Tag Archives: makeup

Kat Von D Studded Kiss Creme Lipstick Swatch In Vampira

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Kat Von D Studded Kiss Creme Lipstick Swatch In Vampira

Hello everyone! Today we’re going to check out the last swatch in my makeup hand me down haul from my sister. Recently, we swatched all kinds of good stuff from L’Oreal and Revlon to Kat Von D and we will be checking out the final shade in her sample pack called Vampira in this post. Similar to the other Kat Von D colors that we looked at, I would not wear the shade Vampira. But, it actually is my favorite one of the three so take a look and let’s discuss:

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Upon first inspection of the marketing and sample pod, I thought that Vampira was going to be a really dark purple. But, once swatched, I realized it was more of a mulberry with some deep red garnet thrown in for good measure. I absolutely loved the shade once I knew what it actually was and the color reminded me of the stain you get on your lips when you drink way too much red wine!

Despite appreciating the color, I would never wear Vampira. I have only tried lipstick in the purple family one time and ended up looking like a living dead girl and I am definitely not going through that again!

I consider myself an extremely edgy girl but I thought that, for the most part, each Kat Von D shade that I swatched was too bold for my liking. And I literally never say that. I felt like all of the colors were way over the top for my fairly simple makeup routine and I wouldn’t feel like myself if I was wearing one of the lippies.

I think the Kat Von D Studded Kiss collection is great for the makeup risk takers and I commend them for using such shocking shades. But, for gals like me with only a few signature lippie colors, I don’t think I would recommend the collection. The “wow” factor of each hue is just too much to feel comfortable in, no matter how fierce they are!

What is your favorite bold makeup to wear? What is the craziest color of lipstick you own? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Kat Von D Studded Kiss Creme Lipstick Swatch In Lolita

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Kat Von D Studded Kiss Creme Lipstick Swatch In Lolita

Hello! Today we are going to look at another one of Kat Von D’s Studded Kiss Creme Lipsticks in the shade “Lolita”. As I scrolled through the comments about this lippie on Sephora’s website, it seemed to be the most popular hue amungst the crowd. But, I don’t know, maybe it’s because I’m already not partial to the lipstick brand already after an unsuccessful swatch, but I didn’t think Lolita was that great. Lol, but I’ll let ya’ll be the judge of that! Take a look and let’s discuss:

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Now, I get why to some this bold take on a nude lip in a dazzling rosewood hue would be a “universally flattering” color. I SAY FALSE! Lolita applied EXTREMELY brown on my lips. I’m talking chocolate milk with the tiniest splash of strawberry mixed in for good measure brown. I thought I was going to get a sultry dusky pink and ended up looking like I stole every single cookie in the cookie jar.

The funny thing is, is that I think a dusky pink is an amazing universal color and I wish they would have stuck with that idea. Lolita was quite possibly the most misleading packaging and swatch I’ve had in my life. Normally, all I need do when I’m lipstick shopping is run a line on my hand to quickly judge the actual color. However, this swatch proved to be much different.

As I applied a lipstick heart to my hand, I was shocked at the results and just how dark it really did apply. So incredulous that I actually took the time to apply this lipstick with my makeup to see the full effect. I thought that maybe the chocolatey shades would soften against the natural pink of my lips but I thought wrong. And, even my boyfriend confirmed!

I was looking forward to trying Lolita out because many a blogger has posted about it before. But, unfortunately, it ended in one big fat “whomp whomp” lol, it was a hand me down free sample, though. So, no harm no foul!

What color do you think is universally flattering? What is a color that looks good or bad on you? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Kat Von D Studded Kiss Creme Lipstick Swatch In Outlaw

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Kat Von D Studded Kiss Creme Lipstick Swatch In Outlaw

Hello! Today, we are going to take a look at Kat Von D’s Studded Kiss Creme Lipstick in Outlaw. In my makeup hand me down haul from my sister, I received a sample pack of three Kat Von D lipsticks. I have never been too interested in trying her makeup out before and after giving her lipstick a try, I am definitely not interested in trying her makeup out further, lol. Take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

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When looking at the sample pack marketing and the lipstick pod, Outlaw looks like a really true and classic red. However, it was a different story once it was on my skin. Maybe I see colors differently, but this shade looks so pinky to me. In fact, the first thing that came to my mind was that it looked like strawberry jam. This is fine, but I just don’t like when the marketing of the color and the actual outcome looks completely different.

Another qualm I had with this lipstick is its holding power. Don’t get me wrong, I know that a creme lipstick is a very different texture from your traditional glossy or matte lippie. BUT, I should not be able to remove a HUGE portion of the lipstick just with the pad of my finger, creme or not. I was also able to clean the entire swatch off with just one swipe of my hand towel with hardly any residue left over. In other words, good luck wearing this lipstick to lunch!

I was really disappointed with the quality of this lipstick because I have heard good things about the Kat Von D brand. I scoff at the twenty dollar price tag and am just fine with my drugstore brands, thank you very much.

How do you feel about Kat Von D’s makeup? How do you feel about Kat Von D in general? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Get Ready With Me: Valentine’s Day Edition

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Get Ready With Me: Valentine’s Day Edition

Hello everyone! Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, which means we definitely need to talk makeup. Of course, the outfit is important too. But, bringing that girly sweetness to your face will tie the whole look together for a romantic date night with your significant other. There are a few key things that make for a successful Valentine’s Day makeup and I am going to share them with all of you today. Check it out:

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Accessories:

When I think of a perfect date night look, the first thing that comes to mind is a sassy pout, huge eyelashes, and glowing skin. These are the three things that we will be covering so let’s get to it:

Sassy Pout:

Now, normally, I say wear whatever shade of lipstick that you want. However, we are talking Valentine’s Day and it is all about the red and pink. Nothing screams girly sweet more than a pretty pink lipstick in seashell, salmon, or a shocking hot hue. And nothing screams edgy classic more than a bold red lip.

Whichever shade you choose, tie it into your outfit somehow. For example, the skirt that I plan on wearing has red hearts and lipstick kisses on it, which matches my lippie perfectly. Rocking pink pearls or jewelry? Slick on a similar hue for a look that is oh so cohesive and oh so cute!

Huge Eyelashes:

I don’t know about all of you, but I still flirt so hard with my boyfriend as if it were our first date. And, perhaps the most flirty makeup staple of all is huge eyelashes. Don’t go too overboard with the rest of your eye makeup and opt for longer than life lashes that you can bat to your beau across the dinner table.

I prefer Too Faced’s Better Than Sex mascara myself, because just one application gives you five times more length than any drugstore brand I’ve ever used. But, whatever your mascara preference is, apply liberally and be sure to comb through your lashes after each use to avoid clumping. Nothing ruins flirtatiously looking up through your lashes like huge clumps!

Glowing Skin:

As far as blush goes, I am wearing a few different shades of pink blended together in the pictures above. I would suggest going this route for an added touch of baby doll adorable. But, for the ultimate glowing skin, we need a highlighter! Whether you’re eating dinner by candlelight or sipping on cocktails in a lounge, when the soft lighting hits the highlighter on your face, magic happens.

I absolutely love Sephora’s Golden Hour highlighter in Dusk. At first glance, it just looks light pink. But, it has golden sparkle mixed into it for a shimmer straight out of a fairy tale. Hello, glowing skin! Everyone has their own techniques for where to apply highlighter and I always hit the following areas when completing my MOTD:

  • From the hairline to the end of my nose
  • The apples of my cheeks
  • My chin
  • From the top of my cheeks downwards
  • From the far corners of my eyes arching over my brows

When applied in the places above, no lighting is bad lighting for me because every angle has been covered. Dust on as little or as much as you want depending on how bold you feel like going. I usually just put one application on each area but it will call for more or less depending on where you’re going for your date night!

So, there you have it! I had such fun taking these pictures and concocting the perfect tips and tricks to beat your face like a pro this Valentine’s Day. Now, get out there and celebrate your love! 😀

PS: Don’t forget these must haves in your purse for your big Valentine’s Day date!

