OCC Lip Tar

Whilst I was in Vegas back in November, I couldn't help but indulge my inner spend-a-holic with a trip to beauty Mecca Sephora.

I've been desperate to get my hands on Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics  Lip Tar's for a good few years now, after swooning over their vibrant shades in various make up magazines and trying them at the yearly IMATS trade show after I'm all spent out. So luckily for me and my purse, Sephora had a fantastic four piece mini set, ideal for my globe trotting kit!

The kit features four shades, a light peach pink, rich fuchsia, pillarbox red and deep dark plum, all of which can be mixed to create customised shades. Each shade is richly pigmented, meaning a little goes a very very long way! 

OCC Lip Tar offers the longevity of a lipstick in the easy of application of a liquid gloss. On application, I noticed how fluid lip tar is, it leaves the lips super glossy until it dries down within a minute or so, to a satin finish. Once dry you can barely feel it, which is exactly what I like in a lip stain! Unlike most stains, Lip Tar contains Hemp and Peppermint oil and vitamin E, meaning lips stay hydrated during wear. 

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I'm really loving the bold red, and think this one is bypassing the kit and straight into my handbag! So, I just need to hurry back to the sunny states to stock up on more shades!

MUA Luxe Velvet Lip Lacquer

I've always been a fan of a matte lip, especially a bold red one during the crisp winter months! Like most make-up artists, I've been desperate to get my hands on the famed Lime Crime Velevetines,but unfortunately  due to their massive success and demand I'm still waiting my velvet lip fix.

So during a pre-holiday browse in my local Superdrug, just imagine how excited I was to discover budget brand MUA have launched their take on the trend. 

At only £3.00 , MUALuxe Velvet Lip Lacquers provide a 'long - lasting and kiss proof finish' so MUA say. Available in five rich shades, from a vampy plum to a bold orange and fuchsia pink. I decided to stick to what I know and love. Red. One bold pillar box, named Reckless, and the other a rich pink tone, called Funk.

The wand, lipgloss style, applicator holds A LOT of product, and I spend the first few seconds removing excess product. This may not be necessary to every user, but as I found myself lip liner-less and at the airport, I needed a small amount of product on a dry applicator to line my lips first. 

Next, I soaked the applicator in the excess product I scraped off only moment before, and applied as usual to my lips. The product immediately feels quite tacky, but as it begins to dry to a matte finish it becomes much more comfortable. Within 5 minutes you wouldn't know you had it on- ideal for me.

However, velvet finish? I'm not so sure. It's definitely not in the league of Lime Crimes Velvetines, from the reviews and images I have read. But then, for £3.00 what can we expect?  

Three weeks on and Reckless practically lives in my handbag, and on my lips, on a daily basis. Alongside a low shine lip balm such as Carmex, just to prevent any of the dreaded winter chapped lips. 

Matte? Yes. Long lasting? Most definitely- even after lunch, dinner and drinks. Kiss proof? Can't answer that one I'm afraid....but then it is the season of mistletoe, so maybe I can let you know about this bit soon! 

Kryolan Lip Stick Sheer

After wearing my vibrant lip stain for a few days, I was really excited to try a softer, sheer finish, with my next new Kryolan find- Lipstick Sheer! Being a huge fan of Kryolan, my favourite sheer lip tint is currently their Lip N Cheek, so I've been really excited to try the latest product in the range!

Lipstick Sheer not only provides a gorgeous wash of feminine, elegant colour, the formula is packed with Vitamin E, meaning your lips are cared for and nourished all day long. 

A great win, win make-up and lip care find!

Just like the Kryolan Lip Stain I featured earlier this week, these lip colours have some wonderful names- such as Audrey, Scarlett and Keira. Yes, that's right, they are names after iconic  Hollywood actresses- past and present! The 18 strong shade range include both rich reds, warm pinks and pretty neutrals.

So, being a red lip lover, my first choice was obviously Audrey- because you can't ignore Ms Hepburn now can you! This beautiful orange toned red is perfect for a summery coral twist on a classic red lip. Second choice goes to the pretty pink-red, Iris, which is my favourite red hue and one that will no doubt worn very regularly!

