Tag: red lipstick

Ciaté London Jessica Rabbit Collection.

Firstly, hello! It’s been a long time, almost six months in fact! However, I’ve finally found the inspiration to start writing again. Sometimes it can be hard to feel inspired when you’ve been blogging fairly regularly for over three years, however, I never intended to stop forever, I simply wanted to look forward to writing posts again and well, today is that day!

As a huge lover of makeup, I look forward to seeing what products are going to be released that I can add to my ever growing inventory. Therefore, when I discovered Ciaté London created a collection dedicated to Jessica Rabbit, I think my heart may have skipped a beat! If you know me it’s hardly a surprise, but, Jessica Rabbit is one of my favourite Bombshells, inspired by Old Hollywood’s Veronica Lake, Rita Hayworth and Lauren Bacall – she’s an absolute dream! Yes, she may not actually be real, (I know, I’m still coming to terms with it) but, there’s no doubt she’s an icon in film and as a pinup.

The Jessica Rabbit Collection features three products;

The Jessica Palette – a nine piece eyeshadow palette. (£35)
Glow To Highlighter: Roger, Darling! – a powder highlighter. (£26)
Glitter Storm Lipstick – a glitter metallic lipstick. (£19)

Each product can be bought individually, or altogether in a beautiful Jessica themed box set – naturally, I had to buy the full set! At £60, it’s definitely not on the cheap side, but you save a total of £20 compared to buying them separately, so if you’re a super fan, it’s worth it. Plus, the quality is incredible, arguably the most beautiful makeup packaging I own, each is worthy of being collector pieces. Currently, the collection is sold out, but the three items are still available on their own.

The amount of detail and research that has gone into every inch of the products is truly impressive, Ciaté have made sure to create the ultimate Jessica Rabbit products and they have not disappointed! Like the Superstar she is, Jessica features all over the items, even her stunning silhouette is etched onto the outer packaging. When she’s not gracing us with her presence, there’s the ever reminder of her through the signature purple shades of eyeshadow and the striking bold red lipstick. She’s one lady that definitely won’t be erased, (I’m sorry – it had to be done!)

With makeup constantly growing, you can often end up buying many products that look similar, however, I can categorically say that The Jessica Palette is a true individual and a must have addition. The palette features nine different shades in two different formulas; six shimmers and three mattes. Each colour is related to Jessica and the iconic film she stars in, Who Framed Roger Rabbit?;

Love Letter – a signature Jessica red.
Oh, Roger! – a midnight blue.
Sunset Blvd – a medium gold.
I’m Not Bad – a warm bronze.
Patty Cake – Jessica’s trademark purple.
Drawn That Way – a bright vivid gold.
Carrot Cake – a warm orange.
Toon Kisses – a muted lilac.
Honey Bunny – a light peach.

I feel this palette possess the shades to create both day to night time looks, going from day time dream to smokey screen siren! It’s a great size, not too bulky and therefore can easily be carried around from place to place.

The second product in the collection is the Glow To Highlighter: Roger, Darling! once again featuring an iconic pose by the leading lady on the outer compact and a beautifully embossed Jessica on the highlighter itself! I’ve seen various highlighters featuring lovely logos embossed, but this is truly on a whole other level! I can honestly say I wish I had the money to purchase another highlighter to keep in pristine condition, it really is almost too beautiful to use. For now I shall apply the highlighter by working my way from the outer corners! The colour is described as a, “soft focus peach/gold” and created using, “ultra fine pearls and a cream powder texture” it’s a little masterpiece, that’s the only way to sum it up. Also, I find the colour choice to be very universal and suitable for both day and night time.

The grand finale in the trio of products is the Glitter Storm Lipstick, a bold stunning true blue metallic red, definitely not for the faint hearted! This shade oozes Jessica appeal and helps you come one step closer to achieving your pinup bombshell dreams. The lipstick is described as a, “hybrid that combines star like pigments with a full colour base, for hyper shine and shimmer like never before” therefore, I’d say creating a semi matte metallic formula. It feels comfortable to wear and is a statement piece in the collection, there’s truly no mistaking that this is Jessica’s signature lipstick.

