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. Read More
Softly Sometimes 