Collection Cream Puff in 'Angel Delight'

Happy Sunday, everyone!

You know when you look at a product and just don't try it because you think it looks rubbish? Well try it, because you might just find a new must-have.

Today a post regarding Bloggers favourite, the Collection Cream Puff Lip Cream in Angel Delight* - a velvet matte finish lip cream. I initially bypassed this as I received it in my goody bag at a blogger meet up and the colour just looked, to put it bluntly, vile. I tried it on a whim the other day and was seriously impressed with it.

Firstly it smells amazing - if you aren't a fan of strongly scented products you won't like this, it's a very sweet, almost chocolate smell. Secondly - the finish is gives the lips is perfect and it applies as such. It's almost a whipped mousse texture and the applicator is great in terms of applying the product as lets face it, there is NOTHING worse than having a good lip product with a rubbish applicator.

The staying power of this is really quite something - you can get a good few hours with eating and drinking and still have a trace of it left which impressed me. They are really pigmented too, giving a full wash of colour straight away. One niggle is that if your lips are dry the cream will highlight this so give them a good scrub pre-application.

The colour I have isn't the greatest... a terracotta brown which really is not for everyone and will not flatter all colourings. I use this as a work lip product as it isn't too out there but in some lights it can look a tad orange for my liking. However paired with a simple eye it does give an effortless chic look  because however much I wish I could, sometimes I just can't wear a bright lip.

So, if you haven't already I recommend you try these. Perhaps not this particular shade but with 3 others to choose from there is a colour for everyone. Another use for these are as cheek products, which I am yet to try, so this colour could work for a different purpose - I'll let you know with that one.

£2.99 here! (Remember it's 3 for 2 at Boots at the moment...)

Read More

MAC Viva Glam Rihanna

Another MAC Lipstick. Wow. Totally original content, eh? At first I was reluctant to post this however after some thought (and swooning over the colour some more) I wanted to give it the spotlight it rightly deserves.

MAC has released Viva Glam Rihanna, a cool toned, frosty red. More on the shade later, as what I really want to talk about is the ethos behind it. Every penny after the tax goes to MAC Aids Fund which helps men, women and children living with AIDS or HIV. I think the thing that resonates the most here is the fact that all the proceeds go to the charity. Apart from the Clinique & Lulu Guinness Kiss it Better product I can't think of any other brand that is doing the same right now. Surely that should be changed? I don't know about yourself, but I'm happy to buy a charity product and reap the benefits of a new lipstick. 

The problem, you could say, is that why should there be a need for people be rewarded for donating to charity? It is such a selfless act that we shouldn't be encouraged to do yet, myself included, we are more likely to do so. It is a token to show our support, the same as wearing a Poppy on Armistice day or a red nose. We enjoy showing people our beliefs, what we are made of! That is why I think more companies should do the same. After all, one charity product out of a whole range is barely going to dent their profits now, is it?

Now onto the shade!

Viva Glam Rihanna is a cool toned red, one of those that make your teeth whiter than they actually are which everybody can take advantage of. Being cool toned it means its also one of those reds that can suit many different skin tones and colourings. The main problem with this lipstick, and something that has been commented on by many is that the formula is a frost formula which makes people think of big hair and 80's music. However it does have a shimmer but to me it makes me lips look slightly metallic which really is a win and gives the shade an unusual yet likeable gleam in the sunlight. 

I will say one thing: this lipstick will benefit so much from a lipliner as it bleeds like no other.

And a note on the packaging: a duo chrome black and red? It almost feels like NARS packaging but really does stand out from the others in the Viva Glam range. I'd buy it (and initially did) just for the bullet!

So what do you think? Will you be buying it or does the frost put you off?

How do YOU feel about charity pouts?

MAC Viva Glam Rihanna is £15 on MAC counters or online.

