Mac 'Show Orchid' Lipstick

You know those products you have on your wish list for yonks yet never get round to actually purchasing? Mac's 'Show Orchid' is one of those products for me. It's been a long time coming.  When I first discovered the joys of Mac around 4 or 5 years ago (a pivotal moment in a beauty obsessive's life I'm sure you'll all agree), I spied this bright, fuschia beauty on the interwebs and fell head over heels in love. Instantly. No swatch required. Just the description and the stock photo was enough for me to know I simply had to have it in my life. So when I found out that it was 'Pro' product, and therefore rather difficult to get your mitts on, I put it to the back of my mind and resigned myself to finding a decent high street dupe.  Skip forward a few years - Mac have very kindly made their Pro products much easier to purchase and my ever so lovely best buddy decided to treat me to it for my 24th birthday. What a good egg she is. 

 

'Show Orchid' is a eye-poppingly bright blue-toned pink with a hint of a glimmer and a gorgeous amplified finish. Everything your fuschia-lipstick dreams are made of! It's not for the faint hearted as it really is quite a statement pink to wear, but it looks absolutely amazing on.  The blue undertones make your tegs look a shade or two whiter and the amplified, slightly glossy finish gives your lips that 'plump' look in an instant.  Not only this, but if you're still boasting the remains of a summer holiday tan it does a fantastic job of emphasising it - it's definitely one to pick up if you're jetting away somewhere sunny.  I don't actually wear a lot of bright pinks now that I'm slightly older - I find muted browns, plums and classic reds suit me much better but 'Show Orchid' is a little nod to my younger self - who doesn't love a slick of barbie pink now and again?! It's fun, it's quirky and it's a perfect summery statement shade that I'm sure I will get tonnes of use out of (despite the fact that autumn is quickly creeping around the corner...)  It's one of those colours that instantly brightens your complexion and brings focus to your face. Needless to say, my love for it is still going strong even after all these years of lusting  - they say you never forget your first love right? (I'm guessing the same is true for Mac lipsticks...) I've never quite forgotten about it and I'm so chuffed to finally own it - #TrueLove right there! I feel as if my Mac lipstick collection is somewhat complete now that I have this beauty sitting in my drawer. I mean, just look at it... Look at itttttt.

Muchos gracias to my lovely friend for treating me to one of my most coveted products ever. You're a good'un, bird! I just need to book another holiday as an excuse to get some proper wear out of it now that summer is coming to a close (any excuse to jet away!) Also, before I tottle off, I thought I'd mention that I'm planning on compiling an updated Mac lipstick collection post now that I feel as if it's complete (saying this, can you ever have too many Mac lipsticks? I doubt it...) - keep your eyes peeled! Mac's 'Show Orchid' retails for £15.50 and is available on the Mac website here.

Do you own any of the Mac pro shades? Which one is your fave? Can you remember the first Mac lipstick you ever fell in love with!?

New Release | Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lipsticks

Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lipsticks | £8.99* 

When Bourjois released their Rouge Edition Lipsticks last year, it was instant love (you can read my post on them here). That in mind, you can only imagine how excited I was when I heard of these newbies to the Bourjois range - the Rouge Edition Velvets. Due to be released mid-April, these beauties promise a soft, velvety texture, a bold, matte finish and 24-hour hold.  Now then, I hate to break it to you if you're a nude lipstick fan - this range definitely isn't for the faint hearted and will most certainly be favoured by those of you who are partial a bold lip or two.  There are 8 shades in the collection, ranging from classic reds, bright pinks and nude-y corals to deep burgundy shades. Sound like your cup of tea? Read on...

The shades I received are 'Frambourjois' - a reddish berry pink tone, 'Hot Pepper'  - a stunning bright orangey-red, 'Peach Club' - a pale orangey-coral shade and 'Pink Pong' - a bright, vivid fuchsia. My current favourite has to be 'Peach Club' - it's a lovely mid-toned orangey coral shade that looks lovely for daytime wear - although I have to say, even though this is the lighter of the 4, it's still pretty bright! Firstly, I have to say that I love the application and lip-laquer styling that these lipsticks have - they're very much more of a lip cream as opposed to your typical lipstick formula.  They're easy to apply and set to a velvety matte finish.  Now, I have to hold my hands up here and admit that I'm never the biggest fan of matte lipsticks - so I do wish that they remained a little more glossy when on the lips, but I don't find them uncomfortable to wear and they really do feel very soft and weightless when worn - perfect if you prefer the matte look but hate the dry feeling! Personally for me, a little balm or gloss over the top and I'm good to go!  The pigmentation is simply incredible and these shades definitely make a statement - they really do pack a punch let me tell you! Wear time is also impressive- they don't budge easily at all.

