Alternatives To A Festive Red Lip

Every year when Christmas rolls around, I whack out my MAC Ruby Woo lipstick, and pretty much adorn a red lip throughout the majority of December. But I know that there are others out there that either hate wearing red lipstick or a simply to scared to where anything that bold. So after sharing my favourite festive red lipsticks on Sunday, I thought it only fair to share some that were less bright and... festive. We all know how much of a lipstick hoarder I am, so you can imagine how hard it was for me to whittle it down to a select few. It was waaaay easier for my other post as they all had to be red which limited me slightly! I wanted to get it down to five so that there were five reds and five alternatives. But after a lot of thought I realised that there was no chance and eventually managed to select six. Instead of going for lots of bold lipsticks, I thrown in a couple on the more natural side and a sheer lipstick for those of you who don't feel comfortable with a bright lip. 

I'll start off with the brights. Not everyone wants to wear red lipstick, so the MAC (Satin? Amplified? God knows!) lipstick in 'Red Balloon' is a good option. Don't be fooled by the name, it isn't at all a shade of red - it's an absolutely gorgeous shade of fuschia pink, and I tend to wear it all year round. Often you can find that fuschia lipsticks fall on the cooler side, but this shade is quite a warm with red undertones. To say it isn't a matte lipstick it has incredible staying power. I've worn it before (without a lipliner) and it has lasted over 8 hours with minimal touch ups - so it's perfect to wear whilst eating your Christmas dinner! If MAC isn't really in your budget, I've found that Revlon's 'Fuchsia Shock' is a good dupe. 

Another similar sort of shade is the Rimmel Lasting Finish lipstick in 'Heartbreaker', but it seems to be getting harder and harder to find it anywhere! I managed to get one of my friends hooked on this shade and she wears it almost everyday and has used up multiple lipsticks! I'm still on my first lipstick as I wear it less often than she does, but it doesn't mean I don't love it any less! It is a gorgeous shade of pink, and is a perfect alternative to a festive red lip! 

If you're looking for a pink but aren't wanting anything too bright and you're wanting to treat yourself this Christmas, the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution lipsticks just scream luxury. They do have more shades if this one isn't for you, including a few reds! I actually wore the shade Amazing Grace last christmas, and that is the shade I am sharing with you today. It a gorgeous brown toned pink as is one of my favourite neutrals in my collection at the moment. Because it's a matte lipstick, it is a great one to wear whilst eating or sipping drinks as it clings to your lips - not in a bad way, but it one that gives it incredible staying power! 

If you prefer to opt for a sheer lipstick, or are simply scared of bold lips, the Revlon lipbutters are incredible! I included the shade 'candy apple' in my red lips edit, and a few of you agreed with me in that the formulas are spot on! They are perfect for daytime wear, and even if you've already planned your makeup, I'd highly recommend adding some into your makeup collection!

Last but not least! I have the Nars Audacious Lipstick in Anna. It is a gorgeous cool toned pink and again is incredibly well lasting. I have mentioned these lipsticks tons of times already on my blog so I won't bang on about them too much. The formula is amazing and they come in sooooooo many different shades!

What makeup will you be wearing this Christmas?

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

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Festive Red Lipsticks

The festive season is finally upon us, and it brings with it a whole host of wonderful parties and celebrations. So this post is dedicated to those of you who are going out with family and friends, eating lots of delicious food and sipping lots a few cocktails, and simply just enjoying yourself! Like many makeup lovers, I love wearing a red lip in the run up to christmas. So I have finally decided to share my favourites so you are covered for the entire festive season! I wanted to share with you my top 5, but I just couldn't narrow it down! I managed to get it down to 6 lipsticks each with a variety of shades and finishes. For those of you just starting out in makeup or those that haven't yet ventured as far as a bold lip, I'd recommend the Revlon Colour Stay Lip Butter in 'Candy Apple'. It offers an easy to apply balm that adds just a touch of colour. It looks great with fresh, glory skin and simple eye makeup, and can be built up to a slightly bolder colour if desired. Also, as has a sheer finish you don't have to worry about it leaving a ring round your lips whilst eating - which is great if you're nibbling! 