Valentine’s Day Purse Essentials:

You’re probably only going to be carrying a small purse on Valentine’s Day, so you need to make the most of it. Your cell, coin purse, and keys are obvious essentials. If you’ve put on your make up properly, you shouldn’t need to reapply it during the evening. This means you should be able to get away with just taking along a lipstick.

You can get lipstick cases with mirrors in them. This can be handy for topping up without either having to carry an extra mirror or use up the battery on your phone. If you’re planning on taking a lot of photos with your phone, think about carrying an external battery. You can get ones small enough to pop into a clutch. You can also get selfie lights to put on your phone. These can give you lots of light where you need it without using up your phone battery and they’re nicer to use than a regular camera flash.

If your purse is big enough, you can pop in some folding slippers in case you want to lose the shoes later. If it’s not, at least put in a couple of invisible blister plasters, just to be on the safe side. On that note, if you’re looking for love but don’t have a regular date, make sure you have some condoms. You don’t want to spoil the romance by having to order STD testing.

How are you celebrating Valentine’s Day? Do you have an outfit or makeup look in mind? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

L’Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick In British Red Swatch

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L’Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick In British Red Swatch

Howdy! My big sister always hooks me up with the best makeup hand me downs. But, sometimes, my hand me ups to her end up back in my possession. For example, the shade we’re going to discuss today called British Red by L’Oreal used to be my signature. I used to apply it almost every day when I worked at PacSun and would blow dry my lips for the ultimate matte finish.

Boy, am I glad I glowed up since then!

Haha, since I have discovered my favorite matte lippie compliments of NYX, I scoff at the fact that I used to literally blow dry my mouth. But, hey, desperate times! Despite this silly memory, British Red will always hold a special place in my heart so take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

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Back in the day when I was sporting British Red, my hair was a lot less vibrant than it is now. Don’t get me wrong, I was still Lil Red, but it just didn’t pop as much as my current shade of Vidal Sassoon’s Runway Red. So, it probably makes more sense why I was into a shade that is actually quite orangey now that I’m looking at it again with the seasoned eyes of a woman who is very picky about her red lipstick!

After revisiting this lipstick, I can confidently say that I would not use it again because it definitely would not be flattering on me now. The vibrant orange undertones in my hair mixed with the red/orange of the lippie would be enough to get me shipped off to Clown School. BUT, that doesn’t mean that the color doesn’t slap because it is actually really pretty.

The ultra rich pigments in this lipstick make for a perfect pout and I have fond memories of feeling my damn self when wearing it. I am just not a fan of glossy lipstick and around seven or eight years ago, the matte revolution of lipstick hadn’t happened. Hence, why I blow dried it!

Although you won’t spot me rocking British Red any time soon, L’Oreal makes a good lipstick. I never had problems with it smearing or smudging during an eight hour day of talking nonstop and shotgunning Starbucks when working in the mall. This is definitely a brand that you could wear confidently during a long day of work without the fear of it ending up all over your pearly whites!

How has your lipstick style evolved over time? What are some of your hacks for a smudge free pout? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm In Striking Spectaculaire Swatch

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Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm In Striking Spectaculaire Swatch

Hello everyone and welcome to a swatch of the Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm in Striking Spectaculaire! I have actually used this product before and wasn’t too thrilled with it so I gave it to my sister. And, she definitely gave me back the exact same one in her hand me down haul to me! Don’t get me wrong, I love a balm style lip product just as much as the next gal. The Clinique Chubby Sticks, for example, speaks to me. But this one… Ehh, not so much. Take a look and let’s discuss:

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I used to use this lippie by Revlon as a quick fix for when I didn’t feel like applying a full red lip and it would always leave me wishing that I had applied a full red lip! When I think of matte lipstick, which is what I prefer, I think of a budge free finish to keep me worry free about the lippie ending up somewhere on my forehead halfway through the day.

I actually think this paranoia stemmed from the ColorBurst Matte Balm, because I vividly remember having it smear throughout my shift at work. Despite having a matte formula, this product felt and moved like a gloss once it was on my lips. The color also didn’t spread evenly and I can recall deeper lines on my lips having intense color while the more smooth areas had a very faint hue. Not a good look!

