Although I am an ‘eye girl’ when it comes to makeup, I’m also a firm believer that a swipe of lipstick can change your day. Lipstick wasn’t necessarily one of those things I collected as a kid, compared to most people. To be honest the only lip product I can really remember using pre-age 10 was a Power Rangers lip balm. As I grew, so did my taste in lip products. In middle school I was obsessed with the Lancome Juicy tubes; high school was classic Cherry Chapstick; and college was a mix between balms and a light gloss. It wasn’t really until I started really diving into makeup that I even tried lipsticks. Now? I’m a hoarder of these little tubes.
I wanted to round up my top five favorite shades, one from each color category (L to R below):
Nude | Mac, Patisserie (honorable mention: Kylie Cosmetics, Koko K)
This is such a subtle nude color, described as a “sheer creamy neutral pink”. It’s a lustre formula but feels a little sheerer and a bit more creamy than other lustres I have owned. Surprisingly nudes are the least worn shades in my collection but I always love keeping them on hand!
Pink (everyday) | Milani, 74 Matte Darling
This may be one of my favorite shades in my collection and it’s only $6! I love the Milani matte lipsticks since they don’t dry out on your lips and are so long lasting. I do find that the darker shades can be patchy, but this slightly dusty rosy pink glides on so easily.
Pink (bright) | CoverGirl, Spellbound (honorable mention: NARS, Schiap)
The fact that this particular product has been discontinued makes me weep a bit. The super bright pink color is perfect for layering over balm on a night out (or when you just want a little extra extra!). It has a blue undertone so it suits my skin tone well and brightens up my smile. In order to ease the burden when I run out of this I’ve recently snagged Schiap from NARS. Another true winner when it comes to this shade, but I am going to miss the hydration of the CoverGirl product.
Coral/Orange | Charlotte Tilbury, Coachella Coral
This is my first – and only – Charlotte Tilbury shade and once I saw it I knew I had to have it! I’m such a huge lover of orange-toned lipsticks but don’t feel that they work for me at all. The pinky undertone of this coral lipstick however does the trick! It is part of the K.I.S.S.I.N.G range so it is super hydrating and has a satin finish. I love wearing this in summer with a deep tan.
Red | Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani, 714
714 wins at life. I feel like red lipsticks are meant to be bold and to make a statement when applied. They always bring a feeling of confidence and the matte formula is so long lasting – bringing you the extra confidence of not having it smeared all over your face. The formula is also amazing at providing great coverage with just one swipe.
For now, my favorite colors have to be a hot pink or a bright red. Mind you I’ve made it my mission to experiment more on lip shades for 2016. ICYMI: dark lipsticks were HUGE on the Met Gala red carpet on Monday evening and it has persuaded me to try out a shade or two. I’m lookin at you KVD “Echo”…
