MANILA -- Every woman is always searching for the perfect shade of lipstick. For many, this pursuit is, at times, frustrating, whether you’re a self-confessed lipstick fanatic, or a newbie to the world of makeup.

Here to ease the pain is Lab-i Lipstick Design Studio in Eastwood City, an experience store that’s 100% dedicated to lipstick.

“I have always been one of those fanatics for lipsticks, always searching for the perfect shade, and I am never, ever satisfied. I own hundreds and hundreds of lipsticks, and at 64 years old today, I still have to find the perfect color, and I think that’s what everyone wants. Together with my partner, we wanted to create our own lipstick using natural botanicals and organic ingredients,” explained Eleanor Leung, owner and founder of Lab-i.

With shelves lined with numerous products, finding the right shade in the store might feel daunting at first, but their experienced personnel will guide you through the process -- starting with finding your undertone. Then, you’ll be guided to the shelves in the store that have the best shades for you.

“We have 150 colors to choose from, formulated in Tokyo, and targeted mainly for the Asian complexion. We have formulated a very creamy, luxurious formula, and it will moisturize your lips all day, because this lipstick contains pigmentations that have one capsule of vitamin E, which you will personally put on there. [It’s] very safe for pregnant women, or children,” Leung shared.

In Lab-i, the experience is never rushed, and you’re given many options. When you find the right shade for you, you’re given the choice to make your own lipstick (P1,500) or have them make it for you (P780). (For those in a rush, there’s some shades already pre-made, currently discounted at P330).

Have you ever wondered how they make a tube of lipstick? In Lab-i, you can make your own. With a workshop area that can easily seat 18 people (perfect for bridal showers and group activities), customers are guided with step by step instructions, from mixing pigments, adding and melting wax, choosing your lipstick’s scent, to molding and packaging.

One step involves choosing the “tip” of your lipstick with fun options like the cat, or the golden mushroom, or more practical tips like the eagle and the bullet, to name some.

For those who opt to take it easy, there’s also the option to have Lab-i’s in-house laboratory make your lipstick for you. For this process, it takes about 10 minutes, compared to the make-your-own option which takes about 30 minutes or more. It’s also fun to watch them make your lipstick, as well.

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With either option, your Lab-i experience ends with packaging your molded make-up into your chosen lipstick case. Lipstick cases come in many sizes, colors, and designs. Designs are always limited in number, subject to what’s available in the market, but if you have a favorite case, you can also bring the case to Lab-i, and they’ll sanitize and fill it for you, as well.

For the ultimate treat to the lipstick aficionado, there’s Lab-i’s customized lipstick experience (P3,300). This experience takes about an hour, and the customer will be given free rein (and guidance) in mixing and playing with pigments to create their own customized shade.

Interactive and eye-opening, Lab-i Lipstick Design Studio is at the second floor of Eastwood’s City Walk 2.