The Autumn/Winter Lip | My Berry Lipstick Collection

It was only last winter-time that I really found myself throwing caution to the wind and working the 'vampy' lip look.  I think it's one of those trends that takes a while to master but once you find that one shade that works for you, you're well away. As I've had a bit of a 're-jig' of my make-up drawers recently, swapping things around for the new season, I thought I'd share my collection of berry toned lip products.  If you're a lip-product-aholic like me and have been thinking of picking up some new winter shades, hopefully this post might give you some inspiration or give you an idea as to where to begin. I have a mix of tones, ranging from subtle berry hues perfect for daytime wear to deeper statement shades - I definitely have a select few favourites of the bunch too. So if you're at a bit of a loss as to where to begin when it comes to the A/W berry/vampy lip - hopefully this will be a jolly good starting point! I've divided them in to 2 sections (us bloggers and our categories eh?) just to make it a little easier depending on what sort of product you're after... I thought I'd kick off with the 4 that I'd class as being a little more on the 'tame' side...

// The 'Every Day' Berry Tones // L-R //

Collection Deluxe // 'Prohibition' 

Probably my most used berry shade ever - this little beauty has to be my winter favourite.. I wore it to uni, I wore it on nights out, I wore it on shopping trips, I even wore it for an quick evening mooch around the aisles of Tesco - yep, I kid you not, I literally wore this everywhere. I actually bought a back-up in case they didn't stock it this year (fear not, they do). It's just the perfect berry hue - it's super creamy, pigmented, lasts me all day with minimal touch-ups and instantly finishes off my make-up. I don't know what it is, but the undertones in this lipstick really work with my skin tone - even if I'm having the dullest skin-day, I instantly look fresh, dewy and awake as soon as I apply this. It's perfection. Want to see it on? I have a full review and lip swatches here.

Rimmel Kate Moss // '107'

Ohhh the infamous '107' - how I hunted the shelves for this! Slightly cooler in tone than 'Prohibition' and slightly more matte, this shade really is one of the most raved about berry lipsticks in the bloggosphere. With good reason too I might add! It looks darker in the bullet than it does on the lips, but if you're after a statement shade that isn't too dark - I'd really recommend this one.  I have an ancient review and swatches here.

Topshop // Beguiled

And so I introduce you to the first 'vampy' lipstick I ever purchased... Topshop's 'Beguiled' is a gorgeous deep maroon/wine sort of colour with a satin finish. I sometimes struggle to get it to work for me - but it's a great one to have in my collection nonetheless. I find it quite similar to Kate Moss '107' - just a slightly more glossy version. I doubt they still stock this exact shade but I've seen so many variations from Topshop since this one was released - they probably have an almost identical shade under the same name. I featured it in my 2012 'Top 5 Autumn Lip Shades' post here.

MUA // 'Shade 1'

Probably the most pigmented of the four, this gorgeous maroon shade has to be another one of my favourites - it has to share the top spot with 'Prohibion'.  Shade 1 is a beautiful deep red which is super rich and creamy in finish, as well as being completely opaque.  Despite it being quite a dark shade, the red tones in it make it so wearable for daytime and makes for a nice, wintery twist on the classic red lip! I adore this one - everything from the shade to the formula is just bang on - and it's only £1! 

// The 'Vampy' Tones // L-R //

Mac // 'Paramount' 

A slightly different shade and one that's going to be very 'love it or hate it', but my most recent Mac purchase has to be my Autumn staple.  It's a gorgeous deep brown shade with a brick-like tone to it, described as a 'reddish brown' by Mac.  With the right make-up, this looks truly stunning but it really is quite 'out there' - it definitely has a 90's feel to it due to the brown undertone.  A statement shade to opt for it you're after something a little bit different from the norm. It's featured in my Mac lipstick collection post here.

Mac // 'Dark Side'

Another one of my winter faves! Dark Side is described as a 'deep burgundy' and has an amplified, pigmented finish.  It swatches exactly how it looks in the bullet. I love the slightly purple/red undertone to this colour - it works really well with my skin tone and makes my lips look incredibly defined and polished.  It really is the perfect statement shade if you're looking for something with a slightly 'gothic' vibe... It featured in my Mac lipstick collection post here, and I also have a full review post with photographs and swatches here.

Collection Gothic Glam // 'Revenge'

As you can see from the swatches, this is a similar match for Mac's 'Dark Side' (and I reckon its quite close to Mac 'Diva' too). Although it's much more maroon toned, it definitely gives the same look and feel to the lips - it's amazingly pigmented, glides on to the lips with ease and is very creamy and opaque. It's like a slightly amped up, more vampy version of MUA 'Shade 1' and I absolutely love it. It looks lovely if you're wearing white - it creates a fabulous bold contrast (it also works really well if you're wearing a neutral, slightly shimmery eye make-up look)

I'm Wearing | Collection 'Prohibion' lipstick & Revlon 'Embellished' lip gloss (post here)

And so there we have it - my current winter 'vampy' lipstick collection. I'm sure I'll end up expanding it at some stage - I already have my eyes on Mac's 'Diva' and really want to invest in some lip-crayon versions (I'll be sure to post about any additions over the next few months).  If I had to pick my top 3 I'd have to go with Collection's 'Prohibition', MUA's 'Shade 1' and Mac's 'Dark Side' - I reckon these 3 are my top 'staple' shades from my selection!

What's your favourite 'vampy' lip shade?

My Autumn/Winter Blush Wardrobe

I must confess that I'm a bit of a blush hoarder.  If there's anything I tend to experiment with aside from my lip shade - it's the colour I dust on my cheeks of a morning!  I love that something so simple and quick can completely bring together a make-up look in an instant and brighten up your entire complexion.  I've had a bit of a make-up overhaul recently and thought I'd introduce you to my Autumn/Winter 'blush wardrobe' - because for a beauty blogger, it doesn't stop at swapping your cami tops for polo-necks does it?! Ohh no - I've swapped around my entire cosmetic collection and placed some of my more wintery shades within grabbing distance.  It's time to put the bright corals to bed! Without further ado, here's 7 of my 'go to' shades for the autumn/winter season and why I'll be reaching for them over the next few months...

Illamasqua | 'Tremble' // The Winter Bright //

I must admit, I'm really not a big fan of pinks - I find that I need a bit of warmth in my blush colour due to my skin-tone but Illamasqua's 'Tremble' is probably one of the only bright pink shades I can get away with. It's showing up a little more cool toned on camera but this is seriously bright - it's not for the faint hearted but when applied lightly it gives such a lovely flush of colour to the cheeks. If you're a fan of Illamasqua's 'Lover' blush (it's one of my all time summer favourites) this is like its pink, wintery cousin... it still has the same brightness to it but looks a little more natural and flattering on dull, winter skin.  I love Illamasqua's blushes - they always look so immaculate and flawless on the skin and are incredibly long lasting. If you're looking for pigmentation - look no further.  I have an ancient review of Tremble here.

Deborah Milano | 'Spicy' // The 'Any Season' Coral //

I know I said I've put my corals to bed but this is the only one I find myself reaching for all year round.  Trust me when I say that this little compact is well loved! If you're looking for a versatile, year-round colour then this shade will be right up your street.  It looks just as flattering on my winter skin as it does when I have a tan - it looks so natural. It's the perfect coral because it isn't too orange or bright - it works whatever the weather, whatever your skin tone and whatever make-up you've applied.  I love the texture of the powder too - it applies so smoothly and effortlessy and it's really nicely pigmented - I've used this to death for around a year and I've barely worn down the surface - well worth the money! I have a full review of it here.

Nars | 'Orgasm' // The Perfect Healthy Glow //

Ooo Beauty blogger classic alert (just look how battered mine is - the poor thing!) Although I can't say this blush is one of my all-time favourites, it's one that I find myself reaching for through the winter months.  It's got a bit of shimmer running through it so it's perfect for those days when you just can't be bothered to highlight as it brings a healthy, natural glow to the face - killing 2 birds with one stone, as they say! I like to use this colour when I'm feeling a little bit under the weather - rosy pink blushes are actually proven to help counteract dull tones and dark shadows under your eyes, and 'Orgasm' does a fabulous job of making me look bright eyed and bushy tailed even when I'm far from it. Its rosy appearance does a fabulous job of brightening the skin and gives a naturally 'blushed' appearance. It's definitely one of my more understated blushes (despite the shimmer) - it's the type of blush I'd pop on for a quick flush of colour if I'm off for a winter walk somewhere.

