LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 30

Wowza. Has it been thirty days already?! Admittedly it's been tough averaging a post a day, but doing this challenge has prompted me to rediscover many lippie loves that I've neglected for too long, and encouraged me to shop my stash rather than adding to the collection! For today, I thought I'd compile a little summary of the month, in case you got lost along the way (besides, you're probably sick of my face by now - as I am! - with all of those #selfies...). It's probably easiest to use the 'Blog Archive' sidebar down the side - happy scrolling!

- Refer back to Intro to see what this month was all about, and for more info about the Liptember initiative.
- If you're after tinted lip balm suggestions, see days 1-3, with a review on day 4.
- Burt's Bees Lip Gloss got a special mention on day 5, with a review on day 6.
- Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butters were featured on days 7, 11 and 15, and reviewed on day 19.
- Check out my lip balm wants on day 8!
- Bourjois Shine Edition Lipstick was reviewed on day 9, and worn on day 10.
- Clinique Chubby Sticks were worn on days 12 and 13, and reviewed on day 14.
- LUSH Lip Tint was worn on day 16 and reviewed on day 21.
- See Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquers on days 17, 22 and 26, and the review on day 27.
- NYX Black Label Lipstick was worn on day 18.
- Various Avon lipsticks were worn on days 20, 23, 25 and 29.
- See day 24 for 'lippie layering'.
- See the 'red lipstick roundup' on day 28!

Sidenote: See here for a tasty greek salad recipe, and here to learn how to make curry puffs!


Hope you had a great September! :) x

LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 28

Doing this challenge has made me realise that I actually own quite a few red lippies, so today I thought I'd do a little roundup of the ones I've used this month. These six are of various formulas - e.g. lip tint, lip lacquer, matte, cream, etc. - and varying shades of red - e.g. berry red, fire engine, sangria, etc. - so if you're on the hunt for a red lippie, you may find this useful. This is obviously by no means an exhaustive list!

L-R:
- Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in 035 Candy Apple - a warm, glossy/sheer red.  (See it in action here; review here.)
- LUSH Lip Tint in It Started With a Kiss - a pinky-red tint. (See it in action here; review here.)
- NYX Black Label Lipstick in 105 Cherry - a creamy, currant red. (See it in action here.)
- Avon Ultra Color Rich Lipstick in Red 2000 - a matte, cool red. (See it in action here.)
- Avon My Lip Miracle in incREDible - a creamy sangria. (See it in action here.)
- Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer in 400 Big Bang - a liquid, fire engine red. (See it in action here; review here.)


Do you have a 'signature' red lipstick?
Any recommendations? Do share! x

LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 21

I know I've written about it briefly before, but here's a more organised summation of LUSH Lip Tint in It Started With A Kiss, featured on Day 16.

You might recall that this is actually my third tin (the first couple ended up becoming all hard and grainy, so I took them back to LUSH and they kindly exchanged them for another one). Third time lucky, I suppose! This is a pretty lip tint that can be applied sheer, or built up to a full strawberry-red.

Texture: See Other Notes for more info. This lip tint glides on smoothly, though it does take some time to warm up and melt into the lips. At times it can highlight dry or flaky bits, but is generally kind to drier lips.

Opacity: It glides on semi-opaque, but can be dabbed on for a sheerer finish or layered to full opacity. I'd say that it's closer to Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm, rather than Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter, for example, which is glossier and more opaque.

Hydration: I don't find it especially drying, but it's not super moisturising, either - it wears... comfortably, I suppose, though can become drying if I don't reapply after eating or drinking.

Longevity: As it's not very 'glossy', it does have decent staying power, and also leaves a slight tint - but be warned, your fingers will be tinted reddish pink as well! It lasts around 2-3 hours on me, without eating or drinking.

Price: $9.95 for 10g (which is practically a steal, considering the size of it!)

Other notes: I had a few issues with this product, especially in the cooler weather, as I found that it had a tendency to turn hard and grainy. It does take some time to warm up and become more malleable - fingers definitely work best, though I suppose one could also stick it in their pocket for a little while before using it, to warm it up. And it might seem obvious, but when the lid's on tight, the easiest way to open it is to clamp it the palms of both hands and twist - it's more effective than trying to unscrew it like taking the lid off a jar! It has an interesting scent - kind of cinnamon-y - that is quite noticeable, though I don't find it offensive. I also like the packaging, which is nice and portable, though perhaps less hygienic than a twist-up tube.


Have you tried this lip tint?
Do you have any other 'no-nasties' faves? x

LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 19

Woo, happy Friday! Today's offering will be a brief review of the Revlon Colorburst Lip Butters, which you'd have seen earlier (here, here and here). They're a lip balm and lipstick hybrid, I suppose, in that they're highly pigmented, but also balmy in texture - like tinted lip balms, only more opaque. These are a great pick when I'm after something more moisturising that still packs a punch, colour-wise. The three that I've got are 015 Tutti Frutti, 035 Candy Apple and 010 Raspberry Pie. Tutti Frutti is a peachy coral, Candy Apple is a warm orange-based red, and Raspberry Pie is a cool fuchsia - and the most opaque of the three.

