I don't remember when or how I first heard of LIPSTICK QUEEN, but I do know that I've known about the brand name for at least a few years now. About a month ago, I once again stumbled across Lipstick Queen's website. Inspired by the story behind Lipstick Queen's creation, I subscribed to the mailing list. The website itself is simple and attractive. However, the color sample displays are lacking. Though the verbiage for the color descriptions are compelling and induce curiosity (ie. here's the verbiage for Berry Sinner: "If a raspberry and a chocolate had a child it would be this shade. Deep brown with a delicious pinkish hue."), the illustrations aren't tempting enough to compel me to purchase lipstick that I've never tried on nor is easily accessible (at local stores).
But, joining the mailing list was fruitful. Shortly after I subscribed to the mailing list, I learned that Lipstick Queen was sold at Elizabeth Charles on Fillmore. I visited Elizabeth Charles the following week and though my trip was Red Sinner specific, they were out of stock. Instead, I tried on the Saint Red and Berry Sinner and was very pleased with both.
Now, for those unfamiliar with Lipstick Queen, it generally comes in two flavors -- Saints and Sinners (see above picture). There are ten flavors in each. Colors in each general category (Saint or Sinner) have a counterpart in the other category. So, a Saint Red will have a Red Sinner counterpart, a Saint Berry will have a Berry Sinner counterpart and so on. The difference lies in the strength of their pigments -- the Saints are translucent while the Sinners are opaque.
I'm ordinarily a MAC girl and I still love Santiago (the color was discontinued and I bought the last 6 tubes from the MAC Store in Berkeley). But, the Lipstick Queen colors are just as fantastic, so much so that I ordered Saint Berry and Red Sinner online. Lipstick Queen feels great on my lips -- the colors are solid for hours without drying.
Depending on my mood, the Saints can be great and dandy, but the majority of the time, I much prefer and enjoy wearing the Sinners.
Lipstick Queen → http://www.lipstickqueen.com
$18.00 per tube
{ Check out the corresponding PuglyFeet photo blog entry here.
Read my other Lipstick Queen review, The Honest Politician. }