Nars | 'Deep Throat' // The 'Everyday' Winter Staple //

Oh crikey me - Nars and their naughty names make me blush even before I've swept them on to my cheeks! Despite it's 'out there' name, this blush really is such a great everyday staple. It's like a slightly lighter, less shimmery version of 'Orgasm' with a hint of peachy pink.  I must admit I was never sold on this until I had it applied on me by an MUA in Space NK - it looks completely different once you have it on your cheeks and gives such a healthy flush of peachy-pink to the cheeks. If, like me, you lean towards corals and oranges and want something suitable for the season, I really recommend you check this one out.  It's a lovely 'in-between' sort of shade - I can wear this all year round because it has a good bit of warmth running through it.  It's a good option for paler skin too as it's not overly pigmented - it's very buildable.  I have a full review and photographs here.

Benefit | 'Rockateur' // The Subtle Touch //

I really didn't expect this to become one of my autumn staples, but it has! I actually find this to be quite similar to Nars' 'Deep Throat' blush - just a slightly lighter version.  Again, it's peachy-pink hints work really well on winter skin and the satin finish is really flattering.  It has a subtle hint of shimmer which gives such a healthy glow - another fabulous option if dull skin is your main concern. I find this blush works well for layering becuase it's quite subtle. It's formula is very buildable and if you wish to achieve the colour in the pan, you can, but I actually really enjoy using this alongside Benefit's 'Majorette' - layering this on top of a bright coral works really well. I have a full review here.

Mac | 'Blushbaby' // The 'Depths of Winter' Flush //

Again, this isn't one of my all-time favourites but I really enjoy using this shade in the winter months.  It's a gorgeous, natural shade with a slight hint of mauve - a little more cool-toned than what I usually reach for but with the right make-up it looks so beautiful. I always pop this on if I'm wearing a darker lip colour or if I've opted for a mauve/purple toned lip. It swatches a little warmer than it looks in the pan - it's definitely got a hint of 'brick' running through it (have a nosey at the swatches, you'll see what I mean!) Think bobble hats, cosy knits and hot chocolates - this shade really is my 'depths of winter' blush - perfect for snowy days. I love the matte finish - it works really well with a flawless base and a teeny fleck of highlighter on the tops of the cheekbones.

Mac | 'Harmony' // The Sculpting Shade //

I adore this shade.  It's so multi-functional as it works as a contour shade as well as a blush. It's a cool toned 'brick' sort of colour - very difficult to explain but one that works incredibly well at softly sculpting the cheeks. If you're new to contouring, I really recommend this - all you need to do is sweep some of this onto your cheeks and et voila - instant cheekbones. If I'm in a rush, I'll quickly dust some of this on using a blush brush, but i find that it works really nicely if you use a slightly smaller tapered or 'domed' brush and place the colour on your natural contour line.With 'Harmony', it's so easy to achieve that sculpted appearance without the fuss.  As with most Mac blushes, it's really soft and easy to blend - but isn't so overly pigmented it's difficult to work with. Definitely a staple shade in my collection. I have a full review here.

Swatches L-R | Illamasqua 'Tremble' / Deborah Milano 'Spicy' / Nars 'Orgasm' / Nars 'Deep Throat' / Benefit 'Rockateur' / Mac 'Blushbaby' / Mac 'Harmony'

So there we have it - my Autumn/Winter blush wardrobe. I also love Benefit's 'Majorette' and Illamasqua's 'Lover' blush - but the shades I've featured are definitely the ones I'll be reaching for when the weather really does take a turn for the worst!  My ultimate favourites have to be Deborah Milano's 'Spicy' and Nars' 'Deep Throat' - and Mac's 'Harmony' really is a winter contouring must-have if you're a fan of a sculpted cheek like me.

What's in your autumn/winter blush wardrobe this season?

A Little TARTAN Addiction...

Oh crikey - photographing items of clothing is a right task and a half sometimes, isn't it? Fashion bloggers - I don't know how you do it. You deserve a medal.  I often throw a clothing post into the mix... As obsessed by beauty as I am, I also have a love for retail therapy and at the start of each season I do tend to add to my overflowing wardrobe with some new bits and pieces.  This year,  I have a little bit of an obsession for tartan - clearly.  I must admit I do find it quite hard to style sometimes and I have to be 'in the mood' to wear it - but I've become quite drawn to it since I've seen it popping up in shops.  It's won me over.  I thought I'd give you a little insight into my tartan collection and how I'll be styling these pieces through Autumn/Winter.  I've written about them in order of how they appear in my photograph so hopefully you can pick and choose certain sections if you don't wish to trawl through my dribble. Without any further rambling, let's get cracking!