L-R: Tutti Frutti, Candy Apple, Raspberry Pie

Texture: These have a balmy feel and glide comfortably over the lips. They do, however, have a tendency to get caught on, and highlight, dry or flaky bits.

Opacity: These are quite highly pigmented - the lighter shades are slightly sheerer, while the darker shades seem to be more opaque. They can also be dabbed on for a softer wash of colour, though generally I wouldn't apply them straight from the tube without a mirror. The darker shades do leave behind a slight stain.

Hydration: These are more hydrating than most lipsticks I own, and they wear quite comfortably for the most part. They can leave my lips feeling a little dry if I don't reapply after wiping my lips, or after eating and drinking.

Longevity: As they are 'denser', i.e. less glossy, than the average lip balm, they do last quite well throughout the day on me (say, 3-4 hours), as long as I'm careful with eating and drinking.

Price: $21.95 for 2.55g (which is kind of exxy, but luckily they're often discounted as places such as Priceline and Chemist Warehouse - I picked up Raspberry Pie from Chemist Warehouse for half price earlier this year!).

Other notes: They have a faintly sweet scent about them that isn't noticeable upon application. I also find the packaging especially handy as it indicates the shade clearly.

Are you a fan of Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butters?
Which shade is your fave? x

LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 18

You've probably noticed a recurring theme these past few days - i.e. the 'minimal' face - and today is no different! It probably sounds a little ridiculous, and I don't pretend to disagree, but sometimes I almost challenge myself to see how I can make a rather laid-back outfit - such as my jeans-and-plain-tee uniform du jour - appear somewhat more polished with the aid of a little pop of colour on the lips, accompanied by illuminated skin and a touch of eyeliner. I love that this NYX Black Label Lipstick in 105 Cherry is a gorgeous deep cherry red hue that gives off a 'just been eating berries' kind of vibe when gently pressed into the lips (I usually use my ring finger). A full-out red lip would probably have been a little too much for my casual get-up.

The 'bare essentials':
Mecca Cosmetica In a Good Light
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard
Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl in 012 Bronze
NYX Black Label Lipstick in 105 Cherry

LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 17

More experimenting with bright Summery lips - today's pick is Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer in 501 Stellar, which I only use when I have a lot of time to fiddle around with it and perfect it, because it can be quite difficult to master - and by master, I mean apply it so it looks normal! It's kind of like a highly pigmented lip gloss in that it moves around a fair bit, but it packs a punch colour-wise, hence the description 'lip lacquer'. I kept the rest of the face plain - partly due to the small patch of eczema on my cheek, which prevents blush (especially powder blush) from applying smoothly. I try to avoid piling on makeup if I don't have to, to give my sensitive skin a break. Besides, it's mainly the same idea as yesterday - slick on bright lippie in the hope that it distracts from everything else!

What I used:
Mecca Cosmetica In a Good Light
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard
Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil in Black
Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer in 501 Stellar

LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 16

A just-shy-of-barefaced look for quick trip to the shops for some groceries. I like to think that the brighter lip takes the attention away from the fact that everything else, i.e. hair and outfit, looks a bit drab... LUSH Lip Tint in It Started With a Kiss (how great is the name?!) can be built up to a louder pop of colour, or dabbed on as I've done here for a sheerer effect. Admittedly I haven't used this little lip prod in a while, as the colder weather makes it tricky to use - it completely hardens and takes a while to melt/become somewhat usable again! With the warmer months approaching, I'm hoping to get a lot of use out of this one - the strawberry-red colour is gorgeous.

The (rather small) breakdown:
Mecca Cosmetica In a Good Light
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard
Rimmel Waterproof Kohl in 012 Bronze
LUSH Lip Tint in It Started With a Kiss


Are you a fan of LUSH products?
How do you feel about lip tints in general?

LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 12

Bringin' a bit of berry back with Clinique Chubby Stick in 15 Pudgy Peony for today's lunch with Mother Dearest on her day off. The Clinique Chubby Sticks are a firm favourite of mine, as they're portable, easy to apply and moisturising - and they also come in a wide range of colours. I also thought I'd switch things up a bit by dusting off my Essence mono eyeshadows, and trading my usual black eyeliner for bronze.

The rest o' the good stuff:
Mecca Cosmetica In a Good Light
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard
Clinique Chubby Stick in 15 Pudgy Peony
Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler
Essence Eyeshadow in 35 Party All Night + Manicare Eyeshadow Brush
Clinique Cheek Pop in 03 Berry Pop + Ecotools Tapered Blush Brush
Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl in 012 Bronze


Happy Friday! Cheers to the weekend :D x

LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 9

Bourjois Shine Edition Lipstick in 23 Grenade In

Hey friends, seeing as I'm still kinda gross and germy and 'clogged-upper-respiratory-esque', I thought I'd post another quick review today, of a lippie that's made a few appearances on ze blog already... Bourjois Shine Edition Lipstick in 23 Grenade In (or Grenadine). This has been a favourite of mine throughout the cooler months, as the hydrating formula is kind to dry, chapped lips, and the berry shade is quite nice for Autumn/Winter. While I enjoyed patting it onto lips for a soft wash of colour - see here for reference - the swatch below is an accurate depiction of what it looks like when applied from the tube.

