This past year I have become a little (okay, a lot) lipstick obsessed. I went from being one of those people who feared lipstick and felt like a clown if I ever wore it to now embracing it and experimenting with colours. I’ve purchased a few lipsticks over the year (Sephora is my paradise) and thought I’d do a quick review on each one. Some are costly, some are reasonable, and some are plain cheap. Aside from colour, there are two key things I look for in a lipstick: how long the colour lasts and how it feels on my lips. By the way, if you’re debating a bold and bright lipstick, just give it a shot! I know, it may be uncomfortable at first, but if you give yourself time, choose a flattering colour, and walk with confidence, then you too will embrace your colour popping lips!
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Colour: Niagara  /  Brand: NARS
Rating: 4/5  / Cost: $24 USD / Purchased from: Sephora

Niagara by NARS is one of the first lipsticks I purchased. The colour is really fresh and pretty (sort of a coral-pink with a slight nude to it). I feel it gives a cheerful warmth to my lips. It is also a satin lipstick, lightweight and scent-free. I usually apply it twice during an 8 hour work day. NARS is definitely one of my favourite brands when it comes to make-up, especially lip colour.
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Colour: Fuchsia Flash  / Brand: Smashbox
Rating: 5/5  / Cost: $19 USD  / Purchased from: Sephora

The Be Legendary Lipstick collection by Smashbox is definitely one of my favourite lipsticks on the market. I purchased Fuchsia Flash which is a stunning shade of bright pink. The colour is very vibrant, the lipstick is long-lasting (lasts me at least 8 hours of wear) and it feels like I’m wearing nothing on my lips. Plus it’s a matte lipstick which I love. Next on my list is to purchase Pink Petal which is another vibrant shade. If you’re a bit confused on which lip product to try first, Smashbox is my first recommendation.
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Colour: Rouge Artist Intense 37  / Brand: Make-up Forever
Rating: 3/5  /  Cost: $19 USD  /  Purchased from: Sephora

Rouge Artist Intense 37 is a satin, bright coral-pink lipstick from Make Up Forever. While I absolutely love the colour, I was slightly disappointed with the product. It has a bit of creamy frost which has a nice look to it. Plus I probably get about four hours of lipwear out of it before needing a touch-up. However, I found after some time, the lipstick is no longer a smooth look on my lips. It tends to bleed a bit. I’ve only worn it twice though so I’ll give it more of a chance.
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Colour: Nude Delight (700)  / Brand: Rimmel
Rating: 3.5/5  / Cost: $4.99 USD (or less)  /  Purchased from: Wal-Mart

If you’re looking for an affordable drug store make-up brand, number one on my list is Rimmel. Nude Delight is really smooth and provides a lot of moisture to my lips. Plus, it’s absolutely fantastic to mix with other lipsticks. If I’m looking to tone down a bright red or pink, I use a lip brush to blend in some Nude Delight. The colour lasts maybe 3 hours, but for a cheap alternative, Rimmel makes excellent products.
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Colour: Alarm  / Brand: Rimmel
Rating: 4/5  /  Cost: $4.99 USD (or less)  /  Purchased from: Wal-Mart

Red is of course a classic lipstick colour. It’s also one many women fear pulling off. I decided to finally face my fear and embrace red! But I was hesitant and decided to begin with a cheap brand in case I didn’t have the confidence to pull the colour off. I ended up purchasing Alarm by Rimmel. I adore this lipstick and highly recommend it to a first time red lipstick purchaser. It’s a rich colour and not TOO bright! Again it moisturizes and provides about four hours of wear before needing a re-apply. Now that I’ve conquered red lipstick, I will move on to a “higher” brand such as NARS or Chanel, but as a newbie lipstick wearer, Rimmel does give you your money’s worth.
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Colour: No. 19 Frivolous Pink (Rouge Volupte)  /  Brand: Yves Saint Laurent
Rating: 5/5  /  Cost: $34 USD  /  Purchased from: Holt Renfrew

So when the cost of this lipstick is converted to Canadian and you add tax, you get about 50 bucks. I know, 50 bucks for a lipstick is pretty ridiculous. This was a spur of the moment purchase. I was on my way to a Toronto Raptors game when buying lipstick from Holt Renfrew became a necessary task. *sigh* Nonetheless, this product is absolutely amazing (orgasmic!). The colour is so rich (a baby pink), the lipstick is extremely smooth, it lasts almost all day, and it feels like you’re wearing nothing. If you have cash to spend and want a quality lipstick brand, Yves Saint Laurent is definitely your pick.
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Colour: Smoulder  /  Brand: Boots No.7
Rating: 3/5   /  Cost: $9.99 USD  /  Purchased from: Shoppers Drug Mart

This lipstick was a random purchase. I never heard of the brand until I walked into Shoppers Drug Mart (think Walgreen’s if you’re American). It’s a glossy and creamy shade of red. I usually blend it with another red lipstick (Alarm by Rimmel in my case) to add a touch of gloss. I don’t have a strong opinion on this brand. It’s simply a-okay. I think it’s better as a blended colour opposed to wearing alone. I’m not a huge fan of glossy lips on their own but if you’re looking for a bit of a lipstick/lip gloss blend, this brand may be up your alley.
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Colour: Plaza Pink 145  /  Brand: Maybelline
Rating: 2.5/5   /  Cost: $7.99 USD (or less)  /  Purchased from: Shoppers Drug Mart

Plaza Pink is a mauve-pink shade from Maybelline. It’s a simple colour; nothing bright or fresh, but I like it for a bit of a natural pink colour to my lips. It has a cream finish and does provide some moisture. However, it’s not long lasting at all; maybe an hour or two.
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Colour: Lively  /  Brand: Tarte
Rating: 5/5  /  Cost: $24 USD  /  Purchased from: Sephora

Honestly, Lively by Tarte is one of the best lip products out there. It’s my number one go to lip colour. It’s a bright pink but not TOO bright. It’s extremely rich in colour, provides a great matte finish, and does it last! When I finish my workday after 8 hours, my lips are still bright with colour. This lipstick is worth every cent.
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Colour: Fuchsia Star  /  Brand: Dior
Rating: 5/5  /  Cost: $32 USD  /  Purchased from: Sephora

Now we’re talking lipstick! The Rouge Dior Lipcolor Collection is amazing! Fushia Star is a gorgeous bright shade of pink. This lipstick is flawless. Aside from being rich in colour and long-lasting, it feels extremely light on the lips! It really does nourish the lip. Again, if you have money to spend, Dior is a great pick for lipsticks.
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Well there you have it folks. My two cents on some great lip products. I strongly believe lipstick really accessorizes an outfit, gives women a boost of confidence, and is just plain fun! So go on, give those lips some colour!