Coquette Noelle

I have encountered many blushes that are similar to the infamous Nars Orgasm, however, I have a Goldilocks moment with them, they are either too dark, too light, too orange or too pale. Alas, I bring to you the ultimate Nars Orgasm dupe... the Rimmel Blush in Live Pink.

Nars Orgasm is a peachy-pink blush that is infused with golden shimmer. I am going to be contraversial right now, but I am not a fan of Nars Orgasm as the shimmer ain't subtle. It can enhance pores and just make me look like a glittery mess.

The Rimmel Blush in Live Pink has the exact same pinky-peach blush (which is beautiful) and a fair amount of golden shimmer running through it. The shimmer in the Rimmel blush is quite fine so provides more of a sheen than a sparkle on the cheeks.

Dare I say it, but I find that this affordable dupe is even better than Nars Orgasm.

And the best bit? It only costs £3.99!

Have you tried Nars Orgasm?

What's your favourite dupe for it?

It has been a while since Bourjois released their Happy Light Primers, I have been trying an abundance of things but have finally gotten round to giving these a rigorous testing and have made my opinion on these two, relatively new, products.

Happy Light Luminous Serum Primer

This primer is a very light, fresh texture on the skin. The texture is very much like a serum, it smooths into the skin and almost disappears, leaving no tacky residue. It smooths the skins texture and leaves a beautiful dewy finish. It has no shimmer so would be a great option for young and mature skins. Make-up applies beautifully on top of this product however, it doesn't do grand things for increasing the longevity of your makeup. It is a lovely option if you want to achieve a dewy glow without adding any shimmer to your face, plus this isn't too glowy so would look great on oily skin also. A great all rounder to smooth the skin and give it a healthy glow.

Happy Light Matte Serum Primer

I really enjoy the Luminous Serum Primer as the finish it gives is divine, however I feel the opposite about the Matte Primer. I had great hopes for this product as there aren't many great mattifying primers available and really wanted this to work. It has the same beautiful, light texture that sinks into the skin. However, it doesn't quite disappear like the Luminous version. When you begin to blend in foundation on top, the primer separates beneath the foundation, which leaves you with silicone patches all over your face and hair line... not an attractive look. If you like easy, low-maintenance make-up then this primer isn't for you. However, if you want a light textured primer that will help with oil-control, I suggest you use this sparsely and smooth it onto the skin, avoiding to blend or rub it in. I wish I loved this, however, it has ended up collecting dust in my make-up drawer.

A hit and miss from the new Bourjois Happy Light Primers,

which is your favourite of the two?

In the recent months many brands have been releasing a new wave of foundation, a light-weight, light-textured matte foundation. I have never been overly enthused with matte finishes as I find that they can make the skin look dull and cakey, these new formulas however keep that traditional matte/velvet finish whilst leaving the skin looking like, well, skin.

The Moisture Matte

The Jouer Matte Moisture Tint was amongst the first of its kind to step outside of the "heavy matte" formula. This is a tinted moisturiser that provides a light-light medium coverage, it feels smooth and creamy when applied and leaves a matte, slightly powdery finish on the skin. This won't "set" on the skin so it feels very comfortable and it doesn't cling to dry patches. I would recommend this to those with oily-combination skin who like a light base as this truly is a traditional, light base but with a velvety, rather than dewy, finish.

The Matte Veil

One of my favourite releases this year has been the Lancome Miracle Air de Teint Foundation. This is what I would call the "New Wave" foundation. It is a liquid that blends into a soft, light powder. It feels and looks extremely light on the skin, it makes skin look so, so natural. As this is such a fine foundation, the "matte" finish actually creates a soft-focus, almost airbrushed look on the skin. Light weight, light coverage yet creates a wonderful diffused base. I cannot rave about this stuff enough.

