Lipstick transforming power (or Maquillage Lip Essence Ex)

I figured that it was time to look at one of the basic topics of my blog, which is, looking at the not-so-standard makeup. Actually, that sounds a bit odd, because when I venture to look at Japanese brands, I am pretty sure that, at least, millions of females have been applying them daily. But, when I say not-so-standard, I mean the not so very publicised brands (such as *cough* MAC, nothing wrong with MAC, but I see them sooo much on beauty blogs).

My regular readers have probably figured out that I am not that very content with the shape of my mouth. Moreover, to complain a bit more, I think that the vertical lines in my lips themselves are too deep. That means that lipsticks that behaves properly on 'normal' lips are often not that flattering on me.

Since Japanese brands are often very innovative and also aim to create a natural looking, kawaii, mouth, I have good luck with most brands/textures and shades, because they seem to blur the vertical lines in my lips and slightly give the illusion of dewy, youthful lips. Big bonus! Lately, Western cosmetic brands such as Christian Dior has been issuing some versions of the dewy lipstick/lipbalm hybrid as well: they often look flattering on me too.

But but but, I have a couple of lipsticks I bought online (blind) and they are too matte, too thick or too dry...no offense to the makers of them...it is just that I do not have Scarlett Johanson type of lips that can pull of anything. I have, unfortunately, a mature mouth.

So, this is where my review starts (finally, LOL). I have been wearing Maquillage Lip Essence Ex on a regular base since a couple of months, and it has been such a lifesaver for several kinds of lipsticks.

First, when I received it, after reading some fabulous reviews on Fuzkitty and Lotuspalace, I thought it was lacking its promise. I expected a product that would function as a kind of Urban Decay Primer Potion type of product for lips: that is, a product that attaches the colour to the mouth. Maquillage Lip Essence felt too gloss-like...it sheered out the original colour of the lipstick...couldn't I just apply a random gloss and have the same effect?

After trying it a couple of times, comparing it with actual lipgloss-as-a-primer, and wearing it with the more-matte lipsticks, I found its purpose for me: TRANSFORMER LIPSTICK SAVER...

Pictures sometimes say more than words...

First, I did a swatch on the pale innerarm again. I kind of overapplied the gloss, so my apologies about the messiness.

Looking a bit closer: you can see the tiny shimmery parts inside. I see some reddish pigments and blueish pigments. It looks like a shimmering ocean...

Further on, it feels moisturizing on the lips. It is absolutely not sticky, but is different from an average lipbalm, who does not seem to hold the colour in such an extend.

It is, therefore, a wonderful buy for those who have lips who feel the need for a bit of the diffusing act. It also looks wonderful on the ones with perfect lips (yes, you Fuzkitty and Kathi from Lotuspalace).

It does not come cheap, but what does come cheap these days? I bought mine for appr. $23 on adambeauty, but they seem to be out of stock of it now. Another option is to buy it for $24.99 at Facial-shop.com. It is also available at gooddealer.com, ichibankao.com, bobodave.com, and probably on ebay as well. It is the one in the pinkish, white tube, and NOT the Pure Lip Base.