My Top 5 Drugstore Lip Products

Morning beauty seekers!!

I meant to post this last night, but I got kinda distracted downloading fonts and before I knew it 10pm had been and gone and I decided to keep it for this morning instead. Anyhoo, I was rummaging around in my lippy drawer the other day and came to the conclusion that my drugstore lippies could use some more love. After having a bit of a think I decided to pick out my top 5 and do a little swatchy post telling you why I love them. The products are featured in no particular order...

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in 700: Nude Delight is an old school favourite of mine. I actually have 3 of these dotted around in various handbags as I find it a great lipstick to have around in case of emergencies. The formula is super moisturising and it's just the perfect, peachy nude for my medium skintone. It's dark enough not to be concealer-y but light enough to look pretty yet natural. Great for dry lip days. 

Sleek True Colour Lipstick in Peaches and Cream is one of my all time favourite Spring/Summer lip colours. It's perfect for either day or evening and I find it lasts a long time on the lips. I only own this and one other Sleek lipstick (Fuchsia, which I'll admit I don't wear very often at all) but I like the formula. I hear the matte shades are a little drying but this is very comfortable to wear, although not as moisturising as the Rimmel one. 

Bourjois Rouge Edition Lipstick in No5: Brun Boheme* is the newest of the 5 products in this post. I was introduced to it by the MUAs from Bourjois during London Fashion Week and I utterly ADORE it! It's very different from the usual nude shades I tend to stick to. It's darker for one, but it's a brown toned dusky pink that looks so chic and is very versatile. It's neutral enough to wear with a toned down daytime look, yet dark enough to vamp up at nighttime. I find it to be long wearing and it feels lovely on the lips. 

I didn't go as mental for these lipsticks as a lot of people did. I only picked up 3 shades of the Revlon Colorburst Lip Butters but this one ended up being a big favourite for Summer 2012 and I can't wait to bust it out again this year. The lip butter formula is intended to be a hydrid of lip balm and lipstick and offers amazing moisturisation. I don't find it lasts amazingly well, probably because it's more of a balmy product, but it's one of the very few PALE pink lip shades that I find I can wear easily. Certainly the only drugstore one anyway (the others are MAC's Hue and Creme Cup). Massive thumbs up for this product! I also adore their Just Bitten, Kissable Balm Stain in Cherish which is a very similar shade.

This is another recent discovery of mine. Again, Rimmel Apocalips were MASSIVE all over the blog-o-sphere when they were released yet I only managed to pick up a couple of shades. I chose well though. Celestial is an extremely wearable dusky pink which is slightly darker than any other similar shade I have in my collection. I also love the 'lacquer' formulation of the product. It applies like a gloss, but with the opacity and pigmentation of a lipstick! Genius! Super shiny and long lasting too. Extremely quick to apply and you get a glossy pop of colour that really lasts. 

So there are the swatches for all of the above lipsticks. I love how they're all so different. I feel like I can be more experimental with drugstore lip products as they're really affordable (none of the products in this post retail for over £8). You really can pick up some gems!! 

You can pick up all of these products in your local Boots or Superdrug and you won't have to spend a fortune. Perfect shades for the upcoming Spring/Summer season (when the sun finally decides to get it's hat on, that is).

What are your ultimate drugstore lip products?? What shades will you be reaching for for SS13??

Apocalips Now!!

Okaaaaaay so i swore off this particular bandwagon... I never said i wasn't going to buy the products but i declared that i was not going to blog about them (my reading list is currently clogged up to the max with posts about this particular product so i rendered it to be a bit of a redundant exercise). However, i just happened to stumble across the Rimmel: Apocalips Lip Lacquers on Tuesday and, as predicted, bought them and, as i also predicted, i friggin LOVE EM! So when i was unpacking my camera earlier i thought 'Sod it' and started snapping.....

So... Rimmel Apocalips... Unless you've been locked away in a cupboard somewhere for the last month, you'll probably have heard a bit about these badboys rocketing (sorry, this post is gonna be full of bad space puns) around the blog-o-sphere. 

