On our honeymoon trip, I didn’t bring a single conventional lipstick. I didn’t want to bother with my makeup too much because it will affect the time we go out in the morning, even during the day. I wanted things to be simple, quick and easy, including touch-ups. And of course, it has to be moisturizing.
I guess you could say, these are the official my lip products of choice.
Flowfushi Lip 38°C (+5°C)
Let me be honest, the reason why I wanted to try the Flowfushi Lip 38°C in the first place was because I just love the packaging and the shade selection. I was eyeing on the light mint (-2°C) specifically and ended up buying another two (though one color was mis-purchased).
I had to rely on other websites that provide an English description of this product. So from reading around and Flowfushi’s own website, I gathered a few ideas. According to Flowfushi, the ideal temperature for the lips to reach its perfect flushed color is at 38°C. The brand included a serum ingredient called “end mineral” that will increase the blood circulation, lactic acid bacteria called “La Flora” that will give continuous moisture on the lips and SPF 20 PA++ feature. Then there’s “a pigment that will not dye your lips” – which I’m not entirely sure what it means.
It sounds confusing because you kind of have to know your original temperature before deciding which one to go for. But, the diagram on the website made it somewhat easier for us to choose. That being said, I was already intrigued before I know about all of these anyway. By all means, we’re allowed to choose any shade we want 😀
Anyway, I love this to bits! I’ve used this quite frequently long before the trip so I know it was a great decision to carry this with me. It really does moisturize my lips and keep it moisturized for quite a while before I feel the need to reapply. And it’s not that type of “fake moisture” where I’d end up with peeled lips at the end of the day.
The shade I chose to bring with me (+5°C) is a lovely coral peach. It doesn’t give that much color, but on my mauve-toned lips, it tends to neutralize the blueness and enliven my complexion overall. It may look like a lip gloss, but it’s more of a lip treatment for me.
Dior Addict Lip Glow Color Reviver Balm 007 Raspberry*
Dior Addict Lip Glow is an iconic product from the brand that has existed for a long time (maybe since 2009). For a while, it’s only available in one shade and that is 001 Pink, then 004 Coral was born. The technology allows to self-adjust to its user’s own chemistry, creating a custom color for everyone. We can use it alone or underneath another lip color.
Just recently, the brand came out with new shades and new finishes (matte and holographic). While the latter two is fun, I still prefer the original glow finish. During the launch event, I received a couple of shades and I chose 007 Raspberry* to accompany me on the Japan trip. Just in the nick of time!
Every time I visited any Dior counter, the Beauty Assistant would always prep my lips with Dior Addict Lip Glow before applying a lipstick over it. And I remember clearly I’d always loved how my lips felt afterward. They were always cushion-like moisturized and plumped. It makes the lips look healthier and juicier. I knew it was a no-brainer to carry this with me.
It definitely doesn’t disappoint. 007 Raspberry* triumphs through the day, bracing the cold, drying winter of Sapporo. The raspberry pink shade it translates on my lips make me look perfectly flushed against the white thick snow background. It stains the lips a little too, so I’m still left with a bit of color after a meal. Simply reapply and recharge the moisturizing effect.
The balm’s texture is a little soft so I need to be very careful about storage, making sure it doesn’t get exposed to the sun/heat. Because of its softness and the way I apply the balm, from time to time the edge tip of the balm may chip off. I don’t throw it away though, it still can be used.
Country & Stream Honey Lip Oil
Now this one was purchased in Japan. Puche told me about it when I was discussing its Honey Eye Roll-on on my Instagram. Because I can be easy like that, I bought it instantly! I love the idea of a lip oil ever since I tried Clarins Lip Comfort Oil a few years ago. This is ¥1200 (before tax).
At first, I thought it was a clear lip product. Until I started noticing my lips became just slightly pinker. Then Puche confirmed that it does do that. Well, there are pros and cons to that. With a clear product, I can use it during nighttime too. But, it’s not a big of a deal since I have many other lip treatments I can choose from.
Texture-wise, it feels like an oil and a little bit runny. If you’re not used to it, you may think it’s going to smear all over the lips. Actually, before applying, I make sure to take off the excess so it doesn’t drip and end up putting on too much. It has a plastic flat applicator, instead of a sponge. I’m still on the fence about it as it gets a little awkward at times.
It has a thinner consistency than Clarins and doesn’t last that long, especially after eating. For some reason I feel that the product gets absorbed into the lips as well, which is a good thing. As far as moisturizing level, it’s not as up there as the other two so I prefer to use this when the weather is a bit warmer. Back in Jakarta, I’m absolutely fine using it during the day! I don’t think it will survive harsher weather or when the lips are drier than usual. Sadly, I didn’t buy and try out the Natural Honey Lip in the squeeze tube. It might’ve fared better.
At the moment of writing this, I’ve been trying out Kaie Beauty Lip Gloss in Lively and I absolutely love this! I wished the brand had launched then. I would’ve carried this in a heartbeat!
L-R: Flowfushi Lip 38°C (+5°C), Dior Addict Lip Glow 007 Raspberry, Country & Stream Honey Lip Oil
Keep in mind that I still used Sisley Nutritive Lip Balm in the morning as part of the skincare routine (read also: my skincare routine during this trip). I did reapply these products several times during the day. I wanted to make sure my lips are moisturized at all times. Chapped lips are the hardest to deal with so I’m giving every effort so it doesn’t come to that.
The best part about carrying lip balms and glosses is that I don’t have to worry about how my lips looked. With lipsticks, there’s that tendency of looking into the mirror every now and then, checking out whether the color is still even or not. Instead, I’m being low maintenance.
Fast forward two weeks, it has become quite a habit and I’m gladly continuing this over here at Jakarta. It really is a nice break from all the heavy pigments, though I’m not saying goodbye to lipsticks entirely 😀
Disclaimer: * denotes PR sample. As always, all opinions are mine, good and bad.
