FEMAIL road tests DIY beauty from the Lip Lab

Brands are catering to the DIY beauty market as more people move away from make up that is ‘one-size-fits-all’ in pursuit of products that are tailored to their needs.

Oily, dry and sensitive – not all skin is made the same, so it’s only fitting that our make up reflects that.

There are a variety of Australian companies who are leading the charge of DIY beauty and one such brand is The Lip Lab.

To find out whether personalised beauty is worth the hype and the price tag, FEMAIL reporter Billie Schwab Dunn made her own foundation and lipstick at the Paddington store in Sydney.

To find out whether DIY beauty is all that it’s cracked up to be, FEMAIL reporter Billie Schwab Dunn, made her own foundation and lipstick (pictured)

Finding the perfect foundation shade can be difficult, especially if you’re after the ‘is she wearing foundation or is her skin that flawless?’ look. 

Walking in I didn’t know how involved I would be in the creating process but it was great to find out I had the final decision on every aspect.

This meant I could choose what kind of coverage I wanted and whether I wanted to add extras like ‘ultra firming’, with each extra costing $3.

I opted for a light and sheer formula so that it didn’t clog my skin but so I could also build it up if I needed it to.

This meant I could choose what kind of coverage I wanted, whether I wanted to add SPF and if I wanted added extras like 'ultra firming', with each extra costing $3

This meant I could choose what kind of coverage I wanted, whether I wanted to add SPF and if I wanted added extras like ‘ultra firming’, with each extra costing $3

I opted for a light and sheer formula so that it didn't clog my skin but so I could also build up if I needed it to

I opted for a light and sheer formula so that it didn't clog my skin but so I could also build up if I needed it to

I opted for a light and sheer formula so that it didn’t clog my skin but so I could also build up if I needed it to

Although to many I look relatively pale, Stephanie said that my skin has deceptively dark undertones, which can make it difficult to find the right foundation shade

Although to many I look relatively pale, Stephanie said that my skin has deceptively dark undertones, which can make it difficult to find the right foundation shade

The only extra I felt the need to include was some SPF coverage to ensure adequate protection from the sun.

The great thing about being involved in this process was that shop assistant, Steohanie, was able to look at my skin and ensure the colour matched it perfectly.

It also meant she could take note of what skin type I had. Although to many I look relatively pale, Stephanie said that my skin has deceptively dark undertones, which can make it difficult to find the right foundation shade.

Stephanie also wrote down the exact amounts of every ingredient she put in so in the future they know exactly how to make my shade. 

The great thing about being involved in this process was that Stephanie was able to look at my skin and ensure the colour matched it perfectly

The great thing about being involved in this process was that Stephanie was able to look at my skin and ensure the colour matched it perfectly

All up the process took approximately 45 minutes, which included triple checking that it was the perfect colour for me. 

The foundation process took 45 minutes

The foundation process took 45 minutes

I haven’t worn liquid foundation for years as I often find it too heavy, but I can honestly say I have fallen in love with wearing this one every day.

It’s light, which is exactly what I wanted, and doesn’t give that ‘cakey’ look that many foundations can create.

I do find though that if I want a bit of a thicker coverage I have to apply a portion of my powder foundation over the top.

Although the price tag might not fit within everyone’s budget, the bottle goes a long way.

Keeping in mind as well that this is a tailored service and the prices are on par with other high-end brands.

Next up was the creation of my perfect lip shade.

I don’t often wear lipstick as I find that I don’t have enough time in the day to reapply, leaving what looks like solo lip liner on my face. 

Next up was the creation of my perfect lip shade and Stephanie mixed together a variety of colours to achieve what I was after

Next up was the creation of my perfect lip shade and Stephanie mixed together a variety of colours to achieve what I was after

I have also always had my heart set on the perfect dusty rose shade, which has so fare alluded me all my life. I was hoping this trip would change that.

On top of choosing the colour of your new lippy you also have control over the flavour, the finish, the shape of the stick and the name.

Stephanie knew exactly what I was after and soon squeezed out blobs of blues, pinks and reds onto a transparent mixing template — making a note of the amount of each colour as she went — and blended them in front of me.

When the mixture started to look like the dusty rose shade I was after, I was able to test it out on my lips.

Stephanie had to make some adjustments as we agreed that it looked too dark and she mixed in some shea butter so that it was ultra-nourishing. 

I have also always had my heart set on the perfect dusty rose shade, which has so fare alluded me all my life. I was hoping this trip would change that

I have also always had my heart set on the perfect dusty rose shade, which has so fare alluded me all my life. I was hoping this trip would change that

On top of choosing the colour of your new lippy you also have control over the flavour, the finish, the shape of the stick and the name

On top of choosing the colour of your new lippy you also have control over the flavour, the finish, the shape of the stick and the name

On top of choosing the colour of your new lippy you also have control over the flavour, the finish, the shape of the stick and the name 

I then got to pick my finish, for which I chose matte, and was able to peruse the variety of fragrances.

They ranged from blueberry, pink champagne and chocolate but I settled on vanilla – you can never go wrong with a classic scent.

There was also a variety of other extras I could choose, such as lip plumper and an anti-ageing formula, but I chose to keep it simple. 

The mix was then microwaved and placed into a machine that smoothed out any remaining lumps or grittiness before being poured into the lipstick mold to cool.

Although at the time I was incredibly happy with the shade, if I was to go back I would definitely make it a little lighter and more of a rosy colour. 

Stephanie had to make some adjustments as we agreed that it looked to dark so she added more cream and pink so that it was what I was after

Stephanie had to make some adjustments as we agreed that it looked to dark so she added more cream and pink so that it was what I was after

I then got to pick my finish, for which I chose matte, and was able to peruse the variety of fragrances

I then got to pick my finish, for which I chose matte, and was able to peruse the variety of fragrances

I then got to pick my finish, for which I chose matte, and was able to peruse the variety of fragrances

The mix was microwaved and placed into into a machine that smoothed out any remaining lumps or grittiness before being poured into the lipstick mold to cool

The mix was microwaved and placed into into a machine that smoothed out any remaining lumps or grittiness before being poured into the lipstick mold to cool

The colour is great for a bold lip but it wouldn’t be my go-to lipstick as I prefer extremely matte formulas because they don’t transfer to my drinks or food.

I also find that I have to reapply this lippy a couple of times during the day. This being said, I’m glad I have it in my collection.

The DIY lipstick starts at $65 and my added scent was another $3.

‘Whether you are looking for a lipstick colour to compliment a specific outfit or are open to discovering the perfect hue for your complexion, a consultant will expertly guide you through the entire process,’ a spokesperson previously told Daily Mail Australia. 

So, would I go back there? For the foundation I definitely would as I absolutely love the coverage and the natural, dewy look it gives me.

As for the lipstick, I most likely wouldn’t as I prefer lipsticks that have longer staying power.



Read more at DailyMail.co.uk