Laura Mercier • Lip Stain in Scarlet • Lips

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pusch_kin on 4/4/2011 9:33:00 PM more reviews by pusch_kin

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

I LURVE this! It's easily the best stain I've ever had, because it's easy to apply, versatile (light application for a beautiful and natural reddish pouty stain that is very flattering on my NC 25/30 skin, but can be build up to create the kind of full red lips Gwen Stefani would be jealous of) and it doesn't dry out my lips. That really suprised me, because it feels quite dry in the pot, but I do suspect it of moisturisation.

Plus, it stays on for quite a long time but remains purdy even if it's slightly worn off and one pot will last forever. In short: if I could marry my Scarlet, I would. I've tried Benetint, Bourjois, The Body Shop, Bobbi Brown pot rouge (in Raspberry, would at least want to get engaged to that one btw) and Scarlet is my HG. I somehow really enjoy putting it on, and feel slightly giddy when I whip out my beautiful little pot in public. Call me easily pleased.

I also use this under my Bare Minerals fd because the bright redness becomes a lovely flush after powdering. Used over a regular foundation it would be a little much for The Fair Skins like myself unless you're brilliant at very light application.

L.O.V.E!

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antoniaaddict on 6/21/2010 10:11:00 AM more reviews by antoniaaddict

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Blond, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I love this lip stain as its highly pimented and on me does not come off on coffee cups.
Ive used benetint before but found that drying,plus i prefer blue based reds.
Ive not tried any lipsticks from this range before and really like this product.

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jmc1971 on 6/15/2009 3:46:00 PM more reviews by jmc1971

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

I love this very pigmented cool red. It's not too bold because it does fade a bit, but that doesn't bother me. I haven't found it to be too drying. Quite expensive but I would treat myself to this again, the color looks very nice on me (fair skin, dark brown hair, blue eyes).

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lancomelover on 2/17/2009 8:12:00 AM more reviews by lancomelover

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I bought this lip stain in a lighter pink last month. Although the color is nice, it just didnt last a long time and dried my lips out....

So the Pros: Nice color...pretty little container :)

Cons: Doesnt last long, dries me out.

I did buy the lancome long lasting lip gloss and am VERY happy with it...

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peachy905 on 2/10/2009 9:40:00 PM more reviews by peachy905

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

This is a highly pigmented stain and a little goes a long way. It is a beautiful creamy texture that is easily applied with a brush or finger. Scarlet is a great red that can be sheered out for a day look or applied densely for an evening out. I would give it four lippies however, the staying power on this product is not great. After about two hours it does fade.

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*TOP REVIEWER* makeupjunkie90 on 1/21/2009 9:41:00 PM more reviews by makeupjunkie90

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Black, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I really like the color of the Scarlet. Beautiful, blue-based red that has great pigmentation. The name is a bit misleading since when you think lip stain, you think sheer, light color. That is not the case with this lip stain. I would call it lipstick in a pot. I also don't really like the texture of it. It is claimed to have the consistency of a balm, but it is definitely not hydrating. To apply, I take either a lip brush or my finger and dab this very lightly on my lips, as it is very pigmented. It produces a nice red stain, however it doesn't have the staying power of, say, Benetint. It is more of a lipstick. But this color is a nice, universally flattering shade of red that can be applied lightly for a stain or built up for dramatic, look-at-me lips!!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Buthaina on 12/24/2008 12:18:00 AM more reviews by Buthaina

Age: 36-43   Skin: Other   Hair: Red   Eyes: Hazel    

Wow, what a beautiful product! I'm not usually a fan of darker lip colors but when i tried this on at Neiman Marcus, I just knew I had to have this.

I would describe this color as a strong reddish berry color. It is flat, no shine, no shimmer but some how makes the lips look plump and healthy. You can dab it on for a more natural "bitten lip" look or layed it on for a stronger statement-making lip. This is a color I will be wearing all winter long, for sure. I would also say that this is a universally flattering lip color that would go well with any skintone.

Like most stains, it can be a teensy bit drying so make sure you prep your lips before applying.

For reference I am a MAC NC 40 - 43. Brown hair and Brown eyes.

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Fantak on 9/20/2008 2:48:00 PM more reviews by Fantak

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Olive   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I got this product as a gift and thought it was a tinted lip balm. So naturally I swiveled my finger round and put it all over my lips. Imagine my shock and horror when I looked in the mirror. I looked like I had eaten my kittens, it was bright red and everywhere and to make matters worse it stained the surrounding skin and was a hassle to get off.

The product is very pigmented and should probably be applied with a brush, not your finger.

I have not used the product again because I am scared of such heavy pigments and the colour is a bit to red for my tastes, I prefer pinks.

Not a bad product but I think the packaging is misleading, for that much pigment it should come with a brush or in some sort of tube. I also think it is quite expensive.

Would not repurchase.

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*TOP REVIEWER* syeung2 on 7/19/2008 4:32:00 PM more reviews by syeung2

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Product - Scarlet is a blue-based red, so not the best choice with my AAB/NC25 coloring and strong yellow undertones. Great if you love dramatic reds and are neutral-to-cool toned. Stains relatively well, and stains especially well if you blot and apply a second layer. (I use a lip brush.) The texture of the Lip Stain is a like lipstick: firm, smooth, slightly moist, and not sticky. It's not noticeably moisturizing but it doesn't dry my lips out at all either. Satiny finish.


