Here's something I didn't expect to like as much as I do: Stila Color Balm Lipstick in Vivienne, a warm almost coral rose. Once upon a time (we're talking about at least 12 years ago) I always had several Stila lipsticks around, despite the cardboard boxes that somehow felt to me like they were slightly unclean (I tend to wipe and sanitize my lipstick tubes, but using a damp wipe on cardboard was not a good idea). But the company changed hands and just... changed, and I don't think I had a Stila lipstick in the last six years. But things are coming around and so am I.
The packaging of Stila Color Balm Lipsticks is actually worth noting, because it shows the exact color of the lipstick, bot in the printed Stila logo and on the top of the cap. The latter is very useful for me because I store my lipsticks upright and this way I can see the color right away. The result is that I reach for this one very often, but that's also thanks to the truly balmy formula that wears comfortably. The one issue with the packaging is, as you can see, that it doesn't twist smoothly back in, so the lipstick got dinged the very first time I opened it. It might be a fluke, though, and I stopped caring about three seconds later, as I prefer to apply with a brush.
The lipstick doesn't last long and can't survive a cup of tea, but I don't mind, since it's like reapplying a lip treatment. The creamy finish is free of shimmer or any particles, coverage is semi-sheer and can be built to oapque(ish) in two coats. The light vanilla scent is non-obtrusive, and since Vivienne is such an easy to wear color it's almost a default lipstick for me.
Bottom Line: I really should get another color or three.
Stila- Vivienne Color Balm Lipstick ($22) is available from Ulta, Sephora, and stilacosmetics.com.
I got a sample of this from Sephora and I LOVE the color/formula, it's a perfect nude for me (I'm blonde but with naturally pink lips, so many "nude" shades are really too pale for me). Worth noting that the sample has the same problem with the packaging -- it doesn't twist down and got dinged. Sorry to hear the real deal is the same way. Still, I'm planning to buy the full-size version since it's my dream nude shade.
ReplyDeleteI got a sample of this from Sephora also and fell hard for the color. I am a red head with green eyes and it is perfect for me! I bought the full size within a week.
ReplyDeleteWhy would you sanitize your own lipstick tubes? You said you use a brush anyway, so it doesn't get near your mouth, and I'm sure you don't share with anyone!
ReplyDeleteJust curious!
I rarely sanitize the lipstick itself, but I'm a bit of a germaphobe and seeing makeup debris on the packaging makes me worry about germ that might be growing all over the place. A bit of an overkill, but sanitizing wipes are my dear dear friends.
DeleteI have this in Natasha and don't usually like red, but this comes out a bright rosy pink on me, looks very pretty. I find it a little drying however and hard to apply, but since I like it so much I use it anyway. The eyeshadow primer I put underneath holds it in place on my lips all day. It does fade but there is still color when I get home from work.
ReplyDeleteLike almost everyone else, I got a deluxe sample from Sephora in Vivienne and I've enjoyed using it. The color obviously suits many people as it's also nice with my blue eyes and dark hair.
ReplyDelete