As you know, back at the end of August I started ‘My Top 5’ beauty products series, and today’s post is the second in the series. Like mascara, lipstick is one of my all-time favourite pieces from the beauty drawer. When I wear lipstick, I always feel confident, sexy and ready for what the day has in store for me. Ok so this post is a little bit of a cheat, as it’s not specifically five lipsticks, but more so my favourite five lipstick collections!

1. L’Oréal Paris Color Riche

These lipsticks are definitely my favourite range. I know it may come as a little surprise to you what with my obsessive love for YSL, but this affordable brand really does take the biscuit. What I love most about the L’Oréal Paris Color Riche lipsticks is the moisture within the formula. The nude colours in particular have a great moisturising texture to them, with which you almost don’t need to use lip balm beforehand. The pink shade I have, #285, has a shimmer throughout too, making it a great party lipstick. The three neutrals I have are super for work, complimenting strong eyeshadow looks and as a base for a colourful lip gloss. I honestly don’t have just one favourite shade, I love all of these! Available at €10.49

2. Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté Shine & Rouge Volupté

Now here’s what many of you were expecting me to include! These Yves Saint Laurent lipsticks are definitely one of my favourite lipstick ranges, and I’m delighted with the colours I have. The Rouge Volupté Shine shades are not my typical colour, verging on plum & purple hues more than pink or reds, but I love them. And then Rouge Volupté is a creamy nude that’s a great base and one of my all-time favourite neutrals. I have written a full lipstick review on this range, explaining that the aforementioned Rouge Volupté Shine lipsticks have more protect & shine elements in them and comes in 19 shades, whereas Rouge Volupté is very moisturizing and is available in 13 shades. One thing I adore about these YSL lip products is they have a delicious smell about them that’s fruity and tempting. Available at €33

3. Lancôme L’absolue Rouge

The Lancôme L’absolue Rouge lipsticks have a very special place in my heart, as the #150 Rouge Odysée shade was one of the two go-to red lipstick my Mam used to use. This red lipstick has the best pigmentation and long-lasting duration I’ve come across. I’ve also tried the darker purple shade, #383 Caprice de Soie (discontinued – apologies for that shocking photo & the lipstick’s condition!), and was recently sent #06 Rose Nu, which is a beautiful pinky-nude. These lipsticks have great moisturising qualities, and as mentioned they last strongly on the lips for hours without reapplication. Available at €28

4. L’Oréal Paris Color Riche Collection Privée

Enter a bit of celebrity status, as with the L’Oréal Paris Color Riche Collection Privée, it’s all about the ambassadresses of L’Oréal Paris! When I first heard of the first collection, for the nudes, I was very excited & intrigued as I am a big fan of many the ambassadresses. The Julianne Moore nude I bought has a creamy texture, similar to the original Color Riche lipsticks, with good pigmentation and a pink hue. I was surprised that this is the shade I opted for, as I’d thought with my tanned complexion the Eva Longoria or Frieda Pinto shade would suit better. Then, when L’Oréal Paris released their Exclusive Reds collection, I was more in love as these were all matte red lipsticks. This time I opted for Julianne Moore and Eva Longoria, and both have great pigmentation and longevity on the lips. Available at €10.49

5. Revlon Colorburst Lipstick

Lastly the Revlon Colorburst Lipstick collection, which as of now is actually discontinued. The #30 Fuchsia pink is probably my most favourite pink lipstick I own, and its strong pigmentation is one of the reasons why. I also wrote a full lipstick review on this range, explaining how the vibrant colour with a sheen finish really delivers what it says on the tin; an instant pop of colour with just one layer. They even has a naturally fragrant with vanilla absolute and are Paraben-free. These moisturizing lipsticks are unfortunately discontinued, though you can still find them online.

Have you used any of these lipsticks? And what are your favourites? Comment below to let me know!

Nirina xx

Photos © Nirina Plunkett