*DON’T FORGET YOU CAN FIND ME ON AD-FREE SUBSTACK HERE
[unpaid/sample/affiliate/ad] Bright red or cosy neutral? Each to their own but these are new shade discoveries for me and I love them both.
If you haven’t encountered Urban Decay Lip Bond, be prepared! I’ve got shade Unbreakable and it’s probably the most intense red that I’ve ever used. I don’t love it for me because it’s blue toned and my complexion is raised by warmer red tones but as a master class in intensity and longevity, look no harder!
We’ve got ingredient Isododecane to thank for the longevity – it’s first up on the INCI and is what provides the adherence to the lips. Basically, with that ingredient most prominent in the formula, Lip Bond is going nowhere – I had to take mine off with an oily eye make-up remover. The dry out is often a problem with isododecane rich products but this seems to be nicely balanced and although you will feel it to a certain extent, it’s not bothersome. If you love a power lip, this is for you.
See what I mean! The one thing I’d say is do check your teeth – I’ve worn Unbreakable twice now and both times initially got a red coating on my teeth. Follow the instructions to shake and allow 60 seconds for setting. Sephora has Lip Bond HERE for £16.10 instead of £23.
At the other end of the colour scale is Dr Pawpaw Rich Mocha balm. They say it’s good for lips and cheeks – I say it’s better for lips. Multifunctional products are all well and good but affordable, coloured lip balms have never been so sought after so it deserves to be just that.
Rich Mocha is more than a hint of a tint – it brings warmth to the lips as well as being beautifully protective. This is exactly what I want to see in a tinted balm and, at £4.00 HERE, might give you something to think about next time you’re splashing out on a £30 Violette.
To me, this just looks beautifully natural – an enhancer rather than a statement. What about you? Are you red or mocha?