Sometimes, I think to myself: Michelle, is there any value in writing about lipstick so much?
Short answer, yes.
Long answer, absolutely yes.
Here’s the truth: is writing about lipstick going to change the world as we know it? Probably not.
However, does lipstick make me happy? Could finding the perfect lipstick make you happier day-to-day? Does putting on that perfect brick red lipstick make you feel like Wonder Woman?
Then yeah, writing about lipstick matters. Not everything has to be so serious.
I feel the same way about loving Fall. Every year, when Autumn rolls around, people love to trot out both the “I love Autumn” hats and the “you’re basic if you love Autumn hats.” And here’s the thing: love what you love. Love Harry Potter? Honey, yes! Love lipstick? Baby WORK! Don’t love Harry Potter? That’s cool. What do you like?
We don’t all have to like the same things, but we shouldn’t tear down other people just because they like something we don’t. This is a lesson I’ve learned as I’ve gotten older, for sure, and it’s in play here. For both Autumn and lipstick.
Whew. Now that I got that tangent out of the way, here are my top 5 lipsticks for Fall.
1. Huda Beauty in “Flirt”
I received this liquid lip in my August Ipsy bag; at the time, I wasn’t sure I loved it. And here’s my big “I was wrong” flip flop moment: I kind of love it. By which I mean, I really love it. I started wearing it just to get used to it and then, I was wearing it everyday. It’s one of those lipsticks that people don’t really notice or comment on, but that I find myself spotting my own face in the mirror and thinking, “Wow, girl, you look good.”
Flirt is a cool mocha brown color. I hesitate to say it would work on all skin tones; there might be some tones it might be too cool for, or might appear ashy, but I’m not 100% postive on that. As well, brown isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. However, it gives that cool girl 90s vibe that reminds me of my sister in high school, it lasts all day, and it smells like vanilla. It looks great with a good blush, an understated eye, and a mustard yellow scarf.
2. Wet’n’Wild Liquid Catsuit in “Goth Topic”
Wet’n’Wild’s Liquid Catsuit is one of my favorite liquid lip formulas of all time. And Goth Topic is no exception. Goth Topic is a very, very good (and affordable) dupe for Kat Von D’s “Vampira”, a lipstick I own in both bullet (classic lipstick) and liquid lip. However, the formula of Goth Topic might actually be better than the Kat Von D version. Heresy? Perhaps. But Goth Topic is a dark, almost black-berry color that dries down perfectly, doesn’t get flaky, and is perfect for tromping through the pumpkin patch in your favorite witch attire. I mean, Fall outfit. Which might just be witch attire.
3. Kat Von D Liquid Lipstick in “Nahz Fur Atoo”
Please accept my apologies for not including a Kat Von D lipstick on this list I try my hardest not to promote Kat Von D products, but there are some things that brand has just done right. And Nahz Fur Atoo is one of them. (And yes, before anyone starts, it is Nahz Fur Atoo. The name was changed from Nosferatu at the end of 2016 because the fair use license ran out on the word in Europe.) Nahz Fur Atoo is an almost perfect brick red (at least for me). It also does a pretty decent job staying set for several hours (at least if I’m not eating) and doesn’t smear all over my face. It’s perfect for a bold Fall look, because it is such a classic.
4. Anastasia Beverly Hills in “Catnip”
When I originally started writing this post, I had two Kat von D shades on here. But I started looking for dupes for the second shade I’d chosen and, surprise, it turns out I own it. ABH’s Catnip is a dupe for Kat Von D’s Mother… sort of. I find that Catnip isn’t as bright, but it’s still a lovely “true” pink with a slightly mauve-y, purple undertone. Plus, the ABH formula is amazing and stays all day without being drying, smeary, or worse, disappearing into nothing.
5. Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink in “Visionary”
I debated about including this lipstick: Maybelline isn’t a CF brand, but if you’re looking for an affordable Fall lipstick that is a little more unique, Visionary is where it’s at. Visionary is a soft lavender color. And, warning, it can make your teeth look dingy (so get on the tooth whitening train beforehand if you don’t want to shock yourself in selfies). The SuperStay matte formula is literally one of the best out there: it takes literal scrubbing to get off. This color is gorgeous and way out of my comfort zone, but it is great for an edgy, gothy Fall look.
