I am not, nor will I ever be a tan-skinned gal. I always end up a match for the lightest concealer or foundation color and sometimes even that option too dark, or orange, or pink. As a thirtysomething, I have now learned to accept my pastiness in all it’s glory. But it does pose some unique challenges when it comes to finding a good nude lip color. With my ghost-like complexion, most of the popular nude lipsticks just wash me out and leave me looking like the undead.
Another, um, perk of my super pale skin is that is it also really sensitive, including the skin on my lips. Any lip product with SPF makes them breakout with crazy little bumps, or develop a VERY unsightly rash around my mouth. All of this to say that it makes it even tougher to find skin care and makeup that doesn’t piss off my face. And those issues are just related to the formula, I haven’t even discussed color selection.
Like pretty much every girl in the world, I am always on the hunt for the perfect My Lips But Better (MLBB) lipstick. Just a quick look in my purse or under my bathroom sink, and you’ll see that I am the proud owner of WAY too many almost-full neutral lipsticks and glosses. From the drugstore to the department store, I’ve explored most of the major lines. The lipsticks listed below are the ones I’ve actually used these up and bought more than one of, which coming from me is a BIG deal. I’ll save the lip gloss edition of MLBB for another time, so this post doesn’t turn into a 25 chapter book. Here are my top lipstick picks for the perfectly polished pout and my own personal MLBBs:
MAC’s Syrup his is my hall-of-fame MLBB. It’s my easy-to-wear everyday lip. It’s a creamy, slightly opaque blue-based pink that adds just the right amount of soft, shiny color without being too much. In this photo it looks really pink, but it’s really sheer. Since it’s a “lustre” finish, it’s super moisturizing and feels more like an awesome balm on the lips that some of MAC’s grittier and frostier finishes that can tend to dry out my lips. I can stick it in my pocket or wristlet while I’m at work or on the go, and apply it without a mirror or liner. It’s the middle of the group price-wise, at $16 a tube.
NYX Extra Creamy Round Lipstick in Thalia
At just $4 a tube, this is the bargain buy. NYX says this emollient formula offers a beautiful velvet texture, saturated color and it resists wear and smudging. But I love it because it really is long-wearing creamy without being too shiny or sheer. It reads kind of dusty pink or brown in this picture, but it is actually more of an understated cool mauve. The color is just right for a polished, not glossy look. Because it isn’t a big investment, it’s totally worth a try.
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté Shine, color 8, Pink in Confidence
Oh YSL, where do I begin? Le sigh. Last summer, this “melting formula” much-hyped lipstick/balm was the talk of the beauty blog town. In classic YSL style, the fancy-pants French brand shared this over-the-top description:
What it is: An innovative and comforting lipstick enhanced with fruit extracts rich in vitamins and antioxidants that leave lips visibly softer and smoother with up to eight hours of hydration. What it does: Succumb to a unique sensorial experience with dazzling color, extreme comfort, and luminous shine. The luscious, hydrating texture glides on your lips leaving a lightweight aqua shine effect, while Back Injection Technology offers extreme comfort and pleasure upon application. This innovative lipstick is formulated to protect lips from free radicals and seal in moisture for up to eight hours of hydration.
COME ON. Give me a break, right? At $35, it’s a splurge for sure and I was sure it was a dud. But an in-person inspection at Sephora proved me wrong and the crazy oversell description was right.
I have NEVER spent so much on a tube of lipstick. But to say I am in love with this product is a gross understatement.
This No. 8 Pink in Confidence by YSL is the holy grail of MLBB. The perfect formula and the perfect soft and shiny color. I don’t throw that kind of thing around lightly. It’s a fresh, coral-leaning dusty rose, without the dust. This color is the brighter than my other picks, but because it ends up as a sheer, plush, wash of color, it’s just right.
It really is the just-right blend of being a treatment (that feels INCREDIBLE, btw) and a gentle kiss of color. It feels SO good on my lips–and at the end of the day my lips really DO feel better and healthier and moisturized. I don’t know about 8 hours of hydration, though. I am certain the color doesn’t last that long, but maybe it’s just because I am so busy rubbing my lips together obsessing about how great it is that it wears out sooner. It’s a definite possibility. I would seriously use it as a bedtime lip balm if it weren’t so pricey.
Even the design of the actual tube itself is chic. It reminds me of the fancy lipsticks of Old Hollywood. It’s gold and heavy and shiny and downright FANCY. You know how I love the fancy.
In short, if you try this, you WILL love it like I do. I have no doubt about that. I almost feel guilty for even recommending this because it’s an expensive luxury that you don’t need in your life. But you need it in your life.
Now it’s your turn. Tell me in the comments about your your favorite MLBB. Someday when I have more time, I’ll figure out how to take the “reader picks” for this topic and we can vote!
Lashes and Cake 
Pingback: Hi. My name is Pam and I am a beautyholic. | Lashes and Cake
My struggle with my lips is their lack of pigment, so lots of pretty MLBB look too pale on my light-medium skin. That being said, my favorite MLBB is a soft pink Lip Mist by Burberry called Feather Pink. Love!
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That’s my issue too! My lips are super pale too. I haven’t tried the Burberry Mist but I have heard good things from my friends that have tried it–especially in some of the deeper wine colors. I’ll have to check it out.