Overall, I have to say I'm impressed with these lip laquers. They're so creamy and smooth and apply like a dream - although I always end up popping a gloss on top due to my preference for a bit of a sheen! Saying that, they aren't overly matte so don't let that put you off if you're like me! I really cannot wait to start wearing 'Hot Pepper' in the summer once I have a bit of a tan - it's so vivid and bright! If you're more of a nudes girl, it's worth looking into shade '07 - Nude-ist' which is more of a rosewood, brown-y nude - I will definitely be popping in store for a cheeky swatch of that one as soon as they're released.  If you loved the original Rouge Edition lipsticks or if you're a fan of bold, matte colour - these little beauties will be right up your street!

Which shade do you reckon you'll be trying?

Mac's 'Fanfare' Lipstick

Mac Lipstick in 'Fanfare' | £15.00 | Link

It was a while ago when I added Mac's 'Fanfare' lipstick to my ever-growing hoard of lipsticks.  I must admit, I wasn't instantly blown away by it once I'd got it home and it was squirrelled away in my lipstick drawer amongst all of my other pinks and corals. When I swatched it in store, there was something I really loved about it, but when I popped some on at home - it just didn't click with me. You win some, you lose some after all! However, just recently, I decided to give it another whirl.  There's something about the yellow, 'seashell-pink' tones to the shade that really draw me to it and I remembered just how much I loved it in the shop. I'm not sure what it is - whether it's because I've switched up my eye-makeup slightly of late or the fact my skin tone is a little paler now that we've been through the depths of winter - I'm not entirely sure - but all of a sudden, I've discovered my love for the shade! 

Fanfare isn't one of those hyped up Mac shades you hear lots about on blogs.  It's very much an unsung hero amongst the bunch! It's a Cremesheen formula - so it's very creamy and easy to apply.  The pigmentation is really good too - often, I find Cremesheens can differ with their consistency and colour pay-off, but Fanfare seems to get it spot on the mark and it's pretty impressive when it comes to wear time.  I have a few natural lines in my lips so I have to be careful when it comes to certain formulas making my lips look dry - but this one glosses over with ease and plumps up the lips in an instant. It's very much one of those 'my lips but better' shades and I find the warm undertones in it work very well with my skin tone.  I've been wearing my Urban Decay Naked3 palette to death the past few weeks, and this colour really compliments the eye makeup looks I've been going for - it's the perfect finishing touch.

Overall, I'm so glad I added 'Fanfare' to my collection.  I can't wait to give it a whirl in the summer when I have a bit of colour to my face as I can imagine the coral-y undertones will look stunning! It's the perfect shade for the upcoming Spring and I really do adore it. It isn't a nude so it won't wash you out, but it also isn't one of those false, overly bright pinks - it's just a lovely in-between and it's one of those shades that seems to awaken your complexion in a flash.  It's very pretty and natural - the perfect pink in my opinion!

Have you tried Mac's Fanfare?

The Love Continues for Collection DeLuxe Lipsticks... | Prohibition & Tallulah

De-ja vu? Well, yes - the more avid readers amongst you might have clocked on to the fact that I've already posted about Collection's Deluxe Lipstick in 'Prohibition' (you can read that post here if you're interested!). I promise I'm not a broken record - I just adore the shade so much that I went out of my way when in town the other week in order to pick up a back-up of it - it really is my 'winter berry' favourite.  I've run it down quite sharpishly to say the least and, well, you know what it's like when you really do love a lipstick... A back-up shade is an absolute necessity. You know it's true love when you can't bare to spend a single day without it living in your makeup bag! Anyway, whilst I was at the Collection stand - I decided that I'd pick up another shade from the range. It would have been rude not to. After all, I love 'Prohibition' so much that it seems silly not to have a swatch and a ponder over it's relatives...

