Some people think “eyes are the windows of the soul,” but I would argue that it is the skin. Think about it. If you sneak junk food that may or may not have originated from Golden Arches (no judgment, my fry-loving friend), it is likely to show up on your skin. And it’s not just bad food that can make an appearance on your epidermis. If you stress yourself, your skin will show the signs. If you’re hormonal or pregnant, your skin may show it before your mid-section.

Don’t believe me? Recently, in a moment of stress-induced weakness, I picked up a bag of frozen tater tots at the store. I generally eat very well – fruits, veggies, lean proteins galore. But I wanted tots, and for the love of Pete Campbell I had to have them. That night, blinds drawn, I ate the tots and was happy. The next day? Breakout city.

Morale of the story? Your body rids itself of toxins through the skin via sweating. So if there’s a build-up of bad things in your body, you may see it in acne, skin blotches and more. So treat your skin to a healthy diet and resist the siren call of the tots. Drink a lot of water to keep yourself hydrated. Cut out sugary foods, trans-fats and fried foods. As one expert suggests, “smooth, soft, clear skin depends on fresh fruits and vegetables.” Make friends with your local farmers’ market.

Product wise, there’s a slew of detoxifying masks on the market that can help speed up the process. Recently, I had the chance to check out Anthology’s Complete Skin Detox Face Mask ($13.95). Anthology only uses USDA certified organic ingredients and packages their bath and body works in recyclable glass bottles. Their line is vegan, cruelty-free, and void of chemicals.

And how is the Complete Skin Detox Face Mask? In two words: bloody cool. Just in time for Halloween, this mask paints your face with a red liquid hue that makes you look like you just got back from Carrie’s prom. Which is AWESOME, naturally. But you might want to warn anyone in your vicinity. Unless you want to watch them freak out, which has its advantages as well.

A word of caution. While using the product, just mix one teaspoon and a little bit of water. I made the mistake of mixing it will too much water and ended up wasting quite a bit of it. Also, the mask is really quite messy, so try to keep the wetness to a minimum. And keep some cloths on hand to wipe up afterwards.

The mask’s main ingredients are hibiscus flowers, clay, and cranberries. The hibiscus is said to have “anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, detoxifying, peeling and anti-oxidant effects” on the skin. The cranberries have antioxidants to fight free-radicals on the skin.

How does it work? I applied the mixture with a cotton ball and left it on for about 25 minutes, or as long as it took to dry. It was a little tingly and smelled like berry herbal tea. It left my skin feeling tight, smooth, and looking a little pink. It can leave your skin feeling a bit dry, so be sure to follow up with a moisturizer.

FTC Compliance

Have you ever bought shampoo without (steel yourself) reading the label? Or have you ever gotten home from the gym, thought about washing your face, and then collapsed on the couch in front of the TV, maybe to watch bad reality television? If you’ve answered “yes” or “dear God woman, get out of my brain” to either of these questions, you have committed a green beauty sin.

And just what are the seven deadly (okay, not really) green beauty sins?

Not using Skin Deep to research our products.
Skin Deep is a lifesaver. The safety guide to cosmetics, brought to us by the Environmental Working Group, is the standard resource in what is non-toxic and safe in the cosmetics industry, traditional or green washed. Uncertain about the chemicals in a shampoo? Run it through their database. Shampoo not in the database? Take a look at its ingredients, pick the most “chemically-sounding” and run those through. What you learn will change your buying habits forever. (And want 15 green  beauty products under $15? Find em’ here.)

Not taking care of our skin.
I was once a young scamp, running through fields of sun with nary a sunscreen thought in my head. Now I won’t get the mail without using non-toxic sunscreen – like this! Be sure to wear sunscreen, but make sure it is non-toxic. Moisturize using organic products (Here’s a good one.) Use a scrub at least once a week. And be sure to washing your face after exercise or travel.

