July 19, 2008

Perfectly Natural Lips

I've never been much for lipgloss' or lipsticks, even though I'm constantly being told that I need "just a bit of color" on my lips. I simply don't see the point of reapplication every time I take a sip of water. They leave the most unflattering lipstains on the glass and it means that I'm effectively eating lipgloss/stick bit by bit. I'd also always have to worry about accidentally getting some on my clothes- they are the devil to wash. Besides, they are sticky (lipgloss in particular) and are not even particularly moisturizing even though they look juicy.
But then I keep seeing these perfectly colored lips in magazines and make-up advertising campaigns, which makes me want to give lipsticks another try. Typically I always pick colors that are pretty and pink, because red lipsticks scare me and orange is my least favourite color. But having seen so many ads where models/celebs have perfectly colored yet natural looking lips that are not just pretty and pink (like above, esp love Leighton Meister's lip color!), I'm beginning to think that maybe a tint of orange is not so bad after all. Besides the color when applied almost never matches its color in the tube. The aim should be to find a shade that comes naturally, like the color your lip looks when it has been bitten.

Unfortunately not everyone's lips are the same and what looks good on the model does not always look good on you. I know, because I tried buying the exact same color as the model in an ad campaign and it turned out to be waaay too red for me! So I guess it wouldn't be helpful to talk about exact lip colors here. We can however, talk about the effects to strive for and favourite lipcolor brands around.
The effect I love is sheer with just a bit of shine, which translates to ultra conditioning lipsticks. One of my favourite brand for ultra conditioning lipsticks is Shiseido. They really ARE conditioning. Some lipsticks on the other hand, only add color and actually feel like it is drying the lips instead *cough-mac-cough*. I'm loving this natural hue this model in their ad campaign is sporting. Perfect for the everyday look or to match with crazy eye make-up!
The younger Shiseido line, Maquillage, also make real nice moisturizing lipsticks. Besides their Neo Climax Lip, they also have it matte. I absolutely adore their advertising campaign looks. The lip shades are all different yet still very natural at the same time (well maybe the top left model's color is not quite natural...).
Another favourite lipstick brand is Cle de Peau. My mom adores this brand, it goes on smoothly and silkily.
And they come in the most darling elegantly shaped tubes too. Ironically this brand is also owned by Shiseido.... I guess they found the secret formula!

These ad campaigns with those fabulously natural yet gorgeous lip colors have finally inspired me to test out and wear lipstick more regularly (more than before anyway, which was zero......). I hope it has done the same for you!

Image Source: Lucky Mag, Allure, Shiseido, Maquillage and Cle de Peau

35 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm looking for a natural lip colour too, except with a lip gloss-like thickness or viscosity and no shine but moisturizes. Does this product exist?

7/20/2008 10:30 PM  
Blogger elysia mann said...

those glossy lips really do look beautiful- but they don't usually feel beautiful! neutrogena moisture shine lip glosses are pretty good.

7/20/2008 11:49 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

those are amazing!
i hate lipgloss and lipstick as you said their too sticky
but i found that burts bees chapstick is very nice. its not sticky buts it adds color
just another idea

7/20/2008 11:59 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm also the type who just dabs on lip balm (the clear kind) and runs out the door. I don't bother with much color for the same reasons you do: dryness and the need for reapplication. However, the Macquillage ads are awesome and I'm in love with the colors. I may just swing by the makeup counter to give the conditioning lipsticks a try. Thanks for the info!

7/21/2008 2:13 AM  
Blogger Pamcasso said...

I am really picky about lipgloss too, sometimes it really irritates me if its sticky (MAC). My fave lipstick is Nars Dolce Vita, which admittedly doesn't work for everyone, but gives a good percentage of people that just bitten look:) It's pretty sheer, and I don't find it drying.

7/21/2008 3:25 AM  
Blogger Angela said...

