Beginners Guide: Winged Eyeliner

This makeup look has been a timeless staple in the makeup industry for decades, and you can see why, its clean, its classic, and it has the ability to be edited to match arising trends - smoking out the line for an edgy look, using a bold colour like cobalt blue for a modern edge; the possibilities are endless. Once you learn how to perfect this look, you can experiment with new approaches and different effects.

Choosing the right product: Making sure you use the right product is absolutely vital in achieving a flawless, polished look. Using a pencil can be difficult as it pulls on the skin and is difficult to create a thin precise line. Pencil is far better for making a smokey eye, smudging around the upper and lower lash line or tight lining the water line. I have used a gel with a brush quite a few times and with some practice does create a lovely clean matte look but requires some practice. I find it does take a little longer to do, but it looks seriously flawless. Pro Tip: Use a super fine brush and wet the tip (either with a bit of water or M.A.C fix plus spray (or any setting/moisture spray) - this will ensure the brush fibres stick together with the product, pick up and apply the product better and create a really clean, sharp straight line. My all time favourite is this felt tip eyeliner by Stila, it creates a crisp matte line and the right amount of product comes out ever time. Its perfect for beginners wanting to master this look because it is exactly like using a felt tip pen! Bonus - its waterproof, lasts ages and comes in heaps of awesome colours. 

Application: Every one has their own way of applying liquid eye liner but this is the way that works best for me. First of all, hold the pen the same way you would hold a normal pen and anchor your hand with your pinkie by resting it on your cheek. 

Start in the centre of your eye and draw a thin line to the outside of the eye. Then go to the inner corner and draw a line that connects to the centre of the eye.  Then draw a small line from the outer corner out to form the flick, start off with a small line and you can make it bigger if you want - to find the line that works best, use a pencil or piece of paper and follow the ankle at which your bottom lash line curves up and meets with your eyebrow. 

If you are trying it for the first time, place a piece of sticky tape in the same place - not only will this keep the line straight, but also remove any mistakes that go onto the sticky tape (Tip: this is also great for making a smokey eye where you want a clean sharp edge. Just make sure the angle and line of the sticky tape is the same on each eye - you don't want your liner going up at 2 different angles!)

Then go from the edge of the little flick you made and connect it to the line you made on the lash line, this creates the thicker flick of the wing.  Note: Start off with a small flick on each eye and you can make it bigger if you'd like - Its far easier to make the flick bigger but a lot harder to make it smaller!

Beginners Guide: Perfect Lipstick Application

I remember when I was a lot younger and I used to rifle through my mum's makeup collections and see a line of 6 M.A.C lipsticks and just be in awe of how pretty the packaging was and how lovely the colours were. I remember cautiously opening the little lipstick bullets and winding it up, i'd get super close to the mirror and slowly sweep it across my lips. I would try so hard to stay inside my lip line but never quite got it right! 

However, with a whole lot more practice and experience I'd like to think I have mastered the art of the perfect lipstick application; not only making it look flawless but also making it last

Preparation: no matter what form of lipstick you are using, it always looks better if your lips are hydrated and smooth. To achieve this I like to exfoliate my lips with an old dry tooth brush and rub it gently in circular motions over your lips. Not only will this get rid of the dead skin cells but also stimulate blood flow to make your lips look fuller and plumper whilst also generating new cell growth. 

Following this, I am religious with lip balm application, I put it on every morning before I start my makeup and before bed. A super hydrating lip balm (try By Terry Balm de Rose, Carmex Lip balm or Mecca Cosmetics lip moisturiser) will ensure your lips don't crack and stay hydrated through out the day and night. However, ensure you remove the lip balm before applying any other lip product as it will effect the application of the lipstick and will make it come off much faster.

Lip Liner: I always use a lip liner, I can't imagine creating a statement lip without it, it just doesn't look complete and it never lasts the day/night.

Not only does it make the lipstick look more pigmented and last a whole lot longer, but it also means the lipstick doesn't bleed into the lines around your lips by creating a barrier. 

For red lip looks i always use a matching lip liner to the lipstick but a lot of the time I won't have a lip liner that matches the lipstick exactly so I love using a clear lip liner, it still creates the barrier and makes the lipstick last but doesn't change the colour of the lipstick. Draw a thin light line around the lip line and then fill in the rest of the lips lightly. If you want to make your lips look a little bigger, draw slightly over your lip line to give the illusion of bigger, fuller lips. 

