Returning to the Urban Jungle

SISLEY Le Phyto Rouge

An ode to lipstick, oh how we have missed you.

The last year has seen sales in colour cosmetics fall away as skincare became the makeup equivalent of leisurewear, with people being locked away at home simply wearing less makeup. The doors have been clamped closed on our sleeping beauty halls, glamorous counters abandoned and our makeup bags pushed to the back of the bathroom shelf. There has just not been the need to put on a statement lip when masked up or on a gloomy zoom call.

The now nostalgic ‘power lip’, is a favourite pastime of any beauty obsessive out there. Think back to those tubes of rouge that we would wind up, swipe across, pat and smudge in until our chosen rich shade melted perfectly into our lips. We all know the final touch of planning an outfit has always been choosing the right colour of lipstick to match.

However, now with the optimism of starting to return back to the urban jungle as our cities reopen, we can once again find joy in the power of lipstick. Pulling on the never forgotten references of our favourite ‘Breakfast at Tiffany's nude’ or a ‘Madonna red’. Lipstick makes us feel frivolous, confident and beautiful, enhancing a feature which we communicate so much with and that draws the eye like nothing else.

Dusting off those makeup bags and pulling open the zips will bring memories flooding back that have seemed a lifetime away. Whether that be the memory of watching an older sister get ready, perfectly accentuating her cupid's bow with a smooth pencil, while you mimicked her in the background. From swatching shades all over the backs of friends' hands to find the hottest new tone, or perhaps taking you back to distant evenings of swiping on a bold gloss for after work drinks. These times are finally approaching again.

Whether it be velvet, matte, satin, gloss or balm, the array of lipstick tones and tubes are endless. By experimenting with bright bolds or earthy neutrals, we can start to play up our lipstick game more when mask-free. Helping us to take in each other's features again after a year of disconnection and lack of social contact like never before.

So when nervousness clouds over as your train pulls into London for the first time in over a year, ahead of you retracing your usual commuter steps once again, take a minute to pat a little extra colour onto your lips. The new power lip is for the everyday and will give you the boost needed when returning back to our new life.

Now is the time for a lipstick revival, so here are our five PIBE approved bullets of colour to swipe on.

Sisley Le Phyto Rouge in N031 Orange Acapulco, £41.00
With packaging as good as the lipstick itself, this Sisley shade is the perfect ‘treat yourself’ purchase. The same nourishing formulas used within the brand’s skincare have been packed into this lipstick to boost hydration with each top-up you do. This bold orange swipes on easily in a single stroke, leaving you with a summery pop of coral and a lasting satin finish.

Expert Tip: Once the colour is applied, use a lip brush to define your lip lines and work the pigment into the outer corner of your smile to cover all bases. The orange will make your teeth look brighter guaranteed.

Rouge HERMES Satin Lipstick

TOM FORD Clutch-Size Soleil Lip Balm

Rouge Hermes Satin Lipstick in Beige Kalahari, £58.00
When Hermes does lipstick it is always going to be elegant, making this the ultimate lipstick splurge. Beige Kalahari is a beautiful golden pink pigment inspired by the African desert, the epitome of a flattering summer shade that can be worn day or night. These lipsticks are also refillable so you can quickly pop in another bullet after this becomes your staple beauty go-to.

Expert Tip: The texture is rich and gives you long-lasting colour, so press the lipstick onto your lips and then pat in with your fingers to really make the colour feel at home.

Tom Ford Clutch-Size Soleil Lip Balm in Apres Soleil, £32.00
A lover of mini-sized anything? Look no further for the perfect makeup bag must-have. This Tom Ford lip balm is clutch-size, making it your after work drinks essential for glossy lips. The shade ‘Apres Soleil’ is aptly named and a universally flattering nude that will make lips look plump with a subtle glow.

Expert Tip: Packed with cacao and tahini butter to richy hydrate, this balm will give your lips a protective veil of colour. Apply two thin coats to achieve a ‘wet shine’ finish that will make your lips look irresistible.

Rouge DIOR Refillable Lipstick

YVES SAINT LAURENT Rouge Pur Couture The Slim Lipstick

Rouge Dior Refillable Lipstick in Sophisticated Satin Finish, £32.00
As well as being sustainably refillable, Dior has integrated floral lip care into its rouge lipsticks. This means the formula is enriched with pomegranate flower and red peony extract to add a protective base of moisture to your lips before dressing them in this rich satin red. A confident colour that will have you feeling fully dressed and ready.

Expert Tip: Instead of applying straight from the bullet, rub a little colour onto the pad of your ring finger to warm up the texture and then blend this bold colour into your lips. Before rubbing together to give a worn-in stained look.

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture The Slim Lipstick in Carmine Catch, £30.00
These lipsticks offer full coverage colour, perfect for a night out where you are too busy dancing to top-up. This bright red shade comes in a leather-matte finish so once on, it is there to stay. Think of this as your power suit in lipstick form.

Expert Tip: The unique square bullet is shaped in this angular way for ultimate precision. Start at the centre of your upper lip and use the pointed tip to shape your cupid’s bow and work outwards. On your lower lip, apply inwards from the corners to the centre using the edges of the square bullet to effortlessly define and round off your lip line. Giving you a full statement lip that really draws the eye.

This PIBE Beauty exclusive has been produced by:
Words by Beauty Editor / Sarah Barnes
Photography / Carla Danet