As someone who had become rather comfortable with my trusty MAC Velvet Teddy lipstick, having worn it nearly every single day for eight years, I decided it was time for a change. My makeup drawer was brimming with lip products I rarely touched, and I figured it was time to either use them or lose them. So, I decided to challenge myself to wear a different lip combination every single day for a month, documenting the journey over on my Instagram account. And actually, what I thought would be a fun way to work out which shades suit me best and which formulas no longer serve me, really pushed me out of my comfort zone and ended up teaching me a lot. Here’s what I learned when I wore a different lipstick shade every day for a month:
1. MAC Velvet Teddy Isn’t the Center of the Universe
I used to think MAC Velvet Teddy was irreplaceable. It was my go-to, the shade I relied on for almost every occasion. But this experiment showed me that there’s a whole world of lipsticks out there, from orangey reds to peach hues – I found so many new favourites. And while Velvet Teddy will absolutely remain my ‘signature’ shade, I’m no longer afraid to branch out from the warm-toned nude embrace of the MAC classic.
2. I Thought I Hated Pink-Toned Nudes – I Was Wrong
I had always avoided pink-toned nudes, assuming they wouldn’t suit me because I’m so fair, but to my surprise, I found some I absolutely loved – in particular, Charlotte Tilbury’s Icon Baby. It really brightened up my face and added a fresh, youthful glow. It turns out, the right pink-toned nude can be incredibly flattering.
3. That Lipstick I Wore for Every Night Out in 2017 is Awful
We all have that one lipstick we swore by years ago. Mine was ‘Simply Smoked’ Retro Matte Liquid Lip Colour from Mac, which was a greyish tone. I used to wear it all the time for nights out in 2017 when I was at uni, and would even sometimes put a line of glitter eyeliner down the centre of my lip too (please, don’t ask). After revisiting it, I realised it was time to let go. The formula was drying, and the colour was patchy and make me look sallow. Sometimes, our old favourites just don’t hold up.
4. Barry M Lip Liners are Amazing for the Price
If you haven’t tried Barry M lip liners, you’re missing out. These £3.49 gems are creamy, pigmented, and incredibly affordable. They helped me create crisp, defined lips and worked well as a base for so many lipsticks in my collection. Some of my favourites include Go To, First Date and Russet, and it just goes to show that quality doesn’t always have to come with a high price tag.
5. I Should Wear a Red Lip More Often
There’s something undeniably powerful about a red lip. It exudes confidence and instantly elevates any look. I realised I had been shying away from red, thinking it was too bold for everyday wear. But after rediscovering the likes of Laura Mercier’s Fire, L’Oreal Audacious and Byredo’s Mad Red, I’m definitely going to make an effort to wear red more often.
6. I Don’t Actually Hate Matte Formulas – I Just Hated the Ones I Was Using
For a long time, I thought I despised matte lipsticks. They felt dry and uncomfortable. But this month-long experiment introduced me to some amazing matte formulas that were lightweight and non-drying, such as Nars Powermatte and Huda’s Liquid Matte. It wasn’t matte formulas I hated; it was just the wrong mattes. – I’m looking at you, Rimmel.
7. A Multi-Functional Lip and Cheek Combo is Incredible
Products that double up as lip and cheek tints are game-changers. They’re perfect for quick, cohesive looks and are great for on-the-go touch-ups. I found myself reaching for these multi-functional products often, appreciating their versatility and ease of use and the way they create a really cohesive look. My top three would have to be the Refy Lip Blush, Rare Beauty soft pinch liquid blushes, and Clinique’s Black Honey Lip and Cheek Oil.
8. Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Tinted Lip Balm
On days when I wanted a more natural look or my lips needed some extra TLC, tinted lip balms were a lifesaver. They provided a hint of colour while keeping my lips hydrated and soft. They’re perfect for a subtle, effortless look. Again, the Refy Lip Blush is a frontrunner in this category, but Nars’ Afterglow lip balms are also gorgeous, too.
9. Glosses Deserve A Comeback
Glosses often get overlooked in favour of more pigmented lipsticks or long-lasting formulas, but they shouldn’t be slept on – not one bit. Throughout this challenge, I rediscovered my love for a good gloss, namely the likes of Fenty, E.L.F, Max Factor and Kylie Cosmetics. They add a beautiful shine that makes lips look fuller and can transform any lipstick into something quite special. Plus they’re perfect for a quick touch up and add a fun, youthful vibe to any look.
This 30-day lipstick challenge not only helped me declutter my collection but also broadened my horizons. I discovered new favourites, let go of old ones, and embraced shades and formulas I never thought I would. If you’re stuck in a lipstick rut, I highly recommend trying something similar. You might be surprised at what you find.
