Style Bee - My 4 Favourite Lip Colours

4 Lip Colours I Love

05.23.18

These days one of the most frequent DM’s I get on Instagram is, ‘What lip colour are you wearing?’, so I figured it was about time to put together a post on my favourite lip colours. The good news is that they’re all from the same clean beauty brand, KOSÅS, made in Los Angeles, and available in both the US and Canada (from various boutiques).

I love this lipstick line because they make it SO easy to wear lip colour without feeling like that’s all anyone will notice on your face. They’re all very approachable hues and universally flattering on all skin tones. They’re lightweight, creamy and go on super smooth without ever drying out your pout. The colours also last very well, but at the same time you can easily wipe them off. So no waking up the next day with permanently stained lips.

This post is not sponsored (although, I wish!) but honestly, these have totally transformed my approach to wearing lipstick and have helped me appreciate the variety and interest a bold lip can add to a simple look. I even wore one of these on my wedding day!

So let’s take a look at the 4 lip colours by KOSÅS that I wear all the time!  


MY 4 FAVOURITE LIP COLOURS BY KOSÅS


Style Bee - My 4 Favourite Lip Colours

A FEW QUICK FACTS ABOUT KOSÅS LIP STICK


KOSÅS founder Sheena Yaitanes, a Los Angeles-based painter with a background in organic chemistry, used her knowledge of colour to create shades that compliment virtually any skin tone. Her artistic/scientific approach resulted in a line of lipstick shades that are incredibly easy to wear and because the molecular weight of the natural oils allows them to seep easily into skin, KOSÅS lipsticks are naturally long-lasting.

KOSÅS Weightless Lip Colours are hydrating, everyday-wearable lipsticks, made with organic oils and botanical extracts (antioxidant green tea, rose hip, grape-seed, and collagen-boosting sweet orange), plus deeply hydrating mango and shea butters, which means no drying out. The line has eight universally flattering shades that range from full-on dramatic to subtle and natural. No matter which one you choose, it’ll instantly complement and brighten your complexion.

PRICE: $28 USD or $34-37 CAD depending where you shop. See stockists at the end of the post.

MADE IN: Los Angeles, CA

8 COLOURS: 

  • NEUTRALS: Stardust, Royal, Rosewater
  • RICH REDS: Undone, Fringe, Darkroom
  • BRIGHTS: Thrillest, Electra

Nourishing Ingredients

  • Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Seed Oil – heals cells, excellent antioxidant, fights free radical damage
  • Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil – anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, moisturizing
  • Rosa Muschata (Rosehip) Seed Oil – powerful antioxidant, reverses environmental damage, heals cells
  • Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter – healing and moisturizing
  • Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter – soothing and conditioning moisturizer
  • Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil – collagen booster with luxurious, uplifting scent
  • Full ingredient list available here.

Kosås Does Not Contain

Parabens
Pthalates
BHA/BHT
Mineral Oil
Propylene Glycol
Polyethylene Glycol
Phenoxyethanol
“Fragrance”
Petrolatum
Vitamin A, retinoids, or retinoid derivatives

*All products are gluten, egg, nut, soy and cruelty free.


HOW I APPLY THEM: I always apply a layer of lip balm after my morning face wash/teeth brush routine and before I start doing my hair or make-up for the day. This usually soaks in during my 5-10 minute routine and then it’s the perfect base to apply these lipsticks to. No lip liners or extra steps needed! I don’t make a point of exfoliating my lips but I’ll give them a good rub with a clean dry towel after washing my face.

The lipstick would probably last longer and give better coverage without the balm but my lips dry too easily to risk it! Then I’ll rub the first pass of lip colour in with my finger and decide if another is needed (it usually is). From there I do the finger pop test and I’m good to go!

I’ll occasionally reapply in the afternoon or evening as needed but I don’t mind when it wears off throughout the day.

Now, onto the colours! 


FRINGE


Style Bee - My 4 Favourite Lip Colours

Fringe is a red lip with earthy undertones to keep it casual and complimentary on all skin tones. Semi-matte, no sparkle, full-coverage colour with lived-in finish.