Not eating healthy foods.
Want acne? Like dull skin? Indulge in sugar and fried foods. Mary Sullivan is a nurse and nutritional expert. According to Sullivan, “There is a lot of important new research showing tremendous power of antioxidants in general, and in some specific nutrients in particular that can make an important difference in the way your skin looks and feels – and even in how well it ages.” Spinach, broccoli, blueberries – all good for your body and beauty!

Not exercising – outdoors.
Exercise gets the blood flowing and the toxins sweating out of our bodies. Exercising outdoors gives our minds an extra chance to unwind and take in some of the sights that don’t involve a TV screen with images we can’t control flashing across it. I have seen more True Hollywood Stories at the gym than I can count. Is it relaxing or healthy to see crime scenes from OJ Simpsons’ murder trial? Not for this runner.

Not taking cooler showers.
Some of us enjoy a hot shower. And by some of us, I mean people who recycle, drive hybrids, talk to the Greenpeace activists on the street corner, and may or may not write for green online publications. I know, we’re supposed to be conserving water (which we do) and keeping electricity bills down (which we do). But also think of this next time you’re ready to blast away the day with a steam – hot showers can strip away our skin protective oils, drying out our skin. Plus they are bad for the Earth.

Not washing our hands.
You would never NOT wash your hands after using a gas station bathroom, right? Well think about all the times your may or may not have washed your hands after going to the grocery store, holding the door for someone, or even using your own cell phone. Transferring germs and dirt to your face is easy when you touch your face without washing your hands. And consider giving your cell phone an anti-bacterial swipe while you are at it.

Not considering our inner beauty.
I know, this seems like a no-brainer. But stressing out, not getting enough sleep, sweating all the small stuff is going to reflect to the outside world. Meditate. Read. Go for a walk and dance when no one can see you. (Or do it when they can, just embrace the looks.) Act like a general goof. Know what? You’ll feel better – and will feel better about shortening that hot shower. (Setting my timer right now”¦.)

Image: Esparta

Face serums are like the tabloid stars of Hollywood. They are pre-packaged all fancy like, but in the end are they worth all the trouble of court dates and rehab under protest? In some cases, yes, aka Robert Downey Jr. And in other cases involving former Disney film stars”¦the jury is still out. (Literally? Has anyone checked TMZ.com today?) Serums claim to moisturize, balance and tone. But do they really?

Serums by construction are more concentrated than other products. So in other words, while your organic face cream might contain active chamomile, a serum would be at least 70 percent active chamomile. In fact, up to 70 percent of all serums are packed with active ingredients. This is a big boost from your daily products, which may contain only around 5 percent active goods. So they are a great choice if you want to dose your skin in a lot of ingredients.

Some serums are designed to be moisturizing agents. They often claim to give your skin a healthy glow – and many do, as they are packed with essential oils. Consider Sea Chi Organics Facial Serum ($69.00). This product contains organic golden jojoba seed oil, and organic sea buckthorn berry extract. It’s designed to replenish and moisturize your skin – and it does. It has a nice, almost floral scent and certainly leaves your skin glowing. The product itself is orange and gives your skin a bit of an instant tan. Place a few drops on your neck and drier parts in the morning and at night. And yes, I found it to be a highly – moisturizing product. Score one for serums.

Other serums are designed to tone and balance the skin. Another serum to consider is Strawberry Hedgehog’s Balancing Lotus Face Treatment Oil ($20.00). It claims to “restore balance to combination skin prone to break outs and promote a youthful, radiant complexion.” It certainly moisturizes without leaving your skin feeling slicked out. It is wonderfully fragrant and a great pick for a cheaper, at-home facial. Does it tone? Certainly. Balance? Definitely my mood.

So are serums the saviors of our skins or a complete waste of cash? I’m going with “all hail skin saviors” – but only if they are made with purer ingredients. After all, if you’re going to put a concentration of active ingredients on your epidermis, don’t you want them to be greener? And with such a high concentration of good ingredients, you’re going to get your money’s worth.

