LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 29

I'm reminiscing my first foray into lippie loving today with Avon Glazewear Lipstick in Gypsy Red. It's delightfully creamy and hydrating, and my younger self adored the sparkles. It struck me a couple of days ago - Avon actually seems to do the most unique/'I-don't-even-know-how-to describe-this-colour' shades. Take Gypsy Red, for example. On my lips it looks like a reddish pink, though it swatches like a corally-red, with a hint of orange. Or is it just me? For some reason I've found it a challenge to describe the colours of the Avon lipsticks that I own - is it a cool red? A berry red? A fire engine red? I settled for describing one as 'sangria', though I'm not entirely certain if that was correct, either!

In other news, I've switched (permanently till the colder weather returns, I think) back to my 'Summer combo' from earlier in the year, for my base - i.e. Nivea sunscreen + MAC Face and Body Foundation, as I've found that Mecca Cosmetica In a Good Light tends to be a tad too emollient, and a bit light for my tanned skin. It is a bit of a pain to have to layer the two for the SPF (and to add powder on top to negate the shine...), but for the time being I'll deal with it - and factor in an extra minute or two into my makeup routine! I've also been considering tinted moisturisers with 'built in SPF', such as Invisible Zinc Tinted Daywear SPF 30+, or Becca Mineral Tint SPF 30+ Sunscreen, that are also physical sunblocks. I'm starting to research the different between chemical and physical sunscreens, so please do share if you know a bit about it - it's all a bit science-y and mind boggling to me; (science was never really my forte in school!).

The breakdown:
Nivea Daily Face Veil SPF 30+ Sunscreen
MAC Face and Body Foundation in C3
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard
Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Translucent + EcoTools Retractable Kabuki
Clinique Cheek Pop in 01 Ginger Pop + Real Techniques Stippling Brush
Rimmel Waterproof Kohl Kajal in 012 Bronze
Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler
Avon Glazewear Lipstick in Gypsy Red


For those in the Southern Hemisphere, I hope you're enjoying the warmer weather!
(And for those in the North, enjoy Fall while it lasts!) 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 25

Wowza. It was pretty crazy earlier today - and all over in about five minutes! The heavens opened and rain bucketed town, followed by hail about the size of raisins or macadamia nuts, which left us without electricity for a few hours. My, my - time seems to pass so slowly without the internet! Anyhow, I was definitely 'feeling' the volatile weather today - and as my mood seems to reflect the weather, it made sense to do a more 'full-on', somewhat-more-Autumnal face. No 'sunshine and lollipops' today! Today's lip is one of my favourites Avon My Lip Miracle in incREDible, which is a gorgeous currant red that I usually reserve for the Autumn/Winter months. I especially love that it's a wonderfully hydrating formula that keeps lips happy all day, while packing a punch in the colour department. Side-note: The eyeshadow I'm wearing is a combination of the burgundy Bourjois cream eyeshadow, with Essence Party All Night layered on top - it's strange how the Bourjois one becomes more of a browny shade when blended (see the swatches here).

What I used:
Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronze Universel + Real Techniques Buffing Brush
EcoTools Large Eye Brush and Smudge Brush
Avon My Lip Miracle in incREDible
Essence Eyeshadow in 35 Party All Night
Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Natural Beauty + Real Techniques Stippling Brush
Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler
Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil in Black
Bourjois Color Edition 24hr Eyeshadow in 05 Prune Nocturne


Hope you're all taking care in this crazy weather! x

LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 24

You might remember a few days ago I mentioned that the Avon Ultra Color Rich Lipstick in Red 2000 looks great with the Yes To Carrots Color Balm in Soft Plum layered on top... I tried to recreate it for you, though it doesn't look as good as it did when I tried it spontaneously (argh, isn't that always how it goes!). The cherry red of Avon is given a vampier twist, thanks to the muted burgundy of Yes To Carrots - and the added bonus is that it's less drying, too. Win!