Tip: if you don't have a lip liner, a good makeshift replacement is using a stiff lip brush and taking a little of the lipstick and draw a thin line of the lipstick on the lip line before filling in the lips. It won't work AS well as lip liner but will definitely work with keeping the product in your lips.

Application: For darker lipsticks I prefer to use a lip brush, its far more precise and a lot easier to get right. I start with taking some of the product onto the brush and go around the outline of the lips. For lighter colours you can just draw it straight on from the tube but if i'm trying to make a statement look or i'm using a darker colour I like to be far more precise and controlled. Once you've drawn around the lip liner, begin to fill in the lips, putting more product on the brush when needed. Especially if you're just starting out, begin with small short strokes, i've also found that starting in the middle of the lip and working your way to the corner helps as well. Once you've filled in all of your lips you can either finish there for a sheer look, apply another coat using the brush or apply another coat straight from the tube which is what I did to make the lip darker and more vibrant, just be careful not to ruin the perfect line you created!

Additional: For darker lipstick colours, I've found that to make the line super sharp and neat put a little of your foundation or concealer on a small flat concealer brush and run it slowly under neath the lipstick line. Not only will this clean up any mistakes and make the colour look brighter, but will also stop the lipstick bleeding throughout the day.

Another tip to make the lipstick last longer and not transfer onto cups or fade is to dust it with some translucent powder. Take a tissue and pull the layers apart so you have a thin layer, hold it over your lipsticks and use a big fluffy brush, dip it in some translucent powder and sweep it over the tissue over your lips, then pull the tissue away and the lipstick should last a whole lot longer!

I hope you liked this post, let me know what else you'd like to see my write/post about in the comments section! 

Anya xx

Lipstick Used - Nars Cosmetics Lipstick in 'Afghan Red'

Beginners Guide: Foundation

This is the first post in my new series "Beginners Guide" in which i will explain key areas in makeup application in simple, easy to understand steps allowing for flawless application and an understanding of the products and steps to achieve each look. This week I will be focusing on foundation, choosing the right product, shade and application. Enjoy!

Foundation, to me, can either make or break a makeup look. But it can be difficult to know what product to use, what shade you are, how to apply it, what formula is best, so its understandable that its so confusing! 

I believe that when it comes to choosing and creating the perfect base, you should follow 3 steps/guidelines.

1. Choosing the formula

There are hundreds of different kinds of foundation out there, luminous, matte, full coverage, light coverage, powder, liquid, the list goes on! I know it can be very daunting walking up to a makeup counter and seeing rows and rows of different foundations in hundreds of shades and not knowing where to start. This is my advice; (disclaimer: These are only my opinions, if you find other methods work better for you then by all means stick to them!)

- Start with your skin type - If you have fairly oily skin, a more mattifying foundation may be best. If you have fairly dry skin a matte foundation may emphasise flaky areas and may dry out your skin further, so to fake dewy skin, a more moisturising luminous formula could work better, for example; Nars Luminous Weightless foundation gives a great lightweight glow to the skin giving you a lovely, dewy look. 

Foundation coverage is definitely personal preference. I like a medium coverage foundation to hide blemishes and even out my skin tone but not look overly fake. I've found that 'Rimmels 24 hour coverage foundation with comfort serum' is my favourite for faking flawless skin that still looks like skin. M.A.C cosmetics foundations are famous for offering full flawless coverage if that what you prefer. My ultimate all time favourite foundation for camera ready skin is Nars's Sheer Glow Foundation. It looks like photoshop in a bottle and looks radiant without looking shiny. 