If you thought it couldn’t get any better then you’re wrong, as all Ciaté London’s products are Peta certified and cruelty free! Ever more fitting considering Jessica’s lovely husband is Mr Roger Rabbit!

I’ve bought Ciaté products and reviewed them before and I can honestly say that this Brand is extremely consistent in quality and has yet to let me down! I couldn’t recommend this Collection enough, I haven’t been this excited or passionate about one in quite some time!

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Jeffree Star Cosmetics Mini Red & Pink Velour Liquid Lipstick Bundle.

When Jeffree first launched the Mini Nude Velour Liquid Lipstick Bundle last year, I hoped that the time would come when he would release a red volume and so in February, when the Love Sick Collection launched, so did the Red & Pink Mini Velour Liquid Lipstick Bundle! As soon as I saw this absolute beauty, I knew that I had to have it in my ever expanding archive of makeup and when it arrived on Beauty Bay on Thursday, I ordered it straight away. Also, I simply have to give a huge appreciation to Beauty Bay, as if you order before 9PM they will ship your order next day for free – that is one seriously good deal.

The Mini Collection retails for £45, which might sound like a lot but considering each Velour Liquid Lipstick is £16 by itself, it’s a pretty great bargain. Jeffree Star Cosmetics have simply outdone themselves with the Love Sick Collection, the packaging is an absolute dream, it looks extremely luxurious and should definitely be displayed on your dressing table. The collection comes with eight of Jeffree’s most popular red and pink shades, with each one being vegan and cruelty free. Out of all eight shades in the box, I only have one – Doll Parts, which is a gorgeous mauve pink tone and definitely one of my favourites to wear. Plus, with four of the shades being on my to buy list, I’m extremely happy to have purchased this set and I can see which ones I would buy in their full size.

The other seven shades in the bundle are as follows, Calabasas, Wifey, Watermelon Soda, Anna Nicole, Prom Night, Redrum and Unicorn Blood. I think if you’re a lover of wearing pink and red lipsticks, then of course, this is most definitely a must have purchase. There is such a variety of hues and tones in this collection, from warm shades – Watermelon Soda and Anna Nicole, to blue shades – Wifey, Redrum, Unicorn Blood, Prom Night and mauve shades – Doll Parts and Calabasas.

Jeffree’s liquid lipsticks are known to be very long lasting and extremely high quality, one of the best formulas in the beauty world. He’s always pushing the boundaries with creating new shades, coming out with unique product ideas and I really do love the concept of the mini collection. Not only is it wonderful to have so many lipsticks for such a good price, but they’re the perfect travel size products to take with you wherever you go. Plus, with such a variety of products,  it’s wonderful to be able to try a shade you may not have necessarily bought separately.

If I had to choose my favourite shade from the collection it would be Redrum, this bold classic red has been one of the colours I’ve been dreaming of purchasing as soon as I discovered it. I know it’s one of Jeffree’s most popular reds and it was simply the first one I had to try! I’ve also photographed myself wearing the colour,  Unicorn Blood and I just love the tone – a cool dark burgundy red. All of Jeffree’s lipsticks dry down to a matte format, but don’t feel uncomfortable, they still keep your lips feeling moisturized. With eight shades in the collection, I’ve now tried seven and can genuinely say I love all of them and now have a new lipstick to wear for each day of the week.

I can’t wait to see what Jeffree Star Cosmetics release next, I wonder what will be the third bundle set, maybe metallics, purples or even rainbow shades? Either way, I’m so excited to find out!

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Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored.

There’s one Makeup Brand that without a doubt shook the beauty universe last year and it was Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty. Named after the lady herself, Rihanna strove to create her own cosmetic line that was suitable for everyone and in her own words – beauty for all. Whether you’re a fan or Rihanna or not, you definitely can’t deny the amazing reception her makeup has created and the hugely important awareness she has shown in providing for everyone.

