply.
While I never was much of lipstick fan in the past, some of my favorite makeup products of everything that I have tried are included on this page.
TOP PICKS
♣ Living Clean Superstars:
Clinique Almost Lipstick ($22)
Fashion Fair Iconic Lipstick ($26)
Glossier Ultralip ($18)
Jones Road Lip Tint ($26)
Lisa Eldridge Luxuriously Lucent Lip Color ($36)
Merit Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick ($26)
+Mineral Fusion Lipstick ($19)
Nars Soft Matte Tinted Lip Balm ($28)
Victoria Beckham Posh Lipstick ($38)
Violette_FR Bisou Balm ($28)
W3LL People Optimist Lipstick ($16)
Westman Atelier Lip Suede ($85)
♦ Additional Possibilities:
Beautycounter Sheer Genius Lipstick ($35)
Chantecaille Lip Veil ($50)
Clinique Dramatically Different Lipstick ($20)
Sephora Collection Clean Vegan Hydrating Satin Lipstick ($12)
♥ Lisa’s Choice:
Clinique Almost Lipstick ($22)
Fashion Fair Iconic Lipstick ($26)
Glossier Ultralip ($18)
Jones Road Lip Tint ($26)
Lisa Eldridge Luxuriously Lucent Lip Color ($36)
√ Merit Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick ($26)
Victoria Beckham Posh Lipstick ($38)
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
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.
Beautycounter Sheer Genius Lipstick – $35
Living Clean Rating: 8 out of 10
Performance Rating: 
(4 / 5)
Ingredient Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Mild (taste)
Processed Fragrance: Vanilla Extract, Ethyl Vanillin, Eugenol, Linalool
Problematic Colorings: Red #7
Silicone Level: None
Breakage: No
The description of this product reads, “A creamy, buildable lipstick with the nourishing benefits of a balm-to us, that’s lip brilliance. The ultimate everyday lipstick, Sheer Genius Conditioning Lipstick delivers a sheer wash of color and light-catching sheen. A blend of botanical waxes and sustainably derived jojoba esters gives this formula a luxe yet weightless feel while conditioning lips. Responsibly sourced, certified organic vanilla gives this smart formula its sweet scent.”
This easygoing lip product from Beautycounter is especially moisturizing and provides a bit of sheer color to the lips.
It does need to be reapplied fairly often, but it goes on so easily that I have not found that to be a problem.
I have the shade Terra (described as an “earthy pink”) and think that it was a good choice for me.
Based on the pictures on the website, it seems to me that all the lipsticks from this line are pretty light and muted in color, and thus not appropriate for those seeking a more saturated or longer-wearing product.
This light lipstick has a quite strong vanilla-type smell and taste. The ingredients list includes both artificial vanilla (vanillin) and real vanilla, as well as linalool and eugenol (natural derivatives of citrus and cloves).
I feel like I can taste something that seems to me to be bitter in a synthetic chemical sort of way underneath the vanilla flavor but am not sure what it is. While the taste is not so bad that I have been totally unwilling to use the lipstick, it is annoying enough that I don’t reach for it very often.
In looking at the ingredients list, I see two problematic chemicals – benzyl alcohol and benzyl benzoate – that Beautycounter states are “naturally occurring in essential oils and natural materials.”
Apparently the company (which donates money to EWG in order to get many of its other products EWG Verified) convinced EWG that the amounts are very small, since EWG did not cite either of these as even being present in the lipstick in its analysis of the product formulation. The overall EWG product rating is a 2/3 (green/yellow).
I doubt I will buy this lipstick again even though the shade that I have is pretty on me, due to the taste issue as well as the relatively high price.
Size: 0.11 oz.
Awards: 2020 In Style Beauty Editors’ Pick; 2020 Glamour Beauty Award Winner
Beautycounter Rating: 4.8 Stars (2173 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Problematic Colors, Natural Fragrance, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Benzoate, Vanillin)
Think Dirty Rating: 3 (green)
EWG Product Rating: 2/3 (green/yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide (3), Red #7 (6), Benzyl Alcohol (6), Benzyl Benzoate (5), Eugenol (5), Linalool (3). (Also contains Vanillin.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Vanilla planifolia fruit extract, Ethyl vanillin, Eugenol, Linalool
All Ingredients: Diisostearyl Malate, Jojoba Esters, Octyldodecyl Ricinoleate, Microcrystalline Wax, Castor Seed Oil, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract*, Carnauba Wax, Candelilla Wax, Ethyl Vanillin, Tocopherol, Tin Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Red 7, Iron Oxides. Benzyl Alcohol+, Benzyl Benzoate+, Eugenol+, Linalool+. *Organic. + Naturally occurring in essential oils & natural materials as defined by International Organization for Standardization.
Chantecaille Lip Veil – $50
Living Clean Rating: 8 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, Yellow #5, Yellow #6, Blue #1
Silicone Level: None
Breakage: No
The description of this product reads, “A revolutionary light, gliding lipstick enriched with Baobab Oil, certified by FairWild, that leaves a luminous veil of pure, hydrating color on lips.”
This obviously is a quite expensive lipstick, but I have had such a good experience with the more recently released Chantecaille Lip Tint that I decided to give it a try.
I think that the product went on very nicely and that the hydration of the product immediately felt good to my lips.
The product also looked really pretty on my lips, lasting for a while without any tendency to get smeary or uneven looking.
I chose the color Honeypot (“an easy pink nude”). Although I didn’t think that the website photos of any of the shades looked that enticing to me, this turned out to be a very pretty color in real life.