I settled on 'Tallulah' - a gorgeous baby pink shade.  I don't own a lot of pink shades as I'm much more of a 'corals and reds' kind of girl - so this mid-toned pastel was just the ticket.  Expand your horizons and all that... I expected nothing less than the same pigmented, creamy texture of my beloved 'Prohibition' and I wasn't disappointed in the slightest.  Just one swipe provides instant colour pay off and staying power is amazing for a pastel shade! If you're familiar with Mac shades, I'd say it was somewhere in between 'Creme Cup' and 'Chatterbox' - I'd still class it as an understated nude pastel - but it's got a little bit of 'kick' to it - and stands out on the lips without looking too 'wannabee Barbie'.  What I like about it is that it doesn't lean too cool or too warm - it's just a lovely neutral shade of pink and it seems to brighten up my complexion in an instant (which is rare for pinks as they usually look quite bland against my skin).  I must admit it looks slightly cooler in tone on camera than it does in the flesh - but it really is a beautiful pink and has fast become one of my favourite everyday shades.  I'm still a corals girl through and through - but when the 'pink moment' strikes me - I have this little beauty to reach for!

As for 'Prohibition' - I guess it speaks for itself.  It looks a little lighter on the swatch in this post for some reason - but if you want to get an idea of how it looks on the lips, see it in more of a 'true light' and read up more on what I think to it - then head over to my post on it here.  I think the fact that I've already repurchased another speaks volumes for my love of the shade. Overall, I really do recommend checking out Collection's Deluxe range.  They don't have many shades (and I'm hoping they expand their selection soon) but the colours they do have are so wearable and pretty and I'd happily purchase the whole bunch. I'd liken the finish to Mac's Amplified lipsticks - super creamy and pigmented with fabulous staying power. For just £3.99 they're worth every penny.

What are your thoughts on the Collection DeLuxe range? What's your favourite shade?

Love Me Beauty Box | The December Christmas Edition

Love Me Beauty Box | £10.00+ P&P* | Link

I can't believe it's the last weekend before Christmas already! I seem to have ploughed through my advent calendar at super speed this year and it still doesn't seem 5 minutes since last Christmas!  One thing I've been looking forward to in the month of December (as well as all the tree decorating and chocolate consuming) is my Love Me Beauty box.  I've been quite excited about the December box so when it arrived safe and sound on my doorstep, it felt like an early Christmas present and I couldn't wait to delve into it's delights! Here's what came in my box this month...

Lord & Berry | Intensity Lipstick in 'Glazed Pink' | Full Size | RRP £12.00

I adore Lord & Berry lipsticks so I was really excited about receiving another shade to add to my collection this month.  'Glazed Pink' is the most stunning baby pink shade. The formula is just lovely - it contains macadamia oil and waterlily extracts to help keep your lips hydrated and in good condition, and it glides onto the lips smoothly and effortlessly.  I find the pigmentation and finish of this one to be similar to the Cremesheen finishes by Mac - although with a little added dimension and gloss.  I adore this shade already - It's the perfect nude pink and looks lovely against my winter skin. A little pop of pink blush and I'm good to go!

Lord & Berry | Kiss Proof Lip Liner in 'Seduction' | Full Size | RRP £7.50

Again, another lovely addition I was really happy to receive.  I love the Lord & Berry lip liners and the last one I tried became a make-up bag staple within days.  I do tend to pop lip liner on if I'm wearing lipstick as I find it helps enhance my lip shape more and gives that 'perfected' finish - so I'm always on the lookout for new shades to add to my little collection.  I don't tend to wear brighter pinks a lot so I won't get as much wear out of this as I would from a nude or bright red shade - but it's handy to have nonetheless.

 Headline Colours | Nail Polish in 'Quicksand' | Full Size | RRP £9

I'm always happy to see a nail polish in a beauty box - especially when it's a colour I know I'll use and love.  I adore taupe shades on the nails - it always looks so classy and elegant (and you never have to worry about matching nails to an outfit!).  This one claims to be resistant to chipping, flaking and cracking, and is said to be extra durable.  Perfect for me as I always seem to chip my polish easily!

S5 | Vitality Mask | Exclusive to Love Me Beauty
I'm really getting into face masks just recently so this S5 Vitality Mask sounds like just the treat my skin needs.  The formula is clinically proven to reduce imperfections by 60% and pore size by 20%. I cannot wait to try this!

Rodial | 5 Minute Facial | Sample Size | RRP £35

I was so excited to see Rodial make an appearance in the boxes this month! I've always liked the sound of their products and have read quite a bit about them in magazines so this is the perfect chance for me to finally give them a whirl!  The 5 minute facial is said to exfoliate, decongest the skin and clarify whilst absorbing impurities and reducing pore size. It contains 'Argirline' which is said to help reduce stress by helping to relax the facial muscles.  I don't know about you but it sounds like a wonder mask to me! I cannot wait to try it!

