“I have too many lipsticks.” – said no woman ever.
Try to deny it if you must, but we’re always on the hunt for the holy grail of lip products. That colour that goes perfectly with your skintone, the dangerously shiny, the one you can apply in the rear-vision mirror and still somehow look perfect every time.
By Kate-Marie Thorpe
Before you take to the beauty counters, tick finding your perfect lip shade off your checklist. To discover your fail-proof colour, take this handy tip from makeup artist Michael Brown: “If you are unsure, check the back of your wrists. If your veins are blue in colour, you are a cool skin tone and require summery shades to contrast, warming you up, plus toning down pink shades present,” he says. “If they are a green shade, this means you are warm or olive and need a bit of colour to brighten the skin, normally in a blue base undertone to avoid looking dull.”
If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, the search is over: here’s the newest additions to the lip game that have us, quite simply, licking our lips in anticipation.
The Iconic: Chanel Rouge Coco
Mademoiselle Chanel had us hypnotized with the original. Now it’s time for a new, revamped formula to shine. And shine it does! In 24 glistening shades – each named after a close friend of Coco herself – one swipe delivers an undeniable sheen fit for the queen of fashion herself.
RRP $52. For stockists, call 9900 2944
The Moist Matte: Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Moisturizing Lipstick in Matte Shades
Get Hollywood glam with the sophistication of a matte texture combined with a hydrating formula. We apply Barely There for a whisper of colour, or go high voltage with the vibrant Raspberry Red. Whatever shade you choose, you’re guaranteed rich-pigment, velvety soft and long lasting action. Oh darlings, and that gold packaging!
RRP $35 from Elizabeth Arden counters
The Bold: Sisley Phyto-Lip Twist XXL Pencils
Never get lost in the crowd again with these playful little crayons that make lips fun. From their wind-up, easy-glide application to the zebra striped packaging, there’s no denying it – we’re wild for some XXL action! In 3 new delicious shades: Coral, Candy and Chestnut, there’s a pencil to fill every handbag pocket.
RRP $50 exclusively at selected David Jones stores nationally
The Illuminated: Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Shine
Lightweight, sculpting and high-shine – get lips of envy with Estee Lauder’s latest incarnation. A sheerer formulation to its original counterpart, multi-faceted pigments deliver a brilliant finish upon the lips in 16 complimentary shades. The magnetic closure also means you’ll never lose the lid again!
Watch Michael Brown swatch a selection of the Pure Color Envy Shine shades here.
RRP $50 from available from Estée Lauder counters nationwide and esteelauder.com.au
The Luxe: YSL Volupte Tint-In-Oil
The natural colour of a tint. The deep nourishment of an oil. Together, they create a breakthrough product that easily slides onto and into the lips for all day coverage. With that signature bouche bouche applicator we adore, try #5 for a cherry kiss or #4 for the perfect pink pout. A must try.
RRP $49 from Myer and David Jones stores
The Long-Lasting Shine: Shiseido Veiled Rouge Lipstick
Always the bridesmaid, never the bride? Shiseido has you in their sights. Revolutionary veiled pearl technology wraps the lips in a delicate shine which won’t budge all day long. In 12 mesmerizing, natural colours, there’s a shade that’s sure to win your heart over.
RRP $38 from selected Myer stores
The Kiss-Proof: Revlon ColourStay Moisture Stain
Sticky lips be gone! With the slickness of a gloss and the staying power of a stain, there’s guaranteed to be a little more lip action with this lightweight formula around. Start with a sheer layer for a hint of colour, or build it up for a full coverage effect that doesn’t look heavy. We suggest trying LA Exclusive for a ‘your-lips-but-better’ natural look.
RRP $25.95. Call 1800 025 488 for stockists
The Limited Edition: Aveda Nourish-Mint Smoothing Lip Color
Like your lip colour to have a little more? This magic bullet will surprise and delight: A plumping, nourishing formula with a sweet spearmint-vanilla scent. As well as the new packaging reducing waste by 33%, we’re giving the thumbs up to its petite size for on-the-go lip applications. Snap it up while you still can.
RRP $29.95 from Aveda boutiques and aveda.com.au
The Juicy: Covergirl Colorlicious Lip Gloss
Spice up your life with a little colour from Covergirl. High pigment, rich in moisture and shine for miles; it’s a tube filled with full-on fun. 10 lustrous shades will leave your lips dripping with shine, from barely there nudes to shout-about-it fuchsias. Tempted? Go on…
RRP $16.95 from Priceline and supermarkets
The Local: Red Earth Lip Nectar Intensive Therapy Lip Salvation
For lips that speak a thousand words, we’re hailing the return of Red Earth back to our shores. Drawing from our natural landscape, rich reds and ochers have a strong presence throughout the collection. For every woman who’s known dry lips, this unique formula infuses Shea butter and UV filters for deep hydration coupled with pure colour.
RRP $22 from Sephora Sydney, Emporium Melbourne and redearth.com
For more tips on how to find your perfect lipstick, click here.