It really is too bad because the Striking Spectaculaire color isn’t awful, by any means. I actually quite like the dull but bright red. However, severe flaws in the formula left for a product that was not going to last you through lunch or merely even drinking from your coffee mug. Lil Red will just not stand for this and you shouldn’t, either! Unless you’re into reapplying your lippie constantly, that is. 😉

What is your favorite tinted balm? How do you add color to your lips? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Estee Lauder Pure Color Lipstick Swatch In Fig

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Estee Lauder Pure Color Lipstick Swatch In Fig

Hello! We have been swatching many a shade from a makeup hand me down haul from my sister and so far I have been less than impressed. Yes, the lipsticks have been good. But, the colors have just done nothing for me. That slight disappointment got completely turned around when I gave an Estee Lauder lipstick in Fig a try, though! Take a look and let’s discuss:

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When it comes to darker colored lipsticks, I tend to shy away and immediately reach for a tube of my signature red. And that’s definitely how the last two lippie swatches on lifewithlilred left me feeling! Thankfully, one of these hand me downs was a knockout because this rosewood hue is simply charming.

From deep purple and brown undertones in previous posts, those shades were not the best for the Lil Red color palette. My skin tone responds best to true red or deep pink undertones, which is why this lipstick in Fig works so well for me. The burnt pink hue with the slightest touch of red blended in makes for a shade that doesn’t turn me into a washed out pale princess with blackberry stained lips.

Not only will this shade be lovely during the grey months of early spring and late fall but the application and quality of this lipstick is a ten. I liked how smoothly it applied without being too glossy while the color was rich but not too deep to be overpowering. I can see myself rocking this shade, for sure, and it is universal enough that it would look stunning on every skin tone.

How do you alter your makeup throughout the seasons? Who do you get your hand me downs from? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

NYX Butter Lipstick Swatch In Lifeguard

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NYX Butter Lipstick Swatch In Lifeguard

Howdy! Today we are going to be swatching a lipstick shade called “Lifeguard” from my personal favorite brand, NYX. This lippie is from their “Butter” collection and I’ve gotta tell you – it really was as smooth as buttah in its application! This lipstick is another hand me down from my sister and, similar to yesterday’s post, I don’t hate it but don’t love it either. Take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

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Despite being a lover of all things dark and disturbing, dark lipstick is just something I can’t get down with. I have my signature shade of Pure Red by NYX, I like nude lips, and I enjoy some shades of light pink. All of these colors compliment my hair, complexion, and personal makeup style without going overboard.

Believe you me, I am interested in trying different shades but I also know myself well enough to know which colors work and which don’t. And, through extensive trial and error, I have found that dark lipstick looks like BUTT on me. It’s just too overwhelming against so much brightness around my face from my hair, pale skin, and five nose piercings. The look always ends up too vampy or out of place and I crawl back to my go to shades with my tail between my legs.

Am I mad about this? No. All colors can’t look good on everyone! But, do I wish that I could pull off a darker lip? YES. I actually really like the shade being swatched today! The rich scarlet color is so pretty and glam and it would be the perfect shade to spice up a date night with.

And, we can’t forget how easily this lipstick applied as well as removed once I was through. It definitely lives up to its namesake of the “Butter” collection because it glided on and off like a dream and it felt SO smooth and creamy. This is especially nice in the winter time when chapped lips are upon us and a matte lipstick can feel so heavy on already dry skin.

Like yesterday’s lippie, I loved the idea of it – just not the color. But that’s okay! I got to try something new FO FREE and I know that if I find a shade that I like in the Butter collection that I would purchase it in a heartbeat!

How do you keep your lips hydrated during the winter? What is your favorite dark shade of lipstick? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Ciate London Glitter Flip Liquid Lipstick Swatch In Infamous

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Ciate London Glitter Flip Liquid Lipstick Swatch In Infamous

Hello everyone! Am I a huge makeup girl? Yes and no. Don’t get me wrong, I love my go to shades and I enjoy wearing makeup. However, I am not the most adventurous when it comes to purchasing new colors or products for myself. My sister, Kristen, is the total opposite. She loves experimenting with different hues and always seems to be able to find a use from most of the goods that she receives in her monthly subscription box.