The idea behind these little beauts is to have the pigmentation and coverage of a lipstick whilst having the shine of a lacquer or gloss. It comes in a gloss-like tube with a foam applicator. The formulation is described as being 'creamy and conditioning' and promises to provide a unique combo of pigmentation, shine and comfort. Needless to say my curiosity was sparked as i love trying products which have multiple functions. I didn't go nuts. I only picked up two to be getting on with as i really wasn't sure what to expect. The shades i picked up are as follows....

Luna

Can't help but feel that this shade could have been more appropriately named SOLAR as it's such a sunny orange/peach shade. Luna, to me, suggests the moon which, in turn, makes me think of green haha. Being warm-toned myself this was the first one i gravitated (i'm on a roll here hehe) towards. 

And

Celestial

Celestial is a slightly darkened, blue toned dusky pink which looks different in different lights in my opinion. I had to go right next to the window to do these photos today (seriously, the light in my room is awful at the moment) so it may appear a little paler in some of the photos. Anyway, it's a really wearable shade for day or night and actually looks alright on me. Pinks with blue tones in them often don't. 

Here are the swatches for both...

Well, let me tell you that the pigmentation of these is ASTRONOMICAL!! One sweep of the applicator on the lips produces an opaque finish and you hardly need to build it up which, in turn, makes it great value for money. In terms of ease of use, the applicator does a bang up job. I'm also happy to report that they are in NO way sticky and feel very creamy and smooth on the lips. As for longevity.... The gloss does seem to lessen over time, but the product leaves a stain on the lips which lasts a good 4hrs. It made it all the way back to London from Derbyshire yesterday without me needing to reapply. 

Rimmel Apocalips are £5.99 and available from most Rimmel stockists in 8 cosmic shades ranging from nudes, to pinks, to explosive reds. They are PERMANENT, which means you won't have to rush to get them all as they will be staying around. The one i think i will be purchasing next is Galaxy. I'm a bit upset with myself that i didn't get that one this week but, at the time, it swatched quite dark compared to the others so i left it. But i think i NEED it!! 

Did you run out and buy these?? Which shades are your favourite??  

A Few Changes and a FOTN

Evening lovers!!

And it really IS evening.... i was determined to blog today but i had a dinner invitation from one of my besties that i do not see very often that i couldn't refuse (wine, curry and CAKE - need i say more). But, anyhoo, i'm home now and determined to get this post out there as tomorrow is reserved for my bloody Finance assignment for uni (Blehhh)

So there have been a few changes..... 

First change is that i have done back over to the Darkside. As my blog name suggests i am a Brunette through and through, HOWEVER, recently i have been experimenting with ombre, followed by mahogany, then back to ombre again (confused?? Yeah i was as well). In the end one just has to draw a line and say ENOUGH!! So i have returned to what i know best which is my medium/dark chocolate brown. 

It's a huge relief to have hair extensions that match again. My clip ins now blend perfectly once more and, although my 16" Halo Hair Halo is still dyed mahogany, a box of dye is all that is needed to rectify that. Although my natural hair has grown so MUCH that my hair at the front is beginning to overtake the Halo so i fear i may have to write it off and purchase a longer one!!

SECOND change, and one which i have been building up to for some time now, is that i now have METAL in my face!! I've been deliberating on Twitter for a few weeks whether or not now was the time to finally go for it and get the nose piercing that i have wanted on and off since i was a teenager. In the end the verdict was almost a unanimous GO FOR IT!! So guess what..... I DID IT YESTERDAY!!

And i am so pleased with it! I removed my tongue piercing several months ago, after 12yrs together, as i just felt like it was time to get rid of it. I don't think it's becoming of a (nearly) 30yr old to be having metal in their mouth. Plus i suspect i chipped a tooth on it, which finally persuaded me to part with it. I did miss it for a little while, and i did feel like i was lacking something as a result, but i'm over the moon with my nose stud. Much more grown up. It's pretty basic, but eventually i'd love a diamond/gold stud in it (better save the pennies). 

