This is a question I asked myself when I received the new, very covetable Sensai The Lipstick that retails for R975.
Aside from providing the lips with colour, what benefits does this lipstick have?
Sensai The Lipstick contains the brands iconic ingredient: Koishimaru Silk.
Once reserved for the imperial family, Koishimaru silk – when used in skincare – works by stimulating the production of hyaluronic acid, bathing the cells in an ocean of moisture. All Sensai products contain Koishimaru Silk, including the make-up.
Formula wise, this Anti-ageing lipstick contains orange pearls and silky lustrous powders that (& I’m quoting the press release here) “dress the lips with just the right amount of radiance for a full & sensuous look.” To be honest, I’m not 100% sure what this means, but I think, in simple English terms, the formula coats lips in colour while giving them a radiant quality.
Also contained in The Lipstick formula is “Silk Drape Technology”.
Again, I’m quoting directly from the press release, “Senasi’s state-of-the-art re-crystallisation powder process and 100% silk derived powders marry together as Silk Drape Technology – a powder complex that ensures smoothness & comfort of silk draped on the skin.” Decoded, this means the silk ensures the lipstick applies smoothly & easily.
Included in the formula is a Lip Care Complex of Apricot pulp extract that repairs roughness, Yuzu Extract that promotes skin activation (unsure of what this means, but Yuzu is a great antioxidant) and moisturising agents that condition & hydrate.
Think of The Lipstick by Sensai as serious skincare for the lips with added colour.
I received two shades of The Lipstick to try: Sakura Red – a full on, blue-toned red & Nadeshiko Pink, a lovely wearable pink that’s a similar shade to my natural lip colour.
I’ve worn both a few times & like how incredibly soft, lightweight & smooth the formula feels on the lips. It’s also super hydrating and wonderfully creamy. Even though I didn’t use a lip pencil, the formula didn’t bleed at all (this was amazing as most creamy formulas tend to bleed into vertical lip lines).
The gold packaging is gorgeous, and the lipstick comes in a velvet pouch that adds to the luxe experience.
I had tons of fun playing around with the Sensai Virtual Make-Up App – HERE.
Using the Virtual Make-up App wearing The Lipstick in 01 Sakura Red
Using the Virtual App Wearing The Lipstick in 09 Nadeshiko Pink
The Sensai Virtual Make-Up App allows you to try out the brands lipsticks, eye make-up & blushers. Simply upload a picture of yourself (preferably makeup free) and select which makeup items you’d like to try.
I also tried out the Sensai Total Lip Gloss (R850) and was immediately drawn in by the cool, simple packaging.
The formula is based on the Sensai Cellular Performance Total Lip Treatment and combines Koishimaru Silk with a complex that hydrates lips while smoothing vertical lip lines. Again, it feels lovely on the lips, and when worn alone, gives them a slightly iridescent shine. It also works well over lipsticks to give the pout a glossy finish. If I were to choose between The Lipstick or the Total Lip Gloss, I’d choose the gloss.
I’m interested to hear, would you spend R975 on a lipstick or R850 on a gloss, even if you had the cash to spare? Leave a comment below telling me your feelings on this.