1 | Scarves / White Tartan - Primark / Black & White Snood - Tesco / Red Tartan - PrimarkOne of the first things I bought when I knew tartan was going to be 'in' this season was a tartan scarf.  I've wanted one for quite some time as I think they look amazing with a parka style coat and a simple outfit.  I usually just wear mine thrown loosely around the neck and I like them to be quite long in length - the warmer and snugglier the better.  The white tartan one is perfect for those days when red looks a little 'clashy' - and it's the thicker of the bunch making it perfect for the colder weather.  The black and white snood is perfect for wearing with my leather jacket and is perfect for those days when I'm feeling a little 'monochrome'.  I'm currently on the lookout for an oversized, wooly version of my red primark one - It's served me well up until now but now that the clocks have gone back, I know I'll be in need of a thicker one.  I have my eye on an oversized one from Urban Outfitters... Oh dear - someone has a scarf-buying problem.


2 | Pyjama bottoms / Purple Shorts and Red Tartan Trousers - both PrimarkOh Primark you little devil, you.  Every year you get it spot on when it comes to cosy PJs and I find myself at the till with a basket full to the brim of new-news. Okay, so the purple 'cheeky' shorts aren't exactly practical for the winter but I really, really loved them and I thought I'd get my wear out of them somehow?  I'm completely in love with the red tartan pyjama bottoms though - they're slightly fleecy and are just so unbelievable soft and comfortable.  I've been wearing these around the house to lounge around in and l love them to bits.  They even have a little holly pattern on the inside of the waistband - if that doesn't scream 'festive cosy-ness' to you then I don't know what will.

3 | Skater Skirts / Red Pleated - New Look / Black and Grey - Primark

You can't beat a skater skirt! They're perfect to throw on with simple black and white tops and camis and for tucking jumpers in to. I've been wearing these with my fluffy white jumper and a simple black belt and they look lovely - they cinch you in at the waist and just look so girly and simple. The red pleated skirt is a classic tartan print - and the pleats around the front give it a bit of structure.  I've been wearing the black and grey version with slouchy jumpers and simple black and white cami tops - it also looks nice with my blazers.  It was a complete steal at £8 from Primark and gives that 'school geek-chic' vibe without being too OTT. The shape of it is also lovely - it's not to flouncy or bulky and I find it so flattering to wear - I sometimes struggle to find skater skirts that I like the shape of - but these two are just right.

4 | Collared Smock Dress - River Island via ASOS

If it has a peter pan collar and a cute print - I'll 'av it! This dress is from River Island's 'Chelsea Girl' range and sold out pretty quickly to say the least! Apologies for not getting a full photo of it but hopefully you get the jist of how pretty it is.  It's a babydoll/smock dress but it isn't so loose that it doesn't create shape - it's possible to grab a belt to cinch you in at the waist should you fancy a more fitted shape.  The colour of it is beautiful - a reddish purple hue with lines of yellow, white and deep purple making up the tartan print.  It falls an inch or so above the knee and is the perfect length for wearing both with and without tights.  The white peter pan collar just makes it for me.  So cute and girly!

5 | Tartan Shorts - River Island via ASOS

I bought these a while back and I must admit I haven't actually worn them yet.  They're harder to style than I first thought due to the length! They're quite...cheeky, shall we say? At 23 I can't really get away with short-shorts of a daytime any more. However, never one to give in, I'm planning on styling them with my trusty opaques and a slouchy top/jumper to contrast with the slightly tighter fit. I will probably 'business' it up a little with a black or white blazer as well. Shove a blazer over any outfit and you'll go from casual to office professh in seconds...

Have you been loving tartan as much as me this season? How have you been wearing it?

