There’s nothing classier than a really good, highly pigmented, long-wearing lipstick. PEARLYN THAM ate, sipped and smiled after applying these new ones.
There’s nothing classier than a really good, highly pigmented, long-wearing lipstick. PEARLYN THAM ate, sipped and smiled after applying these new ones.
1 Make Up For Ever Artist Rouge Creme, $35 (46 shades)
With 31 shades in a cream finish and 14 mattes, the super fine pigments are ground to reflect light better and appear stronger. The colour payoff was the best of the lot – rich and intense with optimum shine – and it didn’t streak when I rubbed or pressed my lips together. However, it wasn’t very hydrating and dragged on my lips, so it is not the best option if yours are chapped. In fact, it was so long-wearing, removing it took the longest time. 7.5
2 Urban Decay Vice Lipstick, $29 (100 shades)
The Vice collection offers six finishes: Mega Matte, Comfort Matte, Cream, Metallized, Sheer and Sheer Shimmer. The Comfort Matte was the longest-wearing of the lot. It glided on smoothly and left a pigmented pop of colour that stayed on well after food and drinks. While it wasn’t especially hydrating, my lips didn’t feel particularly dry either. However, it was not as lightweight as the others tested, and wasn’t forgiving on dry lips. 7
3 Shiseido Rouge Rouge, $46 ( 16 shades)
Offering 16 shades of red, this is said to react with the moisture in the air and in your breath to create a hydrating, satin finish. The rich, creamy texture glided on very smoothly and left my lips comfortably moisturised. There was minimum colour transfer when I drank anything, and the colour stayed put – even after a meal. However, the satin finish wasn’t as glossy as when I first had it on. 8
4 Rouge Dior, $49 (37 shades)
Available in satin, matte and extreme matte, the super pigmented formula contains a moisturising concoction that prevents dryness and colour streaking. Both the matte and satin finishes were easy to apply, went on the smoothest, and left my lips hydrated and comfortable all day. The colours stayed true even after food and a few drinks. Best of all, the lines on my lips weren’t as obvious. 9
5 By Terry Rouge-Expert Click Stick, $47 (25 shades)
The velvety matte, highly pigmented lipsticks have a conditioning, balm-like texture that’s dispensed when you click the button at the bottom of the tube. The unusually narrow, tiny lipstick tip made application effortless – great for evenly lining the cupid’s bow. The colour payoff was good but my lips didn’t feel very moisturised. After a meal, the colour faded to a pale stain. 7
