We were all forced to learn about pH in chemistry class, and it was something many of us quickly forgot after the test was over. Well, pH may not have been exciting in school, but it is in the beauty world, especially when it comes to color-adjusting beauty products.
Products that look one way in the tube, but transform into a completely different shade when they’re applied actually utilize the magic of pH. What’s more, the best self-adjusting products don’t simply change color; they adjust to create a flattering shade based on a person’s unique body chemistry. There’s no need to mix or blend custom colors. Just apply and let your body determine your perfect shade instantly.
Ready to see what all the fuss is about? Read on for some of the best pH and color-adjusting makeup and beauty products to try now.
Like Magic: pH and Color-Adjusting Makeup Products
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Magic Tube
It's the clear lipstick bullet that launched a thousand Instagrams. The encapsulated flower may have helped the lip stain go viral, but the formula is also worthy of a selfie or two. Swipe on the coconut-flavored lip stain and the magic of chemistry produces your perfect shade of pink.
Winky Lux Flower Balm Jelly Lip Stain, $14 at Winky Lux
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Dark Star
Fans of a vampy lip will love this black lipstick that reacts to skin's pH to produce a one-of-a-kind shade. It could be a deep berry or it could be an elegant eggplant. No matter what the final outcome is, know that it will be flattering. How's that for good chemistry?
Givenchy Beauty Rouge Interdit Vinyl Lipstick in Noir Revelateur No. 16, $34 at Net-a-Porter
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Kiss a Frog
Don't be intimidated by the shimmering green hue of this tube. Once it hits lips, the nourishing formula transforms from green to a very wearable rosebud pink, thanks to pH technology. Now that is something to write a fairy tale about.
Lipstick Queen Frog Prince Lip Gloss, $25 at Lipstick Queen
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Gotta Glow
This is no ordinary lipstick. And if we're getting technical, it's not even a lipstick at all. It's actually a sheer glow balm. Apply the bullet to lips and the pinky shade will adjust to a bespoke hue.
Catrice Tinted Lip Glow Balm, $5.99 at Ulta
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Natural Flush
Some people avoid blush for fear that it will make them look like an outcast from an 80s glam rock video. But there's no need to be nervous about getting an unnatural result with this "no blush" blush. The universally flattering rose shade adjusts to produce a convincing flush. It also contains SPF 30 and a DMAE complex that helps keep facial contours looking lovely.
Perricone MD No Blush Blush SPF 30, $35 at Sephora
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Oil Slick
Lip oils are one of the most exciting beauty categories at the moment. This one is extra special because it still has the glossy finish and nourishing formula of a traditional lip oil, but it makes use of pH technology to give lips a one-of-a-kind finish. Wear it on top of a favorite lipstick for a head-turning look.
Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil in 05 Tangerine, $26 at Clarins
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Totally Unique
Who said that pomades were just for hair? This one is strictly for lips. The highly nourishing product has a unique oil-gel texture that dry lips will love. It deposits a self-adjusting rosy tint as shea butter works to smooth, hydrate and plump lips.
Dior Dior Addict Lip Glow Pomade, $33 at Sephora
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Oh, She Glows
No matter your skin tone, this clear gel will provide a flattering glow. Apply it to the apples of cheeks and the lightweight gel will react with your body chemistry to create a custom pink shade. It could be shared thanks to its universally flattering formula, but we doubt anyone will want to.
Smashbox O-Glow, $29 at Smashbox
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One Size Fits All
Stop Instagramming the bottle for a second and apply the two-in-one gel to cheeks and lips. The shocking pink shade quickly adjusts to a very wearable soft pink.
Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Universal Tinted Gel, Rosy Cheeks and Lips, $35 at Sephora
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100 Percent You
Many people spend ages searching for the right lipstick, but this one takes all the guesswork out. Just apply the color-changing lipstick and it instantly morphs into your personalized shade. Less trial and error and a flattering finish? Yes, please.
DuWop Private Lipstick in Private Blonde, $22 at DuWop
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Intuitive
There are two color-changing products to play around with in this set. Whether worn individually or together, they deposit a flattering berry tint made just for you.
Tarte Limited-Edition Energy Noir Lip Duo, $12 at Tarte
