In this price range, lipsticks tend to be more pigmented, have less synthetic scents, and wear an average of four hours. I’m not typically disappointed beyond belief with a lipstick formula in this price range. Brands from MAC to NARS to Smashbox fall into this price tier, while designer brands like Chanel, Dior, and YSL are in the next tier. There are really SO many brands and formulas to choose from in this category that I had to split this post into two parts!
PROS: Ridiculously large shade range, variety of finishes, wears from 3 to 6 hours (depends on finish/shade)
NEUTRAL: 0.10 oz., Depending on finish, shades range from sheer to opaque; similarly, more matte shades are drier while lustre shades are more moisturizing, vanilla-scented
CONS: If you’re not familiar with the MAC range and finishes, it can be overwhelming and difficult to choose the right shade; not all shades are great or consistent against other shades within a finish family
MY REC: I like MAC lipsticks quite a bit. I think they have some incredibly flattering shades as well as fun colors in their permanent line, but without having some MAC product knowledge, I can imagine it being daunting trying to figure out which shade is opaque, which is sheer, what finish might be best, and so on. There is a lot of variance between shades and even within finishes. Lustres and glazes tend to be sheerer, while amplified cremes and satins are creamier and more opaque. Mattes are on the drier side with some being exceptionally so (Ruby Woo, I’m talking to you).
PROS: Long-wearing (5 to 6 hours on average), pigmented, wide range of shades
NEUTRAL: 0.12 oz., range includes wearable shades as well as out of the box shades, scent0free
CONS: Shades are a bit one-note, texture is a little dry (but it’s not drying)
MY REC: If you have pigmented lips and struggle to find true-to-tube color translate onto your lips, Rouge Artist Intense is a good line to try out, because the colors really are opaque.
PROS: Long-wearing (4 to 6 hours on average), moisturizing, creamy, good shade range
NEUTRAL: 0.12 oz., scent-free, some really sheer shades while others are opaque
CONS: Can smell waxy, lighter/sheerer shades fade in 1 to 3 hours
MY REC: Though NARS’ lipsticks are unscented, sometimes the waxiness of the lipstick itself comes through, and it’s not so pleasant. It’s a more moisturizing lipstick than your average lipstick, though if you have ultra dry lips, you may still want to prep lips with some balm. I’ve also found that their sheerer or lighter shades don’t last nearly as long as their medium to dark shades.
PROS: Creamy, moisturizing, glossy, semi-sheer to opaque, wears 2 to 4 hours, good shade range
NEUTRAL: 0.14 oz., scent-free
CONS: Numbering system can make it difficult to determine colors
MY REC: I feel like I rarely see mentions for Shiseido’s Perfect Rouge lipstick line, and it’s really a top notch line. They’re creamy, smooth, and richly pigmented.
PROS: Creamy, glossy, moisturizing, semi-opaque to opaque colors, wears 3 to 4 hours
NEUTRAL: 0.12 oz., vanilla-scented
CONS: Limited shade range
MY REC: It’s a shame that Smashbox doesn’t expand their lipstick range, because I’ve liked several of the ones I’ve tried from it–but there just aren’t many colors available. These are moisturizing with a glossy finish and creamy texture. Similar to Laura Mercier Stick Gloss and Korres Mango Butters.
NEUTRAL: 0.13 oz., burnt sugar scent (“caramel” or “creme brulee”)
CONS: Sheer to opaque variances make it difficult to buy online or sight unseen, sometimes has an off-taste
MY REC: I know that one of the biggest drawbacks to Urban Decay is inconsistency in the scent and taste of their lipsticks. The more shimmery shades seem to have a stronger averse taste than creamier shades. I don’t notice the scent when I wear them, so it’s not a deal breaker for me.
The Lipstick Comparisons series is designed to provide a quick reference summary sheet for some of the many available lipstick formulas. It seems like most brands have at least a couple of formulas, if not half a dozen, and it can be difficult to find the formulas that will work best for your budget, coloring, style, or taste.
This is not necessarily a best of list, and it’s not exhaustive–it is based on actual lipsticks that I’ve tried; they are all, however, decent to excellent lipsticks. (And perhaps, some day, it will be an exhaustive list.) I have summarized my experience based on pros and cons, but also some “neutral” factors that may be pros or cons, depending on your preferences. I will update this series as I try new lipstick formulas.
In this price range, lipsticks tend to be more pigmented, have less synthetic scents, and wear an average of four hours. I’m not typically disappointed beyond belief with a lipstick formula in this price range. Brands from MAC to NARS to Smashbox fall into this price tier, while designer brands like Chanel, Dior, and YSL are in the next tier. There are really SO many brands and formulas to choose from in this category that I had to split this post into two parts!
