The Perfect Daytime Pink | Revlon 'Pink in the Afternoon'

Oh what's this? Another lipstick on Bird's Words? Yes. It is indeed another lipstick on Bird's Words but it's a stunner to say the least. I've been trying to curb my lipstick buying habits (honestly), but I guess you could say I've failed on my little mission because I ended up giving in to temptation at the Revlon stand just recently.  I have to say, I do love Revlon lipsticks. Some of my most loved shades happen to be Revlon (Cherries in the Snow anybody?) and I just find them to be of really good quality and the packaging and finish is always spot on.  'Pink in the Afternoon' is a gorgeous mid-tone pink with a beautiful creamy finish. It contains an exclusive blend of moisturisers and vitamins and is really silky smooth and soft to apply to the lips, whilst providing a slightly glossy, natural finish.  It's the perfect pink for daytime wear and it's so effortless and chic.  I actually bought this shade because I spied it on a friend of mine and instantly knew I had to own it - it really is stunning and it looks lovely with a bit of a tan too as it isn't too pale. It reminds me of one of my high-end favourites, Mac 'Fanfare' (post on that here) as it has the same sort of undertone and finish - it's maybe slightly lighter but if you're after a lovely neutral pink, it's well worth looking in to these 2.  

Overall, another fabulous buy for me. This is a shade I will get a tonne of wear from and Revlon never fail to impress me with their lipstick selection. For £7.49, they're really worth the money and I recommend looking into their range if you're after a good quality, drugstore lipstick. You can find this shade on the Superdrug website here.

What's your favourite Revlon shade? Any others you can recommend?!

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!?

Illamasqua Powder Blush in 'Tremble'

Illamasqua Powder Blush in 'Tremble' | £18.00 |

Illamasqua's blushes have to be among some of my ultimate beauty 'must-haves'. I think it's fair to say that I have fallen completely, head over heels in love with them ever since I first bought their 'Lover' blush around 2 years or so ago now (seen in this post) - in fact, I cherish their very existence. Massively-over-the-top statement there, but I kid you not - I'd be lost without my little collection.  The newest addition to my Illamasqua 'blush-crew' is Tremble - a beautiful warm toned soft pink. I've had my eyes on this one for ages - its such a pretty colour and one that compliments my paler skin throughout the winter - it brightens up my complexion and wakes up dull skin in a flash.

I've found that their powder blushes on the whole are very pigmented and provide impressive colour pay off - they can be sheered out for a subtle wash of colour or built up to provide a more intense 'doll-like' finish. I apply them with my Real Techniques powder brush (seen in my collection post here) and they sweep onto the cheeks so smoothly and effortlessly - they don't feel chalky at all and are incredibly soft and smooth. I genuinely think my skin looks instantly brighter and smoother when I've applied these blushes - and they also stay put all day, providing the perfect finishing touch to your makeup. Also, they last an AGE, let me tell you! I've had the 'Lover' blush for quite some time now and I've barely made a dent in the surface - and that's with daily use over the course of a good year or so! 

Tremble gives a matte/slightly satin finish to the cheeks - there's no shimmer in there at all which I personally prefer - I believe this helps to even out the skin and also gives a natural finish. The colour is also really girly and fresh - I often opt for peach tones on my cheeks so this one fills the gap in my collection for a really flattering warm-pink. There is no doubt that I'll be buying more of these blushes - if you're after some top notch colour pay-off for your cheeks then they are really worth investing in - they're worth every penny and the shade range is just fabulous - there's some really beautiful colours and tones available. Actually, I defy you all not to have a little nosey! - you can find the range here at Debenhams Online.

If you wish to see a 'face of the day' with this blush - then it's the one I wore in my photograph for my '50 facts about me tag' here.

Have you tried Illamasqua blushes? Love them as much as me? What are you favourite shades?

♥

Maybelline Colour Tattoo Eyeshadow in 'Pink Gold'

Maybelline Colour Tattoo Eyeshadow in 'Pink Gold' - £4.99

My love for Maybelline's 24Hour Colour Tattoo Eyeshadows is one that just continues to grow. I use them either on their own or as a base for my powder eyeshadows as they act as a fabulous primer (think Mac Paint Pots but at a much more appealing price tag!) Maybelline aren't telling porky pies about the wear time of these beauties - they stay put through the toughest of days. I just think the creamy/gel consistency is perfect for those days when you need to do your make-up quickly - you don't need to use a brush; one quick swipe and you're good to go.The only thing I didn't like so much when they arrived in the shops, was the shade range here in the UK. Previous to 'Pink Gold' being released, I only bought into 2 shades ('On and On Bronze' and 'Eternal Gold' - seen here) - I really do think Maybelline are on to something with these eyeshadows and it would be fabulous to see them release a few more shades. A smokey eye range maybe?

Pink Gold is such a pretty shade. I've never been one for wearing pink on my eyes but this one is such a wearable colour - either on it's own or beneath my powder shadows -  it brings out the colour of Mac's Cranberry so beautifully (seen in my recent haul here). The metallic finish is really noticeable with this shade - and it catches the light perfectly.  I'm enjoying having this gorgeous colour in my makeup bag right now - it really wakes up my eyes when I use it, and brightens up dull, wintery skin.

What do you think of the Maybelline Colour Tattoos? Will you be making a cheeky purchase on this shade?

 ♥