Texture: It has a light, creamy formula that's moisturising and 'balmy'. It glides over flaky bits with ease, and doesn't get caught on them or highlight them. It reminds me of Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butters, except it's less glossy.

Opacity: I'd say that it's close to full opacity, though it can be dabbed on or worn over lip balm for a sheerer finish. To me, it's quite similar to a highly pigmented tinted lip balm.

Hydration: It's rather moisturising, though there's not a lot of 'slip' like a lip gloss - which isn't a bad thing, as it means it stays put relatively well. This is another of my top picks for work days, as it doesn't leave my lips feeling parched.

Longevity: It's staying power is impressive for something so moisturising. It lasts 5 or 6 hours with 'careful' eating/drinking. It also fades evenly, and leaves a pretty stain.

Price: $19 for 3g (I bought mine cheaper from Asos, but at the moment they're 25% off at Priceline!)

Other notes: It has a faint, barely perceptible scent to it, that's not offensive in any way.


Have you tried this lipstick?
What are your picks for work days? x
 

LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 6

I had my exam today! So here's a quick review of Burt's Bees Lip Gloss in 239 Spring Splendor that I wore yesterday. First up, let me clarify that this is just a regular, basic lip gloss - none of this fancy liquid lipstick business!

Texture: It is kind of thick, but thankfully it's not too sticky or goopy - my number one hate in a lip gloss! It goes on smoothly, thanks to the doe foot applicator. It also has tiny sparkles in it, but it's very fine - there are no gritty chunks of glitter, just subtle shimmer. It can feel a little grainy once it's dried down a little, or if I reapply after eating without wiping my lips properly first (think 'biscuit crumb' kind of gritty. *shudder*).

Opacity: I'd say that it's sheer to semi-opaque, but definitely not clear. I'd also guess that the darker colours would appear to be more pigmented, compared to the more neutral, lighter shades.

Hydration: It's moisturising enough for a lip gloss, though can become drying if I don't reapply after eating and drinking. Because it doesn't have a lot of glide, I find that it stays put better than really 'glossy' lip glosses.

Longevity: I suppose you can't expect too much of a lip gloss in the long-wearing department. This one lasts for about an hour on me, without eating or drinking. I'm not a huge fan of lip glosses though, so chances are that I'd have wiped it off (or eaten it off) before the one hour mark.

Price: $17 for 5.9g

Other notes: This has a sweet scent to it, kind of vanilla-y, that's not unpleasant.

Overall, I think this is a lipgloss that does the job - I'm not enamoured with it, but I don't have any complaints, either - and the price is not unreasonable compared to other lip glosses on the market, such as offerings by L'Oreal and Maybelline. I do appreciate that it contains natural ingredients, though, as eating off lip products are practically unavoidable.


Have you tried this lip gloss? Did you like it or loathe it?
Any other recommendations? x

LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 2

Maybelline Baby Lips in Pink Glow

#FOTD

Today is a relatively chill day-off, so I'm just wearing Maybelline's Baby Lips in Pink Glow, which provides a sheer layer of colour and a good measure of hydration. It applies clear-ish, then develops into a pinky tone - a colour which is supposedly unique for each wearer. It lasts pretty well until I eat or drink, but that's not unexpected for a balm. Perfect for relaxed catch-ups with friends - nothing too garish or over the top, but it still looks like I kind of made an effort ;)

The other stuff I used:

*I actually didn't put anything on my cheeks, other than In a Good Light, so I'm not sure why it looks a little pink. #datnaturalglow ;)

LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // INTRO

Woohoo, it's finally Spriiiiiiing! Words cannot describe how thrilled I am that Winter is over - I've missed being able to feel my fingers and toes haha. I'm already looking forward to warm breezes and sunny weather.

So, for ages I'd been meaning to do a whole compilation of the many lippies in my possession, but never really got around to it. As the lovely Valentine of This Is Valentine recently reminded me about it, I thought I'd post a 'lippie a day' to coincide with Liptember. Liptember is an initiative that raises funds and awareness for women's mental health during the month of September, through women buying a Liptember official lipstick and being sponsored for wearing it all month by family and friends. The funds that are raised will go directly to the Centre For Women's Mental Health, and Lifeline. Rather than participate this year in all the rainbow lipstick festivities (working it retail, it's not really acceptable for me to show up with flamboyantly coloured lips, such as yellow, green or blue lipstick!), I thought I'd donate money instead, and challenge myself to actually wear the lipsticks/lip products that I've got (rather than merely hoarding a collection). Seeing as I don't actually have 30 different ones, I don't think (*pats self on back*), I'll intersperse them with little overviews/mini reviews - so get ready for a whole lot of lip lovin' this month!

Lippie collection!

Have you heard of the Liptember campaign - or participated - before?
Would you consider joining the cause?

P.S. Does anyone remember how Burt's Bees was the official partner for Liptember a couple of years back? :D x