2. Choose the Shade

The shade of your foundation is crucial in creating a seamless look, after all, the purpose of foundation is to look like your skin, just better. There is no point wearing a foundation 4 shades too dark because it will only emphasise imperfections and show that you are wearing foundation! There are many tricks to choosing the right shade, I've found the best is to try a couple colours on your jaw line/cheek area and blend them up the cheek and down the jaw line slightly to see which one best marries with your skin colour. My biggest piece of advice is to go outside and see which one looks best before buying because often in department stores the lighting is not natural and what may look fantastic in store could look completely wrong in natural day light. I also recommend if you can, trying on the foundation (many makeup counters will apply it for you) and wait an hour or so and see how the product settles in your skin, some products set a different colour and look very different after a few hours wear. Especially if you are buying a high end foundation thats expensive, you want to know it will continue to look good throughout the day. Whilst some people like to match their foundation with the colour of their fake tan, the safest bet for having a natural looking foundation is to match it with the colour of your natural skin tone.

M.A.C do a great job with foundation matching because they have 2 different undertones - Warm and Cool. For example, some of their colours are labeled NC20 or NW20 - the C standing for a cool undertone, the W standing for warm undertone. Cool tones are usually more olive, yellow based, whilst Warm tones are usually more peach/pink based. Again, swatching the foundation in natural day light is the best way to determine which colour works best. 

Check out this clever post where you can determine your skin tone based on the colour of your veins. 

3. Application

Often the best foundation can be ruined with streaky uneven application. I tend to apply the foundation with a flat brush to get a light even layer on the skin, primarily focusing on the inside area of your face. I start at my nose and apply it outwards across my cheeks and upwards up my forehead. Starting in the centre of your face and working outwards ensures you don't get too much product on your jaw/hair lines creating unnatural foundation lines. I then go in with a duo finer thick stippling brush (Im using one by Zoeva) and light blending and patting motions to blend the foundation around the face and into the skin creating an even, airbrushed look. Ive found this kind of brush is best to ensure foundation is evenly blended and there are no streaks which can often occur with flat foundation brushes. 

Additions

Once you've finished you're foundation you can add more tricks and other products. This would be when you apply a cream or powder contour. For my every day face I conceal and highlight under my eyes using a light under eye concealer a few shades lighter than my skin tone. By placing it in a triangle shape you brighten that area of your face as well as covering under eye circles. I personally don't use a brush to blend this out as the warmth of your fingers really melt the product so it blends seamlessly into the skin. Use your ring finger to do this as it applies the least pressure and be sure not to pull or drag the skin as this can damage it and create lines. I then set the entire look with a light powder (can be translucent or coloured) lightly patting it over my face with a large fluffy brush. This just ensures the foundation is set and lasts all day. If you are using a powder foundation you can skip this step. From here you can bronze, contour, blush, highlight etc. but you have a perfect flawless base to work with and develop using other products!

I hope this helped you, let me know what other tutorials, tips, tricks or reviews you would like to see in the comment section below.

Anya xx

Stila 'In the Light' Eyeshadow Palette Review

Stila 'In the Light' Eye Shadow Palette Review

This is, hands down, one of my favourite eyeshadow palettes ever, and as you can see from the photos it has been very well loved and used! It is rare that I say I would re buy a whole eyeshadow palette as I usually find other favourites or duplicates but I literally cannot imagine not having this palette in my collection. The variety of the colours allows for an array of looks from simple basics, brown smokey eyes, golden goddess eyes and a dark, blue toned dramatic eye. The eye shadows themselves are intensely pigmented and super blendable  

 This is one of those palettes where you will literally use every single colour. I use some more than others just because they create the perfect every day look, but I can make almost any look I want with a variation of these colours. It also comes with a brown pencil liner, and I love Stila eyeliners but I wish it were black purely because I use that colour more. The great sized mirror is also an added bonus as it is perfect for travelling. 

 'Bare' 
This is the perfect brow bone highlight, it blends outs what ever colour you've used as a transition and just completes the look and lifts your brow bone. I love that its matte because it looks far more natural then a sparkly shade.

 'Kitten'
Undoubtedly one of Stila's most popular shades, this colour is absolute perfect, super creamy and just sweeps onto the lids. Works great as either an inner corner highlight or a full lid colour or an inner high colour. It is brilliant for opening your eyes and making them look very bright. Another bonus is that it looks brilliant in photos!

'Bliss' 
Some people don't like this colour as it is too similar to some peoples lid colour. However, this is the perfect colour for a transition shade on my skin tone (lighter olive skin). It adds depth to the eye and blends darker shades brilliantly. As you can see from the photo I use this shade almost daily and will probably buy the full sized when this runs out.