If you're looking for something a little more opaque, yet still easy to apply throughout the festive season - then look no further than the NARS Satin Lip Pencils. Here I have the shade Mandore which is a gorgeous dark red. They are so creamy and there are tonnes of different shades to choose from, so if you aren't after a red you can have a look to see what else floats your boat! For something a little more long lasting, opt for a matte lipstick such as MAC's Retro Matte Lipstick in 'Ruby Woo'. It is quite a deep, sophisticated red that would go perfectly with almost any outfit. Charlotte Tilbury's Matte Revolution in 'Red Carpet Red' would also be a good option, but I don't have that particular shade in my collection yet. Ruby Woo is a bit of cult classic, and one most people tend to try out when they are looking for a new red lippy. Ruby Woo has an extremely matte finish which, if you can handle it, can switch up your look in an instant. Some people say that this lipstick is slightly drying, but I disagree. Although in the winter months, you will want to make sure your lips are properly hydrated before application. So if it is one that you reaaaaally like the look of - you can do what I do and apply a touch of lip balm whilst prepping your skin.

For a touch of luxury at a slightly cheaper cost, why not take a look at the Daniel Sandler Lipsticks. They are on a similar price level as MAC, but my oh my are they more luxurious. Here I have the shade Casablanca which a beautiful deep red. I'm 90% sure that this is the lipstick that I plan to wear on Christmas day. But I'm torn between it and the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Love Liberty - a slightly more berry toned red. The Daniel Sandler lipsticks however, are extremely hydrating and have more of a satin type finish - not matte at all! The Body Shop's Colour Crush Lipstick in 'Enraptured Red' is the one you want if you love (and I mean love) a glossy finish. I'd say it was almost like a lipgloss but without the unpleasant stickiness. It is similar in colour to the Miss Sporty Lipstick, although costs slightly more. And finally, if you aren't feeling the traditional shades of red, why not opt for something more on the berry side. The Rimmel Kate Moss lipstick in '107' is one I have often reached for in the festive season. It is very similar in formula to the Daniel Sandler lipsticks, but obviously being off the high street it is a lot more affordable. Although this particular shade is one of my all time favourites, there are a couple of different toned reds in the same collection which are also well worth checking out!

If you have any recommendations, I'd love to hear them - as you all know I'm a sucker for lipsticks!

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

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My Current Favourite Lipsticks

It's no secret that I am a sucker for lipstick, but my addiction always seems to grow during autumn and winter. And whilst cleaning out my car on Wednesday, I noticed that I had a lot of lipsticks rattling around in my door pocket - so I thought I'd share the ones that I seem to take with me everywhere! 

First up is a red, and I couldn't leave out the Revlon Colour Burst Lip Butter in Candy Apple (even if it is going to be in my November Favourites on Wednesday - if I manage to get photos taken!). I've worn this to university throughout November and received so many compliments! One of my friends asked me what it was, and when I told her she said she'd never heard of Revlon! I really want to go and see what other shades they have as I have a couple - but I prefer the darker shades for a wash of colour! I have been mixing it up/alternating it with the Burberry Kisses Lipstick in Sepia. This particular shade of lipstick is perfect to wear in the daytime, and has been one of my go-to's over the last couple of months!

In my back to university goals blog post, I mentioned that I wanted to try and turn up to lectures looking less like I'd crawled out of bed, and the MAC lipstick in Red Balloon has really helped make me look more awake. It is a really bright fuschia pink and I've been wearing it when I've had a really simple outfit on to make myself feel a little more put together. When I've been wanting a pink, but haven't wanted to go bright, the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Amazing Grace has been tossed into my handbag. I've spoken about it many times before on my blog and I've actually treated myself to a couple more shades for christmas!

And finally! For instances where I have been going out in the evening or for when I've wanted a more intense makeup look - the No7 Stay Perfect Lipstick in Grace has been my favourite to wear. It has more of a matte/satin finish and looks incredibly glamourous on the lips!

What is your current favourite lipstick?

