The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid (review & swatches)

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid

The Body Shop finally made it to Slovenia which means that we can get to know more of the brand over here as well. I’ve tried a lot of their skincare before, but I’ve never tried any make-up. Consequently, I was really excited to receive my first matte lip liquid (for all purposes, a liquid matte lipstick) at the Beautiful Bloggers Conference. I wore it throughout November and December and I really liked it.

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid

Then, I received another package from The Body Shop Slovenia as a X-mas gift – their House of Holland set with another three lippies – all of which you can find sold separately as a part of their regular line as well. Here are my thoughts and opinions on them.

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid – shade range and price

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid

There are currently 13 shades available in Slovenia, but looking at foreign online stores, the number of shades can vary from country to country. The shade range is great – it covers everything from complete nudes, to pinks, reds and deeper tones. I think that everyone can find a shade for them in the range.

In Slovenia, each of the matte lip liquids costs 8,90 € which is comparable to many other drugstore brands like Bourjois or Maybelline. You can usually get some discount or promo code if you follow The Body Shop on Facebook or sign up for their newsletter.

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid – packaging

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid

Each matte lip liquid comes in a simple tube with a matte cap, which is a nice touch. I really like when brands separate their matte and regular lipsticks by doing this. The cap has a velvety feel to it, sort of like NARS packaging. Each lipstick contains 8mg of products, which is plenty. They expire 18 months after opening, which is a reasonable time frame to get through a lipstick that you like. The name is written on the top of the bottle along with the code.

The applicator is simple doe foot, small enough for precise application. It is a bit fluffy, but nothing like the Avon Mark Lip Lacquer applicator which drove me crazy. I can get a really nice application with this lipstick.

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid – formula

I really, really like the formula of these matte lip liquids. It’s a bit sheer which comes across more with the darker shades, but you can simply give it a swipe more to make it opaque. It also reapplies nicely, isn’t patchy at all. It does take a bit longer to dry down completely matte – I would say you’ll have to give it about five minutes. But after that, you’re good to go.

On the lips, they are super comfortable and not drying at all. They feel sort of like a satin lip, but have that complete matte finish which I love about them.

They have an interesting scent to them, almost flowery. It’s not too strong, but if you really don’t like your lipstick to smell like anything, you best stay away from these. The scent does linger for almost 30 minutes after application – at least I can still smell it. The smell is probably not a coincidence, since all of the shade names are connected to different flowers.

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid – Windsor Rose (032)

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid Windsor Rose

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid Windsor Rose

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid Windsor Rose

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid in Windsor Rose is a completely nude shade without any undertones. It looks nice on people with light complexion but if you’re a bit on the dark side, it might match you face. In that case, I’d stay away from this one.

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid – Nairobi Camellia (034)

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid Nairobi Camelia

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid Nairobi Camelia

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid Nairobi Camelia

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid in Nairobi Camellia is a light pink shade with a bit of mauve in there, which is perfect for everyday wear. I think it would look nice on everyone, as it’s that perfect your lips but better shade. It also gives you the look of fuller lips.

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid – Mauritius Dahlia (017)

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid Mauritius Dahlia

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid Mauritius Dahlia

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid Mauritius Dahlia

The Body Shop Matte Lip Liquid in Mauritius Dahlia is a deep burgundy shade. I usually steer clear from shades like this but I gave i a go for one of the Christmas parties and got so many compliments I might just consider such shades more in the future. It looks stunning paired with darker eye make-up as well.

So these are my thoughts on these lipsticks. I must say that this was a really good introduction to The Body Shop make-up and I’m really excited to try more stuff out from them. What would you like to see a review on next? Let me know in the comments below! Until next time, stay beautiful!

 

Avon Mark Liquid Lip Lacquer Shine & Matte

Avon Mark Liquid Lip Lacquers

Avon Mark Liquid Lip Lacquer in shine and matte versions are the latest edition to the Avon Mark family. I’ve heard that they’re bringing them out about two months ago and I was super excited when a PR package appeared at my doorstep. I received three liquid lip lacquers, two matte and one shine. Today, I’m ready to share my experience with them.

Packaging and price

Avon Mark Liquid Lip Lacquers

 

The packaging is quite basic, but practical. The bottom is see-through meaning you can see the color of the lacquer. The top is a matte black for the matte versions and shiny black for the shine version of the lip lacquer. I think that’s a nice touch. At the bottom of the bottle, you’ll find the name of the color, as per usual with Avon lipsticks.

Each bottle holds 7ml of products which is quite a lot. In Slovenia, they’ll sell for 9,50€ but in the current catalogue, they’re reduced to 4,90 € so it’s a great chance to get some if you like them.

Color range

Avon Mark Liquid Lip Lacquers

While the colors are pretty basic, there isn’t a specific shade I’d personally miss. There are 10 matte and 10 shine shades available so I’m sure that you’ll find something for yourself. To see all the shades, check out the review by Petra *here*.

