I wrote a post a few months ago about dipping my toe into the red lipstick pool by starting off with Ilia Tinted Lip Conditioner….then a month later, I decide to take the plunge and hang with the people in the grown-up pool by trying REAL red lipstick. I love it. Sounds sarcastic, but I'm being completely serious.
It started at Sephora. I only wanted to look at Bite Beauty because it's formulated without all the junk that I'm trying to avoid (parabens, phthalates, sulfates, synthetic dyes, synthetic fragrances and petrochemicals) and made with food grade ingredients that are supposedly edible. I think this is important because, let's face it--if you wear lipstick, you will inevitably eat a little bit of it. If that's the case, you may as well purchase one that's safe enough for consumption.
As I perused, their many shades of red, the saleswoman helped me decide on trying Bite Beauty's Lush Lip Tint in Cherry. I instantly liked it--it was the first time I found myself thinking I could actually pull off wearing a bold lip color. It's a bright, light red color that's surprisingly hydrating. It contains argan oil and fruit butters, but the best part is the white "B" in the center of the lip tint--it contains Resveratrol, the same antioxidant found in red wine.
Of course a few days later, I wanted a BOLDER red lip…maybe something a bit darker. Since I'm a bit tan, I knew I had to look for a red with a blue undertone (opposed to an orange one), as reds with a blue undertone tend to be flattering on any skin type (yep, found this out researching red lipstick). I found exactly what I was looking for in their High Pigment Pencil in Tannin, described as a "deep, poppy red." And when I combine the Tannin with the Cherry Lip Tint? A unicorn appears! It's the best color combination and it actually makes you feel more bold. I've gotten so many compliments on it from both men and women, it's been really difficult not to wear more often. Seriously, if a man notices and compliments a lip color, it's gotta be decent.
If you're hesitating on trying a bold red, I say DO IT--go to Sephora and take someone with you who will give you an honest opinion.
**I did want to mention one strange thing I noticed with wearing red lipstick--when combined with my Dr. Bronner's lip balm, I got a strange allergic reaction that resulted in incurable dry lips for a week. My lips felt like sandpaper yet felt very sensitive. I was initially depressed because I loved my new red lipsticks and thought I was just allergic to them. I decided to give it another go with a different lip balm by chance, and I was fine. Since I'm a glutton for punishment, I tried the red lipstick again with Dr. Bronner's lip balm and got the same allergic reaction. This may not happen to you, but user be ware.
Score Card from EWG Skin Deep (click on the name of the product to see the report):
Bite Beauty Lush Lip Tint in Cherry: 3
Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencil in Tannin: 3
Today's review is on the beloved Ilia Tinted Lip Conditioner in Bang Bang (um, I know the name isn't the best). I've been eyeing this guy for many reasons:
1. Ilia is a brand that is loved by the green beauty community and I've been itching to try their products.
2. I haven't been able to get away with wearing bright red lipstick without looking like a streetwalker! It looks so good on everyone else, I decided not to give up on this dream. It's a stepping stone into bright lipsticks since it's a tinted lip conditioner and the color is buildable.
3. It's their best selling RED lip color.
I sought out a store that carries Ilia (Blossom Lounge) when I was in Toronto so I could actually see the lip conditioners in person. My initial thought was "WHOA, this is way too bright and will not look good on me." I gave it a try, and it was lighter than I expected--it comes out more sheer and you can build up the intensity based on how much you put on. In my case, I just needed one swipe and PRESTO, a step down from bright red lips! It comes out a nice, muted bright red color (if that makes sense), without the intensity of a bold, red lipstick. When I asked the sales associate if the color was too bright, she said "You're kidding, right? It looks REALLY nice on you!" I know she could have been trying to make a sale, but she sounded genuine and I wanted to believe her. :) I got the approval from the bf too, so off it went in my shopping cart! I also purchased two Alima products (a loose powder concealer and a loose powder eye shadow in Ombra) that I will be reviewing in the next few weeks.
I can see why it's so popular now…I've worn it several times and I still like it! I've had to ask several others if the sales associate was just being nice, but it turns out that other people like it too. It won't provide a crazy amount of hydration, but just enough. I would recommend wearing a lip balm underneath if your lips tend to be dry, like mine. Color does last a while, and it's just a lovely shade of almost red.
Pros:
-allows you to dip your big toe into the pool of red lipsticks
-can build desired shade based on layers applied
-provides light conditioning
-majority of ingredients are certified organic
Cons:
-pricey at $26 a pop
-doesn't provide a lot of hydration
-scores a 3 on the EWG Skin Deep hazard scale (I wish it was a 1 or 2, but 3 is ooook)
EWG Skin Deep Score: 3
Click here to read the EWG Skin Deep Report.
