I received an interesting email from reader, Tuti quite recently. Here’s an excerpt with her question:-
Ohya, just an idea and I am so curious, maybe you can raise up the issue like: how many girls out there do really finish their lipstick and how many lipstick is enough? I think this is an interesting topic, especially for the group “lipsticks bandits”
Ah, Lipstick Bandits and fellow readers, have we got a conundrum on our hands!
What do you reckon your answer to Tuti’s question is? As for myself, its going to be tough questions to answer! LOL! But I’ll try. (If lipsticks aren’t your thing, weigh in anyway with your thoughts on lipgloss if that’s what you prefer 
)
Q1: Do I ever finish using my lipsticks?
Well, yes I have. This was back in the day when I’d only have 1 lipstick, or at maximum, 2. The ones I would regularly finish were initially by Maybelline and then by Kanebo T’estimo. These days, I’d be lucky to make a dent in any of them and its been the case ever since my collection started growing. I used to buy quite a few each time from warehouse sales so that was the start of a slippery slope 
The one lipstick I’ve been using a lot of, and which I keep in my bag at all times is Dior Addict Icone. Its a very versatile colour that I use for touch ups or when I forget to apply lip colour (yes it happens) and I love my Dior Addict lipsticks. Yet look, this is about all I’ve managed to use so far!
Icone is on the left and Incognito is on the right to give you an idea of what a newish tube of a similar lipstick looks like. Hardly made a dent in it. Yet, its an achievement to even get it down that far Red lipsticks are worse. I wear them a lot, but the deeper and brighter colours are less wearable daily so those are barely used.
Q2: How many lipsticks does a girl need?
Ahem! You mean me? Ok I’ve lost count of how many I own. The answer I would give is “A Lot” because I have one for every occasion or tone LOL!
But as for how many a girl really “needs”, I’d say maybe 2 – one bright creamy colour for impact (think Red), and a lighter textured rose or pink or whatever colour gives you a brighter outlook, or that “My lips but better look”, for daily wear. A slick of lipstick can help you look a little more polished and brighten up your complexion in a jiffy 
So that’s my answers to Tuti’s questions. How about you?
Have you ever finished a lipstick? How many lipsticks do you think a girl really needs? One? Two? Many?
xx Paris B
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I too must admit I can’t finish a lipstick these days and have far more than I needed to. Actually, some even look alike but I’d need a bit more than 2 in my bag. Definitely a red, a pink-ish faded color for everyday, a bright pink and a dark one! Maybe 4 were needed! The rest are lust, I think… x)
Twitter: paris_b
August 4, 2012 at 12:57 pm
teehee… I have so many similar colours and yet, we can always find a nuance in each to justify the purchase right? Ah women
A girl should have as many lipsticks as she wants. Lipstick economy!
And yep, I’ve managed to finish quite a few lipsticks in my day. That includes lipbalm and lip glosses too. I’m lucky in a way a lot of them are given to me as gifts and they’re really colours that I love so it’s easy to finish them
LeGeeque recently blogged…It’s My Cake Day!
Twitter: paris_b
August 4, 2012 at 12:57 pm
Yay for the lipstick economy! I read its now overtaken by the nail polish economy but since I’m not affected by that, I’m sticking to the lipstick one
I guess you’re just diligent about reapplying. I get so lazy! 
need? thinking in terms of shades here: probably 1 red, 1 coral, 1 rose, 1 berry, 1 pink and 1 mlbb nude-ish shade for me!
want? as many as my wallet will allow me to
i must admit though, ever since i started following beauty blogs my collection has grown a little too quickly and i have yet to even make a dent on any of them, which is pretty bad habit. but but but.. a girl can never have enough lipsticks!
germs recently blogged…Estee Lauder says Every Woman can be Beautiful (but you’ll need $120 first)
Twitter: paris_b
August 4, 2012 at 12:59 pm
Haha my collection grew out of hand when I used to go to warehouse sales and pick up Dior lipsticks at 3 for RM100. They don’t do it anymore but its how I cut my teeth on one of the best and never looked back! Naturally, trying to buy a full priced one really kicks me in the gut
But you’re right. A girl can never have (and should never have) too many lipsticks 
I have only once finished a YSL Gloss Volupte called Iced Lychee and that was a looooong time ago. As for how many lipsticks a woman should have, as many as she wants. I gave up trying to use up a lipstick before buying a new one because when I buy I almost never limit myself to one shade. I’m terrible.
Twitter: paris_b
August 4, 2012 at 12:59 pm
If I had to limit my purchases to using one up first, I think I”d never buy anymore. Ah well, whatever makes us happy yes?
