30 Days of Lipstick, Day 24: Besame Classic Colour Lipstick in Carmine

On Day 24 I was in a retro kind of mood, so I opted for a lipstick with a vintage, glamorous feel. This choice was Besame Cosmetics Classic Colour Lipstick in Carmine (found at besamecosmetics.com). Founded in 2004, Besame Cosmetics aims to create products that evoke the classic aesthetic of the starlets and pinups (and in the case of the founder, her grandmother) of the '40s and '50s. Their packaging and design hark back to an era where a lipstick touch-up was a true moment of femininity and precision.

Classic Colour Lipsticks come in sleek gilded tubes further housed in a plush velvet pouch. Here is a picture:
 

The luxurious and retro packaging of Besame Classic Color Lipstick (picture from besamecosmetics.com)

I recently received a sample kit of Besame lipsticks in a makeup swap. The downside is that the samples do not come in this luxurious packaging- the upside is that I have been able to test out several shades, which has been fun! Of all the colours I've sampled so far, my favourite has been Carmine, a matte tomato red. It is similar to NARS Semi-Matte Lipstick in Heat Wave (used in my Modern Starlet tutorial here: http://vibrantbeautyblog.blogspot.com/2011/10/photo-tutorial-how-to-master-modern-40s.html ), but definitely has a stronger orange tone to it and has a completely matte finish.

Here are a couple pictures of it in the sample pot:

Besame Cosmetics Classic Colour Lipstick in Carmine- sample pot

Besame Carmine in sample pot

And here are a few pictures of me wearing it:

Me wearing Besame Classic Color Lipstick in Carmine

In sunlight

The Verdict:

Pros:

• Even without the classic packaging, using this lipstick truly makes me feel like a '40s starlet!
• A flattering warm-toned red for fair skin
• Despite the matte finish, it did not leave my lips parched
• Long-wearing formula

Cons:

• Besame products may be hard to find in Canada
• This shade may not work as well for those with cool-toned skin with pink undertones

Overall, Besame lipsticks are a pleasure to wear and live up to their claims of achieving a vintage look and feel. Carmine is now my go-to tomato red when I want to feel like a classic screen siren! Because it is quite similar to NARS Heat Wave, I will probably not buy the full size, but I will enjoy the sample thoroughly while it lasts! :)

30 Days of Lipstick, Day 22: Hard Candy Painted Lady Lip Colour in Perfect 10

Hey, everyone! On Day 22 I opted for a darker, more smokey eye than normal, so I thought a subtle nude lip would be the perfect complement to the look. The lipstick I chose to complete this look was Hard Candy Painted Lady Lip Colour in Perfect 10 (approximately $5 CAD at Wal-Mart). As I mentioned in a previous post (http://vibrantbeautyblog.blogspot.com/2011/05/yay-for-birthdays-and-makeup-filled.html), Perfect 10 is one of the few nude lipsticks that does not make me look corpse-like and washed out. And it's extremely affordable!

Here is a picture of it in the tube:

Perfect 10 offers a lightweight, sheer formula with a shiny (but not too glossy) finish. It is this sheer, reflective appearance that makes this a highly wearable nude lipstick (at least for my fair, neutral-to-warm NC15-20 skin). The shade itself is a light pinky beige, with no hints of the brown of grey undertones found in many nude lipsticks.

Here are a few pictures of me wearing it:

Me wearing Hard Candy Perfect 10 Painted Lady Lip Colour

Awkward, dorky face ;)

In sunlight

The Verdict:

Pros:

•  Super affordable!
• A universally flattering nude shade that isn't too opaque or brown-toned
• Lightweight, moisturizing formula!

Cons:

• The packaging is a bit tacky- it's definitely aimed at a younger demographic
• The lipstick itself has detached from the inside of the tube, so it's loose inside which makes it a bit hard to apply

Overall, Perfect 10 is my go-to lipstick when I am aiming for a subtle nude lip to pair with a smoky eye. If you're looking for a lipstick to fit a similar bill (and at a great price!), check this out!

30 Days of Lipstick, Day 19: mark Full Colour Lipstick in Coral Fixation

The lipstick I chose for Day 19 was one that is both affordable and extremely flattering. Plus, I got mine in a lovely care package from one of my good friends (which I discussed in a past post, here: http://vibrantbeautyblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/yay-for-care-packages.html), so it was an extra special treat!

