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Tuesday 31 January 2017

2016 Makeup Faves: Lip Colour

Hi, everyone! Phewf- here I am getting one more 2016 Faves post in before the end of January! I regret the delay of this series (and of my blog posts in general, of late), but the lag has mostly been for positive reasons. Aside from a nasty cold I've had over the last few days that has made it difficult to even focus on the computer screen (ugh), January has been a month of growth and committment for me. I've been doing yoga daily (thanks to the amazing Yoga with Adriene's Yoga Revolution series) and have also adjusted my diet a bit, such that I'm cooking much more often. For some, adding a bit of exercise and cooking might not throw off their other activities, for but me, these have been a significant enough change that blogging has unfortunately, though consciously, taken a temporary back seat. But as these positive changes are becoming more ingrained and routine, I'm gradually getting back into the blogging groove. I have lots of amazing goodies to share with you all, so I can't wait! 

Ok, explanation aside- let's delve into some amazing lip colour! If you recall from my Complexion and Eyes posts, the criteria for my Best of 2016 series is that it must be a product that I discovered and used for the first time last year. Some were new releases in 2016, and others were just new to me, but they had to be products that entered my stash last year. For most people, that would leave a small, reasonable list of options, but for me (a card carrying lipstick addict), it proved to be a challenge. So, in true Vibrant Beauty style, by Lip Colour Faves list contains 16 (count 'em, 16!) lovely products. 


I've arranged this generous group by colour family and have included photos of me wearing them wherever possible- arm swatches are good, but I find that full-face shots give you the best idea of the product. I apologize that some photos are clearer than others (I have the worst time transferring photos from my phone to my laptop- the quality always diminishes in this process- is it an Apple to PC issue?)- but I hope that the photos are still helpful for you! 


The Soft Peaches and Pinks



MAC Satin Lipstick in Sushi Kiss
This shade really surprised me! Pastel peaches rarely look flattering on me, but something in the tone and finish of this one was just so pretty, especially in summertime with a colourful eye! It looks particularly lovely slightly sheered out. Plus, it was part of the Good Luck Trolls collection and has the most fun, colourful packaging. Win-win! 

MAC Satin Lipstick in Sushi Kiss

MAC Lustre Lipstick in Luna Lustre
It's no secret that I was obsessed with the MAC Star Trek collection and this lipstick was such a treasure! It's a lovely light-to-mid-tone warm pink with the most beautiful golden shimmery sheen. It makes lips look so full and luminous- and truly out of this world! :)

MAC Lustre Lipstick in Luna Lustre

Kat von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Mother
As you'll see as you read through this list, there are three (three!) of these lipsticks on my list- 2016 was the year where I finally delved into Kat von D and I was not disappointed! Mother was the shade I ended up wearing most- it's a beautiful cool-toned dusty rose with subtle violet undertones. It's vivid enough to brighten up the face, but is also softly muted so that it's ultra versatile. Totally unique in my stash and always in my bag! 

Kat von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Mother

ColourPop Ultra Metallic Lip in Wolfie
A post that's still coming your way is my epic annual ColourPop haul that I placed last Fall. I tend to indulge in the brand in a big way once per year and 2016 brought some amazing lip colour launches. I bought a few of their new Ultra Metallic Lips (long-wearing glosses with a lush, metallic finish), but the one I wore most was Wolfie- a gorgeous mid-tone berry with a golden sheen. It makes lips look so plush and full! 

ColourPop Ultra Metallic Lip in Wolife

And swatches of each on my inner arm (MAC NC15 skin tone):

(L-R): MAC Satin Lipstick in Sushi Kiss, MAC Lustre Lipstick in Luna Lustre, Kat von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Mother, ColourPop Ultra Metallic Lip in Wolife











                                                                                                                                                                                     The Oranges and Corals


Kat von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Berlin
Berlin is actually the shade I'd been stalking the longest before I finally bit the bullet at IMATS last year. I'm so glad I finally snagged it, as it's the most beautiful coral pink that warms up the face nicely. It straddles the borderline between soft and vivid so perfectly, in that it's easy to wear, but has just the perfect pop of colour! 

