Lippie Product Reviews: Sephora Lip Stain, Urban Decay Lip Envy, Prestige LightShine Sheer Gloss Liner

Oh hey, it's almost Christmas! Which means it's almost New Year's, and I know what's on everyone's mind during this festive season: Holiday Makeup that Lasts!

Oh alright, maybe makeup isn't at the absolute top of your priority list. But when you're running around doing that last minute holiday shopping, or up to your elbows in turkey stuffing and cookie batter, it'd be nice not to have to worry that your lipstick is bleeding.

For lipcolour that is sure to last through canapes and cocktails, a lipstain is your best bet. Remembering the good things I'd heard about Urban Decay's old lip stains that came in marker form (now discontinued), I picked up their Lip Envy stain in Envy. Let me just say, that was a mistake! I guess it went on easily enough, though it felt kind of drying. The colour was just way too harsh... a deep vampy red. Normally I don't shy away from reds, but this was just too goth, and not at all festive. It emphasized dry flakes too. To its credit, the colour was incredibly rich and pigmented, but I ended up returning it.

I had much better luck with Sephora's Lush Flush Wine Lip and Cheek stain. A sheerer gel-based version, 1 coat leaves your lips with a light tint of cool pinky red. Apply more to build a deeper colour. It's not a red exactly, it's got a bit too much pink for that. But still, a nice holiday colour, and the formula lets you play with it a bit before it sets. I've never used it on cheeks, but if you like cheek stains and use a light hand, this looks like it'd be a handy multi-tasker. As with all lip stains, if your lips are not in perfect condition (and whose is in this wretched winter weather?), it will go on a bit patchy. I've had good results applying the stain with the sponge tip, then using a q-tip to blend more accurately.

Finally, I must tell you about the neatest drugstore find! Prestige has a new lip liner out called a Sheer Gloss Liner. Unlike a normal liner which deposits solid heavy colour, the Sheer Gloss Liners draw a semi-opaque line that goes on smooth. The formula is hard to describe... it's not a gel exactly... maybe more like a soft wax? This liner was designed such that you can wear this under lipgloss to up the staying power, while still maintaining that sheer, see-through look. It's also got a light, pleasant vanilla scent. Personally, I love just using this on its own! It's a softer look than lipstick, but it stays on so much better and manages to feel smooth and non-drying. I nave it in Hibiscus, which is a cheery, neutral-cool light red, but I definitely need to pick up more shades!

Well that's it for now lovelies, as you can see it is 4am and I'm exhausted from Christmas shopping, cleaning, and packing. I hope you all have a wonderful and safe holiday season, and that Santa's kind to you!