Love posts like this
As for how many lipsticks does a girl need? As many as she wants! How many do I have? TOO MANY – and never enough!
Twitter: paris_b
August 4, 2012 at 1:00 pm
HAHA Someday, Yani we have to see your collection, especially the REDS!
Twitter: HannyiNefMor
July 31, 2012 at 9:36 am
I think the number is relative to the girl. I have about 30ish at last count. I will probably have more soon hahahaha!!! But yes a girl needs a bright shade and a MLBB one.
Hanny Daforcena recently blogged…Neon FOTD No. 3: Neon Sunset
Twitter: paris_b
August 4, 2012 at 1:00 pm
Wow 30ish is a big number! But naturally not big enough right?
A girl needs at LEAST 3! One red based, one pink based, and one peach based! haha!
There needs to be one for every outfit, no?
In my lifetime, I’ve only ever finished 4-5 lipsticks. It’s crazy, too many lipsticks now! And all thanks to you, PB!
Twitter: paris_b
August 4, 2012 at 1:00 pm
Oops! I’m a bad influence right? >.<
Twitter: ChloeAsh
July 31, 2012 at 9:57 am
The only lipstick I ever finished was a sheer red by Kanebo T’estimo. The texture was lovely and I died a little when it was discontinued. Who would’ve thought I’d have so many lipsticks now I end up giving it to my family and friends? I thought it would be a shame if I hoarded all the lippies and they end up going bad. So, share the joy we shall
Lily recently blogged…Monthend Randomness: Harmless White Lies
Twitter: paris_b
August 4, 2012 at 1:01 pm
Yeah family and friends definitely benefit the most from some of my more impulsive purchases but I don’t think anyone’s complaining!
Twitter: ramenku
July 31, 2012 at 10:07 am
Heh, I agree with germ: I need “1 red, 1 coral, 1 rose, 1 berry, 1 pink and 1 mlbb”, except I don’t really need a rose.
Ironically, I try to use up the colors that I don’t like much – because they are not necessary parts of my stash.
Even then, it takes a year or more to use up a lipstick…
Twitter: paris_b
August 4, 2012 at 1:02 pm
Wow Kuri, if i don’t like a colour, I hardly ever use it and then I end up tossing it or finding it a new home. Good on you for actually using it up
ahh… i’m new with make up to be honest.. i started with ELF lipsticks cos they’re cheap.. then upgraded myself to Revlon, Rimmel.. and now.. Dior. Hehehe! All of them still look brand new to me. LOL. I use lip gloss more often.. but heck.. i buy lipsticks too! LOL!
Twitter: paris_b
August 4, 2012 at 1:04 pm
I love your progression, Lingzy and that’s good taste!
I think I use up more of my lipsticks just by swatching them every so often and admiring how lovely the colors look, haha. The only lip products I finish are tinted lip balms and treatments.
Twitter: paris_b
August 4, 2012 at 1:05 pm
LOL! I thought that’s cute! Do you just swatch them to admire then, Ami?
A girl…can have loads of lipstick because we’re crazy that way! hahahaha I know what you mean, for my personal collection of lipsticks, I can’t finish them at all! I’m not even halfway to most of them! But we, girls, can’t help it!
Nikki recently blogged…This is How I do it: Spot Conceal
Twitter: paris_b
August 4, 2012 at 1:05 pm
Ah yes the curse of being female. More lipsticks than lips!
Well I have finished about 3 lipsticks so far. Its not a major achievement by any means but at least I fully utilised them lol. I reckon the best way to finishing a lipstick is to stick it in whichever bag u are going out with and use them for touchups etc It would help if you could narrow down to the 2 lipsticks you want to finish first. Cos lipsticks are the first to go bad (other than skincare) among other makeup products. And it would not be a great idea to have a few weird smelling lipsticks in the collection
Btw lipglosses are the most difficult to finish up lol
Twitter: paris_b
August 4, 2012 at 1:06 pm
Good on you, Sharon! I always have more or less the same lipstick in my everyday handbag for quick touch ups, even if its not the same colour as the one I walked out of the house in. It can sometimes be quite funny but I guess I don’t touch up enough
Twitter: beetrice
July 31, 2012 at 11:11 am
I think I’ve only ever finished 2 lipsticks in my lifetime – Clinique Tenderheart (OMG why did they discontinue this shade??) and Kanebo T’estimo (the first one I got from you!)…but as to how many a girl really needs, well…
One red, one nude (MLBB), one coral, one mauve, one pink, one rose, one berry…multiply that by matte, creme, glossy and shimmer finishes…so, about 28?
