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Monday, 28 October 2013

Starting Off: Lips


Hey Beauties.  I know this post is super super late, but I was away last week and I had a very poorly baby after his 13 month injections so I've been really busy and had decided I was just going to leave this post out and carry on with others -  but then I thought nooo, I have lots to say about lip products so I thought better late than never.  So here we are, week 9 of #theSOproject .  This time I'll just do a brief overview of the different types of lip products available (as there are so many) and my current favourites.  I'll steer clear of colours/shades as I think that is simply down to personal preference.  While one shade may look absolutely stunning on one person, it may make the next person look like death warmed up. ha.

Different types of lip products

Lipstick - Probably the oldest and most common form of lip colour.  They come in 'stick' form as you can tell by the name, and are usually very creamy and quite pigmented.  They aim to have a pretty good staying power compared to other forms of lip colour and can come in either sheen, cream or matte finishes.  One thing to bear in mind when applying lipstick is many of them can be quite drying on the lips (especially the matte ones), so if your lips aren't hydrated enough, many lipsticks will cling to those dry patches and just end up looking a complete mess.  I advise using a lip balm before applying your lipstick and it will help the lipstick glide on for a much nicer finish.

Lip Gloss - A firm favourite among the younger generation.  Lip glosses give your lips a beautiful sheen and some even make your lips look fuller.  They can be applied on their own or above lipsticks to simply give a sheen to the lip colour.  Some are clear, and some are coloured.  Also, lip lacquers have popped up recently, which are more highly pigmented than regular lip glosses but are still really moisturising and tend to last that little bit longer. I think lip glosses are so popular because of how easy they are to apply.  Easy to just throw in your bag and top up throughout the day.  It's important to note that some lip glosses can be really thick and sticky so don't be put off if you get one like that - they're not all like that, just make sure you swatch before you buy.  I've had plenty in my time.  Nothing worse than a sticky lip gloss - especially in the winter months when it's windy and my hair just attaches itself to my lip and won't let go. Bork.

Lip Crayon - Something that has burst onto the highstreet recently, following up from the success of the likes of Clinique's Chubby Sticks.  I absolutely LOVE lip crayons.  I'd say they fall smack bang in the middle of a lipstick and a lip gloss.  Some of them are so highly pigmented like lipsticks, yet apply effortlessly and are so lovely and moisturising that they feel like a lip gloss.  Because they are so well pigmented, they seem to last a lot longer than lip glosses.  I think that's why these have become so successful, as they are just the perfect mix.  Great for day to day use and even more perfect for a night out.

Lip Liner/Pencil - Aim to do exactly what they say.  They line your lips so that you can create the perfect lip shape and stop your other lip product from going crazy.  Some lip pencils can even be used to simply colour the whole lip in, but I can only assume that will be quite drying.  Now these are something I've struggled to get to grips with if I'm gonna be truly honest.  I've seen countless tutorials on applying these and they make it look so easy, but when I do it it just looks silly.  Maybe I need a few lessons haha.

Lip Balm - Of course, an absolute MUST for everyone (males included).  Lip balm is essential in keeping your lips from becoming dry, chapped and downright uncomfortable, especially in the winter months.  Your other lip products will apply so much easier if you keep your lips well hydrated.  I have a ridiculous amount of lip balms and have one by my bed at all times and apply it every night without fail.  Nothing worse than sore lips.

Lip Scrub - Something I only tried for the first time a few months ago and WOW was I missing out.  It's basically exfoliation for your lips, because, just like your regular skin, you need to get rid of the dead skin in order to let the fresh skin out and glow in all it's soft and supple glory.  I use a lip scrub maybe 3 or 4 times a week just to reawaken my lips and I love love love the way my lips feel afterwards.

My Current Favourite Lip Products

The Body Shop Hemp Lip Protector - £4
Lush Popcorn Lip Scrub - £5.50
Maybelline Baby Lips in Cherry Me - £2.99
Bourjois Colour Boost Lip Crayons - £7.99
Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer in Celestial - £6.49

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