ILIA Beauty - Lip Conditioner
So, as many of you already know - I love lipsticks. I have so many lipsticks, different colors, textures you name it - I have it. The test to me of a great lipstick is one you reach for time and time again - and to me that is ILIA. A green beauty brand originally from Canada and now currently based in L.A. - this brand is beautiful. And the lip conditioners are no exception.
A little info on the brand:
Sash Plavsic Founder of Ilia Beauty was born in Vancouver and raised in a rural, ocean-side setting just outside the city. AS a child her younger brother and now business partner, Zac, suffered from acute asthma and allergies. Her mother, a true pioneer in health and wellness at that time, sought out homeopathic remedies to help heal her son. This included co-founding an organic food co-op with several families in the area, as organic food did not yet exist in the grocery stores. Through trial and error, Zac was healed primarily through diet, and went on to compete in sailing in the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games. Sasha’s interests fell into design, studying Typography in London and New York. She found herself in Los Angeles in 2006 and spent several years working as a branding executive within the fashion and beauty industries. After moving home to Vancouver for a brief sabbatical, her mother encouraged her to read the ingredient list on her favorite lip balm. Sasha was shocked to discover many of the ingredients were not safe, and it’s something she used daily. The challenge was set – re-create her favorite lip balm so that it would be safe, effective and natural - From ILIA’s website.
Ingredients and Packaging: Chock full of sesame seed oil, jasmine oil, rosemary leaf and cocoa butter! Some reviewers have said that they can smell a slight vanilla scent to the lip conditioners - I don’t - but if you are scent-sensitive, this may not be the right product for you.
The packaging is gorgeous! Since Ms. Plavsic started as a designer you would expect really lovely packaging, and ILIA doesn’t disappoint. But the packaging is also earth sensitive. From a recent online post: Additionally, the brand strives to ensure that its products are manufactured ethically and sustainably, including the use of recycled aluminum and post-consumer recycled paper printed with vegetable-based dyes. - beauty packaging.com
Now for the lip conditioners: This product falls somewhere between a lip gloss and lipstick. These products are very conditioning - but by no means will stay on for long periods of time especially if you are eating and drinking - without reapplying. They are creamy and moisturizing and have a LOT of pigment.
Here are the ones that I have, and am currently jonesing for:
Bang Bang: A classic red. There is something about this red that I find hard to explain - in the bullet it looks more like a bright red - on me it takes on brownish tones in certain lights/and goes from orange to pink. Since I do have a lot of pigment in my lips that might be part of the issue. I love this color on! But since I usually go for a more natural look - this color is more something to play with when I am going out…..Don’t be mistaken though - this is a red - though packaged in a lip conditioner -and is a great starter for those who aren’t ready to do something like a MAC Ruby Woo (an organic version of course) Retail $28.00
Forever: Mauve. On days, when I want something natural with a low key vibe: I reach for this color. Great for having something on, that is not going to draw attention to your lips. Your look pulled together, but natural. Retail $28.00
Lusting for: Europa a cranberry. Great holiday color! Europa isn’t just a cranberry but a deep, dark one. Think dramatic as in Dita Von Teese dramatic. This lipstick color WILL make a statement - there is no denying it. Fun for the holidays and in winter to give your look a little more pop! A great date night lipstick to add a bit of retro, vamp to your ensemble! Retail $28.00
To learn more about Sasha Plavic here is an online interview conducted by The Chalkboard: https://thechalkboardmag.com/ilia-beauty-founder-sasha-plavsic-founder
