We are a huge fan of colour-adjusting lip balms. We love the soft, lip-hugging colour that always looks more natural than any lipstick ever can. Plus, the hydrated, supple feel on our lips.
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So we did some research and it turns out, this is attributed to an FDA-approved dye that can be used in cosmetics, called Red #27t. And it isn’t your skin’s pH or body chemistry that causes the colour change (like a lot of the brands advertise them to be). The dye is colourless until it comes into contact with moisture, turning it bright pink. So in these lip balms, the ingredient is formulated to be ‘encased’ in wax or similar non-water based substances.
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Only when you swipe the lip balm on your lips, the wax breaks up and ta-da! Your lips start to change colour. The amount of Red #27 in different products determine the intensity of the pink tone that appears on your puckers. Not exactly magic, but still pretty cool all the same.