NYX Matte Lipstick in Indie Flick
I'm such a huge fan of the NYX Matte Lipstick formula (so underrated, really!- their liquid lippies get all the love), but hadn't bought one in ages. I remedied that last summer when I purchased a couple and the standout was definitely Indie Flick- a fully pigmented bold orange with subtle red and coral undertones that make it just beyond your basic orange. It is perfection in the Summer and Fall! 

Besame Classic Colour Lipstick in Carmine
I finally got to experience Besame lipsticks at IMATS New York last year. I'd always loved the retro inspiration and the fact that they offer just about any variation of red imaginable. The selection was so, so difficult (seriously, every one of their shades is special!), but I ended up opting for Carmine, a 1930s-inspired orange red that blends a totally retro feel with my love of bold colour. It makes me feel both sophisticated and fierce! 

Besame Classic Colour Lipstick in Carmine

Chanel Coco Rouge Stylo in Histoire
A lipstick release that was totally under-hyped last year as the Chanel Coco Rouge Stylo range. Already on my radar but hyped as a must by Kaitlyn, these lip colours are such a beautiful blend of a soft, moisturizing, semi-glossy formula with fully pigmented colour. I opted for Histoire, a lovely pinky coral red. Though bright and vivid, it also manages to look totally sophisticated and wearable. Leave it to Chanel to get that balance right! 

Chanel Rouge Coco Stylo in Histoire

And here are swatches on my inner arm (MAC NC15 skin tone):

(L-R): Kat von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Berlin, NYX Matte Lipstick in Indie Flick, Besame Classic Colour Lipstick in Carmine, Chanel Rouge Coco Stylo in Histoire


The Reds and Berries


Kat von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Santa Sangre
There are so many reds in my stash, but there's something about Santa Sangre that screams ultra fierce. I chose it because of the fun shade name (not gonna lie) as well as it's been said that it's Kat von D's personal fave. It's a killer slightly warm red that brightens the complexion, doesn't dry out my lips, despite the matte finish, and will 100% make you feel like a hot babe (I promise!). I wore it for my bachelorette party and I felt like a femme fatale all night ;)

Kat von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Santa Sangre

Too Faced Melted Matte Long Wear Lipstick in Melted Candy Cane
I needed another fuchsia-red lipstick like a hole in the head, but this one is special because it offers a matte finish that feels totally soft and comfortable on the lips plus (and this is a big plus) it smells like chocolate mint! I snagged this limited edition shade during the Fall Sephora VIB sale and wore it so much over the holidays. It complements my complexion so nicely and the wear time is fab! 

Too Faced  Melted Matte Liquid Lipstick in Melted Candy Cane

Tom Ford Patent Finish Lip Colour in Exposed
Another lip colour launch that had me obsessed last year was the Tom Ford Patent Finish Lip Colour range (yes, another ultra pricey one- I'm sorry!). The line offers several bold, vivid hues from magenta to orange red (all so up my alley, I could have bought all of them) that offer a plush, glossy finish and full-on colour. The shade I selected was Exposed, a cool-toned cherry that just screams Summertime, though I wear it year-round. When first applied, it gives lips a bold, lush look and, when it wears off, it leaves behind a beautiful stain reminiscent of that post-cherry popsicle flush. I love this one so much! 

Tom Ford Patent Finish Lip Colour in Exposed

MAC Matte Lipstick in Have Your Cake
This was an early 2016 fave from the MAC Flamingo Park collection, but I loved it so much it was a regular in my lineup year-round. It's a gorgeous matte cool-toned pinky violet that balances the line between purple and neon pink so nicely. It's surprisingly wearable and always makes me look so bright and awake!

MAC Matte Lipstick in Have Your Cake

And swatches on my inner arm (MAC NC15 skin tone):

(L-R): Kat von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Santa Sangre, Too Faced Melted Matte Liquid Lipstick in Melted Candy Cane, Tom Ford Patent Finish Lip Colour in Exposed, MAC Matte Lipstick in Have Your Cake


The Purples and Browns


OCC Lip Tar in Indrid
2016 was a year where I succumbed to the lipstick trends of unusual, should be unflattering but look totally fierce shades, and Indrid embodies this movement perfectly! Definitely one of the most unique hues in my stash, it's a beautiful blend of lilac, pink, and grey. There's just enough pink in the shade that it doesn't give me "dead lips", but the purple and grey tones are prominent enough that it's a true eye-catcher. And the glossy Lip Tar finish makes it extra flattering! 

