Review: Topshop Lip Cream and Velvet Lips

This winter, Miriam and I have been experimenting with very intense lip colors ranging from deep scarlet reds to dark plum purples. Sometimes the darkest of lip colors can add just the perfect gothic edge to a feminine outfit. The dark side of the color spectrum can be intimidating, but they are flattering on a variety of skin tones. Just channel your inner Clara Bow and you're set to go!

Being the lip color fiends that we are, when we spotted Topshop's newest lip color creations we had to try them out. First up, I tried Velvet Lips in Plush. (Not currently available online, but should be in stores.) There is no scent for this lip product and it comes with a doe-foot applicator. You can pretty precisely define the shape of your lips without a lip liner using this product; however, being the perfectionist that I am, I would apply a lipliner under it when I use it in the future. It clings unforgivably to any dry skin on your lips so you MUST exfoliate your lips before using this product. I had to remove the product and reapply because it looked so horrid! The formula dries fairly quickly and is best applied in layers after each coat dries. Do not be tempted to rub your lips together in order to distribute the product on your lips because it will create patches and splotchiness. I also found that it applying too much of this product will create splotchiness, so I would say three coats maximum. The finish is absolutely matte and doesn't transfer easily.

But I found my lips looking a little tight and dry, so it was the Topshop Lip Cream in Lotus Flower to the rescue. It has a heavenly vanilla scent and also comes with a doe-foot applicator. The creamy formula has an lovely iridescence and is very moisturizing. It comes packed with color and could be worn alone except for the fact that the formula slides and transfers easily so it is best worn with a base of either lip liner, lipstick or the Velvet Lips product that I have on here. It has a beautiful glossy finish, but it is not sticky like a regular lip gloss. It also transformed the color of the Velvet Lips to a more red-based purple, rather than a blue one. 

After layering the Lip Cream on the Velvet Lips product, I put them both to one my top anxiety-producing tests -- eating food with lipstick on. I always seem to get the dreadful 90s lip liner look whenever I eat with lipstick on. I ate a semi-messy sandwich wrap and drank a cup of piping hot Earl Grey tea and noticed the lip color transferring quite a bit on the wrap. My hopes were dashed and I finished my sandwich. But then, I looked into the mirror and barely any of the color budged!! Even the iridescent glossiness of the Lip Cream remained. The photos below show my mouth after eating.

After eating(!):

Pretty cool, right? Overall, I think both products are great but the Lip Cream is something I could see myself using more often. Velvet Lips is remarkable in its long-wearingness but it may be a touch too blue-based for my liking. Aside from that, the trickiness of the application process (waiting for each layer to dry) makes it something that I couldn't really toss in my bag and apply on the go.

What are your favorite vampy lip colors? Let us know in the comments!