Those Unflattering, Yet Oh-So-Cool Lipstick Shades

Hi, everyone- happy weekend! A huge trend I've been noticing in the beauty world over the past couple years (in addition to the never-ending stream of contour and highlighting products), is the prevalence of "out there" lip colours. Shades of blue, green, purple, and grey used to be a rare novelty, but now they can be easily found just about everywhere (drugstore and high-end boutiques alike!). My opinion of this trend? I'm a bit torn! The vibrant makeup lover in me applauds it- why not rock a vivid turquoise lip?! Makeup is supposed to be fun! But on the other hand, many such lipsticks are just not, well... flattering. Is a beauty trend worth clinging to if it doesn' t make you feel beautiful? Let's explore. 

In addition to noticing the crazy lipstick colour upswing in the beauty aisles, it was my own gradually accumulated collection of such shades that prompted this post. After an ultra fun makeup swap with my blogger pals in February, I found myself the proud owner of several blues and greens in addition to some wild options already in my possession. I decided to round them up and have a play! 

Here are all of my out-there lipstick shades swatched on my inner arm (MAC NC15 skin tone), after which each is modeled below! 

Makeup Revolution Lipstick in Felony

I generally find that, on its own, yellow lipstick is pretty useless. Felony included! Though I do like the sheerness of this and think it might layer over top of darker lipsticks quite well! 

NYX Macaron Lippie in Orange Blossom

I'm a sucker for an orange lipstick, but what makes this one a bit "out there" is its whitened, pastel hue. Potentially hard to pull off, but I quite like it! I imagine it looking fab during the summer with a bit of a tan. 

NYX Wicked Lippie in Risque

This one was perhaps the biggest surprise of the bunch- I actually think this rich, metallic greenish teal is quite flattering! I have yet to wear it out of the house, but I'm determined to. 

NYX Macaron Lippie in Pistachio

Gosh, I love a bold turquoise, but in a lipstick? I really can't see a point, unless I was creating a specific, editorial (Smurf?) kind of look. Perhaps I'll take on that challenge!

Inglot Mama Mia Lipstick #291

I bought this lipstick the day I defended my PhD dissertation, as a way to celebrate being brave and free! As such, it will always hold a special place in my heart, but I have not worn it out of the house since. 

OCC Lip Tar in Technopagan

This is definitely the coolest, most interesting crazy lip shade in my stash- a bold mix of purple, blue, and silver- it's quite the standout. I wore it to a David Bowie tribute concert earlier this year and felt like quite the Lady Stardust. Despite its beauty, though- I reach for it so very rarely. 

NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick in Stone Fox

I never thought I'd fall for an opaque grey-blue lipstick, but this one has won my heart. It's a shade just that just shouldn't work on any level, but somehow it can be pulled off! Definitely more apt to wear this one out in public than one of the more neon blue or green shades. 

NYX Macaron Lippie in Chambord

I don't know if I've ever properly tried a black lipstick (except for my witch looks from Halloweens of old), but this one was also a pleasant surprise! Something about the semi-sheer, satiny finish makes Chambord look rich, elegant, and seriously wearable.

MAC Frost Lipstick in Viva Glam Rihanna 2

I think this was the first weirdo lipstick that made its way into my stash and perhaps kicked off the industry's goal of making such shades mainstream. The cool silvery brown tone really is unique and stunning, but I never, ever reach for it. Still not sure if I can pull it off. 

H&M Beauty Cream Lipstick in Brunette Ambition

Another grey-toned brown, but much more subtle in this regard. Much more wearable than Rihanna 2 and the satin finish is very flattering! 

OCC Lip Tar in Sebastian

I have a soft spot for this Lip Tar. My boyfriend tells me it makes me look like I've made out with a snowman, but I think this unique purple-grey-taupe hue is undoubtedly beautiful. I've gotten several compliments when wearing it, so I can't be the only one who sees its appeal! 

Tom Ford Lips and Boys in Stavros

One that isn't swatched above (how could I have forgotten it?!) is Tom Ford Stavros. The fact that an ultra luxury brand could have such success with a silver-grey-purple lipstick really demonstrates how far this trend has reached. Even the upper crust are painting their pouts in out there shades! As with some of the shades above, though- I think everything about this is lovely- but I never reach for it! 

OCC Lip Tar in Indrid

My final feature is the newest of the bunch, having joined my stash very recently at IMATS New York, and is perhaps my favourite. For me, OCC Indrid Lip Tar, a killer mix of purple, grey, and pink, is the ultimate balance between weird and wearable. It definitely makes a statement, yet doesn't seem to wash me out one bit. It's a true winner!!

Taken together, here are a few conclusions on this trend:

• I'm happy that more alternative shades have made it to the mass market- I'm so in favour of letting your freak flag fly!
• That said, I do not think I will be purchasing any more "out there" shades that I have any inkling will never be worn out of the house. I don't want a huge pile of blue lipsticks that never get used!
• By the same token, I am promising myself that I will wear NYX Chambord (the best black lipstick out there?) and Risque (teal lips- who knew?) out of the house sometime this year. They are both incredibly stunning! 
• I am now determined to find more lip shades in the vein of OCC Indrid- those that are utterly unique, yet entirely flattering.

What are your thoughts on the "out there" lipstick shade trend? Would you buy a uniquely-hued lipstick just for the novelty if you knew you'd never wear it outside the house? What's the craziest lip shade you've ever worn? Your favourite of the ones I featured?

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this!

Thanks so much for stopping by! xo

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