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 // DAY 26

I'm considering supposedly-'universally flattering' makeup today, with Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer in 400 Big Bang (last one, I promise!) - a pink-based red. Back in my dancing days, makeup for the end of year concert would always be the same - dark brown eyeshadow, accompanied by red lips, as it was supposed to be flattering on everyone, and appropriate for the stage. That had always thrown me a little, because I never found it to be the most flattering combination on me, personally. I was reminded of this when I recently saw the same look on my mother - and she looked stunning; somehow it seemed to enhance her features perfectly. So I thought I'd try it again...but no, I can't say I love it. It's all trial and error when it comes to makeup, I suppose!

A few days ago I mentioned that I enjoyed blotting these lip lacquers and wearing them as a stain. It's more subtle and less glossy - and therefore less likely to move around and smudge everywhere (ahem, hello, Bozo the Clown...). It has more of a matte finish, but wears more comfortably than traditional matte lippies. Here's what it looks like when blotted with a tissue:

It becomes less of a fire-engine red, and a touch more 'currant-y', which I'm not really complaining about. Stay tuned for a little summary of these lip lacquers, coming soon.

What's on my face?
Mecca Cosmetica In a Good Light
Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil in Black
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard
Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer in 400 Big Bang
Revlon CustomEyes Eyeshadow Palette in 020 Naturally Glamorous (russet brown shade, second from bottom, applied all over lid) + EcoTools Angled Crease Brush


Happy Friday! :D
What are your thoughts on 'universally flattering' makeup? 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 15

Today's fussier-than-usual face for a meet up with a friend in the city, and a little audition... I decided to do a 'punchier' lip (010 Raspberry Pie), as I knew I'd be on camera for the screen test. I played it safe by first smoothing on a thin layer of Nuxe Rêve de Miel to take care of the flaky bits, and to tone the opacity down a notch - Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butters can be quite opaque!

The breakdown:
Mecca Cosmetica In a Good Light
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard
Essence Eyeshadow in 35 Party All Night applied all over the lid with Ecotools Angled Crease Brush
MAC Fluidline in Black Track applied with Ecotools Angled Eyeliner Brush
Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl in 012 Bronze traced over the top
Kevyn Aucoin eyelash curler
b Collection by Bloom Cream Blush in Barossa Valley applied with Real Techniques Stippling Brush
Nuxe Rêve de Miel used to prep lips
Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in 010 Raspberry Pie


Hope you're having a great start to the week! x

LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 13

Today's face is a quick, basic low-maintenance work look, with eyeshadow being thrown in to the usual cycle as of late. I went through a bit of an eyeshadow phase earlier this year, then got over it, but now it looks like it's starting to sneak back in. But back to the topic - another Chubby Stick?!?!?! Erm...yes. I like that they're moisturising and not too loud in intensity - plus they're a cinch to apply. The Lippie of the Day is actually one of my most favourite shades - Clinique Chubby Stick in 07 Super Strawberry. It's a gorgeous muted strawberry colour, that gives a bit of a 'MLBB effect' in warmer months when I'm more tanned. The true colour is slightly less bright in 'real life' compared to the photos above.

The other stuff:
Mecca Cosmetica In a Good Light
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard
Revlon CustomEyes Eyeshadow Palette in 020 Naturally Glamorous (warm burgundy brown shade, second from right applied all over lid) + Ecotools Angled Crease Brush
Clinique Cheek Pop in 01 Ginger Pop + Ecotools Tapered Blush Brush
Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler
Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl in 012 Bronze
Clinique Chubby Stick in 07 Super Strawberry


Have a great weekend! x

LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 11

How gorgeous is the weather?! I just can't get over it - it's such a novelty after the Winter chills. Speaking of chills, today is a rather relaxed day, so I've been experimenting with 'Spring-appropriate makeup' for the warmer weather. Not to say that I'll be retiring the berry shades altogether, but I thought it was time to introduce some peachy/coral shades to the mix. Today's 'tropicoral' lip is courtesy of Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in 015 Tutti Frutti. The colour is quite punchy, but can be worn sheerer for a softer look. ...And in other news, today my legs saw the sun for the first time in months. Scaring off neighbours and passersby FTW...

In using La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL SPF 50+ sunscreen, today also marked the first time that I have reached for something other than my perennial pick, Mecca Cosmetica In a Good Light. With the sunnier weather I figured it was appropriate to amp up the SPF, though as you can see, it's caused my face to turn a ghostly shade, despite me layering Chanel Bronzer over the top to tone it down - and not using flash. The washed-out effect is actually more subtle in person, but it's always good to check out these things before using them for occasions where there is likely to be photography! Luckily, you pale ladies probably don't have to worry too much.