PROS: Creamy, opaque, glossy, wears for 3 to 4 hours, moisturizing
NEUTRAL: 0.10 oz., slight sweet scent
CONS: Very limited shade range
MY REC: These aren’t quite as glossy or as creamy as the Silky Finish line, but they’re more opaque. I still find them rather creamy and moisturizing, though. Some of mine seem to have a very subtle sweetened scent while others have none.
PROS: Creamy, moisturizing, glossy, wears for 3 to 4 hours
NEUTRAL: 0.10 oz., shades range from sheer to semi-opaque, slight sweet scent
CONS: Short shade range centered around pinks
MY REC: The Silky Finish is a much glossier, often shimmered lipstick compared to Benefit’s Full Finish range. These actually remind me quite a bit of Laura Mercier’s Stick Gloss. They’re more moisturizing than the average lipstick and have a slicker texture, too. Some of mine seem to have a very subtle sweetened scent while others have none.
NEUTRAL: 0.12 oz., scent-free, more neutral/pink based shade range
CONS: One finish (semi-matte)
MY REC: I like the pigmentation and creaminess in the texture of Bobbi Brown’s Lip Color. Sometimes I get caught in thinking that Bobbi Brown is all about sheers, but then the Lip Color line always reminds me that it’s not always the case. Despite their creaminess, they’re not moisturizing; not drying either, but not particularly moisturizing.
NEUTRAL: 0.14 oz., more neutral/pink based shade range, scent-free
CONS: Wears 2 to 3 hours (despite being touted as long-wearing)
MY REC: I think Clinique makeup often gets overlooked, but I like how much of their makeup is scent-free. I also think they’re worth more than just a glance given the price tag.
PROS: Opaque, true-to-tube color, wears 5 to 7 hours, lots of fun shades
NEUTRAL: 0.14 oz., scent-free
CONS: Mostly matte finishes, dry
MY REC: It’s important to note that while the texture itself seems a little dry, these lipsticks don’t suck the moisture out of your lips, but they definitely don’t impart any either. With an abundance of matte shades with drier finishes, these are not ideal for those with dry to ultra dry lips.
PROS: Creamy, opaque, moisturizing, wears 3 to 4 hours
NEUTRAL: Guava-scented
CONS: 0.06 oz., limited shade range
MY REC: My biggest issue with these is how little you get; they’re half the size of Korres’ Mango Butter Lipsticks and $4 more. The Guava lipsticks are more opaque and not as glossy in the finish, but they’re a little less moisturizing than the Mango Butters.
PROS: Creamy, moisturizing, semi-sheer, wears 3 to 4 hours
NEUTRAL: 0.12 oz., mango-scented
CONS: Name/numbering system doesn’t always match tube color, limited shade range
MY REC: I find these very moisturizing, and I love the glossiness of the finish, because it almost looks like you’re just wearing a gloss. If you have dry lips and haven’t tried these, you might want to give ‘em a shot.
MY REC: I’ve found these to be very creamy, and they’re often more on the opaque side of color. They impart some moisture but I wouldn’t consider it a moisturizing lipstick.
PROS: Moisturizing, glossy, semi-sheer, wears 3 to 4 hours
NEUTRAL: 0.12 oz., Berry-scented
CONS: Very limited shade range
MY REC: It’s very comfortable to wear and feels incredibly moisturizing–it’s just a shame that there are so few shades available.
The Lipstick Comparisons series is designed to provide a quick reference summary sheet for some of the many available lipstick formulas. It seems like most brands have at least a couple of formulas, if not half a dozen, and it can be difficult to find the formulas that will work best for your budget, coloring, style, or taste.
This is not necessarily a best of list, and it’s not exhaustive–it is based on actual lipsticks that I’ve tried; they are all, however, decent to excellent lipsticks. (And perhaps, some day, it will be an exhaustive list.) I have summarized my experience based on pros and cons, but also some “neutral” factors that may be pros or cons, depending on your preferences. I will update this series as I try new lipstick formulas.
The first part of the Lipstick Comparisons series features lipstick formulas available for less than $12. (These are all actually less than $8, I believe!)
One of the easily detectable and distinguishing ways that more affordable lipsticks vary from higher end lipsticks is in the scent. I have yet to find a lipstick in this price range that doesn’t tend to have a synthetic scent, and if not syrupy sweet or floral, often a nauseating mix of plastic and play-doh. Sometimes they can also have an off-taste, too. Both scent/taste are highly personal, though, and both dependent on your sensitivity.
Wear time can sometimes differ (noted below), but while I rarely find lipsticks that wear well for six or more hours, there are some that do wear for the average time for me (four hours is my average).
PROS: Decent shade range, wearable shades that tend to be more universally flattering (mass appeal), smooth, opaque, wears for 3-4 hours, color-coded packaging
NEUTRAL: Mostly “wearable” colors — nothing really out of the box, synthetic/generic sweet scent on some while others have a more plastic scent
CONS: Some shades tend to cling, which make them less suitable for those with drier lips
MY REC: The scent can be pretty bothersome for some, but it’ll depend on how adverse you are to certain smells. For a drugstore lipstick, they might feel a little pricey, so it may be prudent to wait for a sale. It doesn’t dry my lips out, but it’s not at all moisturizing, so those with dry lips should take note.
