Queen of Lipsticks

You know how you tell yourself not to buy something that you will surely be able to find somewhere else, maybe even on sale? Even when it's not actually something you'll likely find elsewhere, and definitely not on sale? Well, I somehow triumphed over that feeling a couple of months ago when I found Lipstick Queen lipsticks on Gilt.com - who knew it was possible? I once tried on an LQ lipstick in Wine (Sinner formula) and it was so pretty, I don't know how I tore myself away from the $18 tube. I told myself it could be a splurge somewhere further down the line. Luckily, the three LQ lipsticks I received from Gilt weren't even a splurge. With $25 credit and a discounted price of $11, these lipsticks were a steal.

I have three lipsticks from the sheer version of LQ lipsticks, Saint, only because they didn't have any Sinners (ha). For those of you who don't know, all of the LQ lipstick shades came in both the Sinner (semi-matte and very pigmented) and Saint (sheer) versions. Think of them as the perfect solution for fall/winter and spring/summer lipstick changes. If there is a color you love, you can get it in Sinner for the colder season and Saint for summer makeup.

Saint Coral, Berry, and Rust are such easy and pretty lipsticks for this season, and they would suit almost any complexion. The great thing about all of the shades is that they are exactly what they sound like - Coral is coral, Berry is berry - you get the idea. A grown-up alternative to glosses (and longer lasting) and perfect for both office-wear and going out. There is a whole lipstick "stain" trend out there right now, but LQ Saints have been way ahead of the game (as have been Vincent Longo's lipstick stains).

If you want to know the truth, what I love most about these lipsticks is the unique packaging. I usually don't care about packaging - it doesn't make or break using the product in any way for me. But these brushed-gold metal tubes are so fun. If you ever get one, you'll know what I mean - the tubes don't have the slippery feel of metal or plastic. They are kind of velvety and soft - very cool, and I'd like to know why other high-end brands charge so much for very basic packaging. Why don't they have soft, velvety, brushed-gold materials at $20 or more a pop? The tubes also close shut with this velvety, soft click instead of that traditional metallic "click." I know this sounds really crazy - only those who have them will know what I mean. Trust me, it is sort of a nice bonus.