 'Sunset'
Now I do not use this shade enough purely because I don't do many copper eye looks, but when ever I use it, it looks stunning and reflects the light in a way that makes my skin look more bronzed! Its crazy super pigmented and would work as an accent colour or just a sweep of colour across the lid. 

 

'Sandstone' 

I adore this chocolate brown for both my out corner, smudging under my lash line or in the crease/socket of my eye, especially when blended in with Bliss it creates stunning depth that make your eyes look bigger and brighter. A staple for a brown smokey eye! 

'Bubbly'

This is the perfect gold shade that I use either as a centre colour on my lid to blend from 'kitten' to 'sandstone' or just as a sweep of colour across the lid for a golden bronzed look. Like the other sparkly colours it is super pigmented and very soft and easy to pack on colour. That being said a very light layer is more than enough because of how well pigmented it is.

'Gilded Gold'

Again, I don't use this colour enough probably because I prefer a matte brown in my crease. That being said, it is stunning and the mix between the brown and gold makes a brilliant warm golden smokey eye and works very well on the outer corner.

'Luster'

This shade mind with the next two give the palette such versatility and allow for cooler eye looks which I adore. This colour is a serious multi-tasker as it works super well on its own or blended with numerous other shades to create a gradient and depth. This is flattering on all skin tones and I use it continuously.

'Night Sky'

This is such a beautiful shade and is super rich and pigmented. I don't usually go for cooler eye looks as I have warmer features (brown hair, hazel eyes) but when ever I use this, it picks up the green in my eyes and really makes them look wide and bright. Mixed with 'Luster' and 'Ebony' it makes the most beautiful blue/silver smokey eye.

'Ebony'

Every good palette that allows for smokey eyes needs a good black and this photo doesn't do this colour justice. It is so pigmented and dark and just a fantastic addition to the palette. It can either be packed onto the eye for a dramatic look or smudged into the upper and lower lash line for a softer look. Overall, a fantastic black eyeshadow and its definitely my favourite.

Here are swatches of all the colours ('Bare' on the left is quite hard to see). As you can see, they are super well pigmented and all just mix well together allowing for a huge amount of different looks. I will definitely be repurchasing this palette when I run out. If you are looking for a started palette or something to expand your collection, you cannot go past this palette. Incredible colour payoff and so well pigmented. 

I am yet to try out the other palettes in this range but if they are anything like this, I'm sure I will love them just as much!

I hope you enjoyed this post, let me know what else you'd like to see a post on!

Anya xx

My Go To Every Day Makeup Products

My Go To Everyday Makeup Products

I thought i'd share with you the products that I use pretty much every day and continuously reach for to create my everyday makeup look, so here goes!

Face Primer - Stila One Step Correct

I often change my face primer but this is the one that I reach for the most. Not only does it colour correct every imperfection but it also brightens my complexion incredibly. It covers my dark circles, it lessens the redness of imperfections and it just gets rid of any dullness on my face and creates a smooth base that allows my foundation to blend effortlessly. It looks amazing in photos and my makeup lasts and lasts. This product does wonders and even though it lasts ages I'm already on my second bottle!
Available Here AUD$53

Foundations - Rimmel Lasting Finish Foundation with Comfort Serum & bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Cream

 If I want a lighter base this is my go to product. This beauty complexion cream from BareMinerals is both light enough to let my skin breath by pigmented enough to cover imperfections and create an even base. Definitely a must try!
Available Here

 If I want a more coverage then this is my holy grail foundation that is light enough for the day and full coverage enough for night. It looks exactly like my skin but completely perfect and blends beautifully. It lasts ages and always looks perfect.
These products works best with a stippling duo fibre brush.
Rimmel Foundation - Available Here AUD$17.95
bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Available Here AUD$38

Concealers - bareMinerals Stroke of Light Eye Brightener 'Luminous 2' & M.A.C Select Cover Up in 'NW15'

I have two concealers for a reason. 'Stroke of Light' by BareMinerals both covers up imperfections and is my ultimate under eye concealer, it brightens and conceals and doesn't cake (providing you don't use too much). This product works best if you draw it like a triangle under the eye and blend it with gentle patting motion with your ring finger. The lighter M.A.C Cosmetics concealer is perfect for when I want my eyes to look a little brighter (either for an event or when I haven't had enough sleep!) I use a tiny bit right under the lash line. These two products combined work wonders and fake a great nights sleep!
BareMinerals Concealer Available Here AUD$27 M.A.C Concealer Available Here AUD$32

