Red Lipstick overview - My pride possessions (and obession)

I've been contemplating on how to do this post.... the thing is I miss the timing of making the post.
I wish I had done this sooner, now that my lipstick 'collection' has grown a lot it's kinda pressured to be doing a lipstick collection post... it was suppost to be a continuation from the First post  which I made about red lipstick... but then again I just made a review on my first red lipstick just a few months ago... lol

Nevertheless.... I thought this overview might be the first steps to get into posting about my lipstick, which I should since they're like what I crazy most. I might go crazy about an eyeshadow, but I go serious lunatic when it comes to lipstick.

So first of all these are my lips makeup 'tray/drawer'.

Lips makeup: Top Left- Lipliner and primer, Top Right- Lipgloss/stain/cream, Bottom Left: Red/Dark lipstick , Bottom Right: Neutral/Nudes

Obviously I have more reds and deeps compare to nudes neutrals, I just prefer them and they just sit more nicely on my lips.

So for this post I will comment a bit on my 'ultimate' red lipsticks and a few other red lipsticks, hopefully I continue on to other type of red or deep lipstick, my neutral/nudes and even my lipliner. I will definitely try to post individual review as well from time to time, maybe doing this post will remind me to wear these lovely lipstick more.

Lipstick and swatch accordingly

Order of lipstick and swatch (from left):
Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet #39 La Somptueuse
Nars Semi Matte in Fire Down Below
Revlon Matte in Really Red
Topshop Lips in Hazard
MAC Lipstick in Russian Red
MAC Pro Long-wear Lipcreme in Prolong

Order of swatch (from left): Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet #39 La Somptueuse, Nars Fire Down Below, Revlon Matte Really Red, Topshop Lips Hazard, MAC Russian Red, MAC Pro Longwear Lipcreme Prolong

So first of all my ultimate red lipstick would be the Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in La Somptueuse and NARS Semi Matte Lipstick in Fire Down Below. I just love these two that I still kept them in the their outer package. These are the two lipsticks which give me the feel of luxurious especially the Chanel one, and this Chanel one is the most expensive lipstick I ever bought and followed by the Nars one. Because of the price it explains why I didn't wear them much, thus have not reviewed them yet until now... hehe *excuses*

Nars Semi Matte and Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet

Ultimate favourite reds - Left: Fire Down Below (NARS), Right: La Somptueuse (Chanel)

La Somptueuse is a deep warm red, which I can't really describe exactly how, it seems warm, muted, deep intense red, but it's not really a brick red and it's not really a burgundy, it's not bright but it's not really dark, it's really the right balance. I can wear this freely day and night without any adjustment needed. It last long and leave a flattering stain.. The formula is really good, despite being matte, it feels light and not crayon-like which is the usual for matte lipstick. I felt like nothing is on, but it's there and very pigmented.

This is quite new, my first Nars lipstick. From the swatch you can see how similar Fire Down Below is to La Somptueuse, it's really by an accident. I guess, I just drawn to these types of colour, and my friend like tease how my lipstick colour give that 'gothic' vibe... lol... I'm flattered hahaha!. This give that deep intense warm red lips, but by comparison this is more warm or browner than La Somptueuse. It's a semi-matte so again it's not really flat matte and it's texture is not really thick, but still very pigmented.

From left: MAC Pro Longwear Lipcreme in Prolong, Topshop Lips in Hazard, MAC Lipstick in Russian Red, Revlon Matte in Really Red.

Now to the other reds.

I was very disappointed when I first got the MAC Pro Longwear Lipcreme in Prolong, I thought it was at least a neutral red and could be my ultimate red lipstick since it's in a longwear formula... but it's actually a very blue red and it's quite loud *like MAC amplified cream formula*. That time I didn't really appreciate blue reds but I opened my mind now. I love how this look great in the summer when I took it to my last summer trip to Seoul.

Topshop Lips in Hazard is definitely something I buy influenced by this beauty youtuber Barbara, The Persianbabe.  It's not expensive so I don't have to think much when I bought it. It'a a neutral red and look more warm on me, although Revlon Matte Really Red would be warmer. This is more creamy than matte, but after you pat with tissue, it still give that 'matte' look. This is easier to wear since it's more creamy and I love the stain it leaves.

MAC lipstick in Russian Red is the latest addition, and I just love it for being the iconic red lipstick. Although I was hoping it is more warm. Again it's a blue red but not as 'blue' as the MAC's Prolong. I love that it's matte but not as drying as Revlon's Really Red. The shade is quite intense deep, but not really if you are dark. I probably will love this in the summer as I  did with MAC's Prolong.