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

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My Makeup Collection: Lipsticks

Apologies for reusing one of my old photos - I could not get another decent shot of my collection. And I tried on at least 3 separate occasions (*cries*)

Forget mascara and eyeshadow, I know that this part of the series is the one you've all been waiting for. And if it was someone else's series I would be all over the lipstick post, as lipsticks are like my blood. I need them to survive. I have so many and I have to actively stop myself from buying more. I currently own A LOT and I have been eying up at least hundreds more but I have no room left until I use up some of my existing ones (or buy more Muji - thats also an option). As I have so many, I thought it would be best to talk about my favourites and list the rest by brand? I didn't think about how I would talk about so many products in one post!

My favourites tend to switch up on an almost weekly basis. Some days I may be feeling really sassy and want a bright colour and the next I could be wanting to look more put together and choose to opt for a barely there shade. Currently my most worn shade is the Burberry Kisses Lipstick in Sepia as it just goes with everything! Whether it's a dramatic smokey eye in the evening, a bronzy contour or an everyday fresh and dewy look that's suitable for any occasion. It's a little pricy being from Burberry, but in this exception I'd say you definitely get what you pay for. They are so creamy and hydrating and you can really tell it is high end. Another favourite at the moment is the No7 Moisture Drench Lipstick in Soft Earth which, as I have just discovered whilst writing this post - is pretty similar to the Burberry one. DUPE ALERT DUPE ALERT.  This is the lipstick that I wear on an almost daily basis. Whether it is a trip into town with some friends or simply just going to university. I love wearing this and I find it super-wearable whatever the occasion.  For when I want to wear a bolder lip, my current go-to lipstick is the NARS Audacious Lipstick in Vera. It is an absolutely gorgeous raspberry shade that suits my pale complexion down to a T (whatever the hell that saying actually means).  

My ENTIRE Collection

The Body Shop Colour Riche Lipstick in 115 Enraptured Red // Burberry Kisses Lipstick in No. 85 Sepia (x2 because I love it!) // Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Amazing Grace // Clinique Long Last Soft Matte Lipstick in 50 Matte Beauty // Daniel Sandler Luxury Matte Lipstick in Casablanca // L'Oréal Colour Riche in 325 Feeric Fuchsia // Mac Amplified Lipstick in Red Balloon // Mac Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo // MeMeMe Lip Glide Velvet Finish Lip Colour in Rich Truffle* // Miss Sporty Perfect Colour Lipstick in 058 Malaga // Maybelline Colour Sensational Popsticks in 060 Citrus Slice // NARS Audacious Lipstick in Anna // NARS Audacious Lipstick in Charlotte // NARS Audacious Lipstick in Natalie // NARS Audacious Lipstick in Vera // NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Mandore // No7 Luscious Lipstick in Sweet Damson (discontinued?) // No7 Moisture Drench Lipstick in Soft Earth // No7 Stay Perfect Lipstick in Grace // No7 Moisture Drench Lipstick in Shiny Conker (x2 again!) // No7 Moisture Drench Lipstick in Chic // Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in 035 Heather Shimmer // Rimmel Moisture Renew in 180 Vintage Pink (x2 because I love it!) // Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick By Kate Moss in 107 // Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in 016 Heart Breaker // Revlon Colour Burst Lip Butter in 035 Candy Apple // Revlon Colour Burst Lip Butter in 015 Tutti Frutti // Revlon Colour Burst Lip Butter in 090 Sweet Tart // Topshop Lips in Really Ruby // Topshop Lips in Ditsy // Topshop Lips in Screen Siren // Topshop Lips in Macaroon

What lipsticks can you not live without, and have you got any recommendations for me? 

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

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Building A Lipstick Wardrobe

I buy lipsticks impulsively (and without any regret) on a regular (almost weekly) basis, which has left me with a large collection which makes those early morning decisions incredibly hard. So whether you’re building up your wardrobe, or having a clear out, today’s post has all the lipstick inspiration you need.

RED CARPET RED

If you only own one lipstick, then I swear to God it has to be red. Whether you wear it on a daily basis or save it for special occasions – there’s no denying that Taylor Swift is your spirit animal. 