FTC Compliance

How many of you moisturize and exfoliate your neck? I don’t, and apparently I am as foolish as this surfer who recently decided to stalk two great white sharks. (Yes, the neck is this dramatic.) The neck never lies. Because in this day of injecting ourselves with Botox and fillers and probably strawberry jam if it worked, the only sure-fire way to tell a person’s age is by his or her neck.

Think about it – how many times have you looked at the baby-smooth cheeks of a society Grande Dame, just to notice her neck matches her Hermes alligator bag? And I know that many of you would as soon as inject your eyeballs with glue than put Botox in your face. But that doesn’t mean we should continue to neglect our sassy necks or sexy upper bosoms.

Here’s why. As we age, our skin gets loser and fine lines make their appearance. The skin on the neck is thin and blood isn’t circulating around it as well as other places. The neck doesn’t have any fat to plump it up. It is often as exposed to the elements as much as your face – as can be your upper bosoms. You’ve invested in that Nixxi Fringe Collar Wrap Dress, so you’re going to want to bring on the sass with your cleavage.

Here’s how. First, it is important to keep our necks and chests moisturized and toned. Strawberry Hedgehog has a fantastic moisturizer. They also offer a detoxifying facial mask that is great for the neck and upper chest area as well. Want to tone? Here’s a list of some toners on the organic and natural market. (Though be sure to still read the labels, as some still contain chemical ingredients as well as organic ones.)

You can also eat your way to a healthy neck. Consider consuming foods high in omega-3s like flax seed and salmon. Spinach contains skin-strengthening vitamin A. Berries are high in antioxidants and vitamin C, which are both fantastic for your epidermis. Also think about giving your neck a massage with organic sunflower oils, which are high in nourishing vitamin F.

Next, think about your posture. Walk around with a book on your head. This will train your neck muscles to lift and elongate. (Suggests the person who spends most of her time hunched over a laptop looking like a turtle.)

You can also consider hot and cool compresses. Sitting in an armchair, wrap a warm, wet towel around your neck and clavicle for fifteen minutes. Then follow with a cool towel for the same amount of time. This will moisturize your skin and help you relax.

And finally, want a really great recipe for a homemade neck and décolletage wash? Try a Creamy Yolk Wash from Narine Nikogosian’s Return to Beauty.

Take one teaspoon of sour cream, one egg yolk, and one teaspoon of lemon juice. In a small bowl, mix the sour cream, and egg yolk together, then add lemon juice. Wash your neck and then rinse with cold water.

Image: teresawer

Since it is summer time, many of us carefully apply our makeup, step outside, and then have it instantly melt in a Joker mask of heat and humidity. Sure, there may be worse problems in the world, but we’re also allowed to be annoyed when our forehead’s oil slick gets in the way of a fun summer evening. I mean, does shiny go with our Feral Childe pleated tee dress? I don’t think so!

Luckily, there is a natural product that can assist in the battle of the shine – while nicely fitting into our handbags. Facial blotting papers by Jane Iredale are all-natural blotting papers made from organic flax seed. They come in a fashionable gold container (which can be recycled), and are designed to absorb oil, minimize pores, and give your skin a less olive oil/more matte look. And they are 100 percent natural.

Acknowledging that a paper-esque product probably isn’t the greenest item – after all, you do throw away your used slips – these aren’t a bad eco-solution. The company does offer paper refills for the container. And the use of flax seed goes back to ancient Egypt. Not to mention, Canada leads the world in their production – and what evil has ever come out of Canada?

Canadian love aside, how do the blotting papers work? Waiting until I was all greased up – see how much I love you, EcoSalon readers? – I commenced blotting. The papers worked well so well that they stuck to my forehead. Who knew my skin was such a factory of oil? I seriously feel like I should recycle the papers as candle wicks. Did they work to cut shine and give my skin a more matte look? Yes, yes they did. Will I remember to put the papers in my handbag and carry them around? No, no probably not.

