Thank you Uncle Cyril for allowing us a reprieve from mask-wearing! A slick of bright lipstick used to be the oldest trick in the book to cheer oneself up.
lipstick index
The Lipstick Index
Did you know that The Lipstick Index is a term coined by Leonard Lauder himself that he used to describe the increased sales of lipstick during the 2000s recession. Why? Because a sweep of red lippie is guaranteed to perk up a mood and a complexion in equal measure – and thus the uptick in sales seen in times of upheaval – whether economic or war-time.
All-new updates
Throw in two years of hiding behind a mask and we’ve all but given up on the pick-me-up potential of a brightly coloured lippie. Until now, that is… There’s a slew of lip products that feel indulgent to apply and even the new matte formulas are creamier than you’d remember and the fat crayons are super easy to apply and also hold their colour without any transfer.
Spark joy with these new favourites
Estee Lauder Pure Colour Envy Lipstick, R555, in Carnal, is a deeply pigmented true red that is hydrating for your lips as it is sculpting and red hot
Estee Lauder Delux Mini Envy Lipstick, R225, in A Noir, is a the smaller version of the Envy big sister… Just as good but a smaller size so easy on the budget or for clutch bags and make-up on the go
MAC Lunar Year Powderskiss Lipstick, R350, in Pure Luck, means you can celebrate the year of the tiger with a slick this peachy shades. It suits every complexion and the soft-blur formula means it glides on easily and hydrates lips
Inglot Kiss Catcher Lipstick, R329, In Berry Liqueur, is also a fave. It packs ingredients like Tsubaki oil, shea butter, jojoba oil, macadamia oil and vitamin E into its tube so max hydration
Bobbi Brown Mini Lip Luxe Colour Duo, R450, is a combo of their two best-selling shades – Parisian Red and Hibiscus – a depp red and a glowy pink, both of which we love
"Do your squats, eat your vegetables, wear red lipstick and don’t let the boys be mean to you"
