August 27, 2015

My current favourite nude lip combo: MAC's Creme Cup and Colourpop's Button Pencil

August 27, 2015/ Nicole McIntyre

Better together: Colourpop's Button and MAC's Creme Cup

I'm pretty lazy when it comes to my lips -- most days I opt for chapstick and a pale pinky/nude lippie, and if we're being totally honest here, I didn't see the point in applying lip liner until I finished beauty school. Lip liner not only defines your lips, it also evens out the colour of your them and helps make any run-of-the-mill lipstick last.

Armed with a bit more insight, I picked up a few cheap-o lip liners from Colourpop to see what all the fuss was about and MAC's Creme Cup, because this shade is the gateway to endless possibilities. When worn alone, I can't pull either shade off, but together. Oh, man, say hello to #kyliejenner calibre lips.

Tip: if you can't get your hands on Colourpop's Pencil in Button, MAC's Spice is a close match, albeit a tad more expensive.

Swatches from left to right: Colourpop's Button, MAC's Creme Cup and blended together

Wearing MAC's Creme Cup over Colourpop's Button

What's your current favourite lip combo?

January 09, 2015

A glimpse at the lips: MAC's lipstick in Lady Bug

January 09, 2015/ Nicole McIntyre

To date I've only come across a few beauty-related items that have never ceased to amaze me, and NARS' Flamenco was a lipstick to behold, cherish, and stop other women in their tracks to ask precisely, "what are you wearing on your lips?" My hopes of replacing such a special candied red were dashed when NARS stopped manufacturing Flamenco, or so I thought.

A few weeks ago I was tinkering about at my local MAC counter when my eyes haphazardly locked on Lady Bug, "a juiced yellow tomato" -- better yet, Flamenco's doppelgänger.

Lady Bug's boldness is tempered by its lustre finish -- sheer, and subtly glossy.

When I was a kid I wholeheartedly believed in the luck all lady bugs possessed. Here's hoping this tube comes with a bit of it.

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for MAC's Lady Bug:

$36.00 AUS / $16.00 USD

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

10 out of 10 bags — Wear it alone, or layer it over an even more intense red liner. <3

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

I recently built my own blush/eyeshadow palette during our Hawaiian holiday. I'll share my picks with you really soon.

September 28, 2014

Shanghai Suzy Spring/Summer 2014

September 28, 2014/ Nicole McIntyre

Tempered with pockets of tranquility, yet peppered with strength and a lick of fire. That's what you get when you surround yourself with a harem of misses - their attitudes and varied personalities grapple to catch your attention, mood or general response to colour.

September 15, 2014

A glimpse at the lips: NARS Gipsy

September 15, 2014/ Nicole McIntyre

Always hunting for the next best lipstick to brighten my day, NARS Gipsy floated into my periphery. With its jangling and come hither smile, I saw something promising.

The great thing about Gipsy is that you can go from everyday gal to red hot tamale in five seconds flat. Trust me.

NARS lipstick, especially the sheer formula, is one of my personal favourites! No fuss, easy to apply, sticks around and feels great on my lips. Here's hoping Francois will release Schiap in another formula.

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for NARS Sheer Lipstick in Gypsy: