A Pretty Philosophy: Axiology Lipstick

Nothing gets me like beautiful, clean lipstick with killer pigmentation and sexy packaging. In a nutshell, Axiology Beauty’s lipsticks fulfill all of these characteristics and then some! From humble beginnings sold through Etsy (where you can still purchase them as well as at the brand’s website) Axiology lipstick is, in my opinion the best new organic lipstick brand in green beauty. Plus, use my exclusive discount code for 20% off Axiology lipstick after the jump!

Axiology comes from the Greek word “axiā” or “value”, “worth” and describes the philosophical study of value in terms of ethics or aesthetics. These lipsticks definitely embody the values and truths of green beauty.

Each lipstick from Axiology is formulated with natural and organic ingredients, without using harsh chemicals, toxins, and products are not animal tested. To be exact, there are simply 9 main ingredients in total for each lipstick:
~Raw, organic mango butter: for smooth, soft lips.
~Organic, cold-pressed castor seed oil: naturally antibacterial, antifungal, and moisturizing.
~Orange essential oil: for a sweet, uplifting scent and soothing effects.
~Organic, cold-pressed avocado oil: for instant rejuvenation and nourishment, protects against environmental stresses.
~Raw, organic coconut oil: hydrating, conditioning, softening, and antibacterial and antifungal.
~Organic candelila wax: a vegan alternative to beeswax and allows for lasting moisture on lips while keeping both lips and Axiology lipsticks smooth
~Organic, cold-pressed grapeseed oil: an important source of antioxidants and omega-6 fatty acids, and it offers shine and gloss to the lipsticks and lubricates and moisturizes lips.
~Vitamin E Oil: another antoxidant powerhouse that protects against free radicals and environmental damage, vitamin E strengthens and heals dry, chapped lips.
~Mineral Powder Pigments: Axiology only uses natural minerals to create their lipstick colors. These pigments include iron oxides, mica, and titanium dioxide. The pigments Axiology uses are also safely sourced and do not come in nanoparticle forms.

I tried out 3 gorgeous Axiology lipstick* colors and I was amazed at how pigmented and smooth the formulas were. The colors are long-lasting, have a nice staining effect on the lips, and the color is buildeable. I also love the beautifully poetic lipstick names. Plus, the sweet hint of orange essential oil leaves behind a satisfying scent and taste after application.

The colors I tried were: Elusive (a rich dark red-mauve), Attitude (a punchy, bright pink) , Dimension (a brown-toned gold with shimmer). I actually don’t have a favorite because I love them all. Dimension is especially gorgeous worn underneath or over another color to add a darker, moodier sheen. As with all the unique lipstick shades in Axiology’s lineup, I love how versatile and wearable the colors I have are. I not one who is afraid of color (although I am more cautious about it when I walk into my business-professional corporate office) and if you’re not one to shy away from vibrant shades, Axiology lipsticks are for you. Seriously, where else can you find a natural lipstick brand with a blue, a purple, and a black lipstick?!

My only complaint is that compared to other lipstick formulas, I find that Axiology’s are a bit drying on my lips and the color seems to sit on my dry lips more noticeably. However,  I do have naturally dry lips so I have to just make sure my lips are well-moisturized prior to using Axiology Lipstick. The dryness I experience has no impact on the formula’s lasting characteristics though, the colors last quite a while on my lips. Good thing I saw on Instagram that the brand recently announced an improved formula with more coconut oil and Vitamin E added for extra nourishment. That is definitely good news, hooray!

Each Axiology lipstick is handmade and crafted in small batches. The packaging is what initially caught my eye. Created from 100% recycled paper sourced from Bali, Indonesia, the lipstick sleeves are chic in design and uniquely shaped in triangular cones.

“Axiology’s lipstick boxes were sourced in Bali, Indonesia, when founder Ericka Rodriguez was visiting the stunning island. Ericka discovered a boutique recycled paper store, and after being impressed and moved by their women-run operation, decided to work with them on packaging. The paper used in our boxes is collected from all around the island—from hotels, offices and households—and is taken to a small factory. It’s then boiled down to a pulp, laid out to the sun to dry, and finally folded and decorated by hand.”

In this sense, the production of Axiology’s product boxes helps trash reduction on Bali, which is a growing concern as the island’s population and popularity continues to rise.

The lipstick tubes themselves are just too cool to describe in words: bronzed, mirrored, and pretty hefty in weight, each lipstick container has a mechanism where you push in the bottom of the tube and the cap snaps off the tube and reveals your lipstick. Super genuis!

I’ve got my eye on Worth next, a red-orange shade. It seems to be a very popular Axiology color, it was sold out at the time I connected with the brand.
 

A variety of lust-worthy colors, a clean and effective formula, gorgeous and sustainable packaging: Axiology nails it all. Look out, because this indie lipstick brand should definitely be on the top of your to-try list. It’s already high on my list of healthy and effective green beauty keepers.

Need to try these lipsticks out right now? I’ve got a 20% off coupon code to use at Axiology Beauty just for my readers: PleinVanity20 (valid until June 26, 2015). Happy shopping! 🙂 Axiology ships internationally at $8.88/order, free shipping within the U.S. 

Axiology is also a featured brand at A Night for Green Beauty this year. If you’re going to the event or, just looking forward to those amazing ANFGB goodie boxes (I’m anxiously waiting for those to be announced this year!), keep your eye out for Axiology lipsticks!

Make sure to check out all the products at Axiology’s website here. $24 each, Axiology.

Have you tried anything from Axiology Beauty? What are your favorite colors from Axiology? Do you have a favorite organic, natural lipstick brand?

 

*Products kindly provided for consideration. As always, these are my own and honest opinions. Please see my disclosure for more information.