Revisited & Updated: My top 5 favourite red lipsticks.

Back when I first started this blog, I wrote my first Top 5 red lipstick post. To put it quite simply, it was AWFUL. From the photography to the writing, I'm amazed I even thought it was something worth publishing to be honest. Anyway, so here I am back revisiting this old post, updating it and seeing what has changed. These aren't ranked in any particular order so here goes:

1) KIKO Velvet Mat in 606 Fire Red

KIKO are a brand which I've only just tried for the first time recently and I've not had this lipstick in my collection for too long but I already see it as one of my favourite reds. When you put this on, you can instantly feel the velvety effect; it feels so smooth and supple on the lips thanks to the ingredient 'K2 Repulp' a multi-leveled plant extract which works on multiple levels to leave your lips feeling moisturised and healthy looking. The lipstick is incredibly bold and very well wearing; and with the packaging looking so sleek and professional, it's amazing that this lipstick only retails at £6.90. 

2) L'Oreal Color Riche in Julianne's Red

This one hasn't changed since my first lipstick post and I still stand by what I said previously. It's not as intense red as my other favourites but I love having something a little different to go to from time to time. What I love about this one is that it gives a very even and strong payoff within the first application. It's very smooth and yet for a matte is not at all drying on the lips. This colour has more of an orange tone to it which again is slightly different for me. 

Swatches appear in order of the lipsticks in the images at the top!

3) Besame - Red Hot Red

I visited Besame's store when I was in Burbank, California. Now this was one of the most amazing store's I have ever visited and it was right up my street! Besame are vintage reproduction beauty brand and you can see this in their beautiful gold and red floral packaging. I haven't yet ventured into their other cosmetics but this lipstick has been an incredible addition to my life. To be quite honest, people talk a lot about skin tones when it comes to picking out a shade of red but I honestly couldn't care less. I'm not going to be one of those people who thinks I can't wear something because my skin has a certain tone. Nope, I wear what I like! So I have no particular reason for picking out this shade other than I just love it. It's a warm red, it's well wearing and applies perfectly with one coating. The tip of the lipstick is different and can take a while to get used to but actually works really well with applying to the lips evenly.

4) MAC - Russian Red

One of the life long battles in the MAC world when it comes to red lipsticks is Russian Red or Ruby Woo? Truth be told I love both but I definitely agree that Russian Red comes out on top for me. It's luxurious; it's matte yet creamy and never drying . The deep redness of this lipstick is soooo attractive to me and paired with the 'Cherry' lipliner also by MAC, it's like a partnership made in heaven. You can see that I love this one probably *the most* as it's nearing the bottom. I have to say, Russian Red, you are my holy grail. 

5) Charlotte Tilbury - Red Carpet Red

This is one of the most satisfying buys I've ever made when it comes to high-end luxury purchases. Admittedly, I have a bit of a habit of buying make-up items, using them once or maybe a couple of times and then forgetting I've bought them. However, not with this lipstick. I'm not usually one to be *that* bothered about packaging unless it truly impresses me (see also the KIKO lipstick) but Charlotte Tilbury, oh boy does her packing make me swoon. The rose gold casing makes me so happy, I love pulling it out in public to do my apply my lipstick as it makes me seem far more fancier than I actually am. The lipstick formula itself is pretty perfect! very long wearing especially through eating and drinking and the nib is perfect for applying with especially if you don't have a lip brush. It's designed to apply perfectly. It's a deep true red that really replicates old hollywood glamour. 

So that's my up to date list of my current red lipstick favourites. I can see myself repurchasing these over and over again which is why I love them so much. I do however, have my eye on the NARS velvet lip pencils as they also look glorious...that one's for my wishlist!

What are your favourite lipsticks?

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xo

Beauty: Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick and Palette

I haven't made an appearance to Oxford Street's Selfridges in such a long time that when I had a day off from work I decided I'd head up there and have a look at the Charlotte Tilbury counter. I've been wanting to try her make up for a long while now but I knew I could only make a decision on what to get if I tried the make up first in person before taking the risk of ordering online. 

I went full steam towards the concession stand and was utterly blown away by how beautiful it was. With the trademark burgandy/dark red and gold accents the brand is known for, you really feel fancy when you're having a nose around the make up. 

I ended up choosing the 'Red Carpet Red' lipstick in the Matte Revolution range which I found to be a beautiful deep red. I almost went for Glastonberry but I knew I couldn't stray away from my staple colour. The rose gold packaging is absolutely divine and so luxurious; so whilst the £23 price tag may be a bit expensive, you definitely get what you pay for. I do feel so posh when I pull this out of my hand bag to apply / reapply, it's so gorgeous. In terms of longevity, I find that it doesn't last as well as my cult favourite's MAC Ruby Woo and Russian Red but the formula is so creamy and not at all too drying, that's it's forgivable. You get what pay for with high end lipsticks like these; great pigmentation, creamy, non-drying and fairly long lasting. It's worth noting that the tip of the lipstick is fantastic and it's shaped to be similar to a lip brush to ensure precise application. We know how important it is to apply matte lipsticks very precisely as to not look messy, so this little bonus is a great help.

I then saw this palette called The Vintage Vamp which I absolutely fell in love with upon looking at it. The colours are beautiful and for me, I was utterly drawn to the shimmery gold shade and already couldn't wait to play around the with the palette to create some beautiful, sultry evening looks with it. The gorgeous burgundy and rose gold packaging screams luxury and although it's not everything I look for when I want to spend a lot of money on a beauty product, it does help to be very to look at. I often find that with some high end brands, they focus on making the packaging look luxurious and the product can end up being a bit rubbish as a result of it. However, these two products are absolute perfection and a dream to own. 

I took some photos to show you all how they look on. I know I'm a little bit rubbish at applying eyeshadow at the moment but since buying the palette, I've been practising more and more and getting a lot better. I'm really excited to improve my eyeshadow application and this palette has really gotten me motivated!