When I first started getting into makeup, one particular product seemed to crop up time and time again – Anastasia Beverly Hills’ liquid lipsticks. Everyone was using them, they were plastered all over Instagram, they were used in beauty bloggers’ looks, featured in blog posts and makeup tutorials.
I desperately wanted to get my hands on one, but they did not come cheap. One lipstick will set you back twenty quid, which was a far cry from the kind of prices I was used to from my favourite high street brands. I also didn’t want to run the risk of forking out the cashola for one lipstick, and then not actually like it: I may not like the formula or the shade might not suit me or it might be different to what was advertised, for example.
I bought my first ABH lipsticks during a Buy One Get One Free promotion on the official website. Two lipsticks for £20 (or £10 per lipstick) was still a little steep, but I was happier to shell out that amount for two shades in order to see what all the fuss was about. Luckily, I fell in love with the formula and wearability instantly; they’re pigmented and creamy without being cakey and dry down to a comfortable, smudge-proof matte finish that *gasp* doesn’t flake and lasts for hours. They’re not perfect, but they are well worth the hype, although maybe not worth the full price of £20 in all honesty.
Some time in the last year, T. K. Maxx have also started selling ABH products at discounted prices (£25 for one Glow Kit, can I get a hell yas?) so my collection of shades has grew. I now have eight different shades, some everyday favourites and some more out-there colours, which is another great thing about the range: I think there are around forty shades in a range of tones, so you’re bound to find one to suit you perfectly, whether you’re looking for neutral or something more playful.
Read on to see which shades I have and how they look on the lips!
Stripped
‘Neutrat beige nude’
I wasn’t sure about this to start with as I thought it might be too light for my skin tone, but it’s really a pretty, wearable nude that goes with just about anything. I also use it to achieve an ombre lip look with a darker lip colour by dabbing it in the middle of my lips and patting it out with my finger to make my lips look fuller or tone down a punchier shade.
Heathers
‘Brownish oxblood’
This is my go-to shade for an ultimate vampy lip. It’s such a deep, pigmented colour that looks so pretty on my skin and instantly adds a shot of sexiness to even a demure makeup look.
American Doll
‘Classic retro red’
This is the brightest, punchiest red lipstick I’ve ever owned. The shade name fits it perfectly: it makes me want to slip into a retro wiggle dress, put my hair up in victory rolls and shimmy on down to the town lindy hop.
Insomniac
‘Faded teal’
Clearly not a colour I would wear everyday, but it’s so striking and bold and would look insaaaane with certain makeup looks. I’m glad to have it in my collection if the mood strikes!
Toast
‘Muted rosewood’
I wasn’t sure if this shade suited me to begin with but it’s become one of my firm favourites. It’s almost a nude, but with a slight dark pink tinge to it. Like a “my lips but better'”.
Dazed
‘Redwood’
Another pretty red berry-toned shade. It’s a gorgeous deep shade without being too punchy or in-your-face, and I’ve found that it goes with pretty much every makeup look. I’m going to get so much wear out of it in the colder seasons.
Ashton
‘Midtone yellow brown’
This is my favourite shade that I’ve tried so far from ABH’s range. It reminds me of LA Splash’s Honey Bee but with slightly more of a nude tone. It’s a beautifully wearable consistency and looks gorgeous with or without darker liner. It’s one of my favourites to wear with a hint of Stripped in the middle of my lips.
Currant
‘Brick’
This is a lovely in-between shade of American Doll and Dazed, a lovely cranberry-red colour that is basically like wearing a red lip without the commitment of wearing a red lip. For such a deep colour, the consistency is to thin and light without being patchy. Another pretty colour that I’m probably gonna wear most days in autumn and winter.
There are all the shades I have so far. I really want to extend my collection, I’ve got my eye on Madison (vibrant plum magenta) and Sunset Punch (metallic dusty mauve) next!