I think from now on I’m going to refer to my lips as “textured…” It’ll be code for “So dang flaky that it looks like I made out with a cheese grater.” Then I won’t have to say “I’ve got dry lips” about every 15 minutes of every single day.
The sane part of me (yes, there really is one in there) knows that having textured lips makes it harder to pull off opaque, flat mattes like Smashbox’s new Paris Pink, one of eight new $20 Be Legendary Matte Lipsticks, but the…less sane, more irrational part of me doesn’t care! She’ll throw caution to the wind because this light matte pink makes her/me smile. 🙂
It’s warm-toned with yellowish undertones, and it has some depth to it, which makes it a little easier to wear than, say, your average pale pastel pink (it’s hard for me to pull those off without looking like Nikki Minaj on a REALLY bad day).
As a color, I think Paris Pink is much easier to wear. Flattering, even.
Oh, sure, it latches onto my flakey-flakes (LIKE BIG TIME, YO), but such is life when you’re a textured-lipped lady who likes wearing mattes on occasion.
Smashbox Be Legendary Matte Lipstick in Paris Pink: Tell me more!
- Paris Pink is one of eight unscented, unflavored shades in the new Smashbox Be Legendary Matte Lipstick Line.
- The formula is a little on the thick side, and you probably won’t be able to rub your lips back and forth when you wear it (reminds me of MAC’s mattes).
- It’s hella pigmented.
- If I’m not eating or drinking anything and just hanging out, it lasts on my lips five or six hours (I do have to reapply it after a meal).
- The formula isn’t exactly moisturizing, but it’s not particularly drying either. It’s just…fine in terms of hydration.
- This one, Paris Pink, photographs well, but it will grab any flakes on my lips and settle into my vertical lip lines when I don’t prep properly beforehand by exfoliating and/or moisturizing with a lip balm.
PRICE: $20, and one of eight colors in the line
AVAILABILITY: Available now online and at Smashbox counters, Nordstrom, Ulta and Sephora
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B/B+
The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency
Good morning and happy Tuesday! It’s a brisk, windy day here in Northern California. Where did my warm weather go? I was hoping to do some very scientific (OK, not) testing of MAC Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation today by the pool, but that definitely ain’t happening.
Funny how things change… When my brother and I were kids, we never cared how cold it was. If there was a body of water around, we’d go swimming in it, no matter what. Now, if it’s colder than bath water, I peace out, LOL!
Anyways…I keep meaning to tell you about a show on HBO I’m addicted to called No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency.
I know, it sounds kind of cray from the title, but it’s really good! It’s based on a series of books by Alexander McCall Smith.
It takes place in the country of Botswana in Southern Africa. The main character operates a private detective agency in Gabrone, the capital of Botswana, which is still basically a very small rural town. She’s played by Jill Scott (yup, the singer), who’s very charming in the role. I just started watching it one afternoon without really knowing anything about it and was quickly sucked in!
There’s the mystery angle…which keeps you hooked (whodunit?!), but the whole community and the characters keep me coming back for more. I really feel the love that the characters have for their hometown.
Unfortunately, the show only lasted one season (I’ve been watching it on HBONow), but it’s easy and light, like a well-done Hallmark movie. Give it a chance sometime. I think it’s really good!
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Kiss & Make-up says
I have this one and it looks much… I dunno… more Nicki Minaj on me! Not in a bad way though, but on you it looks softer somehow!
Debra says
Paris Pink – great name! But I can’t do warm-toned pink (Bobbi Brown Pale Mauve is the bomb for me).
I kinda think having texture goes with having fuller lips. Such a problem!
Yes, it is too chilly out there. I’m back into the flannel nightshirt, the one with the white sheep and occasional black sheep (c’est moi!).
A 1-season HBO show might be a sign of quality!
Agata says
I think it looks pretty nice on you but I think it would be too light on me. I like bolder pinks as of now!
I got a sample of that Mac Pro-longwear Waterproof foundation at the counter on Friday and I have worn it only once so far (not by the pool, lol) but I really like it!
Erin says
It looks so different in the tube!
Stephanie says
Yep, from now on I’m a textured-lipped lady.
My BFF had me read The Number 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency a few years ago. I think it’s what got me hooked on rooibos tea, ha!
Pavithra says
Yeah, where did that warm weather go? I’m really kicking myself for not bringing a warm scarf along to work 😐
I love this entire look on you – this is something I wish I could pull off but never in a million years can.
Tracy says
The color looks great on you! I have yet to find my perfect pink lippie. My lips have also been quite dry lately (maybe the change in the weather) and I’m a grab and go kinda gal so anything that I need to “prep” my lips for is out for me. I exfoliate when I can and apply my beloved aquaphor before bedtime but I’d rather not think about the state of my lips before rushing out the door for work.
gio says
It looks great on you! But I’m not sure I could pull it off. This kind of shade makes me look… odd.
