The trend in lip product has definitely revolved around liquid lipsticks for the past year, and for good reason. Brands have created amazing formulas that are comfortable, matte, and long-wearing. That’s everything you want in a lipstick, and in a liquid lipstick. However, my lips needed a break and I’ve been shying away a little from the liquid variety and grabbing my old school lipstick bullets. Not to mention, I needed to spread the love between all members of my lip drawer.
To me, liquid lipsticks are drying. Period. Maybe not the day you wear it. But when you are wearing liquid formulas day after day, your lips get dried out, regardless of how comfortable the formula is.
While traditional lipsticks can feather, fade transfer, and don’t wear as long as most liquid forms, they are usually more moisturizing, easier to remove, and easier to reapply throughout the day. I’ve compiled a small list of six of my favorite old school lipsticks for when I feel like I need to switch things up.
Lancome L’Absolu Rouge Definition: $30.50
I have found my perfect everyday red in this range. The formula is so comfortable, I almost forget I’m wearing it. The aforementioned perfect shade is #285 Le Sepia. It’s a beautiful strawberry pink that’s matte and stays on for hours. I’ve yet to try the other colors, to be frank, but if they’re anything like this, they’ll be amazing. And the packaging is gorgeous, if you’re into that. I may or may not have bought it initially for the packaging…
It does kind of smell a little old lady, but the scent doesn’t linger.
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick: $4.99
These have been around for 70 years, so I mean, they kind of have to be good. And they are. They’re are an insane amount of colors, so you’ll definitely be able to find exactly what you’re looking for. And what’s great about these lipsticks is that the line includes 4 finishes: matte, creme, pearl, and sheer. So if you’re someone who only wears mattes, you can consider this range. If you aren’t super into color, but you like a light wash across your lips, check out the sheer formula.
The formulation differs slightly between the various shades and finishes, but the wear time is generally good. They will transfer and fade, but the fade is nice and even on most of the shades.
Looking for something vampy? Black Cherry is your color.
Marc Jacobs Beauty Le Marc Lip Creme Lipstick: $30
Probably my favorite lip product of the moment, I love these lipsticks from Marc Jacobs Beauty. You can definitely feel you’re wearing lip product, but you can rest assured the color will stay on your lips for hours. They almost look matte, but you can see a slight sheen on the lips. If you’re looking for a new high-end lip product, I would highly recommend these.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is my every day lip color…the perfect pink.
Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lip Color: $7.49
These hit the scenes last year, and I gathered almost all of them, because I have a problem, and because they’re awesome. They’re amazingly matte but not ultra-drying. The color range includes 20 shades ranging from nudes to deep wine to bright violet. The wear time on these is great as well. I’d probably say a nice 6 hours without touch ups if you’re eating and drinking normally.
Divine Wine & Touch of Spice = my go-to matte colors for fall
MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Rouge Lipstick: $22
I’ve only tried some of the more natural shades in the satin version from this range but I really like what I’ve tried. They don’t last the longest, but since they’re pretty neutral (again, I can only speak for the shades I’ve used), it’s easy to touch up and fades into your normal lip color. The formula is creamy with a nice shine. The shade I use the most is labeled from the old range, but I think it’s now Rose Wood, and it’s fool-proof and matches any look. If I’m in doubt for a lipstick, I grab this.
Which shades should I try next?
Milani Color Statement + Color Statement Moisture Matte: $5.99
Way back when, I was on the hunt for a shimmery bronze lipstick, and I found one in Milani’s Color Statement range. And then I bought a ton of them. They’re so comfortable, a little drying if you wear them multiple days in a row, but that’s ok. There are interesting colors, like Bronze Beauty and Orange-Gina, and natural colors as well. They also have another Color Statement section, the moisture mattes, which are what they’re described as: moisturizing and matte. Give them a look the next time you’re out and about.
Nars Lipstick: $28
These are my all time favorite lipsticks. They glide on so smooth and feel moisturizing on the lips. I have a few shades from this range of 32, and Dolce Vita, pictured, is a little more on the sheer side. It’s kind of a ‘my lips but better’ color and fades nicely, as do most of these. Like I said, they’re my favorite, so obviously they’re good in my opinion.
What are your favorite lipstick formulas? Let me know in the comments.
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