ILIA BEAUTY LIPSTICKS

The OG of traditional lipsticks in the clean beauty space, ILIA Beauty (established 2011) has been holding court ever since. The colors are complex, unique, flattering and modern — a rare combo despite the increase of make up branding touting non-toxic formulas. Named after music from the 70’s and 80’s, Sasha Plavsic’s original shades were offered in either a traditional lipstick, or its slightly dewier iteration: her classic tinted lip conditioner.

Not sure sure to start? Bang Bang is your best bet if you’re after a red, the bright berry Arabian Nights is the founder’s personal favorite, and Nobody’s Baby looks fantastic on everyone.

However, in the summer months, I’m a sucker for her peachy pink nudes. Funnel of Love, pictured above, was created to capture the exuberantly gamine lip color worn by Bridget Bardot in her hay day.

ILIA Lipstick in Madam Mina + a huge giveaway!

Taking inspiration from Francis Ford Coppola's Dracula, ILIA's three limited-edition Fall/Winter lipsticks represent the vamp, the moody ingenue, and something ambiguously in-between. The first run sold out shortly, but fortunately, they've made more and I was able to score a tube of Madam Mina (the more ambiguous in-between shade). A grayed down mauve with a creamy, semi-matte finish, it's a grownup lipstick that's deep without going dark. (And not a lipstick you'd want to layer with gloss.) The gray tones make for a particularly modern take on the classic mauve lipstick.

Plus, Ilia has additional good news:

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Now through 12/19, ILIA is offering entrants who submit their email here a chance to win the brand new Essential Brush Set (available 12/16) and a $500 ILIA e-gift card.