A Real Lip Lift

This lipstick balm is the pick-me-up your face needs right now

Hello, Gorgeous!

I was at a family event last night when my cousin Bella said “Here. Eat some garlic bread,” and shoved the basket at me.

“Is it good?” I asked.

“Not particularly. It’s only half baked.”

“Then why should I eat it?” (as I gently pushed the basket back her way).

“Because,” Bella responded, “If you eat the garlic bread too, I won’t be self-conscious about my garlic breath anymore.”

Believe it or not, that was a total a-ha moment for me. Bella didn’t care if I enjoyed the garlic bread or not, she just didn’t want to feel self-conscious about being the only one with swamp breath.

Along those lines, if we all gave up on even pretending to look cute this winter, it would be a relief, wouldn’t it? I mean sure, let’s all keep putting on makeup for Zoom crushes, but I feel like we need or deserve some time off from makeup. Or at least a compromise between a full face of the stuff and a little enhancement. Here’s a great compromise in the form of a tinted lip balm that’s actually a lipstick - and vice versa.

Colleen Rothschild Hydrashine Lipstick Balm

First off, I honestly can’t count just how many lip balms I already own. That said, this one is different. You already know how obsessive I can get about product ingredients. This one contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump, peptides to promote collagen production, shea butter to soothe and condition, vitamin E as a reparative antioxidant, and marula oil to support skin barrier. Or at least that’s the supporting product copy. Though these are some primo ingredients.

Here’s what I noticed - my lips were softer and shinier and even the slightest bit poofier. You know what else I noticed? The proverbial pop of color. The subtle pinky glowiness lit up my face. I applied with no primer or lip liner since I wanted to see how it looked on its own. Very. Very. Pretty. I like it!

The colors in the line are inspired by Rothschild’s travels. My fave color in the collection is Bisou Bisou described as a “pinky mauve” and also “a classic dusky rose that captures the charm of Paris, embodying the essence of a kiss and epitomizing the elegance and timeless romance of the City of Love.” Um. Okay. I thought this was more of a faded neon rose, because it shone so beautifully but also had that sheer balm effect. And also more color than balm. Still with me? Also, I’ve spent a whole lotta time in Paris and this lip product is more Emily in Paris than the Paris most of us knew and loved. It’s gorgeous though. I am in love with this product and color.

One tiny caveat: The product is touted as being buildable, but I felt like it got a bit too mushy when I attempted more layers. That didn’t bother me much though since it’s so flattering overall ($28, colleenrothschild.com).

Image credit: colleenrothschild.com

Incidentally, if you feel your wintery lips are too chapped or ragged for a sheer lip look, start with the Sugar Lip Scrub made with brown sugar, shea butter, jojoba oil and vitamin E. It’s like a tiny spa treatment for your kisser ($26, colleenrothschild.com).

So should we give up the ghost of even pretending to look cute this winter or are we still all in? Let’s meet in the comments to discuss!

Rachel, Your beauty concierge 💋

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Quick note: I included some affiliate links and from time to time some sponsored products which means I might earn a small commission on sales made through these links, but I also throw in stuff I love just because. Prices are current at publish time.