Clove+Hallow were a brand I had my eye on, because as for natural and non-toxic makeup goes, they are a little more affordable than other brands. They stick by a Clean15 rule, so that means they guarantee a shorter and safer ingredient list.

Formulated with a combination of natural and organic jojoba, castor and sunflower oils, this PETA-certified cruelty-free and vegan lipstick delivers bold color and nourishing hydration with just one swipe

Organic Certification:

They do not have organic certification but some of their ingredients are organic. They are also PETA-certified cruelty free. If you need a lipstick to last longer than the typical 12 months, they might be a good choice, as they have an expiration of 24 months after opening.

They cost $20.00 USD or $32.95 AUD. For Australians there’s a few online stores that stock them for varying prices but $32.95 is the cheapest I’ve found.

Ingredients:

*They don’t specify what the source of the hydrogenated oil. This would be an ingredient you’d have to directly ask the company, but they do welcome any questions you have.

Packaging:

I’m a sucker for packaging and I love that this is minimalist, white and snaps shut with the magnet. The weight and shape makes it feel very sturdy, so much so that I don’t worry about the lid accidentally coming loose if I travel with it.

Texture:

There’s no scent for me and for anyone who doesn’t like heavy, matte lipsticks then these will be good. They feel balmy and smooth.

Application:

The more neutral colours are easy to apply but the darker ones stain so I wish I’d been a little more careful applying them. You’ll probably see in some of my photos that the lines aren’t perfect so if you love that crisp lip line, consider lining the lips with a pointed brush and then filling in the rest.

Opacity:

All of these are medium to high opacity from the first swipe and then you can layer to achieve complete coverage. The only one that is a little patchy is Psych.

Swatches

Frosting, Desert Rose, Ballerina Slippers, Creamsicle, Sugared Plum, Blooming, Flaming Coral, Damsel & Psych

Frosting 

Frosting is a pale, neutral, pink colour

The formula is rich and creamy but I’m sure you can tell that it’s too light. Those with pale skin tones, warm or cool should be able to wear this.

Desert Rose

Desert Rose is a neutral, dusty pink colour

I included this in my Nude Collection for Medium-Medium Dark Skin tones and I still stand by that. While it leans pinker, it works for me because my lips are already pigmented. It’s a nude I can wear without having to wear heavy eye makeup to balance it out. I like these kinds of colours because I don’t like wearing heavy makeup and neutral pinks are a little more grown up than other options.

Ballerina Slippers

Ballerina Slippers is a mid-toned, peachy-pink colour

Hopefully you can see the difference between this and Desert Rose, because this is the kind of pink that makes me feel more feminine and youthful. It’s not a colour I reach for every day because it’s a little more barbie pink. Don’t get me wrong, I like looking fresh and youthful but I have to be in the mood for it.

Sugared Plum

Sugared Plum is a dusty, mauve pink colour

This is very similar to Ballerina Slippers, just with a touch more mauve. It’s tone is dark enough for it to not appear pastel.

Blooming

Blooming is a blue-toned, hot pink colour

I find that hot blue-toned, hot pink colours pull a little purple on me and I suppose it’s because I have warm skin. I don’t hate this though. The bold shade, the tone, everything about it screams confidence.

Creamsicle

Creamsicle is a light coral colour

This is one of those corals I like because it’s not too orange, but still has that touch that brightens the overall look.

Flaming Coral

Flaming Coral is a hot, orange-toned red colour

This is one of the shades that stain and it improves the staying power of this shade. If you’re after a warm toned red, then this might be for you.

Damsel

Damsel is a bold, blue-toned red colour

Another red that stains once the emollient base is worn away. This is blue based, but I feel that none of their cool toned colours are too cool for my skin. I think this still looks pretty good on me, without clashing too much with my undertones.

Psych

Psych is a deep, wine colour

I haven’t found a deep wine lipstick that isn’t patchy. If you want to wear this as a proper lipstick, I would apply with a lip brush first, fill in the centre and then blot. This way you’ll have an even layer first and none of your own lip will show through once you do the second layer.

PROS:

• Full opacity, creamy formula
• Unscented
• The darker shades will stain, which improve wear time
• The bullet itself is very nice and sturdy
• A good mix between statement colours and more neutral

CONS:

• Hydrogenated vegetable oil.
• Lake dyes

Final Word:

Clove+Hallow have a good colour range and the formula is nice. The only drawback for me personally, is the hydrogenated vegetable oil. Others might find the inclusion of dyes to be a deal breaker as well, but if you’re transitioning from conventional makeup they’re definitely a good choice. They apply like you’d expect a high opacity, creamy lipstick and the colours are all very pretty and wearable. The only exception for me and anyone with darker skin is Frosting.

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