NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Bettina

Never before has the declarative 'my lips but better' been more fitting than it is now. I picked up another of the Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencils on a whim when roaming the counters in Space.Nk. I have owned a couple of these in the past but considering they've either been completely bright or totally bold, they tend to take a backseat during S/S. This nude completely caught my eye which is strange considering I usually like my nudes to be glossy or have a slight sheen instead of matte. As you can see by the photo above, the colour is almost identical to my natural lip colour and since purchasing it, I haven't really worn anything else. I do find the formula of the Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencils to be fairly drying so I strongly suggest using a balm prior to application but the wear time is incredible and the colour lasted a good six hours without reapplication. The pencil feels buttery during application and practically glides on the lips, a good attribution for a matte product. If you're after a new everyday lip colour, I strongly suggest checking this one out!

Let me know what you think!

What's your favourite matte lip product? 

MAC Mehr Lipstick

There's something about the sophisticated black bullet of a MAC lipstick that makes them so satisfying to buy. They are easily my most favourite thing to add to my collection which probably explains while I now own 33 (eek). I was drawn to this particular shade as although it seems pretty basic, it is actually a pretty unique colour in my collection. I tend to be drawn to nudes or deep reds for Autumn but this little dirty blue-pink is something I have never come across before. I find it easy to get stuck in a rut and always reach for something plain and un-daring, (think MAC Hue) but every now and then I like to reach for something a little bit more edgy but still safe - as paradoxical as that sounds. The blue undertone of this lippy helps to accentuate the whiteness of ones teeth adding a boost of confidence. Another aspect I was drawn to was the matte formula as I don't own many matte neutrals only bolds. This really adds to the beauty of this lipstick as it creates a perfectly defined pout.

Let me know what you think.

What's your favourite MAC lipstick? I'm always on the hunt for more. 

Tom Ford Matte Lip Colour in Pussycat

My lipstick collection has only really started to expand within the past year or so. Prior to this, I was much more drawn to glossier-than-gloss lip glosses (how many times can I say gloss in one sentence). So I am quite aware that this matte lip product is on the complete opposite end of the scale. Tom Ford lipsticks, for me, signify the epitome of luxury. The gold plated edges, weighted feel, square form and of course the satisfying, *click* from the magnet that locks the product shut. I really cannot fault the packaging in the slightest. The formula of this is mega creamy, applies heavenly and gives an incredible coverage - so take note - this is not sheer! I'm always slightly apprehensive when wearing lipsticks with a matte finish as although the longevity of the product will always be arguably decent, I cannot stand formulas that feel drying. You know the ones, those lipsticks that mean you have to spend the next five days applying copious amounts of Carmex to make up for that 'perfect' pout. Yet, surprisingly, the formula on the Tom Ford lipsticks are not drying at all but instead have a particular velvet feel that means you can look good wearing your mattes and feel good too! The particular shade  I chose is 04 Pussycat, this being mainly because I felt if I was going to splash a ridiculous amount of cash onto one product (£37 - eek!), I want to at least get a colour that is fairly unique. I know what you're probably thinking and yes, it's just pink. Yet, the muted, pink shade with hints of plum and a cool undertone looks absolutely beautiful once applied on the lips and creates a colour that I find to be pretty much unique in my collection. Therefore, other then the high price tag (that I'm still cringing over) I find this lipstick almost faultless. 

What do you think? Let me know in the comments!

What is your most luxurious lip product?

Topshop Matte Lipstick in Whimsical

Topshop lipsticks, to me, seem like excellent dupes for a lot of higher end brands products and most especially MAC's. I don't think it's any surprise that MAC lipsticks are one of the most (if not the most) popular lipsticks on the beauty scene but they may have some serious competition when Topshop lipsticks come into the picture. The first good noticeable comparison there is between these two excellent brands are the shade and finish ranges that they both offer. Admittedly MAC do have a lot, lot more but Topshop do give a noble offering and I personally have not found a colour in there that I wouldn't wear. I picked up Whimsical on a whim (see what I did there?) and it was love at first application. It's a gorgeous nude-pink with a lovely peachy-orange undertone that is completely on trend for Summer 2014. The finish is matte which I find to be the quality that makes this nude different from every other. The formula isn't drying despite the velvety finish and the wear time is excellent considering the product comes from a drugstore brand and costs a nifty £9. I love the cylindrical packaging with the horizontal stripes as it stands out in my collection and appeared causal and edgy before I even popped off the lid! This is one of the five Topshop lipsticks I own and after how impressed I've been with every single colour and their varying formulas, I know I'll be purchasing a lot more! 

