... Read moreOkay, so after trying out Colourpop's BFF and Cool BFF lip liners, I'm genuinely blown away by the difference just a slight undertone shift can make! When I first heard about a 'Cool BFF,' I was instantly intrigued because, let's be real, finding the perfect cool-toned nude lip liner can be a real challenge. Most nude lip liners tend to lean warm and can often pull orange on cooler skin tones, which isn't always the look we're going for.
My initial love for the original BFF lip liner came from its creamy, long-lasting formula that's super pigmented for just $8. It's truly one of the best drugstore lip liners out there, and the fact that it glides on so smoothly without tugging is a huge plus for me. The original BFF, as you can see from my swatches (and the OCR confirmed it's a warm-toned nude), has those lovely orangey-brown undertones that make it a perfect everyday nude for many. It's a classic for a reason, and I find it pairs beautifully with peachy or warmer brown lipsticks to create a fuller, more defined pout.
But then came Cool BFF. And wow, what a game-changer! The OCR description of it being a cooler, greyer nude with a hint of purple is spot on. For someone with cooler undertones like me, this shade is a dream. It gives that perfect muted, almost 'mod' nude lip without looking sickly or too brown. It complements cool-toned lipsticks and glosses beautifully, creating a seamless, polished look. I've found it makes my cool-toned lipsticks pop even more and prevents warmer nudes from clashing with my skin. It's definitely my go-to when I want a sophisticated, understated lip.
When you're trying to pick between warm tones and cool tones for your lip liner, think about your skin's undertone. Do you have pink, red, or bluish veins (cool)? Or do you have golden, peach, or olive veins (warm)? The original BFF is fantastic if you lean warm or neutral-warm and love a brown lip liner with a soft, peachy hue. Cool BFF is your go-to if you're cool or neutral-cool and want a greyer nude that won't pull orange. I've seen some people search for 'colourpop ashton vs cool bff', and while I haven't personally compared them side-by-side yet, knowing your undertone is key to making those kinds of decisions. Ashton is often described as a deeper mauve-brown, so if you're looking for a richer, more defined cool-toned lip, that might be another one to explore in the Colourpop range for a similar vibe.
Don't forget how versatile these lip pencils are! Because of their smooth application and impressive pigment, I sometimes use them to fill in my entire lip for a matte, long-wearing look – just top it with a clear balm if you want some comfort. Or, if I'm using a lighter lipstick, I'll use the liner to create a subtle ombré effect by slightly overlining and blending inwards. The quality for the price is just unbeatable, especially for a Colourpop lip pencil. If you're a fan of the brand's lip products, adding both BFF and Cool BFF to your collection gives you amazing options for any makeup look or skin tone. It's amazing how much a little pencil can elevate your entire lip game – trust me, you'll want to give them a try!
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