Staff tested: Bright, bold lip colour

Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge in Caprice

I was impressed by how creamy this cherry-red lipstick was, essential for my dry lips. Though the colour worked well with my complexion, and I liked its sweet, subtle scent, I’ll admit that on first application, I blotted it to tone down the colour. But I got braver: Reapplying it after lunch, I didn’t blot, and it still lasted into evening. -Joana Lourenço, Associate Editor

Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge in Caprice ($35, 4.2 g)

Aveda Nourish-mint Smoothing Lip Color in SweetPlum and Lip Liner in Plum Petals

I like the rock ‘n’ roll look of burgundy lips paired with pale skin, so this plum-coloured duo was a perfect match for my fair complexion. And I love that the products are eco-friendly, have a subtle minty scent and, most of all, the results: moody, yet pretty, lips. -Katharine Watts, Associate Web Editor

Aveda Nourish-mint Smoothing Lip Color in SweetPlum ($23, 3.4 g) and Lip Liner in Plum Petals ($25, 1.14 g)

Quo Mirror Gloss in Secret Rendezvous

I’m used to wearing bold lip colour when having my photo taken for my Editor’s page, but in “real life” I go with lower-key pinks. Trying this smooth-feeling gloss on a regular day at the office certainly opened my eyes to bright possibilities. I love its iridescence, and the colour lasted, which was surprising for a gloss. Good price, too. -Bonnie Munday, Editor-in-Chief

Quo Mirror Gloss in Secret Rendezvous ($10, 6.5 mL)

Chanel Rouge Double Intensité Ultra Wear Lip Colour in Ever Red

This fluid lip colour means business! Once applied, it doesn’t budge or transfer. It gave a semi-matte finish, and comes with a clear gloss topcoat (the black end) that made my lips super-shiny. I admit that when I saw its intense colour I was intimidated, but the compliments I got made me forget my hesitation. -Stephanie Han, Art Director

Chanel Rouge Double Intensité Ultra Wear Lip Colour in Ever Red ($39, 3.1 g)

M.A.C Retro Matte Lipstick in All Fired Up

I’ve never ventured out of soft-pink territory, so this matte magenta pushed me off my safety ledge. Based on the oohs and aahs I got from colleagues, I think the colour worked well with my blonde hair and fair complexion, and it didn’t “bleed” beyond my lip line. Yes, it’s a little bright for the office, but it’s perfect for after-work drinks. -Melissa Greer, Content Producer

M.A.C Retro Matte Lipstick in All Fired Up ($18, 3 g)

Guerlain Maxi Shine in Madame Batifole

I love this gloss! I never would have thought I’d say that, because when I first looked at the bright, shimmery pinky-red colour I thought, “That is so not me.” When I applied it, it was actually sheerer than I had anticipated, yet it still added some much-needed berry hue to my normally pale lips. I also appreciate that it’s non-sticky. -Jennifer Walker, Deputy Editor

Guerlain Maxi Shine in Madame Batifole ($32, 7.5 mL)

Joe Fresh Matte Lipstick in Neon Red

I like the idea that a hot fashion lipstick shade like this coral-red with pink undertone is a bargain, because for me, bright and bold is “on occasion.” I did have to control the “bleeding” with a lip pencil-I used a similarly bright one, since a neutral one would have toned down the effect. -Rhonda Rovan, Editor-at-Large, Beauty & Fashion

Joe Fresh Matte Lipstick in Neon Red ($6, 3.3 g)

Bite Beauty Cashmere Lip Cream in Moscato

My lip colour mantra is “The brighter, the better,” so I wasn’t shy about trying this no-holds-barred hot pink, even in daytime. The opaque cream smoothed on effortlessly and wasn’t wet or drying. The texture was so weightless I forgot I had it on, despite the day-glo hue. It stayed on all day, even through lunch. -Jennifer Masseau, Associate Editor, Beauty & Fashion

Bite Beauty Cashmere Lip Cream in Moscato ($28, 7.48 g)

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