As with (say) MAC lipsticks, this is not a lip product that I would want to wear every day. Although I don’t feel that this product is exactly irritating to my lips, they definitely feel a little worse for the wear after I use this product.
This product contains BHT, which is on Credo’s Dirty List. Although some products with BHT are approved as Clean at Sephora, those are ones that Sephora has determined that the chemical makes up a maximum of 0.1% of the formula. Since Chantecaille is not sold at Sephora and I don’t know how much BHT is being used, I have given this product an Ingredients Rating =3.
Note that the Chantecaille Lip Veils (a philanthropy product where some of the profits go to support wild elephants) seem to be very similar to the more popular Chantecaille Lip Chics, except that the latter includes fragrance/parfum that is not stated as being botanically derived.
I’m not very interested in trying the Lip Chics since I don’t want to wear a lipstick with synthetic fragrance in it.
Size: 0.9 oz.
Chantecaille Rating: 5.0 Stars (34 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: Unclear
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Problematic Colors, BHT, Non-Organic Corn/Vegetable Oil)
EWG Ingredients Rating: 7 (red)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Rosa Canina Fruit Extract (3), BHT (3), Titanium Dioxide (3), Red #6 (6), Red #7 (6), Red #28 (5), Yellow #5 (6), Yellow #6 (7), Blue #1 (7). (Also contains Corn Oil, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Camellia Sinensis Extract, Lavandula Stoechas Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract
All Ingredients: Octyldodecanol, Polybutene, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Diisostearyl Malate, Microcrystalline Wax, Polyethylene, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Microcrystalline Wax, Synthetic Wax, Ozokerite, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Mica, Propylene Carbonate, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil*, Corn Oil, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/ Dicaprate, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Camellia Sinensis Extract, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Dl-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Lavandula Stoechas Extract, Dicalcium Phosphate, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Silica, BHT, Tin Oxide. May contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Red 6, Red 7, Red 28, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1.
Clinique Almost Lipstick – $22
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ 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, Blue #1, Red #7, Red #6, Red #21, Red #30, Yellow #6, Red #33, Red #27
Silicone Level: None
Breakage: No
The description of this product reads, “A Clinique classic. Not quite lipstick, not quite gloss—its texture is more like a balm you can easily layer. Transparent pigment glides on a sheer, glossy slip of lightweight color. Emollient-rich formula gives lips a sleek, moist finish. Cult-classic Black Honey is famous for its chameleon-like ability to flatter all skin tones yet look different on everyone. Don’t be fooled by the way it looks in the tube. The sheer formula is part of its mystique. It’s also very forgiving—you don’t even need a mirror to put it on. Soft-shine finish. Combines the benefits of both lipstick and lip gloss. Unique Black Honey shade looks a little different on everyone. Can be worn alone, or under or over other lip color.”
Although I managed to miss the whole Clinique Black Honey craze back in the 1980’s and 1990’s, I recently gave the product a try and really like the way that it looks on me.
Apparently Clinique Almost Lipstick Black Honey has become very popular among young people over the past few years (with TikTok videos generating many millions of views) and as a result has frequently been out-of-stock.
The Black Honey product appears to be very dark in the tube, but it is sheer enough to allow some of the natural color of the lips to come through after it is applied. Supposedly it is flattering to every complexion.
A newer Pink Honey shade (with a sheer raspberry-type tint) is available only through Sephora and the Clinique website, and that one looks nice on me too.
The taste of these products is fairly neutral, without any added flavorings or scents.
The ingredient list is cleaner than I had anticipated, with only the artificial colorings seeming to be potentially problematic.
Size: 0.07 oz.
Awards: Allure Best of Beauty Hall of Fame
Sephora Rating: 4.4 Stars (3,700 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: No (Meets Criteria)
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Artificial Colors)
Think Dirty Rating: 8 (red)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 7 (red)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Tocopheryl acetate (4), Yellow #5 (6), Blue #1 (7), Red #7 (6), Titanium dioxide (3), Red #6 (6), Red #21 (5), Red #30 (5), Yellow #6 (7), Red #33 (4), Red #27 (5)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Castor Seed Oil, Glyceryl Triacetyl Ricinoleate, Cetyl Ricinoleate, Candelilla Wax, Carnauba Wax, Polyethylene, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Barium Sulfate. May Contain: Yellow 5, Blue 1, Iron Oxides, Red 7, Mica, Carmine, Titanium Dioxide, Red 6, Red 22, Red 30, Yellow 6, Bismuth Oxychloride, Red 33, Red 28.
Clinique Dramatically Different Lipstick – $22
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 #7, Yellow #5, Blue #1, Red #33, Red #27, Orange #5, Red #21, Red #27, Red #6, Red #22, Red #30, Yellow #6
Silicone Level: None
Breakage: No
The description of this product reads, “Rich, hydrating color infused with skin care for lips. Dramatically Different Lipstick delivers more than just color. 3D pearl center core instantly sculpts and contours, providing an immediate appearance of a smoother pout. Over time, lip definition is improved. Available in a remarkable range of shades.”
The Dramatically Different lipsticks contain a core of skincare ingredients and are fairly soft in texture.
I have the color Strawberry Ice, which I think is very pretty. It is listed on the Clinique website under the “Reds/Corals” category, but I think that it is more like a romantic, slightly cool, rosy pink, at least on me.
It seems to have just a tiny bit of shimmer that I think makes it look very pretty and current.
It goes on easily but does have the tendency to smear a little bit onto the skin around my mouth, especially if I don’t use a lip liner.
Although these lipsticks contain a large number of ingredients with long chemical names, EWG cites only the artificial colors (along with the Vitamin E and titanium found in many “clean” products) as being problematic.