Once again, it's a thumbs up from me for the December Love Me Beauty Box.  Although, if I was so be extremely picky - I can't help but think it would have been nice to receive a little festive addition in the form of a red lip liner or something glittery - but I loved everything I got this month nonetheless.  Overall - a fabulous box and I'm so happy with the menu I chose - the Rodial additions to the menus this month and the gorgeous Lord & Berry lipstick really made it for me! Also, Love Me Beauty have passed on a little 20% discount code which is valid from the 5th December all the way up to the 10th January - so if you've never tried a beauty box before or fancy treating someone for the New Year, it really is the perfect opportunity to do so!  Simply enter the code 'LMBBB20' into the delivery section when you order.

Have you signed up to Love Me Beauty? Which product tickles your fancy this month?

Revlon Lipstick | 'Skyline Pink'

Revlon Lipstick in 'Skyline Pink' | £7.49

Yes. I bet you're all rolling your eyes aren't you? 'Beth's blogging about another lipstick'.  If you've been following me for a while you will know that they're my biggest weakness. I don't feel quite 'finished' without a slick of lipstick. And this little beauty is one of my newest additions to my stash. I'd been eyeing up Mac's 'Pretty Please' for a while - and although i liked it - I just couldn't bring myself to buy it.  This is when I spotted this offering from Revlon - an extremely similar shade that's pretty much identical.  I adore Revlon lipsticks.  I think they're bang on the mark and rival some of my high-end lipsticks in terms of both quality, packaging and pigmentation and I've built up quite the collection of them over the past couple of years ('Cherries in the Snow' is the perfect winter pink - one of my all time faves!).   I love the gold tubing and black lettering around the middle - so simple but really elegant and totally worthy of the price tag in every way.

'Skyline Pink' is a pearl finish - which has a certain frostiness to it that is very 'love or hate' - but I adore it!.  The formula is lovely - really moisturising (like all Revlon lipsticks I've tried), not at all gritty and lovely and smooth to apply.  It is admittedly the type of colour that you can only pull off at certain times of the year (definitely not with a tan!) due to it's milky, paler appearance, but it's simply stunning when worn in the right way.  It's a beautiful pastel pink, with flecks of shimmer throughout it - almost appearing silver in certain light.  It's quite a 'young' shade - and at 23 I'm still unsure I can really pull it off but baby pinks have always been a guilty pleasure of mine and I'm determined I will make it work.  It looks lovely when worn lightly, or over another pink lipstick or paired with a slightly darker gloss.  I will have to make some sort of 'Face of the Day' with it over the autumn/winter time - I can see it looking lovely with a paler complexion and a smokey eye once the weather turns colder. Skyline Pink isn't for everyone - but I love it.  It's a little nod to my younger self and with a smokey eye I reckon it's going to be a winner for me - it's pearlescent, shimmery, pink and undoubtedly very, very girly. What's not to like?!  If you've never tried Revlon lipsticks I highly recommend them - they're some of the best drugstore lipsticks I've ever used and they do some absolutely stunning shades. I might have to do a collection post over the next few months?

Have you tried Revlon Lipsticks? Love them as much as me? :)

Mac Bombshell Lipstick | (& a little FOTD)

Products used | Mac 'Bombshell' lipstick | Mac 'Harmony' blush | YSL Touche Eclat foundation in 'B40' | Bourjois Bronzing Primer | Art Deco Eye Kohl in Black | Urban Decay Naked2 Palette - shades 'Tease' (lid and lower lash line) and 'SnakeBite' (crease) | Nars Multiple in 'Copacobana | Ardell Demi Wispies | HD Brows in 'Bombshell' |

For ages now, I've been lusting after Mac's 'Bombshell' lipstick - a mid-toned pink shade with subtle flecks of shimmer. But since my collection seems to have bred somewhat the past few months, I thought I'd be sensible and walk on by. After all, I didn't need another pink lipstick, did I? Well, it turns out that I did...  Sensibility goes out the window when you're a lipstick-aholic! My intentions were good, honestly, they were - but I reach for lipsticks of the pink variety one heck of a lot, and this one really is a lovely everyday shade that I know I will get tonnes of wear out of.

Bombshell is a frost finish lipstick from Mac - not the most popular of formulas, I know, but I must admit I quite like the finish they give and certain shades don't appear as 'frosty' as others.  Think 'Costa Chic' (one of my all time favourites) - it only has a little hint of shimmer and is incredibly pigmented - exactly like Bombshell. If you get put off with the frost finishes from Mac and don't usually give them the time of day - I really recommend you swatch a couple of them - they all differ slightly. Bombshell is fairly neutral in undertone, but leans slightly cooler on me.  I think it's one of those shades that looks different on people depending on their skin and hair colour - I've seen this on someone with a darker skintone than me and it looked almost coral. It's a shade that would suit a majority of skin tones, and would look stunning with a deep, golden tan.  I would liken the shade to a cross between Mac's 'Angel' and 'Speed Dial' - it's definitely a bit of a hybrid of the two (with a pinch of added shimmer) and if you're usually slightly scared off by bright, barbie pinks, then 'Bombshell' might just be the one for you.  It's noticeable enough to be a step up from a 'pinky nude', but without looking false or too bright.   

