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In Search of Long-Lasting Lip Color
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Answering the question as to whether or not long-lasting lip color works may sound simple. In truth, however, it is anything but simple. It works in some instances, while in others it does not. For some women it works just as promised; lasting throughout the entire day into the evening. For other women it lasts a few hours, but no where near the 8 to 12 hour promise. For a few it works only slightly better than traditional lip color. So the better question might be which is which is which? Even that is no simple task to answer because every woman’s lips are a bit different, which also explains the way that the lip colors work on different women. Let’s take a look at some of the top long-lasting lip colors on the market today.
Lip Sense Semi-Permanent Lip Color. Lip Sense is a gentle stain that penetrates the skin to infuse just the right amount of color. Because the product contains Shea Butter, it will not dry out delicate lips that may already be cracked and parched. Additionally, its protective coating gives the lips added protection against the sun. The glossy overcoat seals in the color and makes the mouth look plumb, soft, and supple almost immediately. Because the color is a semi-permanent stain, adheres well to most women’s lips, even those that are excessively dry. Over time, the healing effects of the product’s Shea Butter will actually improve the condition of the skin. Best of all it is waterproof and kiss proof. It won’t slide, smear, or otherwise rub-off. In fact, it won’t come off until you are ready to remove it.
Lip Sense comes in over 40 colors. It is packaged in a .25 oz tube that will fit into any purse or pocket. The product retails for $20 online and in selected department stores and beauty outlets.
MY VERDICT: This lip color works well for my lips. My skin is inordinately dry and my mouth chaps and cracks in extreme weather conditions. While I don’t find that the color stays on quite as long as the manufacturer claims, for me, it lasts far longer than other long wearing lip colors. This one gets four out of five stars.
Max Factor Lipfinity. This product's amazingly rich and luxurious formula contains ingredients that help the color go on evenly and absorb deep into the lips. The pigment attaches itself to make certain that the color lasts and lasts; for up to as long as 12 hours. The clear, moisturizing topcoat adds incredible shine while making the lips even more soft and supple.
Lipfinity can be found wherever Max Factor is sold - - online and in select department and drug stores as well as beauty outlets. There are over 20 shades to choose from. The lip color and the topcoat come in two separate tubes which retail together for around $12.
MY VERDICT: I love Lipfinity’s colors and actually find the product quite soothing. Unfortunately, I find myself reapplying the topcoat off an on all day long, which is a bit time consuming. Otherwise my lips tend to "flake" and become a bit uncomfortable. Lipfinity didn’t last a full 12 hours for me, but I chalk that up to my unusually dry skin and don't fault of the product itself. This one gets three out of five stars.
Mac Pro Longwear Lipcolour. Like Lipfinity, Mac’s long-lasting lip color comes in two steps. However, in this case, both products come in the same tube, with color on one end and shiny lip-gloss on the other. The first step with this Mac product is the application of the luscious color, which goes on softly and remains comfortable throughout its eight-hour stay. The clear gloss locks in the color while adding a beautiful sumptuous sheen to the lips. The product claims to be "kiss proof." It doesn’t smudge, run or transfer. It stays in place until you are ready to take it off with Mac’s Cleanse Off Oil.
Mac Pro Longwear Lipcolour comes in a .28 oz tube. There are 15 stunning shades to choose from. The cost is around $20.
MY VERDICT: This is my favorite long-lasting lip color. It seems to live up to its claims, at least with regard to how works on my skin. Although I’m not a fan of having to purchase an additional product to remove the lip color, it is a trade off that I’m willing to make in this instance. This one gets four and one-half out of five stars.
Stila Long Wear Lip Color. Like Lip Sense, Stila’s long wearing lip color combines color and gloss all in one. The manufacturer claims that the secret to the success of this long-wearing product lies within its unique polymers. They allow the deep, rich pigment color to saturate the lips throughout while the moist lip-gloss remains in place on top. Stila is also proud of their unique applicator that ensures perfect application each and every time.
Stila Long Wear Lip Color comes in eight glorious shades and retails for around $18. It can be found in the best department stores and beauty outlets as well as online.
MY VERDICT: I like this lip color very much. It lives up to its claims plus it has a decadent, luxurious feel that is appealing to my girly side. However, it comes only in a few shades and none of them are quite right for me. This one gets only three and one-half out of five stars.
Before you ask, let me say that I seldom give five star ratings on any product. Why? I’m a firm believer that there is always another bigger and better product just around the bend. Consequently, I save that extra half star, just in case.
Keep an eye for my next article: Searching for the Perfect Blush
