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National Lipstick Day is observed annually on 29 July. While it may not be a local event, South Africans do love to join in the fun too, putting their best pout forward and posting lipstick selfies.
Much like diversified corporate teams, all that lipstick on our Instagram feeds is always a welcome sprinkle of colour every year.
And as foundation's heydays are slowly seeing their end, lipstick and eyeshadow are on the cusp of becoming today's beauty headhonchos.
READ MORE: How to make your beauty splurges go further by buying more budget-friendly dupes
With more women now opting to only garnish their favourite features with pops of colour while leaving the rest of their faces bare, a good lipstick has never been more necessary.
So as someone who enjoys playing with lipstick, I've put together my top recommendations of lipsticks I have tried, tested, and most importantly, loved.
With a balance of high-end and budget picks, here's what you should definitely add to your basket on your next beauty haul:
1. Avon ultra-matte nudes
Avon’s new range of nine nude shades boast a velvety formula that offer a sculpted matte look while keeping lips hydrated, perfect for those dryer winter days.
You'll also be glad to know that this range of nude lipsticks was successfully matched to 300 women of different skin tones. This is especially reassuring, as Tshenolo Koloane, Senior Category Manager of Colour at Avon notes that "there are so many nude shades out there, so don’t get stuck on the traditional browns and beiges. Every skin tone has its own version of nude – the key to a winning look is finding out what works for you."
You can get your shade for R89.90 online at Avon.
2. W.Beauty x Sir John Volume 2 matte lipstick
This highly anticipated range of makeup will be *available in September, but will also soon be available for pre-order online, so consider this a heads up.
However, I must mention that I've already tried the matte lipstick in the shade 'Super Charged', which is what Sir John described as a '50s red (think Mad Men) - a shade of red that creates the appearance of healthy skin.
*This is a Woolworths exclusive.
3. Fenty Beauty Stunna lip paint
Considering how international travels are no longer an anomaly for working women and bloggers alike, I don't think it's outlandish to recommend this cult favourite lipstick that is not yet available on our shores.
The Stunna lip paints come highly recommended by authorities in the beauty community. And personally, I too, can vouch for this product as the longest lasting lippie I've ever used and the best shade of red I have ever punctuated any of my makeup looks with.
4. YSL Rouge pur couture the slim matte lipstick
This is the first super-slim square couture lipstick from the luxury brand and is deemed their most luxurious, ultra-full and longwear matte color yet, coming in couture-inspired shades developed for every skin tone by creative director Tom Pecheux.
Rouge Pur Couture “The Slim” saturates lips with ultra-rich, high-pigmented matte color that feels weightless and incredibly comfortable on the lips.
RRSP R590.00, available exclusively at the YSL Boutique in Sandton.
And speaking of comfort on the lips, it's also worth mentioning that the lip stain from YSL as well, is so super lightweight on the lips that you even forget you're wearing colour on them. Not to mention the angled brush that allows for precision when you apply it.
5. Swiitch Beauty #AirMatte lip crayons
Another brand that offers a shade of red lipstick - Supreme - after my own heart is, Swiitch Beauty.
Their #AirMatte lipstick range with badass shade names has a finish worth applauding - a matte one that doesn't transfer and can go for hours without a touch-up. They didn't lie when they said "transfer proof."
You can shop yours online at Swiitch Beauty for R150.
6. MAC Retro Matte
If the MAC 'Ruby Woo' retro matte lipstick has ever been the star of your makeup bag at some point, raise your hand. If not, raise your standards... please.
This fave needs no introduction and is often heralded as the quintessential day-to-night shade by beauty vloggers.
It retails for R250 from MAC Cosmetics online. Of course, you can also shop it (and other bold shades) in-store.
7. Lancôme L'Absolu Rouge Matte Lipstick
The cult lipstick L’Absolu Rouge reinvents itself with a brand new comfort feel, powdery matte finish lipstick. Besides the juicy finish (for lack of a better word) my other favourite thing about this lippie is that you click on the rose to open and unleash your daring hue of choice.
Now, Lancôme declares that this range is more matte, bolder and stronger than any lipstick they've ever created.
RRSP R420.00 at your nearest Lancôme stockist (I bought mine at Woolworths).
8. Mavala MavaLip Lipsticks
This one I'm yet to try, but as a fan of Mavala's lip balm, I would say their lippie is worth a go too.
I mean, is that Mavalip 'Stresa' purple shade not to die for?
You'll find me at DisChem buying it for R175.
Now go pick out your bold shade and give every camera that flashes by your best smile. Bisous bisous, mon amis.
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