Top 5 Autumn/Winter Reds

Swatches Top to Bottom | Rimmel Kate Moss '107' / Collection 'Prohibition' / Mac 'MAC Red' / MUA 'Shade 13' / Revlon 'Red Laquer' /

Autmn/Winter is the perfect time of year to really experiment with berry tones and statement reds.  A red lip is timeless and classic - and once you've found 'the one' (or in a beauty blogger's case - a fair few) you'll never look back.  A pop of red on a dreary winter's day always looks striking, and the whole build-up to Christmas is the perfect excuse to get festive with your lip colour.  Berry tones and pillar-box reds are my preference for the winter months, and I tend to lean towards orangey-reds in summer.  If you're a 'red lipstick newbie' it's worth baring in mind that what might look amazing on you in winter, might look a bit dull on you in summer and vice versa. So, this in mind, I thought I'd give you a run-down of my current Top 5 'wintery reds' in no particular order... I have worn the majority of these in different posts so I've linked those into the mix as well if you want a more in-depth look at the shades.

Rimmel | Kate Moss '107' 

Ohhh Kate Moss. Your lipsticks sent beauty bloggers across the globe into a berry lipstick frenzy last year. A year later and I'm still addicted to the infamous '107'.  This is the darkest shade of the bunch and is a dark berry red with hints of purple.  It's very much a gothic twist on the classic red, and although it appears scary in the tube, it looks beautiful once on the lips.  It very much reminds me of Topshop's 'Beguiled' (post here) and is amazingly pigmented.  It's quite matte - so it isn't for the faint hearted but it's a lovely colour all the same.  Want to see what it looks like on? You can find my previous post on the shade here.

Collection | Deluxe in 'Prohibition'

I have written a whole post on this little beauty including a snap of it on the lips here if you want to read more.  This shade is my most reached for lipstick at the moment and has to be my current favourite.  I actually prefer this to '107' - although almost identical in shade, this one is a touch lighter and is much more glossy - although it's still strongly pigmented.  It's just the perfect consistency in my opinion and I find it so easy and comfortable to wear. I don't find it drying in the slightest (107 has a tendancy to be a bit drying) and I've been wearing this in both the day and at night - it looks lovely with a simple, neutral eye and a slick of liquid liner.  It's the lipstick I'm wearing in my current Twitter picture, if you're interested! I shall be doing some sort of post on the look soon so keep your eyes peeled!

Mac Lipstick in 'MAC Red'

This lipstick is an absolute classic in my eyes.  I love it.  It's a true 'pillarbox' red shade and looks so striking when worn. It's quite a bright red and looks amazing on the lips as it makes such a statement.  The satin finish and vivid colour it provides are just the perfect combination.  It leans slightly blue without being overly cool in tone, and instantly makes your teeth look whiter.  It applies like a dream and stays put for ages - it looks so classy and timeless. If you're after a classic, true red - look no further than Mac's 'MAC Red'.  I have to say Mac's Red lipstick selection is second to none. There's something there for everyone.

MUA | Shade '13'

THIS little beauty is my red staple and has to be one of my all time favourite reds.  I wear this in the day (I even wear it to Uni) and on nights out and every single time somebody will ask me what shade of red I'm wearing.  Every time I tell them it's a £1 special from Superdrug their little eyes light up with delight (I should really stop telling them shouldn't I? - I'm giving away my MUA secret!) It's extremely pigmented - probably the most pigmented of the bunch - and is so soft and creamy to apply.  It's a lovely, instense bright red and I like it because it isn't too orangey - it suits me in both the summer and the winter time without fail and if MUA ever discontinued it I would bulk buy a lifetime supply quicker than you could say 'product rave'.  True love right there.

Revlon | Red Laquer

This shade is perfect for those days where you don't want to be too 'OTT' but fancy a little pop of colour.  Similar to Revlon's 'Candy Apple' lip butter but slightly brighter, this shade is such a lovely, subtle orangey-red that is just perfect for every day wear.  You don't need a lip liner to wear it, you don't need to spend 5 minutes in the mirror pulling your 'concentration face' and you don't need a special occasion to pull it off - it's just the perfect understated red.  The orangey tone brightens the complexion without looking too sickly - and it feels glossy and smooth to apply.  I think of it as a watered down version of Mac's 'Lady Danger' with a glossy, buttery finish.  If you're interested as to what it looks like on, I wore it last Christmas in this FOTD.

You've got to love a red lipstick, right?  I'm addicted to buying them! My collection must house an entire spectrum of crimson shades now and one day I shall have to sit down and photograph them all because that would just be extremely satisfying....  I shall be sure to keep you posted if there's any more additions - I currently have my eye on Mac's 'Hang Up' but I reckon I might pop that on the Christmas list...

What's your favourite winter red? Any of these tickle your lipstick taste buds?!