Alright, so “mess” is a bit of a wrong choice of words – “predicament” is more apt 🙂
For our first collaborative post of 2012, the merry band of Lipstick Bandits decided to take a look at either our first lipstick, or a good starter lipstick that might help win all of you over to our side. I originally had a different choice but wasn’t feeling it somehow. Then I spotted Tracy’s bit of advice on Twitter to feature instead the lipstick that made me want more. And suddenly, the ball dropped and I knew just which lipstick I wanted to feature.
Before I present you the culprit that got me into this predicament, I am compelled to tell you that this range has been discontinued. Please don’t pelt me with rotten tomatoes…. they don’t flatter my complexion much 😛 I will however tell you some alternatives to try 🙂
I do remember my very first lipstick – it was a Maybelline Jewel Shine in Jewel Berry and thereafter a Maybelline lipstick in something Berry. I used up at least 3 tubes before I moved on and discovered that I could own and use different lipsticks at the same time 😛
I still wasn’t all that into lipsticks, until one day, I picked up a Kanebo T’estimo lipstick. From the moment I slicked it on, I knew I was in love.
The colours, as are usual in Japanese mainstream cosmetics, are light with shimmer. It isn’t chunky, and you don’t notice it. Its lightweight on the lips, not drying, have no scent, makes my lips look like plumped up pillows and are subtle yet eye catching. For example, this colour is RD-151 (RD = Red) and it is anything but red in the conventional sense.
I still have a few of these babies from their later collections just before they were discontinued as a brand. I hold all lipsticks to this measure now – they must be lightweight, preferably with no or little scent, not drying, be subtle when I want it to be, must have shine and gloss factor and above all, must make my lips look like plump pillows.
Few live up to this measure which might explain why I tend to shy away from some popular brands of lipsticks and prefer others with a similar texture. I do like the lipsticks by Japanese brands but they tend to be pricey. It may not come off very obviously, but I have a very soft spot for Japanese makeup and in my view, they do lipsticks the best of all brands and genres.
For anyone still balking at wearing lipstick, I beg you head to a Japanese brand makeup counter and try one of theirs. Locally, try Kanebo (Lunasol and Kate both do very good lipsticks from different price spectrums) and Shiseido (The Makeup line is good but more mainstream so I’d prefer Maquillage for the more Japanese vibe).
So, if I am picky about the lipsticks I wear, this is why. I cut my teeth on what I felt to be one of the best lipsticks I’d ever known. And I just can’t go back down now 🙂
If Japanese lipsticks don’t do it for you, do check out what the other Lipstick Bandits have to recommend. Knowing them, they’ll probably make me want whatever they’re having 😉
- Arianne (Glitter Geek)
- Dani (Call It Beauty)
- Danielle (Bloomin’ Beauty Blog)
- Jenny (My Funny Valentine)
- Larie (Eye Heart It)
- Makeup Morsels
- Mariella (Musing On Beauty)
- Monika (Rocaille Writes)
- Paris (My Women Stuff)
- Rae (theNotice: a beauty blog)
- Tracy (Beauty Reflections)
- Xiao (Messy Wands)
Do you remember your first lipstick? Which was the lipstick that had you at hello? 🙂 I know not everyone here likes wearing lipstick but as I’ve said, try one from a Japanese brand and see if that changes your mind 🙂
Paris B
Oh my! Testimo! This color is extremely flattering on you. It looks very nice with your top. 😀 I get so giddy whenever you feature Japanese brands for some reason, and especially if you like them! I think Japanese lipsticks are getting better and better, since the trend seems to be for opaque ones now. I feel naked these days without lipstick!
Ahh I love T’estimo Peach! I’m so upset that they were discontinued because I love their shadows too. Coffret D’or just doesn’t cut it for me, although I hear its being discontinued soon so now I look to Lunasol. Japanese lipsticks are awesome already, and you’re right. They are getting more pigmented which is more internationally appealing than before. I do still like the shine they have though. Its something you don’t get in many Western brands 🙂
my first lipstick was a Revlon Superlustrous, but I can so feel the love for that T’estimo lippie cos I’m still loving mine after so long! right now I’m probably looking for the next HG lippie (the search never ends..), but getting more adventurous with colours along the way thanks to the Red Lip Queen *wink*
T’estimo lipsticks are the best ever! 😀 Glad you’re breaking out of your mould – I seem to be stepping away from red myself. *gasp* how can? 😛
I think my first lipstick was from Avon or Wet and Wild … I can’t remember which one made me want for more because from the beginning I already love lipsticks because I love changing colors on my lips … 🙂
Yay for loving lipsticks Issa! I was never into lipglosses like most because of the sticky factor, so I just went straight for lipsticks 😀
That’s a real sweet color! I think mine was Maybelline or some drug-store brand. It coulda been Lakme too which is a famous brand from India. I do remember going for a horrid dark brown color though. Those were such silly times, haha.
I’ve actually heard a lot about Lakme but we don’t get it here do we? And I totally feel you on the colour part. I used to wear frosty lipsticks in a pale berry or maybe even pink. I looked like the walking dead and I thought I was looking good *facepalm*
I got a few Testimo lippies at their warehouse sale in Damansara Uptown a couple of years back. Imagine boxes stacked full of white tubes of lipsticks and you get the idea… lipstick heaven! 🙂
I have the same lipstick as you (just taken out of storage, sitting on my desk now) but in BE-164 (BE = beige). Now that I’ve taken out all the Testimo’s to look at… I feel like using them all over again. Starting tomorrow! 😀
Yes! Get to it – and I miss those warehouse sale days too 😀 You know what else I love about the T’estimo lippies? That the Beige range did not make me look washed out the way regular beige or “nude” lipsticks do! I love Japanese lipsticks for that 😀
Oh yes! My first lipstick from my mommy, Japanese brand too, RMK! 😀
Err, you lose a bit of weight did you? (Apologies for asking something out of this topic) Or maybe something is wrong with my eyes today @_@
Yay for Japanese brands and no, no weight lost boo hoo! 😛 I wouldn’t lose it on my face anyway, destined to have a chubby face (that hopefully will age better 😉 )
Now you made me remember my Testimo lipsticks, my first lipstick love! I used to go down to the counters regularly to check on new colours & I never go home with less than 2 new ones. 🙂
T’estimo lipsticks were the best! To a degree, they all tended to look a little similar after a spell, but their colours were always easy to wear and suited everyone. I miss them and their eyeshadow palettes!
Oooh this lippie’s so familiar. I think you gave me a Testimo lippie once, a long time ago! 😛
Why, I believe I did! 😛 Very nice right? 😀