In the Nude.....

I've been on a quest to find the perfect nude lipstick.  My lips are on the smaller side, and lighter shades make them look bigger.  Or at least not smaller lol.  I've found a bunch of them, they just aren't perfect on me.  I'm quite pale, with pink undertones, so I need a cooler toned nude to compliment my skin.  I also have very pigmented lips, so consequently I can't just swatch a lipstick on my arm and be able to tell how it will look on my lips.  Which is why I have so many nude lipsticks.  I found several that I like, three that I love, and a few that are just icksh.  (That's a cuter word for yucky).  I've swatched them all so you can see what they look like on very white skin, maybe that will help if you are also on the hunt for the perfect nude: 

Essence 52 In the Nude", L'Oreal 814 "Forever Frappe", MAC "Blankety", MAC "Viva Glam II", MAC "Modesty", L'Oreal 800 "Fairest Nude"

MAC "Viva Glam II", MAC "Modesty", L'Oreal 800 "Fairest Nude", Essence 50 "Creamy Nude", Josie Maran "Birthday Suit", Revlon 065 "Rosey Nude", Nars "Belle de Jour"

Sorry about the repeats, it was hard to get them all in one picture.  My favorites for consistency are both Essence lipsticks, they feel really moisturizing on the lips, and hold the color for about 2 hours.  Also MAC Blankety feels really good and has good staying power.  L'Oreal Forever Frappe stays put the longest, followed by Nars Belle de Jour and L'Oreal Fairest Nude.  The one I wear the most is Essence "In the Nude", which is funny because it's the least expensive at about $2.  I believe the most expensive is Nars, which runs about $24 and is the one I like the least.  While it's nice to have a higher end lipstick as a treat, don't count out the lesser expensive ones, most companies have really stepped up their game.  All in all, as we all know.....there is no "Perfect" lipstick....because if there was, we would have to stop buying them.......and we all know "that ain't gonna happen". 

L'Oreal "Balm"

With the huge demand for the Revlon Lip Butters, I figured it wouldn't be long before other cosmetic lines joined the lip butter/gloss/lipstick/balm bandwagon.  And I have to say L'Oreal is off to a great start with their version called "Balm".  The color selection is much smaller, I believe their are 7 or 8 compared to the 20 Revlon Lip Butters colors.  The packaging on the Balm is very sleek and "elegant" if you can use that word to describe a lip product.  They are square and sleek, with a gold bottom and inside tube.  The cover is a transparent version of the actual product, and you can see it on the top through the cover.  I've heard some people complain that it should be totally clear so you can see the product, but I don't agree, I think they look really "upscale" this way, and you can see the product through it enough to get the gist of what the color is.  I purchased Tender Mauve first, then went back and got Nourishing Nude and Pink Satin.  I plan on getting at least two more, Plush Plum and Caramel Comfort.  These are advertised as a tinted SPF 15 balm, and claims to keep your lips conditioned for up to 2.5 hrs after removing it.  I haven't timed it myself, but they do make my lips feel good, especially considering we are in the middle of winter.  They do not have a taste or scent to them, and you can put them on without a mirror, which is a plus for the busy gal that needs a swipe of color as she's heading out the door.  The color and conditioning feeling stays on for a while (as long as you aren't eating, drinking, etc).  They cost approx $8, though I've seen them for less then $7 at my local department stores (Meijer, Target, Walmart).  I recommend these, and I know they will especially come in handy in the summer when I'm looking for more of a minimalist feel to my make up.

Tender Mauve, 518

Nourishing Nude, 818

Pink Satin, 118

Tender Mauve, Nourishing Nude, Satin Pink (swatched heavily)

Leave a msg and tell me what your favorite lip products are!

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter

Two word sum these new lip butters up........moisturizingly creamy.  I don't think moisturizingly is a word, but it fits.  These are sooooo nice.   They are like a lip balm, but more creamy, and with color.  I only own two of them (as of now, I plan to purchase many more), I have gumdrop and pink truffle.  These are not in all drug stores yet, in fact I went to Walgreens, CVS and K-Mart before I found them at Rite Aid.  They run about $7.50 and I believe come in 20 different shades.  They are more sheer and softer then a lipstick, but still have pigment.  Not like a lip gloss at all.  Just creamy.  They are exactly what you would imagine a lip butter would be.  They feel great on the lips, and you can get away with just using these (and can put them on without a mirror which is a plus for those of us on the go).  They wear relatively well, but they feel so good, I'm constantly reapplying them anyway.  The packaging is just like the Colorburst lipsticks, but the lid is transparent.  The tubes are slanted (like the Clinique Black Honey for example).  I love these and have heard nothing but good things from other people that own them.  They are perfect for a spring/summer color, but great for moisturizing in fall/winter.  I highly recommend!

Gumdrop, Pink Truffle

Gumdrop, Pink Truffle

Tarte LipSurgence

These were a bit of an impulse buy.  Sephora and Ulta had a set of them (5) for $29.99, but I heard they were sold out.  I was in Ulta a couple of weeks ago, and they had them so I snagged one.  They are a limited edition set (the ones I bought), however you can order them in other colors for $24.00 a piece.  They are actually referred to as "lip treatments", and come in lusters and tints.  The colors in the box set are 3 lusters in Dazzled (pearly coral pink luster), Flashy (bright iridescent fuchsia luster), Glitzy (antique pink luster) and 2 tints in Perky (soft carnation pink tint) and Swank (light cherry tint).  They glide on really smoothly and are fairly shiney, but not a ton of pigment (IMO).  They are not sticky, so that's a plus for those of you who don't like that feeling.  They have a hint of peppermint and contain no parabens, synthetic fragrances or phthalates.  Basically they feel like a lip balm with some color and shine.  A couple of them are a tad on the glittery side.  They don't need sharpening, they twist up from the bottom.   I'm really glad I purchased this set, but I don't think I would buy them separately.  I gave 2 of them to my daughter so I only have 3 to show.

Swank, Perky, Dazzled

Dazzled (bottom), Perky (middle) Swank (top)

Mac Lipsticks

I have a huge collection of lipsticks....ridiculously huge.  I might even have an addiction.  I probably have well over 100 (which to some of you, that might not be that big lol).  The funny thing is, they are all pretty much within the same color family.  I'm very pale, and not the beautiful pale white skin that looks great with red lipstick, I mean the pale skin that turns most shades orange on me.  It has taken me years to find nude lipsticks that don't make me look like I'm dead, or dressing up in mommy's makeup.  So far my favorites are by Mac, one by L'oreal, and one by Josie Maran.  I really like the Mac lipsticks in the lustre finish, and also in glaze and satin.  My collection of Mac lipsticks isn't that big, but I have some beautiful shades.....I've swatched them in order of my favs...



          Syrup, Viva Glam V, Viva Glam II, Blankety, Courting Lilac, Faux, Angel, Snob,
 Creme Cup, Speed Dial, Blooming Lovely



What do you beauty up your lips with?