From The Straits Times    |

Sheer and clear lips Beautiful packaging? Check. Plant-packed botanical beauty goodies? Check.

Over the years, skincare brand Clarins has become renowned for its reliably brilliant beauty offerings.

But while the French brand might be dependable, rarely does it bring something new to the makeup table.

But a couple of summers ago we met the Clarins Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balm, three transparent lipsticks that gave lips a hint of colour and lots of shine.

The beautiful gloss/stick/balm was an instant hit and no wonder, as it had so many things going for it.

It was almost impossible to mess up the application, the sheer formula made most women comfortable wearing it, it had a smoothing quality on lips and the texture and see-through formula of the product was truly eye-catching.

In fact, it proved so popular, that not only is Clarins back with a fourth colour this year, other brands are following suit.

Inspired by the backstage technique from the fashion shows, where every makeup application begins with a nourishing and perfecting lip care ritual, Dior has created the Dior Addict Lip Balm.

The three different shades are named Crystal, Crystal Pink and Crystal Coral, so at Dior, too, the theme is crystal clear.

Younger brand Maybelline has chosen a more youthful inspiration for its gel-sticks and named the popsicle-like lip balms Popsticks.

These come in five shades and at a price point so low that anyone can afford to buy two. © Cover Media

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