3 Holiday Red (Clean) Lipsticks
I know, I know, I know, we’re all wearing masks every time we leave the house, so maybe lipstick isn’t top of mind for most of us these days. But with the changing of the season, I switch up my clothing, skincare, and, especially, my lipstick. The holidays are perfect excuses to swipe on your favorite red lip color.
I haven’t worn lipstick often due to the year we’ve had, but when I do wear it around the house, in the car to pick up to-go orders for date nights, or for joy rides I’m instantly in a better mood. Plus, it is kind of a signal of specialness or sets a different tone for whatever we are doing. Which in a year that feels a lot like groundhog day, it’s nice to change it up even if most everything else is staying the same.
I feel most like myself with some color on my lips. And I subscribe to the mindset if you want to rock a bold lip to work or zoom calls or on the couch or while doing yard work, then do it. If there is one thing we’ve all learned in 2020, it’s life is too short and we should do what makes us happy now!
But first, I do want to highlight why choosing clean lipstick is so important to me.
Lipstick is applied to our lips (duh!), so it is not all that shocking to learn we do, in fact, ingest some lipstick. Statistics say routine lipstick wearers can consume four pounds of lipstick in their lifetime. And the average lipstick may contain traces of heavy metals, harmful dyes, and artificial fragrance. I bold the word may because, for me, if there is a chance, I try my best to avoid it. Enneagram 6 here, so I am a low risk-taker.
For example, lead is found in many regular lipsticks due to synthetic pigments and it is a harmful neurotoxin that builds up in the body over time. There is no “safe” amount of lead consumption. Zero amount of lead should be the goal.
Additionally, lip tissue is thinner than other skin tissue, so some toxins are absorbed straight away. Preservatives are common rapidly absorbing toxic substance, and can also be considered a “hidden ingredient,” meaning it’s not always listed in the ingredients.
I know all of this can sound scary, and I never want anyone to feel bad if they choose to use products not deemed to be cleaner or safer. Not everything in my house is “clean” or “safe,” but switching to cleaner or safer products is what feels the most right for me and my health, and I want to share what I’ve learned as I continue my journey of switching to safer products in the hopes it will help someone else. However, I will admit I am still holding on to the Kat Von D liquid lip color I wore on my wedding day in hopes I can find a safer dupe.
Also, I want to note, I am a huge advocate for using what you have. If switching to safer products is something you want to do, replace as you go. Tossing everything is wasteful and replacing it is expensive. Take your time.
Now, on to the lipsticks…
Pictures are unedited to show the true color of the lipstick
Tango is a true deep red with neutral undertones which works well for my skin tone. It goes on so easily, has a great color without drying out my lips. One thing I was bummed about when switching my lipstick was losing the all-day wear factor, but the Ilia Color Block High Impact delivers. I still need to reapply every so often, but not like other clean brands I have tried. Also, this brand is feather-free, so you can go lip liner free.
Ilia is free of sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, triclosan, and triclocarban. And full of apricot seed oil to lock in moisture, castor seed oil to soften and soothe, and mango seed butter to boost elasticity.
Pictures are unedited to show the true color of the lipstick
Rosewood is a soft oxblood with neutral undertones. If bright red lips aren’t your jam, but you still want a “red” lip this is the best bet. It is part of the same Ilia Color Block High Impact Lipstick collection I mentioned above, so you’ll get great hydrating, color without feathering or drying.
Ilia is free of sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, triclosan, and triclocarban. And full of apricot seed oil to lock in moisture, castor seed oil to soften and soothe, and mango seed butter to boost elasticity.
Pictures are unedited to show the true color of the lipstick
Electra is a cool neutral red with a hint of moody blue. It is probably my brightest red and just feels cheery for the season (even though it would be a great summer red, too). Kosas Weightless Lipstick was one of my first clean lipstick brands, so it holds a special place in my heart. This formula is so creamy, so it goes on so smoothly. I don’t feel like this one lasts as long, but it still has some longevity throughout the day.
This collection is full of jojoba oil for vitamin-packed moisture, rosehip seed oil providing antioxidants for enhanced tone and texture, and mango seed butter rich in omegas and soothing the skin.
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Bonus Color: RMS Lip2Cheek in Beloved. It is a true red with a hint of poppy. I wore it in My Holiday Looks Style Session last year and y’all raved about it. You do need an applicator for this. It is also great for a quick cheek stain if you need to look alive. This does need to be reapplied, but It has more of a stain vibe to it than a full-on lipstick. This is full of wildcrafted buriti oil which contains vitamins that offer super-potent antioxidant protection, shea butter to hydrate, condition, and repair, and cocoa seed butter as a nourishing moisturizer that is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids.
Some tricks & tips:
Prep lips with a sugar scrub. I am loving this Polish & Protect Lip Duo. I use the polish every other day or every two days, and keep the balm in my nightstand drawer so I always sleep with moisturized lips. The scrub exfoliates and conditions while the balm helps to reduce fine lines.
On non-lipstick days, when I still want color on my lips I use this Kosas Lip Fuel in Pulse. This has ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid to lock in hydration, energizing wild mint providing a stimulating scent known to help support energy and focus, and protective konjac root as an environmental barrier. This help keep lips in tip top shape for when you want a flawless bold lip.
Prevent feathering by priming lips with a clean primer or use a clean liner.
When choosing safer products, I always turn to Beautycounter (currently 15% off sitewide) or Credo Beauty. Both sites have strict review processes and only sell verified safe(r) or clean(er) products.
Now, go on with your bad self and wear that red lip this holiday season. 2020 and quarantine is the perfect time to find the perfect red for your skin tone and perfecting that pout.
xx,
Linds
