So late last year I was searching for something fun and girly to do in NYC for my birthday, when I remembered Bite Beauty Lip Lab. You can go there and with the help of one of their “highly trained Lip Lab Artists” create your own customized lipstick/lipsticks.
Of course, I thought of this last minute and “appointments are suggested”, because walk-ins can’t be guaranteed a timeslot. My best friend and I headed over with hope in our hearts that even though it was a seasonably warm Fall Saturday in NYC, the Cosmetic Gods would favor us.
When we arrived they put us on a list, took my cell phone number, and told us they’d call if they had a slot for us. We set out and wandered the shops in Soho – oh wonderful Soho, where shopkeepers are equal opportunity snobs. The clerks in the “Happy Socks” store were just as standoffish to the cute British chick as they were to me. Sadly it turns out that selling “happy socks” does not actually make one happy. Who knew?
We ended up getting lucky (not in the way you’re thinking) but a spot opened up for us and we hauled ass back to the Lip Lab which was full of cool racks of lipsticks and lipstick components.
We each sat down with our artist sand spent some time discussing shades and finishes before mixing up some colors.
There were lots of options, so if you’re indecisive, you know, plan on spending awhile there.
First you choose your finish:
Créme: Buttery and smooth ($45/ or 2 for $60)
Matte: Matte yet moist ($45 or 2 for $60)
Sheer: Glossy, sheer and hydrating ($45 or 2 for $60)
Deluxe: Luxurious silk, pearl and champagne ($45 or 2 for $60)
I opted for Matte, as I figured this would give me the most versatility. Then I thought that if I was going to spend a lot on a lipstick I’d make a red one, but then I saw that there were so many pretty colors and I just knew you guys would want to see more shades and…well, you know I got a pink one too. It’s my damn birthday and I can overspend on lipstick if I want too!
So I made myself a deep pinup red, and a sweet peach pink.
Then, you choose flavors! Yes, Flavors! This was so much harder than you’d expect.
The Options I had were:
Cherry
Mint
Violet
Vanilla
Wildberry
Citrus Mango
How could I choose anything but Cherry for the red one. I opted for Citrus Mango for the peach/pink.
Then you can choose your tube style.
I had a Bite beauty lipstick at home , so I opted to match the standard packaging in order to keep them uniform (the one on the far right).
(Sorry for the blurry pic on this one but I had a hell of a time, getting a decent shot.)
The “Lip Lab Artists” did their mojo, creating the lipsticks and using these molds.
They also provided some really cute little cards where they wrote down the formula and where you can swatch your lipsticks.
When they were done, I got my adorable bag and lipsticks. For two lipsticks in two different shades, I paid $97.99. One lipstick will run you $45 and I believe if you purchase two of the same shade you receive a discount.
We were told to wait to use the lipsticks so they had time to harden so I waited until I got home to use mine and of course swatch them all for you guys.
Blue reds are my favorite and I wanted a peach pink that would be great for everyday and was different than the shades I already had in my makeup box.
THE VERDICT
Lots of fun!
Yes, this is a pricey lipstick but you made it customized just for you and a tube will probably last you quite some time. I think this would be a great activity for a bridal party where all the ladies could come and create their own shade for the wedding, or even for a bride to come and make her perfect wedding lipstick. Bite Beauty states on their website that they offer after hours special events with customized lipsticks and lip scrubs so that’s a unique option if you’re planning a girl’s night out.
So what did you think of the shades I made?
And what color, finish and flavor would you choose for your own custom lipstick?
THE BACKSTORY
BITE BEAUTY LIP LAB
Location:
174 Prince Street
New York, NY 10012
646-484-6111
LipLab@bitebeauty.com
Lab Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 11 AM – 7 PM
Sunday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Lisa Preziosi 