KOSÅS says: The alternative red lipstick. Fierce and feminine, this buildable brick shade captures effortless confidence and unapologetic sexiness.

Fringe was the first colour I tried by KOSÅS and totally changed how I felt about wearing a deep red lip colour. It’s also the one I wore on my wedding day! It is to me, the perfect red. It’s timeless and bold at the same time but still practical enough for every day wear. I love that it has a hint of glossiness to it, which keeps it from feeling too heavy or intense. It goes great with both warm and cool palettes in terms of clothing and looks stunning on fair, tan and deeper skin tones.


Style Bee - My 4 Favourite Lip Colours Style Bee - My 4 Favourite Lip Colours

STARDUST


Style Bee - My 4 Favourite Lip Colours

Stardust is a sheer neutral nude with pink and brown undertones that gives a summery glow, with a hydrated finish. It’s translucent with buildable coverage.

KOSÅS says: The prismatic sheer. As easy to wear as lip balm and equally kissable, a hint of dreamy lavender makes this dynamic neutral infinitely more magical.

This shade is probably about as close to my natural lip colour as I’m going to get but it adds just that extra touch of colour and opacity. This is my ‘no lipstick’ lipstick for when I want to keep the look super natural but still polished. I also love mixing this one with Fringe or Thrillest to tone down the rich pigment when I want a more low-key look. I find this one looks almost the same as Undone in the applicator but it’s much more sheer. I like to call it ‘car application friendly’ because it’s light enough that you won’t notice any imperfect lines.


Style Bee - My 4 Favourite Lip Colours Style Bee - My 4 Favourite Lip Colours

THRILLEST


Style Bee - My 4 Favourite Lip Colours

Thrillest is a vibrant poppy red with a hint of bright orange lean with a full-coverage, semi-matte finish.

KOSÅS says: The adventurous poppy. Wake up to the possibilities with this bold, energizing orange-red. For the risk-takers and statement-makers.

I picked up Thrillest for the summer and I’ve been loving it! I had searched so long for a bright red that suited my skin tone and this one did the trick. A reader recently mentioned how she felt it was the perfect Parisienne red and I couldn’t agree more. It’s SO GOOD with a striped top, vintage jeans and block heels for a fun night out. At the same time it’s perfect with linen pants and a wrap top for a holiday. They say it’s for risk-takers but honestly this one is a safe bet for anyone looking for the ideal summer colour that’s flirty and fresh!


Style Bee - My 4 Favourite Lip Colours

UNDONE


Style Bee - My 4 Favourite Lip Colours

Undone is a strong nude and a warm, neutral take on a red lip, this blend of pinks, plums and browns is long-wearing, semi-matte and full-coverage.

This colour is my latest obsession. I’ve worn it so many times this Spring and it never fails to work with whatever I’m wearing. It’s very similar to Stardust but much more richly pigmented so it goes on stronger and adds more impact. It’s also a bit more matte than the other colours I have and I really like that about it too.


Style Bee - My 4 Favourite Lip Colours Style Bee - My 4 Favourite Lip Colours

WHERE TO FIND KOSÅS


KOSÅS

($28 USD – US + INTL)

LYNN STEVEN

($34 CAD – Canada + INTL – Free shipping on all orders over $100 CAD)

TRUTH BEAUTY

($35.95 CAD – Canada + US – Free shipping on all orders over $75 CAD)

HOLT RENFREW

($37 CAD – Canada Only – Free shipping on all orders over $100 CAD)

REVOLVE

($28 USD – US + INTL – Free shipping on all orders over $100 USD + Free Returns to Canada)

NEED SUPPLY

($28 USD – US + INTL)

GOOP

($28 USD – US + Canada)

NEIMAN MARCUS

($28 USD – US only)



Looking for a budget friendlier option? Try BURT’S BEES LIP CRAYON for a similar range of tones and coverage. They don’t deliver in nearly the same way that KOSÅS does but for $6 USD you can get a feel for playing with colours until you’re ready for the real deal.


