Lipstick... but not a lipstick?

[ATruthUniversallyAcknowledged]

Thanks to MN I am gradually looking more 'done' when I leave the house (Babyliss Big Hair and BB cream is working brilliantly ) but something still isn't right (yesterday I dragged DP into the bathroom as I was staring in the mirror in disgust and asked him "what's wrong with my face?")

I think it is the lack of lipcolour, but I'm verrrrrry pale so traditional lipsticks don't really work for me, lipglosses drive me mad because my hair gets stuck to them, and lipbalm just isn't 'enough'. So.... come on ladies of MN, what do I need? Low maintenance lip solutions needed please!

I use Berts Bees coloured lipbalm in Red Dahlia. It's not sticky, but it's quite a dark purpley red so you can see it. It also has a gorgeous berry smell to it. I bought it from John Lewis for £5.99 (I think)

Burt's Bees

There is a Chanel one I love, rouge shine or something. Looks like a lipstick, but very sheer colour, and feels like a balm. Also lasts ages.

I am also pale, it gives just enough colour for me

I have heard (but can't get it where I am - grr) that Clinique's 'almost lipstick' in black honey is the perfect shade for pale people. And not too heavy.

But I still can't get it where I am.

rave reviews here

I use clinique chubby stick lip colour balm. It comes in different shades and gives a nice light tint and isn't sticky.

Maybelline do a very inexpensive lipstick in gloss form - apply the colour as you would lipstick, then it dries/sets and you apply a balm (comes with) on top to seal. Lasts much longer than traditional lipstick and might be worth a punt for a fiver. Colour might be a little strong though if you don't a bold lip so maybe a lip stain might be the way forward? I'm currently using a Bourjois one which has been discontinued but will probably invest in Benetint when it gives up the ghost. Usually just put Carmex over the top.

accident Will deffo check out Burt's bees, thanks for recommendation

I love the Fresh lip balms. They feel great on - not sticky at all.

Thanks ladies. There are some great suggestions here so I'll pop to Boots tomorrow and see whatI can find

I've got Black Honey (am another pale face who isn't any good at wearing lipstick) but now I'm older and no longer have any Goth leanings, I find that it's too dark for me. The texture is perfect and it's sheer and easy to wear though - I wish they did it in other colours.

Oh, sorry - the "Lip Treatments" are what I mean.

Did a little googling and managed to find my lipstain here! Will be ordering, cannot recommend highly enough - you can do one coat for a subtly effect or more layers for a bolder hue. Very pleased, saves buying Benetint for £25

Benetint - I love this for my cheeks but find it rubbish for lips. it's too watery and just seems to make lips first wet and then v dry without doing much else.

Oooh, thank you Remus, now extra glad have located the bourjois stain!

www.burtsbees.co.uk/natural-products/lips-lip-colour/tinted-lip-balm.html

Thank you for link!

Oh...this is really interesting, and I need help too. Don't want to out myself so will be vague but my job involves putting a thing in my mouth and being on stage professionally (no, not THAT kind of thing... a musician) so I want to look good(ish) if poss in public, but def cannot have sticky stuff on my lips. As a result I NEVER wear lipstick, but I'm quite pale and really need a bit of colour. The lip "stain" thing sounds possible - I'm thinking it sinks in and colours the lips, and doesn't come off on your musical instrument (or kissing, or whatever). Is this right? What do you recommend?

Bobbi Brown do a sheer lipstick- can't remember exact name but it's on their website. I've used it and it is nice.

Also Clinique Butter Surge(?) is glossy but more like a lippie. I like Adore U.

Lots of lovely ideas. Thank you.

thirdglass, I'm intrigued...

Sleek pout polishes and Korres lip butters are nice.

Revlon ( or Rimmel?? ) have just released lip butters in lots of different shades. Not available here just yet, but coming soon.

I like the No. 17 high shine sheer lipsticks, lots of different colours. They're the ones in the shiney blue tubes. I like "beehive" for a nude, and "hollywood" for a red, it looks dark and scarey in the tube but is nice and sheer on the lips.

All of the above are kind of a hybrid of lipgloss/balm and lipstick.

Elizabeth Arden do their lip balm in a tinted version. It's lovely but not cheap. They so a red one and a more pinky peachy one.

I have that problem thirdglass, I play sax and clarinet so really don't want to leave it all over the reeds!

I usually just go without (although it's only the odd concert for me) but if the rest of me is 'done' I feel odd without!

Chantecaille lipchics are a delight. Sheer but pigmented and subtle but pretty. I love Tea Rose and Heirloom. Not cheap though £29

Clarins joli rouge, goes on like lipstick, but more sheer. great product

Tinted <a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=vaseline+lip+therapy+rosy&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&rls=com.microsoft:en-gb:IE-SearchBox&biw=1280&bih=619&tbm=isch&tbnid=_Wq_hNvQZdr95M:&imgrefurl=www.hey-dollface.com/2008/06/vaseline-rosy-l.html&docid=UpapxSHAJOX_dM&imgurl=www.hey-dollface.com/images/vaseline_rosy_lips.jpg&w=430&h=267&ei=cAAKT9jAF5CXOrTglKAB&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=203&sig=110304447333066481282&page=1&tbnh=107&tbnw=172&start=0&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0&tx=104&ty=33" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">vaseline cheap as chips and gives your lips a pinky colour

I bought this from space NK. It's a lovely pinky red and very moisturising sheer lipstick that feels like a balm. It only comes in one shade which is meant to suit all skin types