Looking for a purchase that offers a little bit of extravagant luxury but is still within reach?
Sunglasses used to be an entry-level purchase into the designer realm, and that’s still the case. However these days, a high-end lipstick purchase provides a similar thrill.
In recent years the beauty industry has been making steps to address the significant waste issue it is responsible for, and one of the ways it is doing that is to re-look at packaging.
Along with minimising plastics use, using recycled or sugar-cane plastic and ditching unnecessary paper inserts and cellophane wrapping, refillable products are on the rise.
The ability to pay for an outer casing and insert lipstick refill separately not only means not wasting the sometimes-extravagant casing the product comes with initially, but also makes the product slightly cheaper the next time you purchase.
While skincare brands are are jumping into this trend enthusiastically with refillable pottles and bottles, lipsticks are also a key focus. Particularly in high-end cosmetics, where packaging is part of the allure, the number of refillable options continue to rise.
Hermès, Dior, Chanel and plenty more offer the ability to purchase refills after you’ve used the initial colour the lipstick comes with, using the case again and again. Guerlain, makes the experience particularly appealing with it’s Rouge G line of lipsticks, where you purchase the lipstick attached to a base and the weighty case (complete with concealed, flip-open mirror) separately. There is a huge number of lipstick colours and finishes from shine to matte and metallic. What’s more, each case is like a fashion accessory. You can choose from a core collection of cases adorned with textures and colours like burgundy velvet, python-skin print or blush-pink leather, as well as seasonal limited editions that drop into stores periodically.
With the ability to refill, brands seem to want to make the original cases into little works of art. This admittedly makes the initial purchase price up-there for a lipstick, but along with the ability to eventually replace the original shade with one of the recipient’s own choosing, makes them the ideal gift.
So which refillable lipstick should you choose? Here’s the best of the options available now.
Dior Rouge Dior Refillable Lipstick
Dior’s all-round, suits-everyone classic lipstick formula comes in a wide range of divine shades and finishes. Dior also offers it’s long-wear Rouge Dior Forever formula in refillable packaging.
Guerlain Rouge G Refillable Lipstick
It’s hard to beat the pure luxury factor and fashion-led limited edition case options from the Rouge G range. The mirror in the case is perfect for using to reapply on the go, too.
Rose Inc Satin Lip Color Rich Refillable Lipstick
A range of wearable soft nude and more daring hues with a creamy comfortable formula that contains hyaluronic acid and botanical extracts to care for your lips.
Hermès Rouge Hermès Refillable Lipstick
Each of Hermès lip products, including lip balm, comes in stunning refillable metal casing designed by Pierre Hardy.
Chanel Rouge Allure L’Extrait Refillable Lipstick
Ume flower extract and plant waxes infuse the high-pigment lipstick offering from Chanel that comes in core shades and seasonal limited edition updates for the refills.
Estee Lauder Pure Color Matte Lipstick
It’s easy to fall in love with the rich gold metal casing but the number of shades to choose from in this creamy formula is a big drawcard too.
Fenty Beauty Icon Semi-Matte Lipstick
The case and the lipstick base are sold separately, so makeup sure you add both to cart when picking up one of these beautiful lipsticks. It has a modern, semi-matte finish that comes in a number of high-pigment reds and neutrals.
Dries Van Noten Refillable Lipstick
The revered Belgian designer’s lipsticks and stunning cases are mini works of art, but the lipstick finishes are fabulous too.
