The Autumn Lip Line Up

Whether you still classify November as Autumn or not, here's my rundown of the lipsticks that have made it into my line up for the next few months...

A mixture of subtle nudes, deep reds, and berry hues are welcomed with open arms this time of year. There's even the odd occasion a full on purple (meet MAC's Up the Amp here) will make an appearance. If you're not a fan of the bold and bright, I've got a few muted options that still pack a punch for a wintery lip.

Nudes: Enter: MAC Hue and Shy Girl - not pictured above, but either one of these two is bound to hit all the nude lip check points. For a deeper wash of colour try Bobbi Brown Baby Pink* - my go to milky rose lip. Or, my much raved about Liz Earle lipstick in Heather*, a gorgeous plummy brown toned nude - looks quite grown up and somewhat 'grannyish' in tube, but applies gorgeously. 

On a budget? Elf lip pencils in Natural and Tea Rose are flawless for a matte finish, and for more of a sheen pick up L'Oreal Collection Privée (swatches here).

Reds: The festive season always calls upon a strong red lip so here's my skimmed down selection for you: MAC Ruby Woo = ultimate fail safe for a deep blue toned red, great for making your teeth look white. Chantecaille's Tiger Lily* is also stunning for making a statement - for more deets click here. Hourglass Liquid Lipstick in the shade Icon is high on my list for Christmas party lip, but more on that coming soon. For a more toned down wash of colour try the Bourjois Color Boost lip crayon in the shade Red Island*.

Plums & Berries: Possibly my favourite category, and great for this time of year day or night. During the day I love to wear Kate Moss 05 or MAC Craving, which is a gorgeous plummy rose shade that truly deserves a post of it's own alongside MAC Plumful - my most worn autumnal lipstick that's slightly more purple than Craving. Budget Berries include: Topshop Beguiled - a deep blue toned plum, great for a night out; and L'Oreal Color Riche 290 in the shade Plum Passion, which has a gorgeous creamy formula and stunning pigmentation- I'm wearing it here.

Let me know what makes your autumn/winter lip line up!

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The Perfect Nude: L'Oreal Les Nudes Collection Privée

Being fair skinned I find it hard to pull off nudes, they either wash me out or lean far too dark so it's difficult to find that happy medium. I was really intrigued by L'Oreal's Collection Privée, which boasts a custom nude lip shade for every skin tone, and had to try them out for myself. I love the collaboration with various spokes models, including Cheryl Cole, Eva Longoria, Frieda Pinto, and fellow red head, Julianne Moore.

I tried and tested three nudes from the collection, and found that some shades meant for more olive, honey toned complexions still looked flattering on me, so it's worth giving these a swatch before choosing your staple nude.

Above, I'm modelling the Cheryl Nude noted as a 'greige glow' that compliments honey tones complexions, yet this was my favourite of the bunch. I found it warm and inviting, plumping up my lips without going too bold with colour. The Julianne Moore shade, which is aimed at delicate and paler skin tones such as mine, is a gorgeous rose pink. I tend to blot this on as I prefer a more subtle lip, this definitely seemed to be the brightest of them all going more towards the your lip but better route.

I found these to last on my lips a maximum of three hours, so these are one for re-applying but I do find that with most nude lipsticks. I love the creamy formula and pigmentation of these, definitely going to be braving a nude lip more now.

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Bourjois Color Boost Lip Crayons

Bourjois Color Boost Lip Crayons* From L-R (lip swatches) Peach on the Beach, Orange Punch, Fuchsia Libre, Red Sunrise

I'm going to keep this short and sweet because there really is only one main thing you need to know...go get your wallet.

Bourjois have been churning out hit after hit and I particularly love their new lip crayons. I hadn't previously cashed in on the chubby lipstick hype and so can't really make comparisons but for £7.99 you really can't go wrong. Pigmented and punchy shades that hold a waterproof shield for longer wear, seriously what's not to love. Glossy with a creamy formula that just glides onto your lips I've been reaching for these a lot recently, especially Peach on the Beach - perfect for everyday wear.

