The 4 Harmful Ingredients You Want to Avoid in Lip Balms

If I asked you to look in your bag, desk, or bedroom or on your bathroom counter for lip balm, you'd probably come up with at least one tube. Most of you out there might even have more than five options. For me, I've got about seven in rotation just in my apartment, two in my car, and probably three I left at my desk in the office before we started working from home.

So yeah, a lot of us have a stockpile of lip balms. They're a universal essential, especially for those times of the year when it's chapped-lips season and you're doing everything in your power to stop yourself from licking your lips and chugging water in the hopes of smoothing everything out. But have you ever wondered what exactly is in those tubes or tubs or tins you're putting on your lips every day?

To be honest, up until recently, I didn't really give it a second thought. But then, I started doing more research into clean-beauty products and started questioning everything. Turns out, it's good to be curious!

"We literally eat our lip balms with daily use!" explains Allie Compton, product development manager at clean-beauty retailer Credo. "Making the clean swap to a healthier lip balm is important for yourself and your loved ones you may kiss. You wouldn't want to eat something that can be potentially harmful to you or the environment, so you shouldn't put it on your lips either."

Compton shared four common ingredients you might want stay away from: "Typically, conventional lip balms contain inexpensive synthetic waxes and petroleum-derived ingredients like paraffin or mineral oil. These barrier-forming ingredients are refined from crude oils that can contain trace amounts of carcinogenic compounds. Not to mention the environmental impact of the refinement process, which creates air pollution."

Another ingredient, cyclic silicones, is often added to conventional formulas to mimic the appearance of moisturized lips without providing any real treatments, Compton adds.

So how can you shop smart? Compton recommends looking for natural ingredients like rich plant oils, butters, and waxes, such as castor oil, mango-seed butter, beeswax, and candelilla wax. "These natural ingredients also feel rich and buttery versus their synthetic counterparts, which often feel sticky, thick, and tacky," she says.

For those who have lips that are on the sensitive side, Compton suggests being mindful of essential oils that can be irritating, like camphor or menthol. Bottom line: Read the ingredients list closely so it can suit your specific skin needs.

If you want to make some clean-beauty swaps, take a look at some of our favorite options below.

Talk about multipurpose. This balm can be used not only on your lips but also on other parts of your face, depending on which tint you get. If you choose balm No. 0 Netto, you can use it on a stuffy chest or tired temples. Balm No. 1 can also be used to smooth split ends, flyaways, eyebrows, cuticles, elbows, and other dry patches.

This lip treatment gives a nice, subtle shine and is infused with shea butter and castor oil. It's vegan, cruelty- and paraben-free, and nontoxic.

Compton recommends this multipurpose balm: "Doctor Rogers's Healing Balm is a great option that is not only safe for the whole family but is essential oil–free and unscented, and it’s one of those do-it-all products that can be used to hydrate any area!"

We're already fans of Weleda's ultra-rich cream for deeply hydrating the skin, so it's a no-brainer that we'd recommend its lip butter, too. The nourishing formula contains sunflower-seed oil and chamomile and calendula extracts.

This is one of my favorite lip balms—it's a permanent fixture in my everyday bag. It really locks in moisture for me, doesn't leave any stickiness or greasiness, and has a slight tingly feeling. I have the clear version, but it also comes in two tints.

Compton also recommends Kari Gran's Lip Whip, which she says comes in different tints. The long-lasting lip treatment contains organic camellia oil and calendula extract. 

You'll get hydration and moisture protection for up to 12 hours with this lip balm. It's formulated with jojoba oil, cocoa-seed butter, and candelilla wax. If you're especially sensitive to fragrance, you don't have to worry here—it doesn't have any!

There's a lot of nourishment packed into this little pot of lip balm. It's got vitamins, carotenoids, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants thanks to nutrient-rich ingredients like watermelon-seed extract, shea butter, and argan and rosehip oils. 

Another recommendation from Compton, this lip mask contains papaya enzymes, which exfoliate, and salicornia herbacea extract (sea succulent) and hyaluronic acid to improve hydration and lock in moisture. She says you can use this as a lip primer or overnight mask.

