The hype was real when a special package arrived on my front doorstep. I had been anxiously tracking it ever since the ‘CONFIRM ORDER’ step and was so excited that I started opening it in my building elevator.

Lisa Eldridge has been a beacon of light within both the YouTube community and the fashion world. Her thoughtful, informative instructions combined with her mastery makes it a breeze to watch. She was one of the few real makeup artists that I started following years ago, so when her new line of lipsticks came out, I knew it was going to be good. Her experience behind the scenes at L’ancome can be seen in these beautiful formulations and choice of colour.

I was only able to nab ‘The New Velvet Collection’ and add-on ‘Velvet Ribbon’ which I had been dying to try since her first launch of the lipsticks. Now, Lisa knows how to send a package. She knows how to make the unboxing experience enjoyable with her cute little messages and cards in the box. I definitely felt like an influencer receiving a PR package.

THE PRODUCT

To put it to 2 words: simple and elegant. I love the colour of the lip case as it is so striking compared to my other lipsticks. So easy to spot in my bag/kit. Sleek with subtle branding, and the magnetic closure is the cherry on top. Soft close with an assurance that you won’t lose the lid on a bender.

The real trip up was the actual lipstick bullet. Like many of you (or maybe none of you), I imagined this lipstick to be made of suede, to have been dipped in suede, and for me to have fluff stuck to my lips. All the images online and on Instagram look like this bullet was dipped in the finest fluff you could ever find. To my relief, these bullets have been placed in a mould with a super fine box pattern, lending itself to the illusion of suede. It was way to pretty to swatch, but here you go.

THE FORMULA

A texture I rarely see in lipsticks these days. The only way I can describe it is like you’re applying a buttery lip-stain (due to its lightweight texture) just with higher pigment. It reminds me of the Glossier. lip colours only more pigmented. They are intensely creamy without any dry texture, something that is quite rare in matte lipsticks. Staying power is phenomenal for your darker shades (Ribbon and Decade), the lighter ones (Fawn and Muse) would last till my meals.

Please prep your lips with a good lip balm and leave it to sit for a few minutes before applying. Due to the velvet nature of these, they’re going to cling to dry patches and uneven lip skin.

My favourite is Velvet Ribbon. That is a red I’ll wear for a lifetime. Incredibly bright, multi-dimensional, very little transfer. I wore it for NYE and it lasted into the new decade that’s for sure.

As I’m writing this, her nude shades are currently sold out. I admire her for keeping her production minimal in order to maintain quality. So, if you’re desperate, you’re going to have to wait for the end of the year when she launches more shades. Otherwise, get your hands on the reds. They are to die for!