Read More

The Bakewell Soap Company Luscious Lips in Palma Violets

Whilst attending the #eastmidsmeetup back in October (oh so long ago) in the goody bag I recieved this little gem. At first I cast it off as nothing but a job move and a heater blasting in my face for 8 hours a day left with with a lip situation that made me look twice.

This is where I present to you The Bakewell Soap Co. Luscious Lips in Palma Violets*.  The Bakewell Soap Co. is handmade in Derby (not so far away from me at all, which is nice to know)  and make soaps and other products with natural and organic ingredients. A look around their website gives you a great insight into the company and their ethos. Normally not one for the homegrown product, I really like the way the website isn't too preachy and tells it like it is. Pretty awesome in my opinion and it will make me look twice at beauty products closer to home from now on.

So onto the review. Firstly.. yes. It smells EXACTLY like those childhood favourites which is especially nice on the lips, really pleasant. Made with Shea butter, Cocoa butter and Vitamin E they go onto the lip and stay there for a while, to guard against the dry and harsh elements. Unlike vaseline you can really feel that there is a layer there and it applies like a lipstick, not too hard and not too soft so you end up with it half way up your face and one touch and its gone forever. I used this solidly for a week and I really did feel an improvement. And let's just point out the applicator shall we? Easy to apply with a little dial so the product doesn't get smushed. Perfect.

As I'm sure you have gathered, I really like the product. It is £2.95 which is on par with high street lip balms so it's not going to break the bank. It is also free from parabens and petroleum based ingredients so you are paying for quality products rather than... well less than quality stuff.

What do you think? Will you be trying them?

Have a look for yourself here.

Read More

MAC 'Dubonnet'

What can I say about MAC lipsticks that I haven't already? Major Swoon.

Whilst sitting here this morning, watching my kitty knock all my birthday cards off, I decided to have a go. Talk about Dubonet.

A dark, vampy scarlet red, perfect for seasonal looks and the autumnal makeup look that hits our faces when fluffy scarfs and warm hats are taken out of storage. It's an unsung hero, no major hype in the blogosphere. Because it isn't too bright, it's an all rounder when it comes to suiting a skin tone. Pale girls, darker skinned types and everything in between will be able to pull this off which makes it pretty versatile, especially when it comes to makeup looks.

An amplified finish makes this lipstick easy to apply, creamy and rather pigmented. It's comfortable to wear, easy to apply and doesn't drag upon application. I think the fact it doesn't highlight flaws and dry lips makes this a win too.

Well... what more can I say. If i sing any more of its praises I might as well publish a book about it!

But take a look at the ones the bloggers don't talk about. Because that is where you'll find some real gems.

£15 here.

Read More

MAC Cremesheen lipstick in 'Fan Fare'

Another day, another MAC lipstick. Described as a 'mid toned yellow pink', fanfare is a wearable colour, a 'your lips but better' shade that can be worn on a daily basis. I'm not going to go too much into the scent and the finish, as (I assume) you are readers of Beauty Blogs so you must know a thing or too about MAC lipsticks. The colour isn't one of the stand out ones from the range as there are similiar ones on the high street but it still has that luxurious feel that comes with that little black bullet.

So down to the swatch. There is no denying it is a beautiful colour, perfect for a spring, less is more makeup look but not a staple for your make up collection. With its Cremesheen formulation it means you are getting a creamy yet pigmented texture, one of the better of the formulations MAC has to offer. My opinion? Buy a MAC lipstick in a colour you would never put down. That might be that colour for you.. but for me, this isn't it.

MAC lipsticks are £14 and can be found here.

Read More

MAC 'Red Racer'

Today I have another rather special purchase to share with you. The Mac Satin finish lipstick in 'Red Racer', part of the Hey Sailor collection. I purchased this from a blog sale, after lusting after it many months ago but never having the guts to buy it (when I finally did Mac had sold out of it.. *sob*).

Firstly.. LOOK AT THE PACKAGING. Stripes! It is my most unique lipstick because of the stripes.. and I love it. However the colour is red with slight yellow undertones.. more of the classic red vibe. The colour itself is not unique.. there are many more like it out there. The satin finish means it is creamy with a hint of shine... I personally like my lips to be shiny but with such a bold colour I think you have to sacrifice shiny for colour.

