I love a creamy, pigmented lipstick, a high-shine shimmery gloss and an opaque matte lip like the next girl. Trust. But when it’s time for weekend getaways, summer vacations, beach days, bbqs, picnics in the park, drinks by the pool, hot steamy temperatures and the carefree, effortless spirit and style to go with it, sometimes it’s just…. too much.
And maybe you don’t want to be bothered with reapplication. And maybe you do want to kiss someone special… like say… your fiancé ;) … without leaving your mark. Physically at least.
Enter Clarins Spring 2015 Colour Collection.
Yeah, I know. It’s the spring line. I’ve had it for a little while. But so far this season I’ve been busy with my matte oranges and opaque magentas. It’s been kind of (annoyingly) cold here in NY.
But back to the collection.
This line of lippies is PERFECTION.
I tested each shade pictured above, along with the Everlasting Foundation also pictured, to show that less can be more.
Or maybe not even more, maybe just liberating and unexpectedly chic.
I paired each lip with a simple sliver of black gel liner + a corner false lash that can (and did) last for days.
Starting with MY OBSESSION. Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil. This conditioning oil nourishes lips with a gel-like formula that is not sticky and actually gives the appearance of plumping to the lips. The minute I swiped it on I was sold!!! Your lips look and feel AMAZING. And it has the cutest little chubby sponge applicator ever. It really enhances your natural lip color, or if you pat concealer over your lips first to cancel out your liptone, it makes for a killer nude lip.
I tested the Honey but it also comes in tinted Raspberry. This is a limited edition product that sells for $23. Worth. Every. Penny. And sold out at many online e-tailers but Lord & Taylor still has some and you can find it at various department stores.
Next up is the Instant Light Lip Balm Perfector. From the top down, I tested Coral (top row), My Pink (middle row) and Red (bottom row). These tinted lip balms give just the right amount of color — and in the case of My Pink a self-adjusting color that works to enhance your personal liptone. They make lips super soft, with a really pretty sheen, and the shades are all super natural. Even the red! I wear these pretty much daily. I wear them to run errands, to the gym, when we barbeque on the roof, to meet up with girlfriends, to brunch. They have become instant staples.
PS, the coral is so subtle yet so sooo stunning.
The Lip Balm Perfectors are also $23 and given how much I use them and how much is left, it’s a great value in terms of how long they’ll last you.
And finally, Joli Rouge Perfect Shine Sheer Lipstick. Technically, this one is called a lipstick. But it’s doesn’t act like one, in a good way. It has sheer (although buildable) color and incredible shine. It’s more like a gloss to me, even though you apply it straight from the bullet. It also hydrates and plumps lips. But don’t underestimate, as it has some staying power. It’s like a lip balm x lipgloss x lipstick hybrid, giving the best of each. And I’ll take it!
This shade is the unique kind of red that most women will appreciate yet most men won’t find intimidating or unkissable. Not that we need to care about others when it comes to our faces – but I think that helps to describe the kind of red you’re getting here. I love that it’s bold but not so dramatic you’ll need to touch up constantly or use lipliner and concealer to perfect and pop it. Because while I’m no stranger or hater to that kind of red, I think a seasonal switch-up is refreshing.
The Joli Rouge Lipstick is $27 and the new shades are Coral Dahlia (which I’m wearing above) and Rose Petal.
Happy Memorial Day Weekend, Divas!! Kisses to you!!!
xoLC
NOTE: This post is not sponsored. All thoughts are unbiased and my own. Samples were provided for review and/or my use as a professional makeup artist. All photos are property of DIVAlicious.
Lauren Cosenza is the creator and editor-in-chief of DIVAlicious, a trusted beauty/fashion expert, an on-camera personality and spokesperson, a leading NYC-based professional makeup artist, a published contributor and writer, a brand consultant, a product junkie and an insatiable style seeker — with a former life at Cosmopolitan and Shape magazines.
Serving up style with a side of attitude, her site DIVAlicious gives women (and men) the confidence and permission to be fabulous. The site is filled with must-have products, pro tips and tricks, how-to DIY tutorials, makeovers, style inspiration and insider access. Topics range from beauty, fashion, culture, career, fitness, wellbeing, men’s and unisex offerings.