Annabelle TwistUp Lipstick Crayon.

I’m excited to bring you a review of the AnnabelleTwistUp Lipstick Crayon ($9.95), a collection of retractable lip pencils with 24 different shades to suit your mood. This is my first foray into the brand, and I am truly very impressed with these TwistUp Lipstick Crayons that I have not stopped recommending it to my friends and family. I am also loving the fact that one of my favourite Quebec-based singer Marie-Mai, is Annabelle’s official spokesperson. I feel that she truly embodies the whole “dare to be bold” look really well (as reflected through her songs).

The Canadian Company to Keep An Eye On

Annabelle Cosmetics is the sister company to Marcelle, and is based in Montreal, in Canada. These twistup lipstick crayon is a multi-function product, consisting of retractable lipstick + lipliner in one. The formula contains nourishing natural ingredients such as Omega 3 + 6 and Shea Butter. Each pencil retails for $9.95 and contains 0.05oz / 1.5g worth of product (Compared to MAC’s 3g lipstick bullet at $18). From a price perspective, these twistup lipsticks cost the same as the MAC Cosmetic ones.

The lipstick pen format is not novel and the claim is that these pencils are a collection of high precision, ultra practical lipstick crayon available in 12 colours. TwistUp provides a hydrating formula that is enriched with grapeseed oil and Shea butter-ingredients widely known for their restorative properties. The lipstick has a nice slip to it and has a medium to full coverage finish and a slight sheen to it, making them look absolutely lovely and long-lasting on the lips. Some of the shades that are more matte than the others didn’t glide too well on the lips, particularly the matte shades (i.e. Naked, and Havana). However overlooking this small flaw, most of the shades applied beautifully on the lips.

Read More: Bite Beauty Luminous Creme Lipstick Trio.

These lip crayons have an intense pigmentation so one swipe and they look very natural and amazing on the lips. Additionally, I am loving the fact that these lip pencils, even with the intense pigmentation doesn’t leave the lips feeling waxy or in need of hydration after using it; they stayed on nicely even with snacking and drinking throughout the day.

Colours – So MANY to choose from!

The shade selection is very impressive for a drugstore brand. All the colors are natural looking, and I have not found any one to look off on my skintone. For example, most nude lip color (i.e. Revlon Soft Nude, MAC Cosmetics Hue) tend to make me look “deathly” and unnatural-looking. With Naked or Havana, I can achieve that beautiful nude lip that looks amazing with smokey eyes.

The new collection which includes 12 shades in addition to the original 12, is broken up into:

• Electric Vivids: bright pinks and purples; Bazooka Pink, Fuchsianista, Plump It Up, Sorbet and Orange Pop
• Glamourous Red: classic reds; Monroe and Red Carpet
• Essential Nudes: nude lips; Naked, Romance and Havana
• Dramatic Bordeaux darkest shades; Cherry and Vamp

Annabelle TwistUp Lipstick Swatches

Overall verdict on the Annabelle TwistUp Lipstick

I think these are some really nice, affordable lip pencils that are versatile and also easy to use. For the price, it is not much of a winner considering that it technically is the exact same price as a MAC Cosmetics lipstick (i.e. $9.95 for 1.5g and MAC’s $18 for 3g). I would say that these are good alternatives if you are looking for a particular shade or finish with drugstore prices. Given that the brand goes on sale quite often, you can get quite a deal at the discounted price. I also find the shade selection to be very impressive and one of the best for a drugstore brand.

What about you? What do you think of these lipstick crayon/twistups? Are shades tickle your fancy? Will you be picking up any of them? Share with me in the comment section below!