Ah, lipstick. Without it, the world would be a much more boring (and less colourful) place. It’s our mission to have a lipstick that matches every mood – and since we’re complex creatures, it’s lucky for our wallets that some of the best formulas are actually high-street, not high-end. Here’s our edit of the best budget bullets, but please add your own favourites in the comments!
- Top Nudes
With their Collection Privée Les Nudes, L’Oreal took the headache out of finding the perfect nude to suit your colouring. Designed and named for L'Oreal's spokesmodels, who all have different colourings, ethnicities and skintones, the idea is you pick the one you’re most similar to for a flattering colour match.
Obvs, being a dead ringer for the popstrel, I picked Cheryl’s Nude and love it: the formula is brilliant and it lasts well while being nice and comfy on the lips. These are €11.99 a pop.
Even better value again at €6.99, the new Kate Moss for Rimmel nudes are another excellent pick, and we’ve swatches and info for you here.
- Top Reds
L’Oreal are worth checking out in this category too as their Collection Exclusifs Pure Reds follows the same idea as their nude collex and there are some gorgeous shades in the range: Blake’s Red is a universal pleaser. But the Maybelline Colour Drama Intense Velvet lip pencils are probably my favourite budget reds: for just €6.49, you get a lovely creamy pencil that’s not a million miles away from the NARS Velvet Matte offerings.
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Of the 10 available shades, there are three lovely reds: Light It Up, which I’m wearing here, Fab Orange and Red Essential; your makeup bag deserves at least one.
- Top Brights
I’m beyond obsessed with the Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lipsticks, €12.49, though Brenda prefered the glossy version and my top pick is the in-yer-face bright and vibrant Pink Pong. Check out our full review.
Another modern matte I reach for on the regular is the Isadora twist up crayon in Orange Pop – I’m wearing it here with the Benefit Beyond Blue mascara and liner I already showed you.
These are €13.25 and just fabulous: intensely pigmented and long-lasting, but comfy and not drying in the least. Look for them in selected Debenhams, Shaw’s Department Stores, Sam McAuley chemists and other pharmacies nationwide.
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