My current favorite daytime sort-of-red lipstick is Burberry Soft Satin no.16, Claret. It's a red-based pink (or a pink-based red, take your pick) that looks healthy, shiny and makes my winter face perk up. You can see in the swatch how applying two coats makes the color bolder and a bit more dramatic, but it's not really necessary- one coat is pigmented enough for most needs. My lips are naturally dark so on my face Claret pulls a little more burgundy than on my arm. I would say it's a universal color that would flatter most. One of my readers, Betty, who found Prune too goth for her face says Claret is perfect and I agree. It's very easy to wear.
Like all Burberry lipsticks, Claret has a beautiful satin finish- not too shiny, just full of life. The texture is soft, comfortable and kind to the lips even in this parching weather (and overheating). I get about four hours of wear without touchups (including water breaks) and there's some color left as a stain after that. Then, of course, there's the sleek packaging that makes reapplying fun (and easy to locate in a purse or makeup bag. Burberry square metallic cases have a distinct feel).
Bottom Line: Perfect, indeed.
Burberry Soft Satin Lipstick ($30) is a Nordstrom exclusive. Available online and in select locations.
All photos are mine.
