Once I turned 30, I noticed that my lips basically went from pinkish to skin-toned. I always looked washed out and tired. And I was tired (babies! kids! life!), so I chose to branch out from my typical LOW-maintenance makeup routine and start trying a little lipstick. Now, it’s become part of my routine! On top of a few colors in my makeup bag, I keep several in my diaper bag and one in my car for easy application.
Don’t underestimate the power of a little color on your lips! I love me some bold shades now (and that took me some practice and courage, sillily enough!), but even some nude shades make a big difference. I find that the natural-looking berries are MONEY though in brightening my whole face. Here are some examples (most are unedited) for you that I took over the last month–and yes, you can see I’m usually applying while in the car–and most shades aren’t super bright!
You can see how a little lipstick goes a looong way to taking some years off your face or distracting from very tired eyes.
I love Lipsense for long-lasting color (check out my girl Taylor for them–she is PROFESSIONAL and awesome!), but most days I’m applying lipstick in my car and I often use the lipstick on my cheeks too (which I wouldn’t advise with Lipsense, ha!). Don’t worry! I’m always parked, but I’m also always in a hurry: going to and from school, appointments, errands, etc. Other times, I just need a quick pick-me-up when I’m feeling run-down, and looking it.
So, I wanted to share today my go-to AFFORDABLE lipsticks that are really easy to apply and brighten your whole face without busting your wallet.
None of this is sponsored–per usual for my Friday Favorites–but any amazon links are affiliate.
My absolute favorite is Maybelline’s “Lust For Blush” (color 665). It’s in the first picture too of this post. I looks a little brighter in this photo (see the second to the top of the before-and-after photos!), but I find it a nice natural looking berry and it’s matte, which I favor. I also have a nude in this line too that I like (in one of the pictures above, too) that’s “Daringly Nude.” I have a feeling I’ll keep trying other colors too!
My favorite nude (and it’s longer lasting) is Tarte’s Lip Paint in “Bestie.” This one is pricier though–got it at Ulta when they had a deal going on. Nudes still make a difference so try them out!
Another one I just happened to grab at the drugstore that I love is Milani’s Amore Matte Lip Cream in “Precious.” It is longer lasting too, and is a bit brighter than my favorite Maybelline color. It goes with any look.
My friend told me about NYX’s soft matte lip creams. I’ve tried three and they are all AMAZING. Truly. The one above is my bright color, “Paris,” but I also love a middle-bright shade that I use a ton in “Antwerp” (which is pictured in the second to bottom of the before-and-after photos) and a lighter pink in “Istanbul” more as a pinky neutral. I want to try more shades, but I’m trying to use what I have for now until I start running out! Which should be fairly soon . . .
I hope that helps! And I’d love to hear what your favorites “car lipsticks” are too. Ones that are easy to apply, go with any outfit, and won’t break your heart if they get lost due to cost. Happy face-brightening!!!
Nodding along. Exactly my experience as well. My lips suddenly have no color at 30 and tired looking. I discovered lipsense and gained confidence. But I totally need something in this quick and easy category too! Love the first one most.
I love these shades! What color are you wearing in the very first before/after pic?
My favorite one–the Maybelline Lust for Blush!!!
Yay! I'm so glad you liked the post. My favorite lip color is in the first photo, the Maybelline Lust for Blush.
Oh I love these colors! I've been needing to buy some new lipsticks so this post came at the perfect time! But I'm having a hard time figuring out which shades go with which before-and-after pictures. Would you mind listing the names of the lipsticks in the order they appear in the before-and-after pictures? Thanks so much!