Powders - Maybelline Fit Me! Powder 220 & Laura Mercier Pressed Setting Powder in Translucent

From the photo you can see that I use this product a lot! I've been using this powder for as long as I can remember and have re purchased many times. Its just a really light powder that I use to set my foundation and creates a soft even base. This colour matches my skin beautifully and looks lovely in photographs and works on top of every foundation.
I do like the matching foundation that Maybelline has but I prefer the powder.
Available Here $14.95

 

 This product is perfect for under the eyes to set under eye concealer and to brighten the area and make you look more awake. Just ensure you don't use too much as it can be obvious in photographs. Other than that, a definite staple in my collection. Available Here AUD$50

Bronzer - Nars Laguna Bronzer

Im sure many of you will of seen this bronzer before because it is a cult classic. I have been using this product for over a year and nothing works better for either adding a warm glow to the face or contouring. I first thought looking at it in the pan that it would be way to dark for my lighter skin but it just blends and glides onto the skin so effortlessly and doesn't look muddy at all. I am yet to find a bronzer that I like more! I use this both on a daily basis for a slight glow and for a strong contour and face framing for events. I use this on clients all the time and it works beautifully with so many skin tones and just frames the face perfectly. Whilst it is quite pricey being a high end makeup product, it is definitely worth it as it lasts ages and looks incredible. Available Here AUD$56

Blush - Nars Blushes in 'Madly' and 'Deep Throat'

For years I have struggled with the concept of blush, purely because I didn't know how to pick a shade that worked for me or how to apply it. But with a lot of practice I have gotten better and have found shades that work for my skin tone. Usually I like darker, more dusty shades, (Like M.A.C 'Pinch Me') but these two colours combined create the perfect peachy glow. (On Left is Madly, Middle is Deep Throat, Right is the two combined. It makes my skin look sun kissed and effortless. Whilst i wouldn't recommend this for a night out as it is quite light and pink, it is perfect for every day and just completing your makeup look. I would definitely recommend mixing blushes as you can customise the perfect colour for your skin tone/the look you are trying to achieve. 

* Note - My deep throat blush is a simple size not full sized

Both Blushes Available Here - Each AUD$42

Highlighter - MAC Studio Sculpt Defining Powder in 'Light'

Whilst my actual favourite highlighter is 'Soft and Gentle' Mineralised Skin Finish from M.A.C I find its just too sparkly for every day wear. That being said, I still like to have a highlight on my face to catch the sun and to make my skin glow so this product is brilliant. I hadn't heard of it until a girl at M.A.C suggested it to me. Its the Studio Sculpt Defining Powder in 'Light'. It doesn't look like much in the pan but when swept onto the top of the cheek bone it just gives off such a subtle gorgeous glow. It doesn't have chunks of glitter but it definitely reflects light in such a unique way. It can also be swept all over the face for a light glow but I prefer to concentrate it on my cheek bones and sometimes on my brow bone for a simple glow. A new product for me but once I started using it i couldn't stop! I think this product works best with an angled brush similar to what you would use for contouring or a fan brush; I swap between the two. Available Here.

Brows - Kit Cosmetics Brow Gel & Kevin Aucoin Brow Pencil in 'Brunette'

When I was younger I never did anything to my brows, I just didn't know how. A makeup artist from Napoleon Perdis once told me 'once you start filling in your brows you won't stop', she couldn't be more right! I'm lucky to have a good shape to my brows but the hair colour is quite light compared to my brown hair so filling them in is necessary, my face just doesn't look complete without it. This Kevin Aucoin Brow Pencil in 'Brunette' (with built in spoolie in the end) is perfect, its waxy so it shapes the hairs and fills in exquisitely and I can't imagine using any other product. The Kit Clear Brow Gel is perfect for setting the look and just keeps it flawless all day. This product also works if you don't want to add colour to your brows just groom them. My favourite brow products by far! 