Rachel R. says
I like it! Pastel, but not super-white based.
Allison C says
Love that shade on you, Karen, but I know it’s too pale for me! I also love your salmon-color top 🙂 I started reading the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency a few years ago, and then I don’t know what happened to it. I should pick it up again this summer. Wish I had HBO, would love to see the series, but my cable bundle is impossible as it is 😉
Holly says
I have a matte lippie from Rimmel which I adore & yet I don’t ear it as often as I like because I have the same lip problem! I exfoliate, moisturize, drink water all day long, & I still flake. What is up with that?? Anyway, it’s great to know that there are lippies available that are a bit kinder to those of us with Textured Lip Syndrome!
Kwmechelle says
” Like Nikki Minaj on a REALLY bad day…” There’s a joke in there somewhere, but I digress. Lol! Yes to the show you mentioned. I’ve never seen it but now I must take a look-see, obvs! That pink looks quite pretty. As much as I love color, I’m totally here for nude lips. Unfortunately, my lips are dry as well so this one might be no Bueno 🙁
Karen says
I like to imagine her on a rampage. That’s how I look with certain pastel lipsticks, HAHAHA! #truth
Nude lips are the BEST. I think half the lipsticks I lug around with me are some sort of nude shade. I hope they never go out of style!
How was your day? I’m just about finished with some writing so now I’m going to do some office cleaning.
Kwmechelle says
Hi, friend! Busy day for me. In fact, it was so busy until I didn’t wear any makeup! #tragic I got my brows threaded over the weekend so I just filled them in slightly today & that was it. But the important thing is that I had my cup of coffee! #priorities I’m actually planning to play in makeup tonight to recreate a look I saw on the ‘Tube. It’s a shimmery, sparkly blue buffed out with some neutral mattes & navy blue. It looks kinda like the halo eye (don’t know if that makes sense?) but I was totally digging it & decided to try something different. If I like it, I’ll wear it out in public…lol! It’s a bit complex because the dark shadows are placed in the outer v & in the inner corner of the eyes. I’ve never done anything like it but I’m trying to advance my skills. Yay for office cleaning. Put on some loud music & dance around while you clean. Makes cleaning way more fun (and when you’re done you can come to my place and clean. We can dance to Janet Jackson & Lauren Hill- though I gotta confess I won’t be much help in the cleaning department. I prefer dancing 😉
Karen says
I can totally picture the look in my head. That kind of placement is very pretty — I love the spotlight in the center. It can also make eyes look even bigger! Send me a pic when you’re done.
OK, so now El Hub is trying to get me out of the office and out to dinner and then to Sephora. Who am I to say no to a cute boy, food and makeup? Maybe cleaning won’t be happening today…
P.S. Will you be doing false lashes with your look? It sounds dramatic enough to carry a pair.
Kwmechelle says
Then that settles it. YOU MUST GO! Cute boy+ food+makeup = why are we having this convo?! Duty calls & you MUST answer. Sounds like you have a sweet man. And he has his priorities (and your’s) in order. I hadn’t thought about adding falsies but I do love me some bat wings (that’s what I call them!). I’ll send a pic if I can capture a cute one with my iPhone camera aka “we’ll press the button and see how this goes.” Have MAJOR fun. And, umm, your readers enjoy pics of your dining out escapades. 😉
Karen says
Put on those bat wings!
Oh, and here’s some background music for you. It’s this TLC song that I’m obsessed with.
Kwmechelle says
Gurl!!!!!!! THAT song! THAT movie!!!! THAT girl band!!!! Give me a moment….I’m about to start the “ugly” cry!! TLC is still THE girl group to top, although the 90’s had some awesome girl groups, in my opinion. I loved everything about them. “Scrubs” was my anthem. And I still own a pair of overalls (did I just say that out loud?). Fun fact: my girls & I may have dressed up like this group one year in school for school pictures, though no one can find said picture as evidence 😉
MJ says
Have to comment on the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. I saw it a few years back and I am still wishing Jill Scott and Noni Rose (can’t remember her full name) would be back. I think the Producer lost the rights for more shows. Some complicated reason which still translates to “Too bad for us who are addicted!”
Fancie says
You pulled this off nicely! I wouldn’t touch it with a 10 foot pole though lol. This would look a chalky mess on me. Le sigh. I hate having dry lips with lots of fine lines. Even if I can make the color work my lips never want to cooperate lol
Zovesta says
I know this isn’t about the lipstick, but I just wanna say that I LOVE the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency! I’ve seen all the episodes and my parents read all the books. It’s so much fun! Redbush tea is good, btw.