Product Series: Lips

With pouts being the center of attention thanks to social media trends, lip products have been back in the beauty spotlight for quite some time now. Lip products have the power to transform a look from ‘average’ to ‘off the charts’ with a single swipe.

Adding an instant pop of color to any complexion, as well as an element of sensuality (or even power), there are plenty of details we need to cover in this Lip edition of the Product Series..

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Product Series: Lips

Although I added categories of Lip Glosses and Lip Liners within this post, lets start with the most popular lip product: The Lipstick!

Gone are the days where lipsticks were a “one-size-fits-all” creamy formula cased in a traditional bullet style tube. These days, lipsticks not only offer amazing range of shades, but new and improved formulas are constantly being added to the list.

LIQUID LIPSTICKS 

I guess being the “it” lip product for the past couple of years, it’s only fair we delve into the fascinating world of liquid lipsticks first. The concept of liquid lipsticks have been around much longer than we think; however thanks to the likes of Kylie Jenner, it was the “matte, long wearing” versions which took the beauty world by storm.

Liquid lipsticks look like lip glosses, typically in clear tubes with a sponge-tip applicator. Though the texture and wear of the formula can vary from brand to brand, the matte versions dry down to a budge-proof, opaque finish and supposed to last for hours. Again, depending on the formula, some liquid matte lipsticks can be quite drying and uncomfortable on the lips so I included below some of the renowned brands which are cult favorites in terms of color variety, quality, wear time and comfort.

If matte finish lipstick isn’t your thing but you like the idea of liquid lipsticks, there are now many satin finish or creamy formulas available. Unlike the matte formulas, these liquid lipsticks provide amazing coverage and wear as a traditional non-setting lipstick. Colourpop Cosmetics have quite a few formulas at affordable prices, which you can check here

Click the pictures/names of products to check color variety and shop

Jouer Cosmetics / Anastasia Beverly Hills / Kat Von D / Huda Beauty / Dose Of Colors / Kylie / Ofra Cosmetics / Colourpop / NYX Lingerie

TRADITIONAL LIPSTICKS

Traditional lipsticks are cased in twist up tubes with the product shaped in a bullet style to comfortably hug the lips on application. Although they had a pretty strong competition from liquid lipstick formulas, they’re still the most popular version of lipstick.

Typically, traditional lipsticks come in 4 different finishes:

Sheer – which provides a tinted balm affect with a moisturizing glossy finish; Satin – which is an in between matte and gloss finish; Creamy/Glossy – plenty of hydration combined with opaque color and shine; Matte – does not set like the liquid lipstick counterparts, however provides an opaque matte finish

There are so many amazing traditional lipsticks out there that it’s impossible to list every single one of them. So, below are some of my all time favorite brands which offer the different finishes I mentioned before, as well as great color variety and of course quality…

Click the pictures/names of products to check color variety and shop

MAC / NARS / Urban Decay / Bite Beauty / Charlotte Tilbury / Tom Ford / YSL / Smashbox / Rimmel  / Maybelline

LIP GLOSSES

With the introduction of liquid lipsticks, lip glosses have kind of lost their initial popularity. However, with more opaque formulas and “lip toppers” finding their way onto the shelves, they’re slowly making a come back.

Usually providing a glossy/high-shine finish, to either wear on their own or on top of other lipsticks, lip glosses not only help keep the lips hydrated, they also give the lips a plump, more voluminous look. Again, there are so many different brands of lip glosses, however, my picks below are some of my personal tried and tested favorites…

Click the pictures/names of products to check color variety and shop

MAC / Anastasia Beverly Hills / Jouer Lip Topper / Buxom / Sephora Collection / Marc Jacobs / Hourglass / NYX

LIP LINERS

Last but definitely not least are lip liners. I think lip liners are quite underrated, given the transforming effect they can have on the lips. Helping to not only define and re-shape the lips, they can also extend the wear of lipsticks and prevent smudging or bleeding.

My favorite lip liner formulas are those that are long wearing. Again, when used for the purpose of reshaping or outlining the lips, long wearing formulas tend to lock everything in place so even if the lipsticks wear off throughout the day, there’s still a subtle color/shape left behind.

Some brands such as Kylie Cosmetics, Huda Beauty, Colourpop and most recently MAC offer corresponding lip liners with their favorite lipsticks (which you can check out via the links I provided above). And here are some of my favorites which apply smoothly, and are long lasting…

Click the pictures/names of products to check color variety and shop

MAC / Makeup Forever / Smashbox / Urban Decay / Charlotte Tilbury / Marc Jacobs / Stila / Huda Beauty / Colourpop 

LIPSTICK TIPS AND TRICKS

• Always prep your lips before applying any type of lip product. Just like the skin on our face or eyes, a little bit of TLC goes a long way when it comes to lips. Regular exfoliating, balms and masks help keep the lips hydrated and plump which makes the lipsticks apply smoothly and look radiant. Check out my super easy DIY Lip Scrub Recipes
• Dab a thin layer of concealer or foundation over the lips before applying lipstick. This will ensure the lipstick color will translate true to its actual shade – as it appears in the tube
• Apply lip liner all over the lips and then the lipstick on top. Lip liners have a waxy finish which adhere to the skin and help any lipstick worn on top last much longer.
• Use a lipliner couple of shades darker than your lipstick to create an ombre effect by lining and filling around the edges and corners of your lips. This will create a more plump, 3D effect. This trick works particularly well with nude lipsticks.
• Mute down the color of lipsticks by lightly dabbing concealer over it until you reach the desired, more subdued shade
• Mattify your creamy or glossy lipsticks by dusting a light veil of translucent powder over them
• Mix your favorite powder blush with a clear gloss or Aquaphor to create your own tinted lip balm
• There is a red lipstick out there for every single skin tone. It’s just a matter of getting your undertones right. Some people look better with warm orange/reds, while others look amazing in blue/pink reds. Don’t be afraid to rock a good red lip
• Apply red lipstick in 2 stages: Apply the first coat with a precise lip brush, dab lips with a tissue; then apply the second coat to build color. This will help achieve an opaque finish and the color will last much longer too
• Multi task! Use your lipsticks as cream blush. This will not only tie in your look together but also give you a luminous glow on the cheeks. Some people have been using liquid lipsticks as eyeliners. I do not recommend this as not all red pigments in cosmetics are safe to use around the eye area (which most lipsticks can contain) and they can cause irritation. There are plenty of color options when it comes to eyeliners, check out my Product Series: Eyeliners for options

What is your favorite lipstick formula and brand? Share your must haves in the comments :)