Finally, if you want to combat oily summer skin pre-makeup – here’s a fun toner you can make at home. The Blushing Rose Vodka Toner (courtesy of Return to Beauty by Narine Nikogosian, you can buy the book here) is a strong, anti-bacterial combination that calms your skin. Take three tablespoons of chopped rose petals, ½ cup vodka, and two tablespoons of lemon juice. Combine the petals, vodka and lemon juice. Set aside for 24 hours, refrigerate for one week. Shake then strain. Using a clean cotton ball, swipe all over your face!

Image: jeannejo

Sunscreen can be, well, complicated. It’s like the bad boyfriends of our earlier twenties. We were told they were necessary at the time, but were they really worth the hassle in the end? As we recently reported, the Environmental Working Group declared that skin cancer is on the rise partially due to the extensive chemicals found in common sunscreens. Common sunscreens are causing damage on the cellular level. Just like our ex-boyfriends did. See how it’s all circular?

So it’s imperative to keep our sunscreens as chemical-free as possible. This brings us to the tactile portion of your reading experience – and that is how the sunscreen feels. I’ve been lucky enough to sample organic and natural sunscreens galore, so I feel like I’ve run a marathon of sunscreens. Texture is everything. A sunscreen may be made from wild berries grown organically on Venus, but if it’s too oily, I’m out. And if it has a hint of chalkiness to it, it might as well be battery acid. “˜Cause I ain’t using it.

Why am I admitting to be a total sunscreen diva? Because I know I have secret sisters out there who have the same worries. Well worry no more, my divalicious brethren! I’ve found a face sunscreen that serves up the best of all worlds. Coola Suncare’s Mineral Face Matte Finish SPF 30 is like the holy grail of sunscreen. It’s free of parabens, preservatives, and chemicals, and it is made with certified organic ingredients. It offers both UVA/UVB protection.

And best of all? It goes on like air. Due to the matte finish, it offers up an almost powdery application that leaves your skin feeling like you just dusted with cover up, not slicked with sunscreen. It was so ingenious that I immediately contacted the founder of Coola Suncare, Chris Birchby, to ask the secrets to this matte finish. (Full disclosure: Chris is also a friend of mine from Lafayette College. Does this mean I’m biased? Only against Lehigh University – Go Pards!)

I asked Chris to explain how the “matte” concept came about for this sunscreen. According to Chris, “While our chemists were experimenting with the best way to achieve a transparent zinc and titanium dioxide based sun block, they developed this wonderful powdery matte formulation. The cashmere powder feel immediately hooked us!”

Chris goes on to explain just what makes this matte so special. As Chris told me, “All our products are unique in their own way, but this matte powder cream offers a perfect counterpoint to our ultra sheer SPF lotions and is ideal for normal to oily skin types.”

Now, this product isn’t cheap at $36 for almost two ounces. Coola’s Suncare is preservative free, so you’re going to want to use it and use it well. You can order it here or find a store near you.

FTC Compliance

Image: Adam Witwer

In an alternative universe, this article would consist of me simply handing out a plastic surgeon’s card. But that would involve Botox and Restalyne and other chemical-filled things that some of us inject into our faces. Luckily, I live in this universe – where I am so fortunate to write about natural beauty products for a living. So I’m not going to promote injecting amounts of botulism, no matter how diluted, into your face.

And while I have the floor, might I send out a message to all the absolutely gorgeous women out there who feel the need to put themselves before the needle. Don’t. Do. It. Sure, there’s a billion dollar industry and several friends of mine who would disagree with me. But here’s why I’m anti-Botox. We don’t know the long term health effects of the product. And we always know when you do it anyway. Here is the case-in-point, right? It’s not like I don’t understand the urge to look young. I am 38-years-old (sing it loud, sing it proud) and while I haven’t experienced the serious effects of aging, I do know what it’s like to look in a mirror and see things that just weren’t there a year ago. I get it. But there are ways to bring out the best in your skin without poisoning it.