That said, I’ve probably got way too many…but they’re all so purdy!
beetrice recently blogged…Strawberry Park Resort – the best of then and now…
Twitter: paris_b
August 4, 2012 at 1:06 pm
Haha 28 sounds like a good number
For most people maybe 1 or 2, but for us make up addicts maybe 30 at least?!
One night my MIL came into my room and got a glimpse of my lippie drawer and she went “Oh my, you have SO many lipsticks!” She has not seen my nail polish collection yet!
Twitter: paris_b
August 4, 2012 at 1:07 pm
LOL! Better don’t let her see your other collections eh?
30 sounds like a fair number to include one of each colour family and texture 
Twitter: midnight_plue
July 31, 2012 at 12:05 pm
i think i only finish lipbalms and maybe 1 or 2 lipgloss, but never lipsticks.
a girl can never have enough of anything me thinks lol! because that’s a good excuse to go on shopping tee hee
i think Tuti forgot to ask you if you have ever finish your blush, and how many blush does a girl need! hahahaha
Twitter: paris_b
August 4, 2012 at 1:08 pm
Ah I can never finish lip glosses! But then I really don’t use them enough, much less lip balm LOL As for blushes. Erm lets not even go there eh?
I dont think I ever finished a lipstick before..except for lipbalm :p currently im changing my lipcolour every week rather than everyday so i can let myself feel that ”i am using and make full use of my lipstick” and at the same time not make the other lipstick feel left out..me and my liptstick have a weird relationship like that..haha!
Twitter: paris_b
August 4, 2012 at 1:11 pm
Haha I love how you care about your lipsticks’ feelings
A weekly colour change is a good idea – it rotates your lipsticks well and lets you explore new colours too while using them up. Good on you Nikkiz
I categorise mine with the pinks and coral… I stay away from the reds… I got about at least 50 lipsticks… When i notice i dont use a certain ones, i’ll pass it to my sis… She always says…” cantiknye colour nii… Thanx …” … Hihihihi
Twitter: paris_b
August 4, 2012 at 1:12 pm
Ah your lucky sister!
At least its going to someone who will enjoy using it too. Pinks and corals are very pretty colours for lips!
Twitter: theBumblebee92
July 31, 2012 at 12:27 pm
I’m not a lipstick bandit. I can say I have a moderate amount of lipstick. But back in the day when I have only 1 tube of lipstick, I do finished them. And only when I’m finished I bought a new tube. But now I have 7 Dior lipstick, 1 Chanel, 1 Shiseido and 1 Clinique. 10 in total, and yeah, I hardly even halfway done with each of them. Only 1 of the Dior, my fav one, I’m almost finishing it. I guess there is no such thing as too much lipsticks. I’m a perfume collector myself and I definitely won’t ever say that I have too much perfume. If we love to collect it, we just can’t never get enough of it. ^^
Twitter: paris_b
August 4, 2012 at 1:13 pm
Ooh girl, you have some very nice lipsticks in your collection! 7 Dior! Fave brand I’m guessing? hehe… And you collect perfume too! The bottles of some of them are so beautiful. I’d collect just for the bottles myself
LOL, haha, good topic. I do want to post my lipstick collection someday. I am not a lipstick bandit, but oh my gosh, I have a lot, and I can’t seem to stop the collection from growing.
I have never finished a lipstick. My very first, and very second, are only down to half right now. Totally still think my second is like the ultimate holy grail for me (GOSH 82 Exotic).
Definitely agree with you about Dior! MWS turned me into a Dior makeup fan. =PP I so love Holiday, that my tube is actually down slightly more than yours (in the photo shown). I just keep wearing it, and put it in my bag. Due to the sheerness of it, it runs down faster than my other lipsticks in general.
I am that kind who will go out and look for a new colour if there is a special event I need to attend. So I can’t say how many exactly I need. hahaha.
But I guess the most important one is a colour that totally matches your skin no matter what, yet must be a neutral colour that doesn’t makes you out of place no matter the occasion.
Totally agree that the perfect rose (for own skin tone) and perfect red are must-haves.
