We’ve watched the hype for liquid lipsticks, lip tints and lip gloss tide over. Now, make way for the latest lip trend — lip lacquers!
As an industrial term, ‘lacquer’ is used for hard and shiny finishes, typically on material like wood — which explains the inspiration. True to its name, lip lacquers dry up to create a smooth and shiny vinyl-like surface. Pigmented and high shine, they’ve been described as a cross between a liquid lipstick and a lip gloss — only without the dryness of the former and the stickiness of the latter. In other words, the best of both worlds?!
We know it can get overwhelming, with so many up-and-coming brands in the market. Fret not, that’s what we’re here for! We’ve put together some lip lacquers currently in our radar, categorised according to their best traits — high pigmentation, hydration and longevity.
Highly Pigmented
Lip lacquers are known to be liquid lipstick’s shiny sister — just as pigmented and long-wearing, only more moisturising and well… shiny! Draw some attention to your pout with these highly pigmented and high shine lacquers:
The Shu Red Dye and coating polymers in Shu Uemura’s Laque Supreme Lacquer Lipstick brings about true colour intensity in their lip lacquers.
On the other hand, Elizabeth Arden markets its Beautiful Colour Lip Lacquer as a “high impact lip colour with the intensity of a lipstick”.
BY Terry goes bold (like its colours) and claims its Lip-Expert Shine has ultra-pigmented results with only one coat!
- Shu Uemura Laque Supreme Lacquer Lipstick ($43)
- Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Colour Liquid Lip Lacquer ($34)
- BY TERRY Lip-Expert Shine ($55)
Comfort & Hydration
The first thing you’d usually notice on lacquer-slathered lips would be its shine and moisture. For those of you who seek hydration and comfort, we have some great options for you:
Dior’s Addict Lacquer Plump feels like a fine airy film on your lips but guess what? This make-up and skincare hybrid has been tested and proven to give your lips a 78% increase in moisture levels, even after 24 hours of application!
Promoting itself as a lip lacquer with long lasting hydration, Giorgio Armani’s Beauty New Ecstasy Lacquer promises to “envelope your lips in a satiny caress”, with a “dose of hydration that lasts for eight hours”.
Lipstick Queen’s Rear View Mirror Lip Lacquer is inspired by the reflective surface of a shiny new car, which probably explains its eye-catching shine. While its shine is tantamount to that of a lip gloss, it promises non-sticky and long-wearing comfort. The vitamin E in its formula also helps with moisture and hydration.
- Dior Addict Lacquer Plump ($52)
- Giorgio Armani Beauty New Ecstasy Lacquer ($55)
- Lipstick Queen Rear View Mirror Lip Lacquer ($37)
Long-Wearing
What’s the point of having all these benefits in a lip lacquer if it does not last? This one’s for the busy bees who’ve got barely any time to touch-up their lips:
One of Tom Ford Beauty’s Lip Lacquer Luxe Vinyl’s headlining benefits is its longevity, promising a “supple long-wearing comfort”.
K-Beauty is known for its long-lasting lip tints and Jung Saem Mool’s High Tinted Lip Lacquer is no different. As a water-oil tint, it gives two-in-one benefits — leaving your lips moisturised and tinted with a natural stain.
Lancome’s L’Absolu Lacquer claims to have the lasting power of a stain, having the ability to last up to 6 hours of wear! Its longevity is not only limited to colour as it promises up to 8 hours of hydration as well.