The one that I tried does not seem to have any kind of taste at all and has not seemed to be irritating to my skin.
Still, there is something about it that does not feel optimal to me from a toxicity standpoint. While I am not exactly unwilling to wear it, I feel rather disinclined to reach for it because it does not feel that great to me.
Size: 0.11 oz.
Ulta Rating: 3.5 Stars (636 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: No (Meets Criteria)
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Problematic Colors)
Think Dirty Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Product Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Tocopheryl acetate (3), Titanium dioxide (3), Red #7 (6), Yellow #5 (6), Blue #1 (7), Red #33 (4), Red #27 (5), Orange #5 (4), Red #21 (5), Red #27 (5), Red #6 (6), Red #22 (5), Red #30 (5), Yellow #6 (7)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Ozokerite, Castor Seed Oil, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Beeswax, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Triisostearyl Citrate, Polyethylene, Silica, PPG-51/SMDI Copolymer, Microcrystalline Wax, Hydrocotyl Extract, Hibiscus Abelmoschus Extract, Sunflower Seed Oil, Shea Butter, Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-10 Heptahydroxystearate, Caprylyl Glycol, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Tribehenin, Squalane, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Sorbitan Isostearate, Water, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Alumina, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Tin Oxide, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Red 7, Yellow 5, Blue 1, Iron Oxides, Red 33, Red 28, Orange 5, Red 21, Red 27, Red 6, Manganese Violet, Red 22, Red 30, Carmine, Yellow 6, Bismuth Oxychloride
Fashion Fair Iconic Lipstick – $26
♥ 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: Red #6, Red #7, Red #28, Yellow #5, Blue #1
Silicone Level: None
Breakage: No
The description of this product reads, “Our iconic bestselling shades, reimagined for the next generation. Richly pigmented hues—from vibrant nudes to fierce reds and berries—pop on darker skin tones, enveloping lips in decadent, head-turning color. And, like all of the new Fashion Fair products our Iconic Lipsticks are vegan.”
Although Fashion Fair is a brand intended for people with darker skin tones than mine, some of their lipstick shades were appealing enough to me that I gave one a try.
I really like both the texture and the look of the lipstick, and it also seems to be be as good from an ingredients standpoint as most lipsticks being promoted as “clean beauty.”
The lipstick formula feels really good on my lips, providing quite a bit of hydration and “slip.”
I chose the color Lace (“dusty rose”), which provides a fairly sheer wash of color on my lips that I have found very appealing.
The taste also is totally neutral and the product feels clean to me.
I have gotten quite a bit of wear out of this product so far and would be interested in trying additional shades.
Size: 0.12 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.7 Stars (53 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: Titanium dioxide (3), Red #6 (6), Red #7 (6), Red #28 (6), Yellow #5 (6), Blue #1 (7)
Fragrance Ingredients: Rosemary leaf extract
All Ingredients: Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Octyldodecanol, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Propylene Glycol Dibenzoate, Polyester-4, Polyethylene, Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate, Polybutene, Microcrystalline Wax, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Candelilla Wax, Mica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Synthetic Beeswax, Diisostearyl Malate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Silica, Sunflower Seed Oil, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Tin Oxide. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Red 6, Red 7, Red 28, Yellow 5, Blue 1.
Glossier Ultralip – $18
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ 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: Red #7, Red #6, Blue #1, Red #28, Yellow #5, Yellow #6
Silicone Level: None
The description of this product reads, “The rich moisture of a balm, the sheen of a gloss, and the buildable color of a lip tint, without the hassle of layering multiple products—it’s one tube, one step, one… Glossier Ultralip! The balmy formula is a standout—it feels luxe, plush, and so comfortable (like pulling on a buttery-soft, well-loved cashmere sweater)—and immediately cocoons lips in smoothing shine and color. Our exclusive, enriched blend of 4 molecular weights of hydrating Hyaluronic Acid draws in and holds onto moisture like a magnet for revitalized lips.”
Although not all of the Glossier products that I have tried have worked for me, the Glossier Ultralips (introduced in 2021) are among my favorite lip products.
The Ultralips feel more moisturizing than most other light lipsticks I have tried, and also seem to have a good bit of staying power in terms of my not needing to touch up the color very often.
The ingredient list for this product is pretty good, with only lactic acid (which I think is being used as a lip exfoliator) and the coloring agents seeming to be of any particular concern.
They taste and feel okay to me.
The Glossier Ultralip is on the shiny side, but has the kind of see-through color that I think often works well for me.
Although all of the shades are slightly translucent, some of them are much brighter than others.
The Cachet (“walnut brown”) shade gets across a Clinique Black Honey vibe, but if anything it looks even better on me.
I’ve also tried several other colors, including Portrait (“cherry blossom pink”), Villa (“dusty rose”), Ember (“deep mauve”), and Coupe (“blood orange”).
Although the latter two are pretty highly saturated, all the shades that I have tried so far look nice on me.
I’d like to try the rest of the colors (there are nine in total) as well.
Size: 0.10 oz.
Glossier Rating: 4.4 Stars (715 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: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Tocopheryl acetate (3), Lactic acid (4), Red #7 (6), Titanium dioxide (3), Red #6 (6), Blue #1 (7), Red #28 (5), Yellow #5 (6), Yellow #6 (7)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Polybutene, Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Jojoba Seed Oil, Diisostearyl Malate, Polyethylene, Triisostearyl Citrate, C12-15 Alkyl Lactate, Candelilla Wax, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Trimethylolpropane Triisostearate, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Octyldodecanol, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sunflower Seed Wax, Watermelon Seed Oil, Tribehenin, Castor Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Shea Nut Extract, Hydrated Silica, Lecithin, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Lactic Acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Tocopherol, Sorbitan Oleate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Caprylyl Glycol, Red 7. May Contain (±): Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Red 6, Blue 1, Red 28, Yellow 5, Yellow 6.
