Posts Tagged ‘Lipstick review’

Review: Violet Mousse (the lipstick, not a floral dessert) 

Karen Murrell 05 Violet Mousse


Taking photos of my face is something I am not used to. So please appreciate my efforts. 

 

I’m going to preface this review with two disclaimers (possibly three, I’m quite tired – wait that was one of them). Firstly, I don’t do many makeup related reviews, but lipstick is the one thing that I spend more money on than I should. I care more about lipstick than other less interesting things, like what product I will use to cover up the evidence of how tired I am or how I can disguise the unwanted blemishes moving in on my facial real estate.

If I could choose one makeup product only to use for the rest of my life, it would be lipstick. I therefore thought it would be fun to share some thoughts on the first ever lipstick by Karen Murrell that I was happily surprised to find on my doorstep.

Second disclaimer is that I have an awkward face. It smiles awkwardly (somehow in the exact same way every time) but I wanted to show the lipstick on … because that’s how its intended to be used and photos are what I like to see in a review myself. Okay, so it wasn’t really a disclaimer, more a slightly pointless ramble. Sorry. Read on for the important stuff.

Karen Murrell 05 Violet Mousse

What is it? I may be the last person in NZ to try a Karen Murrell lipstick, but in case I am not, Violet Mousse (05) is the newest lipstick released in this popular line of vegetarian lipsticks, made with natural products to seal in moisture whilst adding a pop of colour. This addition to the range is a warm mid-tone pink, formulated with things like avocado oil, evening primrose and other good stuff for your lips.

What I liked: Okay so I’m just going to lay down everything and declare my love for this lipstick. Firstly, the formula is ridiculous; Its balm like in texture and feels moisturising on the lips, is glossy enough to look natural and fresh and yet somehow manages to last through me eating a three course meal without looking less amazing. Usually if I want staying power, I go with a balm stain or a matte lipstick, and with a lighter shade like this, even then I don’t have much luck. Secondly, the colour is so flattering and natural, it completes the perfect minimal makeup look, bringing just enough colour to my face to help me look like a functioning human who didn’t get only 4 hours sleep because she got lost on the internet. Its a lipstick I can wear every day, for pretty much any occasion, and its low maintenance so I don’t have to check for lipstick on unwanted parts of my face every hour. In summation, I was impressed (and in love).

What I didn’t like: I didn’t like the fact that I only currently have one. Not to worry, I tend to remedy this rather quickly. I honestly can’t really think of anything I would change about this lipstick. The packaging is nothing incredible but its good quality and looks smart…that’s almost a criticism right? (Okay, not really, I’m just trying to be somewhat balanced in this review and its not working). The scent is definitely strong, so if cinnamon isn’t your thing, be wary. If, however, you are a fan of delicious scents that don’t think twice and hand over your credit card.

The details: You can pick this up for yourself for a pretty reasonable NZ$29.95 from selected pharmacies and health stores, you can find a full range of stockists here.

Karen Murrell 05 Violet Mousse

My face again…this time outside (this photo probably didn’t need this caption)

I was sent this product to try out, but I was not asked to review this, or paid for any opinions. As per always, the thoughts above are 100% my own and when I say I love this lipstick, its because its amazing. 

Hit Me With Your Best Shot…at a pink lipstick.

Hi All!

Well it has been a little while since my last post but what better way to get back into it then by showing you my new favourite pink lip!

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What is it?

Hit Me With Your Best Shot; a bright pink Natural Lipstick by Antipodes NZ. One of their natural mineral range that claims to be creamy, pigmented, matte with a slight shimmer (sounds contradictory but save your judgement for a moment).

DSC_6203What did I think of it?

I won this from Fashion Pas’ beautiful blog and was excited to try makeup from a skincare brand I love. Straight off the bat I was in love with how pigmented this hot pink came across in one smooth, single swipe of my lips.

The formula is creamy and feels lightweight which I love.  The best part of the formula was how it felt hydrating and moisturizing all day long and I didn’t experience any of the dreaded dry-lip syndrome.

The colour is a perfect hot pink for me. Not too warm, not too cool but a great tone that suits a natural look (aka I forgot to wear any other makeup, hence the sunglasses) but would also look smashing with a smokey eye.

The finish was kind of confusing, but in a great way. Like the branding claims, it does settle to a pretty matte finish however there is a tiny bit of very natural shimmer that keeps it looking fresh and playful.

Lasting time was surprising to me as I thought it would wear quickly judging on how moisturizing it felt on the lips. I reapplied this once during the day, but even that was mainly out of habit. I ate, drank, talked (a lot) and yet although the colour lost some intensity it wore in a very natural way and remained bright on the lips.

Lastly, but importantly for some the packaging. I like the simple packaging of Antipodes’ lipstick range. The simple smooth, matte tube was pretty standard but sturdy. It looks like a premium lipstick without seeming over the top. There is a cute bird design at the top of the tube which helps me pick it out quickly although if I owned a few more of the same brand it might get a bit tricky (think along the lines of trying to find a particular Mac lipstick).

