Today is International Kissing Day, so it’s a good time to talk about lipstick!
I own probably close to 100 lipsticks, but I have a clear favorite. Although I am not a big fan of mattes, I have fallen in love with a hybrid, a satin matte.
My favorite lipstick is Tarte The Lip Sculptor. I’ve written about it previously here. It’s a double-ended tube with a lipstick bullet at one end, and a matching/coordinating lipgloss at the other end.
- The lipstick goes on smooth with no tugging whatsoever. It feels rather luxurious, in fact. It covers in one swipe. The bullet has a contoured shape that makes it so easy to apply my lipstick perfectly. It has a somewhat creamy feeling, and it’s lightly hydrating especially after application. Tarte describes it as a satin matte finish. It looks matte-ish, but it doesn’t look dry. I find that it lasts for about 4 hours or so if I don’t eat a meal. As it wears away or if I eat something with oil or eat more than, say, an hors d’oeuvre, it leaves behind some color on my lips.
- The lipgloss is lightweight, and it’s not sticky. It gives the lipstick a nice glossy finish when worn on top. Worn on its own, it is opaque. It’s not as thick and super shiny as my favorite gloss from Anastasia Beverly Hills, but it’s still a very nice gloss that gives a subtle shine.
- Both the lipstick and gloss contain: coconut oil for moisture, marajuca – with essential fatty acids and vitamin C for smoothing and hydration, and vitamin E – an antioxidant and natural preservative
The Lip Sculptor comes in 16 shades. I own 3 of them: Sass (mauve), Voltage (light peachy pink), Harlequin (red) (see above photo). Sass is the one I wear most often. I love it. It’s a great everyday shade. The full size Lip Sculptors are priced at $24. Mine last seem to last forever.
Holiday 2017 Limited Edition Lip Luxuries
During the holidays, Ulta sold a limited edition, Tarte Lip Luxuries, Lip Sculptor Set. The set, priced at $34, is made up of 5 smaller size Lip Sculptors. I can’t seem to find the exact size of these mini-Sculptors, but they appear to be about half to 2/3 the size of the regular Lip Sculptor.
The plastic cases of the lipstick portion of the mini-Sculptors are decorated with colorful, Moroccan-inspired patterns. They’re very pretty. Like the full size Sculptor, the gloss portion is clear so the gloss shade is visible.
The 5 limited edition shades are 3 neutrals and 2 reds:
- quest: deep peachy pink
- trinket: mauve/raisin
- gem: lighter peach
- pride: true red
- bangle: deep vampy red.
Though this five shade kit is no longer available at Ulta stores, they appear to be available at QVC at a slight discount from what I paid, $31.86, and at Ulta.com for the regular price $34. In addition, the 5 shades have different names but are very close to colors that are offered in full size tubes. If you’re looking for an alternative to drying matte lipsticks, I recommend the Lip Sculptors.
The Lip Sculptors are formulated without parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfates, or gluten. Tarte is cruelty-free.
Here I am wearing Quest.
Have you tried Tarte Lip Sculptors? What’s your favorite lipstick?
I love Tarte – it may be my favorite cruelty free brand!
I understand feeling that way!
It’s great that you found a favorite brand. At one time I thought that Tom Ford, even with ridiculous prices, was my favorite but when my lipsticks started turning I’ve changed my mind.
Really? Tom Ford lipsticks turn? At that price, I would be seeing red!
If I promise myself NOT to buy any in the berry or plum family I am going to try one of these!!
Sandy, I hope you get this reply. Tarte is having their 25% Friends & Family Sale now, and it was supposed to end at midnight, but they’ve extended it by 3 more hours. Sometimes, if they extend it once, they’ll extend it again so check tomorrow morning since you probably have gone to sleep! I think the Lip Sculptor is a stand out lipstick and gloss combo. With 16 combos to choose from, I’m sure you will find something that isn’t a berry or plum that you think will suit you. I don’t know if you do red, but they some good ones. Same with peachy shades and nudes. LMK if you find anything.
The packaging on these lippies is so adorable, that’s why I’m always tempted by Tarte.
I agree – I love this Moroccan design. But the formula is so wonderful that I keep coming back for more of these.
These look absolutely gorgeous! Your description of the formula makes me want to try one of them!
Allison, you know how much I love these. I’m surprised the holiday kit is still available.
I was surprised too! In fact, I had to revise my post when I saw via Shopstyle that you could still buy them! I adore this set. They’re just the right size.