Packaging - Wide round glass pot with shimmery brown LM screw-top lid. About the same size as BeneFit Creaseless Creams.


Overall - I love the Lip Stains in general but this particular shade does not work for my coloring.

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dbethch on 2/17/2008 6:58:00 PM more reviews by dbethch

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

One of the best things about this product is that it is a wonderful, true red with no orange-y brightness. It stays on nicely even when you put a little gloss over it. You must use your fingers to reapply (or carry around a lip brush). The color stays on through eating and drinking although not at the same intensity. Easy to touch-up. I highly recommend.

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*TOP REVIEWER* psychoexgirlfriend on 2/11/2008 12:43:00 AM more reviews by psychoexgirlfriend

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

What: Laura Mercier's Lip Stain in Scarlet ($26 CAD $20 USD) is available at Holt Renfrew in Canada and Sephora, Nordstrom, Macy's and Neiman Marcus in the States. Scarlet is the newest colour released by LM, described as a "rich, classic red". According to the website, Laura Mercier Lip Stain provides the visual effect of a stain with the comfort and sheen of a lip gloss.

* Long term wear with a satin, balmy finish
* Leaves the look of effortless polish and understated sophistication
* Hybrid of stain and gloss formula
* Clear glass pot allows for quick application with fingers or Lip Colour Brush - Pull Apart
* 0.21 oz.

Details: Packaged in a small pot, this lipstain is a solid product, unlike many other popular lip stains out there on the market (Benefit's Benetint, Stila's Cherry Crush Cheek & Lip Stain).
Colour: Scarlet is an deep, intense red, more blue based than orange or brown based. Nonetheless, I'd still put this more in the neutral category than cool or warm. On the lips, Scarlet is a bright cherry red after one layer - like a just bitten look. After a couple more layers, it is fairly true to the colour in the pot.
Packaging: Aforementioned, Laura Mercier's lip stain is packaged in a clear glass pot. The disadvantage of this is that it can get unsanitary if applied with fingers. If you're constantly dipping your fingers in there, be sure to do so with clean hands. The advantage of this is that you can get every last bit of product. In addition, you have better control over how much you apply.
Application: Most people will probably apply this with their fingers. Like I mentioned before, be sure your hands are clean! Just dab lightly into the product and then press onto the lips. Otherwise, you can also choose to apply this with a lip brush, which offers a more precise application. I'd make sure my lips are well moisturized and exfoliated, since this product will emphasize any dryness you may have.
Texture: I was hesitant about buying a lip stain, as they can be very drying. However, I'm happy to report that this lip stain does not dry out the lips. Then again, it doesn't moisturize either. I'd recommend prepping the lips with a heavy duty lip balm before applying it (make sure to take off the balm off before you apply the stain). I'm not sure how it's a stain/gloss hybrid - to me, it seems nothing like a gloss. The texture is definitely a matte as would be expected from a lipstain and definitely not glossy. Like your lips are,... well, stained from eating a cherry Popsicle.
Lasting Power: I applied this item first thing in the morning before work, had two cups of coffee and lunch. Add in a lot of talking on the phone throughout the morning. Afterwards, I went to reapply. To my surprise, there was actually still a lot of colour there. I chose not to reapply. Another afternoon tea (yes, I down too much caffeine in a day) and s'more talking on the phone, and by the end of the work day, I did have to reapply - but it wasn't a full application. Just a light dab for s'more colour.
Transfer: I did see a bit of transfer on my coffee cup. However the real test was when I kissed my boyfriend on my lips (the point of buying a no-transfer lip product was so my boyfriend wouldn't be scared to kiss me and end up with a made up face.) It mainly stayed on my lips and his. The only time I saw any real transfer on to him was when I applied the lip stain over my lip balm. Even then, it was faint compared to a true lipstick.
Looks: I chose to pair this with soft neutral eyes and a red blush applied with a very light hand to give a flush look. This was more than enough colour without being overpowering. Very pretty and girly - a look I'm thinking about doing for Valentine's Day. I'd also consider just applying this lip stain for days when you're too lazy to do anything else. It adds a great pop of colour which gives life to your face.

16 out of 17 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

zsagirl on 12/4/2007 2:06:00 AM more reviews by zsagirl

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Hazel    

i agree with the reviewer below,it looks scary red on the pot but once u dab a little on ur hand it gives a natural just bitten cherry look.it stays long,doesnt dried out my lips. its a plus for me. The price is not cheap though but u only need a little pat and it gives a nice innocent yet provocative just bitten lips. i would defintly buy this again if i ran out!!!! hurray!, by the way, i like this better than bobbi brown lip stain. i also like the way how i dab by finger on the pat and ran it on my lips..made me feel like charlotte dabbing a gloss on Sex and the city..you know.. looks so cute. hehe

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*TOP REVIEWER* tijanarm on 11/29/2007 2:06:00 PM more reviews by tijanarm

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Brown    

This is one of my HG staple products. Great colour, great staying power, capability to layer it on for added intensity or use just a bit for that "just bitten" look, not drying at all, even with my propensity to have cracked and dried out lips. The product looks really intense red in the pot, but once you dab it on it can go from VERY natural bitten, cherry red to a more intense - depending on you preference. Awesome product, will repurchase when I use it up, but you only need to use a little so it lasts a long time.

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No