Pecking Order
Word of mouth about the best new lipsticks.
Beauty brands are constantly revamping their products to give women what they want. That’s no easy feat when it comes to lipstick, lip gloss, lip pencils and lip balm, since the most sought-after attributes are more or less in conflict with each other. Happily, these new-release lip colours tick all the most-wanted boxes: lightweight feel yet intense colour; shine with coverage; and moisture with staying power.
1 Mavala ‘Boutique Collection’ lipsticks ($28 each) A leader in natural ingredient-based nail care for 50 years, this Swiss brand has also built up a formidable reputation for easy-glide, moisturising lipsticks. Featuring Prolip, a trademarked anti-ageing complex that includes candelilla wax, shea butter, aloe vera, vitamin E and UVB filters, the creamy formula protects, hydrates and repairs lips. The latest winter collection is a glamorous line-up of six bold shades from Golden Rose to Dark Velvet (pictured below, far right).
2 Chanel ‘Rouge Coco Lip Blush’ hydrating lip and cheek colours ($50) The name says it all. This two-in-one lip and cheek enhancer comes in six shades that run the gamut from soft rose to rich berry. Light, moisturising and easily buildable, you begin with one dot on each cheek and three dots on the lips for a fresh, healthy glow, then add more as required. No bleeding, feathering or settling into fine lines.
3 Max Factor ‘Velvet Mattes’ lipstick collection ($21 each) Many beauty brands are chasing the Millennial dollar, but Max Factor has recently relaunched as the go-to choice for women aged 35-plus. Matt lipsticks once used powders to achieve the longed-for opaque effect, which tended to dry the lips. Not this product, an assortment of seven satin-finished lippies packed with hydrating ingredients. It keeps lips feeling moisturised and comfortable for hours.
4 Natio ‘Intense Colour’ lip crayons ($10 each) Lip crayons are a fun alternative to gloss and lipstick – they’re easy to use and a great tool for creating a defined outline. This five-shade range includes colours that can take you from day to night (pictured are Spring Flower, left, and Dusty Rose). The long-wearing formula does double-duty as a lip liner and fill-in colour. Sharpen with a regular sharpener.
5 Karen Murrell lipsticks ($30 each) Ten years ago, anyone who wanted to buy a 100-per-cent natural lipstick had limited choices. Kiwi entrepreneur Karen Murrell has enjoyed explosive global success with her “better for you” lipsticks made from nourishing natural ingredients such as avocado oil, evening primrose oil and carnauba wax. The pigment and colour payoff is as good as their mainstream competitors. Sustainably sourced paper and vegetable-based inks used in the packaging is also a major selling point for natural-beauty fans.
6 Yves Saint Laurent ‘Volupté Liquid Colour Balm’ lip colours ($57 each) Whether it’s a slick of sheer for shine or a splash of strong colour, lip gloss is one product that is flattering at any age. Intense colour and moisturisation were once mutually exclusive, but this gloss-balm hybrid delivers vibrancy as well as lip care, thanks to coconut water, antioxidant-rich vitamin E, jojoba oil and shea butter. Available in 12 shades ranging from balletslipper pink to deep raspberry and orange blossom.