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 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 27

Today feature is a mini-review of Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquers, which you'd have seen in the past few days (here, here and here). I have three shades: 501 Stellar, a bright coral-pink, 303 Apocaliptic, a vibrant fuchsia and my favourite of the three, and 400 Big Bang, a pink-based red. As it is such an interesting hybrid lip product, i.e. not exactly a gloss, nor a liquid lipstick, I found it a little more challenging to describe it, so bear with me!

Texture: It has a smooth, glossy texture, and does highlight flaky bits. I would describe it as a pigmented gloss/lacquer/liquid lipstick kind of thing. It can feel a little thick and heavy if you use too much. It may also bleed into fine lines around the mouth, and beware of getting it on your teeth - yep, it's one of those high-maintenance lippies!

Application: It has a doe foot applicator (see below), with an indent in the middle that collects a 'pool' of product, so you don't have to keep dipping the wand back in to get more. While that's quite a handy design, you have to be careful that it's not too much - at first I found it necessary to wipe off the excess on the edge of the tube as it was too 'gloopy'. You really don't need a lot of product! The applicator is firm and allows precision - I found that it was stiff enough to trace around my lips with ease.

Opacity: It's highly pigmented and of full opacity - something like a liquid lipstick - and also leaves a stain. I actually prefer blotting with a tissue to take off the excess, and wearing it as a stain instead. It prevents it from moving around and smearing, and lasts surprisingly well, too.

Hydration: It is quite moisturising, and wears comfortably for several hours - the only thing is, be wary of it smudging! When blotted, it may feel start to feel a little dry after 2-3 hours.

Longevity: Its staying power is impressive, to say the least - it lasts well throughout the day when blotted, and puts up a valiant fight through eating and drinking. Beware of it fading in the middle and leaving an unsightly 'ring' if you apply lip balm over the stain, as it will make it fade quicker.

Price: $15.95 for 5.5ml (I actually ordered mine from ASOS for about half that price!)

Other notes: It has floral-y/watermelon-y scent which is quite noticeable, but not as obvious once applied. It also has a bit of an interesting taste, too...


Have you tried these lip lacquers?
Love 'em or loathe 'em? 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 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 22

I thought I'd pull out Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer again today - this time in 303 Apocaliptic (my favourite shade out of the three that I have), as I've got time to spare and my lips are in a somewhat better condition for a bright lip. It's a gorgeous fuchsia shade, slightly warmer than Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in 010 Raspberry Pie, and I actually prefer this lippie more when blotted gently with a tissue - it becomes a really pretty stain that wears well and doesn't budge, smear or transfer onto teeth. You might have noticed that I haven't been wearing blush lately, because of that patch of dry, eczema-y skin on my cheek, but today I decided I needed a little pop of colour to prevent me from looking washed out.

What I used:
Mecca Cosmetica In a Good Light
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard
Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler
NYX Powder Blush in Desert Rose + Real Techniques Stippling Brush
Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl in 012 Bronze
Rimmel Apolocalips Lip Lacquer in 303 Apocaliptic


Are you a fan of lip lacquers or 'liquid lipsticks'? 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 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

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