T-B, L-R: Clinique Chubby Stick “Curviest Caramel;” Armour Beauty “Edie;” YSL Pur Rouge “No. 5 Rose Bergamasque;” NARS “Blonde Venus;” Rimmel London Lip Liner “Addiction”
Spotted, this morning 7:55 a.m. EST, while rummaging through my handbag for my iPhone charger was a horde of lipsticks, all of which are nude-ish. Five my-lips-but-better shades, all collecting in one pocket of my handbag.
I’m not sure which of these are worse: the fact that…
(a) I have a gratuitous number of lipsticks with me;
(b) They’re all within two shades of one another; or
(c) I rarely wear anything beyond lip balm these days.
Can we talk about this for a moment?
From where I’m standing (or sitting, rather), there are two ways to look at it. I’m either living in excess (valid) or I’m a bona fide lip junkie whose habits can easily serve public good. And given that I’m the ever-eternal optimist, we’re going with the latter perspective. My hoarding tendencies will have saved you the heartache of trial-and-error when it comes to finding the perfect natural lipstick:
Clinique Chubby Stick no. 1, Curviest Caramel
Terrible name (really? ‘Chubby Stick?’) and certainly not the prettiest when it comes to aesthetics (kindergarten flashbacks are welcomed with every uncapping of this oversize crayon), but without a doubt a beautiful product. If you can get past the cheesy alliteration, “Curviest Caramel” is a gorgeous, pink-mauve shade that gives your lips a rosier tint. It’s pigmented, it’s non-drying, it fades beautifully, and best of all, it’s non-fussy. This is perfect for days when I need to look more alive or put-together but haven’t had the time. A swipe of mascara with this on the lips and blended as a cream cheek color instantly awakens and perks up the complexion.
I’ve written about it before, but to reiterate, it’s a delicious formula and beige-nude shade. I find it hard to wear when I’m tanner, but come winter months, it’s perfect.
YSL Rouge Pur Couture no. 6, Rose Bergamasque
Yet another lipstick I’ve waxed poetic about. It’s a nude lipstick with peachy—almost apricot—undertones, which makes it ideal for golden or olive complexions. It’s a beautiful summer shade to complement bronzed skin, and when paired with natural/mauve lip liner, gives you perfectly pout-y lips. YSL makes some of the best lip products on the market, with the Rouge Pur Couture line being my favorite from the brand. The formula and packaging are both unsurpassed.
NARS Satin Lipstick, Blonde Venus
NARS is another brand that does incredible lip products (and everything else, really). “Blonde Venus” is the only natural/nude shade I’ve found that works for my skin at its palest and at its darkest. It’s a unique shade with strong golden-brown undertones—there’s no hint of pink or mauve in it whatsoever—which is why I think its so versatile. I love the slightly matte finish, and even more so I adore the shade: “Blonde Venus” gives off a 70s Sharon Tate vibe which I can’t get enough of.
Rimmel London Full Exaggerate lip liner no. 018, Addiction
Perfect natural, mauve shade. If there’s one thing Rimmel does well it’s lip liner: cheap as chips and just as good as MAC. I rotate between this one and Kevyn Aucoin for day wear; for evenings (special occasions, nights out, performances), MUFE is unbeatable.
. . .
xx
Your turn. Thoughts?