As the temperature drops the dewy balms and corals of summer can start to seem discordantly frivolous. You need a winter lipstick. Sure, Australia’s not known for its torrid winters but as it gets chilly out we can still channel some seasonal drama. From crisp reds, to deep merlots and insouciant satin mauves we’ve got you, and your lips, covered. And because lipsticks are as distinct as your friendship group we’ve arranged them that way (we won’t tell them you rank them).
No.1 The Never Fail Classic: Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in “Cruella”
This deep red is as icy as the Queen of Mean, it takes its name from. Channel Glenn Close as Cruella, or any other Hollywood badass for that matter in this blue-toned classic matte villainous red will leave you feeling sophisticated, glamorous and a little bit dangerous. Be warned, this is the first but not the last Nars winter lipstick in the round up! Francois knows his reds!
No.2 The One That’s More Stylish Than You: Hourglass Confession Ultra-Slim Lipstick in “At Night”
The confession lipsticks are the perfect combination of style and substance. The sleek, baton style packaging is matched by complete opacity, with a luxurious satin formula. Shades from this range are a case of get-them-while-they’re-hot – the formula’s five star rating mean popular colours are often sold out. And “At Night” is definitely one of them. A brick red with brown undertones this shade will add some grungy 90’s opulence to any look.
No.3 The Easy Going One: Bobbi Brown Crushed Lip Colour in Blackberry
Everyone in Sydney heard this Beauty Editor howling her appreciation for the Bobbi Brown Lip Tints so imagine my relief when I found out that they had a dramatic older sister! The Bobbi Brown Crushed Lip Colours are for those of us that come the winter have serious dryness to contend with. These melt-on-your mouth concoctions deliver medium to full-coverage pigment, a soft matte finish and the long-wear of a stain. They are also loaded up with E and C, just like their little sister Lip Tints. My personal favourite is Blackberry, the darkest colour in the range that leaves my lips looking like I’ve been snacking at the mulberry tree.
No. 4 The One That’s a Little Aggressive Sometime But Will NEVER Leave Your Side : Nars Powermatte Lipstick in “Don’t Stop”
This little guy is true to its name. It says it won’t stop and it does. not. budge. Nars Cosmetics was late to the party in the best way on liquid lipsticks. Think of that friend who always turns up just before midnight in the most show-stopping outfit of the evening. The power matte lipsticks have turned everything we thought we knew about chalky, drying liquid lipsticks on their head. They are weightless, silky, and don’t dry tight on the lips. Instead they offer full coverage and boundless colour. Don’t Stop is a vibrant true red, and like the best reds you wont need to wear much else with it. Chuck on a cheeky flick and you’re good to go and go.
No.5 The Bad Influence: Tom Ford Lip Colour in “So Vain”
This cool-toned satin mauve is decadent, charming and totally unique – just like your most irresponsible friend. Sure seventy dollars is a lot for a lip, but there’s a lot to be said for a little reckless indulgence. Need to make it worth your while? I like to use this shade one eyes, lips and cheeks for an editorial high close look. That’s right, she’s versatile.
No. 6 The Annoyingly “Natural” Beauty: Karen Murrell Natural Lipstick in “Fiery Ruby”
You know that friend whose effortlessly perfect? While the rest of your girl gang weigh the pro’s and cons of injectables she gets by on good sleep, morning yoga and a couple of glasses of water? That’s Karen Murrell’s natural lipstick range. With avocado, evening primrose, candelilla and sweet orange oils along with carnuaba wax these lipsticks are a treat for dry lips but somehow still stay the distance creating a sheer wash of hydrating colour with one application and full opacity at the next swipe. What more could you want in a winter lipstick you ask? Well, the formula contains cinnamon an ingredient that naturally stimulates plumpness of the pout while delivering a deliciously toasty winter scent. We’ll forgive her for being too perfect.
