5 local brand lipsticks that are actually pretty good

The quest for (more) good lipstick continues! This time, we’re looking at local beauty brands who are going beyond everyone’s expectations and stepping up their game when it comes to their products. Guess what–Filipinos can make cosmetics that are just as good, or maybe, even better than your favorite foreign beauty brands. And because they’re local, they’re 1000000x more affordable than international brands. Save yourselves the hassle of shipping fees and trying to get ahold of those overpriced lip kits. Quality products are just here in front of you. Here’s a bunch of them more than worth checking out:

Pink Sugar Creamy Matte Lipstick
Price: Php 349
Comparable to: Maybelline’s Creamy Mattes, MAC’s Matte/Satin Lipsticks

I was preparing for a wedding to attend when the makeup artist that we hired swiped Pink Sugar’s Hot Mess on my lips. Not only was the color absolutely stunning, but I was really surprised how long this baby lasted–probably a solid 6 hours at most. I looked the brand up for more of their lipsticks and saw more gorgeous shades I’m itching to try. I’d say that the quality is probably at par (or actually, even better than) Maybelline’s creamy matte lipsticks. All that for Php 350? More than worth your money, girls and guys.

Kiss & Tell Liquid Lipsticks
Price: Php 220
Comparable to: Colourpop Ultra Satin Lip, NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams

As I’ve mentioned before, I’m a big fan of NYX’s Soft Matte Lip Creams and Colourpop’s Ultra Satin Lip. Kiss & Tell is a local liquid lipstick brand that comes dangerously close. The packaging is adorably compact and it’s a long-lasting lipstick that, most importantly, does not make your lips look like butt holes! They’re not the most transfer-proof of products (I mean, there’s gotta be a reason why the brand is called Kiss & Tell), but still–if they’re moisturizing and long-lasting, I say go for them. Another neat fact? These lippies are organic and totally cruelty-free.

Human Nature Mineral ColorCreme Lipstick
Price: Php 325
Comparable to: Burt’s Bees’ Tinted Lip Balms; MAC Lustre Lipsticks

Another organic find worth trying is Human Nature’s Mineral ColorCreme Lipstick. This product is great for people who aren’t really into lipsticks but want some gloss, moisture (and lots of it), and color on their lips. These are very easy to wear since they feel extremely light and look beautifully natural, albeit not being long-lasting. It’s nice to have one of these popped into your bag or desk drawer if you’re feeling like putting on some color. And since this is Human Nature we’re talking about, proceeds go to their advocacy.

Happy Skin Moisturizing Matte Lippie
Price: Php 649-Php 699
Comparable to: Beyu Color Biggie MATT Lipsticks

Okay, okay, I know these prices are not as incredibly budget-friendly as the rest of the lipsticks on this list, but come on, this is Happy Skin we’re talking about (they were the guys behind the much-hyped about Disney collection and who doesn’t love Disney-inspired makeup?)! I’m a fan of their Moisturizing Matte Lippies because they’re easy to put on since they’re in crayon form and they also did not joke about them being a) moisturizing and b) matte. Its lasting power is no lie and the nude shades are a great dupe to German brand Beyu’s crayon nudes. I would’ve hoarded a bunch of these if it weren’t for my already unnecessarily large lipstick collection.

Update: Happy Skin apparently has their own lip kits now? Gotta try me some of those.

Features & Shades True Light Liquid Lipstick
Price: Php 350
Comparable to: NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams

Maybe this is just the inner child in me talking, but, guys. The cap of this liquid lipstick LIGHTS UP underneath–making your applicator almost look like a mini lightsaber! It also has a side mirror for a hassle-free application. Trivial things aside, these lippies are less expensive than NYX’s Soft Matte Lip Creams but are practically the same in consistency and lasting power. Like the NYX’s alternative, these fade beautifully to the point that you don’t need to reapply since the pigmentation still looks like a faded natural color on the lips, particularly its more nude shades. Or I don’t know, I’d honestly just get these for the lighted caps, lol.

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