NOTES ON : LIPSTICK QUEEN
Matte or glossy, sheer or bold, cool or warm; it's undeniable that lipstick is the trump card of the beauty world; a world presided over by none other than the oft-proclaimed Queen of Lipstick herself, Poppy King, founder of the aptly named Lipstick Queen.
Forget what you think you know and like about lipstick, because Lipstick Queen is about to change the way you view lipstick, for good.
The Lipstick Queen vision presents lipstick not as a cosmetic accessory to be classed such amongst the likes of primers and concealer; for lipstick is the one makeup product which doesn't seek to minimise and conceal our flaws or emulate what we feel we're lacking. Instead it has a transformative effect which has repercussions far beyond its aesthetic appeal. Lipstick has the power to truly make us feel, it stands as an expression of our personality that eclipses the superficial and bestows upon us clandestine qualities and attributes. A red lip can make us feel strong and confident [I doubt I'd have my degree without the boost of morale provided by a swipe of red lipstick mid-essay], a vampy shade imparts sophistication and an air of mystery. Indeed, the application of any shade has us feeling pulled together and ready to face the world...
Poppy founded her first lipstick brand in Australia, aged 18. Inspired by a 1980s beauty market over-saturated by corals and pinks, she hunted for matte reds and browns, without success. Eventually she did what every 18-year old who spots a gap in the market wishes she/he could do [but doesn't usually have the business acumen and inspired entrepreneurship to pull off], she created her own. Named after the seven deadly sins, the line gained a cult following, before Poppy relocated to New York to work for Estée Lauder. There she wrote her book [Lessons of a Lipstick Queen], a collection of inspirational anecdotes and lessons about entrepreneurship. Soon after its publication, she launched Lipstick Queen, the cult, 'not just your average lipstick brand', which presents lipstick as an object of glamour, empowerment, and personality.
From top : Queen Bee, Golden Arrow, Frog Prince, Daphne, Medieval, Hello Sailor, Sinner Coral, Saint Coral.
The brand's defining concept asserts that every woman can wear lipstick, and that finish trumps colour. With this in mind, the main line consists of 20 shades, each of which is presented in two formulas; Saint applies sheer and Sinner applies opaque. Because both are created with the exact same shade of pigment, there quite literally is a lipstick for every person, as well as for every mood, outfit, and event.
Building upon the success of the Saints and Sinners concept, Lipstick Queen continues to release products that are innovative, versatile, quirky, and based upon the latest scientific breakthroughs and technological developments.
Here's my edit of the new wave of products ready to shake up your lipstick wardrobe.
THE SULTRY SHEEN : Saint
With just 10% pigment, the Saint collection provides a tint of long-lasting colour, available in 20 shades ranging from nudes to crimsons, plums, and pinks. I opted for Coral, a refreshingly warm and brown-toned take on the classic shade. The sheer, balm-like texture means this can easily be applied without a mirror as it blends instantly with your natural lip colour. Sophisticated for daytime and understated for evening, this is the perfect day-to-night lipstick, easy to wear and versatile.
THE STATEMENT LIP : Sinner
This time the pigment is high [90%] so colour pay-off is intense [yet despite this, the light, buttery texture means it doesn't dry out the lips]. This is the ultimate matte-but-not-flat high coverage lipstick, satisfyingly shimmer-free for a bold finish, and with a formula which glides on with a luxuriously creamy texture. With its barely there impression and slight satin sheen, you can expect a fresh twist on a traditional look. N.B. Again shown in Coral.
THE PRECISION POUT : Cupid's Bow
These jumbo pencils combine the precision of a lip liner with the finesse of a lipstick, allowing you to create the perfect pout in a single stroke. Presenting the perfect balance between pigment and weight, they provide a bold, satin finish with a barely there delicacy which will feels completely weightless. As an unapologetic fuchsia, for bold lip pros Daphne will go down a treat. The novice may prefer Golden Arrow, a fresh, modern take on a classic dusky pink.
THE TEETH-WHITENING TINT : Hello Sailor
A handbag essential for all occasions, the navy bullet delivers a cool blackberry tint with deep blue undertones to enhance the whiteness of teeth. Expect an incredibly sheer finish and delicate tint [think : the berry shade for introverts], ideal for those nervous about applying too much colour. The formula itself is essentially an intensive Vitamin E treatment which serves to nourish the lips and prevents flaking.
THE PERFECT PINK : Frog Prince
Pink is the colour of the season and [just when we thought it impossible], the colour palette has expanded yet again, with every hue from pastel to rose spotted on the SS'15 catwalks. Play the trump card with the latest Lipstick Queen launch, a PH-adapting formula which adjusts its colour according to the temperature and natural shade of your lips in order to customise your tailored hue. Fear not, this lipstick does not apply green, but does contain green pigment [if you swatch it on paper you'll see this], the logic being that as green is opposite pink on the colour wheel, it serves to best bring out and enhance the shade.
THE ONE-FOR-ALL RED : Medieval
The brand's bestselling and most famous lipstick has earned a cult following and deserving accolades from some of the biggest names in the beauty business. A semi-sheer red which lends a 'just-bitten' effect, its effect is universally flattering - so if you think red lips aren't for you, try this, and think again. The name itself takes its inspiration from the medieval practice of applying lemon juice to the lips [the acidity brings out the natural red]. If you usually shy from sporting a crimson pout then you'll find this the perfect everyday red, it's effortlessly wearable.
THE LUXE LIPBALM : Queen Bee
This 'barely there' sheer hue instantly warms up the lips, delivering a sheer honey-bronze shimmer which creates the illusion of a fuller pout, whilst keeping the overall look simple and nude. The formula itself is enriched with Royal Jelly, Chamomile Oil, and Sunflower Extract; delivering a powerful punch of hydration to soothe and moisturise dry, chapped lips. Think of this as a health and colour hit, in one.
Have you tried anything from Lipstick Queen?
G
To stay updated on future posts you can follow THAT GRACE GIRL on Bloglovin.
