Bold Lips

It wasn’t too long ago that Bobbi Brown was touted as the neutrals queen. Heck, I even used to breeze by the counter without stopping because there was not enough “ooomph” to draw me in. But those times have changed – significantly. The collections and products she releases still have a great “neutral” quality to them, but the color ranges, formulations and innovations are holy grail worthy. And what impresses me even more is the fact that any and I mean A-N-Y skin tone can find a full look from Bobbi Brown – all the way from foundation and concealer to lipstick and blush. Many of my holy grail items (this finishing powder in Porcelain Pearl, this lip formula in Sunset Orange and this lip formula in Razzberry) come from BB and I’m sure the list will continue to grow with each new launch!  Here’s a look at her newest Hot Collection that certainly does not disappoint!

1. Cheek Palettes in Calypso and Pink – Remember how I was saying that any skin tone can wear Bobbi Brown? Well, these palettes are a perfect example of that. The pigmentation is rich, yet surprisingly easy to blend out to a more sheer application. The coral palette immediately elicited a gasp when I opened it. I mean – can you imagine a summer look without the complementary peachy flush on the cheeks? I guess you can, but who would want to? And while pink cheek colors are not entirely my bag, Bobbi managed to make these wearable for my pale skin by giving the effect of a rosy glow that looks great with the accompanying punchy pink lip colors in the collection. 

2. Sheer Lip Colors in Berry and Pink – I am already a fan of the Creamy Matte lip colors (I LIVE for Razzberry), so this formula was equally as fabulous though in a sheer texture. But though they fall more towards that sheer end of the spectrum, they still give quite a good amount of coverage as you can see from my swatches above. These punchy lip colors scream “pool party fabulousness” – am I right? Can’t you see these with larger than life sunglasses, a panama hat and a dress with a pattern so busy that it makes your lip color look tame? If you can’t imagine that, well then….we need to work on your imagination. LOL 

3. Art Sticks in Hot Berry and Hot Pink – HOLY GRAIL ALERT. I repeat, HOLY GRAIL FORMULA ALERT. As soon as these Art Sticks launched last year, I snagged one in Sunset Orange and after only using it one day, it became a holy grail. These Art Sticks are how every matte lip color should feel on the lips. Creamy, smooth, non-drying and velvety with incredible staying power – yet still emollient enough that it doesn’t take 3 years and 15 bottles of cleansing oil to remove! (you know those kinds, right? Ugh.) And of course in keeping with the bold and bright “hot” theme, these colors are sass incorporated. They ARE the look. Fresh skin, mascara for days, a bronzy cheek and these lip colors make for the perfect easy summer look. 

Dark and bold lip colors for fall? Groundbreaking. I can’t help but jump on the cliche bandwagon every time the seasons change. Brights for summer, pastels for spring and dark and bold lip colors for fall. Now that being said, I still wear any color any time of the year because I’m a grown-ass adult and do what I want. But when I’m not exercising my right to wear my big girl pants, I will always fall prey to season appropriate makeup shopping. And here is a look at three new lip colors I am adding to my fall lip collection. And some deep maroon carnations I found at the market which seemed perfect for the shot! How Pinterest-y of me.

1. YSL Glossy Stain #1Violet Edition -This is my second glossy stain and I have to say that I prefer the lighter shades in this formula. My glossy stain in Coril Fauve is so easy and beautiful to wear, but my lips need to be extremely exfoliated to wear this deep purple shade. However, I am so in love with this deep eggplant color that I simply deal with the high maintenance of wearing it. And it looks simply divine when layered with another dark gloss or balm – my favorite is the Fresh Sugar lip balm in Passion. It’s the perfect plum-purple lip!

2. Guerlain KissKiss Shaping Cream Lip Color in #321 Red Passion – This color looks a bit deeper in person, but is the absolute perfect balance of pink, red and purple. And I have been dying to try this new formula from Guerlain, but was a bit disappointed when I saw many of the colors had shimmer or glitter. But as soon as I swatched this shade, I knew it was coming home with me. Guaranteed sass off the charts when sporting this color. *insert emoji with her hand up next to her hair*

3. Kevyn Aucoin Bloodroses – Ah, the ever famous Kevyn Aucoin Bloodroses shades. It comes in a gloss, lipstick, lip liner and nail polish and it is stunning. The gloss seemed right up my alley for giving a dark and moody lip that doesn’t look too stark in contrast to my pale skin. Rarely do I find a gloss that feels much like a balm, but this has properties of both. Even in the picture you can see how smooth and hydrating this color looks on the lips, and wearing it is feel even better. The deep brown undertone of this color makes it perfect for a neutral eye and cheek and if I had to guess, suitable for just about any skin tone. I love all three of my new fall lips, but this is the one that I would recommend picking up first.  But I don’t want to be bossy, so it’s your choice. (pick this one. do it.)