I just didn’t think I’d be a convert. Yet here I am, wearing a liquid lipstick even as I type.
I just didn’t think a liquid formulation would be for me – my lips are prone to chapping, and my preconception was that ALL types would be chalky and drying.
Here’s there revelation: if you prep correctly and top up with a non-greasy balm once or twice during the day, you can enjoy all-day colour that doesn’t leave smeary pout prints all over your coffee cup.
For me they have been a game changer, I wasn’t wearing lipstick that often at all as I like to kiss my baby frequently. And with age I have noticed less definition of my lips altogether, sometimes I find a sheer/moisturising lipstick emphasised my lack of boarder and I simply haven’t got the time to arse about with liner unless it’s a special occasion.
Why YOU Should Try A Liquid Lipstick
They define your lips in a way regular formulations won’t – I get my cupids bow back and everything.
A matte/satin formulation makes your lips look bigger somehow (I don’t understand why – maybe some weird illusion? but it works for me so…)
The right formulation will fade evenly and won’t smear/smudge like a creamy bullet will (Don’t get me wrong I love my Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G but one over enthusiastic bite of a croissant and I’m wearing it on my chin).
They are long lasting and can offer up to 12 hours wear.
How To Prepare Your Lips For Perfect Liquid Lipstick Application
We all know that exfoliating your epidermis regularly makes make-up look significantly smoother and lovelier. The same goes for your lips. Go old school and slough away flakes using an old toothbrush and a dab of vaseline (gently please obviously) or go pro and treat yourself to FRESH sugar lip polish (smells like cakes, will look nice on your bathroom shelf etc).
Smother your lips in a lanolin emollient balm before bed. I am a huge fan of Lansinoh HPA Lanolin cream. It’s actually for cracked nips but it’s THE BEST at peeling lips prevention. Unfortunately it doesn’t smell of cakes, neither will it look particularly pretty next to your luxe serums but a tube lasts forever and it really works so who cares.
I always apply lip balm after cleaning my teeth, I then make sure there is absolutely no residue before applying liquid lipstick, unfortunately the balm I go back to time and time again is Chanel Rouge Coco Baume . Uber elegant packaging. Satisfying click. Reassuringly expensive.
Don’t try the Chanel if you are concerned that no other balm will ever compare and you will be repurchasing for the rest of time. Because it won’t. And you will.
The Best Budget Long Lasting Liquid Lipsticks Under £10
I have two budget favourites, Revlon Ultra HD Matte (excellent range of colours including metallics) and L’Oreal Paris Les Chocolats Ultra Matte – these are quite a new release and my favourite shade is DOSE OF COCOA, a sophisticated brown based pinky nude.
Our Nanny Rachel swears by NYX Lip Lingerie, available in a wide selection of hues from pale beige to deepest burgundy and a bargainous £7 per tube.
My Favourite Liquid Lipsticks of All
Unfortunately not cheap.
Runner Up is the much (deservedly so) hyped Anastasia Beverley Hills Liquid Lipstick , it really does last and I find it really quick and easy to define my lips first and then fill them in without ending up uneven and goopy (happens.) I have the shade Pure Hollywood which is a mauve beige and works well with a smokey eye.
My absolute ABSOLUTE favourite is Clinique’s Pop Liquid Matte Lip Colour, a slightly more satin-y finish than all of the others reviewed in this feature which I think makes it slightly more natural and suitable for every day wear. I have the shade Cake Pop (a clean your-lips-but-better pink) and Ripe Pop (a brilliant red/orange coral). As I write this there is 15% off Clinique and various other cosmetics brands at John Lewis so it might be worth a butchers. And an add-to-basket. Or two.
Are you a fan of the liquid lip? Or do you associate the ultra matte look with the bold brows and the OTT contouring prowess of various youtubers?
Do let me know in the comments section, and feel free to link to any of your current lipstick favourites.
I much prefer a liquid lip or even just a matte lipstick. The sheen lipsticks are pretty but I’m just too lazy to reapply and end up not bothering in the first place as I know as soon as I walk out the door it won’t last. Definitely going to check out the clinique lippys, I’ve heard of this range but didn’t know they did liquid versions. Also I now need that chanel lip balm, why is their packaging so irresistible?!!! X
Sarah the Chanel is just the best, I promise I have tried lots of others but I always go back to it. It does last a long time though – even with daily multiple applications. Oh and the Clinique! it’s amazing, the colour Cake Pop is SO GOOD! x
My lovely Mum popped one of the Revlon Ultra matte lipsticks (in seduction) in my Christmas stocking this year and I very nearly ignored it. She’d picked it up in the Poundstore of all places (she doesn’t really do make up!) so I put it to the side planning to file it at the bottom of a drawer (who trusts poundstore make up?!) However fate was on my side and I had forgotten to pack lipstick, gave it a shot, and it was love at first stroke! When I managed to lose it months later, I headed straight for the Revlon counter at Boots and bought several more. It makes my lips look more plump and pretty without being too made up. I never would have picked a matte formula as I also have dry, crusty skin but that doesn’t seem to matter. x
Sara the plumping effect is unexpected isn’t it?! I don’t really understand it but my lips definitely look smoother too. What colours of the Revlon do you have?
I have seduction (3 tubes!). I looked at other colours but was so won over by seduction that I couldn’t look past it!
Ooooh will check it out!
Chanel lip ink for a splurge or bourjois for a cheap thril!
Lanolin really is the best. I have sample sachets /everywhere/
Ah lip ink – I am yet to try, is it worth the spend? I need sachets! SO much more convenient than carrying around a big tube 🙂
It’s is! Shade range not great but I have amouroux which is a nude pink. Really comfortable formula.
Only problem with the sachets is once they are open you can’t close them!
Is this fate? I tried on the Revlon matte liquid lipstick in superdrug the other day!! I picked the shade Braziers which is a darker pink and looks lovely on. I didn’t buy it though as I convinced myself I don’t need yet ANOTHER lip product.
But you have convinced me I do. Ta very much, Charlotte.