Hello, Sailor! (aka, the Universal Blue Lipstick)

I can see why the title of this post might raise an eyebrow. "A universal blue lipstick? Pish posh! I know you like vibrant lipsticks, Jen, but this sounds ridiculous!" To all of the skeptics, I hear you- but hear me out. 

Lipstick Queen's Hello Sailor lipstick is a relatively new addition to the range, and is definitely an interesting one. It is touted as a "super sheer, silky-feeling navy that gives lips a deep berry tint" (from lipstickqueen.com). A sassy blue-to-berry lipstick? I was intrigued! 

Let's take a look at the packaging and then delve into the performance. Hello Sailor comes in a cardboard box with blue and white colouring and hints of red. Both the lettering and the pin-up style graphic have a retro, glamorous, cheeky sort of feel. 

The tube itself is made of lightweight, polished metal and sports a similar blueberry hue to the shade inside. It also has a retro, feminine aesthetic that I really like. 

Now onto the lipstick itself. The formula is rich in Vitamin E for ultra hydration and within this moisturizing base are blue pigments. Yes, blue! It is designed to be worn alone or paired with other berry lipsticks to enhance their blue undertones. But, as promised above, it is not meant to leave your lips looking frozen. Instead, it aims to translate into a sheer plummy tone that also brightens your smile. 

When swatched on my inner arm (MAC NC15 skin tone), you can see a visible mix of berry and blue tones, with an ultra sheer, slightly shiny finish. 

On the lips, however, no hint of blue whatsoever! Instead, it imparts a beautiful cool-toned, luminous, berry pink effect. It wakens my complexion nicely and really does make my teeth look whiter! 

As for the formula, this really feels ultra rich and hydrating on the lips, without any hint of heaviness, stickiness, or greasiness. Once the top layers fade (after approximately 2 hours or so, as this is an ultra sheer, slick formula), it does leave a subtle, yet very pretty stain behind.

So perhaps the title of this post really does hold some water? If you like the idea of blue-toned lipstick in theory, but you're not quite feeling the Smurf lips look, Hello Sailor is an amazing alternative!

You can track down Lipstick Queen via sites like Cult Beauty and Feel Unique, but I was lucky enough to find Hello Sailor at my local Anthropologie shop (on sale, even!), so keep your eyes peeled?

Does Hello Sailor interest you? Do you have any deceptively wearable lip colours?

Have a fantastic day! xo