Lip Trends

There are two lip looks that seem to be popping up everywhere right now: Bright orangey-reds and Matte finishes.

Nars Red Square is a longtime favorite of mine. I’ve worn it for the past few summers and I always have someone stop to ask what shade it is. It’s the perfect orange/red lip that most people can pull off. Orange is a tricky color on the lips, as it often can make teeth look yellow if it’s too warm toned. I’ve found three drugstore versions that are perfect if you want to give this trend a go without shelling out $26.00 for Nars.

 

Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil- Red Square ($26.00)

The formula is dry and long lasting. This lip color is the least forgiving if you haven’t exfoliated. Better whip out your sugar lip scrub. I love the Nars Velvet Lip Pencil because it stays all day with no touch ups. I never have to worry about this one traveling outside the lip line, even when lunch gets messy.

Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lip Color

685 Craving Coral ($7.99)

This drugstore gem is the closest in similarity to the Nars. The formula is thin, but opaque in one pass. For the price, it’s an awesome dupe to Red Square.

Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet- 03 Hot Pepper ($16.00)

Bourjois has a wide distribution at drugstores in Europe; however, in the US we have to order them online. The Rouge Edition Velvet is a great one to try if you’re new to liquid lipsticks. It has a jelly formula that comes out of the tube quite thin. With just a single layer you can achieve a lip stain, but with a few additional swipes it builds to an opaque matte finish. It’s very comfortable on the lips, and the staying power is 4-6 hours for me.

Milani Color Statment Moisture Matte Lipstick

66 Matte Passion ($5.99)

Milani has only recently introduced their line of matte lipsticks. Matte Passion stood out to me instantly in it’s bright gold packaging. At only $5.99 a tube, I was really surprised by the quality and richness of color. It is opaque in one pass, and lasted on the lips 4-6 hours. I haven’t tried any other colors in this range yet, but if they are all as good as Matte Passion, I may need them all!