French brand Caudalie, which originated on a family vineyard in Bordeaux, is well known for its use of anti-oxidant rich grape-seed polyphenols in their skincare and anti-ageing products – and now they have harnessed that grape-power to create a range of tinted lip balms, which will give your lips that irresistibly sexy, ‘bitten’ look.
Yep, trust the French to more or less turn wine into something that makes you more beautiful (rather than something that makes you wake up with a mouth like a birdcage, hair like a hedgehog and an inner voice croaking “never again…”)
The range isn’t just about superficial benefits, however – the blend of ingredients, which includes Beeswax, Aloe Vera and Castor and Sunflower oils, is powerfully anti-oxidant and nourishing, making your lips beautifully plump, hydrated and kissable from the inside-out.
Branded ‘French Kiss’, the tints come in three shades:
Innocence: Delicately scented with vanilla and orange, this shade reveals your natural lip colour with a light sheen. Wear this one with a barely-there, dewy face when your eye makeup is doing the talking.
Séduction: This one gives your lips a defined plumpness without masking them with colour – think damp petals and floral pinks infused with heady vanilla. The name says it all!
Addiction: Bolder and sassier than the other two shades, Addiction is tinged with berry hues – perfect for a more pronounced pout and a touch of drama.
Being dark haired, olive skinned and well-versed in pouting and drama, I opted for Addiction and loved the first impression given by the packaging: the pale wooden lid just seems to state “natural”, while the deep red writing whispers “wine”. In keeping with the French theme, the tint has a crackly, creme-brûlée-esque shell through which you crack to get to the product beyond.
And, like a creme brûlée, it’s luscious. Light and creamy, and equal parts naughty and nice. It glides effortlessly on to my lips and stays put for hours, with none of that sticky feeling that makes you feel like you’re glued to your coffee cup. Best of all, it’s subtle: I don’t feel like I’m wearing “a statement lip” and, after a few days use, my lips feel nourished and smooth. No, I don’t have a stream of hopefuls lining up to kiss me, but it’s not Christmas yet. You just watch me work that mistletoe.
And, speaking of Christmas, these are priced at £10 each and would make the perfect gift, either on their own or as part of one of Caudalie’s Christmas sets. Throughout September, Caudalie are also offering an exclusive gift with a spend of £60 or more – head to caudalie.com to take advantage of this, using code BODYCARE17 to receive a free Nourishing Trio, comprising Deluxe Body Lotion, Hand & Nail Cream and Lip Conditioner.
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