Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Stick, $18

I love lipstick--in theory. I think it makes a woman look so put-together and fabulous. But, to be honest, lipstick kind of scares me. Plus, everything I've read says you have to use lip liner, so that just adds another level of complexity. That doesn't stop me from wanting to try it, though. I bought Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Stick because it's lip liner, lipstick, and plumper in one. I figured this was a good first step.


The Buxom Lip Stick is basically shaped like a fat lip liner. The bottom end is a built-in sharpener to keep the point. The color I chose is Bombay--a natural rose shade, not dramatic but definitely adds a lot of color to your face.

The shape is great because it lets me have a lot of control (especially useful for a novice like me). The lipstick itself is really creamy and soft--the color goes on really easily as a lip liner and as a lipstick. The first time I used it I kind of just colored in my lips like it was a marker. This time, though, I dabbed it on gently in little strokes. I found this to make it last longer, I guess because I didn't put on too much. When you first put it on, you can feel a slightly cool tingle. I'm not sure how much this actually plumps because lipstick makes your lips look bigger anyway, but it's pleasant.

I found it to last pretty well, especially with a little primer (I used Urban Decay's). It lasts longer than other lipsticks I've tried (though you will still have to touch it up every so often). It does get a little dry though, so I recommend using a lip gloss over it if that bothers you.

(Looks nice with just mascara)
(Or with a simple line of black on top)
(A little darker in warmer lighting)

Final verdict
Cost: $18, but you're getting lip liner and lipstick in one. Plus, it is a pretty good size.
Color: The color I got, Bombay, is really natural, pretty, and flattering. They have 12 shades to choose from, so I'm sure you could find one that works for you.
Texture: Really creamy and soft. It gets a little dry after a couple hours, but I think some lip gloss could help with that.
Repeat offender: This is really the only lipstick I've been able to use with any success. All in all I'm really happy with it. It's much easier to use than a typical lipstick and it works as a liner too, so one less thing to worry about! I'm not sure how much it plumps, but that's not so important to me. It lasts longer than other lipsticks I've tried, and the color is great. I'll definitely try it in other shades.

-T