With this lipstick you need a lipliner otherwise it will end up half way up your face clown style (and it's not halloween anymore so no excuse :/). Overall it is a lovely lipstick.. and the pigmentation is good. The satin finish does show up dry lip flaws so smooth lips are essential. If you come across this lipstick at a good price, buy it.. if not head down to your local boots store and find a similar colour for a fraction of the price (try the new kate moss matte lipsticks?)
Do you agree/disagree? Leave a comment!

Read More

My Holy Grail Product #2 Mint Julips Lip Scrub

Yes we are in winter. Yes it makes us all dry and cold. And flaky. Extra moisturisation is needed to keep everything together. This is where my Holy Grail product #2 comes in. Lushs Mint Julips Lip Scrub, a brown sugar based lipscrub. I chose Mint Julips as it smells like After Eight mints, however they do a bubblegum scented one and their new popcorn lipscub.
 Apply to finger, scrub you lip then was (or lick) off. I'd do this over a sink unless you want sugar everywhere. I've tried to perfect a way to keep it tidy (press the sugar down onto your finger before you move it away from the pot and lean back whilst scrubbing) but it is a lot easier to lean over the sink/use a towel. Or get a dog as I'm sure they would eat the mess.... Viola instant vacuum.

It does its job but it is not an instant cure. It gets rid of the flaky skin, but you need to use it more than once for truly kissable lips. I do this before bed and then apply a lip balm so it the morning my lips are great.
If you are a fan of the striking bold pout (like I am) you need this so your lipstick doesn't highlight the effects of winter. 10/10.


Yes it is expensive at £5.25 when you could make your own but for the less creative person (that would be me), it is a product that actually does what it says on the tin (well jar).

Read More

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey

Hola mis amigos!
Today I want to write about another new lip product, compared by many to the Clinique Chubby Sticks... yes that is right, I'm talking about Revlons new Lip Balm Stains.

I bought mine in 001 Honey, a soft pink shade to give a natural lips but better effect:

I love them. They feel like a lip balm (not oily like Vaseline) and do moisturise the lip whilst giving a little colour. They also reflect light so it could be more of a gloss without any stickiness (no hair stuck to lip happening here!!). When first applied it did tingle a bit like a plumping lip gloss and there is a very slight minty smell, nothing to overpowering to put you off. Wear time (I found) was about 2 hours, without eating!
Overall I love them and may have to buy another!

They are on introductory offer of £5.99 in Boots and Superdrug, so grab one quick!
Anyone else bought one yet?

Read More

Rimmel Kate Lasting Finish Lipstick shade 1 & 19

Every once in a while there is a product that you consider buying but don't, then everytime you see it you do the same until you take the plunge. My product is the Rimmel Kate Lasting finish lipsticks. I've wanted a 'proper' bright red lip for ages, but was scared that it wouldn't suit, but whilst in Boots saw that the newer spring collection is out bringing new shades, and as there was a deal on I thought I'd take the plunge:

I chose shade '1', the classic red shade from the older collection and shade '19' from the newer collection, a dark musty pink shade. The packaging I think is sleek, semi matte black with either a red or pink signature depending on the collection you bought it from. I like it, no dirt has yet to cling to them!
The lipstick is very pigmented and wears about 2-3 hours without drinking and eating, pretty average for a lipstick, and it is not too drying either.
One problem is the smell. Yes, its fragranced. When you first apply it you can smell it quite badly, but it does go away sharpish so if you really dislike fragranced lipsticks these aren't for you!
Also with the shade '1' I experienced a lot of bleeding of the lip, nothing a lip liner can't sort!
 
Overall i would recommend these as for the price the pigmentation is fantastic and the packaging sleek. Plus they are £5.49 each or two for £7 at Boots.

Read More