Tried & Tested: 6 Natural Lip-To-Cheek Products (Because Minimalism)
Ah, the simple joys of a multitasking product. Upon each application, it feels like you're getting away with something—like you've gamed the system. Oh, I always think, Bought this as a body oil? Now watch me use it to smooth down fly-aways. Got a nourishing face oil? I'll use the extra on my cuticles.
In the natural cosmetic space, there is none more popular than the lip-balm-to-blush. It's a ubiquitous favorite among my clean-beauty-inclined friends; on any given day, if I were to empty their bags, there would nearly always be one of these little sticks or jars. Here, a few of my natural favorites—in a variety of shades so you can pick yours based on your skin tone, occasion, or even mood.
lilah b. Divine Duo Lip & Cheek
Swivel the top around to reveal a mauve that feels equal parts cheery and sophisticated. The goop inside is made with aloe and coconut oil and yet rubs in completely matte for when you just want a pinch of color, sans shine. The chic container (it feels like a polished rock that you might find at a beach) is a very pretty bonus: Request prepaid postage from the brand to send it back in to be recycled.
Divine Duo Lip & Cheek in b. true, lilah b., $48
RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek
The biggest sell about RMS Beauty's multitasking gem is how buildable it is. Start off with a gentle swipe (a little pigment goes a long way), and you can add on until the desired tone: Seriously, this can rival most lipsticks. Spell is a modern neutral that any tone can pull off.
Lip2Cheek in Spell, RMS Beauty, $36
Tata Harper Lip-and-Cheek Tint
This Popsicle-red hue finishes like a demi-shine stain on lips, and a rosy flush on the apples of your cheeks. Packed with neuropeptides, the gel cream plumps pores and fine lines. The result? A truly youthful glow.
Lip-and-Cheek Tint in Very Naughty, Tata Harper, $39
Curious Apothecary Rose Clay Lip & Cheek Tint
A very subtle brick red, the neutral undertones in this make it everyday wearable. Swirl your fingers around the pot and tap on where desired; it imparts just a hint of color. And it comes with no fussy extras, so it's great for sensitive skin.
Rose Clay Lip & Cheek Tint, Curious Apothecary, $18.59
Balmyard Beauty Baby Love Balm Lip & Cheek
With a buttery-slick texture and rich pigment, this wears closer to a proper lipstick or blush rather than a balm. (That being said, it blends out effortlessly.) The plum shade just radiates when sheered out on dark skin tones, and fair skin tones can build it up for a bold lip.
Baby Love Balm Lip & Cheek in Black Roses, Balmyard Beauty, $32
Hans Skin Care Cosmetics Cheek & Lip Tint
The healthy glow you get from this stick might be just as much from the bright pink shade as it is the botanical blend: It's made with shea butter, coconut cream, argan and acai oils, and loads of vitamins.
Cheek & Lip Tint in Rose Berry, Hans Skin Care Cosmetics, $16
Alexandra Engler is the beauty director at mindbodygreen and host of the beauty podcast Clean Beauty School. Previously, she's held beauty roles at Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, SELF, and Cosmopolitan; her byline has appeared in Esquire, Sports Illustrated, and Allure.com. In her current role, she covers all the latest trends in the clean and natural beauty space, as well as lifestyle topics, such as travel. She received her journalism degree from Marquette University, graduating first in the department. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.