If you’re in the UK like myself, you’ll be able to purchase Fenty Beauty from Harvey Nichols – a classy store for a classy brand! Although I had been drooling over the amazing products created by Fenty Beauty for a few months, it wasn’t until the Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored was released that I discovered the one item I simply had to have in my collection. This lipstick has been described as the, “perfect universal red” meaning that it is suitable for all shades and skin tones and it most definitely does not disappoint! As someone who wears red lipstick 99% of the time, I really love this concept and I find it really impressive that Fenty Beauty could create a true red for all. We’re often advised in the beauty world that fair skin pulls off blue toned reds and darker skins suit orange warm toned reds. Therefore, it’s great to see that you don’t have to follow the unwritten rules of beauty and that there’s one red for all.

The first thing I noticed about the product, was the size – I was extremely pleased to see that not only was it such beautiful quality, the quantity was incredible too! For £19 – which is definitely not the cheapest lipstick out there, but to be fair, it’s also far from the most expensive – you really do get a huge amount of product for your money’s worth. In all honesty I was pleasantly surprised that the lip paint wasn’t more expensive, as often with big name brands you end up paying more money simply because of that. Ultimately, it was refreshing to see you’re mostly paying for the quality of the product. Plus, a little product goes a long way, the lipstick needs just one application and you’re ready to roll.

After wearing this lipstick a number of times since I got it for Christmas, I’ve also noticed it has incredibly longevity. Often when lipsticks are described as 12+ hour wear and long lasting, it usually isn’t the case. However, the Stunna Lip Paint lasts pretty damn well all day long! Is it 100% perfect? Well, no – as no matter what any brand says – no lipstick can look perfect all day long however, if there’s one that comes pretty close – it’s Uncensored.

Furthermore, if the quality of the product wasn’t enough to convince you just how good this lipstick is, the packaging should definitely do the trick! The bottle is so bold and chic, I can’t think of another that stands out like this, it truly is a statement piece and should have pride of place on every beauty table. I also love the unique shape of the wand, as someone who has many liquid lipsticks, I don’t think I’ve seen one like this before.

Ultimately, if you’re a red lipstick lover, this is the red lipstick for you – thank you Rihanna!

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Ciaté London Glitter Flip Liquid Lipstick in Hollywood.

As soon as I discovered the Glitter Flip Liquid Lipstick, thanks to Jeffree Star reviewing it on his YouTube Channel, I knew that I simply had to try this beauty out for myself. However, due to the extreme popularity of this product, I sadly discovered that it was not in stock and waited to be notified on it’s arrival. Thankfully, after a few weeks Ciaté London sent me a notification of availability and I ordered my dream shade, Hollywood – Red.

At £17, this liquid lipstick isn’t the cheapest one out there, although, it’s no ordinary lipstick – it’s literally filled with glitter and spoiler alert – extremely amazing! Therefore, it’s without doubt worth the money and as far as I’m aware, the only product of it’s kind out there. Also, you do have to pay a small amount for postage, but when signing up you are given a 10% discount code so that’s definitely worth using.

I will admit, my hopes were very much heightened after watching Jeffree review all seven shades available, they all looked so beautiful and of the best quality. Ultimately, as soon as my Glitter Flip product arrived, I knew I was going to be far from disappointed! As I’ve said many times, red is my signature colour to wear and if I can find a blue toned shade that looks like Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers – I know I’ve found something special. Hollywood is without doubt worthy of the name and makes you feel like you’ve just stepped into a 1950s Technicolor Movie. Also, the packaging is just stunning, with the box matching the colour of the lipstick shade and the top being a bold glittering silver – so unique and eye catching!

The only thing I was slightly apprehensive about was ironically enough, the glitter itself! I was concerned about it feeling uncomfortable and the possibility of it not lasting very well.  However, my fears were simply a waste of time, not only is the pigment incredibly bold, the product dries down very quickly and it just feels like a normal liquid lipstick. I don’t know about the other shades, but Hollywood – Red is so bold that even after I’ve removed my lipstick – the stain is still noticeable the next day!

