Brand: Benefit
Range: Cheek & Lip Stain
Shade: Cha Cha Tint
Swatched by yours truly: akisa

• Mango tinted lip & cheek stain for a juicy coral flush on your lips
• Sheer liqui-gel formula that blends easily
• Looks creamy orange on immediate application, but once blended it turns into a delightful mango stain
• Feels ticklish to apply, and stains quickly too, so keep a steady hand and wipe off mistakes ASAP!
• This lasted around 2-3 hours for me.  Doesn’t kiss off or leave any taste.
• Verdict:  I am totally smitten with this coral stain and is my lip tint of choice for weekends. Also great for layering with coral glosses at the office.

Looks just like a nail polish wand!

Make sure to apply an even coat to avoid a blotchy stain in photos.

As the editor of Beauty Swatch, I test a lot of lipsticks and struggle to name favourites. But when it comes to picking lippies for the office, I find myself reaching for a smaller selection and leave the rest at home that are too high maintenance for work.  Seeing as I get asked ALL the time to name my favourites, I thought I’d start off with my top picks for the office, as the occasion dictates which formula, intensity and texture I go for.

In no particular order, here are my top 5 picks for the best lipstick & lipgloss formulas for work that looks polished, stays moisturised in air conditioning and requires minimal maintenance.

Lipstick

1. MAC Sheen Supreme Lipstick – pigmented yet moisturising lipstick with high sheen
2. ESTEE LAUDER Pure Colour Crystal Lipstick – for those want both pigment and subtle shimmer
3. BOBBI BROWN Treatment Lip Shine SPF 15 - really wearable & flattering daily lip tints
4. DIOR Addict Lipstick – a waxy finish that is in between a lip balm and lipstick with a plump jelly finish
5. ELIZABETH ARDEN Ceramide Ultra Lipstick – the BEST plumping & smoothing lipstick!

Lipgloss
I’ve deliberately excluded glosses without applicator wands, as not everyone carries a lip brush with them, and sticky fingers are not cool.

1. CLINIQUE Vitamin C Lip Smoothie - for a daily dose of Vitamin C on your lips
2. BENEFIT Ultra Shine Lip Shine - subtle hues but high in shine & eye catching glimmer
3. ESTEE LAUDER Pure Color Gloss - sophisticated sheer shine
4. MAC Kissable Lipcolour - a pigmented creamy gloss that oozes confidence & looks polished
5. DIOR Addict Ultra Shine Lipgloss - ultra shiny & pigmented, the kind of gloss you could have easily spend a life time collecting.

And that wraps up my first ‘Top Picks” post!  I’d love to know your favourites too!
What are your top picks for lipsticks & glosses for work?

[Image source]

Brand: Benefit
Range: Ultra Shines Lip Shine
Shade: So Frisk Me
Swatched by yours truly: akisa

• Further to yesterday’s review of Benefit’s 4 new nude shades, today’s swatch is So Frisk Me, the darkest shade of the four and described as a “gilded berry” shade.
• Verdict: So Frisk Me is a really flattering shade for pigmented lips, as it’s more rhubarb than berry with golden shimmers to enhance your pout.

This product was sent for consideration.

Brand: Benefit
Range: Ultra Shines Lip Shine
Shade: Nookie Nookie
Swatched by yours truly: akisa

• Benefit has added 4 nudey-netural shades to their Ultra Shines Lip Shine range, one of my favourige glosses for its non-sticky, high shine finish.  
• Also available in So Frisk Me (gilded berry), Nudie-tude (goldspun twist), Patootie (Oyster Pink)
• Nookie Nookie is described as an ‘opal glaze’, but on me it looks more like a pale pearl glaze.
• Verdict: I practically wear Nookie Nookie everywhere these days & can’t get enough of it!! Head over to a Benefit counter & I promise you’ll fall in love with one of these must-try nude shades!

This product was sent for consideration.

Brand: Benefit
Range: Pocket Pal
Shades: Benetint & Gloss
Swatched by yours truly: akisa

• Benefit’s famous Benetint on one end (sheer rose tinted  lip & cheek stain) and shiny clear lipgloss on the other end. 
• The tint’s brush applicator feels ticklish when applying on lips, as the fluid texture means you can really feel the soft bristles sweeping your lips  (less ticklish if you have smaller lips)
• The gloss wand is designed to apply just enough gloss to cover the tint & prevents over-applying. 
• Lasting power is average, but then again it’s not something I look for when I use lip tints.
• Tip: Be careful to hold Benetint on the bottom before opening, otherwise you’ll lose half the contents and stain the carpet or clothing. 
• Verdict: Great for those who want a subtle pop of colour on their lips or a healthy tint to pale lips.  If you’re a fan of Benetint, this size is great for keeping in the bag or office for days when you forget to apply blush!