Application and texture

Avon Mark Liquid Lip Lacquers swatches

Left to right: Dare to be bare (matte), Orange you happy (matte) and Lacquered up (shine)

The formula of both shine and matte version of Avon Liquid Lip Lacquer is quite thick and opaque. Matte lacquers have a mousse consistency and apply really nicely to the lips. The feeling is not uncomfortable, there is no tugging on the lips and the wear time is decent, although they will not survive a greasy pizza or a night of cocktails. On the other hand, the Shine lacquers have a heavier, more sticky formula that is really pigmented but also sits on the lips and gives them that heavy feeling. Although it’s not as shiny as putting on a lip gloss, you still have to be careful as they tend to transfer and can (probably will) end up on your teeth. So I do suggest a mirror check before leaving the house. I’m not the biggest fan of this formula as it does take a lot of effort. Wear time depends on what you’ll be doing, of course, but they will not survive many tests, if any at all.

Avon Mark Liquid Lip Lacquer

Another problem I faced with both matte and liquid lacquers is that the wand picks up a lot of product. That can be solved by wiping away the access at the bottle top but that needs to be done carefully as it will gather in there and eventually create a real mess. After a week or so, I used a cue tip to clean up around the edges of the bottle top to ensure reduced build-up. The other problem I’m facing with these lip lacquers is the slightly frayed applicator which makes precise application somewhat difficult, but not impossible. I absolutely suggest using a lip liner with the shine lacquers!

Shades

As mentioned, I received two matte shades. The first one is a nice mauve nude – Avon Mark Liquid Lip Lacquer Matte in the shade Dare to be bare.

Avon Mark Liquid Lip Lacquer Dare To be bare matte

Avon Mark Liquid Lip Lacquer Dare To be bare matte

The second is also a matte lip lacquer in a lovely orange shade named Orange you happy. It’s a pretty subtle orange shade which I’ll probably wear more during the summer.

Avon Mark Liquid Lip Lacquer Orange you happy matte

Avon Mark Liquid Lip Lacquer Orange you happy matte

The third shade I received is the Avon Mark Liquid Lip Lacquer shine in the shade Lacquered up. It’s quite a vibrant red with strong pink undertones – totally a color I’d wear during the summer.

Avon Mark Liquid Lip Lacquer Lacquered up shine

Avon Mark Liquid Lip Lacquer Lacquered up shine

Final thoughts

If you’re a fan of liquid lipsticks, I definitely recommend you get some of these new Avon Mark Lip Lacquers. They are quite different, the price is sensible and especially the matte formula very pleasant on the lips. I’ll probably be getting some more darker matte lacquers to include in my collection but I’ll skip on the shine lacquers because I’m quite messy when it comes to my lips and it would probably end up everywhere. If you have the patience and are careful enough, then you should totally get some shine lacquers as well.

Until next time, stay beautiful!

 

Catrice fall winter 2017 – new products wishlist!

Yesterday, I wrote all about my wish list from the new Essence launches – find that *here* – and today, I want to repeat the process and focus on the new Catrice products. Catrice is a sister brand to Essence and the prices are a bit higher. I must say that I don’t necessarily find the quality of the products to be better, but the packaging is usually a bit prettier and sturdier. Personally, I find Catrice to be targeted at a bit older generation while Essence also speaks to those who are only getting acquainted with make-up.

All EYES on you

Catrice fall winter 2017 Catrice art couleurs paletteEssence brought the make-your-own palette concept to the market about six months ago and I was assuming something similar will happen with Catrice. The palette for four shades Art Couleurs (2,89€ for the palette and for each individual shadow) looks sexy and has that great click-in mechanism, meaning that you can swap the shadows when you please. I’ll get to choose among 15 different matte and shimmery shadows and three highlighting shadows. Seeing that I’m always struggling to find transition shades, I’ll probably go for matte 020 – MATTastic beig and 040 – Wild Ginger, paired with two darker shades such as 100 – Parisiens Lifestyle and 140 – Secrets of Le Chrome. But these are my guesses, I’ll have to see the palette in the flesh.

Catrice fall winter 2017 Catrice precious chrome palette

There’s no doubt in my mind that I’ll buy The Ultimate Chrome Collection eyeshadow palette (5,29€) which is filled with metal and holographic eyeshadows. I don’t own a palette like this and most Catrice palettes have been really good to me lately.

Lovely LIPS

Catrice fall winter 2017 Catrice liquid lip powder

Among the new launches, the Metal Matte liquid lipsticks (4,69€) caught my eye first. They look a bit less agressive than the metallic liquid lipsticks from Essence that I talked about yesterday. They are supposed to leave the lips looking like they were dipped in metal dust but also promise a matte finish. The combination sounds interesting so I’ll definitely have to try them. I’m leaning towards the shads 020 – Frame of Roses and 040 – Blogger’s Favorite (obviously).

Naturally, I can’t go without classic liquid matte lipsticks so I’ll probably try the Ultra Matte liquid lipsticks (4,29€). Hopefully, they won’t be too heavy on the lips and they’ll have good staying power. I’m still sticking to the classics when it comes to the shades, so I find 070 – Cafe Americano, Please and 090 – Spotted on Pink-erest the closest to my liking.

