Red Lipstick Quick Tip!!

Hi everyone!!!  Last time, I mentioned I was going to try to be more diligent about putting up a post at least once a week, but I apologize for not having kept to that promise.  Again, my routine has been turned upside down with a string of guests visiting me from overseas.  Don't get me wrong, I love visitors but it has been hard to find some time to write and play with makeup!!!

This morning, I was getting ready for work and as I've mentioned in previous posts, when I've hit snooze on the alarm clock way too many times and I just don't have a lot of time to get ready, I like to keep it simple with one eyeshadow colour on my eyes and a brighter lipstick to create a more polished look. 

Today, I felt like using my MAC Red lipstick.  This is a really thick and heavy lipstick that is more suitable for an evening look.  It's an intense red and is one of those lipsticks that requires soap and water to remove unless you want to go to bed looking like the the Joker from the Dark Knight. 

In order to make the lipstick appear less intense for a daytime look, instead of applying it the way I usually do, by running the lipstick across my lips, I dabbed the colour on instead.  You don't need to use your fingers to dab the colour on, just dab the lipstick directly onto your lips. 

The layer of lipstick on your lips will be thinner and the look will be more sheer than if you applied your lipstick the usual way.  This is a great way to apply a more intense colour without your lips looking like you've got too much lipstick on. 

So next time you're drawn to a dramatic lipstick colour, don't steer clear of it.  Try dabbing it on for a more natural finish!! 

My Makeup Pick of the Month!!!

MAC Lipstick in MAC Red!!!!

This is officially my first red lipstick.  I've never owned anything quite so red and to be honest, I wasn't sure I liked red lipstick on anyone let alone myself!!!  It's very trendy but a trend that women tend to love and men tend to hate!!!  I didn't dislike it because of that but it is rather bold and makes quite a statement!  However, this is a look that has grown on me and I realized that it can look very classic when paired with extremely nude eyes and simple hair.

Similar to other MAC lipsticks, this one does not dry out my lips.  It has a satin finish which is neither glossy nor shimmery but gives lips a nice dewy finish.  I love the texture, finish and the colour.

And...I got it for free!!!  You can get yours for free too with MAC's recycling program!!!  Collect 6 empty MAC containers (not the boxes that they are sold in but the plastic or glass containers that stores the product) and trade them in for any lipstick of your choice.  This is practiced all over the world, in every MAC store. 

Lipsticks From Work to Play!!!

When it comes to lipstick, most people find out what shades suit them and pretty much stick to it.  Did you know that you can find light, nude, bright and dark lipstick shades that suit your skin tone?  So how about trying these in hues that suit you?  They can change your overall look in an instant!!  You can go from a radiant and polished professional in the daytime to a glamorous bombshell in the evening, just by changing your lip colour!!!


Clear or Tinted Lip Gloss:
This is the most natural looking lip product out there.  It goes well with a nude look but also complements intense eye makeup beautifully.  It suits everyone and highlights your natural lip colour.  Best of all, if you have thin lips, it will give them a fuller look.

Light or Nude Coloured Lipstick:
Just like the clear or tinted lip gloss, this will give your lips some extra fullness.  Remember, it's the same concept as highlighting and contouring your face.  Anything lighter comes forward and anything darker recedes.  A nude colour looks good on everyone but unlike lip gloss, is not as shiny and looks even more natural depending on the colour you choose.  A lighter pastel colour will give you a cuter, younger and more playful look.

Medium Toned Lipstick:
Medium toned lipsticks come in all kinds of shades.  There's a colour to suit every skin tone whether it is natural or bright.  It can be paired with neutral or darker eye makeup.  It helps give you a more dressed up look without being over the top.  It's perfect for an afternoon out!!  

Red Lipstick:
This is a classic and keeps coming back into fashion decade after decade.  It's very prominent and may not be a look that everyone can handle on themselves.  However, everyone looks good with red lipstick.  It's just a matter of personal preference.  Red lips are very bold and sexy and should be paired with neutral eyes.  It looks amazing for a night out and gives every woman a glamorous and sophisticated look.

As you can see, it's easy to go from completely casual to a little more dressy with just a change in lipstick colour.  This is a great way to go from work to play!!

Make it your new year's resolution to try out new shades of lipstick!!!

My 2012 Makeup Wish List!!!

In 2011 I tried out several new makeup products.  My Benefit Cosmetics Watt's Up highlighter and K-Palette 1 Day Tattoo Real Lasting Eyeliner became my all time favourites.  This year, I have my eye on several products that I've heard great reviews about as well as some products that I've wanted for a while but never got around to getting.  Here is my 2012 wish list!!! 

1) Revlon Colourburst Lip Butter lipsticks
(http://www.revlon.com/Revlon-Home/Products/Lips/Lipcolor/Revlon-ColorBurst-Lip-Butter.aspx)

This product has been around for a little while internationally but has not come to the UK.  Bloggers have been raving about this product and I heard it should be here by March 2012.  It's said to be an amazing lipstick that moisturizes and gives lips a beautiful, dewy colour!! 

2) MAC 182 Buffer Brush
(http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?q=mac+182+buffer+brush+reviews&hl=en&prmd=imvns&resnum=4&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.,cf.osb&biw=1366&bih=649&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=7388240362358743526&sa=X&ei=a_UBT_SqI4mphAe389GqAQ&ved=0CFYQ8wIwAA)

This type of brush is also called a Kabuki brush.  It's usually used to blend powder products such as loose mineral powder foundation.  However, Kim Kardashian's makeup artist uses it to apply her cream blush and foundation and it works beautifully, giving her that gorgeous, natural looking glow she has.  I've been using a cheap Kabuki brush and it's time for an upgrade. 

3) Inglot Eyeshadow Palette
(http://www.inglotcosmetics.com/eye.shadow/products/146/165)

This is a Scandinavian makeup company that was never available in any of the countries I've lived in previously.  However, they are available in Europe, Asia and North America and have been a cult favourite for quite some time.  They are said to have professional quality, long-lasting eyeshadow.  What makes them unique is their "Freedom System".  You can create your own palettes and it's cheaper than just buying individual colours separately. 


4) MAC Lipstick in Red, Russian Red or Chilli (http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/shaded/168/310/Lips/Lipstick/Lipstick/index.tmpl)

Every girl should have a classic red lipstick.  It suits every skin tone and on days where you want a glamorous and polished look but don't have too much time, a red lipstick is the perfect solution.  Paired with simple eye makeup, it will dress you up with minimal effort.

5) Illamasqua Intense Lipgloss in Belladonna (http://www.illamasqua.com/shop/catalogue/category/lips/products/intense-lipgloss/28/)

This colour is a little brighter than what I normally use but it's gorgeous.  It is said to last for hours, even after eating and drinking.  Best of all, it's not sticky!!

6) L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow
(http://www.loreal-paris.co.uk/cosmetics/eyes/color-infallible.aspx)

This is another product I have heard great reviews about.  It's an extremely affordable eyeshadow with a range of intense colours that are said to last all day long. 

 And that's my wish list for 2012!!! 

I'm sure this list will get bigger as I start to read about and discover future makeup launches but these are just some of the products I've been reading about and can't wait to try!!!  Products that are raved about by bloggers all over the world usually end up being as amazing as they sound.  I would recommend you try any of these too and let me know what you think about them if you get to them before I do!!!