When I switched over my skin care products, I started noticing a really positive effect on my skin, including completely getting over my hormonal acne. This was a breakthrough moment and I cheerfully switched over almost all of my hair and skin products. But by far the most difficult one to let go of was lipstick. I love, love, love a great red. Words can't describe how amazing I feel in my signature red: Guerlain Kiss Kiss in Red Hot (above). I feel a little like I could conquer the world wearing that thing. But it's also not cruelty-free and definitely not toxin-free. So I set out to test the best natural, vegan lip products! These picks are organic, not tested on animals, are formulated with ingredients that you can pronounce and, frankly, are good enough to eat (because that's what you do with lippies).
1. Best red
Gressa Lip Boost in Aux Rouge (petitvour.com, $26)
I've been wearing Gressa Aux Rouge for a few weeks now. It's more of a lip stain, so it gives a sheer wash of pinkish red rather than a classic matte finish, which makes it a perfect transition to warmer weather. It's formulated with cocoa butter and coconut oil, but since this one is mostly about its gorgeous, highly pigmented color, you might want to layer a balm on top for a more hydrated finish.
2. Best coral
Pacifica Devocean Natural Lipstick in Rebel Sol (pacificabeauty.com, $14)
I love Pacifica products because their ingredients list reads like something I would eat: sunflower oil, shea butter, coconut oil, beetroot extract. And this lovely, vibrant coral color (not too orange, not too pink) is just perfect for spring: lighter than a classic matte red, but no less feminine or pretty.
3. Best nude
MarieNatie LoveMarie Lip Gloss in Flair (marienatie.com, $18)
I'm not really a pale-lip girl, but this vegan, organic and gluten-free lip gloss by MarieNatie might make me a convert. It's a soft pinkish beige with just the right amount of shine, and as a bonus, it smells heavenly like French vanilla. It's also composed of a delicious blend of botanical ingredients like coconut oil, grape seed oil, cocoa butter, carrot powder, grapefruit seed extract and more.
4. Best natural
French Girl Mineral Lip Tint in Rose Noir (petitvour.com, $11)
If you are looking for "natural lips, but better," try French Girl Mineral Lip Tint. This super-moisturizing lip balm tints your lips with just a hint of plummy red color. It has no synthetic ingredients or dyes, and is full of yummy ingredients like olive oil, rose oil and geranium essential oil. This one is always in my purse for hydrating my lips on the go.
5. Best wine
Studio 78 On Se Marie Liquid Lipstick in Velvet Wedding (naturalphilosophie.com, $31)
This très chic French brand is all natural and mostly organic (avocado and apricot oil based), but you wouldn't guess it from the highly pigmented liquid lipstick and its serious attitude. Seriously, I felt very couture and sophisticated wearing this deep wine, which strikes a perfect balance of brown and purple tones. It has a sponge-tip applicator which makes putting it on really easy.
Which one of these would you try? Any favorite cruelty free/natural/vegan lippies you can't live without? And let me know if you have any questions!