Even if you don't have eczema, you'll find Eczema Honey's lip balm useful for dried-out lips. The compact tube contains just the essential ingredients and nothing else, including olive oil, vitamin E oil, beeswax, mango butter, and colloidal oatmeal.

If you want a glossier option, Tower 28's moisturizing lip gloss works so well. The non-sticky formula has apricot kernel oil to soothe, raspberry-seed oil to protect, and rosehip oil to promote cell repair. It comes in different tints, from clear and a clear shimmer to berry and brown.

I'm a big fan of Henné's lip tints because they're so smoothing and leave just the right amount of pretty color. So the brand's lip balm is on my list to try next. The moisturizing balm is infused with coconut oil, beeswax, avocado oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, jojoba oil, and vitamin E. Reviewers say it feels so good on and doesn't have irritating fragrances.

You can use this lip conditioner as a standalone product or pair it with a lip color if you need some extra hydration. Ingredients include organic virgin coconut oil and rose absolute.

With this four-pack, you'll have a lip balm option for your bedside table, bathroom counter, purse, and desk, so you'll be covered any time. Made with shea butter and natural flavors, these balms have flavors like Pomegranate Raspberry, Strawberry Sorbet, Sweet Mint, and Vanilla Bean.

This lip treatment not only hydrates and plumps the lips, but it also can protect against the effects of aging. You can even use it on the area on top of Tata Harper's eye cream for extra benefits. Next up, It's Chapped-Lips Season—Here's How to Treat Them

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15 Outfits That Will Actually Make Your Basic Black Turtleneck Look Cool

It's no secret that a black turtleneck sweater goes with, well, anything. As a fall and winter staple, the timeless knit piece has become a go-to option for fashion lovers everywhere—especially when they find themselves at a loss for what to wear. However, the style has also become synonymous with everyday basics, which means that standard black turtleneck outfits can often feel a little lackluster.

Luckily, when it comes to styling simple basics, no one does it quite like our favorite fashion girls. Case in point? A black turtleneck with checked trousers and a PVC trench coat. And just in case you needed more ideas for how to style the classic sweater, we gathered the best looks these stylish ladies have put together.

Ready to get your fill on chic, fresh ways to style your black turtlenecks this season? Scroll down to see how these It girls are wearing the piece, and then shop for a few new versions of it.

Style Tip: For a monochromatic fall look, wear your sweater with a denimmini skirt and black ankle boots.

Style Tip: Need an easy ensemble to wear to the airport? Opt for a cropped style with a pair of joggers and a trench coat.

Style Tip: Complement your animal-print ensemble with a black turtleneck top.

Style Tip: Get into the spirit of the holiday season with a red plaid skirt.

Style Tip: Styling a black turtleneck with checked pants and a shiny trench coat will create an ensemble that's undeniably cool.

Style Tip: A black turtleneck can easily dress up any casual ensemble, including one with a blazer and jeans.

Style Tip: Layer a black turtleneck underneath a leather jacket for a going-out outfit.

Style Tip: A black turtleneck will add polish to any ensemble. Style it with a pleated midi skirt for the office.

Style Tip:  For a more casual look, a cropped turtleneck with a basic mini is all you need. Throw on a trench coat if you need an added layer.

Style Tip: You can always let your turtleneck serve as the base layer to a winter ensemble and layer it under your favorite pieces.

Style Tip: If you have a turtleneck vest, take an unexpected approach and style it over your shirts.

Style Tip: If you want to wear a warm-weather piece like a light blazer into the colder months of the year, just slip a black turtleneck underneath.

Style Tip: You'll never go wrong with wearing your sweater with a pair of jeans. Bonus points for a chic puffer coat to add to the mix.

Style Tip: Look for details that make your sweater a touch more unique, such as trumpet sleeves.

Style Tip: Give your faded jeans a cool edge with a cropped turtleneck sweater.

And now, the trendy legging outfits you can wear almost every day.