Jones Road Lip Tint – $26
♣ 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: Red #6, Yellow #5, Blue #1, Red #7, Red #28, Red #30
Silicone Level: None
The description of this product reads, “Bobbi’s take on a traditional lipstick, The Lip Tint is a modern, moisturizing stick of color that effortlessly glides on. Match your personal style by either applying directly from the stick for a touch of color on the go or build a bolder, more dramatic lip.”
These lipstick balms (introduced in 2022 by the makeup artist Bobbi Brown’s new company) are quite moisturizing but also heavily pigmented.
I think the formula of the product provides some nice hydration and feels good on my lips.
The lipsticks do not include any fragrance or flavor ingredients, and I think the taste is just fine.
The product applies pretty easily and stays on the lips for a while, without much smearing or smuding once it has been applied.
Nine shades are currently available, almost all of them in quite bright or dark colors.
I have the most neutral shade (Nude Rose), and it still is one of the more intensely saturated lipsticks that I own.
Although I like the way that this lipstick looks on me, I would be hesitant to buy another shade in this line due to most darker or brighter lipsticks not working very well with my coloring.
I do really like this formula and hope that Jones Road introduces some more muted shades in it.
Size: 0.06 oz.
Jones Road Rating: 4.7 Stars (255 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Red #6 (6), Yellow #5 (6), Blue #1 (7), Red #7 (6), Titanium dioxide (3), Red #28 (5), Red #30 (5)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Castor Seed Oil, Octyldodecanol, Synthetic Wax, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Candelilla Wax, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate. May contain: Red 7, Yellow 5, Blue 1, Red 6, Titanium Dioxide, Red 28, Red 30, Iron Oxides.
Lisa Eldridge Luxuriously Lucent Lip Color – $36
♥ 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: Red #7, Blue #1, Yellow #5
Silicone Level: None
Breakage: No
The description of this product reads, “Ultra modern, Ultra Comfortable, Ultra Luxury Lip Colour. Back by popular demand, my super succulent, Luxuriously Lucent Lip Colour. This easy to wear creamy formula is a sheer moisturising lipstick with a balmy feel. Luxuriously Lucent Lip Colour is a sheer to semi-sheer buildable coverage lipsticks with a satin finish. Delivering in one swipe, you can also build the colour to create a more radiantly polished look. This ultra modern, comfortable and luxurious texture feels smooth, light and pleasurable on the lips.”
Lisa Eldridge is a UK makeup artist who has been especially recognized for the complex and wearable shades of her lipsticks.
The Luxuriously Lucent Lip Color line is an easygoing formula that delivers a good deal of moisture to the lips but still looks and lasts like a high-quality lipstick.
I have two of the more popular lipsticks in this formula – Kitten Mischief (“a playful light, buttery caramel pink tone that imparts a delicious peachy toffee, easy going kissability”) and Meet Me In Berlin (“a deliciously rich tan shade which delivers, to various intensities, as a brown-nude across all skin tones….there’s a hint of the avant-garde and counterculture feel to this one”).
I have found that both of these shades look great on me, to the point that they just seem like they belong on my face.
That makes me interested in trying more shades, including ones in colors that I ordinarily would assume that I could not wear.
I also really love how these lipsticks feel on my lips.
The formula seems to me quite clean (with only a few artificial coloring agents being problematic according to EWG standards).
I feel like there is virtually no taste and that they feel clean and moisturizing to me, without causing any irritation at all.
Certainly, they are on the pricey side, but I still am really impressed.
Size: 0.12 oz.
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: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Titanium dioxide (3), Red #7 (6), Blue #1 (7), Yellow #5 (6)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Octyldodecanol, Polybutene, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Diisostearyl Malate, Microcrystalline Wax, Polyethylene, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Microcrystalline Wax, Synthetic Wax, Ozokerite, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Mica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Propylene Carbonate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-DI-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate, Calcium Titanium Borosilicate, Alumina, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Silica, Tin Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Red 7, Blue 1, Yellow 5.
(All information is for the Meet Me In Berlin shade).
Merit Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick – $26
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Living Clean Rating: 9 out of 10
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredient Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Natural Flavor (Raspberry Oil)
Problematic Colorings: Blue #1, Yellow #5, Red #7, Red #6
Silicone Level: None
Breakage: Yes
The description of this product reads, “Lipstick you can live in — a hydrating, buildable lipstick with a soft satin finish. It’s so lightweight, you’ll forget you’re wearing it. Provides sheer satin-finish color without the heaviness of traditional lipstick. The color is lightweight and buildable. Layer for saturated color, or add Shade Slick on top for a glossy effect. Plant-derived squalane and sunflower seed oil provide long-lasting moisture for a comfortable, light-as-air finish. Papain enzyme helps soothe lips. Stabilized vitamin C helps diffuse the appearance of fine lines.”
Merit’s lipstick line was launched in early 2022, with eight muted neutral-type colors currently available.
I have tried several colors in this formula, including Millennial (“classic pink”), Baby (“neutral pink”), 1990 (“deep brown”) and Slip (“warm neutral”). I think that all these colors have looked good on me.
I also have experimented with the other brighter colors at a Sephora store. While I don’t think that Fashion (“soft berry”) would work for me, I think I would get some good use out of all the other shades.
