Get the Look for Less: Bold Matte Lips

Bold pink/coral/fuchsia lips are my go-to makeup move. Even if I look like an extra for the Walking Dead, a quick swipe of color adds some life to my face. I’ve mentioned once or twice about my obsession with Stila Liquid Lipstick, but let’s face it, $30 isn’t cheap.

Here are some of my recent favorite alternatives to high-end brands, each coming in at $10 or less. 

From left to right:

Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Unapologetic ($6.96 CDN)

The Colorbust has a nice finish, very soft for a matte – but I guess that’s where the “balm” comes in. This color is amazing, very bright. Probably not for everyone, but I love it.

NYX Liquid Suede Creme Lipstick in Life’s a Beach ($10 CDN)

I totally bought this color for the name. And the fact that it’s coral… which makes it coral number 8 in my lipstick arsenal. This goes on smooth, but I found that it needed a few layers. Make sure to let it dry in between applications so the product doesn’t get cakey.

Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor in Temptation ($9.99 CDN this week at Shopper’s Drug Mart)

This one is outstanding value and quality for the price. I believe it’s normally $14.99 but there was a sale on this week and I got it for $9.99. It’s so creamy and finishes matte, but doesn’t dry my lips out like some other brands. It also isn’t sticky, which is huge. I walk to most of my destinations and having my hair stuck in gloss is not something I like to deal with on a daily basis. This one passes my coffee cup test – see below.

Rimmel Exaggerate Full Colour Lip Liner #005  ($6.98 CDN)

This goes on very smooth and easy. I haven’t found a liner that is as light or bright as the lipstick, but this on is close. It’s a bit darker, but you can’t really tell once the top product is on. It’s really important to use liner when you are using liquid lipsticks or anything where the edges my bleed. This helps your color stay put. I also haven’t found a liner that deserves a price tag of $20+. If you aren’t comfortable with lip liners, start with this one – the edge is larger and flat versus pointy, and it doesn’t require sharpening. I found this at Walmart for under $7.

Unapologetic // Life’s a Beach // Temptation // #005 // I’m wearing the #005 liner with Temptation

Bold lips not your thing? Check out my post on Nudes. (No, not those kind of nudes. Lip color. Geez.)