Happy back to school y’all! My favorite back to school tip – get you a lip that can do both!! {be super cute and comfortable, obviously!} Today marks the first day of UK’s fall semester, where my boyfriend and his sister are finishing up their masters programs this year (Yay!). Whether you’re in high school, college, or done with all that jazz, we all need some easy go-to lip products that always have our backs. The Top 5 I chose are all comfortable, easy to reapply, and pretty much go with anything.
1. Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick (Meringue)
Oh-my-goodness, why did I not try this formula sooner? Bite Beauty is such a cool brand and their lipstick is really unique. This is a your-lips-but-better pinky nude that feels hydrating and smells amazing. Some of the first ingredients for this lipstick are castor oil, beeswax, jojoba oil, and argan oil. Bite prides themselves on using food-grade ingredients and it pays off by putting their creamy formula above the rest. I have the driest lips and this little guy totally saves the day! Last year during the VIB sale I actually bought this, lost it moving, and just picked it up again (because I like it that much). I definitely plan to pick up more during the VIB sale, but this is truly the perfect everyday color. There are a million (okay more like 34) shades so even if this isn’t your fave, they’re bound to have something for you!
2. Lorac Alter Ego Lipstick (Beach Babe)
This is one of the only lipsticks I immediately went out and bought based solely on color! I saw this shade worn on YouTube and thought it was absolutely stunning. I’m glad I grabbed it, because it’s super hydrating and smells deliciously like vanilla. This one is living in purse this summer since I can wear it to work and going out and never tire of it. At $18 it’s not drugstore, but it’s better than a few others on this list and in my opinion worth it. I don’t love to talk about packaging, because that gets harped on way too much, but this is probably my favorite of the five. It’s sleek, compact, and slightly shows the color. I love pairing this with Mac Stripped liner and a nude Buxom gloss!
3. Maybelline Color Sensational (Beige Babe & Clay Crush)
Okay, okay, I know I’m kind of cheating here but I can’t pick just one! Maybelline does a solid lipstick for only $8! I typically opt for beige babe, but switch it up with clay crush when I’m a little more tan or the weather’s a little cooler. They have the old-school lipstick smell, but I can easily overlook it for the price. I really love traveling with these because they are so inexpensive (does anybody else have a serious case of literally losing everything?? I’m SO talented). They’re are a matte finish and decently long-lasting (touch up after you eat and you’re pretty much set for the day). These aren’t hydrating, but they’re not drying either; it’s a lipstick you really forget you’re even wearing. I think you’d be hard pressed to find anything as good as this formula and color selection under $15.
4. Nars Lip Gloss (Chelsea Girls)
Sometimes ya just need a good gloss! I love this because its has some good pigment, but still isn’t super crazy thick. What can you say? Nars just does lip gloss right. It’s not my favorite gloss to layer, but it is my favorite if all I want to do is pop on a gloss and go. Chelsea Girls is a great pink-y beige that gives the perfect amount of shine. It’s longer wearing since it is thicker, but still way thinner and easier to reapply than something like the Anastasia or even Kylie glosses. I’m definitely going to be picking up a mauve tone for the fall and winter in this formula!
5. Marc Jacobs Le Marc Liquid Lip Creme (Fawn Over Me)
As the most expensive item on this list, Marc Jacobs Beauty really had to bring the heat. And it kind of did? I think? Has the jury come back yet? This is really the only thing I see possibly not being on my go-to list in a year or so. I was so so excited for the launch of these lip cremes, since I love their lip glosses. I think the formula is very similar to Ofra’s mousse-y liquid lipsticks, but better! These don’t dry down all the way, and it doesn’t build up weird when you reapply. However, it’s one I really don’t use without a lip liner. I just love this color! It’s by far the most peachy coral nude on the list and a touch outside my daily comfort zone. I reach for this when I feel a little extra and want to work a little harder.
The bad – These are $28 and they smell more like chemicals than that Maybelline $8 one a few lines up….hold the phone..what?!? This might be the most disappointing thing about this purchase. I get that you’re paying for the name, but who wants that? Thankfully, the smell doesn’t linger. Our relationship – it’s complicated, but if there’s a color you love and just want to try out the formula give it a shot!
What are your favorite go-to’s I need to try? Are there any lip launches you’re psyched about this season? I just ordered the Dose of Colors DesixKaty No Shade lipstick last week and am dying to try Bite’s liquified lipsticks! I hope these help prepare you for back to school season or any other season of life!