I like these lipsticks because they go on very easily and look good on me, even when I am not wearing a lip liner.
The color is not very high in pigment, which works well with my low-contrast complexion and creates a more natural makeup look for anyone.
The ingredients list mentions “aroma/flavor,” which is often quite problematic. However, a company representative responded to my inquiry on this that “The fragrance is raspberry oil.”
Why they do not mention raspberry oil specifically on the ingredients list if that is all that they are using, I don’t understand.
However, since it is my observation that the lipstick feels quite clean to me and that the fruity-type taste is pleasant, I am inclined to think that they are being truthful about this.
The other ingredient of concern is phenoxyethanol (a preservative), which hasn’t bothered me in most cosmetics but which I think I would prefer not to have used in lipstick.
However, I feel like this lipstick feels and tastes okay to me.
The finish of the lipstick is a soft matte that feels cushiony and hydrating, without the need for any lip gloss on top.
Although the Merit lipstick is not as long-lasting as (say) the MAC matte lipsticks, it does hold up well on my lips without smearing or other problems.
I also appreciate that it seems to even out any lines or cracks in my lips rather than calling attention to them.
Increasingly I have felt really comfortable wearing these lipsticks and not that interested in wearing any others.
Although I do really like some other lipsticks (especially the Lisa Eldridge ones), I almost feel that this particular lipstick line is has been so good for me that I’m not going to be very interested in buying any other lip products ever again.
A downside of this lipstick is that I have heard many reports of breakage, most of them with the Slip shade.
I had this happen to my own lipstick in that color within a couple of weeks after purchase and after just a handful of uses.
I was able to keep using this lipstick by digging the remaining product out of the holder and then pressing the broken lipstick back into it.
I saved the smushed product and have gotten some use out of it as a lip balm applied with my finger.
Still, I hope that the company does not continue to have this kind of quality-control problem since this is otherwise a great formula.
Size: 0.10 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.8 Stars (252 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Problematic Colors, Phenoxyethanol)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 7 (red)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Phenoxyethanol (4), Natural flavor (5), Titanium dioxide (3), Blue #1 (7), Yellow #5 (6), Red #7 (6), Red #6 (6)
Fragrance Ingredients: Natural flavor (raspberry oil)
All Ingredients: Castor Seed Oil, Isostearyl Isostearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Tribehenin, C10-18 Triglycerides, Polyethylene, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Sunflower Seed Wax, Carnauba Wax, Papaya Fruit Extract, Sunflower Seed Oil, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Beta-Sitosterol, Squalene, Phenoxyethanol, Tropolone, Aroma (Flavor). May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Manganese Violet, Blue 1, Yellow 5, Red 7, Red 6.
Mineral Fusion Lipstick – $19
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Living Clean Rating: 10 out of 10
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Thyme Oil, Rosemary Oil, White Tea Leaf Oil, Honeybush Leaf Oil
Problematic Colorings: None
Silicone Level: None
Breakage: No
The description of this product reads, “Vivid, smudge-free color. Without all the toxic ingredients, Mineral Fusion’s Lipstick is so ultra-luxurious and buttery smooth thanks to a rich base of Shea Butter and Jojoba Seed Oil that hydrate and condition your lips—all while giving you unforgettably vivid color. Pomegranate, Red Tea and White Tea, plus Vitamin C & E work behind the scenes to protect delicate lips against damage.”
This is a soft, hydrating lipstick that feels really good on my lips and that boasts a pretty clean ingredient list.
Only natural coloring agents and other natural ingredients are used.
The product acts more like a lipstick butter or lip balm than it does a regular lipstick, needing to be reapplied often if it is to keep appearing fresh.
However, since the lipstick feels hydrating rather than irritating to my lips, I don’t really mind reapplying it.
The scent/taste is mild and clearly all-natural, and I find it to be pleasant.
I have the shade Nude, which indeed does look a lot like the natural color of my lips.
This lipstick currently is offered in 15 muted colors, and unfortunately I have yet to see the other colors in person.
So far I do really like the formula as well as the one color that I have tried though.
Mineral Fusion Rating: 4.2 (191 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Yes
EWG Product Rating: EWG Verified
EWG Ingredients Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Aloe vera (3), Titanium dioxide (3). (Also contains Coconut Oil, Thyme Leaf Oil, Rosemary Leaf Oil, Honeybush Leaf Oil.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Thyme leaf oil, Rosemary leaf oil, Cranberry seed oil, White tea leaf oil, Honeybush leaf oil, Pomegranate seed oil
All Ingredients: Sunflower Seed Oil*, Trioctyldodecyl Citrate, Castor Seed Oil*, Sesame Seed Oil*, Candelilla Wax, Carnauba Wax*, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Cocoa Seed Butter*, Coconut Oil*, Avocado Oil*, Thyme Leaf Oil, Rosemary Leaf Oil*, Aloe Vera Leaf Extract*, Cranberry Seed Oil*, White Tea Leaf Oil, Honeybush Leaf Oil, Pomegranate Seed Oil, L-Ascorbic Acid, Tocopherol. May Contain: Iron Oxide, Mica, Titanium Dioxide. *Certified Organic
Nars Soft Matte Tinted Lip Balm – $28
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Living Clean Rating: 9 out of 10
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredient Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Very Mild (Taste/Smell)
Processed Fragrance: Ethyl Vanillin
Problematic Colorings: Blue #1, Red #6, Yellow #5
Silicone Level: None
The description of this product reads, “Sheer and matte. Lightweight and layerable. Lips strip down with six shades of soft matte perfection in a nude for every skin tone. One swipe deposits the perfect amount of diffused matte color with a sensorial feel. Bamboo Fibers impart a soft-focus effect, while a blend of Amino Acid Powder and Olive Oil Wax help condition. Because everyone likes to get nude. Limited Edition.”
