I think I’ve said it already, but I am pretty much completely over the ultra-matte lip; that tight, chalky feeling – it feels like if you smile your lips might crack – is just something I can’t be bothered with. Thankfully, this year has seen the arrival of the new matte; a matte finish that’s still got a bit of give and feels comfortable on the lips. The Zelens Extreme Velvet Lipsticks are a great example of how to do a matte lip without all the negatives.
The Zelens Extreme Velvet Lipsticks are part of the Zelens Active Colour range, which means they contain a wealth of ingredients that benefit and help the lips, so you’re treating the lips whilst also wearing your favourite lip colour. There are nine shades in total starting off this new launch, most of which are takes on nude or red, so if you like a pop of pink then you’ll struggle to find a shade you like, but there are a couple of nudes that lean pink. The nine shades are: Cinnamon, Deep Red, Merlot, Nude Pink, Nude Plum, Raisin, Nude Beige, Red and Tea Rose.
The four shades I’ve been trying out are Merlot – a strong berry wine shade; Nude Pink – a deep rose pink; Nude Beige – as it sounds, a traditional nude and finally Deep Red which is darker take on typical red which is a lot more flattering. My favourites of the four are Nude Pink (obviously – who saw that coming?) and, surprisingly, Deep Red – I really like using my fingers to press it into the lips for a kind of airbrushed, softened finish that works really well as a daytime take on the red lip. The Zelens Extreme Velvet Lipsticks are £32 here – link.
I just wanted to quickly flag the Marine Complex Restorative Cream which is another new launch from the brand and provides deep hydration whilst softening fine lines and wrinkles and promises to leave skin feeling soothed and appearing more radiant. I have tricky skin at the mo that I’m really struggling with so I’m tending not to step outside of my comfort zone when it comes to trying skincare, but I have read a few reviews on this which were all very positive, so if it sounds like your sort of thing then you can find it here – link – for £125.
*PR Samples