The Velvet Matte

The Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet is a recent release that swept the blogging world. It is a velvet version of the Vitalumiere Aqua. Like the Vitalumiere Aqua, it feels very light and fresh on the skin however the velvet finish looks slightly more natural as the Vitalumiere Aqua can lean a little too dewy at times. It is a definite one for normal to oily skin as it is a light-weight yet long lasting formula. Definitely not one for dry skin as it may enhance dry patches as it isn't creamy formula. I love this for days when I want a natural looking foundation that won't make me look like an oil-slick after 3 hours.

The Luxurious Matte

I've had the By Terry Densiliss Foundation for quite some time, at first, I was unimpressed. I was expecting miraculous skin due to the small fortune it cost. After letting other foundations reign on my face, I tried this out again and oh wow. This foundation is b-e-a-utiful. I didn't want to love it because make-up shouldn't be this expensive but it really does perform. It is a "serum" foundation that may or may not have effective skin benefits on. The foundation is a light, creamy foundation that glides on the skin. It is a medium to buildable coverage that blends out like a dream. The finish is a very natural, skin-like velvet. What is amazing about this foundation is how it makes the skin look, it doesn't look caked on but still leaves a pore-less, flawless complexion. Plus, it lasts all day. I struggle with foundations lasting on me, especially those that look natural, but this one lasts all day and all night.

What's your favourite Matte formula?

Let's Get Lippie - This week I will be bringing you all things lip related from my favourite lipsticks to the best formulations, how to care for your lips and wonder products. Stay tuned because there will be plenty of lip addict madness.

After a week full of lipstick talk, let's talk about lip care.

Exfoliate

Exfoliating your lips is just as important as exfoliating your skin. It removes any dead, flaky skin cells and allows any lip balm you apply on top to sink in and do a better job. If you don't exfoliate your lips, it doesn't matter what or how much moisture you pack on top as it won't be absorbed by your lips. You can exfoliate with sugar and olive oil, a lip srub, a flannel, or an old toothbrush, so there really isn't an excuse not to!

Protect

We all preach about wearing SPF on your face day to day, the same applies to your lips. So for your every day lip balm, look for one with an spf as it will protect your lips from the sun so they won't burn or chap! This is especially important in summer/on holiday as the sun is much stronger.

Treat

If you suffer from chapped, cracked lips, you must treat them. Applying a lip balm won't fix the problem. Just like applying a serum, a lip treatment will provide the same intense ingredients that will help repair the lips. My favourite treatment for suffering lips is the Hourglass No 28 Lip Treatment Oil, it is a pricey number however it is worth it for those who genuinely suffer from sore, cracked lips or those who are frequent suffers of cold sores. This treatment will not only help repair the lips but also soothe and moisturise them.

Moisturise

A step everybody should take is to moisturise your lips. I love to use a thick lip balm and apply it as a part of my night time skincare routine to ensure that my lips are smooth and hydrated come the next morning. My favourite balm is the Nuxe Reve de Miel lip balm however if you have a favourite lip balm then just continue using that... but the key to great lips is consistency! So apply it every night and you will never have a lip woe ever again.

What are your favourite lip care products?

Today's post is about getting the most from your money. Don't just limit a product to one use, most products are multi-use and you can get much more bang for your buck if you experiment and get imaginative. One of my favourite multi-uses of lipstick is to use it as blush!

How?

Simply dab some on your cheek/finger then blend it in with a clean finger, voila, a cream blush without having to buy any extra product.

I love to use this trick when creating a matchy-make up look so my lips and cheeks are seamlessly matching and I don't have to worry about looking for/buying a new blush to create a make up look!

Do you like getting cheeky with your lipstick?

With all this lipstick talk, I should probably introduce you to the Mac Prep + Prime lip balm that is an essential product for making your lip colour last longer.

