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It feels like it’s been months since I’ve worn a proper face of makeup; I’ve been diligent with my skincare routine, but seem to be falling short when it comes to everything else.
This has mainly been because since lockdown I’ve not really seen the point in putting on makeup when I know I’m not going to be leaving the house.
Now that it’s been a few weeks without makeup I have started to notice the correlation between wearing makeup and my productivity.
I know that it’s nothing scientific, but when I am wearing makeup I do feel more put-together and ready to work, in comparison to when I’m bare-faced.
Although I’m not wearing anywhere near as much as I used to, I’ve been using a few products to create a no-makeup makeup look.
When going with these very minimal looks I like to amp it up with a pop of colour, normally on the lips.
I have picked a few of my favorite lip products that I have been reaching for recently. The products range from subtly tinted lip balms to liquid lipsticks.
So no matter how much effort you want to put in, there’s a product for you.
The ‘Barely-there’ lip products
Starting on the sheerer side, I’ve amassed quite a collection of tinted lip balms recently.
I love these products because they deliver all the benefits and hydration of a regular lip balm, but have that hint of colour to perfectly finish off any look.
Nars Afterglow Lip Balms
The NARS Afterglow Lip Balms are among my favorite products in this category, they are extremely lightweight and hydrating with a very subtle hint of color.
This product comes in a range of NARS’ signature shades, I have it in Dolce Vita, a deep rosy pink shade that is pretty similar to my natural lip color, so goes with literally everything.
I love these kinds of products because they easily pair with any makeup look you’re doing, perfectly blending between warm and cool-toned shadows.
Kosas Kosasport Lip Fuel
I have also been loving the Kosas Kosasport Lip Fuel in the shade Rush. These balms are not as glossy as the NARS balms and are a bit more pigmented.
They look a bit more like normal lipstick when applied, but this does not mean that they are dry or anything. These Lip Fuels are packed with hyaluronic acid which works to keep your lips hydrated all day long, they are also pretty minty so they make my lips look, and feel, a lot more plump – which is always a plus.
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
You’ll most often hear about the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm as one of the best lip balms, and I would wholeheartedly agree with this title. Packed full of natural ingredients like shea butter and plenty of essential oils, it feels more like an intensive lip mask than your standard lip balm.
It has the high-shine finish that you would expect from any good lip balm, it’s easy to see why so many people see this as a holy grail. I love the high-shine finish, and how it’s so easy to wear for everyday use – it’s great.
The ‘in-between’ everyday lip products
The next category is for those lip products that fall somewhere in the middle of the best natural lip balms and my favorite lipstick picks. These products contain the same long-lasting moisture of hydrating balm while still giving enough color and the long-lasting formula of a good lipstick.
Beauty Pie Futurelipsticks
When I want something a bit more than a balm, but still light and glossy, I’ll always reach for one of my Beauty Pie’s Futurelipsticks.
The formula of these lipsticks is fantastic. They’re beautifully pigmented and long-lasting but are glossy and light on the lips from being enriched with coconut and avocado oils.
I have the shade Naked Pink which is a pretty rosy shade that leans on the cool-toned side and is the kind of colour that will also go with everything.
e.l.f Glossy Lip Stain
The e.l.f Glossy Lip Stain was one of the most popular products from e.l.f recently in my opinion and it’s quickly found itself amongst some of the best lip products that I own. I love all of the different colors, and the juicy look it gives the lips.
Although they do have some shades that give more of a pop of color, one of my favorite shades is Basic Beige, the perfect everyday nude.
Merit Beauty Tinted Lip Oil
I’ve spoken about this before, but the Merit Beauty Tinted Lip Oil is another personal favorite of mine. Like a lip balm glides along the lips or the best lip glosses that give you long-lasting hydration, this tinted lip oil offers everything plus a really good hit of color as an added bonus.
Although you do get a bit of pigment, I do like to use a lip liner first, something like the Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk, but one of my favorite things about these beauty products is that you can easily just wear them by themselves.
The ‘actual lipstick’ option
Now we’re on to the standard lipsticks.
Although I have been moaning about the hassle of lipsticks throughout this post, I still have so many that I love and enjoy using.
Glossier Generation G Lipsticks
The first of these is the Glossier Generation G Lipsticks. I want to start by saying that I have the older formula of these and I do find it to be slightly dry but I think the reformulated versions are a lot better.
I have the shade Jam which is the most beautiful deep berry shade that is the perfect pop of colour to add to any minimal makeup look.
These are great because they’re matte so they work more like a wash of color over the lips so it doesn’t bunch up or settle in the lines of your lips whatsoever.
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream
Finally, I have the NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Cannes, these lip creams are such a lovely formula.
They are very pigmented and opaque when applied, but also feel really light and soft. They’re the perfect product for someone who wants all of the benefits of liquid lipstick but hates how they feel on the lips.
These wear nicely on the lips, I don’t find them to gather or flake throughout the day, it just starts to fade away without too much disturbance.
Saie Matte Blurring Lipstick
Finally, I want to talk about the Saie Matte Blurring Lipstick. It’s a top pick of mine because I love the shades that are perfect for most people regardless of your skin tone, they last a long time, and feel comfortable enough for everyday wear – you don’t even need to bother with lip balms.
Do you think I’ve missed any good lip products from this list? Let me know!