Naturally, here they are.

First, scrub and tone your skin. Invest in a daily toner – here are some suggestions and tips on how to do just that. You also want to use an organic and/or natural scrub to keep your skin cells moving along – although be careful about doing this every day, as excessive scrubbing can over-stimulate oil in your skins cells. Want a recipe for an excellent homemade sugar scrub? I have used this one from Care2 and love it.

Second, make hydration a priority. The moisture in your skin will help keep it plumped up and will reduce the look of fine lines. Here are some excellent organic and/or natural moisturizers to consider.

Also consider making a homemade honey cleanser. Honey attracts and retains moisture while containing essential antioxidants to help skin stay healthy. Plus, it has been used for centuries (which is always a bonus in my opinion.) Try this: Combine two tablespoons of honey with two tablespoons of yogurt. Apply it to your face for ten minutes and remove with warm water.

Finally, consider your diet. Spices have long been recognized as rich in antioxidants and anti-aging properties. Oregano is the perfect example. Cayenne is a warm spice that can bring blood back to your skin (hello, rosy cheeks!) And don’t forget to use as much organic olive oil in your diet as possible. This will keep your skin moisturized inside and out.

Image: ericmcgregor

This past winter was all about rich, dark colors and metallics with a glint of sparkle – thanks to Twilight-mania, naturally. As much as I love my sheer pinks and nudes for summer, I still get excited about wearing bright reds and berry colors during the warmer months, too. Now that I’ve equipped you with some of the best organic eyeliners, it’s time to turn our attention to lipsticks! I recently had the chance to test out three organic makeup lines: Josie Maran Cosmetics, Lavera and NVEY Eco. And what did I find out? That some of the meanest green lips are on this side of She-Hulk.

Did you know that we can eat four to six pounds of lipstick throughout our lives? If you buy standard lipstick, you’re basically chowing down on artificial dyes, lanolin, sodium lauryl sulfates, colors derived from petroleum and even carmine that comes from the shell of a female beetle. Say it with me now – gross.

This can complicate things if you are green-minded and if you like a lipstick that stays. Frankly, a long-lasting lipstick can be hard to find. Sure, there are the decidedly non-organic lip stains that Revlon and MAC have on the market. But using them is like sneaking a Coke Zero once in a while. Yes, I have been known to stain my lips with something that doesn’t have organic jojoba oil as its main component. Why? Cause this green girl likes a lipstick that lasts.

Luckily, things seem to be changing. Check out these organic lines that like to stay on our lips!

Josie Maran Cosmetics

Josie Maran’s line offers a lush lipstick containing organic jojoba seed oil and coconut cream. It goes on light and hydrates. Just one application lasts at least an hour – which is how long it was before I started reaching for my balm.

I love the hue Desirous, which is a rich, berry plum. It feels like a lip balm when it goes on and better yet, it does provide a lasting color. I have the complexion of a snow woman, so anything dark on me looks really dark. But Desirous managed to be colorful without dead washing.

And then there is one of the best glosses on the market. Josie’s Brilliant a Levres in “Joie De Vivre” is a sparkly, deep red that slides on your lips with a cotton candy kick-off. 

Why is it so great?  Anyone with hair longer than their chin knows that lip gloss can be a precarious adventure. A slight wind can mean you have your ponytail instantly attached to your bottom lip. But the “Joie De Vivre” glosses without accessories your hair style to your mouth.

Lavera Naturkosmetic

These lipsticks contain extracts of organic shea butter, jojoba and almond oil.” This German line is certified natural by BDIH, which has one of the strictest standards in Europe. For one, this means that the ingredients are from plants and minerals only come from sources that have been organically grown or wild harvested.

