MY TOP RED LIPS (THAT HAPPEN TO BE CRUELTY-FREE)

I’ve been meaning to do this post for a few months now and typically, it now looks like Valentines content but for me: a red lip is all year round! Funnily enough, I never wore lipstick until a few years ago, I never felt it suited me and as I like to wear eyeliner and need glasses, according to a lot of the style and beauty dos and don’ts, a red lip would be too much. Obviously I have since discovered that’s nonsense and it has become almost my uniform – often even the first thing I’d reach for before mascara! As a mum, especially, I find it makes me feel done without much effort, which is the key to my beauty routine.

I’ve worn a few of the same ones over the years (namely Bobbi Brown crushed lip in ‘Sunset’ which has a lovely orangey hue to it) so thought this would encourage me to try some others. And I thought if I was going to call some in to shoot, then I’d go cruelty-free. I have picked a few which I feel are the best, in terms of colour, consistency, longevity but also pricepoints.

First up: Fenty Beauty Stunna lip paint in ‘Unattached’. This is probably my top one from this edit – personally I love the colour, it has a bright pop to it that I often miss in reds – it really lifts the complexion. It has a wet consistency, so it’s a good idea to air the ‘nib’ before applying but it dries super matte and STAYS (you’ll need a steady hand, though).

Next is ‘Rich Red’ by e.l.f. I’d seen this brand before and loved the lip pencil when I tried it, it’s a buildable colour which I like and it goes on like a lovely lipbalm, even thought it’s matte it’s really moisturising. This shade is quite a rich, darker berry red which I’d wear for a fancier occasion but the consistency lends itself to everyday. When I found out it was £4.50 I almost fell off my chair. I can’t recommend a lipstick worth the money more – plus it’s 100% vegan.

New brand on the block, vegan and cruelty-free Milk makeup has great packaging but it’s also good stuff AND it’s on sale reduced to £11 (from £22) on Cult Beauty. Sadly, the colour I tried ‘OG red’ is no longer available in the UK (it was available when I tested, promise!) but ‘Name Drop’ is another great alternative and the texture is the same. Definitely a brand to watch.

Lastly, I was going to share a Topshop lipstick (‘Tern’ is a great warm orange if you can find!) but it seems to have sold out completely online and with no sign of coming back (the beauty tab is gone from the website completely) so I’m hesitant to share at the moment. We filmed an IGTV showing the shades a bit closer, you can view it here:

Extra links:

Reusable cotton wool pads: Leave No Trace via Etsy (sustainably made).

Make-up remover: Botanics (vegan).