Application of Lipstick Sheer is quick and easy. The natural wax formula ensuring a smooth application, even straight from the bullet. Unlike Lip Stain, where I felt a lip liner was necessary- with Lipstick Sheer it is not. A pretty, sheer finish can be ruined with a harsh liner, but if you simply can't leave the liner in your make-up bag, make sure you blend the liner with your fingers or a lip brush, for a softer look. 

If you are looking for a softer way to wear your favourite lip colours during the summer months, I would highly recommend Lipstick Sheer- you'll definitely be finding a few of these in my make-up bag, that's for sure!

PS- for us space saving pro's- these are even made in a palette!

Kryolan Lip Stain

The sun is shining, the birds are singing and the postman has been with a parcel from my favourite make-up grotto, Charles Fox. Today, I am one happy girl! So, what was inside this parcel that made a girl grin from ear to ear like it was Christmas day? The latest lip products from Kryolan- Lip Stain and Lipstick Sheer! 

First up, its the Lip Stain. (You can read all about the Lipstick Sheer in a few days, I won't keep you in suspense for that long!)

Kryolan Lip Stain in Jazz

Packaged like a lip gloss, these tubes of loveliness contain 4ml of intense, rich colour. It's pretty obvious, before you have even unscrewed the applicator  that the formula is thicker and creamer than most lip stains and are jam packed with pigment. But from a professional brand like Kryolan, that has been creating industry standard make-up for over 65 years, I wouldn't expect any less. 

Now, which shades to choose? Lip Stain is available in 8 shades, including vibrant pink, sultry plum and a variety of nude hues to suit all skin tones, but it's the names in particular that drew me in. These are all named after a type of music- well it is festival season after all! Being a very indecisive girl, I listen to most types of music, but Jazz (especially the gypsy jazz, electro swing, feels like your in Paris in the 20's, drinking illegally type) is one of my favourites to listen too. 

So, the pretty apricot tone 'Jazz' was choice number 1.

Choice number 2? Well, I couldn't not choose a red could I?! 

So, the vibrant cherry red made its way into my make-up kit too.

Kryolan Lip Stain in Rock

The applicator is a great quality lip brush, which I find are much better than the typical sponge/wand type. A brush won't absorb product and won't drag on the delicate lip area.

Before we apply however, I would seriously recommend lining our lips first. Even as a daily red lip wearer, and someone that can do 30 lip applications on a mega busy make-up day, I struggled to get a precise, crisp application, especially at the cupids bow. Having a guideline edge, just makes applying a liquid colour much easier- and who doesn't want an easier, quicker application on a stressful morning!

Although this is a liquid stain, the colour dries quickly onto lips, leaving a strong block of colour. Leaving a matte finish, it doesn't however feel drying or tight like some stains I have tried previously, in fact, I think the finish is  pretty similar to Lime Crimes famous Velvetines.

Matte, but with a soft sultry finish. 

After a 9am application, I was delighted to find that after 3 glasses of wine, a hefty BBQ and a very hot and humid gig  my lip colour was still in place, and as vibrant as ever. This is most certainly smudge proof, water proof and long lasting!
Plus, being the hottest day of the year, I was delighted to find Lip Stain even contains UV-B filters- stunning, bold colour and sun protection, this is practically unheard of. 

So, how do we get this off?! Simple! Take your eye make-up remover on a cotton pad and sweep over your lips. and voila, normal lip service resumed.

All in all, I adore this lip stain, as to be honest, I knew I would.

Not only will this be a new make-up bag staple, it will be my go to lip product when working on a long days shoot in this lovely hot summer we are currently having. 

Because you know, even us pro's hate having to re-apply lip colour!

Kryolan Lip N' Cheek

Kryolan is a brand I have been aware of for over 10 years now, and one that has created some of my all time favourite kit staples. What I would do if I lost any of Dermacolour palettes, god only knows!

 For the average beauty shopper however it seems Kryolan is a brand known by very few. Especially amongst my friends at home in the North, who found themselves in beauty heaven when I introduced them to my favourite items from the range in London's Charles Fox last weekend.

Charles Fox and their imaginative window!