How does Lavera feel? Like Josie Maran, it is extremely hydrating. Their shades are more bold than Maran’s and seem to have an orange base to them. I sampled the peach and felt like I was rocking out a hip, light orange that would kill it on any red carpet.

NVEY Eco

This organic line out of Australia is made from ingredients that include natural beeswax, rose, jojoba oil, chamomile and more. (Click here to check out the various organic awards and certifications this company has racked up.) Their Organic Lip Lustre offers a nice, slick color. Flirt in particular offers up a pretty, fall plumage. For a gloss, it is decidedly unsticky (more props to the organic lines!) and provides a nice, rich color. However, it doesn’t last long, so treat it more like a tint. Would I use this as a moisturizer for my lips? It’s not so hydrating that I’ll retire the lip balm anytime soon.

You know the times you’ve run a fingernail down the side of your face and small bits of face have rolled off with it? The ick factor is huge, right? And most of that ick is dead skin.

Sure, you can moisturize with the best organic lotions out there. (And for the best green lotions to use, click here.) But those dead skin cells have to absorb the lotion before it can penetrate the skin underneath.

No amount of organic skin lotion is going to raise your skin cells from the dead. But before you conduct a green funeral for your face, try sloughing off with your best tool of choice – a scrub.

Bringing out the healthy, alive layers of skin on your face will improve your skin immensely. You’ll be less prone to break outs. Your skin will be smoother and have a healthier glow.

Pick a scrub that can make best friendsies with your skin. It is possible to over-exfoliate so be forewarned! If you over scrub, you can sand paper away the natural, protective barrier of your skin.

For sensitive skin, you’ll want a gentle exfoliating scrub. If your skin can take a sand blasting, go for the deep pore scrub. Depending on age and sensitivity, some people scrub daily, some only once or twice a week.

Best Scrub to Lessen Your Carbon Footprint:

Pangea Organics Facial Scrub ($32.00)
This gentle scrub is organic and, even better, fair trade. It contains Egyptian geranium with adzuki bean and cranberry. The smell is interesting – a combination of mud with bits of fruit buried in it. It’s light enough to use daily but strong enough to feel like you’re getting a good exfoliation. It is free of parabens, sulfates and any synthetic preservatives.

Best Scrub to Brighten Your Face:

John Masters Organics Jojoba and Ginseng Exfoliating Cleanser ($28.00)
This fantastic product contains certified organic jojoba beads (to exfoliate!) and ginseng (to revitalize!). And the best part? It will leave your face noticeably brightened. It seems to contain almost light-reflective properties that sit atop your skin and make it glow.

Best Scrub to Pretend You’re at the Beach:

Juice Beauty Exfoliating Cleanser ($22.00)
This is another gentle cleanser/scrub that has a rich pineapple base. The fresh fruity scent will bring you back to the beachy memories of childhood or that vacation you once went on where you blacked out from pineapple margaritas. It also contains certified organic extracts of white grape and aloe vera.

Best Scrub for Your Buck:

Noah’s Naturals Face Scrub with Jojoba Beads ($7.99)
This is a great, all-around scrub. You’ll feel like you’re getting a good wash while scrubbing out the baddies. It gives off a pleasant, old-school scent that’s almost floral, without being perfumey. It contains no parabens or sodium lauryl sulfate. It’s not organic, but it’s a good choice if you want an affordable, natural cleanser.

Best Scrub to Love Your Sensitive Skin:

Avalon Organics Exfoliating Enzyme Scrub ($16.95)
This product offers up a light, lavender scent. I used it daily for about a week and my skin did feel smoother after a couple of days. It’s free of parabens and preservatives. It is 100% vegetarian, and contains certified organic ingredients.

Best Scrub to Blast Your Skin:

Burt’s Bees Peach and Willowbark Deep Pore Scrub ($7.99)
If you’re looking for a scrub to really tear it up, this is the product for you. It has a fresh, peachy smell but it does leave a bit of a waxy, leftover feeling. It’s made from ground peach stone to exfoliate and also contains willowbark, a natural source of salicylic acid. 98.45% natural, it is free of sodium lauryl/laureth sulfates, parabens and phthalates.