This lip balm line seems designed pretty much solely to give a “your lips but better” appearance, with a small assortment of shades designed to cover a variety of skin tones.
The product is quite hydrating and goes on very easily, but it has a moist matte finish rather than the glossy one of many lip products.
I have the shade Unrestricted (“pink nude”), which is just a bit darker than my natural lip shade.
I really like the way that it feels on my lips, as well as how it looks – very natural and pretty.
While the look is somewhat similar to the Violette_FR Bisou Balm (which I have in Calisson), this product is much more hydrating and goes on more smoothly.
The only downside is that this product contains ethyl vanillin that is quite noticeable to me.
I love real vanilla and am not vehemently opposed to the use of vanillin in cosmetic products, but in this case the scent/taste is pretty strong (e.g. stronger than is the case in MAC, Kosas or Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks).
Other than the inclusion of that scent, this is a quite clean product (with just a few artificial colors being the only ingredients of concern).
I think that the formula in general seems great, and I have not experienced any irritation from it.
I am very happy that Nars has introduced a few cleaner products over the past year or so, and really hope they continue to work on developing more of them.
Size: 0.09 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.6 Stars (237 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: No (Meets Criteria)
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Problematic Colors, Ethyl Vanillin)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Tocopheryl Acetate (3), Blue #1 (7), Red #6 (6), Titanium Dioxide (3), Yellow #5 (6). (Also contains Ethyl Vanillin.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Ethyl Vanillin
All Ingredients: Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Octyldodecanol, Polyethylene, Mica, Silica, Lauroyl Lysine, Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Powder, Triacontanyl Pvp, Dicalcium Phosphate, Silica Silylate, Synthetic Wax, Hydrogenated Olive Oil, Olive Fruit Oil, Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Ethyl Vanillin. May Contain: Blue 1 Lake, Iron Oxides, Manganese Violet, Red 6, Titanium Dioxide, Yellow 5 Lake.
Sephora Collection Clean Vegan Hydrating Satin Lipstick – $12
Living Clean Rating: 8 out of 10
Performance Rating: (4 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Problematic Colorings: Yellow #5, Red #7, Blue #1, Red #28
Silicone Level: None
Breakage: No
The description of this product reads, “An ultra-comfortable clean and vegan lipstick that provides medium, buildable coverage and a satin finish. This lipstick offers up to 10 hours of long-lasting hydration, leaving lips supple and smooth. It is formulated with natural rosehip oil and shea butter to soften, nourish, and soothe your lips over time.”
These affordable lipsticks are new from Sephora in early 2022 and (apart from the artificial colors) boast a pretty clean ingredient list.
This lipstick goes on really easily and looks pretty on my lips, without much smearing.
The texture of is pretty straightforward, providing just a light layer of product on the lips. It feels almost like a balm to me in terms of how light it is, but the pigment is pretty strong.
There does not seem to be any fragrance at all that I can detect, and the taste also has been fine for me.
The environmentally friendly cardboard tube is also a plus as far as I am concerned.
Unfortunately, I find that this lipstick seems to make my lips feel dryer and more uncomfortable, even compared to wearing no lipstick at all.
This also happens for some of the more “serious” lipsticks that I have tried (such as the MAC matte ones), but in that case it seems more worth it since those lipsticks are much more long-lasting and provide quite a lot of pigment.
I don’t see myself buying the product again for that reason.
I have the shade Primrose, which does not seem to be available any more on the Sephora website. Some of the other colors offered look pretty as well, though.
Size: 0.12 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.2 Stars (33 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: 7 (red)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Titanium dioxide (3), Yellow #5 (6), Rosa canina fruit extract (3), Tocopheryl acetate (3), Red #7 (6), Blue #1 (7), Red #28 (5)
Fragrance Ingredients: Rosa canina fruit extract
Contains Silicones: No
All Ingredients: Castor Seed Oil, Octyldodecanol, Shea Butter, Rice Bran Wax, Titanium Dioxide, Synthetic Wax, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Yellow 5, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Jojoba Seed Oil, Garcinia Indica Seed Butter, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Iron Oxides, Red 7, Blue 1, Red 28, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Tin Oxide, Citric Acid.
Victoria Beckham Posh Lipstick – $38
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ 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 #6, Red #7, Blue #1, Yellow #10, Yellow #6, Red #28
Silicone Level: None
Breakage: No
The description of this product reads, “Posh Lipstick is an ultra-creamy lipstick with rich colour, buttery shine and light-as-air wear. The clean, nourishing formula is powered by superfood ingredients that provide intense moisturization for supremely healthier, happier, fuller-looking lips.”
Although I really like the Victoria Beckham lipstick that I own, there are a couple of things that I think people would do well to keep in mind when deciding whether to make a purchase.
First, I think that it may be a good idea to do a quick online search for photos of Victoria Beckham herself, since it seems to me that this makeup line is specifically designed to make it easy to get her look and does not work very well if you try to use it to create some other kind of look.
In virtually all the photos that I have seen of her, Victoria Beckham wears a dramatic smoky eye along with a quite muted neutral lip color. Even in the few pictures where she is wearing red lipstick, it seems to me to be a very understated version of the color.
While a few of the newer shades in this line are a little more colorful, most of these lipsticks offer the same sort of muted lip look that Victoria Beckham usually wears.
