I said I wasn’t going to buy lipstick online anymore. I failed. Sound familiar? Have you sworn off a makeup product because of how difficult it can be to shop for colors online?
For years, I’ve been on a hunt for the perfect rosy pink lipstick. I have wants: one that feels like lip balm, doesn’t irritate my reactive lips, and actually matches what I see on screen. After my beloved IT Cosmetics Pure Joy was discontinued, I thought I’d never find a replacement.
Then, somehow, I discovered Red Apple Lipstick.
In this post and the corresponding video, I am sharing the journey to get here and all the wonderful attributes of this company and their products.
Why Most Lipstick Brands Fail
Here’s what I need in a lipstick:
- Feels and acts like lip balm (no tackiness or drying)
- Unscented or naturally scented
- Subtle, sheer colors that don’t overpower
- Lasts without staining
- At least 90% color match to what I order online
That last point? It’s been my biggest frustration. I’ve thrown away more lipsticks than I care to admit because they looked nothing like what was advertised.
If you prefer my videos you can check out the corresponding video over on YouTube, and you can see me try on each color:
Disclosure: The product links in this post may be affiliate links. As an Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. Read my Terms and Conditions Page to learn more.
Click any product name I mention or the photo and the link will take you to the product page for purchase.
The Fake Lipstick Photo Problem
While researching brands, I uncovered something disturbing: many lipstick companies, from drugstore to department store, use the exact same stock photo with digitally altered lip colors. These aren’t real people wearing the product. It’s false advertising, and it means you have no idea what you’re actually getting.
This image is just six of the different brands that I caught using identical photos with only the lip color changed digitally.
The Red Apple Difference
Red Apple Lipstick was created by Jay and Andrea Harper, in Texas. With the primary goal of bridging the gap between hypoallergenic and natural products. They’ve been making small-batch cosmetics in the USA for over 15 years.
What sets them apart:
Clean Beauty That’s Verified
Red Apple formulates to the Credo Clean standard—an established benchmark for ingredient safety, transparency, and sustainability. This isn’t greenwashing. They back up their claims.
Designed for Reactive Lips
Free from gluten, soy, parabens, synthetic fragrance, phthalates, palm oil. Vegan and cruelty-free. Over 14 million Americans experience lip allergies, and Red Apple understands those needs.
Have Fragrance Allergies?
Made with an all natural scent in a light soft vanilla or even fragrance-free options. No synthetic fragrances here. The vanilla smells amazing.
True Color Representation
Every lipstick is photographed in clear, consistent lighting from the same angle. You can actually see what the color looks like. NO FAKE PHOTOS.
Shopping Made Easy
They offer an interactive shade quiz with the company owner on video to help you find your match. Filters on search allow you to find cool, neutral, warm shades, you can pick color ranges, and the descriptions actually describe the color so you know what you are getting.
6-Month Return Policy
Don’t like the color? Return or exchange it within six months, no questions asked, even if it’s opened and used. This was huge for me after wasting so much money on other brands.
The Red Apple Colors I Tested
I’ve been testing four shades since July:
Plum Sexy Crazy – The most pigmented of the bunch with a bronzy shimmer that catches light. Reminds me of early 2000s two-tone lip glosses.
Mauve Me – My everyday shade. Medium deep plum-red that’s very close to my natural lip color. Buildable and wears like tinted lip balm.
Vogue – Soft natural berry pink. I accidentally ordered this one, but ended up loving it. More of a spring color for me.
Petal to the Metal – My favorite. This is the one that replaced my IT Cosmetics Pure Joy and Color of the World Pretty N’ Pink. It’s the shade people kept asking me about in my videos.
Does Red Apple Deliver?
After eight months of testing, YES!
These lipsticks feel like lip balm because they’re formulated with shea butter, plant oils, and natural waxes. They don’t dry out my lips or get tacky while I’m filming. The vanilla scent is subtle and natural (they also offer fragrance-free options). The sheer formulas are buildable, and they last several hours without staining.
Most importantly, the colors matched what I ordered. I haven’t had to return anything.
I finally feel like my lipstick search is over.
Full Transparency
I became a Red Apple Lipstick affiliate because I genuinely love these products. I purchased all four lipsticks with my own money back in July and tested them for months before reaching out to the company. They graciously welcomed me into their affiliate program which allows me to offer you a discount.
Each lipstick is currently $26. They offer free shipping on orders over $75, and right now they have a buy-three-get-one-free promotion.
Get 15% off with code QUICKSILVER15
They also offer more makeup options that I will be buying and trying soon.
Note: If you notice a product out of stock, sign up to be notified when back in stock. Their system works and you will receive an email on restock. Some colors sell out fast so don’t delay if you have been thinking about a color.
A GREAT LIP COLOR GOES BETTER WITH POLISHED SILVERS
To truly glow up, you want your silvers shining.
- Clarifying is a must.
- The QSH mask removes mineral and product buildup without drying.
- The oil and clay are colorless & non-staining.
- Gentle enough for fragile silver strands.
- It’s the clarifying power your silver hair needs, without the risk.
I appreciate your continued support of my very small business.
I hope you found this post educational and helpful.
Thank you for reading. Please feel free to share.
As always it is about so much more than the hair.
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