Peach on the Beach has everything set to be a crowd pleaser with its milky peach hue. Orange Punch is perfect for Summer and is stunning on all skin tones. Fuchsia Libre would look gorgeous on darker skintones but again us pale ladies will swoon at this pop of pink. I think Red Sunrise makes a great red lip without going full on and still offers up a flattering hint of pink.

So, are you sold?

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Think Pink

A year or two back and you would have not have found a single pink lipstick in my stash, nor nail polish, I had a single Natural Collection Rosy pink blush but that was the extent of my daring. I was always made to believe pink was just a colour off limits to the likes of redheads like me, that and yellow clothing. Too bright, too much contrast, but now I embrace pink it all it's rosy shades and hues.

Baby pinks are obviously much easier to pull off and match with clothing and my top lip products I've been reaching for in this case are the Revlon Lip Butter in Pink Lemonade, a gorgeous milky pink, and Topshop's Pillow Talk, another light baby pink. Both are so easy to wear and give a subtle wash of colour for every day wear. However, it's the bolder hot pinks that are really doing it for me this summer with Revlon's Wild Watermelon Lip Butter (seen worn above) and Topshop's All About Me bringing a gorgeous pop of colour. I really want to try MAC's Candy Yum Yum and Please Me next!  Do you think I can pull it off?

As for blush and nail polish, pastel pinks are my go to. Essie's Ballet Slippers has adorned my fingertips many a time this spring/summer, with Essie Fiji being on my lust list to try next. You might have also seen my post on Dainty Doll makeup, I took full advantage of their sale and I'm so glad I did. Their pink blush in 001 and 002 adds a very subtle dusting of colour that compliments my paler complexion perfectly and can be layered on without fear of the dreaded clown cheek look, win! 

What are your top pink cheek and lip offerings?

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MAC Up the Amp

MAC Up the Amp Lipstick £14*

Another day. Another post. Another MAC Lipstick. My dad recently jetted off to NYC with his girlfriend and offered to pick me up some bits from Sephora & MAC as late Christmas presents. I was unbelievably overwhelmed with the package of cosmetic treats they brought back for me and would like to take the time to say a MASSIVE thank you to both him and his girlfriend, Julie ( I know you're reading this!).

I have a few MAC Lipstick posts coming up before I thought I would do a MAC Lipstick Collection round-up as that's proved quite popular and has been requested before. This time last year I owned one solitary MAC Lipstick and now I have quite the modest collection as they're my favourite formula. Rightio, on with the review...

Up the Amp would have terrified me only a few months ago. Bold, brash, in your face with a purple punch. Far too scary for me! But I have started to embrace a bolder lip recently with plum's making the top of my list. Plum tones seem to suit me, I think the cooler hues match my skin tone and compliment my hair and so I traded my dusky pinks and blue-toned reds for plums (look out for my plum lipstick stash post coming soon!) and have never looked back. 

As it's an amplified cremesheen you know it will (hopefully) do two things: provide a good solid colour and have creamy formula that melts on your lips, and UTA does just that.

In bullet form it is a lot more vibrant and daunting than what actually transforms onto your lips, of course you can build it up to how bright you dare to go but one swipe can add a creamy slick of light purple that I wouldn't even mind wearing on an everyday basis. Used as a stain it is quite a gorgeous milky plum that I think most of you would find appealing and so I'm giving this lipstick two thumbs up as it shocked me with just how neutral it can be when in a less shocking make-up mood. Would you dare to Up the Amp?

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MAC Angel

MAC Angel Lipstick £14

I asked for MAC Lipstick recommendations on a recent #bbloggers chat and almost immediately I found my interactions clogged up with the same name appearing again and again, MAC Angel. I've swatched Angel many times when browsing the store but never purchased up until three weeks ago when I decided that enough was enough and it was time to whack out the plastic. I'm so glad I did.

