Women tend to fall into two categories: those who rarely if ever wear lip color, and those who have 14 lipsticks, glosses, and balms in their purse at any one time.   Whether you need advice on lip color or can give advice on this topic, join us for this lesson in lip color.

Dear Belle,

I am about to turn 38 and have always worn lip gloss, never lipstick.  I wasn’t a fan of the consistency of a thick lipstick and felt that it aged me.  Also, a bold lip was never my style (my lips are not thin, so volume is not really a concern).  But now I feel like I could and should do better.  Any suggestions for lip color brands worth trying?  I recall trying the Clinique chubby stick once and not being wowed, but perhaps I should try again.

– A

The issue with lip color is that there are so many choices.  Glosses, stains, crayons, sticks, and balms.  Matte, hydrating, natural, sheer, etc.   Add colors from every corner of the spectrum and you create a makeup decisions that should be simple, but feels overwhelming.

First, do your lips get dry easily?  If they do, you want a lipstick that will be moisturizing or that can be layered over a lip balm.

Second, how much color are you looking for?  Some women want  Ocasio-Cortez level red, some women just want a hint of color.   To each her own.  (FYI: AOC wears Stila Stay All Day in Beso.)

Third, how often are you willing to re-apply?  Some ladies want to “set it and forget it,” others are willing to swipe on fresh color throughout the day.

Once you answer these questions, you will have a better idea of what you’re looking for.  Given that you are looking for something on the subtle side, that’s not thick, but has impact, I have a few suggestions for you.

My best drugstore recommendation is Burt’s Bees Glossy Lipstick.  The color in the photo is rose falls, but the photo on Amazon shows the different hues on different skin tones so you can choose a shade that works for you.  The Burt’s lip colors are nice because they’re hydrating, but you will need to reapply for all-day wear.

I would call the Burt’s a step or two above sheer.  The pigments are subtle, but they offer a visible color change.

Looking for something highly pigmented?  You need Revlon Ultra HD Gel Lipcolor.  These sticks offer deep, bold colors in a hydrating formula that doesn’t feel heavy or sticky when you wear it.

For the beauty counter crowd, Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick is my favorite.  It goes on smooth, is well-pigmented, and doesn’t dry out my lips.  I like the Pillow Talk color if you’re in the mood for a pink-nude hue.

Need something that will last all day, no reapplications?  Maybelline Stay All Day Crayon is the best one I’ve found.  It also comes with a sharpener, so no more grinding the crayon down to the nub.  Hallelujah.

Have comments and tips?  Leave your thoughts below.

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