But, all of them can’t be winners, which is where her blogger little sister comes in. Kristen is kind enough to bestow her hand me downs onto me for swatching purposes on lifewithlilred. And, sometimes, I even end up with a new lippie or eyeshadow that I love but would never have purchased for myself otherwise. It’s a great working relationship!

Today, we are going to be looking at Ciate London’s Glitter Flip Liquid Lipstick in a shade called “Infamous”:

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When you’re a blogger, you have to make things work. For example, my apartment is probably the worst place possible to photograph makeup. The lighting absolutely SUCKS at chez moi, which is not the best for taking pics of swatches because the color never ends up accurate in photos beneath the yellow lighting. So, I had to improvise.

While originally snapping a pic of the swatch on my wooden kitchen table, I noticed that it was reflecting the overhead light making for a blurry picture. Especially considering that this lipstick has glitter in it. I began trying to take a picture in multiple different locations but the color just wasn’t being captured how I wanted.

That’s when I had the brain blast to photograph the swatch while placing my hand over my boyfriend’s black faux leather jacket. The inky hue absorbed the light instead of bouncing off the lipstick heart and it finally showed up in pictures how I was actually seeing it.

I thought this was a fun little tip to share because, as bloggers, the lighting in our pictures is what makes them. And, when your only option is poor lighting, it’s crucial to come up with hacks that work – including one that I made up off the top of my head!

Now, let’s actually talk about Infamous by Ciate London. Do I love this color? Not necessarily. The deep berry is just too harsh against my pale skin. I also have really pink undertones and, along with my red hair, it’s all a bit much. But, that’s not to say that this color wouldn’t look good on other people and there’s a lot that I did like about this lippie.

If you notice the last picture, the swatch looks faded. I actually just took that pic after washing my hands and that was the remnants. It also stayed on my hand all throughout the night and I can still see some of the color after my morning shower. Talk about long lasting!

And, who doesn’t love a little glitter?! When it comes to makeup, I love the pixie sparkle as much as the next one. But, I don’t like when it goes overboard and you end up looking like you had a craft aisle mishap. Infamous has the perfect light dusting of glitter which gives you a subtle amount of sparkle without blinding everyone you smile at.

I don’t think that I would wear this shade BUT I am not turned off to the brand and wouldn’t mind trying it in a hue that is more flattering for me. I’m still glad I got to share it with all of you, though, as well as a little blogging photography hack!

Which lipstick shades look best on you? How about a shade that you avoid? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

The Balm Cosmetics Nude Beach Swatch In Bootylicious

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The Balm Cosmetics Nude Beach Swatch In Bootylicious

Hello! I recently acquired a new eyeshadow from my sister by The Balm Cosmetics in a shade called “Bootylicious”. So, needless to say, I was intrigued – and I’m sure all of you are too! As ridiculous sounding as it is, Bootylicious is a shade that is right up my alley. I never go too crazy with my eye makeup. In fact, I’m perfectly content with my love for colors in the bronze, brown, and copper family, which is why Bootylicious is perfect for me. And, a little glitter never hurt anyone, either! Check it out:

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^^^ The top heart is the eyeshadow wet and the bottom is applied dry. The first photo has the flash off and the second is with the flash on.

Because I am not the most adventurous when it comes to eye makeup, I rarely buy it when I’m out and about. I have my handful of shades that I’m comfortable with and I stick to them. So, it is always such a treat to get a new hand me down from my sister because I definitely would not have bought it for myself.

Despite never going eyeshadow crazy at Sephora, the warm cinnamon shade that is Bootylicious is actually one that I might have purchased. I love the cute as can be packaging, the hint of sparkle, and the inviting hue. It’s a fair bit darker than any of my copper tones that I normally wear, making it perfect for the winter weather. But, it is not so dark that it isn’t appropriate for spring and summer too.

This eyeshadow applied so easily and it stayed locked in place all day, which is always a relief because there is nothing worse than little dots of eyeshadow falling on your cheeks! My sister hit the nail on the head with this hue for me and I’m surprised she didn’t want it for herself. But, hey, I’ll gladly take it! 😀

What is your makeup style? What is your favorite eyeshadow shade to sport? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah