conventional lipsticks have been proven to contain considerable amounts of lead, and red lipsticks
were especially rich in this toxic metal, according to a CNN report about the findings (full article:
http://money.cnn.com/2007/10/12/news/companies/lipstick_lead/index.htm)..) Lead is a potent
neurotoxin that accumulates in soft tissues and bone over time. As we apply lead-containing lipstick
several times a day, every day for long periods of time (and aren’t we loyal to the perfect color we
found once? ), it can add up to high exposure levels.
Green Tip
Bright colors on your lips will distract from your eyes and overall complexion. Always accentuate, not hide, your
natural beauty.
“We tested lipsticks from different stores, different cities, and different price ranges,” said Stacy
Malkan, the cofounder of Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. “We found lead in all of them. All of the
lipsticks were reds, first of all, because red is an iconic lipstick color, and also because we wanted
to compare all reds from all the companies. Some reds contained less lead; some contained more.”
Lead salts in lipstick most often contaminate the pigment, the research found, but lead could also
contaminate raw materials used to manufacture lipsticks. Other contaminants in conventional lipsticks
include aluminum in the form of color pigments, and glittery particles that are created by aluminum
powder and mercury that act as preservative and coloring agents.
When it comes to lip color, let the words “green” and “delicate” be your keys. After all, you want
the focal point to be your lips, not what’s painted on them.
While lip-glosses enjoyed their well-earned fifteen minutes of glory and then shifted to the same
style niche where skinny jeans and Hello Kitty handbags belong, lipsticks have made a glorious
comeback. Yet finding a pure lippie today is as hard as it was ten years ago. We literally eat lipstick
off our lips, yet they often contain potentially toxic components such as petroleum, aluminum,
synthetic dyes, and colorings. Even with otherwise perfectly green brands, lipsticks often end up
stuffed with silicones, parabens, and FD&C dyes.
Of all the organic beauty products, natural lipsticks feel the most glamorous compared to their
synthetic counterparts. Natural brands avoid the use of petrochemicals by using natural ingredients
such as carnauba wax, beeswax, jojoba oil, and shea butter. Instead of paraben preservatives, they
may use vitamins and citrus oils. Instead of shimmering flakes that may contain lead, aluminum, and
even mercury, they use mineral mica. Aveda lipsticks are tinted with organic, plant-derived pigment
uruku, while other natural brands use mineral pigments that can deliver a deep, rich color.
Among the safe and pure lipstick brands available, Origins and Aveda (paraben-free versions)
have the best selection of colors and textures, while Dr. Hauschka offers the highest moisture and
glamour factor. Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmers are the most economical option, with pretty, wearable,
slender lip products that are a cross between balms and lipsticks. Other perfectly green brands of
lipsticks to try include U.S.-based Ecco Bella, German Lavera, and the new Australian organic
makeup darling NVEY Eco.
Many natural lipsticks go to great lengths to use sustainable packaging. Aveda uses recycled
plastics for lipstick tubes and recycled paper for boxes. They even have refillable lipstick cases!
Canadian makeup brand Cargo introduced a line of natural-based lipsticks packed in tubes made
entirely from corn. Celebrity-designed shades of Cargo Plant Love Biodegrable Lipstick are sold in
boxes that grow wildflowers when planted. Now, that’s truly green beauty!
When choosing a lipstick, I recommend subtle, neutral shades, at least for daytime. You can stay