Category: lips

Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey

I am a sucker for great packaging.  And while I love Clinique, I never expected to get an uber-high end, sleek tube of lipstick from them.  But when they revived the classic color, Black Honey, they did it right.

The tone is right on trend for fall – a wine-colored slash berry wash, that doesn’t required the legwork of a liner.  But that is just the lip of the iceberg.  This isn’t the most moisturizing hybrid gloss/lipstick, but it definitely stays on.  It doesn’t even come off on glasses during dinner or drinking.  The smaller applicator makes blind application much easier.  Not to mention, the slender silver tube looks sleek and can squeeze into an clutch.

So, let’s relive our glory days – you know, when mom got your first lipstick at the Clinque counters?  And of course it was Black Honey.

Guerlain Gigolo (70) Rouge G Lipstick

You get what you pay for, and in this case it is a jewel lipstick compact with a white-gold shimmer designed by Lorenz Bäumer, a Parisian jeweler.  Channeling James Bond, a mirror pops up when the compact is opened. The case is very heavy, yet with some serious glam.

My lips have been exceptionally dry this summer, so, besides this stunner packaging, I was impressed with its skin care capabilities.  Somehow, they are able to package very long term wear while still being highly moisturizing. And according to my nose, this is essentially scent-free.

Gigolo (70) is a cooler tone that works MUCH better on me than shades containing orange. Plus, your teeth appear whiter.  While it is sold as a plum, it actually appears berry-red on me.

This is a pretty penny at $47, but, like I said, the packaging is extraordinary, lip color has great staying power and it is a lip treatment to boot.

Tom Ford Private Blend Lip Color

Bruised Plum named “Best Dark Lipstick” in Allure magazine’s “Best of Beauty”

Tom Ford’s take on twelve classic lip colors – his first foray into cosmetics – instantly earned rave reviews.  Pick up a piece of his first collection before his second, a full line of cosmetics, hits stores this fall. Available at Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus.

Le Métier de Beauté ‘Colour Core’ Moisture Stain Lipstick

I had yet to try the lipsticks from Le Métier de Beauté, but knowing their penchant for serious wow factor, I knew I was in for a treat.  I am wearing Madaket to warm me up for the fall, Bordeaux trend. I am so impressed with the depth of color.  Even more amazing is the richness of the product.  I didn’t know a lipstick with this much color could be so hydrating.  I put it to the test last night – through the ringer of lots of wine and sliders.  No yucky deposits on my wine glass.  And I still had color on my lips after the greasy (but tiny) burgers!

And I wouldn’t even mind some reapplication because the lipstick feels like lip balm – all sorts of goodies to hydrate and moisturize like jojoba, lanolin and shea butter.  For a powerful lip look, this lipstick will protect and improve the look of your lips and wear fantastically.  They’ve done it again!

Revlon Just Bitten Lipstain and Balm

I haven’t ever really been a “lip stain girl”, but the claims of longevity sucked me right in.  I didn’t want to splurge and I had already heard good things about Revlon’s so I picked one up. The stain was easy to apply and not near as drying as I expected.  And man, does this stuff wear forever!  What a treat to not have your makeup coming off as you sip from a glass.

I found it pretty easy to use, as the pen is tapered and making minor adjustments comes easy. I do recommend a bold color for maximum effect.  Layering the pigment will keep the color from appearing splotchy after a couple hours. I find this to be less drying than the other brands I have tested – but it is a stain so the balm step is highly encouraged. My only beef is the cap on the balm always knocks the balm out! So I usually skip and use an alternative lipgloss.

MAC Cosmetics Red Lipstick

Who doesn’t want to look glam and polished with really white teeth?  Well, I do.  So I dove into the red lipstick world. I knew the best place to start were the bright and bold shades of MAC cosmetics.  But there are so many to choose from!  Selecting a color from the MAC displays can be overwhelming, so I am sharing my three favorite reds to help narrow it down.

From left to right: Lady Danger, Russian Red, Ruby Woo

Top to bottom: Lady Danger, Russian Red, Ruby Woo

Lady Danger is the most orange of the group. While it looks almost neon next to the other shades, it is a true, real red.  It is more bold, so this is my favorite for a special occasion that calls for a saucy pout, like a night out in the Lower East Side.  I love that Lady Danger is creamy and glossy – not near as matte as the other colors.

MAC’s top red is Russian Red, a velvety, deep red that has been around since the 1980s.  This is my favorite “dress up” lipstick. You can really achieve pearly teeth with these blue undertones. I consider this more “ruby red” than crayon or tomato red.  It is very opaque and matte but not as matte as Ruby Woo.

If you are looking for classic, velvet, matte, pinup red, Ruby Woo is your girl.  The blue undertones are even deeper.  Some say that this is so matte that it is hard to apply, but I think, with a dose of confience, it goes on quite well. You want to make sure your lips are hydrated though because it can be drying.

These lipsticks all have that subtle powdery vanilla that MAC does so well.  They smell good! (odd to say that about a lipstick but it is so darn true)