Kit Brow Gel Available Here AUD$17.95. Kevin Aucoin brow pencil Available Here AUD$35

Eye Primer - Too Faced Shadow Insurance

I would be the first to admit that I am not very adventurous with eye primers, aside from a few samples this is the only full size eye primer I have. This is purely because this product is so good that I don't see the need for another one. It creates a smooth perfect base and ensures eyeshadow glides on and makes them both look stronger and more pigmented and last literally hours and hours. My favourite eye primer hands down, use it every single day. 

Available Here AUD$26

Eyeliner -  Stila Stay all Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Black

It took me a while to master winged eye liner (and I mean hours of watching YouTube videos and taking it on and off and almost covering half my eye trying to make it even) but once I did it is once of my all time favourite looks and I think every one should master it. (Post on this is coming soon) I have experimented with many different products and have found some more affordable dupes (Maybelline has an amazing one!) but this is my holy grail, hands down, use almost every day eyeliner. This is my 4th repurchase and I will forever love this product. It is super well pigmented (not on the first try, it takes at least one or two goes to get the product into the felt tip) and has a very sharp felt tip point which makes it super easy to apply. Its not even super expensive so is justifiable as a staple for your collection. As you can see you can make either a thick line or a super precise flick. A must buy! Available Here AUD$29

Mascara - Rimmel Scandal Eyes Extreme Black Volume Mascara

I have tried a lot of mascaras and whilst I really love this mascara, I am yet to find my holy grail, purely because I can't justify buying heaps of mascaras, especially if they are high end. But so far, this is the only one that I have repurchased. I love the thick brush and the formula because its lengthening and super volumizing which I love in a mascara. Its not expensive but definitely a fantastic every day mascara.

Available Here AUD $11.95

Eyeshadow - Stila 'in the light' Eyeshadow Palette

I have a separate post on this palette coming up because it is so spectacular that it needs a whole post! I literally use this almost every single day, the colours are so versatile and pigmented and can make so many looks from every day simple to a dark smokey eye. My literal holy grail favourite eye palette. Thanks Stila! Im fairly sure this is discontinued in Australia which is so sad, but I think you can still get it in America and it is definitely online in places like beauty bay.

So there you go, these are my every day, go to favourite products that I use to create my every day look. Whilst this changes slightly daily, like sometimes more bronzer, a different eye look, sometimes eyeliner, different lipstick etc. but these are the products I use pretty much every day. I hope you enjoyed it! Comment what else you would like to see on my blog

Anya xx

Red Lipstick

"Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin.... That, or a kick-ass red lipstick" Gwyneth Paltrow 

For me, this is so true, a good red lipstick can pull an entire look together. It has the power to give so much confidence, something that should never be underestimated. For decades, red lips have evoked power and class and for me will always be timeless. The search for the right red lipstick is a difficult one, so i have listed below some of my favourites. I gathered a couple with different formulas, some matte, some sheer and glossy.

So here goes!

Chantecaille Lip Chic 'Amaryllis'

Chantecaille Lip Chic 'Amaryllis'

This stunning colour from Chantecaille (Mecca Cosmetica) is perfect for anyone who wants to rock the red lip but isn't quite ready to commit to a crazy vibrant statement lip. Its fairly sheer but still a perfect red in my mind and would suit any completion. Obviously because its not a super thick lipstick its staying power isn't perfect but definitely great for a beginner looking to experiment with a bold lip.As you can see its a slightly blue under toned red but fairly sheer. Overall, i love this product for a pop of colour and is a great formula

Without Flash - Natural Day Light

With Flash

Part of Chantecailles 'Lip Chic' Range 

Available Here AUD$50

Chantecaille Lip Stick 'Cerise'

Chantecaille 'Cerise' Lip Stick

This is another Chantecaille product (I love their makeup, their lip products are so moisturising and smell incredible). Whilst its similar in colour to Amaryllis its a much thicker consistency and far more pigmented. I would classify this as a more true classic red. Whilst from the tube it is quite thick to apply and a lip brush would probably help, it is the most gorgeous rich pigmentation and creamy consistency and definitely a go to for a classic red. It is a little more pricey but lasts ages, but definitely a more high end product

With Flash

Without Flash - Natural Day Light

Part of Chantecaille's "Lip Stick" Range
Available Here AUD$50





L'Oreal Colour Riche Extraordinaire Lip Colour - 304 'Ruby Opera'

