Anyone who’s been reading my blog regularly will know that Clinique – bless them – discontinued the slightly shimmery nude bronze lipstick I had been wearing for literally years last year.
Since then I’ve been ‘testing’ many alternatives to find the perfect replacement, and I’m happy to say that not only have I decided I’m never going to be addicted to one again and so will avoid this problem in the future, but I’ve played with and discovered a whole array of colours from summery golden bronze to glossy nude and everything in between.
Above you have Clarins Jolie Rouge lipstick in Hazlenut – lovely and neutral with little shimmer and very sheer and longlasting, Dior Rouge Dior in Paname (more matte), Chanel’s creamy Coco Shine lipstick in No 67, and Laura Mercier Stickgloss (sheer and glossy) lipstick in Brown Sugar. I also liked the Patchouli in this range.
Bobbi Brown’s shimmer nudes in Malt Shimmer and Brown Shimmer – are gorgeous colours, malt shimmer being a slightly warmer colour than the brown, but both perfect nudes.
Estee Lauder’s shimmery lipsticks in Tiger Eye and Sugar Honey are slightly smoother and last longer, they have become my all time favourites. Tiger Eye is a lighter, golden nude every day shade and Sugar Honey is slightly darker, but still subtly shimmery. Estee Lauder Pure Colour Shine lipstick in Fairest (above on right) looks as if it should be shimmery but it’s not, it’s more creamy and glossy without the shimmer, in a warm nude.
Clinique’s High Impact lip colour in Honey Blush is a warm peach/bronze with a very subtle shimmer. One of their long lasting lipsticks it also has SPF 15 for protection. More of a bronze nude, and closest to the one they discontinued, is their moisturising, glossy formula Butter Shine Lipstick in Adore U. The only thing against this is that, because it’s a combination of gloss and lipstick, you may need to keep applying – but for a soft real nude with a lovely texture and shimmer you may be happy to settle for that.
Then there’s Suqqu’s Creamy Glow lipstick in 06 which has the added effect of a lip balm, RMK Irresistible Lipstick in B30, this claims to be extra long lasting, and finally modern brand Illamasqua’s perfect nude colour intense lipstick in Tease, with a long lasting moisturising satin finish.
All lipstick brands will have their version of nude lipstick, the trick is to find one (or several, as I have) that you’re really happy with. Then once you start wearing them you find out just how good their staying power is. Best of all I’ve tried so far are Estee Lauder’s shimmer lipsticks newly joined by the Clarins when I want less of a shimmer and more of a natural nude (top left).
