Lip(stick and stuff) Collection: Part 1

I promise, Im gonna make this thing work.

Last semester was a bit of a busy one but my resolution is to get back on the blogging grind so THIS WILL HAPPEN. Please stay tuned, I have lots planned. 

Its not like I dont have lots to say. I do. Duh. Its just finding the time to put it all into a nice, readable post with pictures. 

Today, we shall tackle my lipstick collection. Im breaking it down into a few posts because its simply too much for one.

Here are my lovely lipsticks and lip glosses and others...

L to R: Topshop Lips, Revlon lip butter, Rimmel by Kate, Nars Velvet Matte lip pencil

Topshop Lips in 'Brighton Rock' and "Rio Rio'

Revlon by Kate Moss #107

These guys are likely my most used (other than my MAC lipsticks which will come in another post).  I absolutely loved the two Topshop colours over the summer and early fall months (I talked about Rio Rio in this post). The pink is an epic matte, bubble gum but not too childish pink, where as the red is a great summer red with a hint of orange. 

The Kate Moss #107 is a classic at this point. No need to rant on its greatness. All you need to know: deep, matte red, perfection. 

Nars Velvet Matte lip pencil in 'Cruella'

One could argue that this colour is similar to the Kate Moss one above. WRONG. 

Its just different, ok. Yes I needed to spend my money to buy both.

Cruella is a lighter matte red. Its a bit darker than you standard fire engine red but its perfect for my light skin tone in the winter months. And the staying power is unprecedented. 

Revlon Lip Butters in #90 'Sweet Tart', #65 'Creamsicle', #75 in 'Lollipop'

The Revlon lip butters are the perfect go to when Im going for the every day, no makeup-makeup look. #90 is a great every day light pink while #75 is a bit darker and adds a little more pizazz. Ive been leaning towards #75 lately as its better suited for winter. Creamsicle was my first purchase but probably my least used. Its a great orangey nude that would look best when Im tan. Which is pretty much never so....

And thats a wrap. 

Hope this was semi interesting and enjoyable. 

Until next time... (which will be much sooner. I promise)

T∆NY∆

The Big Bad Bold Lip

The bold red lip is back on trend. Not that it has truly ever been off trend. That would be a fashion sin.

Lately, with Autumn just around the corner (deep breathes, we will get through this terrible realization together) Ive been noticing plenty of bold lips. As I flip through my magazine everyone from Marc Jacobs to Gucci to Topshop has styled their models with bold lips ranging from the classic red to a deep almost maroon red.

Most of us average day gals, seem to be scared of a bold lip. Until a month ago, I would have included myself in this category. But why? Not only are bold lips all the rave at the moment, but they also have the power of an instant confidence boost. Knowing that I have a bold red on my lips makes me feel all the more glamorous-- even while wearing my sweats.

Here's the trick to a big bad bold lip that won't scare you.... a lipstick brush!
Have no fear, this is not anything too fancy. Simply grab a smaller, detailing brush (my current is the Real Techniques Detailer Brush). Painting on the lipstick will give you the look of a bold lip without it over dominating your face. Plus it gives you more flexibility in placement and pigmentation. Im currently using Topshop's Rio Rio lipstick as my go to bold.

It is a classic red with a slight orange undertone. (This image makes the red look deeper than it truly is). This product is also great as its very matte and very long lasting. When I paint the colour on it turns out looking like more of a lip stain. Im loving this look as its easy, on trend and within my comfort zone. 

How are other feeling about the big bad bold lip? Are we loving its resurgence or do we want something fresh and exciting?

Until next time...

T∆NY∆

∆TM.

No, I am not giving out money. Nor is it to be confused with ANTM (as in America's Next Top Model).

ATM clearly stands for at the moment! As in what Im loving at the moment.
This post has been in the works for quite a while as Ive been crazy busy these past 2 weeks. But, Ive finally settled on my top 3 of the moment.

1. Revlon ColourStay Ultimate Suede. A few weeks back (yes, this is how long it takes for me to decided Im loving something) I was on a desperate hunt for a coral lipstick. Somehow I ended up selecting this product in the colour 'Cruise Collection 075'. And by somehow I obviously mean Emma Stone's face was beside it so I just HAD to buy it. Ive finally decided its worthy ATM. Here's why...

• It does what it says. The colour does in fact stay all day.
• The finish is very matte (which definitely attracted me at first). Sometimes, especially in the summer when your skin is dewy, or you want to play up the eyes, a matte (yet bold) lip just completes the look. 
• Its versatile-- adding a coral or pinky lipgloss on top amps it up or adding a lip liner underneath (Ive been using MAC's 'Naked' lipliner) mutes the colour.

The classy packaging makes it even harder to deny. 

2. Rimmel Scandaleyes Eye Shadow Stick. After hearing great things about this product I decided I wanted to try it for myself. Its been two weeks and Ive collected 3 so far (this could become an addiction). I currently own '003 Bad Girl Bronze', '005 Tempting Turquoise' and '002 Bulletproof beige'. These excite me so much ATM Im not sure where to begin. They do claim to be waterproof and last 24hrs which I am a bit skeptical of but, nonetheless absolutely worth a purchase! Why?

• The colour selection. OMG. Im sure I could convince myself the worthiness of every single colour in this 9 shade collection. 
• They're easy! Unless your going for makeup artist perfection, these are great for an every day, easy makeup look. Quite hard to 'mess up' as they look better messy. Lately, Ive been using the beige colour as a base all over the lid (since its light you can get away with little blending) then adding the bronze on the crease and outer corners--this step does require some blending effort).  
• Sticks galore! Since they are in stick form they are great on-the-go. Easily kept in your handbag and you dont need a brush to blend (oh the multi-talents of our fingers).

Ohhhh what a pretty combination [the blue (its called turquoise but its clearly blue) is great as a liner :)]

3. Real Techniques Buffing Brush. A staple for beauty lovers and beauty bloggers alike, the hype is totally worth it. The whole Real Techniques collection is incredible but I am specifically liking this brush ATM. 

• When used as intended-- ie to BUFF foundation-- it gives a flawless effect. And who doesnt want that? Ive always found it hard to get the perfect finish with my MAC Studio Fix foundation. Sam Chapman (the wonderful mind behind RT) recommended using the buffing brush with this product and I will never look back. Gives the perfect flawless finish. 
• Cream blush's BFF. Cream blush can so easily become a disaster. Use the RT buffing brush to place the perfect amount on the apples of your cheeks. (Im a fan of Topshop's cream blush in 'Flush')
• Inexpensive. Not cheap-- inexpensive! Especially if you are just starting out with makeup or your brush collection. They do the job and you cannot complain for the price (or any reason for that matter). 

Bonus: they stand up all by themselves just like a big kid!

    

I think thats enough for today. I hope its been inspirational. 

Try not to spend all your money :)

Until next time....

T∆NY∆