If you’re not one for a heavy lipstick – and I’m really not – sheer lip tints are a big thing at the moment.
I’m always tempted just to drop loads of cash on lip products to cheer myself up but although I’m sure a Clinique Chubby stick or whatever else any megabucks cosmetic brand wants to sell you isn’t an actual rip-off, these two sheer lip tints + balms below do a very good job and are outstanding value. Both available at Boots.
£4.49
£2.99
I’ve got the Baby Lips in Melon Mania, which looks terrifying in the tube but subtle on and doesn’t smell too revoltingly of melons.
I just love your posts Esther..they ALWAYS cheer me up..
Thanks I like the sound of the Maybelline one, I’m always after non-lipstick lipsticks. Btw I got some Tevas and they are so comfortable and prettyish too – I get pelvic pain flare up if I wear the wrong footwear, can’t go near heels anymore, converse etc too flat, and I do loads of walking as can’t do high impact exercise or anything – honestly these have changed my life!!! – exclamation points for extra sincerity.
Exclamation marks !!!!!! in multiples are now completely acceptable and no longer denote total insanity. carry on.
Ha ha (genuine? Or maniacal? You’ll never know) So true, people who do this are totally fine!!!! I actually use an increase in exclamation marks as a barometer to judge whether a close relative needs taking out for a coffee. Or a camomile tea.
mutiple marks are my written equivalent of my “happy lunatic” face, which is supposed to be amusing.
Also, Burts Bees coloured lip balms are fantastic, I think, and come in loads of great colours. I hardly ever wear lip gloss or lip stick anymore. Who the hell has time for all that?!
so many people! there are SO MANY people doing a “strong lip” – mostly fire engine red or bright pink. not me, matey
Can I add my two cents here? Another product that your readers looking for a coloured balm might like is the Sephora Color Reveal Lip Balm in Pink. I picked one up last year and Oh my God, life changer. Really perks up the face on those mornings (i.e. all of them) when you look like death and really cannot be arsed.
Also, if anyone reading is my difficult to flatter colouring (sallow, pale skin with yellowy undertones, mouse blonde hair, blue eyes) and has been looking for a ‘strong lip’ for years and sorely failed: Laura Mercier’s cream smooth lip colour in Dulce De Leche. It’s a kind of boring nude until you put it on, then: pop! (Oh! For so many years I’ve longed to be able to wear a red lip and look glamorous/sexy rather than kid-in-facpaint – but have finally accepted it is not going to happen.) I was really sceptical when the woman at the counter suggested but she was right. Since using this have actually had compliments on my lipstick, which was unheard of when I tried to pull off red/pink.x
Thanks Elfinkate, I will be passing a Laura Mercier concession stand today – I will have a look! xxx
I love Boots No 7 Sheer Temptation lipstick. it sells itself as a lipstick but is really a tint, very moisturising. They all look hideous in the tube but lovely and sheer on and you can put it on without a mirror. I buy two shades which are very close to my natural lip colour: Excite (slightly more pink) and Entice (slightly more brown/nude). Although I’m sure no one but me can tell the difference.
Ruth, babes, you are the ONLY one that matters
Lipstick scares me. But you seem to know what you’re talking about so I bought the maybelline and it’s brilliant.
I’ve got a nearly one year old so I only wear make up about once a month when I go out. After wearing either a slightly fusty smelling 5 yr old dull brown lipstick or nothing at all, I felt properly dressed up and pizzazzy last night, without having to worry about that horrible thing where your hair sticks to your lip gloss or my lack of lip liner (do people even wear this, or is this an irational anxiety based on Just 17 from 1989?)
So yes, thanks very much! More entry level make up suggestions for those of us scared of marker pen eyebrows and pillar box lips, please!
Caroline! I am so pleased to hear this! Such a marvellous effect for almost no money, don’t you agree? My new thing is: new make up brushes. I will post on it soon x