What's on my face, you ask?
La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL SPF 50+ sunscreen
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard
Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal in 012 Bronze
Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in 015 Tutti Frutti 
Chi Chi Mosaic Blush in Pink Peach + Ecotools Tapered Blush Brush
Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronze Universel + Real Techniques Buffing Brush


I hope you're basking in the sun, if you're in the Southern Hemisphere! x

LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 7

#FOTD

Finally, a punchier colour for a Father's Day dinner. Okay, not really - I suppose I'm only taking it up a notch with the Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter (in 035 Candy Apple), a balm and lipstick hybrid. To be fair, I'd say it's pigmented enough to be considered more a lipstick than lip balm, though admittedly the colour in the photo above is more diluted than usual, as I applied it shortly after applying Nuxe Rêve de Miel...

The other stuff I used:

Hope you all enjoyed Father's Day celebrations and spoilt your dad! x

LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 5

Burt's Bees Lip Gloss in Spring Splendor

#FOTD

Low-maintenance makeup for a friend's birthday gathering, courtesy of Burt's Bees Lip Gloss. It's moisturising enough, and doesn't require close monitoring, unlike other bright lippies. It's especially kind to my dry lips, and doesn't highlight flaky bits. I like that Burt's Bees products are free from a lot of chemicals and nasties, which I particularly appreciate in their lip products - it's somewhat comforting to know that I'm not ingesting anything too harmful. On a slightly irrelevant note, it's a little bit disappointing how the writing has rubbed off the tube :(

What's on my face?

The other bits and pieces:
Mecca Cosmetica In A Good Light
MAC Fluidline in Black Track + Ecotools Angled Eyeliner Brush
NYX Powder Blush in Desert Rose + Real Techniques Stippling Brush
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard
Revlon CustomEyes Eyeshadow Palette in 020 Naturally Glamorous (second shade from left) + Ecotools Angled Crease Brush
Burt's Bees Lip Gloss in 239 Spring Splendor

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 // DAY 1

Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Rose

#FOTD

I'm easing myself into the Liptember Challenge (see previous post for more info) with a soft wash of colour, courtesy of my longtime fave, Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Rose. It's a semi-opaque, pretty shade of pinky-red, hydrating, and lasts surprisingly well throughout the day. It's my go-to pick for work days, as it doesn't dry out my lips, but instead gives them a little extra TLC in my air-conditioned work environment.

What's on my face

The breakdown:
Face:
Mecca Cosmetica In a Good Light
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard
NYX Blush in Desert Rose applied with Real Techniques Stippling Brush

Eyes:
Revlon CustomEyes Eyeshadow Palette in 020 Naturally Glamorous - second shade from left applied all over the lid with Ecotools Angled Crease Brush
Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil in Black - smudged into lash line with Ecotools Smudge Brush
Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler

Lips:
Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Rose


Happy Monday! x

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?

#FOTD 3 // OFF DUTY

Taking a break from attempting a smokey eye today... And instead going for something lighter and fresher, inspired by the gorgeous weather outside, and the equally wonderful fact that I don't have to work today.

FACE:
Mecca Cosmetic In a Good Light Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30+
MAC Select Cover-Up Concealer in NC30
The Body Shop Lily Cole Lip and Cheek Dome in 20 Pinch Me Pink

EYES:
L'oreal Color Infallible Eyeshadow in 33 Tender Caramel - A cool iridescent taupe-y mauve-y brown that is rather difficult to describe, spread over the lid as a base (patted on with fingers).
Revlon CustomEyes Shadow and Liner Palette in 20 Naturally Glamorous - Warm chocolate-laced-with-burgundy shade (second from right) blended into the outer 'V' using Ecotools Petite Shader Brush.
Rimmel ScandalEyes Eye Shadow Stick in 03 Bad Girl Bronze - Used as eyeliner and smudged along the upper lash line and outer 1/3 of lower lash line using Ecotools Smudger Brush.
Ecotools Angled Crease Brush used to blend.
Avon Ultra Luxury Eye Liner pencil in 100 Eggplant - An oldie but a goodie. The perfect purple eyeliner.
Kevyn Aucoin eyelash curler
Maybelline The Colossal Volum'Express Mascara in Black - Finishing touch to the eyes.

LIPS:
Nivea Lip Butter in Caramel Cream - To prep the lips (you know the drill!)
Clinique Chubby Stick in 07 Super Strawberry

Have a great rest of the weekend! (: