TL;DR passable, but disappointing

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A Deeper Look

Let me start by saying that I love Jessica Alba. She is one badass boss babe and deserves all of the accolades that she has received since launching The Honest Company in 2012. Her line of clean, cruelty-free products for new babies and mommies is so admiration-worthy that it used to make me long for the day when I would have reason to buy them (almost).

When I learned that I could partake in the magic of her philosophy in my favorite cosmetic way (three words: tinted. lip. balm.), I jumped at the purchase faster than I could type the words “free shipping.” $20 and two weeks later, White Nectarine and Blood Orange had arrived at my doorstep, ready to be evaluated, paraffin- and paraben-free.

Let me tell you: I wanted to like them. I really did. However, within the first ten minutes of attempting to use the balm, nine of which involved me furiously shredding the plastic wrapper in order to twist off the cap, I knew my glee would be short-lived.

Ultimately, I wish the cap had stayed on.

The overwhelming odor of Elmer’s Glue that escaped was matched only by the musty paint aftertaste that marked my first use. Moreover, the texture was waxy, which was confusing, given that I was promised a beeswax-free experience.

To give it some credit, the lip balm does, in fact, last for hours. (Which is ideal, because I only apply begrudgingly, as needed.) The tint is light but just noticeable enough. The price is undeniably reasonable. And I do, as a good millennial does, appreciate the consciousness-first approach of the brand.

But even Miss Alba herself couldn’t get me to buy any more of this stuff.

Important: Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Contains Avocado Oil, EWG-Verified, 2020 InStyle Best Beauty Buys