Remember the first makeup you had as a little girl? I’ll bet it tasted like strawberries, fit perfectly in your pocket and triggered a collection (or should I say obsession?) of flavors and colors that took up every free inch of surface space on your dresser–well into your teenage years.
Yes, I’m talking about lip gloss! Such a simple cosmetic, but what overwhelming appeal! Just a swipe and a smack and you’re instantly gorgeous. Even on a no-makeup kind of day.
While nothing will ever replace those colorful little tubes of your childhood, you can still enjoy the instant shine and shade of a good gloss. Grown-up versions tend to be longer lasting, have a silkier feel and come in colors that complement many skin tones. Cruelty-free, eco-friendly options abound. You’ll still find fun flavors, though (luckily, some things never change).
Here are my top three picks for luscious, all-natural lip glosses:
Burt’s Bees Starry Night Lip Gloss: Starry Night is one of those mysterious colors that manages to look good on almost all complexions–olive or rosy, pale or dark. The color has a subtle, pearly texture and just enough shine and depth to give you that polished everyday look. Certified cruelty-free and made from beeswax and sunflower oil, this Burt’s Bees beauty comes with a velvety wand for precise application.
Alba Botanica TerraGloss. This glistening gloss adds color and shine without exposing your kisser to chemicals. TerraGloss is not only free of parabens, phthalates and sodium lauryl sulfate, it’s made with shea butter and vitamin E, which naturally soften and moisturize lips. Try it in Blaze for a pinkish-bronze shimmer, or use Garnet for a deep-red shade.
Alba Botanica Clear Lip Gloss. Already set on your lip color? Great. But a light layer of gloss can make it pop or add a sexy shine. Alba’s Hawaiian Coconut Cream Clear Lip Gloss is made from 70% organic ingredients, including tropical fruit extracts, shea butter and beeswax. Warning: If you like coconut, good luck trying not to lick your lips.