A slick of luxurious tinted balm on the lips seems to be my makeup “thing” at the moment. Perhaps because I look a bit tired and washed out au naturel, but also – and this is probably more to the point – because it makes me feel as though I’ve made a bit of an effort when I have made absolutely no effort whatsoever.
I like the juicy, plumping effect of a tinted balm; not quite the optical illusion of lip fullness that a good gloss can give, but definitely more pillowy than a velvet finish lipstick. Or – God forbid, if you’re after a cheeky bit of faked volume – a pigment-fuelled matte.
Laura Mercier’s Lip Parfait in Rive Gauche is a beautiful nude, just slightly warmer than my natural lip colour. I have done a before and after comparison because it is so natural – sort of a “my lips but a bit nicer” shade  – and you might just think what the hell, she’s not wearing any lipstick! if I don’t show you my bloodless, three-hours-a-night-sleep “before” lips. Here you go:
Just a hint of sheen, an evenness to the tone and a juicy, moisturising texture. This kind of product is never going to be the kingpin in a makeup look – it’s more of a background player – but it is sophisticated and foolproof. If you’re looking for a bit more colour but the same kind of hydrating, plumptious texture then take a look at the By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Balm I wrote...