Since I am disinclined to wear a dark smoky eye except maybe to go to a special party, the overall look that I get when I wear my Victoria Beckham lipstick is especially muted since it is not balanced out by drama on another part of my face.
I personally like my overall look to be very understated, but I know that is not what everyone is trying to achieve when putting on makeup.
In addition, I think it’s important to realize that not only is $38 quite expensive for a tube of lipstick but that this particular tube includes a relatively small amount of product – only about half the amount provided in most other lipsticks on the market.
In addition, since this is not a very long-lasting formula, I can imagine that anyone who wears this lipstick on a regular basis might use up these little metal-and-glass tubes very quickly.
Despite all that, I have found my Victoria Beckham lipstick to be very pleasant to use and to look really good on me.
It goes on easily and looks natural and flattering on my lips even when I am not using a lip primer or pencil.
It feels clean to me, without any scent or flavor that I can detect at all.
I have the shade Pout (“a pale coral pink”), which I think is very pretty in a quiet sort of way.
In addition to the color being muted, the lipstick is a soft matte without any attention-getting sheen or shimmer.
In short, while I like this lipstick a lot, I’m not sure that I am going to be buying more of them soon because they are so expensive and because there are a few other lipsticks (such as the Lisa Eldridge and Merit ones) that I like just as much or more.
Size: 0.07 oz.
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: 7 (red)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Rosa canina hips oil (3), Tocopheryl acetate (3), Titanium dioxide (3), Yellow #5 (6), Red #6 (6), Red #7 (6), Blue #1 (7), Yellow #10 (7), Yellow #6 (7), Red #28 (5)
Fragrance Ingredients: Rosa canina fruit oil, Pomegranate flower extract
All Ingredients: Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate, diisostearyl malate, bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2, pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate, caprylic/capric triglyceride, synthetic wax, triisostearin, polybutene, candelilla wax, sunflower seed wax, rosa damascena flower wax, jojoba seed oil, dicalcium phosphate, rosa canina fruit oil, pomegranate flower extract, silica, tocopheryl acetate, avocado oil, coconut oil, mica. May contain: titanium dioxide, iron oxides, yellow 5, red 6, red 7, blue 1, yellow 10, yellow 6, red 28, manganese violet.
Violette_FR Bisou Balm – $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: Ethyl Vanillin
Problematic Colorings: Red #6/7, Yellow #5, Red #27, Red #28, Blue #1/4
Silicone Level: High
The description of this product reads, “A feel-good formula that leaves lips with a hydrating, sensual flush of color. The unique, lipstick-meets-balm hybrid glides on with a subtle blurring effect while its matte finish mimics the true texture of your lips — it’s one step to bouche mordue, ‘just bitten lips’ in French. Bisou Balm is a bit like your makeup best friend. It’s an everyday lip look that’s here to support you no matter what – whether you’re wearing a strong smokey eye or going bare-faced. It’s also pretty much impossible to mess up. Feel free to apply it in the bathroom, a store window, or in the back of a New York taxi – you’ll emerge looking super fresh no matter what. It’s that easy.”
I tried this product in the shade Calisson (second from left in the photo), which is a light nude with just a little peachy-pink edge.
The color and texture are honestly an exact match for my own lips, to the point that it appears that I am wearing nothing but clear lip balm when I have this on.
The formula also comes in three brighter shades that (at least based on the photos) do provide considerably more color to the lips.
The product has some moisturizing benefits and is sheer, but definitely it is more matte than most light lip products.
It contains several kinds of silicone, as well as some artificial colors and vanillin.
The ingredient list otherwise looks pretty clean.
While I am hesitant to use silicones on my facial skin, lip products with silicones seem to be fine for me and I have not had any problems using this product.
I don’t really taste or smell the vanillin in this formula. It just seems totally neutral, in a pleasant sort of way.
Upon reflection, I rather like the current natural color of my lips and wouldn’t mind using a lip product that makes them look like that if they were to become lighter in the future (as apparently can happen to women if they age).
I’d like to try another shade of this product.
Size: 0.14 oz.
Violette_FR Rating: 4.5 Stars (148 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Yes
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Problematic Colors, Ethyl Vanillin)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Dimethicone (3), Red #6/7 (6), Titanium Dioxide (3), Yellow #5 (6), Red #27 (5), Red #28 (5), Blue #1/4 (7). (Also contains Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Diphenyl Dimethicone, Ethyl Vanillin.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Ethyl Vanillin
All Ingredients: Dimethicone, Polyethylene, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Diphenyl Dimethicone, Brassica Campestris Seed Oil, Dicalcium Phosphate, Tabebuia Impetiginosa Bark Extract, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Ethyl Vanillin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Trimethylsiloxyphenyl Dimethicone, May Contain: Red 6/7, Titanium Dioxide, Yellow 5, Iron Oxides, Red 27, Red 28, Blue 1/4
W3LL People Optimist Lipstick – $16
♣ 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 #40, Red #6, Red #7, Blue #1, Yellow #6
Silicone Level: None
Breakage: No
The description of this product reads, “Hydrating high-pigment lipstick for long-lasting color. Bold, hydrating lip color with a satin finish. Richly pigmented, buildable color. Long-lasting formula. Enriched with plant-based ingredients like Castor Seed Oil and Sunflower Seed Wax to nourish and hydrate lips. Give lips the luxury treatment with this high-pigment satin lipstick that hydrates and conditions. Powered by botanicals like organic Castor Seed Oil, Sunflower Seed Wax, and rich Cupuacu Butter, this long-lasting vegan lipstick features a smooth, creamy formula that deeply nourishes. As you swipe on high-impact, buildable lip color, you’ll also treat your pout to superior moisture.”
