Topshop Lip Ombre in Baffle Review

How very apt that the Topshop Lip Ombre Kit I have is in the shade selection Baffle, the concept has left me just that - baffled. After a little digging around, okay glance over the official listing on the Topshop website I have to say the idea is very clever. Basically you have two cream to powder lip colours that can be worn together for a subtle, lip plumping yet altogether fun ombre look or of course use each shade solo. They can also be used on the cheeks but more on that later...

"To create a lip ombre look; apply top pan colour directly to lips with fingertips or brush to create a vivid base colour. Next, apply bottom pan colour to the centre of lips and diffuse out to give the illusion of fuller lips with a two-colour finish."

Before I go any further I do have to say kudos to Topshop in terms of packaging - anyone who has used cream lip products in the past will vouch it can be messy. The flip top design of the lip ombre's really minimises that, all the while looking sleek. Yes the overall design is a little bulky but you do have to keep in mind that it contains two large pans of product alongside a mirror.

The Topshop Lip Ombre's come in four different shade choices, I have Baffle which is the red option of the line up. Topshop Baffle contains a true yet slightly pink tinged red as the top layer, followed by a more coral and somewhat lighter pinky toned red underneath. The top red isn't all that special and could be duped by many red lip products out there but the bottom shade reminds me a lot of MAC Relentlessly Red - both in finish and colour.

Swatches - left to right: top shade, bottom shade, half and half and blended together

The idea is that you apply the top pan all over the lips and then gently dab the lighter colour into the centre for a diffused yet plump look. Great in theory not so much in practise; if using fingers like Topshop recommend this can and will become messy. The cream to powder textures don't allow for precision, more often than not the end look was more bleeding/smudged lipstick than runway chic. I wholeheartedly recommend teaming the kit with a lip brush. Personally the ombre look is not for me but credit where credit is due the Topshop Lip Ombre formulation is pretty wonderful, not only are the shades well pigmented, super opaque but also long wearing and despite being matte they are not terribly drying. At only £9 per kit you certainly get plenty of bang for your money as the cream to powder formulation can double up as a cream blush - I'd go as far as saying I actually prefer the texture on my cheeks to my lips. If you are familiar with Topshop Cream Blushes then you'll know what to expect - the main difference is that this time around the formula is more matte and oddly powder based.

At £9 the Topshop Lip Ombre's are great little multi-purpose kits that would be ideal for those who travel a lot, or want to try the latest lip trend without breaking the bank. You can find all four options here via Topshop - link.

This post contains a press sample.

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