Lipstick hints & tips for a 37yo --lipstick hating-- novice

[WingDefence]

Here's my confession - I can't stand wearing lipstick but I've got to 37 and I wear foundation, eye liner, shadow and mascara, brow pencil and sometimes a hint of cheek colour (when I can find my benetint) but I never wear lipstick.

I tend to stick to Vaseline or slightly tinted gloss (I'm currently using the limited edition red tiny Vaseline) but I feel like I need lipstick in my repertoire. I'm a professional and think that I should start looking my age iykwim.

I've tried the long lasting lippies before but don't like the way they get all bitty after an hour or so.

I guess I've just never got into lipstick because it comes off and I can't be doing with checking and reapplying it all the time. The odd occasion that I do wear lipstick I buy a new one, wearing it once for a certain occasion but spend the whole time worrying that it's worn off and looks dreadful and then pretty much never wear it again

Can you please convert me? What are your best lipsticks and what do I need to know about applying and reapplying etc? Hints on shades etc? (Tricky I know without seeing me.) I remember asking a girl on the tube where her amazing lipstick was from and I think she said Mac. It was a matte bright red colour, although I'm not saying that bright red would suit me.

How do I get to be one of those women who can wear lipstick without worrying about it and always looking amazing?

I'm desperate. Please help

[missmartha]

Lipstick lasts about 2 minutes on me unless I use Lipcote, but that stings.

I do use it though.

I prefer a lip stain for lip colour, and think Colour Pout is excellent value for money and lasts ages.

[Sunnyfeet]

I haven't worn proper lipstick for about ten years, I started using lip gloss instead, and now when I try lipstick, it looks and feels too heavy and 'made up' and I think it ages me.

I love Clinique Chubby Sticks, I discovered Bountiful Blush last year, which looks really natural on me, just enough colour so that I look a little more polished. Can't ever imagine going back to lipstick TBH.

[evelynj]

Ah I was just going to say about the YSL one, its great and goes from gloss to stain. I like it but the colour & effect changes throughout the hours.

I love bright orange & red lipsticks now though never really liked lipstick before having my colours done. Its more noticeable when brighter colours wear off & I'll feel weird if I start topping up my lippy in work, though if i don't I just end up with it totally worn in the middle, (non stop eating & drinking!)

[WingDefence]

Thanks Myrtle: I might try a revlon crayon for chucking in my handbag as an emergency then as well as use this YSL one. Next time I get to the shops! :)

[MyrtleDove]

The Revlon chubby crayon dupe (the standard one not the lacquer or matte ones) in Honey is a very wearable nude colour - maybe try that out? Revlon is on offer a lot so maybe get a couple of Lip Butters too. Are you cool toned or warm toned? If warm toned, try Candy Apple, if cool toned try Pink Truffle or Red Velvet. I like the Revlon chubby sticks because you don't need a mirror to reapply!

Re long-lasting lipstick, the Maybelline 24hr lipcolour is wonderful - you apply the colour from one end, let it set and then apply the balm from the other end over the top so it's not dry. It really does last wonderfully, and there are lots of shades to choose from - more subtle pinks and nudes as well as bright colours.

[WingDefence]

*love the stain effect obviously

[WingDefence]

Well thanks to SuperFlyHigh I bought one of the YSL stain/glass/lipsticks today when I finally got to a proper store (JL in Liverpool, in case you're wondering!).

The lady was extremely helpful and the colour I've bought looks like a darker version of my own lips. It's mauve pigmente which is a shade I would NEVER have chosen myself. I've been wearing it for the past 5 hours and have reapplied once after lunch and I live the stain effect - in fact I can still see the stain from the tester blob she put on the back of my hand and I've washed them a few times!

I was so, so happy to finally find something I think I'll stick with. I had a look at the Clinique stubbies but wasn't drawn to any of the shades so popped to the YSL stand instead.

Thank you MNers for helping me out!

[WingDefence]

Well I'm back down to London for work tomorrow but it'll be a flying visit so no time for lipstick shopping

If I can get a Revlon stubby thing in Boots I shall as it'll be a not-too-expensive starter and then I'll have a proper look at all these suggestions when I can get to a bigger shop hopefully next week.

[kaykayblue]

Hi OP - for me at least I can put the chubby sticks on "blind" with no mirror or anything. The colour is so sheer that you don't need a mirror, and for some reason...it's just really easy to put on?? I don't know how to explain it!!

I am not very good with make up either, so it's not like I am just a dab hand at it!

[coffeeinbed]

I just bought something interesting - Clarins stick balm called my pink.
It turns a deeper shade on your lips, very natural.
I love lipsticks, but have been wearing this non stop this summer.

[WingDefence]

Thanks singapore for another tip

I can't get to a 'proper' shop with beauty counters until next week - I haven't timed this right, have I?!

[singaporeswing]

I recently did wedding makeup for a woman who hates lipstick.

I used Bobbi Brown Blondie Pink on her, with a nude lipliner and used a brush plus blotting. She loved the effect.

An alternative is more of a colour balm. The Dior balm is amazing.

[WingDefence]

I remember lipcote from when I was a child and did tap dancing shows! I didn't even know it was still made...

[KarlWrenbury]

It has a horrible feel

[shobby]

Surprised no one has mentioned Lipcote yet....(apologies if someone had I missed it). It covers any lipstick, stops 'bleeding' and depending on your lipstick means minimal topping up even after eating.

Favourite long lasting lipsticks are Nina Ricci, particularly the matte ones. I like the colour and texture of Mac lipsticks but can't stand the taste and smell, they are strangely sweet to me!

[WingDefence]

Thanks WildBill. I've just looked up Laura Mercier lipsticks and there are a lot of different types. There are the sheer ones but I've also read a review of the gel lipsticks too which sound very sheer and like a balm.

Which do you use?

[WildBillfemale]

I hate the feel of lipstick too....until I discovered Laura Mercier semi lipsticks. They are great, comfortable to wear, more lipstick like than lip balm but feel like balm on.
I use 'Bare lips' for a natural groomed look but there are a few colours to choose from. Probably the only lippie I've ever used up and replaced.

[WingDefence]

Thanks Newt too :)

[WingDefence]

justaweeone does it make it less noticeable when it wears off then? D you just have to top up with the pencil every so often?

Interestingly, Remus, the second review on the Boots page for that lippy is from someone who never liked lipstick because it doesn't last but who has been converted to lipstick with that one. Food for thought!

[justaweeone]

I often use a lip liner all over my lips then put some lip balm on top

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Soap & Glory, "Perfect Day." A really lovely muted pinky red, which is so soft and easy to wear and tastes nice too. I adore it.

[NewtRipley]

I don't like lipstick either. I feel like a kid dressing up.

I do wear Clinique lip pencil thingies (can't remember the name) - I have a plum one, a pink one and a coral one. Reapply when necessary. Bit of moisture, bit of colour, but no too much gloss

[WingDefence]

I can do it but it is so fiddly and it's just easier to do it up at the front and whip it round?

I popped out at lunchtime (only chance I'll get near a make up counter today) and saw the Revlon pencils. I basically drew all the back of my hand with them! Out of the shiny, matte and balm I did like the balm in Honey for its sheerness although my favourite was the matte - but I suspect I'll get into noticeable wearing-off territory there.

I need to get to a proper big store and check out all the suggestions here.

So those of you who do wear full-on lipstick regularly, do you find it wears off and you keep an eye on it, keep applying or do you all have tricks that keep the lipstick on for longer?

[KarlWrenbury]

I'm always stunned at people who can't so their bra !!

[WingDefence]

I'd like to see that bra trick Karl