Erin is a Brooklyn-based beauty editor and has been with InStyle since 2016. She's written for NYLON, Teen Vogue, Into The Gloss, FASHION Magazine, and more. She graduated with an Honors B.A. in Creative Writing and English Literature from University of Windsor, Ontario College Graduate Certificate in Book and Magazine Publishing from Centennial College, and A.A.S in Advertising and Marketing Communications from Fashion Institute of Technology.
My first lipstick was a purple popsicle. Before I coerced my mom to buy me Bonnie Bell tinted lip balms and MAC lip glosses, I would purposely eat my favorite popsicle flavor so that it would stain my lips with a deep, worn-in violet tint. The look is youthful, effortless, and doesn't feel tacky or goopy on the lips – the perfect lip product for a hot, sticky summer day.
Now there are several lip stains on the market that create a similar effect. The only problem is that many of them can be drying, not to mention they're not as tasty as eating an ice-cold popsicle. Luckily Make Beauty has solved the former issue with the new Serum Balm Intense.
This lip stain is technically a tinted lip serum, which means that it's infused with nourishing skincare ingredients — such as jojoba wax, avocado oil, rice bran extract, and sodium hyaluronate to soften lips and keep them smooth. The formula also has pomegranate extract to subtly plump the lips.
On top of pillow-soft lips, it leaves a nice tint that's not too matte but not too shiny. While there are 13 shades to choose from, ranging from peachy-pink nude to coral orange, I'm a fan of Magnetic Mauve. It's a cool mauve with a hint of purple to it. It's reminiscent of the popsicle-stained lips of my youth without being literal.
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The plush doe-foot applicator completely coats lips in a single swipe for quick and easy application. Plus, you can also build up the intensity of the color by applying thin coats to maintain an even finish.
And while Make Beauty's lip serum may not be intended to eat, it does make my lips look like I've just enjoyed my childhood favorite summer treat.
From non-toxic makeup and skincare to sustainability practices, Clean Slate is an exploration of all things in the green beauty space. Find out what's really in your products — and what's being left out.