Hourglass Cosmetics Scarlet Aura Sheer Lip Stain

The last time I tried a water-based lip stain was the infamous Serge Lutens and that didn't go as well as one would hope. Hourglass Aura Sheer Lip Stain in Scarlet is sort of a do-over of the Lutens experience- the colors are identical, the texture similar but the pen format and applicator of Hourglass make Aura Sheer Lip Stain a better choice.

The sponge applicator looks like the one on Ellis Faas lip colors, but this is obviously a different texture and product. Scarlet looked quite scary when first emerged- an almost black plum color, but it soon revealed itself as a true plum and not even a dark one. When applied, this Hourglass stain is sheer enough to be very wearable. The water-based formula spreads easily and holds onto the lip surface. It wears much more evenly than the Lutens and if it weren't for the scar on my bottom lip it would have looked perfect. Apparently water-based lip stains are just not the right choice if you have lip imperfections.

The texture of Hourglass Aura Sheer Lip Stain is dry but not drying, so well-conditioned lips would look great wearing it. My preference is to wear this stain under a thick balm or gloss- it evens out the scar thing and feels more comfortable as I'm prone to dry lips. As long as I touch up the gloss as needed, the color stays vibrant for about four hours, throughout drinks and a snack. I find that I really like Scarlet as a color and wish it came in easier-for-me to wear formula like a sheer lipstick. The need to be mindful when applying (otherwise the stain pools in my scar) and necessity of using a balmy coat makes it a bit high maintenance when on the go.

Bottom Line: You will love it if you're a lip stain person.

Hourglass Cosmetics Scarlet Aura Sheer Lip Stain ($26) is available from Barneys and Sephora. It comes in two other colors, pink and peach. A press sample was sent for my consideration from the company.

Photos are mine.

Lush It Started With A Kiss Lip Tint

Lip tints and stains aren't usually my thing because they're too drying  and tend to enhance imperfections. Most of them are more focused on staying power than on being kind to one's lips and it shows. Lush is attempting to revolutionize this with their It Started With A Kiss red lip tint. The element that sold me on this was the use of shea butter and coconut oil- this meant that Kiss would not be too drying, and indeed, the texture right of the tin is quite waxy. It melts on touch (hence the recommendation not to order it online during the hot months) and spreads easily giving the lips a coat of color.

The reddish color stays put nicely. It survives drinks and a snack and some of the stain is even dinner resistant though I'd rather reapply. I'm not very fond of the plumping tingle courtesy of cinnamon oil, and I know some people are especially sensitive to it, so take it into account. Thankfully it passes quickly. While I wouldn't say Kiss is as moisturizing as a lip treatment or a good balm, it is kind on the lips and doesn't dry them at all. As long as one's skin is in good condition, i.e. exfoliated and moisturized, the results are quite good.

The pinkish red shade (more cerise than apple) is not really my color. It would look better against fair skin. I use it under darker glosses with plum hues, so I get both the nice finish and adjust the color to suit me better. The scent, by the way, is a lot nicer than I expected (several Lush fragrant products make me jump out of my skin). It's on the yummy side, naturally, with white chocolate, cinnamon and apple. I'm not always in the mood for a big fat dessert on my lips, but I have to admit it's fun and has been growing on me with use.

More colors and a stick version (so one doesn't need to stick her finger in the tin) would have made it a favorite.

Bottom Line: Not really for me but very cute.

Lush It Started With A Kiss Lip Tint ($6.95) is available from Lush boutiques all over the world and online. A press sample was sent to me by the company.

All photos are mine.