MAC Angel is that shade that truly lives up to the hype, its that 'your lips but better' lipstick that is perfect for everyday wear and adding a delicate rosy pink touch to your lips. I'm not a huge fan of the frost lipstick formula but Angel isn't over the top shimmery and I've found myself reaching for it every day since I bought it. The formula is creamy and a warm welcome to my lips, I would go as far to say that this is a staple lipstick if you're looking to start a MAC collection or in need of a every day shade. What do you think? 

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Topshop Lipsticks: Beguiled & All About Me

Topshop Lipsticks in Beguiled & All About Me £8 each

Bit late in the game maybe, but I am well and truly a Topshop make-up range convert. My personal favourite items from their range is obviously the lipsticks, holla my fellow lip junkies!

I currently only possess two in my ever growing hoard of cosmetics, but Beguiled has become a fast favourite, especially fitting for the autumn/winter period. I find myself picking it up almost daily, feeling bolder and braver every time I wear it, and its battered appearance is a result of having it always readily armed in my purse. You can see me wearing it here, here, and here.

Beguiled looks a bit forbidding in tube form but once applied is a much softer plum with pinkish undertones. I find Topshop lipsticks highly pigmented and easily build-able for more of a statement lip which Beguiled is perfect for. 

Next up, All About Me. Pinks scare me. Hot Pinks especially. I'm extremely fair skinned with red hair and so I've always listened to the warnings of darker pinks and yellow clothing being off limits. However, I'm glad I rebelled and tried it out for myself. All About Me is an accurate title for this lipstick as it really won't fail to get you noticed. It leans slightly lilac in its undertones, and due to its vivid barbie-pink-come-bad-girl shade it can make teeth look slightly yellow compared to a blue-toned classic red but if you're up to date on dental hygiene you'll have nothing to worry about!
I love the bright pop of colour with a toned down eye look and pale blush. I normally slick it on when wearing a very understated outfit, say a classic LBD with a twist, or jeans and a slouchy jumper. I think this lipstick would look especially gorgeous on medium to dark skintones but us pale girls can reap its rewards to.

What are you favourite Topshop lippy shades?

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Autumn Edit: Lips

From l-r: soft options in rush (old), mac plum dandy, mac deeply adored, elf mineral moisturising lip tint in berry, topshop beguiled, L'Oreal Color Riche in Plum Passion
Other products shown: Bubblegum Lip Scrub, Korres Lip Butter in Pomegranate, Gold by Giles Lip Gloss (couldn't find product names but in swatch in a dark true red and a sheer magenta)

I've been wanting to do a post like this for some time, reason being that not only am I an avid hoarder of lipsticks in all shades and hues, but, autumn lipsticks are by far my favourite to wear. Braving a deep plum or a daring red does something to me, I feel much more glam, and I find that berry toned lip products do justice to my colouring. And, for the girl on the go, a quick slick of a darker lipstick is enough, with no need to faff around with eyeshadows as much.

However, there is always the downside to everything, sorry to be add my dose of pessimism here, and plums and red do tend to bleed or smudge much more noticeably than a Kim Kardashian lip. Of course there is always something that you can do! A good lip liner will keep any straying colour at bay and prolong the longevity of wear and I have a review of the new Mac Marilyn Monroe Lip Liners in Beet and Cherry coming up shortly.

Another downside of the harsher climates of the autumn/winter season is that chapped/dry lips become a bit of burden and so I live by two products to banish the not so attractive flaky lips look... the first being my Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub which is Ah-mazing! Seriously, get your hands on any of the Lush Lip Scrub range, they work wonders and also taste incredible too, beware you must resist the temptation to eat the whole pot! It buffs away any dead/dry skin and leaves my lips feeling renewed and plump, perfect. The second saviour on my list is the Korres Lip Butter in Pomegranate, I love, love, love this. Not only does it add a sultry hint of berry plum to my lips but its moisturising qualities are undeniable. Adding a touch of this over any of the products above adds a little extra shine and is a very welcome addition, especially when wearing a matte lipstick.

