It’s weird; as a child, I never had any inclination for colouring in with crayons… yet as an adult, I simply can’t get enough of the things – but for my make-up kit, of course!
Ever since Clinique launched their Chubby Stick lip balms, beauty brands from the wallet-friendly to the high-end have been seeking “inspiration” from these jumbo crayons of awesomeness. New on the scene are Sisley’s Phyto-Lip Twist Lip Pencils – and they might just give the Chubster a run for its money.
I was given the Sisley Phyto-Lip Twist in Cherry to try – my predilection for a strong red lip clearly precedes me! I immediately fell in love with the gorgeous packaging; the funky zebra-print design is eye-catchingly stylish, whilst thanks to its metal cap and chunky shape, the Phyto-Lip Twist has an expensive-feeling weight to it too. This is the kind of lip product you definitely want people to spot peeking out of your make-up bag!
So far, Sisley’s Phyto-Lip Twists come in six colours, ranging from the soft and sheer to the vivid and intense – with Cherry at the “wow” end of the vibrant scale. It’s a juicy, Jessica Rabbit hit of scarlet… and I instantly loved it.
Left to right: Clinique Mightiest Maraschino vs Sisley Cherry
Its closest comparison in the Chubby world is Clinique’s Chubby Stick Intense in Mightiest Maraschino, another classic bright red – and as you can see, the two look pretty similar swatched on my hand. Sisley’s Cherry perhaps pops just a tad brighter and more vibrant to my eye, but the difference is negligible.
However, get out the bunting, wave your flags and stick a Kool & The Gang record on because, unlike Mightiest Maraschino, Sisley’s Cherry Phyto-Lip Twist DOES NOT LEAN PINK on my lips! A true red that stays truly red? Ding, ding, round one to the Phyto Machine!
Formula-wise, the Phyto-Lip Twist knocks it out the park. It’s soft, moisturising and more comfortable than your favourite pair of jeans. Despite the intensity of colour, it never once felt like it was drying my lips out; instead, thanks to two plant-based active ingredients (phytosqualane, which is derived from olive oil, and Commiphora resin extract, which is found in myrrh… and if it’s good enough to gift baby Jesus then hell yeah, please do stick it in my make-up!), it felt light and nourishing throughout its entire wear-time.
Cherry glides on easily and has a lovely, smooth, slightly glossy finish (and I find these twist-up pencils always so much easier to apply than normal lipstick anyway). Thanks to its super soft, moisturising qualities, it probably only lasts about four hours in its most pristine state (given lack of intense lip action within that period *wink*).
But what I also liked about the Cherry Phyto-Lip Twist is that it fades really prettily too – so much so that I actually started blotting it down deliberately on occasion, to create a softer, lighter everyday red that works rather nicely as well (see above). Two shades for the price of one? Bring it on!
Overall, I was mightily impressed with my Sisley Phyto-Lip Twist and would happily buy more from the range. The only downside is the price, which at $320, is almost double that of a Clinique Chubby Stick. For that, I’d say the formula is softer, the lip colour truer, and the packaging sexier – but whether that’s enough for you to go Phyto on a regular basis is up to you. Personally, I can see myself splurging on a Sisley again sooner rather than later, especially for colours that aren’t already in my Chubby arsenal; the Phyto-Lip Twist really is the kind of make-up product that’s all too easy to fall head over lips in love with!
The Sisley Phyto-Lip Twist is a beautifully designed and highly wearable alternative to lipstick that boasts a definite luxe factor, whilst Cherry itself is a total temptress of a colour. Once you go crayon, it’s very hard to go back… and I think I may now be twisting again on a regular basis too!
Sisley’s Phyto-Lip Twist in Cherry, $330; see all Sisley locations in Hong Kong here
Note: Product provided for my review
Through The Looking Glass 