While a statement lip has its place, I find the most wearable looks are the ones that feel effortless rather than overly made up. These are the lip combinations I reach for when I want to look polished with minimal effort (aka in the morning when I’m still half asleep).
A tinted lip balm is a must, especially in the winter when my lips are more chapped. I love a good tinted lip balm as it allows you to play around with colour without it feeling too much, or you can choose a more subtle shade.
I love the Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm for a sheer wash of colour and maximum moisture, and the Kiko Milano Coloured Lip Balm in the shade Blackberry for something a little more saturated.
A satin finish is one of my favourites when it comes to lipsticks. It sits perfectly between glossy and matte, giving you beautiful colour payoff without drying out your lips. These are great if you want a more intentional “made up” look but don’t want to spend lots of time prepping your lips.
I’d recommend a nude lipstick in this formula for the ultimate “low maintenance chic” look. If you’re fair skinned I’d recommend a pink nude with brown undertones such as MAC’s Modesty. I’ve reviewed it here in the older formula.
Lip oils feel like a modern trend but one that’s here to stay, I hope. They offer hydration and shine without the stickiness of traditional gloss – and you won’t get hairs stuck to your lips in the wind.
If you prefer the look of a gloss with added plumping benefits, City Lips Plumping Lip Gloss is another option that helps keep lips smooth, hydrated, and polished with very little effort.
I recommend the Clinique Pop Lip + Cheek Oil in the shade Black Honey. Which as you will know from my review of the Almost Lipstick version, is an extremely versatile berry shade. You can even apply it on your cheeks so you don’t have to think about matching your blush to your lips.
I used to be a bit unsure about these lipsticks, but after trying them out I can see why sheer lipstick is worth the money. Similar to tinted balms, these are very difficult to overdo and you can experiment with bold colours.
A sheer rose colour will be perfect for any occasion and never feel too overdone. I’m talking about MAC’s Lustreglass Sheer-Shine Lipsticks in Hug Me or Posh Pit. These are slightly rosy-toned nudes that look polished but don’t demand attention.
Having defined lips can really finish a look and add that je ne sais quoi. If you want an easy way to define your lips softly, consider investing in a rosy brown or soft taupe lip liner. I never used to be much of a lip liner girl myself but it’s amazing how much of a difference it makes.
For fair skinned girls I recommend a soft pink brown lip liner like Whirl from MAC.
None of these looks require precision or constant touch-ups, just small touches that make you feel quietly put together. Whether you prefer a swipe of balm or a softly defined nude lip, the best everyday look is the one that feels effortless.
What do you think of my picks?
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