I think I have mention this Revlon Matte Lipstick in Really Red before, so you guys can check out my proper review on this. On me it looks most warm compare to the other 3 reds.

As time goes by, I had tried out a lot more lipstick and I started to open my mind about lipstick especially the reds and deeps. Wearing red or deep coloured lipstick does need some attitude (confident), you can make it 'effortless' and classy if you more of a easy-going lay-back style *like me* or you can go for that 'I'm Fierce!'  or rebellious attitude. It's always hard to start trying them at first especially those with fairer skintone, but you just have to go for it. Maybe some *even your friends* might point out to you, you feel embarrass and it's annoying bla bla bla... but as long as you remember it's just makeup, it shouldn't bugged you much. If it doesn't work, maybe you're just not into reds and deeps, it's not meant to be, no big deal, lol. 

I will post another overview on the other deeps and reds I have and hopefully starting to review this lipsticks, which mean, I should also start to wear them out more often! *I'm so glad it's summer!*

Looks: Inspired by Dolce Gabbana Spring Summer 2013

I like Dolce Gabbana collection for Spring Summer 2013, it's quite bohemian, classy and colourful, at the same time very earthy. Since there's lot of colours, I can see how Pat McGrath opt for neutral palette for the makeup. I think most Dolce Gabbana makeup base on neutral colour with some alluring cat eyes. Pat McGrath describe the look as "Sicily-an holiday - sunny beautiful Sicilian faces"

So it's been a while since I post a look on myself, to be honest there's nothing much 'too' interesting in this look, but I was just playing around with makeup after a long while I have restrained myself because of exams week, so I thought I should just post this up.

The makeup used for this look

This is what I come up with:-

A little disclaimer here: Please excuse the quite over the top photoshopping, I basically  just 'glowing' lol... but I didn't expect that today is not sunny enough and my trashy BB camera couldn't pick up enough light. But hopefully it still give an idea of the look.

I list down exactly what I used and plus if there's any different from Pat's actual Dolce Gabbana look. As far as I know, she used Dolce Gabbana Makeup. You can get more information here.

Face makeup:

Vichy Dermablend Fluid Corrective Foundation 16 hr in 45 Gold
Clinique Superbalanced Makeup in Wheat
I mix the Vichy with a bit of the Clinique as it is a tad bit too light for me.
The Bodyshop Concealer Crayon in 05 to conceal any blemishes, under eyes and redness
MAC Mineralized Skinfinish Natural in Medium Dark and MAC Blot Powder in Medium Dark as well to set the base.
Since Clinique Superbalanced Makeup in Wheat is quite dark I used as base contour on hollow of my cheeks, side of nose, side of forehead.
I set the contour with MAC Mineralized Skinfinish Natural in Deep Dark and further contour on my jaw and kind 'connect' side of the nose to the brow and follow through the socket.
For blush I used MAC Bronzing Powder in Bronze on the cheeks and I highlight the top of the cheekbones and my nose bridge with MAC Mineralize Skin in Soft & Gentle.
In Pat McGrath's version, she put more blush than I did, and she didn't mention any highlighter, but most important and obvious she also put bronzer on the the browbone as well. 

Eyes:

MAC Paint Pot in Painterly on top lid only, and a wash of the Revlon Matte in Vintage lace over it.

On the socket, a bit of MAC Eyeshadow in Cork.

MAC Fluidline in Blitz and Glitz (the only gel liner I have), to make a quite thin, a bit elongated and flicked slightly upward. 

No 7 Metallic Eye Pencil in Bronze in the waterline. 

MAC Zoom lashes mascara on top lashes.

Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil in Black Brown and set with The Bodyshop Brow Gel.

In Pat's version, she had a white wash on the top lid and this was more obvious than me. And I just realized she used a black inside the eye, when I thought it was something metallic brown *silly me*, although I really like the effect. 

(My undereye is a bit dark because I messed up a bit and I removed it including the concealer, and I didn't bother to put back some concealer, hehe.)

Lips:

MAC Lipliner in Spice all over the lips to get that almost peachy nude lips.

Top with mix of Revlon Colorburst in Sienna with Rimmel Apocalips in Nude Eclipse.

OOTDs #7 - I've been wearing these in the past ...

I was definitely diggin' this combo, the jumper and the oversized coat and some lace leather shoes.
I was attached to that jumper... I got it from New Look long ago.

When it was still cold

Topshop Jamie Jeans in Vintage Blue
Clarks Suede lace up boots
Vera Moda Black oversized coat "Audrey Jacket"

Sunny but still cold.

