Top Six Winter Lip Products

You may have seen me talking about my top six Winter products in this Youtube video, but as is often the case, I thought I would do a write-up on them for you as well, as I know that videos are not for everyone. Perhaps you don't have the time to watch them, or perhaps you catch up with blog posts on the go and don't have a chance. Or maybe they just aren't your thing. But as blogging has always been my primary means of sharing the products I love (and those I don't!) with you, I thought it would be nice to have a bit of a ramble about them on here, and perhaps say some more sensible things than when I am under the pressure of the webcam! Ha.

Now personally, I love a good, bright lip, so I have been like a moth to a flame when it comes to all the beautiful berries and reds floating around the beauty world this Winter. But equally, I have been enjoying a couple of more pared-down shades for those days where I just want something low maintenance, that I won't have to worry about smudging or fading awkwardly throughout the day in the same way that I would with something bolder (scroll down for more pictures and swatches).

In terms of those brights, my favourite of all has probably been my Mac Lip Pencil in Cherry (review here). I originally bought this with the intent of wearing it underneath a red lipstick, but found that it gave such a beautifully precise, matte lip on it's own that I soon took to going solo. It has a highly pigmented formula and glides on with ease, so there is no dragging or pulling, and it does last pretty well (although as I've mentioned before, nothing stays put for long on my lips).

I've also found myself digging out two Revlon Lip Butters which had been in hibernation for the past couple of months. Cherry Tart is a bright red shade, but the formula is really sheer and moisturising, so you can go for a more subtle look as well as layering it up if you fancy going a bit bolder. Raspberry Pie is a gorgeous vibrant berry shade, and is more pigmented than any of the others I've tried, so it does require a little bit more care and attention on application. Both leave my lips with a slight glossy sheen, and though they don't last long I find them fairly easy to reapply throughout the day, even in a hurry.

I couldn't bring myself to leave all my fuchsias behind in the warmer months, so I have been contnuing to turn to my L'oreal Color Riche Serum in Radiant Rose. Again, this is a fairly moisturising formula, and is fairly pigmented so only requires one coat. I love bright pinks, and this one is a really pretty, wearable shade. It also contains hyaluronic acid, which helps to plump up the lips, and it applies really evenly. I did post about this a fair old while back, so if you fancy having a little look at that then you can find it here.

In the Winter, I don't find there are thatmany nude lipsticks that flatter my skintone, so instead I prefer to go for slightly more muted versions of my favourite brights. My newest favourite in that category is Mac Amplified Creme Lipstick in Craving, described by Mac themselves as 'a burst of plum', but to me more of a dusky, plummy pink. This has become my daily go-to lipstick, as it's such a pretty, wearable shade, and suits me whether I am bright-eyed and bushy-tailed or wanting to hide away.

Last but not least comes my beloved Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey. If you watched my video on my Top Ten Hero Products of 2012 (here), or read my Best of 2012 posts (here), you will know how much I have enjoyed using this product, in various shades, and Honey is just the best 'my lips but better' shade I have ever come across. These chunky little crayons are just so convenient for slinging in my handbag and reapplying on the go, and don't even require a mirror. This is such a natural shade and is just what I need for those days where I don't really feel up to anything more high maintenance but still want to look fairly polished and give my lips a wash of healthy colour.

(L-R: L'oreal Color Riche Serum in Radiant Rose, Revlon Lip Butters in Raspberry Pie and Cherry Tart, Mac Lipstick in Craving, Revlon JBK Balm Stain in Honey, Mac Lip Pencil in Cherry).

So there you have it - those are the lip products that I haven't been able to leave home without over the past couple of months. Have you tried any of these? If not, what are your favourite Winter Lip products (aside from lip balms)?

xx