Lipstick has always been my favourite makeup product. With a good lip (and a strong brow) I'm ready for anything. It might be something to do with my mother's permanently perfect lipstick; applied before dropping us to school, putting out the bins, opening the front door or answering the phone (pre-FaceTime).
Whether it's a glistening gloss or a vibrant red, I absolutely adore experimenting with lip products and have done for as long as I can remember.
I have no intention of forgoing the best part of my makeup routine this festive season, but instead will be taking steps to ensure that my lip products stay in place before, during and after my sequinned mask is adorned.
First up, some steps for mask and smudge proof festive lips:
- Choose a matte lipstick if possible, if you prefer a more cream based product there's still ways to make that work (see below).
- Apply, blot, apply, blot...continue until you're satisfied your lips are sufficiently 'stained'.
- For the final application, hold a tissue over your lips and dust some loose powder to soak excess moisture and lock in that colour.
- Use your fingers to really press in the lipstick instead of applying the lipstick straight from the applicator, you're washing your hands before going anywhere anyway so what's one more scrub?
- Cover your entire lips in lip liner before applying your lipstick, then you guessed it... blot!
Before I list some of the more festive lipsticks out there right now, if you're not one for a strong lip colour but still want to feel those festive flutters (sorry Maura Higgins), may I suggest a glittering alternative.
Charlotte Tilbury's 'Jewel Lips' collection which features in her 2020 holiday collection are a great option. They add the perfect amount of 'adult glitter' to your lips and a mirror shine that really lasts.
The best part is they don't dry out my lips like some glosses do and can be applied straight after you take off your mask with no need for a mirror as they're mostly clear on application.
Jewel Lips come in three shades Opal Magic, Blushed Gold and Champagne Diamonds. They are €28 each and are available in Brown Thomas, Arnotts and on CharlotteTilbury.com.
For those ready to embrace a festive red lip, here's some fabulous options:
Maybelline Colour Sensational 333 Hot Chase
This gorgeous deep shade will require some blotting due to it's creamy formula but the colour is so intense it will survive it. A fire engine red that retails for approx €11 in selected pharmacies.
Charlotte Tilbury's Walk of No Shame Lip Kit
This kit retails at €32 and for that you get a lipstick and matching liner. With a guarantee to last for 6 hours with no smudging this berry-rose shade is a warm day and night friendly look.
Lancome L'Absolu Rouge Drama Matte Collection
This does exactly what it says on the tin, delivering dramatic reds in a perfect matte finish. The colours are so vibrant, they're sure to command a room (or a Zoom). The collection is available in Brown Thomas and Arnotts (in store and online) along with selected pharmacies nationwide for €30.
NOTE Mattever Lip Ink in shade Dating Red
This lipstick can can be purchased from selected pharmacies nationwide for just €8.95. A deep, dramatic red once this is applied it sets to a matte finish that doesn't budge.
Whether you go for a dramatic red of a clear glass gloss, don't let your festive lips slide this Christmas, across your face or from your makeup routine.