How do I buy it?

Buy it from one of their stockists in New Zealand or Australia (mainly) or pick it up direct from the website.

How much will I pay?

NZ $34 which is not the cheapest but for a premium brand like Antipodes I was expecting to pay more.

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The Good:

  1. The beautiful pink colour that is flattering and easy to wear but still bright and fun.
  2. The lightweight, moisturizing formula but the long-lasting power.
  3. The rather unique matte/shimmer finish that looks natural and fresh without making the lips look dry.

The Bad?

  1. Being pretty picky here but when first applied it has  a bit of transfer. Although if you can find me a lipstick with zero transfer I will love you forever.
  2. Some will think the price is a bit high, but for me the quality is as good if not better than some of my Mac lipsticks so I think it’s worth it.

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Would I buy it again?

Okay so technically I won this and didn’t pay a cent. Without ever trying it out I wouldn’t have given it a second glance, I save my splurge lipsticks for the Mac counter. Now that I have tested it out and realized that this could very well be my new go-to pink lip I would happily pay every cent to repurchase (or to buy a couple more…I have this dusky, vintage pink shade on my current wishlist).

Overall a big winner in my book and a new makeup bag staple for when I need to add a bit of colour to my day.

Lizzy X

New Year, New You with Bobbi Brown

Hi All,

Happy end of the week! I hope you all have a nice relaxing weekend lined up. We have a flat inspection coming up so I don’t see much relaxing in my immediate future.

Today I am sharing with you some information on the new releases by Bobbi Brown. On the 3rd February (have I mentioned February is my favourite month?) Bobbi Brown released a collection of wonderful new products.

Despite not being able to attend their wonderful press release event last month I was sent two of their new products to have a look at and get a taste of what these new collections have to offer. I have had pretty much zero experience with Bobbi Brown makeup before and so the chance to get to know their makeup was really exciting!

I can never say no to chocolates.

I can never say no to chocolates.

1. Nude Glow Collection

First off is the Nude Glow Collection, a flattering, lightweight combination of products in a variety of pinks and golds.

I am always a sucker for lip products and so I was excited to try out their Sheer Lip Colours (RRP $54). Think a product along the lines of a lip butter; lightweight, easy to wear and adds a beautiful touch of colour. I was expecting these to be super moisturizing and I wasn’t dissapointed, thanks to all the luxurious oils and butters that these are formulated with.

As with a lot of lip butters or tinted balms I wasn’t imagining these to be super pigmented however the one I was sent was rich in colour with one single swipe. Out of the trio I tried out the darkest shade (Pink Rose) so maybe the others aren’t so pigmented but regardless I was very pleasantly surprised. The colour is a mid-toned pink with a slight mauve tone to it. Its rich but wearable and perfect for transitioning into Autumn.

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Sheer Lip Colour in Pink Rose

In this collection there are other trios despite the Sheer Lip Colour, featuring nail polishes, eye palettes (I have my eye on this one) and a Brightening Finishing Powder which looks beautiful.With just the perfect amount of pinks and luminous metallics as well as some flattering nudes this collection is sure to feature something for  everyone and would be especially beautiful for a glowing bridal look.

2. High Shimmer Lip Colour

Wait, wait, I know what you all are thinking (or at least what I was thinking). High shimmer lips? No thanks. One thing that scares me is going out in public with an overly shimmered up lipstick that makes me look 40 years older and makes my lips feel gritty.

Luckily this is not what Bobbi Brown has achieved with their new High Shimmer Lip Colours (RRP $54). By contrast, the shimmer in these lipsticks is much more natural. Bringing a glow to any makeup look and keeping you looking youthful and fresh. There were 12 shades released with this new multi-dimensional effect that aims to stay wearable and moisurizing.

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High Shimmer Lip Colour in Pink Gold Shimmer

The colour I tried out was Pink Gold Shimmer and to be honest it is a peach nude shade that I would not normally reach for. Out of curiosity I wore this a few times and although I don’t think the colour is super flattering for me I often reach for it when I want something to brighten up a makeup (or lack of makeup) look.

The shimmer took me a little while to feel comfortable wearing but eventually I got used to the fact that you can wear a little shimmer on the lips and still look natural. I think Bobbi Brown have done a good job treading the very dangerous line of shimmer in lipsticks. Similar to the Sheer Lip Colour this lipstick was moisturizing to wear which is a must in my book.

The lasting time for such a natural colour wasn’t super long but it is easy to apply and doesn’t cake around my lip lines or dry patches. I would love to try one of the more berry toned colours in this range.

Both of these collections bring a luminousity to your makeup which I appreciate. I like the fact that these are also both easy to wear and comfortable on the lips. The Sheer Lip Colour was my favourite as it is the perfect colour and pigmentation whilst feeling like a lip balm. I can see this easily becoming a staple in my routine.

If you want to check out these products in person head on down to the wonderful Bobbi Brown store at Britomart.

Have a great weekend!

Xx

Note: These two lip products were sent to me to try out however this blog post contains my opinions and my opinions only.