Barely there makeup is the mode du jour for a while but seens to be gaining much momentum recently. It takes so much more effort to have the barely there effect than anything else but flawless skin and be able to say "oh really, I barely put make up on. I must thank my mom for my skin" is just priceless. : ) (as I giggle in silence)

7/21/2008 4:32 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You know, I'm with you on this one. I've never really understood why people wears layers and layers of thick and goopy gloss that gives them unnatural shine and juicy-ness. I really prefer soft looking natural lips, though I don't actually wear anything on my lips(besides chapstick, which I find gives you the most natural looking lips, if you find the right one.) I really love the color in the Cle de Peau ads.

7/21/2008 6:34 AM  
Blogger jilcov said...

Typically I always pick colors that are pretty and pink, because red lipsticks scare me and orange is my least favourite color

7/21/2008 7:27 AM  
Blogger awongwong said...

i have the same problem as you, i hate wearing lipsticks because i have very red lips naturally and it would only make my lips look too red. i do use lip gloss but i have never really found a shade that compliments my skin tone, so i usually stick with clear or sheer colours.

7/21/2008 8:11 AM  
Blogger Fashion Tidbits said...

great post! i'll definitely be trying more Shiseido lip products

7/21/2008 8:43 AM  
Blogger Shopaholic D said...

I like lip gloss, but not lip stick. I've tried buying colors that look like ones on photos I like, but they never end up looking right. I've found the make-up artists at my fave make-up counters are the most helpful and can help you get the look you want. I remember when I wanted a pretty pink lip color that my stylist picked out the brightest hot pink shade of the group (and it was at MAC, so you know it was bright), which I would NEVER have thought to pick up, let alone try on. But, would you know it, since my lips are a tad darker in color naturally, the hot pink gave me that pretty pink color I was looking for. It's my fave color now.

:) D

7/21/2008 10:06 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

i love laura mercier lip plumper tough! the formulation got tingling on my lips, give d effects of plumper pout. the smell and taste are intense, i love wearing it every morning 2 make me refreshed!

7/21/2008 11:49 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I usually just use the same stain I use for my cheeks. It stays on well and last a awhile. I hate wearing lip gloss and lipstick, so it just works out. Another thing you could do it just smudge some lip liner on. The color looks really natural and is pretty much weightless.


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7/21/2008 5:47 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Gold, silver, purple and shimmery hues have claimed the beauty trend for Fall 2008. Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, and M.A.C have all used these colors in their Fall make-up collection. Imagine nail varnishes, eye shadows, lipsticks, blushes in gold, purple and shimmery shades.
http://clothesfriend.blogspot.com/2008/07/colours-of-autumn-beauty-trends-for.html

7/21/2008 9:09 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

thanks so much for addressing the tricky subject of lipstick. I try to have a finished, polished look before I go out the door, and I always feel like without lip color, I look "almost" put together, like rushed to complete my ensemble. thanks so much for the tips!

7/22/2008 12:40 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I recently tried a sample of Shiseido moisturizer and it was amazing. now that you've recommended their lipsticks, i am going to get one as i have yet to find a lipstick that doesn't dry out my lips unless i pair it with a lip balm on top. so, thanks!

7/22/2008 2:05 AM  
Blogger Adeline said...

try mac slimshines :) i'm not a big user of lipsticks but i love these. not drying at all!

7/22/2008 3:31 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You know, I've been complimented many times on my "lip color", but the only thing I ever use is cherry or strawberry chapstick to moisturize - I guess I've just been luckily endowed with pinkish, "raspberry" colored lips. Kinda a mix between the model on the bottom left and top right of the maquillage line. Anyway, love your blog!

