With the never-ending choices of lip colors on the market, from nudes to reds, pinks to plums and so on, it can seem like such a daunting task to just find that perfect shade. You know the one I’m talking about – the one that makes people think “what is that lip color she’s wearing? IS she wearing a lip color? I WANT LIPS LIKE HERS!”. THAT, my dears, is known as the YLBB or MLBB (your lips but better or my lips but better) and it seems like it’s almost impossible to find. So I’ve compiled a list of shades from across the board that work on practically ANYONE, from the fairest of the fair, to the deepest, richest skin tones! Let’s get started!
REVLON COLORBURST LIP BUTTER in PINK TRUFFLE ($6/WalMart)
If I were to go in order of favorites, this would totally be my top pick. I have backups upon backups of this shade, for fear that they’ll discontinue it like one of my other faves, Macaroon, and it LOOKS like Fig Jam may be on it’s way out too! *sad face* But this is the perfect rosey-nude that just makes you look like you have gorgeous, perfectly pink, super hydrated and healthy lips. It’s always with me, and it’s one that I don’t even need a mirror to apply or touch up. It’s my ride or die.
ESSENCE LONGLASTING LIPSTICK in BARELY THERE ($3/ULTA)
I don’t know that I believe the ‘long-lasting’ claim for this PARTICULAR shade, but maybe I just can’t tell because it almost perfectly matches my natural lip color. I DO have other shades, like ‘I Am Yours’ and ‘Natural Beauty‘ that do seem to last quite some time, so I’ll give it the benefit of the doubt. However for being a long wearing lipstick, I have to say that it’s VERY comfortable on the lips. You know how some can make your lips feel tight and dry? Yeah, not these. I wouldn’t go as far as to call them MOISTURIZING, but they definitely feel very nice.
RIMMEL LASTING FINISH by KATE MOSS LIPSTICK 08 ($4/drugstore.com)
This is a beautiful dusty rose shade, that’s slightly lighter than my natural lip color, but still a great every day hue. I, personally, haven’t found these to be terribly long lasting, and I would highly recommend prepping your lips by exfoliating and maybe using a light balm underneath, especially if you’re dry because it can apply a little on the clingy side, but I still find this to be one I reach for quite often.
L’OREAL PARIS COLOR RICHE LIP BALM in NOURISHING NUDE ($6/WalMart)
Yet another shade that I have multiple of – this and Tender Mauve – because they’re just THAT amazing. This definitely leans more to the sheer side, because it is, after all, a tinted lip balm. But my oh my is it beautiful. One thing I don’t really love is that the cap seems to be a little on the flimsy side for my liking, and I’ve cracked a few of them along the way. But when I’m having a no makeup day and just need a little hint of tint, these are ALWAYS nearby.
L’OREAL PARIS COLOR RICHE LE GLOSS in REALLY ROSE ($6/WalMart)
I’m gonna call a dupe alert on this one! While I haven’t tried it myself yet, I’ve seen on Pinterest that this shade is a dupe for NARS Dolce Vita lip gloss. And if I can find a good drugstore dupe, you KNOW I’m all over that! If I had a real gripe about these glosses, it’s that they really have very little staying power. But the shade is just gorgeous, like you bit your lips and put a little gloss on (ya know, the old school way). GAWGEOUS!
ALMAY SMART SHADE BUTTER KISS LIPSTICK in NUDE LIGHT/MEDIUM ($6/Target)
These are incredibly similar to the Revlon Colorburst Lip Butters, probably because they’re made by the same company! Right down to the packaging, they’re nearly identical. BUT because Almay took pity on those of us who stand staring at a lipstick display like a deer in headlights, they broke it down to pinks, nudes, berries, and reds according to your skin tone. So light, light medium, and dark all have their own shades of the aforementioned colors. This doesn’t mean you have to stay within those guidelines of course! I fall into the light category, but prefer the shades in the light/medium. They allow your natural lip color to shine through, as they’re a bit more sheer than their Revlon cousins, and more like a balm than a lipstick. But nonetheless, there’s always this shade in my bag!
I really hope this helps you guys! I know for the longest time I was clueless as to how to find that perfect shade, and then I discovered the term ‘YLBB‘ and took to none other than Pinterest! Do YOU have a favorite YLBB? Leave me a comment below!
And don’t forget to follow me on Twitter and Instagram @dlynnesposito.
LOTS OF LOVE AND LIPPIES!
XOXO – Donna
Affordable Gorgeous 