I’m often asked why I don’t review more beauty products or share my beauty routine on my blog. I’m not a beauty blogger and I don’t consider myself an authority on all things beauty. I still struggle to make my eyebrows symmetrical and my contouring skills are way below average. I can, however, share the products I enjoy using.
I’m a sucker for a liquid lip colour in neutral hues. These are usually the lip colours I wear during the week to work because I can’t wear reds and pinks. I prefer to keep it simple and as close to natural as possible. I either wear them alone or over a lipstick for more coverage and a different color. Before I get into my favorite brands I need to give you a few tips to remember when wearing nude lip colours.
- Exfoliate your lips | Nude lip colour is unforgiving. It will cling to every crevice of your lip and any dry piece of skin it can find and highlight it. You can purchase a product lip exfoliator like Lush Cosmetics Popcorn Lip Scrub, or make your own by mixing a little brown sugar, coconut oil or olive oil and a drop of vanilla for added yumminess. You can also just use your toothbrush to brush to brush your lips after brushing your teeth.
- Prep your lips | Moisturize! I use Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream, EOS lip balm, Blistex DCT or some good old Vaseline.
- Line your lips | I have one lip pencil for every color family. One nude pencil, a red one, a pink one etc. In these posts, I’m wearing MAC Pro Longwear Lip Pencil in Etcetera. It's a creamy beige color which increases the intensity of the lip colour and provides a blank canvas. Lining your lips amplifies the color and just makes it all look better. Trust me.
MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour in Back in Vogue
This is the most pigmented and concentrated matte lip color I have used. The coverage is very high. It is a coral, peach color which dries opaque. It dries very quickly and lasts a very long time. It does not fade, rub off or bleed but because it’s quick drying it does crack quite easily. For R300 a pop, it is a little pricey. You can purchase it here.
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Stockholm
This was my very first NYX purchase ever, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. This is lipcolour is way more creamy in consistency compared to my others and sets into a semi-matte finish. It never really completely dries out so it looks matte but it keeps the lips hydrated and conditioned. The scent is the best. It has a delicious, sweet smelling scent which is just divine! Available at Clicks for R110.
Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid in Nude Thrill
Maybelline is a creamy peach nude which provides subtle medium coverage. This doesn’t dry out at all. I had to reapply the lipcolour multiple times so it’s not very long lasting, but it still is my favorite lipcolour for everyday use. Available at Clicks for R110.
Marc Jacobs Lust for Lacquer Lip Vinyl in Satisfaction
This is the only glossy, shiny lipgloss in my arsenal. It is a pink, mauve color with a rose, copper shimmer. It offers medium to high coverage which is surprising for a shiny gloss. It’s non sticky and has a fresh, minty scent which gives off a cool tingly sensation. I can't remember how much this cost me. I purchased it overseas at Sephora.
Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolour in Seduction
Multiple beauty bloggers I follow list this as their “drug store” favorite so I had to try it out for myself. It is a warm nude tone with soft pink undertones. It smells great, is lightweight and has a velvety matte color. It provides medium coverage. I believe the texture can be improved upon. After a while, the color separates on your lips which is just annoying. This retails for R155 at Clicks.
