The lifting of the Covid mask mandate around the world created a stir in the cosmetics sector, particularly with regard to lip products. For those who enjoy wearing lip colour or gloss, the pandemic years were a hassle because whatever they put on their lips eventually wound up on the inside of the mask, smeared on the face, or both. This translated into slumping sales for lip products, which took a dive almost immediately as the pandemic hit: in the month prior to April 11, 2020, Amazon saw sales of ‘lip care and colour’ dip 15% and prices decline by 28%, according to data compiled by McKinsey & Company. The delight of the beauty hall is the opportunity to try new brands but COVID restrictions mean that is frequently no longer possible.

With mask-wearing now a choice in Hong Kong rather than a must, many consumers are eager to not only look good again but refresh makeup they probably haven’t touched for years – which could translate to positive growth for beauty brands and retailers. It is, indeed, time to treat our lips to a luxurious experience as we seize the opportunity once again to express uniqueness.

Bond No. 9 Refillable Lipstick with Swarovski Crystals

New York brand Bond No. 9’s Refillable Lipstick with Swarovski Crystals makes a pricy statement. Thankfully, it’s not the lipstick that contains these stones; instead, they are used to decorate the casing, which radiates an attention-grabbing gloss. The sparkling case is smothered in rows of diamond crystals or ruby crystals, and these stones are also more durable than glass jewels, making them less likely to shatter if dropped. The bold red lip colour within is also a show-stopper.

Hermès Rouge Hermès Shiny Lipstick Limited Edition

Hermès is best known for its high-end fashion and leather accessories, but it creates some expensive lipsticks in addition to its pricy Birkin bags. Costing US$72 for a small tube, this highly desirable limited-edition lipstick is a great illustration. It comes in three vibrant, summer-appropriate floral colours, easily adheres to the skin, and has a light sheen.

Guerlain Limited Edition Rouge G Lucky Bee

These limited-edition Guerlain lipsticks feature decadent tubes decorated with rhinestones, handmade embroidery and precious jewels. The bee is a symbol of the famous French luxury brand that produces some of the most expensive lipsticks ever sold. The combination of high-quality materials and brand reputation makes this choice a truly prestigious standout.

Sisley Paris Le Phyto Rouge

Le Phyto Rouge lipstick by Sisley grabs the eye with its distinctively angular appearance amid a golden tube with wavy, zebra-like lines. The wedge-shaped tip makes it easier to apply the lipstick precisely, which lowers the chance that you will unintentionally get colour on the corners of your mouth. Even better, this delicate lipstick is offered in nearly 20 vivid hues.

Christian Louboutin Lip Colour

A renowned name for premium lipstick, Christian Louboutin fashions each tube into a distinctive dagger- or bullet-shaped design that contributes to its recognisability as a status symbol. Additionally, the majority have a little metal circle on the tube top so you may wear them as a pendant. Therefore, even though a single tube can cost US$90 plus, it is money well spent on a cosmetic product that doubles as beautiful jewellery.

Jimmy Choo Lipstick

There are two essential types of Jimmy Choo lipstick – matte and satin. They fit their luxury, designer-made price tag thanks to the beautiful details of the iconic gold-coloured tube, from the Jimmy Choo monogram to the ball at the bottom and the flared cover. These features turn a simple tube of lipstick into a status symbol desired by the world’s most affluent individuals.

Clé de Peau Beauté Lipstick Cashmere

One of the most popular Clé de Peau Beauté lipsticks, Cashmere is a silky-smooth option in an array of colours including bright pink (Coquelicot) and dark crimson (Decadent). Though Clé de Peau Beauté was founded in Japan in the 1980s and thus lacks the storied history of many French beauty brands, it has grown massively over the last several decades, both in product variety and international reputation. When you buy one of these lipsticks, you are not only purchasing a cosmetic that can briefly alter your lip colour, you are also buying a luxury item.

Serge Lutens Fard à Lèvres Notre-Dame du Rose

This French designer brand produces some of the highest-quality cosmetics on the market, including lipsticks in stunning colours like the Notre-Dame du Rose. The presentation may not look particularly extravagant at first glance ¬– the tube is a straightforward, glitz and glam-free black – but the colour goes on so well and looks so good that it oozes luxury.

Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G. Lipstick

Following the evident popularity of the brand’s Pillow Talk lipstick, the British cosmetics company introduces the K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick, an enhanced version of the beloved formula. This lipstick gives a flawless pout while moisturising and hydrating the lips to maintain their health. This lip cream is both useful and fashionable because it is packed with antioxidants that naturally guard against UV damage. With 14 brilliant colours to choose from, there is a hue to fit every mood.

Unquestionably, lipsticks have long been a go-to cosmetic product, whether it’s for a quick fix or a more elaborate party look. It instantly transforms a face from drab to diva and has some positive effects on the skin.