Best Scrub to Use Daily:

Aveda Tourmaline Charged Exfoliating Cleanser ($29.00)
This product works really well as a cleanser, but if you want a vigorous scrub, look elsewhere. It is not organic but it does contain “naturally-derived” exfoliating beads and certified organic lavender and geranium oils. And it’s tourmaline charged. What, pray tell, is tourmaline charged? Tourmaline apparently “acts as a conductor for the plant energy and the crystalline energy, while energizing the skin and boosting it with moisture and vitamins.”

Best Scrub to Simply Wash Your Face:

Exfoliating Wash by Kiss My Face ($15.00)
This scrub”¦er, wash got high marks for smell. It reminds me of lime and mint, and really makes me want a Mojito. It’s clean and refreshing, but doesn’t feel like a scrub.  It works more like a gel and feels gentle on your face. It’s not organic, but does contain several “certified natural” ingredients.

Most of us put lipstick on in the morning, but it doesn’t remain on our lips. You’ll see it on your coffee cups, your napkins and your food.  Did you ever stop to wonder how much lipstick you might eat up in a lifetime?

We can eat four to six pounds of lipstick throughout our lives. If you buy standard lipstick, you’re basically chowing down on artificial dyes, lanolin, sodium lauryl sulfates, colors derived from petroleum and even carmine that comes from the shell of a female beetle. Everyone say it with me: ewww!

But not to worry! We can help you find a great lipstick that doesn’t contain lady beetle (or fossil fuels). Check out our look at some of the best organic, vegan and eco-friendly lipsticks on the market.

Organic Lipstick by Nvey Eco

This product promises to deliver both vibrant and natural color selections that are smooth and creamy to the lips. And you know what? It totally does! This is the best organic lipstick you can find – in fact, it is my new favorite lipstick. The colors are rich, and they stay on your lips. It is hydrating and silky. You know how people say lip balm is addictive? You may feel the same about this lipstick. It contains safflower oil, organic castor oil and vitamin E.

Lipstick by Josie Maran

When you try on this lipstick, you’ll be struck by one thought: wowzers, this lipstick is like water! Or silk! Or watery silk! It goes on light and hydrating and offers up a flattering color that hangs around. I highly recommend this product if you’re one who likes a moist lipstick – it really stands alone in its ability to hydrate. It is free of parabens and fragrance, and it is made from organic jojoba seed oil, coconut cream, soybean oil, olive oil and other goodies. It also comes in a tube made from recycled material.

Shea and Aloe Lipstick by Earth’s Beauty

This product goes on smooth and really offers up a pretty shade. The Summer Quartz gives your lips a subtle, natural, lasting shade of pink. It is made from shea butter, candellila wax and aloe vera extract. While I can’t find any evidence that it has organic ingredients, it contains no formaldehyde, phthalates, parabens, synthetic colors or fragrances.

Sheer Organic Shimmers by Kiss My Face

If you want a subtle color, this is a good choice. But it has more of a lip balm vibe: it goes on light, smooth, and it has a nice, subtle minty scent and flavor. (This is the tastiest of the bunch, for sure!) It has a hydrating feel, but you will want to reapply an hour later. It demands almost constant reapplication to keep the color going. Sheer Organic Shimmers contains no parabens, SLS, phthalates, synthetic colors or flavors. Considered 91% organic, it is made with shea butter, sunflower oil and natural vitamin E.

Vegan Lipstick by Hemp Organics

This product offers up a rich, lasting color, but it probably works best as a lip stain. It goes on rather dry and has almost a powdery feeling to it. If you can stand it without gloss, it does work as a nice, matte base. It is certified organic and contains both hemp seed oil and organic beeswax. This vegan lipstick is free of petroleum, wheat and gluten.