#BigLipstickEnergy: The Best Lip-and-Cheek Products
Because who doesn't love a 2-in-1?


I'm a serial lipstick dater. So many lip products slide onto my desk. Some I double-tap and have all the heart eyes for. Others I ghost and leave on seen. This is #BigLipstickEnergy, an honest breakdown of how I feel about the latest lip launches. Read on for the three lipstick flings I'm keeping in rotation for now. Next week, I'll have a new roster.
THE DETAILS: Made with mango butter, avocado and apricot oil, this lip and cheek stick makes blending feel like an absolute breeze. All it takes is a few swipes, depending on the depth of pigment you're going for, to achieve a beautiful berry flush. What's even better is that no brush is required. Simply glide this onto your lips and cheeks and use the warmth of your fingertips to work it into the skin. WHY I'M OBSESSED: Besides a bit of concealer, I credit both blush and lipstick for waking up my face. A multi-use product that covers both is what I consider a God-send. I love the way this rich berry hue complements my dark skin tone. I start by marking up the apples of my cheeks, and after blending for a few seconds, I've moved on to my lips. I like to start in the center of my pout and blend outwards for an ombre popsicle effect. When I'm really free-styling it, I dab a bit on my eyelids for a monochromatic moment to tie everything together. Afterwards, it looks like I just finished an amazing run and I'm totally cool with that.
THE DETAILS: Those with supremely sensitive skin in need of nourishment will appreciate this delicate cream color that's fragrance-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, vegan, and all-natural. Aloe vera and agar are the two stand-out ingredients that ensure a soothing and hydrating experience on the skin. Don't let this poppy pigment fool you—it's initially sheer and becomes bolder as you build it up with layers of color. WHY I'M OBSESSED: This twofer offers a burst of buildable color that's universally flattering on all skin tones. The cherry red hue looks gorgeous on the lips, cheeks (and eyes) and will offer a subtle touch of gloss because of its velvety formula. Packaging-wise, I just love the innovative—and gorgeous—swivel top. Calling all my minimalist makeup lovers: this one's for you.
THE DETAILS: If you aren't privy to the magic that is Nars' multiple sticks, get ready to be mesmerized. This do-it-all product is a multipurpose stick that can be used for your lips, cheeks, eyes, body—honestly, wherever you want. It has a pearlescent, ever-so-subtle shimmer that color comes through vividly once applied. WHY I'M OBSESSED: As suggested by its shade name, this Nars multiple stick helps me fake a vacation glow in mere minutes. Its coral pigment paired with the satiny shimmer leaves my skin with a luminous glow that screams summer and makes it look like I've been sunbathing on the Italian Riviera. I'll take that any day.
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Maya Allen is the former Digital Beauty Editor at MarieClaire.com where she covered makeup, skincare, haircare, wellness, you name it! She has a 15-step skincare routine, owns over 200 red lipsticks, and enjoys testing the latest and greatest in beauty. On most weekends, you can find her at her happy place, which is her makeup vanity. There, she’s usually blasting her speakers while singing along to lyrics at the top of her lungs, and making sure her highlighter is on point.
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