Furthermore, once the lipstick has dried within a matter of minutes, you simply press your lips together and in doing this bring out the gorgeous 3D glitter! Although in all honesty, the glitter is very prominent and you will be sparkling all day long.

Ultimately, I absolutely love this product, I’ve been wearing it non stop all week and I hope to add more shades to my collection very soon! I cannot recommend the Glitter Flip Liquid Lipstick enough, it’s truly one of a kind and incredibly innovative and beautiful.

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Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in Tulip.

It’s pretty surreal to me that after dreaming of owning an Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick for years now, I can finally say that the day has arrived! As far as I’m aware Anastasia was one of the first, if not the first to create the beauty phenomena that is, the liquid lipstick.

A few months ago this beautiful Brand finally launched a UK Website and it’s safe to say that pretty much daily I was checking to see if their iconic liquid lipsticks were in stock. For some bizarre reason hardly anything was available online, it simply said, “coming soon to the UK” and I had almost given up on them ever being stocked. However, at last, the long awaited email notification arrived! I must point out, Anastasia has been available on Beauty Retailers such as Cult Beauty for quite a while, yet the liquid lipstick have never been on there to buy.

However, as soon as I read the email, I was straight on to their website and browsing through the 36 shades available, including the recently launched shades! As we all know, my signature shade is of course, a blue toned 1950s red and I had decided that this was what I was going to go for. The great thing about Anastasia is there is such a wide variety of colours available to suit everyone’s tastes and preferences, from popular nudes to unique lilacs and teal – they have it all!

Eventually, I had narrowed my choices down to either American Doll, described as a, “classic retro red” – basically my dream shade, right? Or Tulip, one of the new colours released which is a, “beet red.” Surprisingly, I decided to choose the latest lipstick released and went with my second choice, Tulip! I thought this red tone looked slightly more unique to my many other reds and ultimately, I definitely think I made the right decision. I’m happy to confirm that the lipstick looks exactly as photographed on the website and it is simply stunning.

At £20, these liquid lipsticks are in the mid to high price range, so sadly I won’t be able to buy one each week, but I know I’m fortunate to have one and yes, it will be cherished. However, as perfect as the product may be, I did have a slight annoyance with the delivery fee. Free shipping is available if you spend over £25 and as the lipstick is £20, chances are if you’re just buying one thing you will have to pay shipping. Of course, I completely understand that not all Brands offer this and that is fine, but having to pay £6.95 for standard shipping, stating 7 – 10 days for delivery is in my opinion, totally unacceptable. There is also an option to pay £10.95 to receive your items in 2 -3 business days.

I really wasn’t happy about paying for such an expensive delivery, so I decided to find the cheapest product available and purchase a pencil sharpener which was £6.00, so I would qualify for free shipping. When I can afford to purchase from Anastasia’s website again, I think I will actually buy two liquid lipsticks instead of one, that way I qualify for free shipping and basically get one of my products for £15. On a positive, my purchase arrived earlier than the date I was give and I was informed by one of my friends that even though I bought from their UK Website, all stock is shipped from the US – hence the high delivery fee.

Ultimately, it was definitely worth spending my money on this beautiful lipstick, the formula is without doubt one of the best liquid lipsticks I’ve used. It dries down matte within seconds, and I actually can’t feel any product on my lips – amazing! However, I do wish they lasted a bit longer, especially on the inside of my lips, although the rest of the lipstick does stay pretty well. There is no scent on the lipstick, which is completely fine with me, although I do usually enjoy the scents, I know not everyone does. The product is a great size and I’m pretty sure this will last me a long time, although it is my current favourite to wear so, I can’t promise anything! I really love the packaging, it is so simple but very elegant and definitely oozes class. One of the best things about Anastasia’s liquid lipsticks is believe it or not – the applicator! I’ve never actually seen one like this before, it’s an oval shape but very flat with a sponge texture, perfect for creating an iconic bold lip.

