Most Singaporeans might not know who he is, but to those who live in China, he’s known as the “Lipstick King”. Yup, we’re talking about Austin Li Jiaqi (李佳琦).
With more than 40 million fans on Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok), the Guinness World Record Holder hosts livestreams of himself trying on various lipsticks. Once, he even raked in US$145 million worth of sales for Alibaba on Singles Day (11.11) through his recommendations and reviews!
If you want to purchase a new lipstick, it’s definitely time you started tuning in to his livestreams. To start you off, here are the 20 of his favourites, as well as five that missed the mark.
Austin Li’s favourite lipsticks
1. Tom Ford Lip Color Matte Lipstick in Velvet Cherry
The perfect lipstick for a sophisticated bold look. With a velvety matte finish, this long-lasting lipstick is suitable for everyday wear or for a special occasion. Austin Li describes this lipstick as one that is so pretty, he could cry!
2. MAC Cosmetics Frost Lipstick in Fresh Moroccan
This bold red is a must-have in your lipstick collection. The MAC Frost Lipstick has a slight glitter effect, adding a pop of colour to your lips while subtly plumping your pout.
Purchase this lipstick at S$28 from MAC boutique stores islandwide and Selfridges.
3. YSL Beauty Rouge Pur Couture The Slim Matte Lipstick in 21 Rouge Paradoxe
An award-winning lippie, this matte, pigmented lipstick lasts all day long without settling in fine lines or causing cracks. Austin Li also mentioned that this lipstick is very versatile, making it suitable for both men and women.
Purchase this lipstick at S$55 from YSL Beauty boutique stores islandwide and TANGS.
4. Givenchy Le Rouge Luminous Satin Matte Lipstick in N306 Carmin Escarpin
Packaged in a limited edition leather casing, this lipstick boasts a soft, lightweight texture that glides easily on the lips for a pigmented, luminous red shade. It also contains hyaluronic acid, which helps plump the lips for more volume.
Purchase this lipstick at S$55 from Sephora.
5. Giorgio Armani Beauty Lip Maestro in 509 Ruby Nude
A creamy formula infused with concentrated pigments, the Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro leaves a velvety matte finish on your lips. It’s available in 25 stunning shades that offer eight hours of wear.
Purchase this lipstick at S$55 from Giorgio Armani boutique stores islandwide and TANGS.
6. Dior Rouge Couture Finish Refillable Lipstick in 772 Classic
This longwear lipstick comes in four different finishes: satin, matte, metallic, and velvet, so you can switch up your look any time. Plus, it’s infused with a lovely floral scent, and it’s refillable!
Purchase this lipstick at S$56 from Dior boutique stores islandwide, Sephora and TANGS.
7. Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink City Edition Liquid Lipstick in 117 Ground Breaker
For a more affordable option, opt for the Maybelline Superstay Liquid Lipstick. Promising up to 16 hours of wear time, this lipstick imparts a matte finish that stays put. Austin Li mentioned that this lipstick delivers the perfect brick red shade, which makes you look classy and elegant.
Purchase this lipstick at S$14.30 from Watsons outlets islandwide and on the Watsons e-store.
8. Chanel Rouge Coco Flash, 91 bohème
With a hydrating formula and a glossy finish, the Chanel Rouge Coco Flash sits comfortably on the lips for hours on end. The packaging also features a transparent cap, which allows you to pick out the shades very easily!
9. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Walk of No Shame
Featuring a unique square angled tip, this lipstick is formulated with tree and orchid extract, which make your lips feel softer and more hydrated. What’s more, it lasts for hours without touch-ups.
Purchase this lipstick at S$50 from Sephora.
10. L'Oreal Rouge Signature Matte Liquid Lipstick in 121 I Choose
Another affordable lipstick, the L’Oreal Rouge Signature Matte is so lightweight, you’ll barely feel it on your lips. It is also long-lasting and smudge-proof, making it perfect for daily wear.
Purchase this lipstick at S$21.90 from Watsons stores islandwide and on the Watsons e-store.
11. HourGlass Confession Ultra Slim High Intensity Lipstick in At Night
Housed in one of the slimmest lipstick tubes we’ve ever seen, Hourglass’ lippie boasts a creamy formula that stays on all day without smudging. With over 30 shades to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Purchase this lipstick at S$60 from Sephora.
12. Clé de Peau Beauté Lipstick in 5 Camellia
A luxurious lipstick with a petal-shaped tip, Clé de Peau Beauté’s Lipstick envelopes lips in vibrant, luminous colour and lasting moisture. It leaves a silky, semi-matte finish for eight hours.