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You know I love me a lip tint/stain. Benetint lip stain in Rose from Benefit is my fave. With lip gloss on top for shine! But I do love lipstick in a tube:)
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Wait. But doesnt the stain dry you out?
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Hence the gloss!
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Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey. It’s awesome. Sheer. Perfect tint.
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I love black honey! It is the perfect tint. I wish it was a tad thicker though. It’s almost like a stain that way. Wonder if they make it in a gloss?
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my major issue is that not only are my lips and skin super pale, but it seems nearly every color i try to put on — no matter how light or dark, blue or red undertones, if it looks downright brown in the tube/stick — comes out FUSCHIA on my pout! it’s maddening! i rarely wear anything besides Carmex any more. (occasionally i’ll swipe on Sexy Motherpucker in one of it’s 2 pinks, but those are definite glosses.)
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I know what you mean. It’s tricky. You should check out the NYX line. Thalia isn’t pink at all. They have a gloss called “Cosmo” that isn’t pink at all. Good luck!
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I always have a hard time finding nude glosses/lipsticks. I am at the opposite end of the spectrum – tan with an olive complexion and quite a bit of natural color to my lips. Most “universal” nudes wash me out. I’ve learned to embrace my natural color and either gloss, tint, or full on lipstick…but it’s never that beautiful subtle pink color that I envy of my less tan friends. I recently found (received in my Ipsy bag) the perfect color that FINALLY gives me that perfect pinky look complementing my skin tone – Cailyn – Art Touch tinted lip gloss – 09 Basic Instict. I even love the wand…it’s like a miniature paddle for perfect application. I’m buying stock now…lol
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Jessica I love ipsy. In fact, i quit birchbox for it. I think I got one of those glosses too! But I gave it to a coworker. It was too Orange on me. The formula and applicator were good. I just had an idea. We should have an annual meet up where we bring all thw deluxe samples we dont want or like and swap!
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I did the same thing…Birchbox had too many “white girl” colors….it was a waste. Great idea to have a make-up swap…I love it!
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I think that if you are SUPER into BB creams and skincare, then Birchbox is perfect. I’m more of a makeup, nail polish, haircare junkie.
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i just want to say that i know Jessica has amazing lips and i’m jealous!! my thin & pale pucker has lip envy!
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I know! Jessica has amazing lips. If I were to get them done, I would take her photo to the plastic surgeon.
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I like a medium pink glossy lipstick. I am a brunette but an older lady so it is not so stark for me. I haven’t tried NYX Lipstick but love their eye shadow. Affordable enough so I will give it a try. Thanks Lashes and Cake!
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my other main issue is longevity. pretty much nothing lasts on my lips unless it’s a stain!
but i just remembered a MLBB lip color i found last year that has since been discontinued but i’ve seen it on Walgreens clearance and on eBay: CoverGirl Outlast in 598 Forever Fawn. the color is very complimentary for my skin and lip tone. if you can find it, you should try it! very cost-effective and since it comes with the glossing stick, it doesn’t dry out like most long-lasting lipsticks.
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I am totally gonna do a “beautland graveyard post” in honor of all of our faves that are dead and gone. Can I quote you and add this?!
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darn straight, sister!
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For a long time I lived for Urban Decay’s Nude lip liner. It’s the soft, creamy lip liner that goes on smooth and stays all day, and the color was so friggin’ perfect for my lips. I could add a gloss or other lipstick color on top, or go not; either way, this was the very best. And then one day they changed the color. Without any warning, without any disclaimer, even without even saying “new and improved” or some bullshit – they just changed it, and now that very same color that I’ve loved for so long makes me look like a friggin’ CORPSE. (Not. Exaggerating.) So I have been testing various ones. I recently found one I think I might like but I’m not ready to name it yet because it might be too shimmery to be considered a nude. I’ll keep you posted.
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I hate that. At least rename it right???
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Exactly! Say something to address the fact that you’ve completely changed the formula, instead of thinking we wouldn’t notice. I friggin’ noticed!!
p.s. It was Urban Decay’s Naked (I forgot it was called Naked, not Nude)
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I’m so going to try all of these Pam. Great blog post!
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Thanks for coming by!
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My YSL No.8 Pink in Confidence arrived three days ago by mail and it was almost everything you glossed poetic about in your blog. It’s soft and shiny, not thick and cakey. It’s hydrating and luxurious. And that case! Like the Rolls Royce of lipcolors! And easily the WORST lip color I’ve ever tried. My fault. I don’t know why I ignored the red flags at the word ‘pink’. I’m an ash brown with blonde highlights and olive skin. My basic make up is based on honey tones and warm accents. Pink is a cool tone and that lipstick is the Nicki Minaj blunder for someone like me. No. 8 Pink in Confidence was wrong, but I love the lipstick and I believe a trip to Sephora to check out the other colors would be in order!
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NO!!!! Really? I’m glad you liked the formula, though. I had many readers (and friends) suggest a “my lips but better” post for darker skin tones or those who run more olive-toned. Let me know what you find and I’ll share it. It really is an amazing formula and there are a ton of warmer tones to pick from. Keep me posted, please. PS–I love the Nicki Manaj reference. Her lipstick is the worst. ❤
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