Overall, shipping aside, I adore this Brand and it definitely lives up to the popularity and hype it receives in the beauty world. The frugal woman inside of me wishes it was slightly cheaper but I can’t really complain when the product is such high quality. I hope to be able to purchase more liquid lipsticks in the future and eventually try out the iconic glow kits!

What’s your favourite Anastasia Beverly Hills product?

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Makeup Revolution London Atomic Lipstick in Dare.

If there’s one Makeup Brand which is currently outdoing itself lately it’s most definitely Makeup Revolution. Not only are their prices pretty damn amazing, but the quality of each product I’ve personally tried is truly exceptional. I’d go as far to say they rival quite a few major High End Brands!

As I’ve said before, when I’m fortunate enough to be able to visit a new City or Country, I try to see and experience all the new sights I can. However, being a huge makeup lover, one of the best things about shopping in a different place means new Brands and yes, maybe even a few, (not so old) favourites! Therefore, if you we’re thinking this was when Makeup Revolution would be returning to this post – you would be correct.

I think I can pretty much guarantee if you’re reading this, you probably love makeup as much as I do. Therefore, 99% of us have all experienced the dreaded moment when we open one of our beloved compacts and see the awful realization – it has completely smashed. With powder being one of my must have products, this was simply not acceptable and I had to find a replacement as soon as possible. Let’s be honest, no one wants the sweaty, foundation dripping look and when you’re in Barcelona and no longer have any powder – you know this is highly likely to happen.

However, fear not, the compact powder problem was soon sorted and in the process, yes you’re right, I did stumble across this beautiful lipstick – so ultimately there was a silver lining! I’ve said it once and we know I will continue to say it again and again, being the vintage girl I am, if I see a good red lipstick, it’s by a Brand I love and it’s a good price – you can definitely assume that I’m going to buy it.

I was pleasantly browsing through the makeup and stumbled across Makeup Revolution, knowing this Brand is available at home initially, I didn’t even think about buying something. Although, when I saw Dare and swatched it on my hand, I knew that assumption would quickly change. At under two euros – yes I’m being totally serious, I couldn’t miss up on such an incredible offer and quickly picked it up!

The lipstick is intensely pigmented, has a lovely soft creamy feel when applied and is very long lasting. We all know I’m a sucker for details and I love how the shade can be seen on the outer product. This is probably one of the cheapest lipsticks I own yet it’s one of the best quality – amazing right? If you’re a bit apprehensive about wearing a red shade then fear not, this colour is definitely an everyday rouge so great to start off with if you’re a red lipstick virgin.

Ultimately, the only downside I have is not even about the product itself! When finding the lipstick online to link in my review, I sadly cannot find this shade online to buy, which makes me think it’s either a new shade or has been discontinued. Once again, the glass is half full and there are three other red shades available, with the newest Ruby being the best dupe.

At just £1.00, you really can’t miss up on an offer like this, you could even buy all nine shades on Superdrug and this would still be cheaper than many high end lipsticks! On the other hand, a part of me wishes I’d not thought of that as I’m partially tempted to do that myself, oh dear.

The only constructive criticism I would give is I’d like to hope Makeup Revolution would release a few pink shades into the collection to add more versatility and options. Although saying that, there are many other lipsticks available from this Brand so I’m sure pink lovers can find their favourite shade!

I can definitely say that Makeup Revolution will continue to be one of my goto favourite Brands and in my heart I only wish I’d discovered it sooner! However, my Bank Account says otherwise – but that’s enough story!

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The Balm Cosmetics Meet Matt(e) Hughes Liquid Lipstick in Devoted.

As someone who has been obsessed with The Balm Cosmetics ever since discovering The Mary Lou Manizer Highlighter, it is with shock that I admit this is the first product I have ever owned from, let’s face it – basically my dream Makeup Brand!