The lipstick I'm talking about is mark Full Colour Lipstick in Coral Fixation ($10 CAD via the mark catalogue (a branch of Avon), or at http://shop.meetmark.com). Here is a picture of what the tube looks like (featuring a special guest!):

mark Full Colour Lipstick- Sadie is highly curious!

The lipsticks offer unique magnetic packaging that easily snaps shut and ensures that the lid is always securely connected to the tube. Yay for science ;)

Coral Fixation is a cheery pinky-coral shade that I think would suit most skin tones, especially those with warmer skin. Of all the lipsticks in my stash, I think it's most similar to Clio Art Lipstick in Luminous Coral (which I've reviewed here: http://vibrantbeautyblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/30-days-of-lipstick-day-9-clio-art.html ), however I find Coral Fixation to be less sheer and is slightly more pinky-toned. The formula feels smooth and moisturizing (which is wonderful, given the affordable price!) and the pigmentation lies somewhere between sheer and full-coverage. mark touts that their Full Colour Lipsticks offer "a lightweight feel and luminous shine", which is a spot-on claim!

Here is a picture of it in the tube (again, with a curious feline guest-blogger):

mark Full Colour Lipstick in Coral Fixation- Sadie is really loving it!

And here is a picture of it swatched on my arm:

 

mark Coral Fixation swatched on my inner arm (MAC NC15 skin tone)

And here are a few pictures of me wearing it. Day 19 was another parade of dorky facial expressions, but hopefully you can still get a sense of how pretty this colour is!

Me wearing mark Coral Fixation Full Colour Lipstick

In natural sunlight

And here is a picture with another special guest (wow, this post is star-studded!)... sometimes my boyfriend can't help but be a part of my posts ;) This is what he gets for trying to  make spooky faces behind my back!

The Verdict:

Pros:

•  Feels very moisturizing and comfortable on the lips
• Affordable, and great quality for the price!
• Great colour pigmentation
• This should be a flattering coral shade for all skin tones- packs a colour punch, but isn't overwhelming on fair or light skin

Cons:

• The only I can think of is that since it isn't available in stores, it might be a bit hard to find!

Overall, mark Coral Fixation is one of my favourite lipsticks and a definite go-to when I'm wanting a coral shade that isn't too sheer and feels comfy on my lips. It'll definitely be a staple during the winter when my lips are chapped and are craving a moisturizing formula. If you are ever in proximity to a mark catalogue, definitely check out these little magnetic treasures :)

30 Days of Lipstick, Day 16: Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella

On Day 16 I was in the mood for red lips, so I went for it! I opted for a rich, matte shade: NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella. I received it recently in a makeup swap and have been loving it. The first time I tried it out, I immediately thought "Snow White lips!", which I thought was a wonderful thing :)

NARS describes Cruella as a "scarlet red", which is fairly accurate. It's a deep, pigmented red, but is just bright enough that it screams "princess!" rather than "villain!" (But if you're interested in channeling your inner villainess, drop me a line and I'll give you some recommendations ;)

Here is what Cruella lip pencil looks like:

NARS Cruella Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
The product does smudge on the tube a bit, which is the only downside of the packaging!

The pencil formula makes this lipstick super easy to apply. It's like liner and lipstick in one! The finish is definitely matte with full-coverage colour. Here are a few pictures of me wearing it:



Me wearing NARS Cruella Velvet Matte Lip Pencil





The Verdict

Pros:

• A perfect classic, neutral shade of red that is not too warm- or cool-toned
• Great colour pigmentation
• The pencil format makes it super easy to apply!
• Long-wearing colour

Cons:

• At $30 CAD this is fairly expensive
• Because this formula is super matte, it has a slight tendency to dry out my lips

This is my go-to product when I'm aiming for a matte, neutral red that is long-wearing and a cinch to apply. Try it out- I promise that you'll feel like Snow White (with a bold, modern twist :)

30 Days of Lipstick, Day 15: YSL Rouge Volupte in Rose Culte

My lipstick choice for Day 15 is another that I've spoken about on the blog previously- Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte in Rose Culte. As I've gushed about before, the packaging for these lipsticks is super unique and luxurious, and Rose Culte is likewise a chic and beautiful shade.

