Lipstick Limit, Part 2

I acknowledge the rational part of my brain stopped functioning long ago on matters relating to makeup, but how I ended up buying 4 of the new Maybelline ColorSensational Vivids lipsticks escapes me. When I first saw swatches on Tram's blog, I was comforted by the fact no particular shade was calling out to me to immediately rush out to buy. I felt like I already had a lot of the colours in my existing lipstick collection. I convinced myself that I didn't need any of them. That I'd exercise restraint. But then gradually, they began popping up on the blogs I frequent. They looked so pigmented and bright. YouTubers were talking about them. I swatched them at Priceline to see what the fuss was about. They started looking awfully tempting.

l-r: Pink Pop, Fuchsia Flash, Hot Plum, Shocking Coral

l-r (top row, then bottom row): Pink Pop, Fuchsia Flash, Shocking Coral, Hot Plum

l-r: Maybelline Pink Pop, Australis Lick the Icing

I thought Pink Pop would be very similar to Australis Lick the Icing, but it's considerably warmer and darker, which makes it a lot more wearable. It's still a theoretically unflattering shade, but one that I was hopelessly drawn to. I probably wouldn't apply multiple layers straight from the tube as it can look jarring against my yellow-toned complexion, but I like this sheered out for a cool, pale but bright purplish-pink. This one has a silver pearl to it that I didn't even notice until I took off the lipstick and saw a load of shimmer left on my lips.

l-r: Maybelline Fuchsia Flash, Revlon Lollipop, Innoxa Pink Peony, MAC Chatterbox, MAC Viva Glam Nicki

Fuchsia Flash was the one shade that I felt I didn't have any dupes of in my collection. Surprisingly, Innoxa Pink Peony is quite close, though more pink and a touch darker. It's also more matte in texture. I keep forgetting I have this lipstick given how opaque and intensely pigmented it is — I really should show it more love. Revlon Lip Butter in Lollipop is a lot darker, nowhere near as bright and more purple with silver shimmer. Both MAC Chatterbox and Viva Glam Nicki are far more pink.

l-r: Maybelline Shocking Coral, Sportsgirl Fruit Tingle, Sportsgirl Rosie Posie, Revlon Melonade,

  Maybelline Mango Diamonds, Maybelline Coral Crush

Shocking Coral looked so pretty when swatched, though I was hesitant to buy it because of how many orangey-pinky-coral lipsticks I have already. It's closest to Sportsgirl Rosie Posie, though Rosie Posie is matte in texture and slightly more muted. Still, pretty damn similar. Sportsgirl Fruit Tingle, Revlon Melonade and Maybelline Mango Diamonds are all more orange, rather than pinky-red like Shocking Coral. Maybelline Coral Crush is darker and more orange-red, not as pink.

l-r: Maybelline Hot Plum, Revlon Smitten, Revlon Raspberry Pie, Australis Limited Edition 1, 

Lime Crime Airborne Unicorn

I was tossing up between Hot Plum and Vivid Rose, but since I'm on a purple/deep berry lipstick kick at the moment, I had to go with Hot Plum. It's very similar to Fuchsia Flash — they're basically the same colour but Hot Plum is a bit darker and a smidgen more purple. It's closest to Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Smitten, a shade I recently purchased during said "purple lipstick kick". Revlon Lip Butter in Raspberry Pie is darker, more of a berry red. Australis Limited Edition 1 is a dark grape. Lime Crime Airborne Unicorn is a cool-toned violet and clearly nothing like the previous shades, though it's so nifty to layer on top of any pink lipstick to make it instantly more purple. Hot Plum stains like crazy, which could be a good or bad thing, depending on what you're after.

l-r (top row, then bottom row): Pink Pop, Fuchsia Flash, Shocking Coral, Hot Plum

The only shade that I think is a standout from this range is Fuchsia Flash. The rest I probably could've done without, but being devoid of self-discipline, they're now the newest additions to my already out of control lipstick collection. Still, being relatively affordable (especially if you manage to get them on sale) "drugstore" lipsticks, they are impressive. I love how truly bright and saturated in colour they are. I've always favoured Revlon lipsticks, but Maybelline have really stepped up their game with this launch.

All Day Shimmer

After looking through my matte eyeshadows, I felt I needed to balance things out and feature my favourite and most used shimmery eyeshadows. The majority of the shades I picked are neutral eyeshadows that I reach for in the mornings to apply over the lid. I usually opt for a second darker colour (a deeper bronze, purple or green) that I place along the upper lash line and blend out slightly for more definition. I haven't included any of those darker shades here, though they would certainly be among my most beloved eyeshadows (namely, the bronze from the Sleek Storm palette). I've also confined the list to powder eyeshadows, even though two cream shadows (Maybelline Bad to the Bronze and Essence Pas Des Copper) are absolute staples.

Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Trio in Silent Treatment (Eyelid shade)
I almost much never touch the other two shades in this trio because they just don't hold a candle to the Eyelid colour. This is a very wearable purplish taupe that isn't too cool, grey or silvery. It takes 2-3 layers for full pigmentation as it can apply a little on the light side initially. It has more of a soft sheen and isn't overwhelmingly shimmery or frosty. I usually pair this with a darker purple (lately, the right side of the L'Oréal HiP Metallic Shadow Duo in Electrified).

Laura Mercier African Violet (from the Lingerie Eye & Cheek Palette)
There's a reason why African Violet seems constant in every Laura Mercier eyeshadow palette release. Nothing that I have in my whole collection comes close to it. It's a warm pinkish-purple infused with the most beautiful coppery-gold shimmer. The glimmering finish and chameleonic quality of this shade makes it truly special. It could easily be too much and appear overly glittery, but it's sophisticated and surprisingly wearable for the daytime. Goes really well with a matte brown (I like Rich Cocoa from the same palette).

Revlon Luxurious Color Satin Eyeshadow in Polished Bronze
Brown and bronze shades are my default choice because they're easy to wear and go with anything. Polished Bronze is one of those ever-reliable colours that I reach for constantly. It might not be the most unique shade, but it's exactly what I'm after when looking for an everyday bronze that's a complete no-brainer. Not too dark, not too metallic, not too cool or grey, or overly warm/copper. Just right.

Revlon CustomEyes Shadow & Liner in Naturally Glamorous (fourth shade)
This is similar to Polished Bronze but quite a bit darker and a touch warmer, so it's better as an all-over lid colour when I can't be bothered to add more depth with a separate, darker shade. I find it a bit too dark for the day time unless I apply it lightly and blend well to soften the edges and sheer out the colour. It's nicely pigmented and the texture is smooth, soft and not at all crumbly or powdery. On the downside, the packaging seems flimsy as the hinge of my palette recently shattered.

Urban Decay YDK (from the Naked2 palette)
Honestly, YDK is ridiculous. So pigmented and stunningly metallic. It's a treasure in my collection. Just a light swipe is all you need for intense colour payoff. It's almost too shimmery for the daytime, but that hasn't stopped me. It's a copper-tinged, frosty bronze that I usually pair with Busted from the same palette.

Urban Decay Toasted (from the Naked palette)
Such a good eyeshadow staple. Sometimes I forget how amazing both Naked palettes are, as I haven't been reaching for them lately. Along with Smog, Darkhorse and Hustle, Toasted is my most used shade from the original Naked palette. I usually wear Smog with Darkhorse, and Toasted with Hustle. I think I marginally prefer Toasted to Smog, as the warm, slightly pinkish bronze is more neutral and wearable than Smog, which is darker and a little more antique in tone. Although metallic, there's a softness to it and it's not at all frosty.

Maybelline ExpertWear Eye Shadow in Rock Icon (Crease shade)
I had to include a green, because along with purple and bronze, it's one of my favourite colours. Green complements brown eyes and goldish olive/khaki shades are an accessible way to venture into colour while still remaining relatively neutral. I used to wear the crease shade in Rock Icon pretty often, but have neglected it for a while. I do have similar colours that I reach for now and then or were once on high rotation, including L'Oréal Infallible eyeshadow in Bronze Goddess and the fourth shade in the Revlon Illuminance Creme Shadow palette in Khaki Suede. The shadows in this quad might not be the best quality, but the crease shade is decently pigmented (moreso than the lid and browbone), and with a primer, they hold up fairly well.

l-r: Wet n Wild Silent Treatment (Eyelid), Laura Mercier African Violet, Revlon Polished Bronze, Revlon Naturally Glamorous (fourth shade), Urban Decay YDK, Urban Decay Toasted, Maybelline Rock Icon (Crease)

l-r: Wet n Wild Silent Treatment (Eyelid shade), Laura Mercier African Violet, 

Revlon Polished Bronze, Revlon Naturally Glamorous (fourth shade)

l-r: Urban Decay YDK, Urban Decay Toasted, Maybelline Rock Icon (Crease shade)

Rockin' Rose Gold

There was a period when I was obsessed with finding the perfect rose gold polish. I decided Orly Rage was the shade to hunt for after trying out a range of unsatisfactory metallic/foil substitutes that didn't have any rose gold in them (Revlon Crème Brûlée, Chi Chi Go Go Girl, Ulta3 Envy). But even Rage fell short of my expectations. I still found it too frosty and more bronze than rose gold. Why was it impossible to find a polish that resembled rose gold? I decided it was an impossible task and let it go. But as I was casually browsing the shops the other day, I stumbled across a polish that reminded me of my abandoned quest: Sportsgirl Rose Gold. Not the most imaginative name, but at least it's no secret what they were aiming for.

Two coats of Orly Rage with three coats of Sportsgirl Rose Gold. That's what I'm talking 'bout. I never thought I'd stumble across a polish that was so intensely, blindingly rose gold. It's anything but subtle. The rose gold is very pronounced and almost borders on copper. It's probably a touch too orange rather than paler and more pink, but I find it more fitting with how loud and dazzling the polish is overall.

