There is something sexy, yet understated about a nude lip. Another bonus? It’s on trend, seen on the runway at fashion shows by Phillip Lip and Alexander Wang, just to name a few.
Maybelline New York The Buffs by Color Sensational. (Supplied)
Our gals try out Maybelline New York The Buffs by Color Sensational, ($9.99 at mass retailers), which includes eight shades of nude for every skin type.
Natalia tries out Maybelline Color Sensational The Buffs in Untainted Spice.
Name: Untainted Spice
Application: Slicked right on from the tube.
Colour: A desaturated brown/nude/raisin colour with just enough pink to make my colour-addicted self happy.
Coverage: The colour deposit — like all of the Color Sensational lipsticks I’ve tried – was great. But I found the shade had a tendency to look uneven on my lips – especially if I had any flakes remaining (time to bust out the lip scrub). Applying a little bit of balm beforehand smoothed the lipstick out and made it a touch sheerer - a look I actually preferred.
Sensation: The consistency was little bit on the drying side, but not so bad that it became uncomfortable.
Durability: I found myself reapplying every couple of hours; the balm-first trick didn’t help the longevity.
Long story short: I felt like the consistency wasn’t what I would have picked for this specific shade, but with a touch of balm or gloss, I really liked the shade and colour payoff. If anything, this lipstick has taught this neon-lipstick obsessive that a dark, neutral-toned lip can be a great option.
Name: Bare All
Colour: Once popular with mods like Twiggy, ultra-pale shades like this one look great when paired with a bold, black cat-eye. I love the look, but not so sure whether I loved it on myself… it might take a little getting used to – and maybe some more experimentation with complementary cheek and eye colours to achieve a combination that doesn’t wash me out.
Coverage: For a light shade, this lipstick goes on with impressive fullness. My lips are naturally quite pigmented and usually turn any lipstick or gloss I wear rosy, but this covered up my pout like a concealer stick. This look would benefit from a lip pencil to create definition between skin and lips – on some skin tones, it could appear to erase your lips entirely.
Sensation: The consistency is quite creamy and felt nicely nourishing on my weather-stripped lips. However, after an hour or two I found my lips felt more dry, so when reapplying I layered Smith’s Lip Balm underneath.
Durability: This lip colour didn’t stand up well to snacking – it left kiss marks all over my slices of old cheddar and green apple—yuck. An hour after application it had slid to just the edges of my smile, making my lips look more chapped than chic. Two hours later it had vanished without a trace.
Long story short: I’m not convinced this shade is for me. I might wear it again as a base for other, more flattering light colours since it had such great coverage. But then again, I don’t think I have the patience to contend with the constant reapplication it would require.
Meghan tries out Blushing Beige.
By: Meghan Mitchell, QMI Agency
Name: Blushing Beige
Application: The lipstick was easy to apply and went on smoothly.
Colour: The colour was almost too similar to my skin tone, which I found a bit surprising. The colour on the label appeared to be a rosy beige, so I was expecting it to be a little more pink.
Durability: I had to reapply it several times throughout the day, especially after meals or a cup of coffee.
Removal: I usually allowed it to wear off naturally, however it was easy to wipe off with just a tissue.
Long story short/would you use it again: I would use this lipstick again, however I might try it in a darker shade. I tend to like a little colour on my lips, so that they don’t blend in to the rest of my face.
Ling tries out Maple Kiss.
Name: Maple Kiss
Application: I prepped my lips with lip balm 15 minutes before applying the lipstick.
Coverage: The lipstick goes on smoothly with a few swipes.
Durability: Because it’s not marketed as a long-wearing lipstick, reapplication is a must after drinking and/or eating. I barely noticed the colour after I light lunch.
Long story short: I would use it again. The warm orange tone isn’t too overpowering and has just the right amount of umph to enhance my lips.
Jenny tries out Stormy Sahara.
Name: Stormy Sahara
Application: Very easy to apply and goes on smooth.
Colour: Sort of pinky orange. A dusty rose with an orange tinge against my pale skin. I liked that it wasn’t completely nude. I usually stay away from orange tones, but this was a nice contrast.
Coverage: It covers very well but doesn’t look cakey. Still appears natural and glossy.
Scent: Smells slightly vanilla but very strongly of cosmetic. Reminds me of my mom’s lipstick.
Sensation: Feels smooth, but maybe a little dry. I am used to stickly slippy glosses so I like my lipstick a little wetter.
Durability: Lasted through the afternoon with a cup of coffee, though I did have to reapply before going out after work.
Long story short/would you use it again: Yes. I liked that it was different from my usual hot pink and cherry red glosses. It felt a little more sophisticated and toned down. The smell is a little strong but I think I could get used to it.
Kerri tries out Nude lust.
Name: Nude lust
Coverage: Good
Scent: Somewhat perfumey rather than fruity.
Sensation: Light.
Long story short: Nude lipstick is a hard look to rock. Unfortunately this shade just made me look like I have a cold.
Nicole tries out Truffle Tease.
By: Nicole Feenstra, QMI Agency
Name: Maybelline Color Sensational The Buffs collection in Truffle Tease
Application: I don’t usually wear lipstick, preferring the easy application and worry-free wear of lip gloss instead, but was surprised at just how moisturizing and easy to apply the Maybelline Color Sensational lipstick was. I applied it directly to my bare lips and was happy that in addition to being moisturizing, the lipstick went on very evenly without feeling too heavy.
Colour: I went with one of the lighter shades in hopes The Buffs collection could emulate the au natural look of my favourite lip gloss, but found the pink-brown hue of the Truffle Tease shade didn’t compliment my skin tone and left me looking a bit washed-out. A layer of gloss on top really helped amp up this matte lipstick and define my lips.
Durability: This lipstick came off on everything, so it’s hard for me to tell how long it really lasted. Continual re-application after that morning coffee or a smooch is required.
Removal: A swipe across my lips with a tissue and the lipstick was gone!
Long story short/would you use it again: I liked that the lipstick was super moisturizing, but don’t think I’d use The Buffs collection lipstick in this particular colour again as I just didn’t find it very flattering.
