Lovely Lips Review: Ellis Faas Creamy Lips L101

Ellis Faas has been a blog darling for quite awhile now. I can't tell you how many reviews I've read extolling the virtues of the line. The line is based completely on colors inspired by those found in the human body--in fact, the web site refers to it as the "Human Colours Collection". I don't know that I completely agree that all of the colors are human-body colors (the lip colors, in particular, include a few shades such as a vivid orange, which I personally have never seen naturally occur on a human body). Nonetheless, it's a great concept. It stands to reason that colors drawn from the human body will naturally be more flattering than more primary, synthetic colors. 

All Ellis Faas products are housed in the signature Ellis Faas pens, with applicators based on the type of product contained inside. The lip products have sponge tips, the eye colors and foundations and blush have brushes. In some cases this makes application much easier...in others, it can take a bit of practice. I personally was a little leery of the sponge-tipped pens for the lipsticks, but found them to apply with ease. 

The sleek Ellis Faas Pen.

Sponge-tip applicator.

I've read about how long it takes to get a pen primed, and the stories are true. I counted out 73 clicks before the color finally appeared in the applicator. However, once you have it going, it remains dependable and gives more color with each click, measured out in very small doses so as not to waste product. 

Here's a shot of color (finally) peeking up through the sponge applicator: 

The first color I chose was L101, which is the standout color, Ellis Red. This red is featured in each of the 3 Ellis Faas lip textures: Creamy (opaque and moisturizing), Milky (glossier and slightly less opaque) and Milky (much glossier and somewhat translucent). All other colors in the different textures vary, presumably due to the fact that different shades look better in different textures. However, Ellis Red is tri-textural (like how I made that term up there?) and is featured in each line. It's a true blood red...true red tempered with undertones of both red and brown. It's a truly universal shade, suitable for just about anyone. The Ellis Faas website used to have a wonderful array of photos of each color on different skin tones, proving that each shade worked across the lines of undertones and with varying depths of pigment in the skin. Sadly, they've changed that aspect of the site and you can only find the shots with a web search. 

This is what used to be on the site as a color reference: 

See how wonderful that is? Different skin tones with the same color, showing just how lovely the shades are on all ranges of skin color. 

Here's how the colors are now displayed on the site: 

While I can appreciate the artistic merit of the above shot, it doesn't do much to tell me about the color. I really wish they'd stayed with the original design on this one. 

Anyhow, back to the glorious Ellis Red L101 Creamy Lips. It's a fantastic formula and a truly stunning color. Application with the sponge is much easier than I imagined, although I must say that with a color as intense as this one, you may want to use a standard lip brush. Staying power is excellent. I got more than 6 hours of wear, which is extremely good for a red lip color. The shade fades evenly, meaning no immediate re-application is needed in the event that you don't have time to deal with new lips every few hours. I did experience a bit of feathering after an hour or so, so you may want to consider the use of a lip pencil (I never use one when testing lipsticks specifically so I can do the feather test). The formula is intensely moisturizing and stays supple for hours, leaving lips hydrated and cushioned. This is definitely not a "dry-down" formula that leaves your lips parched! 

As for how Ellis Red looks on the lips...well, obviously I love it because it's red and shiny and gorgeous. But for those of you out there who still aren't sure if this is a red for you, here's a live shot: 

Bottom Line: This is a very high-quality, long-lasting, moisturizing lipstick. I also have L102 to review for you soon, and I've had similar results with it. I'm now joining the ranks of Ellis Faas fans, and I look forward to adding more to my collection.