THIRD change is that i have FINALLY embraced Gel eyeliner. And it's a massive HIT!! Why didn't one of you force me to try it sooner?? Yeah i've read and seen photos of you beautiful ladies wearing your MAC Blacktrack and your Inglot Gel Liner and thought you all looked FABULOUS, but it never inspired me to stop buying lippy and focus on my waterline. Well NO MORE cos i've got it and it has completely revolutionised how i do my eye makeup! Also, when my hair is darker i seem to make a bigger deal of my eyeliner. So while i was at it with the photos for this post i decided to do a little FOTN (from last night when i went out to show off my new piercing) to go with it. 

FOTN....

Face: BeneFit PoreFessional Primer

Rimmel 'Wake me Up' Foundation in Classic Beige

MAC Mineralise Skinfinish Natural in Medium Plus

Sleek Contour Kit in Medium

Cheeks: MAC Tres Cheek blush in 'LoveCloud'

Eyes: Maybelline Gel Liner in 001 'Intense Black'

(No eyeshadow - just didn't feel like i wanted it on this occasion)

Rimmel Day2Night Mascara in Black

Lips: A combo of MAC Myth and MAC Lovelorn

(Myth went on first then finished with a sweep of Lovelorn)

And that's all she wrote....

I'd like to make it known that i HATE Rimmel 'Wake me Up'. I do NOT have spot prone skin but this never fails to break me out. I don't find it lasts well AT ALL (patchy is an understatement), and it is only when i use it with my BeneFit primer that i like the finish. It actually looks a lot better on these photos (with flash, would you believe) than i think it does in natural light. But i would NOT recommend it to anyone. I know there are those who love it, and each to their own, but i also know a lot who feel the same as i do about it. I'm only still using it as i do not believe in wasting makeup. 

So i hope you didn't mind too much reading my waffle about my new discoveries. I've been so excited about it and had to do a little squealy post to mark the occasion.

What have you done to reinvent yourself lately??

Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Tint: Perpetual Plum

It's been a whole WEEK since my last post!! For SHAME!!

My excuse?? Not sure if i can isolate one specific thing, just general LIFE has prevented me from writing a new post up until now. This review would have been posted a few days ago only, when i was doing the photos, my camera decided to spit the dummy and REFUSE to focus so i had to finish them off today. 

So here's my review of Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Tint & Balm*

I'm quite partial to a good lip tint. I am a lipstick wearer by nature but products like this are great for me, especially when i'm at work, as they last FOREVER and i don't have to worry too much about having to reapply. 

This particular tint is in pen form, which is a new one on me, as i'm used to my BeneFit PosieTint and ChaChaTint which are applied with a brush. The Rimmel one is geared towards lip wear rather than a lip/cheek combo product like the BeneFit tints but the pen makes it perfect for applying quick and popping in your handbag. 

The idea behind the balm on the other end is that it adds a touch of moisture and gloss to the finish of the colour. I, however, feel that it is more reminiscent of Pritt Stick. I find it rather sticky on my lips and not that moisturising compared to other balms i have used. It does add a bit of shine, but i don't find it too effective to be honest. 

So here's my artistic little swatch... The name of this shade is Perpetual Plum, although i find it to be on the pinker side of plum. It isn't a BRIGHT shade, but it is very well pigmented and looks lovely on the lips. Very well suited for Spring/Summer. With a product like this you won't have to worry about melty lip colour when you're lounging in the beer garden or on the beach. 

I feel i should add that i did experience some transfer initially after applying the product. However, once it's settled in (so to speak) it does seem to last very well in comparison to lipsticks or glosses. I have also been using the pen with my MUA Love Hearts Lip Balm in 'Hot Lips' which really brings out the colour more than the balm included with the product. 

This lip swatch is having used the product exactly as the instructions say to apply. 

- Apply the pen all over the lips 

- Allow to dry

- Apply the balm over the top of the colour.

As you can see it gives a great POP of colour without being heavy or slippery on the lips. I have to say i really don't rate the balm. Yes it looks lovely and shiny but it doesn't feel amazing on the lips. I think i'd rather use Carmex or my MUA balm with it. 

The pen applicator is great for precise, clean application and i am really enjoying this form of lip stain.  There are other brands out there with similar products to this but the shade range and formula from Rimmel (aside from the balm) really is great!! 

