Hey everyone!
Last week I had the pleasure of getting to go to the BITE Lip Lab and make my own lipstick! Yup, that’s right. MAKE my own lipstick. It was such a unique experience that I thought I would share it with all of ya!
I had wanted to go to the Lip Lab after seeing some of my friends had gone about 2 years ago. It was in the back of my mind, and after trying to figure out what to do for my birthday this year, this came to the full front. In addition to Toronto, the BITE Lip Lab is also offered in New York City and San Francisco. From the BITE brand, the Lip Lab offers a couple of options when constructing your lippies. You can make a single lipstick, two lipsticks, or a lip kit which includes two lipsticks, a mini agave lip mask, lip primer, and lip scrub. I went with the two lipsticks.
When we arrived, in the very bright and open shop, we hung up our coats and made our way to the bar stools. I did a walk-in in the middle of the day on a Wednesday, but if you’re going to be going on a weekend, or around a special date, it’s heavily encouraged to book an appointment. This can be done online or over the phone. Before we started, our lip artist, Austen, offered my mom and I mini Nutella donuts and wine. I was already sold and could go home right after that. But we proceeded.
I was asked what colours I’d like to go with, and I went with an every day neutral lip and a bright red (you all know I’m a sucker for the reds). Austen then got to work mixing colours based on my preferences, and then when finished gave me little lip brushes to test out the colours, seeing which ones would look best on me. What was particularly unique about this was that you got to choose everything right down to the formula. You could decide if you wanted a matte or shimmery finish, if you wanted more red or blue tones added, and (this is my favourite part) the scent you wanted.
Once I finally settled on my two colours, I was asked what scent I was interested in applying to them. There were several options including coconut, cherry, mint, lime, and vanilla. You could also mix scents to put a twist on them. Keeping it classic and simple, I went with vanilla for the every day and cherry for the red. After that, the formula was mixed into its wax where it sat in a metal container that would not only give it the lipstick shape, but cool it down so that it could fit into the lipstick’s packaging.
There middle colour was the original red I made, but felt it was too dark. The one to the right was the winner!
The overall ambiance was super inviting. The cool brick interior, and having everything be very minimal was super relaxed.
After the lipsticks finished cooling, they were then added to their containers, and I had the option to name them, but the pressure was too real, so I passed. To be honest, I’m still wondering what I’d name them. Suggestions?
They were then added to a neat little package and wrapped up in lipstick tissue paper. I was also handed cards with all of the details on it, so if I ran out of the lipsticks, they could be re-made again.
Overall this was probably one of the coolest and most unique things I’ve ever done in the city, as well as in general. I’m a massive makeup buff, and walking away with two lipsticks that are unique to only me, made for a super special experience. I could not recommend this enough to anyone who is interested in makeup and beauty, but also if you just feel like treating yourself to something that is so uniquely made for you. This experience is perfect for birthdays, a night out with some friends, or, as I mentioned, just an overall treat yo self!
Have you done the Lip Lab? What colours would you pick? Got any suggestions of names for mine? Leave a comment!