 

With Flash

Without Flash - Natural Day Light

Whilst this lipstick is similar in pigment and thickness to Chantecaille 'Amaryllis' it is completely different in consistency. Its super glossy and ultra shiny and very buildable in colour, you can go from a thin sweep of colour or a slightly thicker layer like I did. Whilst its a gorgeous colour and photographs well it is a tad sticky. It does dry a little but slightly irritating on a windy day and getting hair stuck! Overall, the pigmentation is lovely and the soft doe foot applicator applies like a dream! No lip brush needed.
I do love the colour but i would say its a little bit more of a pinky red rather then a true red. Would work very well with any skin tone as its so sheer it matches your own lip and skin shade very well

Available here AUD$21.95



L'Oreal Colour Riche -  377 'Perfect Red'

 This is probably one of my favourite lip sticks in terms of consistency and pigmentation, it lasts really well and is super creamy and applies like a dream. I love the gold packaging and the shape of the lipstick as it fits the shape of the lip brilliantly. The only issue I have is the name, whilst it is a stunning colour I wouldn't call it the 'perfect' red as in person its far more orange based. Whilst I love this and it does suit my skin tone I don't think it would suit all skin tones, especially quite pale ones or pink based skin tones as a blue based red would match better.

With Flash

With No Flash - Natural Day Light

It also has a slight golden sheen to it which I personally love
as it looks awesome in photos but if you are looking for a matte lipstick this wouldn't
be the one. That being said, it is perfect for when i want to look a little more tan

Available Here AUD$21.95

Revlon Lipstick - 675 'Volcanic Red'

 This lovely colour is very similar in consistency to the L'Oreal 'perfect red' in that it is very richly pigmented and insanely creamy. Because of this it sits beautifully on the lips and I think is a truer red, in that it is neither blue or orange based but just the perfect quintessential red lipstick. I have always loved Revlon's packaging and this is no exception. Whilst this lipstick is very thick, I would still recommend a lip liner just to ensure it doesn't bleed through out the day and to keep a cleaner, sharper line.

With Flash

Without Flash - Natural Day Light

I personally use a lip brush just to keep the shape perfect but you could just apply it straight from the tube. I also love that it doesn't stain the lips after removing it. Overall a brilliant product and a long time favourite!
Unfortunately this product is discontinued, but a Revlon Dupe is 'Certainly Red' of 'Fire & Ice'

Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil - 'Cruella'

This is BY FAR my favourite lip pencil ever created for a matte lip. It is super creamy and easy to draw on - no lip liner needed, and has serious staying power. Whilst it is a little more berry then red (for a true berry - try Damned, for a brighter red - try Dragon Girl) I think it works really well with my skin tone. Nars makes lip pencils in 3 different formulas, the others being more of a gloss, the other like a typical lip stick, but this formula is definitely my favourite. I love the shape of the pencil and is super easy to use but be sure to have a very big pencil sharpener as they work best when sharp. A little tip - if you want a super sharp line then

With Flash

Without Flash - Natural Day Light

put it in the fridge for an hour or so then sharpen so it doesn't go blunt and sharpens easier.
Definitely a must buy!
Available Here AUD $39




Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick - 'Beso'

Natural Light - Not Flash

 This is hands down my ultimate go to lipstick. I am a massive fan of the liquid lipsticks that apply like a light cream but set into a matte lipstick. The doe foot applicator makes it super easy to apply and it lasts FOR HOURS! I have worn this during the day, to dinners, going out etc. and it pretty much always stays. It does last better with a little lip liner and it does come off a little if you're eating a lot, especially something like soup or pasta that hits your lips a lot but other than that it has incredible staying power. Whilst it isn't a true red, its a little darker once set, I love the colour and the way it completes any makeup look!

With Flash

They aren't as pricey as some other high end lipsticks so I would definitely add this to your collection. I don't own any of the other colours in this range but I have tried them and I adore the formula!
A must by and favourite!
Available Here AUD$32

I hope you all liked this post and that it helps you in the search of your ultimate red lipstick!

Let me know in the comments what other posts you would like to see in the future.

Thanks for reading!

Anya xx