Guerlain Cashmere Matte Lip Gloss: a Contradiction in Terms, but not Fabulousness

June 16, 2010

Sitting around thinking of Bollywood (as one does), my mind made the leap (as it often does) to my latest obsession: matte lip gloss. Although "matte" and "gloss" seem like a complete and utter contradiction in terms, just think lip stain, but one better. And, yes, matte lip gloss and Bollywood are related...the traditional lip powders once worn by Indian women on the sub-continent inspired Guerlain Cashmere Gloss Matte Lip Gloss.

Guerlain's Cashmere resembles a liquid lipstick with great staying power, as in: it will easily survive your morning cuppa even if you're priming your engines with jet fuel. It has a velvety texture and is not at all sticky, which, as we all know, is one of the downsides of gloss. Pleasant smell as well. What's not to like?

However, if your lips live on the dry side, like mine, the only thing I'd advise is to moisturize them as part of your daily ritual.

And how to matte-gloss?

Apply right out of the tube, liner optional: it very nearly lines itself (a handy little time saver). For a sheerer look, put a few dots on your lips and blend with your finger, while if your heart's desire is a less saturated color hue, you can tone it down with a bit of lip gloss like MAC Oyster Girl MAC Cosmetics Lipglass lip gloss (say that five times quickly, please). This shimmery lavender pink that will take the intensity of the color down a notch. Of course, then you no longer have a matte finish. No matter. Up to you. I promise I won't judge.