The Balm is a must buy for any Vintage Girl out there – it’s up there with, Besamé and Benefit Cosmetics – beyond aesthetically appealing with it’s retro, old soul vibe and ultimately – authentic! Therefore, when I finally came to face to face with this beyond gorgeous brand for the first time, I simply had to purchase one of their beautiful products! Thanks to the modern world of technology, I had already discovered their beautiful liquid lipsticks and as this is my favourite beauty product, we all know which item I was going to buy.

After procrastinating between three shades; Devoted, Sentimental and Loyal – I decided to go with my first instinct and chose the original choice, Devoted. This colour is once again,  my signature favourite shade to wear which is a deep, vibrant, blue toned ruby red and I can one hundred percent confirm, this colour does not disappoint! This is the first time I have worn the lipstick and I can honestly say I will probably be applying this all week. The shade looks exactly as advertised and I feel like I’ve stepped out of a 1950s Technicolour Movie.

If you’re not really a red lipstick kinda girl,  you’ll be happy to know that The Balm have just released six, yes, six, (!) new liquid lipstick shades so you now have eighteen colours to choose from! Just promise me one thing, if you do end up buying them all then please, try not to blame me.

When applying the lipstick I noticed a unique mint scent coming from the product and honestly, it was quite refreshing to smell something different! Don’t get me wrong, I adore the sweet ingredients that are often used in lipsticks, but this fragrance further contributes to The Balm’s products standing out and being memorable. Plus, if you don’t like the mint aroma, there’s really no need to be put off from buying them, as it fades once it’s dried!

Furthermore, the packaging is so detailed and unique! I really appreciate when Brands take the time to not only make a good quality product but, also create something beautiful and classy, which you want to have pride of place on your Vanity Table. I think the majority of makeup lovers would agree that The Balm have truly outdone themselves with packaging and they definitely stand out from other Brands. I think the whole concept behind the product is so witty, very eye catching and most importantly – something different!

Cost wise, The Balm Cosmetics products are in the mid price range, with their liquid lipsticks being, £13.49 in stores and £14.99 online – strange, right? I’ve found that it’s usually the other way around, so I don’t really know why this is the case however, there is a silver lining! Superdrug currently have a 3 for 2 on a lot of their Brands in stores, (I’m not sure about online sadly) and The Balm is one of them, so remember that when you’re next browsing.

The only downside I can think of with The Balm Cosmetics is they are not stocked in every Superdrug, I’ve not yet to come across one in my hometown, (holds back the tears) so, if you’re someone who likes to buy beauty products in store only, this could be a problem. However, as I said previously, the products are just like advertised, so fear not! Debenhams also stock The Balm Cosmetics, so if you’re lucky your local store may have one and if not, it’s only a click away online.

I simply can’t emphasize enough how in love I am with this Brand, all of the products are so beautiful and are pretty much works of art and not just the liquid lipsticks – literally every single item! I can assure you when the sad day comes and my liquid lipstick runs out, I will most definitely be keeping the packaging and yes, maybe that’s too much, but for me? I think not. I may have waited years to finally own something from The Balm – but they most definitely met my dream expectations!

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MAC Ruby Woo Shadescents Lipstick.

For red lipstick lovers, Ruby Woo is without doubt known as the ultimate crimson shade to wear. It has been one of MAC’s best selling products for years and has celebrities like Dita Von Teese name it as one of her favourite colours to wear. As shocking as it sounds, I’ve never actually owned my own Ruby Woo, that is until now!

I knew that it was finally time I bought Ruby Woo when I saw that they were releasing a new Collection Called MAC Shadescents. Six of their most popular colours have been specially repackaged to shade-match each lipstick – with a unique perfume available too.

I absolutely adore the special packaging and design, it is just beautiful and MAC have truly outdone themselves. I know a lot of people like the simple, sleek original design of their lipsticks but I much prefer this, it’s so mesmerizing! I’m actually tempted to buy the other shades in the Shadescents Collection just to have more of these beautiful products, however I like to think that even I’m not that frivolous!

