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! 

Henry Holland and Elegant Touch

Although this week I have been sporting more sebduced nails, nail art is still a huge trend this season, and it looks like one that will be around for the foreseeable future!

Heartbreaker Nails

If you struggle creating designs yourself, and don't have a local salon you can turn to for those occasions that just scream out for a nail art talking point, then from next week you can turn to your local Boots or Superdrug store. 

Nail giant Elegant Touch have collaborated with British designer Henry Holland to create a range of false nails, each featuring a nail art design, inspired by House of Holland collections. 

You can choose from 9 designs, including the understated Classy Nude and Dotty or show shopping Geek Chic, Face Ache and Get Nailed.

My favourite is HeartBreaker, which features a deep nude base with rich red heart shaped tips, and four nails with a broken heart design. I think we can all use our imagine for which fingers in particular these are for!!

Costing under £10, this a great way to accessorise a simple outfit and embrace the latest nail art trend! 

The Henry Holland Elegant Touch Collection