Here, I've worn 'Bombshell' with a taupe smokey eye and understated blush, (I've listed the key products I used for this look at the top of the post) - it's the type of colour that will look lovely both in the day or for a night out and I will definitely be throwing it in my handbag for uni next month. It is such a gorgeous shade and it looks stunning applied with simple, neutral makeup for a pop of colour without being too 'OTT'.  As for wear time, it lasts for a fair few hours on me, but I always top up reguarly anyway so it looks 'fresh' (I do this with all my lipsticks...creature of habit!).  The only thing with frosts is that they have a tendancy to settle into lines on your lips - so it's worth applying a lip balm beforehand if you want to give this a whirl.  Saying that, the formula isn't at all drying and glides on so smoothly and evenly - it feels very light with a hint of moisture, and keeps it's sheen for a good while before wearing off to a subtle wash of colour.  Overall, I love this new addition to my Mac-stash and I'm glad I gave in to temptation on this occasion.  I love it to bits - and it's definitely an underrated shade in the blogging world! 

Have you tried Mac 'Bombshell'?

Deborah Milano | Shine Creator Lipstick

Deborah Milano | Shine Creator Lipstick in Shade 7 'Shiny Cyclamen' | £8.50* (link)

I love a good lipstick me.  I think every beauty obsessed female has a 'thing' for a certain type of product, don't they? I'll often throw a lippie into my basket on a stroll through Boots and if I'm ever going to splash the cash on anything cosmetic then it's usually in the form of a lip colour. It's a sure fire way of changing your entire look in a flash - or swipe of a lipstick tube! Deborah Milano is a brand I'd never heard of before I had the chance to try it - but BOY am I glad I have now! Before I even got to try the lipstick I was really impressed with their website and the array of products on offer - I certainly have my eye on a few other products in the range...

I was sent their Shine Creator lipstick in the shade 'Shiny Cyclamen' - a beautiful raspberry pink shade. I'm usually one for reds and corals, so it was a refreshing change for me to receive something different to what I'd have probably picked myself. I found I actually quite like the raspberry tone - I must admit it suits me better now that I have a tan (and I was also pretty chuffed to find it matches one of my blazers...you've got to love matching outfit/lipstick combos!)  What I love though, is the texture and the finish.  Now, I'm a big fan of the Revlon Lip Butters (Lollipop and Creme Brulee being firm favourites of mine - if you're interested ;)!) so I was enticed very much by the 'Shine Creator' lipstick.  It feels very smooth and buttery to apply - slightly thicker in consistency to Revlon's offering. I have to say I was impressed by the staying power. Anything with 'shine' in the name often suggests a limited wear time - but the Shine Creator actually stays put pretty well.  It doesn't smudge too easily and has a non-slip formula - it's very much a buttery, glossy lipstick. After a while, it wears off to a subtle stain - the photograph above shows the gloss finish when first applied, and then the stain after a short while of pottering around the house (excuse cruddy bathroom photograph - it often gets the best light - needs must!). Even though the gloss wears off after a while, the lipstick still has a slight sheen and isn't at all drying. The colour pay-off is quite subtle but noticeable and true to the colour seen in the tube - you can layer it up for a more intense finish or slick one layer on for a more subtle, soft effect. It's worth mentioning that the lipstick also contains SPF15 which is a lovely little addition for this sunny weather we are having recently, as well as being hypoallergenic. Bonus!

Overall, I really like the Shine Creator lipstick and am intrigued to try out a coral shade... (me and my corals - obsessed much?)  It's a really good 'everyday' kind of lipstick to have in your collection. I wore this shade to an interview the other day and it looked like a nice pop of colour without being overdone. I currently have my eyes on their 'Milano Red Lipsticks' (link) which are a more pigmented option from the range of lip products on offer - definitely will be treating myself to one of those soon!  You can find the range on the Deborah Milano website here - see what you think girls! Definitely have a nosey if you're a fellow lipstick magpie like myself...

Have you tried anything from Deborah Milano? What shade tickles your fancy?