I really hate to say this, but one big downfall of the Shadescent Ruby Woo is that the finish is different to the original lipstick! I bought this thinking I’d be getting the iconic matte texture, but for some reason this special edition is a retro matte instead. As much as I’d love to embrace the retro format, being a huge vintage lover myself, I much prefer matte. I find the retro matte finish to be a lot harsher to apply and feel and look pretty drying. My friend actually has an original Ruby Woo and I swatched both on my hand, the colour slightly varied and hers was a lot more glossy than mine. I am honestly so disappointed that for whatever reason MAC felt the need to change the format for the special edition, why try and fix something when it’s already perfect?

In all fairness, I did contact MAC with my issue and they offered to send me a new one, but I’d have to give my Shadescents back to them, although I’m pretty sure you can’t resell lipstick? I decided against this as I’d rather be able to repurchase it in the store and make sure it’s a matte finish and not a retro matte. I have a lot of MAC lipsticks, I’m guessing around 20, so I’m a huge fan of the Brand, but this is definitely something I was ultimately pretty disappointed with.

To emphasize how much retro matte isn’t for me, I only have one other lipstick with this finish – Relentlessly Red, which ironically I purchased because of the texture! I’ve checked the other shades in the collection and as far as I’m aware they all match the original finishes, it’s just Ruby Woo that was changed for some strange reason.

Ultimately, I’m pretty happy to have this in my collection, simply because it is extra beautiful with the special packaging. Who knows, maybe the retro matte format will grow on me the more I try and get used to it? Ironically enough, after wearing it again for this post today, I did actually quite like the retro matte texture! But I do definitely recommend putting on a good few layers with a lipstick brush first as like I said before, I found it to be quite harsh to apply without. I’ve noticed that I do seem to use a lot more product with a retro matte finish lipstick, compared to the matte textures.

Overall I have not lost faith in MAC, I just like to be as honest and authentic to others as I can be. I wouldn’t want others to buy the Shadescents Ruby Woo for the packaging and get a different format like I did. I love the colour and I’ll just make sure I purchase  the original whenever I can.

All I have to say to MAC is, if it’s not broke – don’t fix it!

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MAC So Good For You Nutcracker Sweet Lipstick.

As soon as I saw the Christmas Collection MAC were releasing  entitled Nutcracker Sweet, I knew that I simply had to have one of the lipsticks. Ironically enough my mum loved one of the shades and bought Saucy Little Darling, (I will review this one at some point also) so ultimately, I ended up with two out of the five! Sadly, that lipstick and the other three shades are now no longer available on MAC’s website – however, my favourite out of the five and the one I’m reviewing – So Good For You, is still available! What’s even better is it’s also reduced to just £11.50 compared to the usual £17.50, which is a couple of pounds higher because of it being a limited edition.

So Good For You is described as an, “intense cool red” with a matte finish. The term cool red simply means that the shade is a blue tone which is usually suited to paler skin tones compared to a orange shade which often compliments warmer tones. If you’ve been reading my blog posts for a while then you’ll definitely know how much I love red lipsticks and this one definitely passes the test! It’s so vibrant and bold with an almost cherry red pinkish undertone, simply timeless! I must add, the colour on the website looks significantly different to the actual shade as you will see by my photos and their website picture. It looks so warm, almost an orange neon red online and it most definitely is not that shade.

The packaging is ever so beautiful and of course I will be keeping the box as well – I can’t throw away something that pretty! The pink, purple and gold shades are eye catching, vibrant and compliment each other perfectly. As I’ve said before, this collection is definitely my favourite that MAC have released so far and I honestly don’t know how they can improve on their designing, but I’m sure I’ll eat my words when the next one comes out!


As with all MAC products I have tried, the lipstick is a quality formula and lasts all day, only wearing slightly on the edges of my lips from eating – so I can’t really complain! Also, the matte finish is so creamy and doesn’t dry or feel unpleasant to wear, it stays looking presentable and in place. Even now, as I’m writing this twelve hours later you can still make out the overall shade left on my lips – that’s pretty good going if you ask me!