Rimmel products are available in Boots and Superdrug stores and a variety of other retailers/supermarkets around the UK so if you fancy one of these it won't be difficult to get hold of. I find Rimmel products to be reasonably priced and, generally, very good quality. 

Do you rate lip tints?? What are your favourite brands??

*Product sent to me for consideration

My Everyday Pinks

It's a late one from me tonight girls....

I'm doing this as TOMORROW'S post as i really need to knuckle down to some uni assignments tomorrow and want to remove all temptation to blog. This is a post i did the photos for a couple of weeks ago but then got so distracted by my new MAC lipsticks i never got round to posting it! Didn't want too much lipstick overload. 

This post is dedicated to my everyday/nude pink lipsticks. I know everyone has their own idea of what nude is but I'm categorising it as my most wearable shades of pink.

So i have 5 different variations on my idea of nude pink. Some drugstore and some MAC. Thought i'd take the opportunity to swatch them all seen as i've recently aquired a new one and there are so many people out there who seem to be on the hunt for that perfect pink for every day!! 

 Maybelling Moisture Extreme - 'Pinky Beige'

This is the newest edition to the stash and one that i had been searching high and low for (for the full story see my February Favourites post). This is actually the darkest toned of all of these lipsticks, although it appears darker to swatch than it appears once applied to the lips. In fact, in the bullet it looks rather brown.  I suppose the name says it all when it comes to describing the colour. I'd actually say it's quite cool toned, despite being beige, although not so much that it clashes with my warm skin tone. The formula is super moisturising and i am really enjoying wearing it... A LOT!!

 Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick by Kate Moss - 03

I'd describe this lipstick as a slightly warmer, less pink version of the Maybelline lipstick. If you like that one then i can guarantee you will like this one (and vice versa) and i'd say they are different enough to justify having both. The formula, in my opinion, isn't quite as long lasting as its name would suggest but, for a drugstore lipstick you get a decent 2 hours wear out of it before any touch ups are needed. 

Maybelline Colour Sensational Lipstick - Rosewood Pearl

This is probably my least favourite of the bunch. The reason is because it is a pearly kind of finish (kind of like a Frost finish) and reminds me of old lady lips. The colour is nice enough. It's cooler than most of the other lipsticks featured in this post. It also lasts quite well. But it's never going to be my go to lipstick. Sorry Maybelline. If you like a frost finish then maybe this is one to go on your 'to-swatch' list next time you're in Boots. 

 MAC Glaze Lipstick - Hue

This is probably my favourite (and most used, judging by the photo of the lipsticks in the bullet) of all these lipsticks and one i reach for the most often. This has changed slightly since i got Pinky Beige, but i absolutely adore this colour for everyday wear. It is the palest out of all the shades, but it is a Glaze finish so doesn't white out my lips. I did build it up a little bit for the sake of this lip swatch but a quick swish of this is just PERFECT for every day wear. 

MAC Cremesheen Lipstick - Creme Cup

I suppose this ISN'T really a nude pink as such, but i find it such a wearable shade that, when i'm feeling slightly more girly, i find myself reaching for this even if i'm just popping into uni. It's a blue based pink but i don't think i've seen anybody that this shade doesn't suit. The Cremesheen finish is probably my favourite of all the MAC finishes so i'm more than happy with this lipstick and it has become one of my most loved MAC lipsticks. AND it's perfect for Spring so it's a winner in my opinion. 

(L-R) Creme Cup, Rosewood Pearl, Pinky Beige, Hue, Kate Moss 03

So thats a little trip through my nude pink lipstick selection. A lot of the shades are very similar, yet subtly different at the same time. If i was pushed, i think i'd say that first place would go to either Maybelline Pinky Beige or MAC Hue, but i love all these lip colours for different reasons (except maybe Rosewood Pearl, but thats just about the finish rather than the colour). 

Just to make you giggle, i've added this second swatch photo to show you all what i have to put up with in the name of blogging.....

Pedro decided to jump up on the ledge and start washing my arm HAHA!! Total ferret blog takeover!! 

