I was sent three shades from the Ellis Faas Hot Lips* range, which is their “latest revolutionary texture for the lips.” Ellis Faas, a Dutch photographer and makeup artist cited by Vogue Paris as “one of the most influential make-up artists of her time,” began her own line of makeup in 2009. Ellis Faas, as a makeup line, focuses on Human Colours—her line is based on the colors that the body naturally produces, making it easier (in theory) to strike a balance between your own skin tone and the shades of makeup you choose.
“From the tawny peach of a freckle to the pure, vivid red that pulses through our veins, the ELLIS FAAS Human Colours collection looks to the human palette for inspiration. The colours that exist naturally in our bodies are complex and rich, but they’re also universal, shared by each and every one of us. Based on this universal spectrum, ELLIS FAAS Human Colours complement all skin tones, and when it comes to looking one’s best, what better way to highlight a great feature or mask an imperfection than with tones and hues that already exist in each of us?
The ELLIS FAAS Human Colours inspire exploration: no matter what complexion, age or style, with ELLIS FAAS a woman can customise her own look with subtle effects or dramatic flair with colours that are sure to complement and flatter.
Prior to the Hot Lips line, they already had three other lip ranges: Creamy Lips, which boasts of longwearing coverage and is closest to the classic lipstick definition; Milky Lips, which is a long-wear fluid lipstick with high pigment and high gloss—perfect for women who like color but not the feel of lipsticks; and Glazed Lips, which is a lipgloss formula that’s high in pigment, combining transparency and intensity for an ultra-wet look.
Hot Lips is their high pigment, non-greasy range, if you like vibrant and bold lip colors. I think I might compare these to both the Guerlain Rouge G L’Extrait and the OCC Lip Tars. These are much easier to work with and apply. The “fuss level” overall is surprisingly low, especially when you see the packaging of the product.
The Ellis Faas products are generally packaged into these bullet-like cylinders and can be dispensed by twisting or clicking something, much like pen concealers and highlighters. They also sell the Ellis Holder, which is Ellis Faas’ solution to the dreaded “handbag jumble.” The holder is sort of like a tube that fits several of the bullet cylinders from the Ellis Faas line. It’s pretty utilitarian and—let’s just say it—looks pretty frakking cool.
The lipstick ranges have a sponge-y end that dispenses the product. These are meant to be washed every so often, to avoid product build-up. Some of the products, like the Skin Veil Foundation and Creamy Eyes, come with a brush tip. The colors and names of the products (again, utilitarian: E=Eye Colors, L=Lip Colors, S=Skin) are indicated at the bottom base of the pen with a matching colored disc.
Brand new tips show you just how the product comes out:
I got sent the ff. shades, swatched in this order from L-R: L401, L404, and L407:
At first, I thought that L404 and L407 looked uselessly alike, but it’s a different story on the lips!
L401 is described as a “bright red,” which it certainly is. It’s quite… rust-based, if that makes sense. There’s a lot of orange in it, but it’s still a bright red to me. Perhaps it’s a tomato red? I actually thought it looked a bit like blood, but not in the way that it’s usually projected, in a dramatic and deep cold way. I was surprised at how I liked this shade on myself, actually!
L404 is described as a “fluo pink,” which I think we can all agree on as being spot-on. I’ve learned not to shy away from colors like this (see my review of the Maybelline Pink Alert lipsticks review here), so I’m quite happy that I was able to try it. I think it’s a perfect punch of color to a lot of looks.
L407, like I said, is a vastly different when worn. Are you surprised? It is described as a “deep pink.” I think it’s got a bit of blue, maybe? Some lavender? I really like this shade. It’s the most understated of the three that I have, and considering it’s still quite blindingly bright, I think it says quite a bit about the Hot Lips range.
These are way easier to apply than one would think. I am accustomed to the goopy consistency of liquid lipsticks and lip tars, so I was expecting even just a tiny bit of struggle with these. And yet. There was no struggle to speak of. I got to draw clean lines, too. The applicator actually dispenses just enough product to allow you to be precise with your application and not be wasteful. YAY!
I think it’s important to note that you must always clean your applicator after use, to make sure that you don’t have to do it before you use it again. The product will get stuck and blocked—just a caveat!
Longevity isn’t a big issue, though there is a bit of transfer, which means that these don’t completely set to a matte finish. They are not high-gloss or ultra-creamy, either, and I experienced no drying on the lips, though they tend to wear off and stain a bit patchily after eating and drinking.
This is definitely one of the best first-experiences I’ve had with an unfamiliar brand. Here is a size comparison of the bullet with some of my most accessible and familiar lipsticks:
Ellis Faas Hot Lips retail for $35 each, available at Ellis Faas (ships internationally), Net-a-Porter, Beauty Bay, Dermstore, Veer and Wander, Joyus, or find a store near you.
Ellis Faas is cruelty free, and boasts that they are “only tested on supermodels.” Their very helpful, thorough, and transparent animal testing policy can be read here.
* PR Sample, no affiliate links
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That first one is amazing. Oh Dang…
😀 I quite like that one, too!
I’m not sure I’ll be a fan of the tips. I’m usually doing my makeup minutes before class and can’t see myself constantly washing the products. But dang, those are some amazing colours.
Well, you can actually kinda wipe it clean just so there’s no excess product that dries on the actual holes that dispense the products!
Fluo pink looks ridiculously nice! And rofl on tested on supermodels.
:D!
Ang gaaaaaanda lang 😮 I want to try the L101 but wasn’t fully convinced because of the sponge tip thing. But now. Witweew.
Omg, pls consider. I want to pick up an “Ellis Red” rin e. This one isn’t it, the signature red is cooler and sooooo pretty hahaha. ❤ I'm not too fussed by the sponge, but I imagine other people might be!
Ohh these look awesome, especially loving L401 on you, really like that rusty, bricky red whenever autumn rolls around.
It’s so nice 😀 I’m glad you think so!
Aaaahhhh the first color looks great on you!!
Thanks, Justine! x
Hey Carina, wow these ARE hot! I’m surprised how different the two pinks actually are as well. I’ve always wanted to try Ellis Faas, but I’ve heard about so many packaging woes that I just can’t take the plunge yet. I think it’s very difficult, if not impossible to find the brand in Belgium (which is funny because the Netherlands is RIGHT next door). We used to have it, but the store stopped carrying the brand after the owner was bombarded with packaging problems. Oh well. I think if I try something, it’ll be one of those cream eyeshadows. I have such a soft spot for cream eyeshadows 🙂
So weird, right? I haven’t had issues with the packaging, I think the blockage usually happens with the foundation pens! They sell them in bottles now, though, so that’s a form of solution. I think it’s really a matter of taking more care with these than anything, but that really sucks that they closed up shop because of packaging issues :0 I realllly want to try the cream shadows, too! They look so pretty and apparently, they don’t budge. :0
These are beautiful! Unique packaging and the formula, wow!!! 🙂
Glad you think so, Juvy!
Do they suggest to clean that spongy bit and how does one do it? I only know a few sponge applicator products and I know people complain that they’re not most hygienic, but I’ve never heard of the idea of cleaning them, it would make it so high-maintenance to me.
Just to wash it in water. 🙂 I usually just wipe off the excess and it works well enough!
Wow wow wow!! Love the second one on you, Carins! I’m totally sold on the “like Guerlain L’Extrait but not as messy to apply” 🙂 If ever, i might pick up a red!
Ahhh I can’t wait to try the rest of their range, although I’m most drawn to their eye products 😀
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