7/22/2008 4:30 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Maybe you like to know that the model in the Shiseido campaign is Patricia Schmid, born in switzerland, age 23(http://www.fashionmodeldirectory.com/models/patricia_schmid)
I am from switzerland too, that's why i "know" her ;o)
I really like her look - and I'm a big fan of your blogg!
Many greetings from switzerland
Sarah

7/23/2008 3:17 AM  
Blogger ash said...

i love vincent longo lip stain, it doesn't get anywhere (ie glasses) and it lasts about 6 hours! Another good one (and cheap one) is bath and body works c.o. Bigelow mentha lip tint! not sticky or gross and has a nice fresh scent to it :)

7/23/2008 6:46 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'll try just about any color on my lips. But, I generally have to wear a primer, a lip liner, a lipstick and a lip gloss if I want to accomplish certain looks. I have highly pigmented lips that are different colors. But, I live by gloss. I usually carry about 20 with me @ any given time. :)

Signed,
CeCe
Fashion Idealist

**Register as a new user at http://www.i-style.us and comment on any blog to be entered for a $75 shopping spree**

7/23/2008 9:24 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I used to love lip glosses etc, but now I really don't like them because as you said, they leave stains, sticky, reapplications etc. So when I do want some colour, what I do it put on some burts bees (or a similar colourless lip BALM, not gloss) and dab on a little gloss. Then rub your lips together. You get a touch of colour, hint of shine, and the moisturizing effect!

7/23/2008 11:15 PM  
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7/24/2008 1:20 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love this post and totally agree. I am currently trying to find the perfect shade of pink gloss that looks juicy yet natural.

7/24/2008 4:34 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am a true advocate of the natural look. I think Makeup should be used to enhance your features. I hate to see people with over the top Lipstick.

I think the best look for natural lips is to line your lips with a liner that is the same color or a shade darker than your lips. With the liner define the shape of your lips and pay special attention to defining your Cupids bow( the top part of the lip) .

Then put a lip gloss on that is the same color as your lips. Its simple and your lips look FABULOUS.

A great post by the way.

The other secret to natural lips in the photos you posted is PHOTOSHOP!!!!! LOL. I think magazines go overboard with Photoshop nowadays.

http://www.beautyconfessional.net

7/28/2008 6:40 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

yeh i know exactly what you mean .. all lipgloss does is shine for a while and shows a perfct pout but also leavs the mark on your drinks glass, food and especially sticks to your hair on the windy day it drives me mad!.. one tip i read in a recent magazine was to always keep them moisturised, finding a right lipbalm with spf's is the right thing , it also protects from the sum drying up the sensitive skin on your lips.

7/30/2008 8:20 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I for one am a lipstick lover. Im only 18 and feel that lipgloss is so 6th grade. Lipgloss reminds me of cheap baby makeup or something.
I also LOVE shiseido and its something i do splurge on. It is incredible lipstick. Anyone who dares to put mac on their face is dimwit that has idea about makeup. uhg. I could go on about how disgusting mac products really are but...i'll just move on.
Anyways this post has inspired me to pay another visit to makeup counter.
-Mona

8/05/2008 3:07 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

i personally believe just regular chapstick works. buy the cherry or strawberry flavored ones. they add color and a bit shine as well.

8/06/2008 6:48 AM  
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6/23/2010 10:01 AM  
Anonymous Sildenafil said...

I agree with you those are really beautiful and natural lips and I can say that they have more than that, their eyes, nose, teeth and mouths, they are perfect!

9/15/2010 3:15 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I get what most are saying about picking natural shades that accentuate your lips just slightly, but I'd really like to see models go completely without lipstick/chapstick just to get an idea of what different colors natural lips come in. I personally have fair skin with red tones and red lips. To be honest, when I go shopping for lip color I look for the lightest flamingo pinks I can. They just look like a light makeup look, I guess what some call natural even though there is nothing natural about changing red tones to light pink tones, even if they are light colors that I think look good on me. I just picked up some natural chapstick and it feels amazing on my lips, with no color of course. I guess what I'm saying is we should just admit to ourselves that nothing about makeup is natural really, but we like the glossed look it gives us. I just got "lace for the face" and a loofa and some trader joes bath salt scrub and natural chapstick and my skin feels amazing. Yay!

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