little white truths

This lipstick is currently on my Project Pan list and it's gotten to the point that I'm ready to declutter it. Reason being, it doesn't wear well and it also travels outside lip lines - plus it's such a bright colour so it's not very easy to wear.

Indeed, I'm getting to the point in my makeup life where I'm more prepared to send things to other homes (especially when something was a GWP, as this was) - and I have so many other things to pan that I would prefer to put my focus on items that I find easier to use.

Do note from the outset that I've done some research into these products and it seems that some of the shades perform better than others.

This shade in Free Spirit is one of the colours that others complain about, so it looks as though you can find some good lipsticks in the range - it's just that this isn't one of them. This is the only one I've tried, so I personally can't speak to the rest of them.

NYX claims/product details:

• Amp up your look 
• Infused with vibrant colour and a super-rich finish
• A creamy, shiny and extremely pigmented lipstick
• Available shades: 22
• From chic nudes to deep vampy hues, these lightweight and creamy lipsticks glide on effortlessly
• Leaves lips with a kiss of shine and high-impact colour
• RRP $11.95 AUD for 2.5g, but do shop around

There's the bullet, direct sunlight:

Natural light:

 My bare lips for reference:

Wearing the lipstick, direct sunlight:

Indirect sunlight:

Verdict

I've had a lot of luck with NYX products over the years, but unfortunately this lipstick doesn't work for me so I can't recommend it. But as mentioned above, apparently not all the shades in this line are created equal - so you may be able to find ones that work for you.

It's a lightweight, creamy product with a faint sugary scent. It applies well and delivers great pigment with one swipe on each lip, and it also feels comfortable to wear. Indeed, it's hydrating enough that I don't need to wear a balm underneath it if I don't want to.

I have a few issues with this lipstick, which is why I've decided to declutter it (I'm about halfway through it): it's too hard to work with, it needs babysitting, and of course, life's too short.

First, it emphasises my lip lines. Badly. It's a little hard to see that in the photos above due to the light, but it doesn't look good on and I'm someone who wants flattering lip products as much as I want hydrating ones. My lips are dry and I'm 38: it comes with the territory.

Second, it doesn't wear well. Yes I expect my lipstick to come off on my coffee cup, but this one comes off badly and it doesn't fade evenly. I can live with transfer but I can't live with a patchy outcome.

Third, it travels outside my lip lines. This isn't a good thing for any lip product but it's especially bad when the colour is this bright. I mean, not only does it travel outside my natural lines, but it also travels into vertical creases and swims up them like channels. Blurgh.

Overall I don't like this product and I can't recommend it. While I normally love a good orange (and I do like the colour), this one doesn't perform well so I'm removing it from my Project Pan list today and focusing my attentions elsewhere.

Not for me.