Well, there you have it! My 4 favourite lipstick colours! I’m excited to try the rest of the this collection over time as well.

Have you tried any of these or other colours? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

If you like this type of post or have other beauty post requests, please let me know!


DISCLOSURE: This post is not sponsored or produced in partnership with any of the aforementioned brands but it contains affiliate links. When you shop using the links above I may make a small portion of the sale. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Style Bee.

Leave me a comment here!

  1. Great review Lee!

    I think I’ll go for Fringe and Undone myself – gorgeous shades.

    These lipsticks must be really special for you because you wore one on your wedding day!

    I love the idea of a lipstick that uses a lot of nice fruity ingredients! I had a quick look at the full ingredients list for the Weightless Lip Colours range. As you said, they don’t contain ingredients like parabens, phthalates, mineral oil etc..

    I was also really impressed to see they don’t contain any carmine (crushed bugs) – unlike a lot of popular red lipsticks!

    For any readers looking to go more natural with their lip products, we recently posted a piece exposing some lipstick ingredients to avoid. Plus, we discuss future lipstick innovations that will be particularly appealing for green beauty fans!
    https://makeupscholar.com/what-lipstick-made-of/

    Thanks again for the great review and swatches – can’t wait to get my hands on a KOSÅS lipstick,

    Laura.

  2. Anne walters says:

    Hi Lee- zipped into credo to check these out and ended up with undone and rosewater. Love, love them! Staying power is great. I also love the y et beaute line- similar in feel to these. As an aside- you’ve changed my approach to fashion completely. Slowly but surely changing to sustainable, slow clothes in a neutral palette. Now if I could only find shoes for my big feet! Thank you!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      That’s so great to hear Anne! I just looked into y et beaute and the line looks gorgeous. Wish we had Credo up here!

      Thanks so much for the kind words, I’m so glad that my blog/style has been helpful for you 🙂 xo

  3. Alex says:

    Lee,
    My new lipsticks arrived today and I can’t tell you how thrilled I am with these lipsticks! Thanks so much! I ordered Stardust and Royal and couldn’t be happier. Your comment about the colors working for various skin tones intrigued me and I am so happy I took the bait. For years, I’ve been searching for colors that worked well with my skin only to be unhappy with the results, but no longer. Yaaay!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Alex! I’m so thrilled to hear that you love them! Yay! Thanks so much for trusting my suggestion and for letting me know 🙂 Enjoy your new lip colours! xo

  4. Elysia says:

    Undone has probably been one of my favorites since the day I found it. I also have Royal, which I definitely would consider a berry over a neutral. I’ve been thinking about Stardust and Rosewater too, but also interested in trying Ilia lipsticks.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      So glad you love Undone too Elysia! I tried Ilia lipstick awhile back and it was very drying but they might have updated the formula. The packaging and colour range is beautiful though!

  5. Maria says:

    I’m VERY impressed you found a lipstick with good coverage for your wedding! I’ve been struggling to find something for mine that won’t transfer when I kiss my partner. Did you find this was an issue on your wedding day with Kosas?

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Hi Maria, I loved Fringe for my wedding! It definitely did leave a mark on the hubs but it was easy to wipe off! I don’t no if there is a true transfer-free clean lipstick by if you find one I’ love to know 🙂 Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! All the best xo

  6. Rainey says:

    Love this! I find I am scared of lipsticks. I love them on others, but never feel like they are “me”. Mostly I always feel worried I look too done up or that I have lipstick on my teeth or that it’s smudged all over my face. I love these colors though; subtle, but statement making at the same time. My question is do you think you could or would ever do a lipstick tutorial? I never know how far down my lips to go or how to not make it clown like or to get it just right and clean. HELP! Thanks love the post!

