i recommend

Editor’s note

Customer reviews on most platforms are kinda crap—and a lot of those Insta posts are just glorified ads. Most of us end up relying on the same set of friends for advice any time we have to buy something new. So we decided to trial a community-sourced version of the ‘I Recommend’ section—to pool our collective wisdom to help each other out. 

Here’s how it works: You tell us what products/services you need help with. We will then gather together the best suggestions from our subscribers, personal networks and social media followers. Each month will have a different theme—examples: workout equipment, jewellery, men’s clothing, luggage etc. To start us off—and to give you a sense of what it would look like—here’s an example of something we did in my previous startup, Broadsheet. I hope our splainer fam will find this new feature just as useful:) 

Future editions will be based on your requests. So be sure to let us know what help you need by filling out this single-question form.

Wanted: The perfect red lipstick

It’s a beauty staple for most women and yet we struggle to buy the right one. Some leave your lips too dry, others look weird when worn, and some rub right off within the hour. So what is a girl to do? Here are some useful suggestions. 

Rustic Red by Klome Essentials: Want your lipstick organic and cruelty-free? Ankita Dasgupta writes: "Rich and sexy, it comes with its own loyal sidekick: an easy-to-glide lip oil that can serve either as a moisture-preserving base or as a finishing touch to get that glossy effect. It’s my best friend on dry winter days. And I use it without the oil for a semi matte or a frosted finish in the summer." (Price: Rs 600)

Ruby Woo by Mac: Want a trusty buy everyone swears by? Many are near-unanimous on its virtues. "What makes it great? The long-lasting wear, for starters. Whether you're eating or kissing, Ruby Woo never seems to disappoint," says Jyotsna Sharma. Sonali Kokra says it is "a rare red lipstick that works for pretty much all skin tones." (Added tip from Sonali: It is important to pick a red that works for your skin tone: darker wines and crimsons work better for fair skin, orange bases for darker skin.) The shade is also endorsed by Tanima Saha, Aashika Chittiapa and Bhavya Vatrapu. (Price: Rs 1,750)

Meet Matt(e) Hughes by theBalm: The liquid lip colour has become a make-up staple for Prachi. It feels weightless, is non-sticky and doesn’t leave the lips dry. It comes in a single pack and smaller travel packs too! There is a cherry red for warm tones and a sprightly one for others. Both have great colour payoff. A single coat gives the viral, blurry effect and two will give you a bolder colour. They don’t smudge and stay on even after a meal. (Rs 480)

The splainer team's picks:

• Blessed Moon Fluffy Lip Tint: It works as both, a lip colour and cheek tint. The bright, watery pigment stays all day long. It’s soft on the lips but not entirely transferproof. Prachi adds a gloss for some glam in the evenings. (Rs 339)
• Hydra Creme by Kay Beauty: A deep red in the creamiest formulation you’ll find. It glides on your lips, keeps them hydrated, and wears well for an evening out. Prachi skips her lip balm for this one! (Rs 999)
• Maybelline Ink Vinyl: It sets into a glossy finish once applied and Prachi says it has the staying power of industrial paint. The Red Hot shade is the perkiest red you’ll find. (Rs 849)
• Chili by MAC: A new formula and a deep, brick red that works better on warmer skin tones. Prachi prefers this to the popular shade, Ruby Woo. (Price: Rs 2,550)
• Cherry Lip Whip by Fae Beauty: This is a pinker, berry-toned shade which shows up more red than pink on Aarthi’s deeper skin tone. She wears the shade when she wants to jazz up a simple outfit for parties as it leaves a nice stain on the lip and looks great even after you’ve had multiple rounds of snacks and khana. (Price: Rs 650)
• Red Flag by Flossy cosmetics: If you love the blurry lip effect, you’ll love the feel of this liquid lipstick. It is buttery soft and dries down matte. (Price: Rs 799)
• Ultralip by Glossier: For those who love a high shine, balmy texture and a your-lips-but-better look, Glossier is simply the best. The colour Flute is a bright red and Cranberry is a beautiful crimson-berry colour. (Price: Rs 2,300)

PS: Need more options? 

Here’s a longer list:

• Chatura Padaki: Colorbar Velvet Matte Lipstick, All Fired Up. (Price: Rs 349)
• Nayantara Srinivasan: Sugar’s Toast Roast. (Price: Rs 499) 
• Akanksha Sharma: Maybelline's SuperStay Matte Ink is unbelievably long lasting. For a red to last through festive drinks+meals, I would strongly recommend them. My favourite red is Pioneer, but they have a range to choose from. (Price: Rs 699)
• Shrabonti Bagchi: The Maybelline intense crayon is just so much bang for the buck. (Price: Rs 399)
• Sadhvi Saran: Please give some love to homegrown clean beauty brands like Ruby’s organics or Spekta cosmetics. I enjoy Rhubarb from Ruby’s. It's heavy moisturising and paraben-free. (Price: 990)
• Dineet Dadu: Lady Danger by MAC has a reddish orangish tone, which works well for Indian skin tones. (Price: Rs 1,700)

Note: We do NOT receive any revenue from the brands recommended.