In this world of lipgloss fanatics, lipstick doesn’t get enough love. I am a lipstick girl, through and through. While I enjoy dramatic eyes from time to time, I prefer emphasis on the lips when I’m in a hurry, but still want to look done up for a night out. Lips are also really easy to touch up, while eyes require more maintenance in the summer heat. Bold lips require high impact lipstick.

From left to right: NARS Scarlett Empress, MAC Crimzone, MAC Impassioned, MAC Pink PoodleBelow: MAC Burgundy lip pencil, E.L.F concealer brush (used as a lip brush)

What are you favorite high impact lip colors? See four of my favorites after the jump!
All of these looks have the same exact face and eye makeup – the only change is the lip color.

A dark wine lip is a nice alternative to the classic red. Darker lipsticks like this absolutely require liner and a lip brush. I used MAC Burgundy lip pencil to line and fill in my lips, blending it with a lip brush. I then applied NARS Scarlett Empress with a lip brush, blotted, and applied again. MAC Dubonnet is comparable (I actually prefer it), but most drug store brands have great wine lipsticks available.

Bright purple is made wearable with a sheer finish. Sheer lipsticks can often be applied straight out of the tube, as they are a little more forgiving. MAC Crimzone is a really unique lipstick – does anyone have alternative suggestions for this one?

Coral is a popular shade for summer, but I prefer the pinkish corals to the reddish hues. This is a highly pigmented lipstick, and should be applied with a lip brush for the best results.

My all time favorite bright lipstick – MAC Pink Poodle. It’s a blue based hot pink, which is oddly flattering even on warmer skin tones. This one is much more opaque and pink than Crimzone, which is a little more sheer and purple. I like to apply Pink Poodle straight out of the tube, and then refine the lines with a lip brush. This lipstick has unfortunately been discontinued, but MAC Girl About Town is a great alternative.

If you’re wondering why I am so fond about MAC lipsticks, there are a few reasons:
– They are great quality, long lasting and highly pigmented
– I am not allergic to them (I’m sensitive to a lot of products)
– MAC’s Back to MAC program supplies me with free lipsticks. For every six empty MAC products you turn in for recycling, they give you a free lipstick!

Love love,
Keiko Lynn