If you'd like to see my full Topshop Cosmetic's Collection (which has already grown since I published the post!) click here. 

Let me know what you think.

Have you tried Topshop's lipsticks? 

Beauty| Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil

Lip Pencils and Chubby Sticks seem to be the most up and coming thing in the beauty blogging world with Cosmetic companies such as Revlon, Clinique and Bourjois already producing great quality matte and lacquer pencil's with a shade for everyone. That's why when I heard the hype surrounding the Nars edition of these, the Velvet Matte Lip Pencil (£17.50), I knew one had to be mine. 

I chose mine in the colour Damned, a Rich Magenta shade that's gorgeous and sophisticated but still a far cry from Goth, perfect for vamping up an evening look or going bold during the daytime. When it comes to lip products with a mattifying effect I tend to go for the deeper colours as I feel the velvet quality only enhances the colour making it appear more sultry. The pigmentation, like most Nars products, is incredible giving your lips a bold coat with a velvety, matte finish. 

The great thing about these product is they mimic the application and finish of a lipstick yet appear more convenient being a jumpo-type pencil with a pointed crayon-like peak that's perfect for precision and quality. The formula is fairly long-lasting, a trait that is enhanced by a combination of silicones that promise perfect, bold coloration. The product is slightly drying but feels satin smooth when applied. It doesn't particularly cling to the dry parts of your lips as much as some high street pencils but doesn't completely eliminate them either, a small price to pay when comparing to the positives of this product. The product isn't moisturising but still has a creamy texture which ensures a seamless application, a must for me when it comes to lip products. 

Another great thing about these style of products is that they prove to be incredibly versatile with qualities that enable it to be used as a liner, lipstick or enhanced with a fellow lip product. There's nothing better when you're paying for high end item then when it can perform in a variety of different ways. One of my favourite (if yet shallow) things about this product is the simplistic packaging, a trait that many will come to know with Nars. I love the slight matte, black effect that mimics the finish of the product inside and coloured base that gives the impression of the shade, a touch that I found to appear pleasing. 

Swatches of the product and how it appears smudged

All in all, a great product that has definitely got me wanting more from the collection and with a vast selection of colours to choose ranging from Pinks and Nudes to deep dark Red's, I'm sure it won't be long until there's more in my Cosmetics stash. 

Let me know what you think in the comments.

What's your favourite Lip Pencil? 

Make Up| Mac Mineralize Skinfinish Natural

Hi everyone! 

Hope you've all had a good monday (if that's possible)

Today I am review my all time favourite powder for setting my make up and that is the Mac Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in the colour Light. 

My face does not feel complete without this little beauty!

It's basically a domed, baked face powder which provides a natural matte finish, perfect for setting your foundation! Once this is on, my make up stays put all day and I really feel this does just keep it on the face. It's one of those powders where you can actually see it mattifying the shiny areas like some kind of sorcery (well not literally but even so). 

Prior to this I was using a loose powder and after just one go with this one, I was converted for life. It gives an even finish that doesn't look to powdery on the skin. It's non-drying and even thought it's the lightest colour, it still adds a bit of warmth to a paler complexion but by no means orange! It's a buidable coverage and perfect for everyday use. I would also say it's good for every skin type. I honestly could not recommend it highly enough. 

I love the packaging as I like being able to see the product through the clear top. The only downside is the clear circle does pop out very easily and when paying so much for a product, you'd think this shouldn't be an issue! Priced at £22 it is slightly expensive but excluding the packaging, you are most definitely paying for quality. 

What's your favourite powder?

Have you tried this one? If so, what did you think?