If you’re a red lipstick lover like myself then I would definitely hurry over to MAC and pick up So Good For You before it’s no longer available! I’m even tempted to buy another one as I hate to think about it running out and no longer having one in my makeup collection. The great thing about the Nutcracker Sweet products is that the shades are simply timeless and can be worn all year around, they’re not just specifically wearable for the Holiday Season!

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Bésame Cosmetics Classic Colour Lipstick in Red Hot Red.

As soon as I discovered Bésame Cosmetics, I realized my dream Brand had been created and if you’re a vintage lover like myself – then I’m sure you’ll feel the same too. Bésame’s products are all inspired from actual vintage makeup which existed in the 1920s up to the 1960s and the packaging is also replicated to perfection. The historical research and dedication that has been used in creating all of the products is  absolutely astounding and from lipstick to face powder they are each a work of art. Not only that, the brand is also cruelty free, which is just wonderful.

Therefore, when I discovered that Bésame was now being stocked on the UK website, cultbeauty, I knew that I had to add this amazing brand to my ever growing makeup collection. When I was looking through their lipsticks, I noticed each shade was named after a year, inspired by the shades released around that time, something so unique and such a wonderful idea. I was instantly drawn to, “1959 Red Hot Red” a lipstick which just so happened to be inspired by my absolute favourite – Marilyn!


This shade is described online as a, “bold, brazen warm red” and I would definitely agree with that statement. However, looking through the inspiration for this shade – photos of Marilyn in Some Like It Hot (1959) – I noticed that she continued to wear her cold blue tone reds which complimented her fair skin. Although, on some pictures the shade did look slightly warmer and as the film is in black and white, I’m only basing my opinion colour photos.


Ultimately, I’m very happy to have this shade in my collection as it is the only Marilyn, “inspired” lipstick so far, but I feel it doesn’t suit me as well as cooler toned reds. However, I still absolutely love the colour, you really can’t go wrong with a bold red. I think if I could choose another shade to buy it would definitely be, “1945 American Beauty” which is described as a, “cool berry red” although the shade looks slightly darker on the swatch photo. However, I’ve seen the lipstick on Pin Up Blogger Ashlyn Coco  and it looks so beautiful on her, so it most definitely has my approval and is on my to buy list!

As I previously mentioned, the packaging for each lipstick is simply beyond beautiful, it’s chic, timeless and effortlessly glamorous. Their products are without doubt some of the most aesthetically pleasing available and so unique and committed to continuing the vintage style. Furthermore, the lipsticks are even created like the classic products from the Golden Age of Hollywood and the tip is perfect for applying the perfect cupids bow shaped lip. Not only is the lipstick an absolute dream for your eyes, just as much precision and design has gone into the making of the box. It truly feels like I own an authentic vintage lipstick and for a retro girl at heart – it’s absolutely wonderful!

The matte finish is long lasting and very pigmented so not a lot of product is needed to created your perfect pout. However, what harm can an extra layer do, right? After all, you can never have enough lipstick! Also, as red was the most popular shade in the vintage era, the majority of the lipsticks in the collection are different shades of, you guessed it -red! As a modern day vintage lover, Bésame is definitely the brand for me! Not to worry though, there are a few pink, plum and darker shades available – but ultimately not a huge variety of colours, apart from red. Therefore, if you’re after wild stand out neon shades, then these probably aren’t the lipsticks for you.

At £18 each, these lipsticks are in the mid to high end brand range, so if you’re not as passionate about vintage and makeup like I am, then you can probably live without buying one as there are lots of amazing red lipsticks for much more affordable prices. However, if you’re after a quality, long lasting, incredibly aesthetically pleasing lipstick – then Bésame is a must add to the collection! I look forward to trying all of their other products at some point and I must say, it’s so refreshing how quite a few brands are being inspired by the vintage look! Soap and Glory, Benefit, The Balm – I could go on! It just goes to show how timeless and iconic Classic Hollywood is and if it’s not broke – don’t fix it.

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meganowen.xo@live.co.uk