So what are YOUR go-to everyday pink lipsticks?? Are you a lover of nudes like i am?? (That sounded so wrong) hehe.

August Favourites 2011

Another month where i don't know where it's gone! 

This year is swinging by so fast! 

I've  had a few exciting new things in August, despite being on a shopping ban. In all fairness a lot of the stuff i have aquired this month has been the result of a credit card balance transfer which actually left my previous card in CREDIT!! Red rag to a bull or WHAT!! There were other things i received that i had ordered in July (and so they dont count towards an August shopping ban. HA!).

So here are my favourites for this month. It is not necessarily all NEW stuff, but stuff that I have really been reaching for lately.

August was the month that i FINALLY got the chance to own the Urban decay Naked Palette. Like so many I had been lusting after it for such a long time and when the lovely Ms. Red mentioned that she was planning to sell hers, i handed over my paypal details fast as lightning! And it hasn't let me down. I've really enjoyed using it and there are firm favourites emerging. Naked and Buck are perfect for everyday and Half Baked is just BEAUTIFUL as are Smog and Sidecar. Who am i kidding... the whole thing is FABULOUS! 

There are TWO lip products in this month's favourites. Mainly because i just couldn't choose between the two of them. I have been reaching for one of these two products EVERY day without fail. 

Elf Matte Lip Colour in Natural - I got this as part of a little haul i did from Elf and i love it! Its kind of like a lip pencil and lip colour in one and really does allow for a precise application. The shade is just a lovely natural pinky nude and I bet it would suit almost ANYONE! For a matte product it's not TOO drying, unlike some. I do sometimes pop a little Carmex over it but I don't find it to be an issue. I recommend that EVERYONE pick one of these up next time you order from Elf. At £3.50 it really is a little GEM and comes in a range of colours. 

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in (700) Nude Delight - This has been a feature in my make up bag for several months now, but it wasn't until it went MISSING earlier this month that i realised just how much it meant to me! Off i trotted to Boots to buy a replacement. It's just such a perfect Nude and feels GORGEOUS on the lips. I find it very peachy in tone, which is always a winner for me as i looooove my peachy things. I used this lipstick in my previous FOTD post as well as in my Halo post so if you would like to see what it looks like in all lights do check them out. LOVE LOVE LOVE. 

Rimmel Day 2 Night Mascara - This was a bit of an impulse purchase on my part back in July. I'd popped into Boots with the sole intention of purchasing cotton buds (woooo exciting) but, as usual i entered through the make-up end and was greeted with a £2 off promotion on this mascara. I'd heard good things so i sneakily snapped it up. Great purchase! I'm particularly impressed with the lengthening wand (the slimmer of the 2) because it doesn't pick up as much product and is perfect for bottom lashes as well as a subtle lengthening effect on the top. The fatter volumising wand is nice as well but does tend to pick up a LOT of product. i suspect this will be a mascara that works better as it dries up a little. I really like it. Winner!

I can't do my favourites for this month without mentioning my new Elf Studio Brushes. I picked up the Stipple brush, the Blush brush and the Contour/Crease brush. These have really made my life easier. I'm especially in love with the Stipple brush and it's been BRILLIANT for applying my foundation. The Taklon bristles are VERY soft and because its got different length bristles is distributes and holds on to the product brilliantly and i find i actually need LESS product when i use this brush. 

Last but not least is the new Garnier BB Cream (Medium). I'm not gonna lie, i heard the hype about this product and after playing with it in Boots and putting it back, the next time i went in i just HAD to get it just to see what all the fuss was about. And i do REALLY like it! It makes my skin feel GORGEOUS all day and does actually cover rather well! I find i do need to powder my nose with it as i gives a dewy finish and certainly isn't mattifying but if. like me, you're within spitting distance of 30 and want a product that will take care of your skin as well as giving you the colour and coverage, I'd definitely encourage you to at least TRY it. It doesn't break the bank at £9.99 either. Full review Here 

So those are my little gems from the last month. Hope everyone had a great August and those who went on holiday had a FAB time (JEALOUS!!)

What were your favourites for August? Link me to your posts/videos cos i love reading them