†NEW Collection "Gothic Glam" Lipstick; 2 shades; review + photos†

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Apologies for being MIA recently! I've been working on some new writing ideas that I could be sharing with you very soon! I've also been testing some new products, one of which I'm reviewing today.

This product is Gothic Glam Lipstick from Collection Cosmetics. It's available in three vampy shades, and I'm reviewing two of them, 02 Scorned and 03 Revenge.

"Deeply intense lip shades which lock in colour all day, and will transport your look from glam, to Gothic Glam in seconds!"

 - collectioncosmetics.co.uk

Collection Cosmetics, formerly "Collection 2000", is well known for it's extensive range of cheap and cheerful make up products. They don't sell anything that will break the bank, so they're great for girls on a budget, and there are shades for all ages, skin tones, and styles.

Image - above-right: Two new vampy lipstick shades from Collection Cosmetics, perfect for AW13.
Image - below-left: Here I am wearing Collection Cosmetics Gothic Glam Lipstick in "02 Scorned".

"02 Scorned."
© Tuesday T. Bryan Photography
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I don't often buy products from Collection Cosmetics, but they have recently been my savior! Let me explain... If you've read my blog before, or even flicked through my images, you'll probably know I'm a sucker for red lipstick. Now that AW13 has rolled around, it's time to work that sultry dark lipstick trend. I was on the lookout for the perfect shade of maroon lipstick, but I didn't want to opt for something high end to share on my beauty blog, there's no place here for those expensive price tags, I wanted something that would please the Penny Pinchers! I stumbled upon these lipsticks unexpectedly; Collection Cosmetics are available in loads of stores, and I came across mine when doing my supermarket shop! As I said, there are three shades available, but there were only two of them left (and, since swatch-sampling the other shade at a later date, I'm sure I've purchased my favorite two!).

Image - below-right: Here I am wearing Collection Cosmetics Gothic Glam Lipstick in "03 Revenge".

"03 Revenge."
© Tuesday T. Bryan Photography
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Firstly, in my opinion, the packaging could do with jazzing up. A simple way to make cheaper make up seem more expensive is to update the packaging to make it appear more like designer brands'. There are loads of brands out there who have sleek and stylish signature packaging whilst still being very affordable.

Let's move on to the product itself. As I said, these colours are out just in time for Autumn, and suitably the formula is moisture rich, a must have for harsh winter temperatures. My lips instantly felt softer, smoother, and deeply nourished, and that feeling continued throughout the day!

(Image - below: My freshly applied lipstick transferred onto my coffee mug. Luckily, the mug came off worse, and my lipstick did not appear to have been effected.)

© Tuesday T. Bryan Photography
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As for wear, this lipstick rates pretty highly! Especially for such a well-priced product. The moisture lasted for approximately 3-4 hours before my lips started to dry out, and the colour lasted longer than I did! Just make sure you touch up the colour on corners of your mouth after you eat and drink if necessary, as liquids can sometimes cause dark lipsticks to run, and check your lips with a small mirror regularly to make sure your colour hasn't smudged. When the lipstick was freshly applied it did transfer onto my coffee mug, although it didn't appear to effect the way on my lips, the appears that the mug came off worse (see image - left).

I just want share a few tips about application in regards to these shades. We're working with dark colours and a moisturising formula, so ideally use a liner first and apply the lipstick with a good quality lip brush - I'm currently using MAC and Bobbi Brown brushes (a lip brush will almost certainly be necessary when the "new lipstick shape" wears down). To add depth to the colour, carefully blot the first layer and reapply. Blot again for a matte finish (see below for more details).

These products have a smooth, shiny finish. If you'd prefer it matte, just blot the final layer to absorb some of the moisture. If you want a glossy look, finish you lipstick with a slick of gloss.

Dark shades like these are best paired with flawless matte skin and simple neutral eye make up, and maybe a little blusher. For this review, I paired both shades with light, earthy eye shadow and winged black eyeliner, and I added a flush of healthy colour to my cheeks using Rimmel WAKE ME UP Instant Radiance Shimmer Touch in 004 Radiant Rose (click here to read my review, it's fabulous stuff!).

"02 Scorned."
© Tuesday T. Bryan Photography
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Now for the exciting bit. Let's talk colour! I am dying to share my photos of these shades with you, they're stunning...

02 Scorned: Sultry purple hues are another great choice for AW lipsticks. This deep berry shade is quirky, mysterious and sexy. Also, purple lip shades can create the illusion of whiter teeth!

(See photo above for a photo of this shade paired with my chosen make up.)

03 Revenge: For me, the best thing about AW is knowing that, whatever happens, the deep red lip will be on-trend. Vampy and seductive, you can't go wrong with a stunning maroon or burgundy lipstick (as long as you choose the right one and apply it properly!). You're sure to have the lads weak at the knees when you're sporting a ravishing shade like this!
(See photo above for a photo of this shade paired with my chosen make up.)

So, has my review convinced you to try these out? At prices this good, it's definitely worth giving them a whirl!

Click here to purchase Collection Cosmetics Gothic Glam Lipstick from the Collection Cosmetics website.

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© Tuesday T. Bryan Photography
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By Tuesday T. Bryan.

M&S Limited Collection nail polish in "Jewel" - review + photos

I've always loved M&S's make up. It's great quality and the shades are just fab. Usually I use make up from the Autograph range, but I saw this nail polish from the Limited Collection range and instantly fell in love...

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Source: Google Images

First things first, the shade. This one is called "Jewel". I'd say it's a sort-of burgundy, but it's impossible to pin it to one colour because of how it changes in different lighting. In the photos I've used my camera's flash, but in another light it's a purple/red tone. It's packed with light-reflecting shimmer, which is excellent for the party season. In the image to the right I've added a silver star-shaped nail decor, and I've used 2 coats of Rimmel London's Precious Stones polish in "Diamond Dust" on my ring finger, and 2 coats of my No7 strengthening top coat.

This polish has a nice consistency. You only need 2 coats for it to be perfectly opaque, which is how I think nail polish should be. It dries quickly, too - I found that when you've finished doing the first coat on all your nails, you can start you second coat straight away. It seems pretty hard wearing, and with a top coat it stayed completely chip-free for 3 days. In fact, I've been wearing it for 6 days now, and I haven't had to touch up my left hand once, but I have had some small chips on my right. Not bad for cheap nail polish...

Image - right: Rimmel Precious Stones in "Diamond Dust".

I will defiantly be getting some more shades from the Limited Collection rage. The nail polishes are currently sold at £3.50 each from M&S.
Rimmel London Precious Stones nail polish is available for around £4.00 from drugstores, supermarkets and online.

© Tuesday T. Bryan Photography
DO NOT USE IMAGES WITHOUT PERMISSION. Copyrighted material

By Tuesday T. Bryan.

© Tuesday T. Bryan Photography
DO NOT USE IMAGES WITHOUT PERMISSION. Copyrighted material