If you’ve been around a while, you have likely heard me reference this line of lipsticks as my all time favorite formula. I stopped using them a few years back after finding out I have a wheat allergy (the formula contains wheat bran extract). Well about a year ago, I got it into my head that since the wheat ingredient was far down on the list I shouldn’t have an allergic reaction. So I repurchased what used to be my most used shade.
UPDATE April 19, 2023: Estee Lauder has discontinued this line and now has a reformulated line called the Pure Color Creme Lipstick. I have written a review and shared a swatch of the new formula in the shade 818 Covetable. You can see that review by clicking here.
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Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Lipstick – 440 Irresistible, $33.00**
Estee Lauder describes 440 Irresistible as a dusty mauve with a cool undertone.
UPDATE April 19, 2023: Estee Lauder has discontinued this line and now has a reformulated line called the Pure Color Creme Lipstick. I have written a review and shared a swatch of the new formula in the shade 818 Covetable. You can see that review by clicking here.
I never notice any reactions, but I must confess I still shy away from using it often just in case I’m wrong. Just like I remember the Pure color envy lipstick has good staying power, it is extremely comfortable to wear, and it even looks good as it wears off. For cream lipsticks, a 4-hour wear time without needing to touch up is what I consider good. I drink water and tea all day, so longer than that isn’t likely with any cream formula for me. It does not accentuate my lip lines and it doesn’t feather into the fine lines around my upper lip (like the NARS satin lipsticks do). My lips feel like they are in better condition after I’ve taken it off as if I used a lip balm. I’ve mentioned this before, but I still find it to be true.
If you like the sound of this lipstick but also avoid wheat ingredients, my first recommendation (if you don’t mind ordering online) is the lipstick formula from Propa Beauty. It is thinner than the Estee Lauder formula, but it has an even more nourishing feel on the lips. Something more expensive but more easily accessible is the Huda Beauty Power Bullet Cream Hydrating Lipstick**. The Huda formula is also thinner but not as nourishing as Estee Lauder. Lastly, you could check out MAC’s Love me Lipstick** (in bullet form). I would say it is the least nourishing of all of the ones I’ve mentioned, but it is still nicely moisturizing for me. These are all the formulas that come to mind when my lips are chapped or dry and I not only want to wear lipstick, but I also want to repair my lips.
If you are interested in swatches of the Propa Beauty, Huda Beauty, or MAC lipsticks, you can check them out with the links below.
- Propa Beauty Luminous Satin Lipstick Swatches ($12)
- Huda Beauty Cream Lipstick in Money Maker ($25)
- MAC Love Me Liquid Lip Colour (Swatches) ($22)
Estee Lauder 440 Irresistible** vs Revlon Desert Escape**
As usual, I try to give a color reference whenever possible. These formulas are not similar and the colors are pretty far off in a swatch. They seemed much closer when I wore them. That’s just how it goes sometimes. Revlon describes Desert Escape as a creamy spiced mauve and again, Estee Lauder describes Irresistible as a dusty mauve with a cool undertone.
This formula feels the same to me as it did back in 2014 when I first started wearing this formula. I have tried several shades over the years as well and they are fairly consistent. There is one shade, 411 Pinkberry, that always felt softer and meltier than the others. The only other shade that I enjoyed in the past that doesn’t seem to be discontinued is 561 Intense Nude.
This is clearly still a standout formula for me, but I guess that should be somewhat expected for a legacy brand like Estee Lauder. However, as you saw, if you don’t want to spend the money on Estee Lauder there are 3 other good options that I mentioned for $12-$25.
UPDATE April 19, 2023: Estee Lauder has discontinued this line and now has a reformulated line called the Pure Color Creme Lipstick. I have written a review and shared a swatch of the new formula in the shade 818 Covetable. You can see that review by clicking here.
Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick retails for $33.00 and comes in 45 shades.**
Have you ever tried any lipsticks from Estee Lauder?
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Nikki From HR 
This being your favorite formula makes me really curious to try it some day! Also, that’s great that the wheat is low enough that you can still use it, but I fully understand being wary about it still. It’s like me and avocados. I used to love them…then I randomly developed an intolerance to them. Then I realized I can eat it as long as it doesn’t surpass like 1/4 a cup of it. However, I’m still afraid to accidentally cross that threshold of the “too much” level, so I still stay away from it.
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I definitely take way more chances with eating wheat, but with makeup, I keep thinking I shouldn’t take that risk for makeup lol. It makes no sense really when I think about it logically if I occasionally eat wheat, why not occasionally use makeup products with wheat 🤷🏽♀️
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My food addiction is stronger than my makeup addiction, so I can understand it actually haha. I’d chance it for food too! And also wheat > avocados lol.
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