In the world of Desi girl makeup, we have extra complications like finding lip colors that are pigmented enough to show up on darker skin tones while still complementing them. Makeup Artist Saleha Abbasi combats this issue through her beauty business from Chicago, IL, and provides bridal makeup – including ethnic jewelry and dupatta placements. She also sells her own line of high-quality, cruelty-free makeup products, like the fabulously pigmented matte lipsticks.
These lipsticks are a huge sensation, both in the US and internationally. Often times, the products will sell out! Luckily, Preeti, Nadya, and I got our hands on 3 different shades to review for you and to check out this brown-girl-lip-drama solution for ourselves.
Saleha Lipstick’s Kiss Kiss, $19
Here are our thoughts:
Nadya – Wild Child
This color is killer. Like literally, it’s so vampy. But it’s a pain to get on. It’s not creamy, it practically needs to be raked across my lips to leave any color. Even with a brush it’s practically impossible. You can only put it on after really caking your lips in chapstick first. Even then it doesn’t go on even. Because it’s such a highly saturated color it tends to cling to wrinkles and sometimes refuses to even stick to the softer parts of your lip. It’s a shame that this lipstick is so difficult because I’m in love with the color.
Shriya – Pop Star
I love a good, pigmented bright pink lip, so I was happy that this lipstick provided maximum matte coverage and long-lasting wear. The product is heavily pigmented, as advertised, so it’s difficult to just swipe on – you’ll need to prep your lips first. I started with a clear chapstick, blotted with tissue, as a primer and then filled in my lips completely with clear Sephora lip liner. This created enough of a base for the lip color to glide on smoothly and evenly. It lasted me through nibbles and even coffee! The color is pretty bright but can be toned down with a sheer lip gloss. I definitely recommend this as a purchase for fun, flirty nights out – if you take the time to carefully apply it, Saleha lipsticks will keep you looking glamorous for hours and hours.
The BFIW supports cruelty-free makeup – especially when it’s crafted by hardworking and talented South Asian women. We recommend you give Saleha’s lipstick a shot if you’re looking for incredible matte color that will last you through an entire wedding sangeet or reception. At $19 a pop, these colors are pricier than your drugstore favorites, but the natural oils (including coconut!) and ingredients in the lipsticks make them incomparably moisturizing and long-lasting.
You can order Saleha Lipsticks here, or check out the artists’ Facebook page and Instagram @makeupbysaleha.