Here is a picture of the lipstick packaging (Rose Culte is on the right- you can tell by the colour-coordinated stripe on the tube!):

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Lipsticks (L: Tender Peach and R: Rose Culte)

And here are a couple pictures of it in the tube (on the right), pictured with its makeup sibling YSL Rouge Volupte in Tender Peach (which I reviewed here http://vibrantbeautyblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/30-days-of-lipstick-day-7-ysl-rouge.html ): 

YSL Rouge Voluptes in (L) Tender Peach and (R) Rose Culte



(L) Tender Peach and (R) Rose Culte close up


Rose Culte is a deep and vibrant berry shade that works wonderfully with a more subdued eye. And it's a perfect rich colour for fall! It offers great colour pigmentation, but feels quite light and comfortable on the lips. Sometimes you get what you pay for!

Here are a few pictures of me wearing it:

Me wearing YSL Rouge Volupte in Rose Culte

In sunlight

The Verdict

Pros:

• Gorgeous berry shade that I think would suit all skin tones (with either warm or cool undertones)
• Great colour payoff (a little goes a long way), but does not feel sticky or heavy on the lips
• Perfect rich shade for fall!
• Beautiful, luxurious packaging!

Cons:

• This may be too bold for those who prefer more subtle shades
• This is quite pricey (nearly $40 CAD), so it would definitely be a splurge!

Although I don't reach for Rose Culte on a super frequent basis, this is only because the colour is quite deep and bold (which does not look best when I am wearing darker shades on my eyes) and has nothing to do with the quality of the product. This lipstick is top-notch in terms of quality of pigmentation and shade, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a new luxe lipstick for fall!

30 Days of Lipstick, Day 14: MAC Amplified Creme Lipstick in Chatterbox

Ok, so I'm slowly catching up with my lipstick reviews. For those who have been following this series, thanks for being patient :)

Day 14 was last Monday and, because I like to start the week off on a cheery note, I chose a bubbly pink lipstick to perk things up. This lipstick of choice was MAC's Amplified Creme Lipstick in Chatterbox. MAC describes the shade as "a bright red-pink", but I would label it more as a girly bubblegum pink. I find it to be a fairly neutral to slightly cool-toned pink that packs more of a punch than a nude shade, but is more subdued than a fuchsia or hot pink. Some describe it as a "Barbie pink", but I'd like to think it's slightly more sophisticated than that :) But I guess that's up to you to judge!

Here is a picture of it in the tube:

MAC Amplified Creme Lipstick in Chatterbox

And a swatch of it on my arm:



MAC Chatterbox Lipstick swatched on my arm (MAC NC15 skin tone)



Being an Amplified Creme finish, Chatterbox offers high colour pigmentation and a creamy satin (not too matte, not too glossy) finish. It makes me feel simultaneously girly and polished, which is not always easy to do!

And here are a few pictures of me wearing Chatterbox. I seemed to have been making a plethora of dorky faces that day, but hopefully you still get a gist of what the colour and texture are like:

Me wearing MAC Chatterbox Lipstick

The Verdict

Pros:

• Unique shade that is fun and girly!
• As with the other MAC lipsticks I've reviewed, the quality is great for the price!
• Great colour pigmentation

Cons:

• Even though this is not a hot pink or fuchsia, this may still be too bright of a shade for some
• This has a slight tendency to dry out my lips

Overall, Chatterbox is a shade that I reach for when a nude pink would be too subtle and a hot pink would be too much in the context of the rest of my makeup. Plus, it's a fun go-to when I'm feeling girly and cheery. Barbie-like or not (you decide), it's a feel-good shade that will get you noticed! :)

Thanks for reading!

30 Days of Lipstick, Day 13: Anna Sui Lip Rouge V #361

The lipstick I chose for Day 13 is one that I have discussed on the blog before (find it here: http://vibrantbeautyblog.blogspot.com/2011/10/my-newest-makeup-crush-anna-sui.html), Anna Sui Lip Rouge V #361. I acquired it recently as part of an amazing gift-with-purchase, and have worn it on several occasions since.

Lip Rouge Vs come in adorable gothic (two adjectives not normally combined!) retro packaging, with a base that matches the lipstick shade inside:

#361 is a bright, feminine cherry popsicle pink with a finish that is somewhere in between sheer and full coverage. Plus, it has a lovely rose scent! Here is what it looks like in the tube:

Anna Sui Lip Rouge V #361

And here are a few pictures of me wearing it:

In sunlight



The Verdict:

Pros:

• Provides a to-die-for berry tint on the lips!
• Irresistible packaging!
• Does not leave lips dry, even in colder weather
• Feminine rose scent

Cons:

• Fairly expensive (more than $20 CAD)
• Unfortunately, I'm pretty sure that this lipstick is responsible for a few breakouts I've had around my mouth- such a shame because I'd been loving everything else about it!

