Winter Dark Lips
As the days grow short, and the nights longer a smile stretches across my face. The crunch of leaves under my boots and warm cup in my hands, it's my favorite time of year, and a perfect match to my favorite lippie. With over 16 Cruelty Free Black Lippies from 13 different companies there's one for everyone & every budget.
During the month of October I tested 16 different Black Lippies, liquid, matte, gloss and classic sticks to try and find a replacement for my old go to favorite that had been discontinued. I started a new lip in the morning, some lasted all day/night, some I didn't care for after a few hours, but all had pros and cons for me that someone else may find the opposite for themselves so the following reflects only my personal opinion that I hope helps you on your own lippie ventures. In the end I learned, just like red sometimes you need that slightly different shade or completely different texture for that perfect look. I was super excited that there were so many options for black lipstick from so many different cruelty free brands from indie to more corporate brands. These are not even all the options! I find that terribly exciting since back in Junior High I was in the girl's room trying to mix eyeliner, eyeshadow and Smackers lip balm into a black lip for my virgining goth look back then. What a wonderful world.
Tip: Keep that dark lip going all day it is important to hydrate specially in these winter months! Dehydration chaps your lips long before you even notice you're thirsty, it's an early sign so keep happy, healthy and hydrated. First and often most overlooked step to keeping dark lips going strong, especially when they are a liquid that tends to flake off in chunks. Using a chapstick and or primer can also help.
In the end I found some of my favorites are:
+Smashbox is great for a tough matte that can go all night through drinking, no need for liner or primer, easy to throw in bag and go (for just in case, but have not had to re-apply)
+Portland Black Lipstick Co. for all day, anytime anywhere, hydrating, no liner or primer needed so can be re-applied on the go.
+Anastasia Beverly Hills, I kept going back to. I love the texture/finish, a great eggshell, stayed well, not dehydrating, and what I kept in my bag as a back-up when the others failed half-way through the day.
+For a glossy and comfortable lip the combo of Manic Panic's Lethal Lipstick and using their Cross Gloss as a top coat is hellishly great.
+e.l.f. is a good classic lipstick that is actually black and amazingly affordable.