Purchase this lipstick at S$65 from Cle de Peau boutique stores islandwide and on Nordstrom.
13. Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Amplified High Pigment Satin Lipstick in RD163
Going for a bold look? Then opt for Shu Uemura’s lipstick. This rich, velvety matte lipstick keeps your lips soft with Japanese Tsubaki oil. You’ll get intense colour pay-off in a single swipe.
Purchase this lipstick at S$44 from Shu Uemera boutique stores islandwide and Sephora.
15. Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Hitch Hike
Formulated with a buttery blend of nourishing oils that are rich in vitamins C and E, this lipstick from Urban Decay will condition and moisturise your lips all day. The brand’s proprietary Pigment Infusion System gives each shade an incredibly creamy texture and excellent colour dispersion.
Purchase this lipstick at S$55 from Sephora.
16. Guerlain Rouge G de Guerlain in 24
A fully customisable lipstick, you get to choose your shade, casing, as well as finish. Formulated with plant-based polymers, hyaluronic acid, and other conditioning ingredients, this lippie gives your lips a pop of shiny colour as well as the nourishment it needs.
You can purchase the lipstick (step 1 & step 2) at S$41 and S$32 respectively from Sephora.
17. Gucci Rouge à Lèvres Matte Lipstick in 505 Janet Rust
With over 28 shades for you to choose from, there’s plenty to play with from Gucci’s lipstick collection. Can’t decide which colour to go for? Austin Li recommends the shade 505 Janet Rust, which sits between brick red and burnt orange. It also has a hydrating formula that wears comfortably on the lips.
You can purchase this lipstick at S$53 from Gucci boutique stores islandwide and Sephora.
18. Bobbi Brown Luxe Shine Intense in Supernova
Bobbi Brown’s Luxe Shine Intense delivers maximum shine with the brand’s Dimensional Shine Magnifier Complex. Enriched with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, this emollient lipstick glides on the lips and hydrates instantly and over time.
You can purchase this lipstick at S$50 from Bobbi Brown boutique stores islandwide and Sephora.
19. Bobbi Brown Luxe Lip Colour in Red Berry
Infused with vitamins C and E, this lipstick nourishes to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, it also contains moisture-boosting ingredients to condition and soften your lips.
You can purchase this lipstick at S$50 from Bobbi Brown boutique stores islandwide and Sephora.
20. Lancome Mademoiselle Shine Lipstick in 168 Shine Declaration
Formulated with Lancome’s signature Proxylane, this unique lipstick plumps and hydrates your lips throughout the day. It also imparts a gorgeous shine for an elegant, flawless finish.
You can purchase this lipstick at S$47 from Sephora.
Lipsticks Austin Li dislikes
1. Giorgio Armani Ecstasy Mirror Lip Lacquer in 100
Although it’s a gorgeous lipstick that provides intense shine, the Giorgio Armani lipstick received an immediate “NO!” from Austin Li. He swatched the lipstick on his hand and put it away immediately without trying it on his lips as he disliked the tone of this particular shade right off the bat.
If you would still like to try this product out, you can purchase it at S$52 from Giorgio Armani boutique stores islandwide and Selfridges.
2. Giorgio Armani Ecstasy Mirror Lip Lacquer in 401
This is another lippie from the same Giorgio Armani line that received a thumbs down from the beauty influencer. He found the shade very dated, and compared it to the ones used in period dramas from the ’70s.
If you would still like to try this product out, you can purchase it at S$52 Giorgio Armani boutique stores islandwide and Selfridges.
3. Hermès Rouge Satin Lipstick in 66 Rouge Piment
When it comes to this particular shade from Hermès, Austin Li felt that the colour could have been produced by cheaper brands. He says it isn’t worth paying over S$100 for this just for the designer label.
If you would still like to try this product out, you can purchase it at S$105 from Hermès.
4. Chanel Rouge Allure Liquid Powder in 956 Invincible
Although it’s from a luxury label, this Chanel lipstick didn’t receive Austin Li’s stamp of approval. However, it’s formulated with concentrated pigments and nourishing oils to keep your lips moisturised. The decision is yours to make!
If you would still like to try this product out, you can purchase it at S$54 from Chanel.
Tom Ford Lip Spark Lipstick in 02 Surge
The moment Austin Li tried on this lipstick by Tom Ford, he immediately showed his dissatisfaction and deemed this an unflattering shade. His assistant told him it didn’t look that bad, but Austin absolutely hated it.
If you would still like to try this product out, you can purchase it at S$74.99 from Amazon and Sephora.
Feature image credit: Oasis krAsia