What are your go to lip products this season? Do let me know!

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Look Loud Lips in Tangerine Cream

Look Loud Lips in Tangerine Cream £7*

Look Beauty Range is fast becoming one of my favourite drug store brands and in particular, true to form, the Loud Lips Lipsticks are right up there with my top picks from their line. I received three of their lipsticks, which have also been reviewed, being Baby Doll, Toffee Cup, and finally Tangerine cream.

All of the Loud Lips range are housed in baby pink boxes adorned with the Ashley Isham print which is also embossed on the sturdy, magnetic silver casing. I like the magnetic casing as it shuts close in a jiffy and my lipstick feels protected, despite not being the most delicate packaging wise I do find the print extremely pleasing to the eye.

As many of you may be very aware I am a HUGE advocate for corals and tangerine cream fits the bill and also reminds me of my beloved Cut a Caper from MAC ( review here). Tangerine Cream is a fairly pale orange toned lippy which may have to be built up for a more visible coat of coral or can be worn as a lighter based coral with one subtle slick. The pigmentation of loud lips aren't fantastic and for me, a brighter lip fan, you may need to build up two or three layers which will then last on the lips for around two to three hours. However, this doesn't really bother me in the slightest as I absolutely adore the creamy formula of the range which feel baby bottom soft and smell good enough to eat.  True to the name, Tangerine Cream, the shade is a milky orange which is best suited for the warmer months or for a subtle work lipstick.

For £7 I swear by their range and only wish their were more shades available as they are a really moisturising treat for my winter windsmacked lips. Have you tried much from the Look Beauty Range?

I also have a new sidebar and blog button image designed by the lovely Tami from Aztec Wolves who is mega talented at all things arty so a massive thank you to her. Please do let me know what you think and also a quick reminder that advertising and sponsor spaces for next month are open so if you would like to know more or feature your blog don't hesitate to e-mail me! 

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look loud lips: baby doll

Look Loud Lips in Baby doll *£7

Second of the three Loud Lips lipsticks I received in my Look Beauty Prize was the shade Baby doll (the other two being Toffee Cup and Tangerine Cream). I must admit at first I was thinking of adding this lippie to my give-away prize as I'm not a fan on pink lipsticks no matter what the shade, I just have always doubted that I could pull off a subtle pink let alone barbie pinks and fuchsia's due to my colouring.  But then I stopped to think 'but Lauren you've never tried' and so here we are.

The Look Loud Lips range are housed in baby pink boxes with Ashley Isham print for decoration which is also embossed on the sturdy, magnetic silver lipstick casing. I like the magnetic casing as it shuts close in a jiffy and my lipstick feels protected. Despite not being the most delicate packaging wise I find the print extremely pleasing to the eye.

Baby Doll is a pale barbie pink that applies more subtle than it appears in tube form but can also be build up for a brighter pink lip. Look Loud Lips from my personal experience are a delightful addition to your lips, I love the creamy formula which feels light to touch once applied and buttery soft. I find myself rubbing my lips together often which perhaps isn't the best thing for longevity but they really do feel that soft, and they're extremely moisturising. Pigmentation wise these aren't the best and longest wear I would say would be a max. of three hours but that wouldn't put me off purchasing from their collection, I only wish there was more shade to choose from!

Have you tried anything from the Look Beauty Range?

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look loud lips: toffee cup

Look Loud Lips in Toffee Cup* £7

I was lucky enough recently to win Look Magazine's 'What I'm Wearing' Street Style competition and to my joy a bundle of cosmetic delights was my prize that arrived on my doorstop yesterday morning - it felt like Christmas I tell you.  

