Confession: if I’m not wearing a statement lip (Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in Lost Cherry and Amazing Grace are currently in high rotation), then I tend to neglect my lips – they’ll get a cursory swipe of clear Lanolips, but that’s it.
It’s an oversight I’ve realised can leave me looking boring at best, washed out at worst – but I’ve never been able to find that perfect nude lip colour for occasions when a statement pout would be OTT, but balm doesn’t seem like I’ve made enough of an effort.
Your traditional beige-y nude, the kind the Kardashians wear so well, just doesn’t work on my pale skin (don’t believe me? See rock solid proof below), so I’ve instead sought out colours I thought would be a closer match to my real life natural lip colour.
I trialed four different liquid lipsticks in natural, nude-esque shades – see how I fared below.
1. Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in 16 Honey Mood, $24
The name of this product does not lie – it truly does feel like velvet on. It gives lips the kind of soft-focus finish we’ve seen on the runways in recent seasons and is one of the more hydrating matte lipsticks I’ve tried. And just as the brand’s iconic baked blush pots are scented with rose, so too does this lippie have a subtle floral taste to it.
2. NARS Velvet Lip Glide in Unlaced, $37
So this obviously isn’t my colour, but it scores points for its feel – comfortable, not too sticky despite the gloss-like formula and easy to wear. It’s meant to be semi-matte but I’d say the finish leans more towards shine territory – if you’re after a true velvet finish, stick to the brand’s Velvet Matte Lip Pencil.
3. Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid in Nude Thrill, $17.95
In terms of colour payoff, this Maybelline buy takes the cake – plus it’s creamy, doesn’t dry cakey like some matte liquid lippies can and delivers a rich finish. The colour is just a little too dark for the nude look I’m after but I’m putting this on hold for winter wear.
4. Chanel Rouge Allure Ink Matte Liquid Lip Colour in Amoureux, $52
The holy grail of nude lipsticks, as far as I’m concerned, is one that brings a touch of warmth to the face and subtly enhances the natural shape of your lips – and this Chanel prod does just that. It glides on like a dream and has impressive staying power – and it now lives in my handbag. Case closed.
Shot using an iSelfie360 photo booth.
