Partial to Pink

You may or may not know of my occasionally tortured relationship with pink lipsticks. I gravitate towards them as if it were programmed in my DNA, despite having a less than stellar experience with the multitude I've tried. There have been many times when I've been forced to conclude that "flattering pink" is an oxymoron. My weakness definitely lies with milky, pastel pinks and bright, blue-based pinks. I always marvel at how pretty they look in the bullet or swatched on my hand, convincing myself I could totally make them work if I applied them lightly, or layered them with other colours, or used the right foundation and accompanying makeup, only to take them home and concede they're simply horrid on the lips. The wrong pink can make me look clownish, washed out, green-tinged and sallow, or like oxygen has stopped circulating to my lips. I generally fare better with dusty medium pinks, berry tones and warm pinks with a touch of coral. Here are five pink lipsticks that are actually close to wearable on me.

l-r: Revlon Pink Rose, L'Oréal Shiny Grapefruit, Maybelline Juicy Bubblegum, Revlon Strawberry Shortcake, Clinique Woppin' Watermelon

Revlon Beyond Natural Protective Liptint SPF 15 in Pink Rose (000)
I've always kept this in whatever makeup bag I'm toting around, because it's the perfect go-to pink. A bright coral pink that's shimmery but not at all frosty, it's very comfortable and moisturising on the lips. It's quite pigmented for a so-called "tint" — one layer gives a juicy pop of colour to the lips, but it can also be built up to a full on, warm rose pink (with a dash of orangey red) lipstick. Bonus points: smells of berry candy.

L'Oréal NutriShine by Colour Riche in Shiny Grapefruit (FR102)
I was surprised to see how this swatched nearly identically to Pink Rose. Shiny Grapefruit is basically a slightly darker version of Pink Rose, with more of a 'wet' lip gloss look and dazzling silver/white microshimmer. It has a very hydrating, glossy texture that's not thick and creamy, waxy, or thin and greasy in any way.

Maybelline ColorSensational The Shine Lip Colour in Juicy Bubblegum (140)
When I first bought this, I really wasn't all that enthused. It just didn't stand out to me in the sea of pinks that I had and similarly felt underwhelmed by. I think it was Emma's love for it that made me reevaluate Juicy Bubblegum, and I've done a complete 180 now. I freakin' love this lipstick. This dusty mauve pink smells deliciously sweet and fruity, is very moisturising, glossy and forgiving on the lips, and is a total breeze to wear. Yes, it does have a slight purplish edge against my skin tone, but it's a non-issue as the lipstick is relatively understated and sheer, and the overall colour doesn't pull too cool or cartoonish on me.

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Strawberry Shortcake (080)
One of my absolute favourites from the Lip Butter range, Strawberry Shortcake is about the most blue-based pink I can get away with. I resisted this shade when I first went positively bonkers over the launch of the Lip Butters in Australia, but it was inevitable I would crack in the end. Strawberry Shortcake encapsulates what I like about pinks (in theory): fun, playful, girly, flirty, youthful. I've also heard it's very close to NARS Roman Holiday — I immediately thought of Strawberry Shortcake when I saw this swatch of Roman Holiday from Amy's pure eye candy Instagram. The Lip Butters have a thicker, stickier texture compared with the other pinks I've featured here, so they do feel a bit heavier on the lips. There is a dash of silver shimmer running through the colour, but I don't find it noticeable until it's taken off.

Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturising Lip Colour Balm in Woppin' Watermelon (06)
A subtle, natural rosy pink that looks effortless, feminine and pretty. While pigmentation is on the sheer side, like almost anything, it can be layered for greater intensity. Ideal to pop into the handbag for when you want a fuss-free, modest tint to your lips. Foolproof and exceptionally easy to wear, this Chubby Stick sinks into the lips without emphasising lip lines or leaving a stain.