  7. Mary says:

    Love the colors. Being an artist I appreciate what she has done. When I go on the Kostas website there are only 6 colors and undone is not one of them. Especially like fringe and stardust. Thanks for the wonderful post.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Hi Mary, I think the colours are just genius! I’m not sure why the full range is not listed on the Kosas site but you should see all 8 options from the other stockists. Thanks for taking a look! xo

  8. Natalia Myles says:

    Thanks for the post! It’s so timely for me as I’ve been on the search for an easy every day non-drying lipstick! I have two questions!
    1. How does Kosas compare to Hynt lipstick, in terms of pigment and how creamy it is etc? I just got some samples of the Hynt lipsticks and testing them out.
    2. I know you mentioned you don’t use a lip liner. I generally have to use one to help define my lips (my lips are quite big and just putting lipstick on, without a liner setting up a boundary, makes them look GIANT). Is there a lip liner brand you would recommend?
    Thanks! ?

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Hi Natalia, good questions!

      1 – I would say it’s similar to the texture and opacity of Hynt but goes on creamier and is not as drying.
      2 – For a lip liner I would be looking into this one by RMS.

      Hope that helps! xo

    • Natalia says:

      Thanks! I meant to also suggest rose hip oil for you, since you mentioned your lips are usually dry! I got 100% pure cold refined rose hip oil and apply it first thing in the morning and at night. One drop is all you need. I noticed a difference after a week of use. That and drinking lots of water has helped me so i don’t need to use lip balms during the day anymore! ?

  9. Sara says:

    Do you have any particular colours you like in the Burts Bees lip crayons? Comparable to these colours say? I like the first two a lot…Fringe and Stardust. But I’m a lipstick newbe…would love to do as you say and play with a cheaper option first. 🙂

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Hey Sara! I love Redwood Forest, which is similar to Fringe but not as dark. I also have Napa Vineyard which is bright like Thrillest but more of a cherry red than a poppy red. I haven’t tried too many others but Tahitian Sunset looks close-ish to Undone. I hope that helps! Have fun playing with colours. xo

  10. I just ordered 2! Who can resist a new spring lipstick? Undone and Rosewater look lovely 🙂

  11. Thanks for sharing, I’ve always admired your choice of lipstick colours. I’ll be sure to order a few of the colours. Love the ingrediants too!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks Kimberly! Aside from the colours, the ingredients are really what make these nice to wear. If you pick some up I’d love to know how you like them 🙂

  12. Michelle says:

    Terrific overview!
    FYI: tiny mistake – Neiman Marcus is misspelled.

  13. Catherine says:

    Thanks for this post. I’m one of the ones that asked about your lip color a bit ago. I immediately ordered Undone after your response and I love it! The color is so rich and it goes on so smooth and, while it doesn’t last as long as others, it’s a quality lip experience … is that a thing?!? 🙂 I’d bet it would look good on most. I’m considering Thrillist for my summer arsenal! Thanks again.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      I’m so glad you are happy with your Kosas Lipstick Catherine! A quality lip experience is totally a thing! That is a great way to describe it 🙂 Thrillest is perfect for summer, just sayin’! xo

  14. Kelly says:

    Those ingredients, yum! I’m glad to know about this brand, but thank you for including a more affordable option too. Love your beautiful, thoughtful posts.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks for the great feedback Kelly! So glad you enjoyed the post. I’ve used the BURT’S crayons for years before upgrading so I definitely appreciate the gradual process of wearing lipstick 😛 xo

  15. Shelby Dwyer says:

    Love this! I recently started wearing Rosewater and it’s an enhancement of my natural lip color, and basically the color I’ve been searching for all my life! I love how smooth and hydrating they are, and the magnetic cap is magic! (Or, at least I think it’s magnetic? haha)

    I’m intrigued by Fringe, I’ve been trying to replicate an earthy red from Bobbi Brown but haven’t found the right shade, and I think this one might be it!

    Thanks for posting!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Oh I’m so glad you love Rosewater! It was sold out when I shopped last but it’s next on my list to try out. Also, I can’t believe I forgot to mention the packaging! It’s definitely magic 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. Fringe is such a good earthy red! xo