I love lipsticks.
But that’s no secret, right?
Last I counted, I’m the proud owner of approximately 317 lipsticks. Yes, I heard your gasp, and it’s perfectly understandable. That’s quite the exaggerated quantity for someone in possession of a mere single pair of lips, I know (and in my defense, there are others who have much much more). But this is how it looks from where I’m standing. Lipsticks are one of the most affordable accessories available, easily perceived as the finishing touch to an outfit.
AND A WOMAN NEEDS HER OPTIONS.
Brown Sugar by Avon. Despite images currently shown on the web, I remember it as being a striking geisha red. Rich and creamy with a satin finish. And I also vividly recall that no matter how tired she was or simply dressed, my mother would never ever be seen in public without lipstick and that lipstick was a look-at-me-I’m-fabulous red. That was such a beautiful childhood memory, don’t you think?
When it comes to lipsticks, although my preference tends to slant towards roses and reds, I’ll try any shade at least twice. To see how it works with my skintone, and under different lightings.
Let’s start with Lilac Pink ($28), a delicate shade from the Clarins SS2016 Collection. From the tube, it promised a powdery pink, with a hint of mauve. On the lips, whilst creamy, it delivered a colour that proved just a wee bit too pale for my personal liking. I do feel it’d look beautiful on someone with either a lighter or darker complexion.
My complexion is simply too in between for this to work.
Now this dazzling number appeals to me. It screams “look at me!!”. It’s bold. It’s sexy. It’s unapologetic. Best of all, the colour is as every bit as intense on my lips as the tube hints, and with only one application too. There’s a richness to Joli Rouge (the star of this collection, for good reason) ($28) which leaves behind a lasting impression of velvety smoothness. I like. I like very much.
Next up, a hybrid skincare+gloss product labelled as the wunderkid of the collection, the Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector in Toffee Pink Shimmer.
WE KNOW HOW SHEELA FEELS ABOUT GLOSS.
She’s not a big fan. And whilst this claims to be both skincare as well as lippy, I’m still not sold. I’m neither fond of the gloopy texture nor the inconsistent application. It’s a miss for me.
Finally, we have what Clarins touts as the crème de la crème of blushes, the Multi-Blush Cream Blush for both cheeks and lips. I’m using the Rose ($30). I’ll come right out and admit I really really REALLY do not fancy this shade but the product itself?? It’s epic. It really is. A cream that dries to a smooth, milky, powdery finish. Truly lovely. And the colour’s completely in your hands to control, dictate intensity vis-à-vis the number of times you dab it on your lips, on your cheeks. You decide.
I think I would’ve fared much better with either the Rosewood or the Peach, both of which are already in my cart. Shhh #nojudging
So there you have it. My honest to goodness take on four brand spanking new offerings from Clarins, for our pouts this Spring. Ahhhh. I need a good stretch. Trying on make-up can be so exhausting.
All in the name of research, of course.
Love, Sheela
p/s photos by eve
I link up here.
With gratitude to Clarins for the products. My opinion remains, as always, mine.
Sheela Writes 
Love the pale pink colour in the first picture. I have never tried Clarins make up before but love the look of these. Gemma http://www.jacquardflower.uk
LikeLike
The quality is really quite top-notch, Gemma, certainly worth a try xo
LikeLike
Now what a great idea for the color to be both blush & lipstick. And I would have never tried it if you hadn’t said it was so good, because it seems strange? I’ve never tried Clarins before this—hmmmm!!
I used to only have the brown lipsticks (they made my teeth look whiter) and the rose lipsticks in my drawer—-but it’s been wonderful to venture out and try them all (although I’m still lacking if you compare my collection to yours)! jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
LikeLike
There’s nothing I gravitate towards more in the beauty aisle than the lipstick displays. They’re my siren song. The flame to my moth tendencies. I cannot lie. Have you tried subscribing to Choix? It’s fabulous way to explore new shades without having to commit to purchasing full tubes. Give it a go? xoxo
LikeLike
Funny…I just did a post on Choix—it’s such a great idea and service!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very pretty shades and they go with your skin and complexion well.
Thank you for linking up to “Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me”
Rachel xo
http://garaytreasures.com
LikeLike
I’m a big fan of red. Bright red. Dark red. Blood red. All manner of red shades. I go weak in the knees for them 🙂
LikeLike
Yes I did go woah! but I can see why you like lipstick. Love lipstick. The shades you choose with your skintone are perfect and I really love the red and springy pink look you are sharing. I do the same thing, use a cream blush as a lipstick. Very nice. Do you blend shades? I suppose you dont need to.. but you look great in these!
Thanks for linking up with Turning Heads Tuesday!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
LikeLike
I do actually, blend shades, not very often though, yes, in part because of the sheer numbers I need to go through for review purposes. And in part also because there’s truly a shade for everyone these days. I was just telling Jodie about Choix, have you tried it?
LikeLike
The strong red looks fantastic on you!
Thanks for sharing with us on Thursday Favorite Things!
Cheers,
Jennifer
http://awellstyledlife.com
LikeLike
I adore it, Jennifer!! Red and I, we be friends for life 🙂 xo
LikeLike
My mother would claim to be naked if she didn’t have lipstick on and one of her first criticisms upon first seeing me would be “why don’t you have any lipstick on?” And don’t get me started on her routine for putting on lipstick. thank you for sharing your love of lipstick on the Powers the Flower link-up.
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
LikeLike
Your mother sounds quite a lot like mine, Rena 🙂 no matter how tired she was or even if it was a mere trip to the grocery, she’d never be seen without her lipstick. And I adore that she’s passed the mentality onto me, i.e., there is never a moment to look like something the cat dragged in xoxo
LikeLike
Beautiful colors, but I especially LOVE the pale pink. I need to et me some new lipstick!
Thanks for joining the linkup last week, feel free to use the #reasonstodress on twitter for a RT of any of your posts! I’d love to have you at this week’s linkup! Cheers, Angie from reasons to dress
LikeLike
I personally would’ve preferred a slightly more intense pink but yes, pale pink gets to me too 🙂 xoxo
LikeLike