MORE THAN JUST A mouthful, phthalates (THAL-ates) are chemicals used in lipsticks, perfumes, nail polishes and a gazillion other products, from toys to vinyl flooring. Whether the small amounts found in makeup are harmful is up for debate (the FDA says there's insufficient evidence to call them a risk), but phthalates have been linked to breast cancer and other ills. And they're not always listed on labels. Yet phthalate-free lipsticks do exist, so you can pucker up without fearing pesky pollutants.

» 1) Ecco Bella's Vitamin E Lip Smoother ($15, Eccobella.com) combines balm and hue for a colorful duo. Kind of like peanut butter and jelly. Or Joanie and Chachi.

» 2) Dr. Hauschka ($21, Whole Foods) prescribes this little number, which goes on smooth and smells of herbal tea. Butter, oils and five different waxes keep thirsty lips moist.

» 3) Perfect Organics Vegan Lip and Cheek Shimmer ($19, Whole Foods) actually does all it claims: It's vegan, goes well with lips and cheeks and shimmers! Added bonus: It smells like mint.

» 4) Honeybee Gardens Truly Naturals ($10, Honeybeegardens.com) borrow ingredients (shea butter, vitamin E) from lip balms, making for deep hues that protect as well as prettify.

» 5) Jane Iredale's PureMoist LipColours ($19, Janeiredaledirect.com) use the natural sunscreen zinc oxide for an SPF of 18. Be a beach bombshell without getting skin cancer!

Written by Danielle Parnass/Express

Posted by Express at 12:03 AM on May 2, 2008
Tagged in Beauty , Fashion & Design , Lifestyles , Products