The new Triple Tone Lipstick from Smashbox is such an excellent idea on the face of it: three lipstick shades in one bullet, arranged from dark to light so that they create an instant ombré effect on your lips. A dark, punchy lip-line graduating to a lighter, plumping shade on the fullest part of the lips, it’s seems like a very quick and convenient way to make a bold makeup statement. I can’t say that I’ve ever wanted to ombré my lips, or any other part of me for that matter, but the imagery on the marketing paraphernalia looked so enticing, so graphic and visually pleasing, I had to give it a go.

The idea behind application is that you simply swipe on and then pat to blend out any harsh lines. Personally, I think that patting to blend makes the whole thing slightly pointless – if I’m applying three shades then I want some sort of evidence that I’ve done so. (“LOOK AT ME! I’M CRAZY AND EXPERIMENTAL, ME!”) It’s a bold look, so why not be bold" At any rate, Smashbox make absolutely beautiful lipsticks, and as the texture of the Triple Tone is buttery and gorgeous, the three shades blur into one another slightly anyway. So I would say no need to pat. But pat away if that’s what you want to do.
I’ve been distracted by the patting thing, but that’s not the real issue at hand. It’s the actual application of the colour that we need to talk about. Because applying to the top lip is eas...