A Vampy Lip Obsession?! | Mac 'Dark Side' Lipstick

Mac Lipstick in 'Dark Side' | £15.00 | Link 

What's this? Two blog posts in the space of two days?! Yes, well, you might think I'm on the ball but if I'm being honest, I've just gone a bit skew-whiff with the ole blogging schedule - many thanks to final year uni work.  I will hold my hands up and openly admit that before I decided to go to university, I used to moan my way through the 9-5 and wonder why all the Saturday 'student' staff came into work of a weekend complaining about how hard it was to get a degree and how they wish they could swap with me for a while. If you're reading this, any of you, I'm sorry - I eat my words. I 'get it' now.  Anyway, schedules aside, just because I've been bogged down with work doesn't mean I haven't been trying out new items of cosmetic goodness - I am a beauty blogger after all - no amount of essay writing or presentation planning will stop me from Bird's Words-ing it!  This week, I happen to have added yet another dark berry lipstick to my collection of other dark berry lipsticks. Because you can never have enough dark berry lipsticks, right?

Yep. Mac's 'Dark Side' finally made it's way into my lipstick drawers.  If you've seen a couple of my recent lip colour related posts (here, here and here) you miiiight have noticed that I've become somewhat obsessed with dark, vampy reds and burgundy shades.  I must admit,  I've always been a classic 'pillarbox' red kind of girl, but I've thrown caution to the wind and turned over to the dark side (ahaha...sorry...) and have realised how pretty a statement dark red can look - even in the daytime.  It's definitely not a look for everybody but you'll be surprised at how much it compliments 'winter skin' - it seems to lift any dullness and adds an amazing pop of colour.  I like to pair mine with a flawless base, toned down blush and a fairly neutral eye - with either a thin flick of liquid liner or a light smudge of brown kohl across the upper lash line.  'Dark Side' is now the darkest lipstick I own - I'm not entirely sure I can go much darker than this without looking like an extra from The Adam's Family, but I'm getting quite addicted to a statement lip and it's become my go-to look for a good couple of months now.  The lipstick is described on the Mac website as being a 'deep burgundy' - and I'd definitely agree.  It's extremely opaque and being an 'Amplified' formula, the consistency is smooth and creamy, whilst providing a flawless look with amazing pigmentation.  Mac's Amplified formulas have to be one of my favourites!  I simply apply from the bullet or with a lip brush after applying lip liner (a must have!!) and I'm good to go.

If you're after a vampy lip, Mac's 'Dark Side' is worth a swatch.  It's dark enough to be classed as 'vampy', but not overly so that it looks gothic or too 'black'. It's a true dark burgundy shade and would look stunning on both paler complexions and darker skins.  Apologies for not showing a lip swatch - I'll be sure to do a post involving this little beauty nearer to Christmas time but I just had to document this new purchase! Overall, I have to say this has to be one of my favourite Mac purchases so far - it's definitely one of my more daring choices! It's not an all year round colour, nor is it one you can simply apply 'on the go' or everyday, but it's one that makes a statement and one that looks incredible when worn in the right way. I'm most certainly a fan.  Which leads me on to my next point - I'm thinking of doing an updated Mac Lipstick collection nearer to Christmas time since I did my last one a year ago (it's considerably bred since then ;)) - let me know if you'd like to see it!

Are you a fan of dark, vampy reds like me?! What's your current favourite?

Bourjois Rouge Edition Lipsticks | Thoughts & Swatches

Bourjois Rouge Edition Lipsticks | £7.99 each | Boots (link)

As you're all probably aware by now - I cannot resist a lippie or two. No matter how hard I try not to let temptation grab hold of me, it always does where lipsticks are concerned (willpower isn't a word I'm familiar with - clearly). Bourjois Rouge Editions didn't escape my beady eyes and in true beauty blogger fashion I set out one heck of a mission to add a few of them to my collection.  After a great deal of lurking round the Bourjois stand and swatching lines all the way up my arms (standard procedure for a blogger), I settled on these 3 as my 'chosen ones'. 

04 | Rose Tweed | A beautiful Rosy brown shade that is very much a 'your lips but better' kind of colour for those understated days where you just one a little lift. I think this one has to be my favourite of the bunch - purely because it's so wearable and looks so flattering and natural - it really enhances the lips without looking false or overdone and it just adds a little bit of 'oomph' to bare lips.

08 | Rose Studio | A vibrant true pink shade that verges on the side of blue toned ever so slightly.  I adore pinks, so this one simply had to find it's way into my lipstick drawer. It's one of those lipsticks you could use on a night out or in the daytime, and is probably the most versatile of the three.

07 | Fuchsia Graffiti | This is my favourite type of pink to wear if I'm going out or simply just want to make a bit of a statement in the day. It's a bright, fuchsia pink and the most pigmented of the bunch.

At £7.99 they aren't the cheapest of the drugstore lipsticks but certainly pack a punch with pigmentation and finish. I was unsure of the shape at first, but the flat tip makes it so easy to create an even line around the lips and rules out the need for lip liner.  They're very decently pigmented, and the colours show up on the lips pretty much true to the colour in the tube. I'm also a big fan of the slightly glossy/satin finish they give - they don't feel drying at all and I get a decent bit of wear time out of them before the need to reapply.

