Louise McSharry: Five affordable lipsticks that deliver a touch of glamour and won’t break the bank

Having said that, there is no way my grandmother would have ever spent a lot of money on lipstick and for the most part, there’s no need to. Many of the brands you can find in the chemist produce lipsticks that will do everything you need them to. Today, I’m sharing some of my favourites.

1. SOSU Matte Lipstick in Te Amo (€12.95 via sosucosmetics.com) — For years, my go-to lipstick was MAC’s Lady Danger: a matte, vivid red with a warm, orangey undertone. I wanted to look like a rock star and with my bleached blonde hair, I think it got me as close as I’m ever going to get. If this lipstick by SOSU had been around then, I could have saved a lot of money, because it’s almost identical. Despite its velvety texture, it is very comfortable to wear and lasts as well as any high-end lipstick of a similar formula.

2. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Mink (€11.49 via boots.ie) — This lipstick formula has been around for decades, which says a lot in a trend-focused industry that is constantly evolving. Incredibly comfortable, Super Lustrous Lipstick is creamy with a satin finish, and the shade Mink is a gorgeous brown. On fair skin, this will give full 90s, while on darker skin it’s a beautiful nude. Honourable mentions go to Black Cherry, a deep burgundy which is gorgeous on dark skin, and Rum Raisin, a deep mauve.

3. NYX Professional Makeup Lip Lingerie XXL in Warm Up (€12.99 via boots.ie) — If you need your lipstick to stay put for a long time, look no further than this liquid lipstick formula. It promises to last 16 hours, and in my experience, it actually does. Richly pigmented and reasonably comfortable for a matte, liquid formula, this is ideal for a wedding or similarly long event. Lip Lingerie XXL is available in 24 shades but my personal favourite is Warm Up, a soft brick red which looks gorgeous on fair skin.

4. SOSU x Bonnie Ryan Lip Kit in Nude Pink (€16.95 via sosucosmetics.com) — Yes, I’m recommending two different SOSU products, but I couldn’t not include the lip kits from their collaboration with makeup artist and content creator Bonnie Ryan. Bonnie was involved in every detail of the collection, and you can really see her professional experience in these lip products. Each kit, which is available in three shades of pink, comes with a lipstick and liner, and they are perfectly formulated. Hydrating, and delivering a satin finish, I always feel polished when I have them on.

5. Sculpted by Aimee Hydralip in Berry (€18 via sculptedbyaimee.com) — If you like your lipstick on the sheer side, these guys are a great option. The balmy formula is nourishing and hydrating via hyaluronic acid, but still delivers glossy colour. There are six shades to choose from here, but I find myself coming back to Berry (which is, you guessed it, a berry shade) time and time again. Flattering and comfortable, it’s a perfect everyday lipstick.

Buying Irish

There is no cuter tale in beauty than the story of the Dapper Stick, in my opinion. Aine Kennedy created the Smooth Stick in 2022 when she was tired of using hairspray and hair pins to keep her hair tidy. Since then, the business has grown with the help of her family — especially her granddad Billy. When a video of her smoothing his hair with a Smooth Stick went viral, her followers suggested she trademark the Dapper Stick as a concept. Well, she did, and now The Dapper Stick (€16.99 via thesmoothcompany.com) is available for any gent who wants to tidy up his gruaig. Check out Aine’s TikTok page if you want to see Grandad Billy’s adorable reaction.

Something old…

Bronzing drops are a fairly new phenomenon, so forgive me for including a product which isn’t really that old in this section this week. Despite the fact that it’s a relatively new product, there is no doubt that Drunk Elephant’s D-Bronzi Drops (€39 via arnotts.ie) are the OG of this category. Bronzing drops give an instant hint of tan, and can be added to any moisturiser or serum, including those designed for your body. This formula is packed with useful ingredients too, like antioxidants and fatty acids which support the skin barrier and help the skin defend itself from environmental pollutants and stressors. I’m not convinced this is an essential product, but thousands disagree with me and make it a key part of their everyday makeup routine.

... Something new

Ultra Violette is a super-chic suncare brand which specialises in highly protective products which are a joy to use. Founded by Australians, who know what they’re doing when it comes to SPF, these products perform brilliantly and are always nicely packaged. Their latest launch is Queen Screen Super Glow Drops (€37.29 via cultbeauty.com), which comes in two variations, Bronzing and Illuminating.The Bronzing option will give you a glowy tan, while the Illuminating one delivers a radiant, dewy finish. Of course, they are also SPF50, although it is not recommended that you use it as your sole protective product. They can be used all over the face, or just on the high points for a sunkissed effect.