Although I've been writing about beauty for years, I'm a minimalist when it comes to my everyday makeup routine. That means my idea of looking presentable typically involves just a few things: moisturizer, two coats of mascara, and a tinted lip balm. In my book, if a product requires a mirror to apply, I’m inclined to skip it. What can I say? I’ve gotten a bit lazier since I stepped away from office life and became a freelancer.
Recently, I took a temporary, in-office gig at a fashion brand.
This meant swapping my sweatpants for skirts and replacing my barely-there balm with a Power Lip (just switching out that one thing is a million times easier than doing a full face beat).
A beauty editor friend who knew I was on a bold lip kick gave me a few shades of the new Liquid Lipstick from Burt’s Bees to road test, promising that they wouldn’t dry out my pout. I was intrigued. A lot of the liquid lipsticks I’ve tried in the past tend to look too matte, and give a stamped-on effect that I don’t love. However, this version has made me realize that they're not all created equal.
The color payoff is S-I-C-K.
My favorite shade is Wine Waters, a deep burgundy that’s become my new go-to for after hours when it’s time to turn up—I like to go more dramatic at night.
I also love the comfortable texture, which isn't what you would expect from a liquid lipstick. It’s creamy, moisturizing, and delivers just enough shine (now that it's cold outside, I like to layer it with a lip balm for extra pampering).
Another thing that deserves the heart eyes emoji?
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
It glides on like a dream.
(This product doesn’t quite pass my no-mirror test, but hey, you can’t have it all).
I use the tip of the doe-foot applicator to create a precise shape, then I fill in the color—no liner required. Allow me to demonstrate with Rushing Rose, a super-flattering berry shade that you can wear anywhere:
Besides all that good stuff, Burt's Bees Liquid Lipstick fits in with my personal quest to live a healthier, cleaner lifestyle (less meat, less waste, non-toxic products, etc). I was pleased to discover that the smooth formula boasts 100% natural ingredients like shea butter, apricot, and babassu oil. It’s also free of the things that I usually give the side-eye to when I see them on a label, like parabens, phthalates, and petrolatum.
I'll be honest, I had my doubts about this product at first because sometimes products that are super-affordable don't always pop. But people, I'm happy to report that this is one of those occasions where it's nice to be proven wrong.
Janell M. Hickman-Kirby is a seasoned writer, editor, and brand expert based in Brooklyn, New York currently working as senior brand copywriter at Sol de Janeiro.
A Minneapolis native, Janell moved to New York to join WWD after earning her degree in Journalism from Hampton University and swiftly made her way up in the city’s fashion-culture world, working at the Victoria's Secret headquarters where she assisted on legendary 2008 and 2009 fashion shows.
-
Jess Hong Enters Her Chaotic Era
She was doing kids’ theater in New Zealand when she landed the leading role on Netflix’s epic ‘3 Body Problem.’ And now that the show is No. 1 on the streamer, her whole world is about to change.
By Jessica M. Goldstein Published
-
39 J.Crew, Reformation, and COS Items That Are Ideal for Spring Travel
Spring ready.
By Allyson Payer Published
-
Taylor Swift Breaks Yet Another Music-Industry Record
This is pretty much the norm now, no?
By Meghan De Maria Published
-
The 32 Best Hair Growth Shampoos of 2024, According to Experts
Rapunzel hair, coming right up.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
The 20 Best Hair Masks for Damaged Hair, According to Experts and Editors
Healthy strands, here we come!
By Gabrielle Ulubay Last updated
-
How Often You Should Wash Your Hair, According To Experts
Keep it fresh, my friends.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
The 11 Best Magnetic Lashes of 2023
Go ahead and kiss your messy lash glue goodbye.
By Hana Hong Published
-
Beauty Advent Calendars Make the Perfect Holiday Gift
The gift that keeps on giving.
By Julia Marzovilla Last updated
-
The 18 Best Natural Hair Products in 2023
Remember: Your curls are your crown.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
The 9 Best Hot Rollers for the Curls of Your Dreams
This is how we roll.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
The 12 Best Cream Eyeshadows, According to Makeup Artists
The best part? They’re so easy to apply.
By Samantha Holender Published