As far as lip and cheek two-in-ones go, rarely do I ever go in thinking, Yeah, I’m totally going to coordinate these together. Much like the twinset or power skirt-suit combo, a lip-and-cheek duo is exciting in its multi-talents, but inevitably finds its way onto one but not two parts of my face. This is when I unravel my own philosophy and say that I found a product that pulls its weight evenly for both functions. Not to disappoint you, but I feel I must tell you that the Nudestix Gel Color Lip + Cheek Balm in J Mama, while technically delivering what it promises, isn’t reinventing the wheel. What it does do, however, is give you a balmy, dusty-rose shade wherever you choose to smear it. (And you know what, there’s nothing wrong with that.)
Call me basic, but I chose my lips. As someone with a medium-tan, golden complexion, I find nudes a bit tricky. It’s all about the tone. And look, this one doesn’t suck at all but the coolness of said tone gives me pause. However, since the pigment is a gel, it’s sheer and shiny, which is like the texture equivalent of linen in that it looks great on everyone. I like to leave this color just a touch on the sheer side, but if I really build it up, it starts getting into ’60s mod territory. Not a bad look, but not my go-to. I mean, it’s simple and pretty. Not everything has to be a statement color, you know?
Sable Yong / Allure
For the sake of this testimony, I also smeared some on my cheeks knowing full well that I am not usually a person who wears cool-toned blush, but I am here for a dewy cheek tint. The creaminess of this gel pencil makes blending it surprisingly simple, which means no overly flushed stain on my cheeks. It’s also a pretty dusty-rose cheek tint that looks better on me than I thought it would. Perhaps I ought to renew my faith in cool nudes. This gel pencil leaves a super dewy (almost glossy?) sheer rosy tint that doubles as its own highlighter — now there’s the real twofer.