Everyone talks about how inspiring San Francisco is, but not everyone walks the walk. Kelly Crispen, Proprietress of Elizabeth Street Cosmetics, took that inspiration and turned it into a beauty business where lip balm, lip gloss and lipsticks are named after the streets of San Francisco; they're also paraben-free and loaded with natural antioxidants.

Diamond Street, Fair Oaks, Randall, you can lay claim while indulging in one of life's simple pleasures. Why only lips? “I chose a lip-only line because lip color is like lip candy. I would take a lip gloss to the moon as my only beauty product. A swipe of lipstick or gloss can pick up your day without needing much else in terms of makeup. I have no plans to expand into other categories. I launch new colors seasonally to keep things interesting.”

Elizabeth Street Cosmetics is stationed on, you guessed it, Elizabeth Street in Noe Valley. All the early products were named after Noe Valley streets and have since expanded into neighboring Castro and Mission streets. Maintaining her local focus, Elizabeth Street hosts “Lip Socials” where Crispen brings her collection to a house or office while guests sip champagne and get girlie trying on lip glosses and lipsticks.

Crispen worked various rolls in cosmetics for twenty years before she decided to start her own business and focus on her love for lip products. The Elizabeth Street packaging is simple and elegant, with a Victorian twist; glosses and lipsticks are infused with vanilla while the clear Street Balm is lightly minted for fresh lips and fresh breath. Keeping with the vibrant lip trends, Crispen recommends best sellers, like lipsticks Mission and Valencia, and bright, sheer glosses Cumberland and Guerrero.

When asked what other neighborhood the Noe Valley devotee would choose to live in, she replied: “North Beach. I have a weakness for good coffee and fresh bread. I love the energy there, great bars and cafes, and unique shopping on Grant Street.” Iconic North Beach, from the lips of a SF entrepreneur.

Sam Durbin (sami.7x7@gmail.com) is a California lifestyle writer who honed her blogging skills as Editor of FabSugar.com. Sam graduated from The Fashion Institute of Technology, and also writes for 7x7 Magazine and Gilt City.