When I try products that instantly add life to my face, I know I’m onto a winner. That’s exactly what happened when I tried Longlast Velvet Liquid Lips and Youth Lift Plumping Blush - two new releases from Studio 10, which could be described as the make-up equivalent of age enhancing skincare. (I’m trying to avoid the term anti-ageing, but yep - that’s what I mean). More than just pretty products, these actually make me look more healthy and awake.
LONGLAST VELVET LIQUID LIPS are demi-matte liquid lipsticks with the lightest texture I’ve tried to date. I’d describe the finish as satin-like; it’s almost matte, but doesn’t set, crack or crease and literally feels as light as a silky balm in both application and wear. You don’t need to be overly careful applying this (I usually am with liquid or matte formulas) - just a single layer with the doe-foot applicator and you’re good to go. Regular readers will know I’m not a fan of uber pastel nude lip shades - and while these lean towards nude, I’d describe them as healthy lip tones. I like - and have been wearing - all three and struggle to choose a favourite, though find the lightest shade, Peach, is the most wearable for everyday colour. Enriched with hydrating vitamin E, this doesn’t emphasise lip creases, bleed or dry out my lips.
Highlights: almost matte, silky finish, non-drying, longwearing, skin-flattering shades
YOUTH LIFT PLUMPING BLUSH is one of the best face perker uppers I’ve tried and takes my cheeks from zombie to zesty in seconds. Although a liquid formula, it’s not drippy or watery - more lotion than liquid - and feels a bit like a silky serum (more dense than Daniel Sandler Watercolour if you’re familiar with that). If you’re afraid of liquid or cream blush, then this is for you - it couldn’t be easier to apply. One teensy dot is all I need for both cheeks - patted on and blended out with fingers or applied with a stippling brush, it doesn’t stain the skin or need to be worked in uber fast… it’s just so easy. It comes in one universal shade created to suit all skin tones - a rosy peach that I’d call ‘Oomph’ - and is slightly pearlised to add light reflective sheen, not shimmer. It doesn’t interfere with foundation or highlight pores, lines etc. The only thing I don’t love is the size of the pump, which is a little chunky for my liking. The hydrating formula contains plumping actives and light reflecting pearls.
Highlights: oomph-giving, easy to apply, radiant finish, suit-all shade
Swatches
From left, Liquid Lips in Blossom, Tea Rose and Peach (single swipe of each) and a heavy swatch of Plumping Blush (enough for about 8 cheeks!).
- Blossom - a soft, warm pink, very flattering on my skin tone and semi-bold without being in your face. Gold sheen in tube, which I don’t notice this on my lips.
- Tea Rose - beige rose, great everyday shade for a polished, not overly made up look
- Peach - peachy beige, the most nude and natural looking of the three
- Plumping Blush - peachy rose coral with a subtle pearlised sheen (zero shimmer or glitter)
Apols that these pics aren’t great quality - snapped on my way out at the weekend, but I wanted to give you an idea of how the products look applied. In this I’m wearing Plumping Blush and Liquid Lips in Peach. My sis suggested I add a little lipgloss on the way out the door (she said gloss would make the look more evening-y!), so I did. I’ve included a mini pic taken pre-gloss to let you see the natural finish.
What do you think? I honestly couldn’t love these more.
Youth Lift Plumping Blush £24 and Longlast Velvet Liquid Lips £22 are both available at cultbeauty.co.uk
For more on Studio 10 see my previous posts: Contour, Conceal & Glow and Visible Lift Definer & Lip Definer