Mac Prep + Prime lip balm could seem like a gimmicky product as essentially, it is just a lip balm. However, I struggle finding a lip balm that will prep my lips for lipsticks without compromising on its longevity, always having to re-apply after only 1-2 hours. However, the Mac Prep + Prime not only primes your lips for lipstick, making sure it is smooth but it also works as a traditional primer in the sense that this will ensure extra longevity from whatever lipstick you are applying. I would akin this to a lip balm/lip liner hybrid as it smooths your lips and protects your lip colour all in one. If your lips hold lipstick longevity well, maybe this isn't a necessary product. However, if you are one to struggle with fading lipsticks, definitely check this out as it will increase your lipsticks longevity!

Have you tried Mac Prep + Prime?

Usually, I am a matte lipstick lover and will always pick the matte version over the creamy number. However, there are some amazing creamy lipsticks that I always reach for and I know that they would make any frequent or non frequent lipstick wearer fall in love with them.

The Easy Cream

The Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick range are a great budget lipstick, they are well pigmented, comfortable and quite moisturising. They are a definite swipe and go product that you can apply lightly or really amp up. They don't have the longest lasting powers however don't need much precision when topping up.

The Light Cream

For those who want a creamy formula but nothing too heavy on the lips, the YSL Rouge Volupte Shine is just that. This is a very lightweight, almost balm formula that will not irritate or dry out the lips and leaves a creamy, sheeny finish.

The Double Cream
If you're the type of person who loves a creamy formula, the Rimmel Apocalips are a gorgeous, thick, creamy formula that coat the lips but don't slip around. They are a liquid lipstick so have the pigmentation and staying power of a traditional lipstick, without the texture of one. This is quite long lasting for the creaminess and feels so plush and comfortable on the lips.

The Long Lasting Cream

If creamy formulas freak you out and you are an ultra low-maintenance lipstick wearer who wants to wear something comfortable on the lips without worrying about re-applying every other hours, the Urban Decay Revolution Lipsticks are for you. Now, the shade Bang (orange-red) is an ultra creamy however super long lasting lipstick that stays looking perfect for 4+ hours. However, not all the lipsticks in this line are consistent, some being sheerer, lighter in texture and hence, less long lasting. I suggest checking these out and giving them a swatch, but for the most part, these look and feel creamy but last like a matte.

What are your favourite creamy lip products?

I think it's time for some lipstick dupes, don't you?

Lip Colour Dupes

Chanel La Diva is a stunning, yet complex blue toned pink. It leans a little flamingo pink without the yellow tones. One that transforms on each skin colour and a definite crowd stopped however the price tag will most certainly stop a purchase. I was very happy to find a drugstore dupe for this incredible shade, the Revlon Colourburst Matte Balm in Showy is almost an exact dupe but it is a smidgen lighter, on the lips however, they are identical.

Estee Lauder Pure Colour Envy Sculpting Lipstick in Insolent Plum is a stunning, plum shade. It is an intense reddened purple that is a nice mix of berry and vamp. An incredibly similar dupe for this beautiful, rich shade is Mac Rebel, the only difference being their undertones as Mac is a smidgen more purple however like the Chanel dupe, on the lips these are identical.

Lip Formula Dupes

The Lancome L'Absolu Velours Velvet Matte Lip Colours are an incredibly rich, creamy liquid lipstick that don't hold much shine and leave a velvet finish. They last incredibly well as the velvet finish reduces any slip, however they aren't in the slightest bit drying. They are incredibly pigmented and super easy to just swipe on and go. There is an almost identical formula in the drugstore, the Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvets are a creamy, velvety lip product that last incredibly well and leave a beautiful velvet finish on the lips. The only difference is how these feel on the lips, the Lancome feels more luxurious as it stays creamier for longer however they both perform exactly the same.

A famous formula dupe for the YSL Glossy Stains are the L'Oreal Glamshine Stain Splash. These are honestly the exact same product, they are both a liquidy, long-lasting gloss that you can wear sheerily or build up coats to increase colour, gloss and also longevity. Once the gloss has faded, it leaves a stain on the lips so that your colour will last all day/night. The only difference? The shade range. L'Oreal have a much more limited shade range in comparison however there are some gorgeous shades in their collection.

