This Spendy Lipstick Is Worth the Extra Dough
Is it a tinted balm? A sheer, shiny lipstick? The distinction isn't quite clear, which is actually one of Cle de Peau Refined Lip Luminizer's, $58, many, many charms.
Honestly, it's everything you could ask for in a lip product: It's hydrating and comfy to wear, it's non-sticky and lightweight and it's got great color payoff that sticks around for hours. Perhaps best of all, it's the kind of thing you can swipe on and forget about (aka no need to worry about it causing any flaking or wearing off unevenly). It's also worth pointing out that it lives up to its "luminizing" moniker — thanks to its satiny-shiny finish, it adds a plump, dewy glow to your lips.
Okay yes, at $58, it's more than I'd usually advise spending on a lipstick. But you know what? If you're looking to treat yourself, this is definitely a good way to do it. It's the full package — because in addition to feeling fancy, it also looks fancy, with its slim navy blue tube. And it's slightly heavier than your average lipstick, which gives it a satisfying heft. Come on, you know you want it... — Rosie Narasaki
Cover image via @cledepeaubeaute.us
The Creamy, Dreamy Lipstick I Can't Put Down
I'm a huge fan of hydrating lipsticks — I'm perhaps one of the few that just can't get on board with the dry matte lippies. I'm also quite into Ciate Wonderwand Mascara, $22, which launched a couple years ago (in fact, it's one of my go-tos).
When I heard the brand was extending its Wonderwand collection to include a satin lipstick, I was over the moon. Upon first examination, I found the packaging to be extremely eye-catching. The lipstick comes in an elongated, slim tube that features a gradient of the actual shade that's inside. The narrow shape of the tubes is key to precise application when you're on the go… in fact, there's no need for lip liner.
The formula is incredibly rich and hydrating. The eight-shade range features nudes, pinks, reds and plum: Each one feels like a balm, but is still incredibly pigmented (not to mention long-lasting). And it's so comfy that I put the lipstick on in the morning and forget I'm wearing it — plus, it keeps my lips soft, conditioned and colorful all day. In addition to the deep, vampy shades, I love to mix "Exposed" and "Sunday" to create the perfect coral-rose gradient lip.
So, if you're looking for creamy, hydrating lipstick that offers loads of color payout, I highly recommend you give Ciate Wonderwand Lipstick, $18, a try... your lips will actually thank you. — Hannah Savin
To see more of my beauty favorites, follow me on Instagram @hannah_savin
Cover image via @ciatelondon
The All-Natural Vaseline Dupe I'm Hoarding This Winter
During the recent polar vortex, I decided to get a chemical peel, which is about as smart as it sounds. My skin would have been flaky and thirsty even without any chemical intervention; post-procedure, I was a total mess. It was like having really, really chapped lips... except my lips were the size of my face.
Luckily I had the foresight to pick up Josie Maran Argan Infinity Cream Intensive Creamy Oil, $28, before my treatment. It was just what I needed to smear on my dry, burning face — like Vaseline, if Vaseline was all-natural, cruelty-free and smelled like citrus fruits. With argan oil, aloe vera, jojoba oil, and a bunch of lovely botanical butters, it's soothing to the skin and makes a killer lip balm, too. Next time you're shedding like a lizard, give it a whirl. — Katie McCarthy
Image via @josiemarancosmetics
The Fragrance-Free Moisturizer That Keeps My Sensitive Skin Hydrated
A few months back, I developed an annoying, stubborn bout of dermatitis (which is basically a fancy way of saying "facial redness that would. Not. Go. Away.") We couldn't figure out the cause, so my dermatologist had me been cut out any products containing fragrance... which is easier said than done, since fragrance is in almost every single beauty product out there! I basically needed to do a complete and total overhaul of my beauty routine, pretty much overnight. CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30, $17.99, is the fragrance-free moisturizer I switched to and I instantly fell in love. It's gentle, super lightweight, and totally non-greasy, but still hydrates really well — perfect for my combination skin. And I love it has SPF 30, too. Even though the redness has now cleared up, I'm definitely going to make sure this awesome lotion sticks around in my routine. — Alyssa Hertzig
Cover image via @cerave
The Lip "Ink" That Wears Forever and Feels Like Air
Judging from the Instagram stories of pretty much all the other beauty editors I follow, Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Lip Color, $9.49, is the real deal.
Despite the endless stream of rave reviews, I was hesitant to try it — mainly because longwear lip colors don't tend to mix well with my perpetually chapped lips. But desperate for a moody crimson one day, I spotted the shade Founder on my desk and finally decided to take it out for a spin.
And reader, I fell in love.
The first thing I found myself swooning over was the shade — even sheered out and applied with a finger, Founder brought the retro drama. Then, there was the staying power, which really does seem to defy logic: Even after layering over a coat or two of balm (Weleda Skin Food Lip Butter, $6.99, is my go-to at the moment), drinking a La Croix and a Diet Coke and eating a rather messy burrito for lunch, it stuck around. Yes, it was slightly drying, but the fact that it can be sandwiched between coats of lip balm helps to offset that.
Suffice it to say, these lippies live up to the hype — and with an extensive shade range and a wallet-friendly price point, it may just be time to stock up. — Rosie Narasaki
Cover image via @maybelline