Rose Gold is basically densely packed, small hexagonal glitter in a clear base. I think a foil polish like Orly Rage is necessary as a base for a much more even, complete look than if the glitter were layered on its own. Rage in comparison is cooler, more subdued and not as copper in colour, which makes it the ideal backdrop for the glitzier, darker and more orange Rose Gold. This dries a little coarser than other glitters, especially the tips of the nails, so I filed mine down slightly for a smoother edge. Blinged up nails might not be appropriate for all occasions, but are consistently my go-to choice for a party, going out or weekend look.

March Favourites

As the song goes, two is better than one, and March has been about combinations. I've come to appreciate the value in mixing and layering individual eyeshadows, lipstick and nail polishes to produce different shades and effects. Certain products you barely use on their own could transform into exactly what you were after when put together. All it takes it a little experimentation and a good look at what you already have. I've also been loving two particular scents and the added functionality of a pump to my existing favourite foundation.

OPI Lights of Emerald City
You know when you persevere with a nail polish after two failed attempts, it must be something special. I wore this happily for most of March, including a stretch of a whole week before it started to peel, which is saying a lot since I usually get fed up of a nail polish after 1-2 days. Pairs perfectly with Revlon Pale Cashmere, though Sally Hansen Insta-Dri is a must in the process as the application is admittedly tedious.

Lush Twilight Shower Gel (Limited Edition)
This has become one of my favourite shower gels, except I only have this tiny 100g bottle to last me until the next time they sell it, if they ever do. It contains lavender flower infusion, lavender oil, benzoin resinoid, tonka absolute and ylang ylang oil. The scent is mainly sweet, a little woody with a touch of spice. It's warm, relaxing and enveloping, and best of all, the fragrance lasts on your skin after you get out of the shower. So annoyed I didn't pick up a bigger bottle at 50% off during the post-Christmas sales.

Too Faced Like a Virgin (Naked Eye palette) + Revlon Illuminance Crème Shadow in Wild Orchids (701)
Earlier in the month I dabbled in mattes, but my most worn eyeshadow these past couple of weeks has actually been a combination of a matte powder eyeshadow and a shimmery cream. I've been applying as a base the second shade from the Revlon Illuminance Crème Shadow in Wild Orchids, a sheer, cool violet with silvery-gold shimmer, then layering Too Faced Like a Virgin from the Naked Eye palette over it. The pairing reminds me of a darker, cooler, more purple-grey version of Laura Mercier African Violet. The lighter, shimmery base adds more warmth and depth to Like a Virgin, which can be too dark and grey on its own.

Kai Perfume Oil
Still obsessed. All other fragrances pale in comparison. I just haven't been interested in anything else. If I'm rushing out the door, I don't need to worry about selecting a perfume that I wouldn't mind spritzing on as I know I have this in my purse that I'll actually look forward to dabbing on my wrists.

BYS Longwear Lipstick in Beautifully Bare (L211) + Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Ginger Rose (131)
Another combination that I stumbled upon in March. I was re-watching My Everyday Makeup Tutorial from Jenn Im of clothesencounters and loved her lip colour in that video (Wet n Wild Bare It All). Not having that exact shade, I wanted to recreate something similar from my lipstick collection. I first tried on BYS Beautifully Bare, but it was too nude and didn't have the soft, natural rosiness I was after. So I decided to layer over it a lipstick that I rarely touch, Revlon Ginger Rose, which I've always found a bit too dark and mature-looking. I was surprised at how much I liked the end result, especially the way it just worked for my skin tone. Mixing lipstick can be a tricky affair, especially if two formulations aren't compatible, but these two melded together like a single colour. My newest go-to daytime neutral shade.

Foundation pump for NARS Sheer Glow
This doesn't really count as a favourite, but I finally remembered to pick up a NARS foundation pump from Mecca Cosmetica. It was only $4 which was cheaper than expected. Makes using my Sheer Glow so much easier as one pump is more than enough to cover my whole face and I feel I'm not wasting as much product.

And while we're talking about it, my love for NARS Sheer Glow only increases with time. It's my favourite of all the foundations I own, the best foundation I've used overall, and despite frequent comparisons to cheaper alternatives, they simply don't come close. It's actually much higher coverage than I initially gave it credit for. When used with a primer (I like Clarins Beauty Flash Balm for when I want my skin to look extra nice), it gives the most flawless, brightening finish. My only complaint is that it can look slightly cakey just above my chin if I scrutinise my face in the mirror, but that's a very minor issue.

l-r: Too Faced Like a Virgin, Revlon Wild Orchids (2nd shade), Like a Virgin and Wild Orchids layered together, BYS Beautifully Bare, Revlon Ginger Rose, Beautifully Bare and Ginger Rose layered together