Okay, this is going to be a different sort of post than my usual. But it’s something I spend an inordinate amount of time thinking about, so it’s time to ask for help. It’s about lipstick. Well, lip gloss, really. I’ve been in search of the perfect lip product for many, many moons. Here’s what I want:
– sheer
– not sticky
– not glossy
– reddish/rosy color
– goes on soft and smooth
– no shimmer
– moisturizing (so none of that stain stuff that’s drying out)
– if I kiss the boys, it won’t leave a lip print on their cheeks (or a very light one)
Here’s where I am on my quest. I’m kind of scared to add up the cost of all the lip product I’ve bought in this search. I’m listing them in the order of worst to best.
Covergirl Lip Slicks – in Hipster
Pros: Cheap (too cheap?); color was okay
Cons: Not smooth; disgusting waxy smell/taste; too shimmery
Tarte – in Thursday
Pros: Color is pretty good
Cons: Sticky; not sheer enough
Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer – in Raisin
Pros: Great color, very inexpensive
Cons: Too much pigment; shimmery
Mary Kay Tinted Lipbalm – in Blush
Pros: Good color; goes on nicely; has SPF 15
Cons: Not sheer enough
LORAC – in Martha (not shown)
Pros: Great color
Cons: Discontinued color; too much like lipstick, not “sheer” as advertised
Cargo High Intensity Gloss – in Nigeria
Pros: Love the applicator; color is great
Cons: Too pigmented; kind of sticky
Benefit Benetint
Pro: Very moisturizing
Cons: Not tinted enough; pricey
Fresh Sugar Rose
Pros: Amazing scent; feels awesome on; great packaging (top screws on so it doesn’t come off in purse)
Cons: Pricey; not enough pigment
Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm – in Red Dahlia
Pros: Great texture; cheap
Cons: Not enough pigment. Just a little bit more and this would be *perfect*, but I already have the darkest color available
So tell me…where can I get the perfect lip product? I still have one more to try, the Fresh Sugar Plum, but I don’t want to shell out $23 for a lip produt that’s not going to be perfect. I’m afraid it’s going to have the same problem with so many of the others I’ve tried…not enough pigment.
pyjammy dot blog 
Sara
Oh girlfriend — be there, done that! This is my current fav (purchased at Target for under $10):
http://www.neutrogena.com/product/cosmetics/lipstick+-+lip+moisture/moistureshine-+lipsheers.do?sortby=bestSellers
(sorry, i don’t know how to make the linky not be so long!!)
There are more colors at Target that what they show online. I’m currently wearing Cool Nectar. It is very smooth, has a hint of something that helps my chapped lips from the cold and it sheer. If I wear a lip liner under it it stays on all day, yet still feels divine. But when I’m out running errands (or just in the office without meetings) I throw it on alone and it has good color, yet not super dark. Worth a shot (and cheaper than $23!).
Good luck with your search!
LikeLike
chris
what’s wrong with a little (to a lot) of shimmer? 🙂
LikeLike
Eva
Hmmm…. I totally understand… what I use is Labello Fruity Shine in either Cherry or Pomegranate. They may be a bit shiny for your taste and I don’t know if they leave traces or not if you kiss your boys. I’m willing to pick some up for you at the grocery store and mail them to you if you want to give them a try.
I just checked their website and it looks like in the US you have a bigger array of different Labello’s than we do here in Europe hehehe. http://www.labello.com/international/home.html
I also like the one called Med as it is plain, no taste, no color, but oh so great for chapped lips!
Cheers, Eva
LikeLike
Kathryn
I sort of like Clinique almost lipstick, but you have to find the right color. I like Black Honey
LikeLike
Nicole
Funny you should mention it.. I did a post on my own blog this past summer. I’m still searching, but I agree with Kathryn. The Clinique Black Honey is the best I’ve found (in terms of stickiness anyway). It will leave a mark when you kiss though, but it might be the right level of gloss/pigment for you. I’ve also tried Tarte, found it to be pretty lipsticky but in a decievingly lip glossy stick. I also love Nars but it’s pretty sticky, but the gloss/color is great. Good luck, post back if you find something!
http://knitjones.blogspot.com/2010/06/lip-glosssticktube-things.html
LikeLike
Andrea
Okay don’t laugh but I like Bonnie Bell Lip Gloss in Cappuccino and Wet and Wild Natural Blend Lip shimmer (not too shimmery and it tastes good). Both are under $4 at the drugstore. I am almost embarassed to admit I use those but I love them both!
LikeLike
Erin
Have you hit up a MAC counter? They are my go to for anything makeup and they are always super helpful.
LikeLike
wendy
Clinique — an old standby: Guava Stain. Not as great a shade as Currant Stain which got discontinued. Also great but d/c: Berry Freeze, but has a slight shimmer.
Clinique — new shade: All Heart. Sort of stainy, no shimmer, smooth, moist.
Clinique lipsticks are reasonable in price: $14.50 or so.
LikeLike
Megan
The Balm Balm Shelter in Pin-Up Girl. Love it!! Or Sephora brand lip and cheek tint in Pinot.
LikeLike
Michelle
You HAVE to try this. I went through the same problem – but more like for YEARS of searching. I thought maybe I was just not someone who could wear lipstick. But I finally found something that stays for a long time, does not leave traces, hydrates, and looks amazing and natural. Swear to the easter bunny you have to try it out.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Maybelline-New-York-Colorsensational-Lipcolor-160-Fifth-Ave-Fuchsia/15637221
LikeLike
NJJ
I really like the Burt’s Bees stuff (non-shimmery) when I’m in a hurry, but if you have more than 15 seconds to spare in your morning routine, try this:
The Body Shop Lip & Cheek Stain (http://www.thebodyshop-usa.com/lipstick-lip-liner/prod4870018). It’s the only sheer lip stain I’ve ever seen. It only comes in one color, but it’s a flattering one, and you can apply more or less to achieve whatever intensity you want. Personally, I press the applicator tip against the edge of the bottle to squeeze out excess product, then just dab and blend it. It lasts all day. Once it dries (while you tend to other stuff), you can use the lip balm of your choosing on top.
Good luck!
LikeLike
Annie
Pammy,
I just got the Fresh Plum one – and it’s the same comments as the Rose – not enough tint. Which is ok for me b/c my lips are red from the ridiculously cold winter we have had.
I have a benefit light colored lip gloss (with a wand) that looks like it would be a thick color, but it’s not and it’s awesome. You should check those out.
LikeLike
kristie
agree- the clinique- black honey… i never would have purchased it on my own (can’t remember how i got it) but it quickly became my most coveted and favorite lipstick. I wish the color lasted longer, but no lipstick lasts long on me now that i think about it. It’s purrrfect!
LikeLike