Lipstick Swap
I like a shine, I like a gloss, I like a semi-matte, I like a nude, I like a show-stopping bright, I like , I like, I like. Oh, lipstick. You make me happy on a rainy day. Sometimes I just want to stare at you. Through trial and error - my favorite part of hunting for clean beauty swaps, mind you - I've found some awfully gorgeous 'sticks.
Lipsticks, for whatever reason in hell, often contain an average of 4 different kinds of metals (think lead, mercury, nickel..). The levels are fairly low, but the problem isn't with the one time application - it's that those metals can accumulate over time and cause health problems. UC Berkeley School of Public Health published a study back in 2013 - here's a brief article summarizing - it's worth a read.
Things are looking up, though, because the below lipsticks are high quality, lasting, and au naturel. I have tried or own all of the below:
Karen Murell - New Zealand brand - can be hard to find. I have 4 or 5 of these tubes and love all of them. They are long wearing and when they do eventually fade - it's nice and even (none of that not-cute-accidental-lip-liner-only look). Love this brand.
Y et Beauté - This is a brand I've found that has some funky bright colors. I just bought the color Calme - it looks like nothing online tbh but on it's a bright purple-pink and the application is smooth as buttah - I love it. It's also got that great magnetic tube - no handbag accidents!
RMS Beauty - I'm a big fan of their Lip2Cheek stains because I'm all about a multi-purpose product, especially for traveling. These have lovely, high pigmentation and come in little pots (you'll need a finger or lip brush). They have lipsticks as well - haven't tried those, but overall I really like RMS products so imagine they'd be quite good.
Vapour - I have a Vapour Multi-Use Classic stick on my being at all times. They are the most beautiful natural flush of color. I have Courtesan and Spark and use them both on my lips AND cheeks. This one makes it into my makeup routine almost every single day. Another great choice for those of you who travel a lot - dual purpose. I also have, and love, several of Vapour's lipsticks - their Siren Lipstick in Tempt is my perfect natural shade and always in my handbag.
Honorable Mention:
Spela - honorable mention here because their colors are SO on point. These 'sticks are actually matte liquid lipstick (I don't love a matte lip texture-wise, but had to include because I adore the bold colors. I tried the color Tinder and it's definitely a head-turner.
