Lipcote Lipstick Sealant reviewed

Beauty products may not be the norm for our product reviews but we decided to give this Lipcote lipstick sealer a go – after all, there are occasions when outdoor activities don’t require your looks to be ruined by sweat, mud or wind – so, what better test than kayaking across the Atlantic to Easdale Island for the World Skimming Championships?

Easdale is a small island off the west coast of Scotland which used to produce tons of slate for roofs. The quarry is no longer functioning but the geology that produced the slate has also produced beautiful flat stones for skimming and every year the World Skimming Championships are held there. Rather than take the ferry over, a group of us decided to go by kayak.

Now when you’re attending a world championships of any kind, a girl wants to look her best but, with what the weatherman called ‘pernicious rain’ and ‘fairly strong’ winds,  there was slim chance of the word ‘glamour’ figuring on anyone’s lips. But for once, I thought it might be worth applying some lippy, as this product claims to protect your lipstick from all sorts of attacks.

The trick is to apply the correct amount. Lipstick must be applied and blotted dry – use 2 coats if you like) than the Lipcote is painted on. It contains alcohol which stings for a few seconds but then sets invisibly, without that unnatural glossy look that just doesn’t go with outdoor activities. There is a slight taste for a while but this was soon replaced (on this occasion) by the flavour of salt water as waves crashed over the bow of the kayak.

After we hauled ourselves ashore on the island I scuttled off to find a loo with a mirror to see how the waterproof test had fared and yes, my lips were still lipstick coloured! The blurb claims that Lipcote is kiss-proof but no-one could be persuaded to put that claim to the test so I shall have to save it for another time when I am not dripping with sea water. However, one of my pet hates is seeing lipstick on glasses and cups, and I’m pleased to report that I was able to enjoy a reviving cup of coffee without leaving a trace.

So, great, it works and for those occasions when you don’t want to carry touch-up materials, it is just the job. At £3.49 it isn’t overpriced either. While all the ingredients are described as vegetarian, butyl stearate, can be a mild irritant. Lipcote has not been tested on animals. The neat, simple bottle is, unfortunately, stuck on a display card – the manufacturers will claim that this is necessary for listing instructions and, if we are serious about wanting to know the ingredients of things we put in and around our mouths, then the packaging is a necessary evil.

Of course you don’t have to paddle across an ocean to justify purchasing Lipcote! Look out for it in Boots, Superdrug, ASDA, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and independent pharmacies and boutiques nationwide.