This is a relatively clean as well as reasonably priced lipstick that I have enjoyed using.
I have not noticed that it has any smell or taste at all, and it feels good to me.
It’s a tiny bit on the dry side but still goes on smoothly even if I don’t use a lip primer or balm first.
Although a lip liner is always helpful for me, this lipstick has worked well for me even when don’t use one.
It looks pretty good without overly emphasizing the texture of my lips even if I do not use a lip gloss on top of it.
The color lasts for a reasonable amount of time on my lips and is easy to reapply as needed.
It is currently available in eight varied shades, including some bright colors and some neutrals.
I have the color Soul Mate (“nude peachy pink”) and think it looks good on me.
Especially for the price, I think this is a very nice light lipstick that may be worth trying out.
Size: 0.12 oz.
Credo Rating: 4.6 Stars (34 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Problematic Colors, Sodium Benzoate)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 7 (red)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Aloe vera (3), Sodium benzoate (3), Titanium dioxide (3), Red #40 (6), Red #6 (6), Red #7 (6), Blue #1 (7), Yellow #6 (7)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Castor seed oil*, jojoba esters, isostearyl isostearate, ethylhexyl palmitate, oleyl alcohol, bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2, carnauba wax*, candelilla wax, polyglyceryl-2 triisostearate, synthetic beeswax, sunflower seed wax, mica, tocopherol, theobroma grandiflorum seed butter, safflower seed oil*, sunflower seed oil, acacia decurrens flower wax, polyglycerin-3, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, maltodextrin, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate. May Contain: titanium dioxide, iron oxides, red 40, red 6, red 7, blue 1, yellow 6
Westman Atelier Lip Suede – $85
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Living Clean Rating: 10 out of 10
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredient Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Mandarin Orange Peel Oil
Problematic Colorings: Red #6, Yellow #5, Blue #1, Red #28
Silicone Level: None
Breakage: No
The description for the Les Nudes version of this product reads, “The most wearable nude lip you’ll ever meet. Customizable lip color, soft, sheer finish. Clean, customizable, everyday lip color. This intuitively easy palette contains four nude shades. Nourishing jojoba oil and volume-boosting peptides leave lips conditioned and plumped with a sheer, hydrated finish. Ultra-flattering nudes – in warm rose, peony, café crème and mulled wine – can be worn alone or custom mixed. Sheer suede texture made with 100% natural pigments in a preservative-free and petrolatum-free base.”
The description for the Les Rouges version reads, “The ultimate rouge. Customizable lip color, vibrant matte finish. Clean, long-lasting, customizable color. This luxurious lip palette contains four vibrant shades packed with 16.5% cold-pressed cherry oil and firming peptides that leave lips nourished and plumped. Ultra-flattering rouge shades – in fuchsia, brick, tomato red and warm dusty rose – can be worn alone or custom mixed for endless possibilities. Matte suede texture made with 100% natural pigments and petrolatum-free base conditions lips.”
A third version – Les Bordeaux – is currently available only as part of a Westman Atelier holiday gift set.
This is Westman Atelier’s only lip product so far other than their lip glosses.
I tried the Les Nudes version, along with the Westman Atelier Lip Brush ($38).
The colors in the palette are pretty and look good on me.
The product feels good on my lips and seems to be hydrating in a very nice way. Maybe that is from the cherry oil.
Although the product is easier to put on with my fingers than I anticipated, the brush is a little nicer and certainly less messy.
Unfortunately, I don’t feel like the brush is very well suited for use on the go, since it doesn’t even come in a case that would protect it (only a fabric bag).
The fact that the metal case of the lipstick compact is so heavy also makes me disinclined to carry the product with me when out and about.
This is too bad since the little selection of lip colors in a compact seems like it could be an ideal thing to take with me when away from home, to have a selection of colors from which to choose.
To my understanding, the Les Nudes palette that I bought is supposed to be refillable. I do not see any refills being offered on the Westman Atelier site and am not sure how much they will cost if they eventually are offered, though.
All in all, the actual lip product inside the compact seems like it is quite high-quality to me. It feels very nice on my lips and looks pretty.
I don’t know that I would buy it again even though I like the formula, since it is quite expensive and not all that appropriate for use on the go.
If I could get just one of the shades in a smaller and lighter compact for about $40, I might buy that, though.
Size: 0.16 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.1 Stars (44 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe (Natural Fragrance, Problematic Colors, Non-Organic Vegetable Oil)
EWG Product Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 7 (red)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Lactic acid (4), Limonene (5), Red #6 (6), Yellow #5 (6), Blue #1 (7), Red #28 (5), Titanium dioxide (3). (Also contains Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Sweet cherry oil, Mandarin orange peel oil
All Ingredients: Castor seed oil, sweet cherry oil, sclerocarya birrea seed oil, hydrogenated coco-glycerides, candelilla wax, carnauba wax, hydrogenated vegetable oil, sunflower seed wax, lauroyl lysine, trihydroxystearin, mica, ethylhexyl palmitate, madarin orange peel oil, ascorbyl palmitate, tribehenin, sorbitan isostearate, lactic acid, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, limonene. May Contain: red 6, red 7, yellow 5, blue 1, red 28, iron oxides, titanium dioxide
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.
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: Aveda, Beautycounter, Chantecaille, Clinique, Credo, Fashion Fair, Glossier, Goop, Jones Road, Lisa Eldridge, Merit, Mineral Fusion, Pharmaca, RMS, Sephora, Ulta, Vapour, Victoria Beckham, Violet Gray, Violette_FR, W3LL People, and Westman Atelier.
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.
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