One of the items I received was their Loud Lips lipstick in Toffee Cup (I also received Baby Doll and Tangerine Cream from the Loud Lips collection) which is housed in baby pink boxes with Ashley Isham print for decoration which is also embossed on the sturdy, magnetic silver lipstick casing. I like the magnetic casing as it shuts close in a jiffy and my lipstick feels protected. Despite not being the most delicate packaging wise I find the print extremely pleasing to the eye.

At first I was unsure of the shade in tube form as I thought it looked a little too dark for my skin tone and I thought it was more of a chocolate brown nude. I don't really venture into nude lip territory often, besides my favourite Rimmel Nude Delight, frequently opting for corals and reds instead. However, upon application I found that it was a very flattering milky brown with pink undertones which I think is well suited for fair to medium skin tones.
The shade is very natural and therefore suitable for the workplace and everyday wear, and I particularly love the creamy formula that feels very light on the lips leaving a somewhat sheen finish which is quite moisturising. Wear-ability I would say is only up to two, three hours max. but I do love the pigmentation and milky softness of the Look Beauty range lipsticks and so toffee cup is a very welcome edition to my collection and a great choice for an everyday or nude lip.

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mac cut a caper

Cut a Caper £14

As some of you may know MAC have recently released their 'Heavenly Creatures' collection which I was really excited for. However, upon looking at swatches and online reviews I opted against buying any of the oh-so-gorgeous-looking mineralize skin finishes and blushes as once swatched I personally find they're not too different from products I already own so the only thing I bought from the collection is Cut a Caper lipstick which I have long awaited.

There is always one product out of every collection that is a sure fire to sell out fast and my prediction is that it will be Cut a Caper!

I find Cut a Caper to be a neutral everyday lipstick with slight yellow undertones to its overall light pinky peach finish which I think will suit most skin tones. It is quite sheer and therefore may need to be built up a fair bit to gain coverage especially if you have quite pigmented lips like mine. Although I've noted some to find Lustre finishes to be a little drying I however find the opposite whilst using this lipstick. I find that longevity wise it lasts up to three hours. 

I really love peach lipsticks and I think this one is perfect for the warmer months as well as being acceptable as an everyday lipstick as it is quite muted. Having said this it's nothing too 'wow' and as MAC have recently yet again upped there prices to £14 I'm sure there are cheaper alternatives for instance Sleek Peaches and Cream if you don't want to spend too much for a lipstick!

Cut a Caper is one of my all time favourites and a very welcome addition to my collection.

p.s if you haven't already could please click here to vote for me in Look Magazines 'what i'm wearing' competition - all you have to do is like - thank you :)

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MAC Costa Chic

MAC Costa Chic £13.50

Lipsticks are an obsession of mine, never feeling completely myself and presentable without a slick of colour upon my lips, and so over time I have accumulated quite the little collection most of which are either red or coral toned. Coral lipsticks are my go to shades for spring and summer and I think compliment my colouring far better than any bubblegum pink could; I tend to steer well clear of anything remotely barbie-esque as it really doesn't do much for me. I know coral tones are always associated with summer sun and tan skin but I don't think that should put off any paler skinned girls from daring the brighter coral shades such as MAC's Costa Chic - in fact it is one of my personal favourites!

Costa Chic was brought for me as a present from my dad back in the bitterly cold winter months and so has been sat in my makeup drawer patiently awaiting a sunnier day to make its debut. It is a true bright coral shade which often draws out my green eyes and leaves my teeth looking far whiter than normal. It can lean slightly pink some lights but throughout it remains an utterly gorgeous shade. You can dab this on with a slight hand for a more subtle finish or for those of you want to brave a more punchy look a light coat is enough as the photographs don't quite illuminate how bright this lipstick can be in true light.

It is a frost finish which I didn't realise for quite some time and I know that many take an immediate disliking to the often over shimmery and metallic finish that is labelled 'frost', however, I am quite partial to this finish as I find it extremely moisturising and I don't personally find the touch of glimmer that overpowering.

I think my summer coral lip is sorted, what about you? Do you have any summer lip suggestions?

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