Clarks Tan Lace Brogues

I got this fabulous Vero Moda coat from Asos, it was on sale (I got for less than 40 quids). 

Very cozy and stylish... I wish I had it sooner...

Finally a proper black coat... although it's summer already... lol

Can't wait to take this out again in next autumn winter.

And when it got hotter...

I just turn to Topshop Army Jacket.

Topshop Black Jamie Jeans

Review: The Bodyshop Vitamin E Sink-In Moisture Mask ~ another dissapointment...

I never seem to learn my lesson ... again Bodyshop's mask dissapoint me.... this time with their Vitamin E  Sink-In Moisture Mask.  The Vitamin E range from The Bodyshop caters almost all group age and suits most skin types. Even among my friends this range has its popularity. I had to blame myself for finding reason to spend money through this... *erghhhh endless regrets*.

At first, looking into the reviews it sounds convincing, some even use this a face cream.... *which I would never ever recommend... it's not even a sleeping mask.

THE BODYSHOP Vitamin E Sink-in Mask - GBP 12.00

So where do I even begin???
From The Bodyshop 
"Sink some antioxidant Vitamin E into your skin. Bring skin back to optimum moisture level with this intensely hydrating mask."

There some degree of truth there... in terms that it does make my face hydrated.
I wear this mask after exfoliating and I remove it after a while with a wet/damp towel....
what I hate about it is the after feeling...
I always feel there still some residue on my face... and I don't want to keep on wiping my face with the towel as this is not good for skin, especially since I just exfoliated. So I hate that... it's uncomfortable.

The texture is like 'lumpy' cream... kind of like yogurt or milk that gone bad. It was alright, light and does not feel weirdly greasy or oily... despite that, I still feel like it left residues... hmmmm

Then when I pay more attention I realize it does stings when you wear it... I'm not sure if this is my skin or is it the product itself, but I don't have this same sensation from my other mask.
In the end, just like the previous mask I used this as body product... sometimes I use it like a mask, and sometimes like a body butter.... this doesn't change my impression towards this product.

I just want to pray that I would not fall prey to The Bodyshop mask anymore!

Overall: 1.0 /5.0

Empties #2

Finally finish my examination, seriously hope it's going to be ok....Since I've had hard time last year, checking exam's result is the most nerve-racking thing to do.... *and I have to do it ... errgggg ~~*

Oh well, since I finally got out from the cycle of intense revision and exams... it's finally summer break and I definitely doing my blog justice this holiday.

I'm just going with a post on Empties or finished product and those related...

I've been putting these in an empty Eason bag and can't wait to throw it after I post this up. 

I meant to post this earlier but just to find the time to take pictures of empty bottles... lol.. then again actually it doesn't take that much time. So here is it.

Empties #2

Origins A Perfect World Cleanser, Nivea Firming Body Lotion, Avene Thermal Spring Water, Origins A Perfect World treatment lotion

Origins A Perfect World Anti-oxidant Cleanser

This would be a new convert since I've been using Neutrogena gel cleanser for a very long time and my first premium face cleanser *quite expensive*. I thought I pick this up to add on to my Origins A Perfect skincare regimen and my I couldn't find the Neutrogena Cleanser I want. My housemate has used the Origins Checks and Balances and she seems to like it, so I'm convinced it's a good cleanser. So yes, it is actually a decent cleanser that lather up into a white foam. However I was influenced by a few beauty blogger/vlogger ( Chelsea and Caroline) about how foaming cleanser is not so good for your skin (quite drying) and soon a fter that I started to feel that the cleanser make me feel dry, hahaa! Although I would said it's not so drying compare to other foaming cleanser, so after finishing this I would again venture to  good gel cleanser, not going to repurchase this.

Nivea Firming Body Lotion

Okay, I'm not big on body lotion even  body care in general. I know's important but there aren't a lot going on compare to my face. But then I always believe it's important to have a decent body lotion. So I got this just because it's cheap *not thaattt cheap* and Nivea is good brand and I have used them before. This lotion is okay, nothing really interesting and has that typical Nivea smell *if you use Nivea, you would know* of body lotion *chemical milky kind of refreshing smell*. It has Q10, very common in firming & anti-ageing stuff. But overall I'm not so crazy to want to repurchase this and there's a lot of free body lotion I have to get through first.

