Review | Tokyo Milk The Kiss Me Kit in 55 Kissing Booth

Soap ‘n Sorbet recently sent me a tube of Tokyo Milk Lipstick in 55 Kissing Booth (S$42) to try. The lipstick comes in a lovely sliding paper box and is accompanied by a packet of Kiss Me Quick Hot Mints.

The Pros

• It is a wearable shade

Although it’s described as a rum raisin (rum raison) shade, it’s essentially a medium red whose warm tones are lifted by cool silver shimmer – there is multicoloured shimmer interspersed in it too – and hints of pink, making it look like a rose red. It would be perfect on people who want a fuss-free red that easily brightens the visage.

• It has a silky texture

I’d peg the feel as somewhere in between the MAC Lustre formula and the newer MAC Frost formula. It doesn’t look like your typical moisture-drenching lipstick that tends to be wet and shiny in appearance; instead, its smooth texture allows an easy glide on the lips to deliver a softly shimmery look.

• It contains SPF

Its SPF 15 content helps to ward off photo-aging of the lips. Sun protection is always a boon!

• It has a special onyx casing

The modern pewter shade of its tube sets it apart from other lipstick cases (I have a soft spot for pewter things, I know! ;)) In addition, the flat top of the cap is so reflective that it can act as a mirror.

• The packaging is unique and eye-catching

The artwork is distinctively Tokyo Milk and everything, from the box to the tube, looks meticulously-designed.

A side of the box has a whimsical image of a retro-looking chick reclining languorously on a bed of blue and yellow daisies. This same image is reproduced on the smooth hand-wrapped paper at the base of the lipstick. The graphics, together with the muted colours, add a visual charm to the product.

The box has vintage-inspired prints on its other faces and the brand’s signature typewriter font hints of old-made-new stylishness. Even the flaps of the mint box have some artistic detailing – like the Love & Toast hand cream packaging, there is something on them that alludes to the product.

The Cons

• It’s too warm for me to use as an everyday lippy

Although it is much warmer than the lippies I normally favour, it is a nice lip colour for days when I play with bright, tropical colours. The good thing is that it isn’t so warm that I can’t wear it at all.

I actually like to layer it over other lipsticks (its SPF is always welcome!). A combination I love: Kissing Booth over MAC Frost Lipstick in Intricate, which gives me a semi-reflective plum with hints of mauve and pink. You can’t really tell from the photo but this combination imparts all manners of multi-coloured shimmer! The complex colour works beautifully with many of my eye colours. ♥

• It has a floral/talc scent much like that of lipsticks of old

Estée Lauder lippies had (have?) this classic scent. I haven’t sniffed one in ages, so I don’t know if they still have the same fragrance. I’m ok with this though – it has a touch of nostalgia for me, reminding me of my mummy’s makeup.

• The sticky paper leaves a slight residue on the base of the lipstick cap

I appreciate the cute Tokyo Milk artwork but the stickiness annoys me a little. Thankfully, it can be rectified – I intend to use methylated spirit to remove it.

• The mints are too sweet for me

Perhaps I’m not used to red mints but these have a strange cinnamon flavour too.

• The price is on the high side
  

The price might be a deterrent for some but as most beauty aficionados know, no price is too high for the perfect lippy shade. ;) I knew immediately that this flattering colour would be the ideal wear-and-go shade for several friends and clients, especially those with warmer skintones.

Do note that Soap ‘n Sorbet has periodic offers and promotions – taking advantage of these will take the edge off the cost of this lippy. :)