Conscious consumption has the power to change the world.
Do you agree?
As the founder of a four-year-old jewellery-focussed social enterprise called Chic Made Consciously working to promote social and environmental rights through our fashion accessories, I of course agree.
Founding Chic Made Consciously was the catalyst for me transitioning my life to one that is more conscious and eco-minded. As I started to dig deeper about the stories behind what I wear, I began to question my choices: where the products were made, how they are made, with what materials and how the materials affect me and the planet. With this new knowledge and awareness, I slowly transitioned to purchasing from more conscious brands. I also did more research to support brands that had a social or environmental cause in their business model.
As I shifted my own shopping habits, the knowledge I gained affected all areas of my life, not only fashion. Beauty was the next big one as I started to understand all the chemicals used in the mass production of skincare, cosmetics and other beauty products, and what these chemicals meant for my long-term health.
As I continued on this journey of uncovering information and finding answers, I met Jenise Lee, founder of CertClean, North America’s leading certification company for safer skincare. I got to know Jenise after interviewing her for an online conference I organised in 2017; Wear The Change Movement. She enlightened me and opened my eyes to the scary truth of how many chemicals are used in cosmetics and the many problems with labeling.
I should also disclose that I was also honoured with the task of being a judge for CertClean’s Clean Beauty Awards 2018. I have been shopping brands that CertClean recommends for a few years now. They make it easy for consumers to learn about brands, trust the information provided and put forward beauty companies making choices that empower us people and planet. CertClean has made it so much easier for me to buy safe, eco-friendly and ethical cosmetics and beauty products.
With all that said, here are the seven lipstick brands I had the opportunity to review, starting with my favourite…
1. NEEK Skin Organics 100% Natural and Vegan Lipstick in Pash
This brand made it super easy for me to fall in love with it. First off, I ADORE the colour PASH and it was exactly what I had been searching for. NEEK‘s claim that it was a “nourishing lipstick” was also true thanks to its mix of jojoba oil, avocado oil and shea better that left my lips feeling plump. With just the right balance of moisture, it still carried it’s gorgeous pinky-nude colour that became a little more matted with duration of wear. The packaging is awesome too; I love the wooden bamboo casing. The brand’s commitment to using organic ingredients also gets a tick, as does the fact it is animal byproduct-free. Their animal-friendly slogan is cute too, “Tested on sisters, not animals.”
2. Luk Beautifood Tea Rose & Ruby Grapefruit Lipstick
Luk Beautifood ranked on par with NEEK for me as I truly admire this company’s commitment to all-natural lipstick: “What goes on, goes in”. This brand creates lipstick made from FOOD with 100% natural ingredients. The more I learned about the company the more I became infatuated. This lipstick is ultra-nourishing, almost feels more like a lip chap with such a beautiful shine. The Tea Rose was my favourite colour, with a nudey-pink hue that is the perfect shade for any day and any outfit. I also adore the packaging with a soft texture with a magnetic closure. I always get tons of compliments when I wear this one!
The Ruby Grapefruit colour didn’t win me over as much as the Tea Rose. I prefer a more neutral tone instead of a red/orange pigment.
3. 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented® Cocoa Butter Matte Lipstick in Cassia
Similar to Luk, 100% Pure uses all-natural ingredients and fruit pigmented colours. The divine smell reassures me of its pure botanical ingredients. What I adore about this lipstick is how ultra matte it is, although still has a creamy feel and doesn’t dry out my lips. This tone is more on the brown shade, which is really fun for a night out.
4. Nudus Lip Euphoria Dreamtime and Just Like Jade
Just Like Jade was a definite win on the color tone – a dark purple, with a more edgy feel that gave my outfits some extra pizazz. Really special to me that it’s also handcrafted, and intriguing that the pigments are a mix of ancient Ayurvedic pure bioactive color extracts. Ayurveda is believed to be one of the oldest healing systems, originating from India over 5,000 years ago. The lipstick has a super soft texture, making my lips feel so luscious! And the packaging is oh so chic too. My only concern was seeing the word ‘fragrance’ in their ingredient listing – they claim to avoid all synthetic fragrances but I am curious to know what type of fragrance it would be. (I have emailed the company to find out and will post an update once I receive a reply!)
I didn’t love the Nudus Dreamtime colour that was more of a full-bodied red; for me, the purple was the real winner!
5. Caley Cosmetics Natural Lipstick in Silk Teddy
Super soft on the lips, leaving them feeling nourished and hydrated (as the package says!). The oils advertised – coconut oil, avocado butter, and pomegranate – are felt when you wear it; rich and supple. However, I’m not the biggest fan of the metallic-looking lip color. Their branding and packaging is fun and exciting – would be curious to try other colours from Caley Cosmetics. (I don’t believe this colour exists anymore as I couldn’t find it listed on the website!) Cruelty-free lippie too.
6. ONXS by NNS ONXS Natural Lipstick in Berri Berry
I really love this tone, the darker red hue makes me feel sexy and fierce! Extra points as it’s Canadian made too! However, I was left with some unanswered questions about actual ingredient listing without being able to find out more on the website. Wasn’t impressed that it came in plastic bag packaging, although the card it came with said that the bag is produced with green energy so I am curious to learn more about that.
7. Zuui Organic Certified Organic Flora Lipstick in Petal
I applaud this company’s commitment to vegan and organic, however I am not a huge fan of the colour Petal. Even with multiple layers of application I feel it’s too light for me and doesn’t really look like I’m wearing anything on my lips. Would be curious to try other shades as this colour was only a limited edition. Either way I am happy to find brands like Zuii Organic that align with my own values.
On January 20th 2019, the finalists were announced for each category of the CertClean Beauty awards. Find out more here and stay tuned for the winners to be announced in March or April.
For more information on how to shop eco beauty with ease or to read honest customer reviews, check out PurPicks.
Recommending reading:
- 13 Australian Cruelty-Free and Vegan Cosmetics, Skincare and Beauty Brands
- A Quick Guide to Vegan Contraceptive Methods and Birth Control
- 3 Eco-Conscious Ways to Wrap Gifts This Christmas
- Affordable Eco-Friendly Christmas Gifts For The Entire Family (Under $50)
- 10 Affordable Eco-Friendly and Ethical Underwear Brands For Women and Men (USD $29 or Less)
Disclosure: The reviews and opinions contained within this post is that of the writer’s. The products were gifted in exchange for the post. This post also contains affiliate links. For more information about our policies, click here.
