When I was first made aware of all of the hype surrounding make-up crayons I thought they were rather gimmicky. What was stylish about a chunky crayon? That was until I styled my first magazine cover for Perfect Wedding Magazine (released on the 17th February!) and the make-up artist used the most beautiful natural pink Clinique Chubby Stick “Baby Tint” on our model Stephanie’s pout.

It’s a moisturising lip colour balm and the shade “03 budding blossom” adapts to your lips to provide a hue to suit accordingly. It actually works and everything, I obviously went out and purchased one the day after the shoot was finished, on me it’s an entirely different shade of pink to what it appears on Steph but very pretty indeed.

The main positives for me is that these pencils are so compact and transportable, not to mention easy to apply straight from the tube (negating the requirement for a plethora of brushes) – ideal for a working Mama on the go. I’ve been testing and reviewing all sorts of varieties with varying price points in order to share with you my best buys.

The Luxe

After my initial Clinique obsession had waned (I still wear it, but as a self confessed make-up junkie I am notoriously unfaithful, even to my favourites.) I moved on to The Chinatown Glossy Pencils by Lipstick Queen. My Mum kindly bought me a mini set of 3 shades for Christmas which was actually quite a bargain – it was £22, the same price it is for one regular size. Catalina is my go-to, an uber “Your Lips But Better” rosy hue. Pink Bluff is a soft nude and Chase is an orange-y watermelon. The texture is very moisturising and I find they leave a subtle stain behind once the actual glossy colour has worn off.

You may or may not have heard of Nudestix, they are a relatively new brand and essentially offer EVERY make-up item possible in the form of a sleek black crayon. I have tried the eyeshadow stick (I have it in the shade “shimmer’ a delicate champagne gold) and the lipstick/cheek option in “Love” a pretty nude-y pink with a touch of the brightening effect about it. I use the eyeshadow stick all over my lid for a subtle sheen and underneath my lower lid to make me look less tired.

I very much like the finish of the lipstick/cheek version on my apples, it’s very glowy and kind of just-been-for-a-brisk-walk esque. They retail at £24.00 each.

Talking of cheek/lip combos my absolute FAVOURITE is the Trish McEvoy beauty booster in perfect pink. It actually pulls slightly coral on yours truly but it is marketed as a universally flattering colour so I’m sure it would suit most complexions. It just has such a lovely velvety texture and dare I say makes your lips look that little bit…bigger? I’ve been wearing mine most days – I have it on as I type actually. It’s spendy at £24.00 but I guess you are getting two products for the price of one and you can’t beat a generous dose of multi-tasking.

The Bargains

I really rate Collection Work the colour eyeshadow pencil, it’s £3.19 and the shade Vanilla Sky works well as a highlighter or base for powder eyeshadows. It’s waterproof and thus far hasn’t creased, flaked or irritated by delicate peepers.

My favourite budget lip product is the Rimmel colour rush balm, out of all the brands I’d say this leaves the best stain…. super long lasting! Great if you don’t really have time to re-apply. I have it in the “Give Me A Cuddle” (really, what were Rimmel thinking?!) which is quite a bright princessy pop of pink. There are lots of shades to choose from though and for £4.49 it’s worth a try…..especially if you’ve got some spare Boots points.

I also rate the Bourjois Paris Colour Boost lip crayon, I would have photographed it had it not have gone missing somewhere (I’m assuming it’s probably down the back of the sofa/rolling around my car floor…) Excellent colour pay-off and there some really unusual statement hues available.

I also randomly picked up H&M’s own lip pen in “Love That Pink” as there was a box of them at the till (seriously DON”T put make-up near the till?! I am obviously going to buy it!!)…and dare I say it is very similar to the original Clinique in budding blossom. Not as long lasting and smells quite medicinal but for £1.99 it’s super value.

Do you use any chunky make-up pencils? Any you would recommend?

P.S We would really appreciate it if you could recommend Perfect Wedding Magazine to all of your engaged friends (big kiss-y emoji would be inserted here if I knew how to do it) xx