Twitter: paris_b
August 4, 2012 at 1:14 pm
I think your lipsticks are mating, Jyoan! LOL… Am glad you are enjoying the Dior lipsticks – I personally believe they are among the best in the market and Holiday! That’s a lovely colour. Must agree with you too that a lipstick colour should match our skintone. No point trying something extra daring if its going to clash terribly like me and bubblegum pink!
thanks PB for posting up the question. interesting yah…now i know i am not alone having so many lipsticks, thanks to all beauty blogs out there:) i have finished 2 lipsticks, maybelline & bloom. but now my collection is tooo many, lost count, or i shld say better i don’t count, so i don’t feel guilty.
Twitter: paris_b
August 4, 2012 at 1:16 pm
Thanks for the idea Tuti
Like you, I prefer not to count too. What I don’t know won’t hurt me LOL!
I am late bloomer about lipsticks, I only used lipbalms (colorless and tinted) and lipglosses for a long time. I thought lipsticks were more colorful for my taste (that was before “sheer” entered our life
). In the end, in 2010 I had only one lipstick, my first lipstick (Avon – baby lips, a nice pink color), now I have like a thousand lipstick from both drugstore brands (nivea, maybelline) or high end ones (benefit, clinique). I know that if I stop buying lipsticks today, these lipsticks will be enough for me at least until I’m 40, but I just can’t stop myself 
If I have to choose colors, I would definitely have three: one pink(ish), one coral and one nude color.
Oh by the way, I still can’t use strong colored lipstick, especially red-maroon-cherry colored ones. I’d probably learn to use them one day..
Twitter: paris_b
August 4, 2012 at 1:44 pm
Never too late to wear lipsticks Casey
In the main I will agree with you. Sheer lipstick has been quite revolutionary to introduce the concept of wearing lipstick to the masses. Previously they were all so opaque and thick! I love how you say you have a thousand lipsticks – that’s so cool right? LOL Strong coloured lips will take a bit of practise. In my case, I started out with it because I felt that if I were to wear a lipstick, I might as well look like I was 
There’s no need to have to wear a strong colour but its always nice to have at least one for that special occasion
*Lipstick Bandit furtively sneaking around here* Erm no…have yet to finish a lipstick. Which is quite ridiculous since I run through lipbalms so quickly! But anyways, making good progress on Dior Diorkiss, so maybe we’ll see some results there
As for how many lipsticks a girl needs, if we’re cutting it down to the bare minimum, I’d say 3: a red for special occasions or days when you’re feeling special, an everyday pink/rose, and a nude to go with heavier eye makeup.
Makeup Morsels recently blogged…Empties & Monthly Purchases: 5/21-7/20
Twitter: paris_b
August 4, 2012 at 1:57 pm
Ohai Lipstick Bandit!
I think for us, it would be quite an achievement to make a dent, much less finish a lipstick right? Heaven knows, there’s always another new one waiting around the corner to test or buy teehee…
Haha! As a Lipstick Bandit, I say you need as MANY lipsticks as your heart desires! I think a lipstick is the best way(and sometimes the cheapest way) to change up your look or to just even cheer you up. And really, who cares if you never finish it? As long as you are happy that’s all that matters!
Twitter: paris_b
August 4, 2012 at 1:58 pm
Tracy, you are so right! I use lipstick to change up a look too and really, once you slick on your red lipstick you can almost forget about having to do anything to the rest of your face or outfit – instant glam factor
Twitter: TheBeautySample
July 31, 2012 at 3:11 pm
I have never finished a lipstick before…but then again, I didn’t start wearing lipstick until very recently–and even then, they’re the very sheer formulas from Burberry or Chanel. As far as “how many lipsticks is too many?”–well, I don’t think that is an issue as long as you love them and get joy out of them.
Twitter: paris_b
August 4, 2012 at 1:59 pm
Ooh Burberry – did you get the Lip Mists? I wanted to but am afraid of them melting like Xiao’s or turning bad like my previous one. I have a love-hate relationship with Burberry. Sigh
Twitter: TheBeautySample
August 4, 2012 at 2:03 pm
Oh no–how did Xiao’s melt? And why do you have a love/hate relationship with Burberry? Yes I did get the Lip Mist in Field Rose and I LOVE it. I’ve left it in my car before when it’s been pretty warm and I didn’t have any issues with melting. I LOVE the texture–it’s smooth and buttery soft and the pigmentation is just perfect (for my taste at least)
Twitter: paris_b
August 5, 2012 at 12:06 am
I remember Xiao tweeting a picture a while ago. Her order came in the mail and her Lp Mist was melted. It happened twice I think. For myself, the lipstick I had started smelling funky after less than 6montha. I like Burberry’s blushes but I thought their shadows a bit blah. That said, I’ve since read so many raves about the neutral bar shades I feel I should check them out again! And maybe a lip mist too
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