If you too are new to this brand, then here is a quick overview of the important bits you should know!

• The brand was started by Arnold Langer, and now run by his grandchildren. A real family company!
• Launched in Berlin in 1945, they have been supplying make-up to TV and Theatre for over 66 years
• Kryolan has an extensive range of over 16,000 products and is a favourite with professionals
• They use their own recipes and formula's to manufacture their own products
• Kryolan products have never been tested on animal

Recently, Kryolan's newest product Lip N' Cheek has been brought to my attention, and quickly made its way into my kit bag! This multi-purpose product is available in 11 shades, from beautiful nudes to bolder hues, they all create a soft subtle hint of colour. It is also water resistant, making it ideal for weepy brides, those with oilier skin and for us gym bunnies! Who doesn't want to look good at the water cooler?!

The three shades I have been using are of the orange tone family.

Hibiscus, is perfect for a very natural, daytime glow. Petunia adds a pretty apricot hue whilst Poppy gives that kick of tangerine, sheer enough for even the most bright shy. All three looked lovely against my ivory skin tone but I think Poppy will look come into its own against a sun kissed tan!

Packaged similar to a lip gloss, with an angled applicator for ease of use, you get a mighty 10ml of product within a handy size tube. Ideal for your make-up bag or that unused handbag pocket!

Whats really clever is the formula. Its smooth enough to easily blend using your fingers onto the cheek area, yet applies precisely to instantly stain the lip area. Although I'm a fan of matte lipstick, I did prefer applying a touch of lip balm about 10 minutes before the tint and a a small top up after, just to stop my lips looking a little chapped.

I'm sure once the warmer weather arrives this will be unnecessary, but until then, its balm all the way for me!

Overall, this is definitely a product I will be investing more into- especially the girly pink shade Lotus, which I think will fly off the shelves of Charles Fox this summer! So, if you are looking for a pretty flush, perfect for the summer sun or emotional weddings, look no further than Kryolan Lip N' Cheek. 

Hibiscus, Poppy and Petunia

No7 Stay Perfect Lip Stain

When you are a lipstick devotee like myself, you are always on the hunt for the latest miracle product offering that perfect pout all day long.

When I heard that my beloved No7 were launching a lip stain, in a design similar to a felt tip pen, I was intrigued. In the past I have tried Stay Perfect Lip Lacquer, which, due to the liquid formula is rather tricky to apply. Especially if, like me, you are always late and tend to rush your lippy application on a moving train!! They are also not to be used in situations involving wine. Trust me on this one girls!

Available in five shades, ranging from a pretty nude to a striking red, with plum pinks in-between, there is a Stay Perfect Lip Stain shade for every cosmetic eventuality. 

These slim double-ended pens feature the stain on one end and a moisturising clear lip balm on the other. As a women with minimal handbag space, this is a win win situation.
 No7 have also cleverly created a 'double lid' to the stain end- meaning that even if the cap comes off, the nib itself won't be damaged or dry out! The team over at No7 are obviously very intelligent indeed!

Image- Boots.com

Being a red lip obsessive, I dived straight for 'Ruby'-  a pink toned red. 

The pointed nib makes for precise application and I'm sure most of you can achieve a perfect edge to your lips using it. But if, like me you have an uneven lip line or you haven't got the most steady of hands, you may find it beneficial to apply a lip liner in a similar shade before hand. 

Remember, this is a stain- meaning one small slip, and you may resemble a child who has drank far too much cherryade. Definitely not the desired effect!

Merely seconds after application, the stain has dried, leaving my lips with a pretty red flush yet feeling like there is nothing on them at all! The beauty of these stains, is that you can re-apply for added depth of colour- something I have been unable to do with previous purchases, as it has tended to feel sticky and overloaded.

As with all lip stains, my lips quickly feel dry, but after a slick of the clear balm my lips are re-hydrated and left with a subtle sheen rather than a heavy gloss. It's essential to reapply the balm throughout the day not only to prevent dryness, but this also helps to keep your colour even.

After 12 hours of wear, 2 meals and endless glasses of water, I'm pleased to say my lips are still looking perfectly polished!

Looks like I may have found another favourite to my red lip collection!