Pout Power - 10 Of The Best Lipsticks To Try Now
The results are in. Read about 10 of my fave road-tested lipsticks with staying power. PLUS my chat with co-founder of vegan lipstick line VonBlü. Pucker up!
I am a bold lip lover from way back (see various pics below!). But along the way (and two kids later) something's changed - I no longer just reserve lipstick for special occasion makeup. Oh no! Now I reach for it on the daily because a slick of my fave bright lipstick is the easiest way to fake a face that says "I've had 8-hours sleep".
Truth be told, I'm not actually sure what that feels like anymore, but I'll tell you something I am sure about, these 10 lip products will not disappoint.
Below is a quick rundown of what to expect from the 10 lipsticks I have been roadtesting for a few months, links for where to buy them PLUS a chat with super talented VonBlü co-founder Julianne Prochilo, makeup artist turned makeup entrepreneur.
So I guess there's just one thing left to do - add to cart and pucker up!
10 Lipsticks To Paint On Your Pout
1. Scout Cosmetics, $26.95 (in colour Courage)
Nourishing, long-lasting and non-drying this 100% vegan lipstick has a deep colour pigment that almost looks iridescent. It's made with certified organic emollients of Shea butter Jojoba Seed oil, Vitamin E and Organic citrus aurantium dulcis (orange). Looks great with a bronzed cheek and golden eyeshadow.
2 & 5. Karen Murrell, $30 (in Karen Murrell, $30 (in Rymba.Rhythm & Racy Rata) & Racy Rata)
If you follow me on Instagram, you will see me wearing this lipstick in Rymba Rhythm almost every second day in my stories. With a velvety-matte finish these lipsticks are creamy, non-drying, bold without being too shiny and also won't bleed. They also smell good enough to eat thanks to natural ingredients including avocado and evening primrose oils, candelilla, carnauba wax, cinnamon and sweet orange which are used to produce the lip colours. One of my new fave daytime go-tos.
3 & 4. VonBlü, $29 (in Brasa & Flama)
Super-longlasting these lipsticks are semi-matte, highly pigmented and quite frankly one of the best deep red shades of lipstick I have ever used. My new faves when I want to wear a deep red statement lip for a special occasion makeup look. I love that I can reapply without the colour bleeding or drying our my lips. Vegan-friendly, they are free from nasty chemicals and synthetics, made with natural oils including Vitamin E to hydrate lips. Plus the packaging features a "pop" lid meaning that I will not accidentally paint the inside of my very expensive bags red!
6 & 7. Gilded Cage Unleashed Lipstick, $28 (in Warm Red & Mauve)
If you like your bold lip a bit glossier this is the one for you. A lightweight, creamy formulation, these lipsticks are probably the most balm-like of all the lipsticks tested. For this fact you probably will need to reapply more frequently, but colour builds easily so it's not a big issue for me. Made in Italy these lipsticks are formulated with Wild Mango Butter and Zea Mays Oil to soften the lip and Orchis Mascula flower extract and Nymphea Alba flower extract for moisture retention. They are also free from Paraben, Talc, D5 and fragrances. A good addition to your handbag.
8. Bite Beauty Matte Creme Lip Crayon, $37 (in Peche)
The perfect clutch companion this little crayon packs a punch. The crayon shape makes application super easy, especially if you're new to a bold lip. A matte finish, the colour is water resistant and super long wearing - it actually stayed on my lips all day! The best way to apply is to line lips and then fill from the centre outwards. Made with certified gluten-free and food-grade ingredients, without sacrificing pigmentation or performance. The formulation is also free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates polybutene and petroleum byproducts.
9. Tartiest Quick Dry Matte Lip Paint, $29 (in Extra)
With a lipgloss style applicator, applying this vibrant, highly pigmented lipstick with superior staying power is easy. Another matte formulation this bold lip paint stands the test of time without drying, cracking or bleeding thanks to the comfortflex formula. A great choice for a when you want to add a pop of colour to a chic black dress or white shirt and denim combo.
10. Huda Beauty Liquid Matte Lipstick, $35 (in Sugar Mama)
Not bold in the bright sense of the word, but for lovers of a good nude lip this Lipstick by Huda Beauty is the bomb. The beauty of this lipstick is that it glides on as a thin coat and intensifies as it sets to matte. It's formulated without parabens, phthalates, and gluten and is cruelty-free. It's also long wearing, doesn't dry out lips and once set doesn't transfer. A brilliant product, looking forward to trying a few more shades, especially since their made to be able to be mixed together to create your own unique shade.
TAKE 5 WITH... Julianne Prochilo, Co-Founder Von Blu
This all-Aussie beauty brand co-founded by Julianne Prochilo and Stefan Vrankovic is making their mark on the cosmetic industry with their vegan lipsticks in an array of complementary shades. Long-lasting and housed in their signature "pop" lid packaging, theirs is definitely a brand to watch. I sat down for a chat with one-half of the duo, Julianne, to find out more and get the low-down on how to apply a bold lip with staying power.
Most important question, what are your tips for applying a bold lip so it lasts?
First ensure your lips are clean, we then recommend applying a small amount of powder to the lips, dabbing them all over. Pull out your favourite shade of VonBlü then start using the tip of the lipstick, start from the outer edge working your way to the centre of the lip! Apply two coats for a strong and bold finish! Now pout!
How was the idea for VonBlü born?
After identifying missing characteristics in the market between the high-end and the mass cosmetic brand, we then wanted to create something unique and beautiful! Having the beauty and pharmaceutical merge together as business partners we created "VonBlü"! The name originates from the military leader Gebhard Lebercht Von Blucher, who was best known for the defeat of Emperor Napoleon at the battle of Waterloo in 1815. Our lipstick colours are of Swedish origin, which pays homage to Bluchers first service in the Swedish army.
Why do you want to be a vegan brand?
After researching the cosmetic industry for more than two years, we then saw that there was not many conscious makeup brands out there. When manufacturing our lipsticks we took everything into consideration. We then wanted to support Vegans, also making sure there are no nasty chemicals in our ingredients.
What sets your brand apart from others?
Our brand VonBlü has a story behind the name and a meaning for each individual lipstick that is translated from English to Swedish. We are 100% Australian made and we have a shade for every mood. The unique "pop" lid insures it stays shut and that no lipstick will open up in a women's handbag! Our ingredients include a blend of vitamin E and natural oils to help hydrate lips throughout the day. VonBlü lipsticks are highly pigmented with a semi-matte finish. Our main commitment is to provide our customers with a unique and affordable product that has been made to feel and look great!
Describe the VonBlü girl in three words?
Confident. Modern. Witty
6. What are your popular shades?
Strida, Militar and Envis
What does the future hold for VonBlü?
We want the name out there, we want everyone to love VonBlü as much as we do, we have put a lot of work and effort into our brand from the pigments to the colours even the packaging of our boxes, we wanted to make it right. We would eventually like to expand our rage perhaps starting with the lip family., lip liner, gloss etc. We guess its inevitable! Branching into a store of our own would be a dream!