Avene Thermal Spring Water

This is one of those things you feel unnecessary that you just chuck it away a drawer but then at crucial times it just become handy to have. This is the only facial spray I had tried and like I say just now, it's unnecessary but it's convenient to have *that's why I bought the small bottle*. I use this if I have to freshen up which is very rare and.... *krik krik* Then if I'm too lazy or late that I would not spend a mere 30 seconds to apply my regular toner with cotton pad, I just spray this ... voila! Oh and sometimes I would use this instead of my toner if I was doing any exfoliating/mask treatment just because I thought I would lessen the skincare ingredient on my face, you know when you feel you would overload my face with many treatment at once, and this literally don't have much ingredient *I think it's only spring water*. Other than that it's cheap and I definitely will repurchase it, this time in bigger bottle.

Origins A Perfect World Treatment Lotion

This would be my regular toner and I don't think I have any plan to stray away from this. From all the toners I tried this is the best I've tried, it's moisturizing, smell's good and it makes my cream went on better. I believe my skin works better with my Origins serum and cream since I started use this, more obvious changes. But I just had to say it, it's quite expensive *standard for a premium skincare*, but I'm willing to spend an extra money on this. Well, I know there's more expensive toner out there.

Clinique High Impact Mascara, Collection 2000 Longer Lash, 17 Clear Definition

Clinique High Impact Mascara in Black

I just love this mascara and this is just a sample tube. I thought I don't want to include samples in this post but this was happen to be there and I have to admit it's a generous sample tube. I did a first impression post on this *which I usually do for free sample* and do check it out. Not going to bable a lot on this since it might be just repeating stuff so do check out the post.

Collection 2000 Longer Lash in Black

Another tube of mascara and this is so far lame compare to the Clinique High Impact. But good news is, it's cheap as dirt. It was less than five or four quids I think. The only reason I bought this is because I want to have extra mascara if I'm doing makeup on other people and I had purchase the disposables mascara wands. wooooooo *makeup artist wannabe! LOL* So it's says waterproof and longer lash, I thought, oh what could go wrong and just got it. I was not impressed at all, and it was dried and almost solidified and when I put it on, it was still okay and decent but it does leave like black 'crumbs' *bare me with my explanation* on my lower lid. Messy. Not sure if it's just my bad luck getting dried one or what but I definitely not going to repurchase it.

17 Clear Definition

So another venture into trying something cheaper, clear mascara/browgel. Previously, I used the Bodyshop because I couldn't find any clear mascara/brow gel in the pharmacies back in Malaysia and premium makeup was quite expensive for me. Looking through the reviews online a lot says that it's overpriced for what it is and I started to agree thus I try this. Again, another failure! Cheap as dirt. It was so watery and don't think it really tame my brows, I might as well just use water.

Silkygirl Long-Wearing Lipliner in Nude, MAC Penultimate Eye Liner in Rapidblack, Nivea Lip Care Repair & Protect

Silkygirl Long-Wearing Lipliner in Nude
This was the first lipliner I tried and I really enjoyed using it. It's just a pink nude which just brightens my lip a bit. Quite creamy... but still drying. In the old days when I just started using makeup, this was fine and I enjoy the matte look that it gives me. Since I'm into high end stuff now and I have a lot lipliners and I have more demand of what I'm looking for in a lip product, I'm not going to repurchase this.


MAC Penultimate Eye Liner in Rapidblack
I got this as part the Packed to Go 3 Black Eyeliner, genuinely for the price which save you more than just buying it separately. First of all this is my first felt tip eyeliner and I'm not really into it because I just afraid it dry easily. Fromm what I read on the internet, most people didn't like it, not bold and as pigmented as it expected to be,which I agree. Although from the use of this I do acknowledge the ease of using a felt tip, that after I got rid of this and goes back to my gel liner, I had some difficulty since I'm so used to the felt tip. Despite the lack of of pigment, I still feel does last well  and set well as well. I definitely not gonna get this one anymore, if I'm thinking of getting a felt tip probably I will try another brand. Although I want to finish my gel liner first. *I'm not really an avid black liner wearer to be honest, but maybe I will do more this summer*

Nivea Lip Care Repair & Protect
This has been my go to lipbalm, it just simple standard lipbalm, nothing too fancy. Although I believe this one is more superior to other Nivea lip balm or even most lip balm I ever tried. It got SPF and repair feature which is really my kind of lipbalm. Since I started using Elizabeth Arden Hour Cream I had changed this into my day lipbalm. The only thing was that I prefer it's in a pot instead of a tube, because I like to use my finger to dab lipbalm instead of just put it on straight *when I'm on a go*. This is mostly because I don't want to ruin my lipstick and I' just lazy to redo my lips, especially when I'm wearing bold lipstick.