What's your favourite lipstick dupe?

Whilst browsing through Boots, a new product caught my eye, the words "matte gloss" drew me in. A few minutes later I walked out of the shop, bag in hand, ready to test out my new lip product!

The L'Oreal GlamMatte Intense Gloss is a creamy, almost liquid-lipstick formula that has full opacity. You slick it onto the lips and whilst it does have a shine, the finish is matte. It is almost velvet but not quite. "Matte Gloss" is the perfect definition for this. There are currently only 4 shades available, of which I bought Cherry Crop (501) and Zip It Rouge (513).

The "matte" element of this gloss means that it won't slip or be sticky like traditional glosses, however what makes this gloss amazing is the lasting power. I wore the shade Zip It Rouge for 5 and a half hours and it still looked perfect, only some of the sheen had faded however it did not bleed, patch up or become uncomfortable to wear. An A* product if I ever encountered one.

Cherry Crop (left) Zip It Rouge (right)

If you want a long wearing lip product that has great pigmentation but also feels comfotable on the lips, this is the one for you. It works as a very expensive product but for only a fraction of the price. Is this my new favourite lip product? Yes, 100% seal of approval on the L'Oreal Paris GlamShine Glam Matte Lipgloss!

Have you tried this product?

Let's Get Lippie - This week I will be bringing you all things lip related from my favourite lipsticks to the best formulations, how to care for your lips and wonder products. Stay tuned because there will be plenty of lip addict madness.

I love a matte lipstick, they are long wearing so therefore less maintenance and for the most part, they are quite comfortable. Recently, there has been an influx in matte lipstick releases in the drugstore which makes me extremely happy as previously they were few and far between. Now, we have a wide range to choose from so there is something for everybody and at a reasonable price.

The Easy Matte

The Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm (£7.99) are a stick lip colour that have a nice pigmentation (some shades are more opaque than others) which aren't too drying. They provide a nice matte finish however feel nice and light on the lips. As they are in a pencil shape, they are super easy to apply so don't require as much preciseness.

The Traditional Matte
The Rimmel Kate Matte Lipsticks (£5.49) is perhaps the most traditional matte on the market. It is an opaque, matte lipstick that has great longevity. It is a perfect, basic matte for people who loves mattes or are just dipping their toe into the matte waters. It isn't particularly moisturising however, nor is it drying. A perfect, all-round option that won't fail you.

The Creamy Matte

Another one for Revlon (who rock when it comes to lip products) is their Revlon Super Lustrous Matte Lipstick (£7.49) this is perhaps the most comfortable, traditional matte formula in the drugstore, it feels creamy and soft on the lips whilst keeping that chic, matte finish. This one is a great option for those who don't like the feel of matte lipsticks or people who suffer with drier lips as they provide some comfort and do not enhance any dry patches.

The Velvet Matte

Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet (£8.99) is a new product in the drugstore and a bloody fantastic one! This is an "alternative" matte product as it is not your traditional matte lipstick formulation. It is a cream formula, so won't enhance dry patches and feels comforting on the lips, however it does not leave a completely matte finish that a traditional lipstick would. Due to the cream formulation, it leaves a velvety finish on the lips so isn't quite as intense as a matte lip but it still has the same effect.

The Ever-lasting Matte

If you want a lip colour that will not budge, the Sleek Matte Me Lip Colour (£4.99) is a brilliant, and bargain, option. This is a cream-matte formula that applies smoothly and finishes extremely matte. If you love a matte, long lasting finish, this one is definitely for you! It isn't the most comfortable of lip products but for £4.99, who can complain?

What's your favourite matte drugstore lip product?

So I am clearing out the stash! All of these products have been well looked after and barely used (all at least 95% full). They have been cleaned and sanitized. Open to price negotiations!

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