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in Indrid

MAC Liptensity Lipstick in Galaxy Grey
This one is a funny pick because it made it to my list despite the fact that I've only worn it once (oops!). It made the cut for a couple reasons though- a) I was so impressed with the Liptensity launch- the fully pigmented, ultra comfortable formula is fab and the shade range was so comprehensive and unique and b) Galaxy Grey is both incredibly unique and surprisingly wearable. It's a grey-tinged gum drop purple with very subtle pinky undertones. When paired with a lively blush shade, it doesn't wash out the face and instead makes lips look lush and beautiful (in a slightly weirdo kind of way that I love). 

MAC Liptensity Lipstick in Galaxy Grey

Tom Ford Lip Colour in Dark and Stormy
2016 was also a year where I totally fell for a vampy brown lip. I managed to only buy one classic Tom Ford Lip Colour last year (the prices are just getting so intense) and the shade that won my pick was Dark and Stormy- a deep cherry brown with a satin finish. It's rich and full-bodied, but the berry undertones makes it surprisingly wearable and flattering. I bet this would work on just about anyone! So if you feel like splurging and surprising yourself with a unique lipstick shade- check this out! 

Tom Ford Lip Colour in Dark and Stormy 

Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Whiskey
Bite Beauty had some pretty epic releases last year- they are truly and innovative brand on the move! Their Sweet and Savory Amuse Bouche collection from last summer offered a unique mix of pale candied pinks, purples, and neutrals and deep sultry greens, browns, and blacks. My absolute favourite of the bunch was Whiskey- a true dark blackened brown with warm undertones and a semi-matte finish. It gives a true vampy effect and the brown hue makes it ultra modern. Plus, whiskey is my alcoholic beverage of choice, so it was made for me! 

Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Whiskey

And here are swatches on my inner arm (MAC NC15 skin tone):

(L-R): OCC Lip Tar in Indrid, MAC Liptensity Lipstick in Galaxy Grey, Tom Ford Lip Colour in Dark and Story, Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Whiskey

After reviewing my choices, I realized that I'd be totally remiss to omit the amazing MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lip Colours. Their initial launch last January had me totally obsessed and my favourite of the bunch was Fashion Legacy, a bold orange-toned red. They also released another extensive shade selection in late December, which you will see on the blog soon! You can see my review of the Retro Matte Liquid Lip Colours here

And finally (as if this post weren't long enough), my final lipstick shout-out of 2016 goes to one that might be the most special of all: the custom Bite Beauty lipstick I created at the Lip Lab in New York last April! It's especially close to my heart because I designed the lipstick to wear on my wedding day and I did just that! I opted for an ultra matte berry red to create a statement while still bringing brightness and not overwhelming my complexion. I am so happy with how it turned out and it made me feel extra glamorous on my big day! 

Custom Bite Beauty Lipstick from the Bite Beauty Lip Lab in NYC (as featured in a selfie about an hour before my wedding ceremony!)

Wow, you made it to the end- I salute you! I'm sure you've all glazed over and/or added several lipsticks to your wishlist. Either way, I send you all the best of vibes for the coming week. Look out for more frequent posts here at Vibrant Beauty coming soon! xo

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4 comments:

  1. Sushi Kiss is incredible! I regret not picking it up, but I also don't need more lipsticks!

    Santa Sangre is also unbelievable on you! :O

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow, all lip colors are amazing. Loved all shades.
    http://tipsoye.com/

    ReplyDelete
  3. You are so lucky that all lip colours suit you! Exposed & Candy Cane are both stunning! xx

    Beautylymin

    ReplyDelete
  4. Already on my radar but hyped as a must by Kaitlyn, these lip colours are such a beautiful blend of a soft, moisturizing. www.starsofworld.com

    ReplyDelete

All of your lovely comments make my day! Thanks for taking the time to share your musings, ideas, and opinions. Feel free to leave a link to your blog- I'd be happy to check it out :)