I'm a bit of a lipstick snob.
I think it's because I'm pretty low maintenance when it comes to touch-ups (aka, I don't) so a lip product needs to be moisturizing, long-lasting, and have a balance of pigment that works with it's consistency. When I'm ready to reapply, I want to be able to do it without a mirror, so I tend to stay away from highly pigmented colors day to day. If I want a darker shade, I reach for a liquid lipstick, but because they're so uncomfortable, I tend to avoid them and go for something easy.
My perfect lipstick is something like the Chantecaille Lip Chic. A light to medium pigmented lipstick with a jelly-like, buildable, extremely moisturizing formula. It's a dream. And at $38 a pop, it better be. I've been on the hunt for a more affordable dupe ever since getting my hands on a tube. I had high hopes for the much talked about Ilia Lip Conditioner, and purchased Nobody's Baby immediately when I saw it was carried on Sephora.com. Shell Shock was kindly sent to me by Eco Diva Beauty with no expectation to review.
Left to right: Nobody's Baby, Shell Shock
Swatches
MY EXPERIENCE:
I'm sad to report that the Ilia Lip Conditioner doesn't quite do it for me. It's an extremely light-weight lipstick, with a thin, oily texture. If you're a makeup junkie like me, you might know just what I'm talking about. You can feel a tiny bit of grit in the formula and any piece of dry skin or food clings on and feels grimy as you rub your lips together. It's somewhat moisturizing, but because the formula is so thin, it doesn't last long enough to sink in and moisturize deeply.
This might be for you if you like that 'no makeup makeup' feel. Since it is so light with no stick whatsoever, you might enjoy the sheer wash of pigment and natural feel.
Formula: Thin, light-weight formula. It moisturizes like many oil based lip products in that-- it doesn't. At least not noticeably, for me. I don't love how it feels on the lips, because I can feel every tiny speck of dust, skin, and pigment as I rub my lips together.
Application: Easy breezy. No complaints here. Glides on without resistance, with light but buildable coverage with each swipe. I usually swipe it over each lip 3-4 times.
Wear: Not great- I only get 1-2 hours if I don't eat or drink anything. If I do, it's gone.
Scent: Yummy, a slightly fruity vanilla.
Nobody's Baby- neutral, medium pinky nude
Shell Shock- bright, sheer coral
Ingredient list: Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Beeswax (Cera Alba)*, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil*, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter*, Tocopherol, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf*, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil*, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Wax, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Oil, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Oil*. May contain: Mica, Titanium Dioxide CI77891, Black Oxide CI77499, Yellow Oxide CI77492, Red Oxide CI77491, Red 7 CI15850, Red 28 CI45410, Yellow 5 CI19140. *Certified Organic Ingredients.
Pros:
- Nice, heavy, high-quality packaging
- Pretty range of wearable colors
- Easily available on Sephora, and almost all green beauty retailers
- Sweet, pleasant smell
- Very light-weight, good for people who don't like the feeling of anything on their lips
- Clean ingredients, 100% natural, 85% organic (according to their website)
Cons:
- Thin, oily feeling formula is not my preference
- Not long-lasting, I get about 1-2 hours of wear without eating or drinking
- There is a slightly gritty feeling when you rub your lips together
- At $26, these aren't exactly a steal, but they're definitely more affordable than some
- Not vegan, use beeswax- might be a problem for some
In Summation:
These lipsticks might be the perfect lip product for some, but they're a pass for me. There are certain situations where I reach for these- when I want one of these shades, or a quick and easy wash of color- I certainly don't hate them. BUT, for the price, I would much rather have a Bite Beauty lipstick (also $26). I adore the Amuse Bouche formula, but all are lovely.
If you're very ingredient conscious, and don't like getting your hair stuck in lipsticks, this might be your dream come true! But I'd say, try it out at a Sephora or green beauty store first, if you can.