Rouge Editions are available in 18 shades ranging from barely there nudes to classic reds and deep plums - so there's something in the collection for everyone and every occasion - I really want to try 'Peche Cosy', 'Orange Pop' and 'Rouge Buzz' next.. I shall keep you updated on here if I end up buying any more of course!

Have you tried Bourjois Rouge Edition lipsticks? What shade will you be buying?

My Mac Lipstick Collection

Swatches | L - R | Top Row: Velvet Teddy / Shy Girl | Second Row: Plink! / Creme Cup / Saint Germain | Third Row: Speed Dial / Viva Glam Nicki / Costa Chic | Bottom Row: Ravishing / Saigon Summer / Lady Danger

There's something about a row of lipsticks that I find rather pleasing to the eye, so forgive me for the photo heavy post - but I've also just received my new macro lens for my camera so to say I got a little bit snap-happy is an understatement!  I thought it would be the perfect time to do a Mac Lipstick collection post - as they are something I personally like to have a nosey at on other blogs as they give me ideas for my next purchase and new colours to add to the ever growing wishlist! I thought I'd give you a rundown of the colours I own and hopefully help a few of you pick your next in line - or maybe even your first one! I have a grand total of 11 Mac lipsticks.. which I think is a nice amount to call it a 'collection' if I don't say so myself. Although I must admit I cannot wait to make it 12.. there's something about odd numbers that doesn't sit right with me... (please reassure me I'm not alone with this hatred of odd numbers!)

Velvet Teddy (Matte) - A deep brown-ish nude. I find this to be a 'your lips but better shade', although on me it does look quite noticeable.  Great for those days where you don't want to be too over the top but still want the lips to stand out. The matte finish means it is quite pigmented and paler skins might find it a little too dark for a nude shade.

Shy Girl (Cremesheen) - One of my absolute favourites. I've had this for a couple of months and it's been used more than some of the others I've had for longer! A peachy nude shade that looks so flattering on paler skin and really awakens a dull complexion. If you're after an everyday shade and need a bit of warmth then I really recommend this one (post here)

Plink! (Lustre) -  A warm 'seashell' pink. The newest addition to my collection and a favourite of Mollie King from the Saturdays (if it's good enough for Mollie then by heck, I'll be having me some of that!). A very sheer wash of colour due to the lustre finish but one that is very glossy and flattering. A fabulous everyday pink. If you like a bit of gloss to your lippies then look no further.

Creme Cup (Cremesheen) - Another old favourite of mine. Similar to shy girl but pink instead of peachy toned. Great for everyday wear and those who like pinky nudes will love Creme Cup. 

Saint Germain (Amplified) - Not for the faint hearted. A very bright, bubblegum blue-toned pink that is very 'in your face'. Personally I love it, although I must admit i feel very 'Barbie-esque' when I adorn this lipstick. Definitely a fun addition to your makeup collection. The amplified formula is the most pigmented of the bunch so rest assured you will be getting your colour pay-off with this one, it's completely opaque and covers the lips instantly.

Speed Dial (Cremesheen) - The first Mac lipstick I ever bought and one that I will continue to repurchase. A mid-tone blue-ish pink that's understated enough to be worn everyday but bright enough to make an impact. A very good little all-rounder and the cremesheen finish makes it a dream to apply.

Viva-Glam Nicki (Satin) - An extremely bright pink and surprisingly wearable. It's superly-duperly pigmented and lasts very well on the lips. I struggle to wear this through winter but it's a gorgeous summery pink if you're into your bright colours!

Costa Chic (Frost) - I think this has to be one of my summer favourites and if i had to pick one lipstick to last me all summer it would be this.  Just seeing it reminds me of sunny afternoons sipping pina coladas by a pool and walks on the beach at sunset (can you tell i'm craving a holiday right now?). It's just the perfect eye-popping coral and it really does look amazing with a tan. Trust me on this one - if you're jetting away to sunnier climes this year, you need this in your suitcase...

Ravishing (Cremesheen) - Mid-tone coral. A lovely wearable shade if you're scared of going for full-on orange! It looks lovely even with paler skin (I've been wearing it through winter) and it a great option if you like warmer tones on your lips.

Saigon Summer (Cremesheen) - Part of the new range available at Mac. It has a slight frosty finish to it but is amazingly pigmented and is a super bright orange tone. I set out to buy 'Morange' but I saw this one and preferred it! It's amazingly bright - the camera doesn't pick it up to be as bright as it is in 'real life'. I urge you to go and swatch it! It's beautiful. Definitely going to be a summer staple for me!

Lady Danger (Matte) - Another new addition! Amazingly pigmented orange-toned red. If you're after a bright red then look no further.  I prefer orangey reds as opposed to blue-ish reds on my skin tone.. and this one is just the perfect addition to my collection.


And there we have it.  My collection as it stands. In a few months I will probably have to do another since I'm planning on updating it over the next couple of weeks or so (I have no willpower whatsoever when it comes to Mac lippies..) I think it's fair to say I do like my mid-tone corals and pinks.. I really need to get more daring with my lipstick - but I much prefer classic reds if i'm going to go for a bright colour (hence why Lady Danger is the only 'darker' colour I own!) I have a few more on my wish list and definitely want to expand on the darker colours slightly.. I really want 'Russian Red' and 'Sunny Seoul'.. and I'd really love to add 'Up The Amp' to my collection too since I don't own any of Mac's purple-y shades!

Whats your favourite Mac Lipstick?

♥