What I used:
Mecca Cosmetica In a Good Light
Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard
Yes To Carrots Color Balm in Soft Plum
Avon Ultra Color Rich Lipstick in Red 2000
Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil in Black


Are you a fan of layering lippies?
Recommend a combo? x

LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 23

Taking a break from the loud lips today with something a tad more muted - Avon Color Rich Lipstick in Sparkling Blush, which for some reason reminds me the kind of lipstick a fairy would wear - candy pink with sparkles! It's a nice alternative to bright lipstick, as it is of considerably lower maintenance  and is perhaps more everyday appropriate (if you tend to shy away from eye-catching colours for daily wear, like me). I only wear this one occasionally as I sometimes find the iridescent finish a little...uh, tacky, I suppose, but every now and then I'll pull it out when I'm in the mood for something different!

What I used:
Mecca Cosmetica In a Good Light
Rimmel Waterproof Kohl Kajal in 012 Bronze
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard
Avon Ultra Color Rich Lipstick in Sparkling Blush


Are you a fan of bright lips, or more muted colours? x

LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 20

Today's face is a low-maintenance, soft matte 'stained' lip for work, feat. Avon Ultra Color Rich Lipstick in Red 2000. I guess you could say that I've been feelin' the red lip these past few days - it's a nice alternative to my usual pared back lip choices. I don't usually wear matte lipstick to work, as they can be quite drying and annoying to touch up, especially as I'm constantly talking to customers. I made an exception today as I've got a short shift, and a stain is easier to work with, in that I know it won't transfer to my teeth or smudge. It's actually intensely pigmented when applied straight from the tube, as you can see in the swatch above, though patted on with a finger it appears quite soft, which I like - just polished enough, but not too over the top. Work appropriate. It also looks lovely with the Yes To Carrots Color Balm in Soft Plum layered on top, which I ended up experimenting with towards the end of my shift, when my lips were feeling a little parched. The sheer burgundy shade adds another dimension to the soft cherry red, which is rather pretty - I don't have a photo, so you'll have to take my word for it!

What I used:
Mecca Cosmetica In A Good Light
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard
Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler
Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl in 012 Bronze
EcoTools Angled Crease Brush
Essence Eyeshadow Single in 35 Party All Night
Avon Ultra Color Rich Lipstick in Red 2000

WEEK IN REVIEW // 7

A hectic week of catch-ups with friends, and several attempts at eyeshadow...

Nike Free Run 5.0+ Shield running shoes - I've been enjoying wearing these lately, as they're ridiculously comfy, and waterproof too - and they're neutral enough to go with most of my wardrobe.

Divergent series by Veronica Roth - I've heard many rave reviews about this series, so I thought I'd add it to my collection when I spotted them on sale at Dymocks. I'm still not sure if I'm emotionally ready to become attached to another series, though!

Ecoya Sweet Apricot and Orange Blossom and Sweet Pea and Jasmine candles - So I caved. Hooray for payday. I wasn't going to, I promise! But it just so happens that when I went for a second sticky beak, I noticed that they were offering a free Sweet Pea and Jasmine Mini Metro Jar with the purchase of a Madison Jar. So in my mind it was justified. And they both smell delightful!

With my recent eyeshadow attempts: one, two, and three, I've been digging out previous purchases and old favourites - L'oreal Color Infallible Eyeshadow in 33 Tender Caramel, Avon Ultra Luxury Eyeliner in 100 Eggplant, and Rimmel ScandalEyes Eye Shadow Stick in 03 Bad Girl Bronze. I'm looking forward to getting more use out of these!

And still going strong from last week: Revlon CustomEyes Shadow & Liner Palette in 20 Naturally Glamorous and Nivea Lip Butter in Caramel Cream. I'd also like to revise what I said last week regarding Nivea's lip butter (see link above) - it's not only the amount used, but also method of application: I find that I get the best results (i.e. no white cast, no weird layer sitting on top of the lips) when I use a small amount and keep smoothing it over the lips until it has melted in. I've also found that it makes a great 'treatment' before applying lip colour.

What were your weekly loves?