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The Best Tights on the Internet, According to Shoppers Who Tell It Like It Is

Finding the perfect pair of tights is like the perfect white t-shirt; there’s a massive amount of styles available to choose from in the market that are all seemingly the same, but when you find your pair, you just know. There’s nothing like finding that pair that not only fits you like a glove, but also looks just as incredible as they feel. Whether you are styling your tights with a winter look for warmth or pairing with a midsummer’s eveningwear look, tights are a versatile wardrobe piece that is fashionable and functional. And we love a multi-tasking product. 

Because tights have proven to be a bit hit or miss, we’ve tested and trialed several pairs and combed through the internet’s reviews of the best tights. From contouring, shapewear tights to fashion-forward lace and patterned tights, we’ve sifted through them all to find only the best of the best with authentic reviews. Ahead, discover the 23 best tights you never knew you needed that will last season after season—a true tight lover’s dream.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars. Review Highlight: "I'm a curvy girl. I have been buying Hue for years, because the waistband is high enough to really control tummy bulge and not roll down. They last FOREVER."

Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars. Review Highlight: “I love these tights! Comfortable, form-fitting, and they make me feel like a goddess when I wear them.”

Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars. Review Highlight: “Exactly what I was looking for—warm but breathable, and perfect for fall weather.”

Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars. Review Highlight: “I purchased these thermal tights to use as a base layer when I’m working outside. They were inexpensive, and are heavier and warmer than you’d think.”

Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars. Review Highlight: “These tights maintain their color, shape, and I like their opacity, which is quite high.”

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Review Highlight: "I have issues with my stomach and can't have anything digging into me like tights typically do. These are so smooth and more flattering under clothes. I've probably purchased at least 10 pairs over the years."

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars. Review Highlight: “The tights are comfortable and look good.”

Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars. Review Highlight: "This was my first Spanx item I purchased, and I can't be more pleased with the fit and quality. They don't roll down like other pantyhose, and they provide a lot of support in the midsection and are very comfortable." Available in sizes A to E. 

Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars. Review Highlight: "These are by far the BEST tights I've ever bought!!! They looked extremely small when I opened them, and I was convinced they weren't going to fit. I was way wrong. They fit perfectly."

Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars. Review Highlight: "These tights are very soft and comfortable, not shiny, and create a natural look."

Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars. Review Highlight: "I have bought and tried so many different companies and so many different tights. THIS IS THE ONE. It goes on so easily and doesn't break at all."

Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars. Review Highlight: "These tights fit as expected and were quite comfortable. They truly are blackout and are durable nylon that seems like it will last quite a while. Worth the buy!" Available in sizes S to L.

Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars. Review Highlight: "I absolutely LOVE these tights.I’m tall at 5’ 11” and am elated when I can find tights that actually fit, look good, AND are comfy." 

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars. Review Highlight: "These are the gold standard for tights." 

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars. Review Highlight: "These are the fishnets if you are a dancer or work in the industry or need a costume that’ll hold up through the night. These hold up!"

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Review Highlight: "They run small. Go up in size, and you will be set! This is my new favorite tights brand!"

Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars. Review Highlight: "I don't feel restricted or compressed like other tights have made me feel. They also do not roll down like I've experienced one too many times being a plus size girl."

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars. Review Highlight: "Can you imagine putting on tights that make your legs feel better than ever? These are those tights."

Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars. Review Highlight: "Wolford is the best of the best. Well worth the price, as they last almost forever. These opaque tights have a slight sheen/shimmer, which dresses them up a little more than usual black tights, but works just as well for day wear. The lighter, flesh-toned colors are also great if you have any scars, veins, or other marks on your legs, but still want to avoid color."

Rating: 3.8 out of 5 stars. Review Highlight: “They don’t roll down like other pantyhose; they provide a lot of support in the midsection, and they are very comfortable.”

Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars. Review Highlight: "I own 5 pairs of this particular brand of tights, and I am extremely pleased with all of them. They are warm, wash well, maintain stretch without losing shape, and do not fit awkwardly in the waist as some sweater tights do."

Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars. Review Highlight: "These tights are made of high-quality material with a silky feel!" 

Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars. Review Highlight: "I’m 5’8” and mostly leg. It’s rare for inexpensive colored tights to fit me comfortably, but these have leg room to spare!" Next up, discover the new "ugly" trend coming for your shoes.

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