PROS: Wide range of shades, creamy, moisturizing, opaque
NEUTRAL: Both neutral and brighter shades, synthetic/waxy scent
CONS: Frost finish shades are drier and less opaque, dated packaging
MY REC: The creamier shades are the best of the line; they’re incredibly pigmented and apply really well. The frostier shades tend to emphasize any dryness on lips.
PROS: Ridiculous amount of shades, variety in finishes, opaque, creamy, affordable
NEUTRAL: Scent-free but strong plastic scent on some
CONS: Wears off after 2-3 hours, darker shades bleed
MY REC: When it comes to trying out shades, NYX is definitely a go-to brand. The creamy, smooth texture and the huge shade range helps it stand out amongst other budget-friendly options. NYX also occasionally has crazy bundled packages–I remember buying 30 or 40 lipsticks for around $50 one time.
PROS: Good shade range, creamy, doesn’t dry lips out, affordable
NEUTRAL: Synthetic fruity scent
CONS: Wears off within 1-2 hours requiring frequent reapplication
MY REC: It’s a decent option if you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind reapplication.
The Lipstick Comparisons series is designed to provide a quick reference summary sheet for some of the many available lipstick formulas. It seems like most brands have at least a couple of formulas, if not half a dozen, and it can be difficult to find the formulas that will work best for your budget, coloring, style, or taste.
This is not necessarily a best of list, and it’s not exhaustive–it is based on actual lipsticks that I’ve tried; they are all, however, decent to excellent lipsticks. (And perhaps, some day, it will be an exhaustive list.) I have summarized my experience based on pros and cons, but also some “neutral” factors that may be pros or cons, depending on your preferences. I will update this series as I try new lipstick formulas.
(And yes, I recognize that the series photo does not include any of these brands! The image represents the series, not individual posts.)
Skincare Tips: How to Reduce Blemishes by Renee Rouleau
I’m so pleased to be able to feature another video from Renée Rouleau. She is so knowledgeable and approachable as an esthetician with her own skincare line (which I’ve used over the years and been impressed–her new Luxe Mint Cleanser is the boy’s current favorite, too!). This time, she gives us tips on reducing blemishes. There’s something I need to take notes on!
Celebrity makeup artist Brett Freedman is back with an exclusive video for Temptalia readers! This time, it’s all about the red lip and how to get it! Guest starring the lovely Katherine McPhee to boot!
Skincare Tips from Renée Rouleau: Tips for Reducing Under Eye Puffiness
Savvy, smart, and always knowledgeable, Renée Rouleau is my go-to for all that is skincare. She’s a celebrity esthetician with her own line (I love her AHA/BHA Cleansing Gel!), and she also regularly updates her blog with skin care tips and tricks.
Go to bed early to avoid yawning. Every time you yawn at night, it increases fluids around the eyes resulting in tears. When you stay up too late and yawn excessively, those fluids increase swelling making you puffy in the morning—no different than if you cried a lot.
Sleep on two pillows. Keep your head elevated by sleeping on two pillows at night to reduce under eye puffiness. This helps to reduce fluid retention in the eye area so you’re less puffy in the morning.
Avoid using rich and greasy eye creams. Many companies formulate eye creams with rich oils to compensate for the lack of oil glands around the eyes. Although this moisture is so needed, the heavy oils can migrate into the eyes while you sleep and cause you puffiness when you wake up in the morning. The solution? Avoid the ingredients mineral oil and petroleum in your eye creams and don’t apply too close to the lower lash line. (Another problem with heavy eye creams containing these ingredients is that the oils can weigh down the delicate skin tissue and over the course of time, can weaken elastin fibers causing premature wrinkles.) All Renée Rouleau eye creams are very hydrating—but not greasy.
Ditch the cucumbers. They don’t contain any miraculous puffiness-reducing properties but they do have a gel-like consistency (from the seeds) making it good for retaining cold temperatures—and it’s the cold that reduces puffiness. Since it’s the cold that reduces puffiness, you can grab anything out of your refrigerator (ice, bag of frozen peas) and it will do the trick—as long as it is held on the area for at least 10 minutes. (Note: The only type of puffiness that can be reduced from cold, is puffiness that is not normally there—like when you wake up in the morning. Unfortunately, there is no cure for chronic puffiness/bags except cosmetic surgery.)
Avoid eating salty foods at night. Avoiding salty foods (especially at night) can definitely help prevent under eye puffiness when you wake in the morning. Excessive sodium causes water retention resulting in excessive swelling of the eye tissue. If you are trying to avoid puffiness of the face (especially before a special event), it’s best to avoid salty foods at night and drink a lot of water to flush your system.
