In the depths of winter and a cost-of-living crisis, there is one feel-good factor that won’t break the bank and will add an instant pick-me-up to your smile—that’s lipstick. Editor Trudi Brewer shares why it's an affordable luxury and the best way to celebrate National Lipstick Day on July 29.
Lipstick has stood the test of time and is the ultimate feel-good factor. So, if you’re in the market for a new lippy, here are our heroes that effortlessly fuse colour and care to give your lips the best protection while drenching them in a gorgeous hue.
GUCCI Rouge De Beauté Brillant - Glow & Care Lip Colour, $84.
Gucci creates luxury makeup that breaks with tradition, and this slimline lipstick is an excellent example of that. It hydrates like a balm and has the brilliant colour payoff of a traditional lipstick. Simply put, it’s everything. Yes, the packaging is fit for any purse, but it’s the formula that is so addictive. A blend of rich flower oils and fruit butter infused with that moisture magnate hyaluronic acid, your lips will feel great, but once adorned with the iconic (and our favourite) shade Goldie Red, you will also look bang on trend. There are 18 colours, from reds to pinks, corals, and nudes.
Plump Up Your Lips
You can create a fuller pout by applying liner just outside your natural lip line and then lipstick. Follow with a dab a clear gloss in the middle of your bottom lip and press your lips together.
Sheer or opaque, depending on the layers you apply, this lipstick is infused with hyaluronic acid to offer a creamy, glossy formula that keeps lips well-nourished. The best news is that Glossier (the full range) hits Mecca Cosmetica on July 16, so you won't have to shop off-shore (or beg friends to pick it up) for this brilliant cult beauty brand. There are 11 shades pictured here, Lucite.
Use Liner as a Base
This is an old trick but a good one. First, fill your lips with a nude liner, and then apply lipstick over the top. This will give the lipstick or gloss something to stick to and prevent it from feathering into fine lines.
This iconic lip colour is for anyone who likes a lip stain rather than a full-on colour. Created to oomph up the natural lip colour of your lips, it offers a dewy, hydrating glow. But it’s easy to build up with a few layers to a richer berry shade. Also, it’s a brilliant colour for making your teeth appear whiter and brighter. The perfect everyday lipstick: hydrating, flattering to any skin tone, and the chiselled bullet is easy to use as a mirror-free application.
Apply liner Before or After?
There are no rules with this tip either. Some prefer to apply liner first, so you won't be able to see the natural line of your lips if you apply lipstick first. Others find their lips look more natural when they line the lips after applying lipstick - it’s personal preference.
According to the brand, Pillow Talk is one of the world's most talked-about lipstick shades, with one sold every two minutes—and we can see why. It’s a gorgeous nude shade with enough berry to suit those who love pink, and the balance of taupe ensures it falls into the nude everyday category, too. While it’s matte, it never feels dry. There are 19 shades in total.
Don't Toss a mistake purchase
Think twice before you toss that lipstick you don't like. By blending lipsticks you don't like with your favourite shades, you can create a bespoke lip colour.
Nars Audacious Lipstick, $64.
You can never go wrong with NARS if you want creamy lipstick in a brilliant shade to suit every skin tone and style. This creamy lipstick glides on like a balm but doesn't compromise on an excellent colour payoff thanks to portulaca (an edible flowering plant), white mushroom extracts, and tamanu oil. It's been dubbed the best red-carpet-ready lippy for leaving lips glamorous-looking and glossy—and we agree.
Lipstick doubles as a Blush
Swipe a few dots of lipstick on the apples of your cheeks and blend. It helps to have moisturised skin first so the lipstick blends seamlessly.
We don't know any makeup lover who hasn't used this iconic shade of red lipstick - Ruby Woo. A blue-red full-coverage, matte lipstick that won’t flake or leave lips feeling dry thanks to a blend of coconut oil, shea butter and cocoa butter - but it lasts like a matte finish. There are 28 shades in this collection.
Keep Lipstick Off Your Teeth
This genius trick ensures that lipstick stays off your teeth. After applying lipstick, pop your index finger into your mouth, press your lips together, and then pull your finger out of your mouth. The excess lipstick will come off on your finger rather than your teeth.
The month to reset and refresh your beauty routine.