Essence Sheer and Shine Lipsticks*

The transition from winter to spring is all about out with the old, heavy coats and in with the cute, airy skirts and dresses.  Two weeks ago I officially shedded my winter coat in favour of my spring jacket, and I couldn't be happier.  As we head into May I can't wait to trade legging for maxi dresses and preppy skirts!  But shedding heavy coats isn't just your clothing.  I also tend to reach for lighter foundations and swap in my heavy lipsticks for something lighter.  Enter: Essence's Sheer and Shine Lipsticks.

"the super soft formula of the sheer & shine lipsticks feels pleasantly light on your lips and provides them with gorgeous, subtle colour with a fantastic shine in the wanna-have shades nude, brown and pink. the translucent cap is the same colour as the lipstick inside so it’s easy to reach for your favorite shade. sheer, shine and oh so stylish."

These lipsticks are super sheer and balmy.  I would describe them as more of a tinted balm than a lipstick.  The colour on the tube can be deceiving, so I have included both swatches of the lipstick on my arm and on my lips.  I have also included a picture of my lips without any lipstick on them to give you a reference point.  This product is available in 10 shades. 

My natural lips

Cute Nude, My First Love, All About Cupcake

Cute Nude, My First Love, All About Cupcake

Cute Nude

My First Love

All About Cupcake

Cute Nude is basically what it sounds like.  This is great to put on in the car on your way between errands or events.  Basic and pretty.  I don't really love My First Love (which is true, we have long since broken up).  I find the glitter settles into the lines on my lips and just isn't pretty.  All About Cupcake is sort of like a pastel coral pink, that is also quite pretty.

Frosted, Sparkling Miracle, BFF, Candy Love

Frosted, Sparkling Miracle, BFF, Candy Love

Frosted

Sparkling Miracle 

BFF

Candy Love

So I really don't think Frosted is very flattering.  I do quite like Sparkling Miracle.  I think Candy Love and BFF look pretty similar, and while both are okay, neither is my favourite.

Glamour Queen, Like a Princess, Be Happy

Glamour Queen

Like a Princess

Be Happy

Of these three, I actually love all of them and think they are quite pretty.

So over all I think these "lipsticks" are more so "tinted balms" that happen to be shaped like lipstick. The sheer,  shimmery ones (Frosted, My First Love) are not flattering on me.  The mid-toned rosey pinks all look pretty similar to me.  However the bright colours are my favourite!  They are great, light weight lippies to help you transition into spring!  These retail for about $3 and can be found at Shoppers Drug Mart & Loblaws.  

Have you tried these?  What did you think?

*Products were provided for my review.