Fabulous FACE

Catrice fall winter 2017 catrice prime and fine drops waterproofI probably spend more than half of my money with Catrice on face products. They have great liquid foundations, finishing powders and concealers which are a must in my collection and have been for years. This time, I’ll definitely try two new products. The first – Prime&Fine drops for liquid foundation – waterproof (3,79€) are supposed to transform the foundation from regular to a waterproof version. The second, Prime&Fine drops for liquid foundation – wake up (3,79€) are supposed to create a fresh face look when mixed in a foundation. It sounds promising enough to try out!

Catrice fall winter 2017 catrice strobing blush

In fall and winter, I tend to reach more into my blush drawer so I’ll probably afford myself another blush from the Strobing blushes (4,29€), most likely in the shade 030 – Mrs. Amber Brown (bottom right) since I don’t own a blush in those shades yet. Blushes are my guilty pleasure since I love buying them but most of the time look at them rather than actually use them.

Iconic NAILS

Catrice fall winter 2017 Catrice Brown Collection

It’s no secret that I absolutely love the new ICONails nail polish line – read about it *here*. I always feel like I have way too many nail polishes in my collection so I avoid buying similar shades. I’ll have no problem this time since I don’t own anything like the shades in the Brown Collection (3,29€). I can’t even pick one as my favorite since they all look great. The chance that they’ll all end up in my collection is consequently quite large.

This is it for the quick update on the new Catrice and Essence lines. I tried to be as quick as possible with posting these so I hope you’ll find them useful before you head out and buy a ton of make-up for yourself. Keep your eyes open for the first reviews – they’re not far away! Until next time, stay beautiful!

New L.O.V products – Summer 2017: liquid lipstick and highlighting drops

L.O.V Summer 2017

L.O.V is a sister brand of Essence and Catrice and a brand right up my alley – luxurious, elegant and sophisticated. It’s true that not every product sits well with me, but that is true for most brands – I think it would be weird if I just liked everything, don’t you? This time, I had a lucky hand and got to test two really good products.

LOVglow highlighting drops

L.O.V Summer 2017 glow highlighting drops

The first one immediately caught my eye and I knew that I had to test it right away. LOVglow highlighting drops (Muller, 10,99 € for 9ml) are available in two shades – pink-gold Moonlight dreams and gold Sunlight glow which I tested myself. The bottle looks stunning with the golden webbing, but I’m even more impressed by the dropper. It’s incredibly precise so you won’t waste any product when applying.

L.O.V Summer 2017 glow highligter drops

The drops can be applied as a regular highlighter to the cheekbones, mixed into liquid foundation or primer, but personally I liked them the most applied over the primer and before liquid foundation. As you can see from the swatch, the drops become almost invisible once blended, so they’re very appropriate to give the effect of a healthy and glowing skin all over the face. If you only want to highlight certain parts of the face, you should blend them out with your fingers rather than with a sponge – you’ll waste less product that way. I would highly recommend them as a good alternative to powder highlights.

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Golden Rose Liquid Matte Lipstick review

I don’t normally do somewhat negative reviews of a single product but I’ve received so many questions about the new Golden Rose liquid matte lipsticks that I feel like I must put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard, to be more exact) and write my thoughts and opinions about it. 

A quick disclaimer: as you’ll see, I really don’t like this lipstick, but that doesn’t mean I don’t like the brand in general – they have some awesome products that I wrote about a bunch already. 

Anyway, this is my lipstick. It’s in the shade 11 – a nice warm brown color. The selection of colors is quite nice. The price is quite steep for Golden Rose brand – this one will set you back 5,60 € for 5,5 ml.

The lipstick promises to be ~ ultra long lasting, ~ with no transfer film ~ enriched with vitamin E. 

The packaging is pretty standard with all the ingredients on the back of the packaging.  The bullet is pretty simple. It’s nothing special compared to other brands, but in case of Golden Rose, you’re really paying that less because of it so it doesn’t bother me much.

I don’t like the applicator at all. I’m very used to the doe foot applicators and this one looks more like a straight spatula, making the application much more difficult, especially in places where more precision is needed. I can just get away with application of this shade, but I would definitely suggest using a precision lip brush for any bolder colors.

The next thing I don’t like but can’t really show on the photo is the smell. It’s a strong vanilla scent, but not the nice grandmabakedcookies vanilla, but rather the 2€/liter essence you’ll get in your supermarket. I can also smell it once it’s on the lips which is very off putting. 

But the thing that matters the most is the formula. It’s quite soft going on the lips, although somewhat patchy, but once it dries (which is quite quickly), it becomes sticky and settles into the lip lines. I tried prepping my lips with a scrub and it made no difference. Even when it’s dry it’s very stick and eventually starts to flake off. It will last longer than your average drugstore lipstick, but my lips are definitely not happy once I remove it. 

So there you have it. I would advise you against buying this particular lipstick, but if it’s a good matte lipstick in general you’re after, they have some great velvet matte lipsticks. Just look for a lovely fuchsia colored bullets once you visit their stand.

Until next time, stay beautiful.