Recommendations: MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in 'Ruby Woo'

THE POP OF COLOUR

Whether you opt for colour, you have to go all out. Straight in at the deep end. Bright, bold, and brilliant are the only requirements on the agenda. For the ultimate colour boost, choose a richly pigmented creamy formula which applies opaque in just one coat.

Recommendations: MAC Amplified Lipstick in 'Red Balloon'

THE 'BARELY THERE' NUDE

Are you on the hunt for a warm nude lipstick that provides lots of shine and moisture? Look no further than Rimmel’s Nude Delight. This super smooth lipstick glides easily, applies evenly and won’t wash out cool skin tones! This creamy and smooth lipstick is perfect for daily wear when you want to look polished and put together!

Recommendations: Rimmel Moisture Match Lipstick in 'Nude Delight'

MY LIPS BUT BETTER 

The one that every woman and their dog is looking for. The best shades will be a little warmer and a little darker than your natural lip colour, not too matte, and not too glossy. The kind of lipstick which you can apply without a mirror, and which doesn’t leave a noticeable line as it wears off. 

Recommendations: No7 Moisture Drench Lipstick in 'Chic'

THE DAY-TO-NIGHT 

Choose a colour which presents a subtle take on a bold shade, and a formula which allows for either a sheer finish with one application, or a more defined look with additional layers.

Recommendations: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in 'Amazing Grace'

THE HANDBAG ESSENTIAL

When a lip product serves as both lip liner and lipstick then you know you’re onto a winner. If you’re a frequent commuter, or regularly reapply your lipstick throughout the day then a lipstick in pencil form will add ease and speed to your on-the-go makeup routine - just make sure you have a mirror in your bag along with it!

Recommendations: Nars Satin Lip Pencil in 'Mandore'

THE LOW-MAINTENANCE

A tinted lip balm or a lip butter will tempt even those who avoid lipstick. It’s 2-in-1 capabilities, ease of use, and subtlety of appearance are failsafe. The best are long-lasting, wear off discreetly, and can be reapplied with ease - especially when there is no mirror to hand!

Recommendations: Revlon Colourstay Lipbutter in 'Sweet Tart'

THE PERFECT PINK 

Somewhere on the spectrum between ‘my lips but better’ and ‘pop of colour’ sits the pink. For me, this sits somewhere in the middle – a muted take on a vibrant shade. The kind of colour which can be worn day or night and doesn’t distract from a bold eye look.

Recommendations: Clinique Long Last Soft Matte Lipstick in 'Matte Beauty'

What are your essentials in your lipstick wardrobe?

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x
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Channeling Your Inner Taylor Swift

We all have those days where all we want to do is slap on a red lipstick and dance around the house with music on full blast whilst channeling our inner Taylor Swift. 

If red lipstick is on your makeup menu then I've got you covered with my top three picks, each bringing a different tone, finish and texture to the table. 

For an easy to apply, almost care/fuss free, lipstick go for the Revlon Colourstay Lipbutter in 'Candy Apple'. It looks great with a heavier eye look as it has more of a sheer finish - meaning it's possibly the one to opt for if you are preparing to brave your first time wearing red lips. For those like me, who just like to dive straight in at the deep end, how about the MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in 'Ruby Woo'. It is a cult classic amongst the blogging community, and one most people tend to try out when they are looking for a new red lippy. Ruby Woo has an extremely matte finish which, if you can handle it, can switch up your look in an instant. Some people say that this lipstick is slightly drying, so if it is one that you reaaaaally like the look of - you can do what I do and apply a touch of vaseline whilst prepping your skin.

Now, for those after a little touch of luxury, the NARS Satin Lip Pencils will be right up your street. Here I have 'Mandore' which is a gorgeous dark red/cranberry and would be absolutely stunning for those with pale or rich skin tones. I have very pale skin so this dark colour suits me perfectly! It has a very creamy formula and as the name suggests - has a satin finish. It isn't one of the cheapest options retailing at £19.00, but it feels so luxurious and is certainly worth the money!

Got any recommendations of your own? Let me know!

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x
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