Overall, from the packaging to the formula to the shade, this lipstick has been a pleasure to wear! If it weren't for its breakout potential, this would definitely be a regular in my rotation. If you love perky shades with a quirky flare, check out Anna Sui Lip Rouge Vs!

30 Days of Lipstick, Day 12: MAC Amplified Lipstick in Impassioned

The lipstick I chose for Day 12 is one that I acquired over the summer (also reviewed here: http://vibrantbeautyblog.blogspot.com/2011/06/three-cheers-for-back-2-mac.html) and have been wearing pretty often since: MAC Amplified Lipstick in Impassioned ($17.50 CAD at MAC stores and counters). It's a warm yellow-based bright pink that is fun, feminine, and bold! Here's a picture of it in the tube:



MAC Impassioned (Amplified) Lipstick



And here is a picture of it swatched on my arm (on the left):




MAC Impassioned swatched on my arm (MAC NC15 skin tone), compared with other bright pinks in my collection


And a closeup of it on my lips:

MAC Amplified Lipstick in Impassioned

As you can see, it is highly pigmented, creamy, and has a satiny finish on the lips. Typical of MAC's Amplified formula! It is an ideal vibrant shade for summer, but I've had no problem wearing it during the fall as well.

Here are a few pictures of me wearing it:

Me wearing MAC Impassioned lipstick (sunlight)



The Verdict:

Pros:

• Super pigmented, colour-rich formula
• Unique shade- not quite hot pink, not quite coral, not quite fuchsia. Completely beautiful!
• Relatively affordable, given the quality and the uniqueness of the shade

Cons:

• This vibrant shade may not be for those who prefer more subtle shades
• Impassioned may not be as flattering on those with cool-toned skin (i.e., with pink undertones)

Since I got Impassioned early this summer (for free, thanks to MAC's Back 2 MAC program!), I've been wearing it often because it has the unique ability to brighten up my complexion and my mood. This vibrant shade may not be for the faint of heart, but it's for anyone who wants to perk things up a bit :)

30 Days of Lipstick, Day 11: Guerlain Rouge Automatique in Coque D'Or

As some of you have probably noticed, I haven't been super conscientious about my 30 Days of Lipstick challenge over the past week or so. Life happens and things get busy, but luckily I've still made efforts to wear, photograph, and review a variety of the lipsticks in my stash over the previous days- now I just have to catch up with my entries!

For Day 11 (last Friday), I chose a poppy red to commemorate the spirit of Remembrance Day. The lipstick I donned was Guerlain's Rouge Automatique in #120 Coque D'Or. Guerlain's Rouge Automatique line is rather pricey (at nearly $40 each, at Sephora, The Bay, and Holt Renfrew), but I was lucky enough to score a mini version in a makeup swap!

  

Guerlain Rouge Automatique Lipstick Sample

As you can see from the picture above, Rouge Automatiques offer the novelty of a one-handed application. All you have to do is slide down the switch, and the lipstick emerges from the top. Pretty neat! Unfortunately, the mini size I received does not feature this fun exterior, but is gilded and sleek nonetheless:

Guerlain Rouge Automatique Mini Lipstick: Quite reflective!

Coque D'Or is a lovely poppy red (neutral-warm toned) with subtle gold shimmer. It offers a lightweight comfortable texture, a great colour payoff, and a non-drying formula. Here's a picture of it in the tube:

Guerlain Rouge Automatique Mini in Coque D'Or #120

And here are a few pictures of me wearing it!

Me wearing Guerlain Rouge Automatique in #120 Coque D'Or

With flash (which really shows off the gold shimmer!)

The Verdict

Pros:

• Gorgeous red shade that should be flattering on nearly all skin tones
• The formula is lightweight and comfortable to wear!
• Does not dry out lips
• Highly pigmented- a little goes a long way!
• Luxurious packaging

Cons:

• Very pricey!
• Not necessarily and everyday shade, though I've been wearing it often!

Overall, I've been absolutely loving this lipstick! The shade of red is quite flattering, and gives a sophisticated, slightly retro look without being overpowering. The texture is a pleasure on the lips, and the packaging can't be beat- even the mini packaging mine comes in! The only thing that would prevent me from purchasing another Rouge Automatique is the price, but if budget allows in the future, I'll be picking up another one of these beauties down the line :)

Thanks for reading!