Picking up from where we left off, let’s wade further into make-up. More specifically, let’s talk lips and lashes. Both seminal to a look, both (as with base) a place of choice currently. Here’s what’s new…
Mascara / Three releases have caught my beady eye. First, Rimmel London Volume Colourist. This one’s thrilling because as well as coat lashes in black stuff, it also tints them with a semi-permanent dye so with daily use lashes will get darker. Very clever. The wand is not my favourite but it does the job.
l to r: Rimmel, Dolce & Gabbana, Givenchy
The other two in my edit are waterproof (naturally: we’re now into summer launches). They are Givenchy Noir Couture Volume Waterproof in Black Organza (full on flutter, LOTS of volume) and Dolce & Gabbana Passioneyes Waterproof Mascara (much more natural looking, holds lashes in a curl a smidgen).
Lips / The return of gloss is cemented: every new launch I’ve seen for quite some time is sheeny shiny. But it comes in degrees…
Dialled Down Sheen / Louise Young Lip Colour Trio in Pin Up / Apply with fingers for a healthy ‘your lips but better’ stain, or take the brush and go for a more precise finish. However you apply it, the finish is always slightly sheeny and very flattering.
The Moisturising Oil / Lancome Juicy Shaker (shade shown: Berry Tale) / How gratifying that my prediction was correct: lip oils are still going strong. I especially like that Lancome have invited lip oils into their Juicy arms – I was a huge fan of Juicy Tubes in the noughties (and had the sticky hair to prove it). Shake the bottle to mix the colour and tap on. The result: a translucent and nourishing wash of colour.
The Sheer Balm / Rimmel Moisture Renew Sheer & Shine (shades shown l to r: 700 Better & Brighter, 500 Red-y, Set, Go, 600 Spin All Spring) / Foolproof, these are: just grab one, slide it on and hit the road (Jack). I apply these without a mirror, bold thing that I am. Mum is a new fan – she thinks the colour is just enough to highlight lips while they’re just juicy enough to soften lines. Final word on these: SPF 20. Good stuff.
The Juicy Lipstick / Chantecaille Lip Chic (shade shown: Wild Poppy) / Want the formula to the easiest make-up look ever? Just perfect your skin, add a whisper of blush/bronzer and throw this lipstick on. You’ll look chic, insouciant and slightly bold all at once.
The Full On Colour + Gloss / Clinique Pop Lacquer (shades shown l to r: 01 Cocoa Pop and 02 Lava Pop) / These are bold, bold, bold. And they also happen to look amazing on, in a Robert Palmer Addicted to Love background model way. If you’re wearing these, wear them. And warn anyone you’re kissing: imperceptible they’re not.