Tuesday T. Bryan: lipstick

Showing posts with label lipstick. Show all posts

Saturday, 21 December 2013

❄10 High-End Winter Lip Colours and their Cash-Saving High Street Alternatives.❄

❄High-End Winter Lip Colours and their Cash-Saving Alternatives.❄

One of the things I love about Winter fashion is being able to don the darks. I just adore deep, rich lip colours! So, I've complied a list of stunning high-end lip shades that are perfect for this season. Of course, if you want high-end you have to expect a high price. So, in case you don't want to splash too much cash, for each pricey product I've found a similar alternative with a high street price. For ultimate drama, pair your sultry Winter lips with a matching nail polish, flawless skin, and simple eye make up. Whether you're into the bold and daring or if you like to keep it simple and sweet, there's something for everyone wanting to rock the timeless Winter trend.
All prices are approximate.
Click links / product names for purchase information.
All images via Google Images.

1. Serge Lutens Fard à Lèvres Lipstick - Couvre Feu.

This beautiful berry shade from Serge Lutens is a real stunner. Deep and dark, Couvre Feu sure to draw positive attention your way. Every Serge Lutens lipstick is sculpted to a point for precise and defined application and to emphasise the contour of the lips. You can expect your bank balance to take a hit of around £50 if you buy this product. When you run out you can even purchase refills so you don't have to buy it again and again (although, at about £30 each, they still don't come cheap!).

- High Street alternative: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick - Va Va Violet (£7.49).

2. Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Satin Lip Colour - Rouge Noir.

This seductive, vampy shade from Chanel is an absolute classic when it comes to Winter lipstick. Team is with the matching Rouge Noir Le Vernis Nail Colour (approx. £17.50 per 13ml bottle) and who could resist your sultry charms? This little beauty will set you back around £25, but surely that's not too much for such an iconic lipstick?

- High Street alternative: Collection Gothic Glam Lipstick - Revenge (£2.99). Click here for my review of Collection Gothic Glam Lipstick in "Scorned" and "Revenge"!8

3. YSL Golden Gloss - 37 Golden Red.

Not many of us consider going for gloss when it comes to dark Wintery lip shades, usually a lipstick is the go-to product, but this stunning shade from Yves Saint Laurent may be the one to change your mind. This wondrous burgundy shade is sure to be a hit for the Party Season as it's infused with golden shimmer. Plus, on the whole, glosses will keep your lips hydrated better than a lipstick will in a season when many of us suffer from dry lips. It can be yours for around the £22 mark.

- High Street alternative: B. Glossy Shimmering Lip Gloss - Cassis 24 (£6.99).

4. MAC Lipstick - Cyber.

Time for a product from the much-loved MAC Cosmetics! I've included this lipstick as a high-end item, however MAC is not as pricey as a lot of other designer brands out there. In fact, this lipstick will cost you £15, which isn't bad at all! I've chosen this product from their original Lipstick collection, as opposed to a limited edition shade. Cyber is a Gothic-inspired opaque purple hue with a satin finish. Purples like these are a suitably interesting change from the usual reds this season.

- High Street alternative: Rimmel Kate Lasting Finish Lipstick - 004 (£5.49).

5. Lancôme L'Absolu Rouge Christmas Limited Edition Lipstick - 132 Caprice.

This product HAS to be on this list for two reasons. Firstly, the limited edition glittery packaging is to die for and it's so Christmassy! Secondly, you just can't go wrong with a sexy classic red lip this Winter (or any time of year, for that matter). It's only available in two shades, 132 Caprice, which is the best-selling shade I've chosen, and limited edition Lancôme heritage shade, Etincelle #189. If you're looking for a lip shade that won't let you down, this is definitely one to consider. However, at £25, this collector's edition lipstick doesn't come cheap.

- High Street alternative: Seventeen Lasting Fix Lipstick - Hot Chilli (£4.29).

6. By Terry Hyaluronic Sheer Rouge - #10 Berry Boom.

Some ladies find it a little too daring to go for the shades I've listed above. If you're one of them, why not opt for a red lipstick with a sheer finish instead? Choose a product such as Hyaluronic Sheer Rouge from the French beauty company, By Terry. By wearing a shade such as Berry Boom, you can rock the dark Wintery lips without feeling too bold. This product costs around £25.

- High Street alternative: Avon Shine Attract Lipstick - Passionate Red (£8.50).

7. Illamasqua Lipstick - Pristine.

Let's move on from delicate, sheer colour to the ultimate daring hue... Black lips have become quite popular recently, and celebs such as style icon Rihanna and the beautifully eccentric Lady Gaga have been spotted sporting this shade. Believe it or not, the darkest-of-dark colour can suit all skin tones, you just have to know what to pair it with. For ultimate high-end Gothic glamour I've chosen Illamasqua Lipstick in Pristine, which has a matte finish. This product can be purchased from the Illamasqua website for £16.50.

- High Street alternative: Barry M Lip Paint - Black (£4.49).

8. Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm - Two Ton Tomato.

I've slipped this one into my list of Winter lip colours because, at this time of year, a lot of us suffer from dry lips due to the harsh temperatures. As well as delivering bright colour with a shiny finish, this highly popular product from Clinique conditions and hydrates the lips, too! I've chosen the shade Two Ton Tomato as it's a little brighter than some of the other reds I've shared with you which makes it a little more versatile and suitable for all year round. I also love the fun "crayon" style applicator! Clinique Chubby Sticks are widely available for about £17.00.

- High Street alternative: No7 High Shine Lip Crayon - Statement (£9.00).

9. Shu Uemura Lip and Cheek Tint Color - Magical Red.

I want to share this product from Shu Uemura, a cosmetics company that originated from Japan. The versatile tint can be used on both the lips and the cheeks, and it's easy to build so you can layer it up for more intensity if you wish. It's also really long lasting, so you needn't worry about touch-ups all day! It's available in a range of shades, but I chose Magical Red as I think it's beautifully suited to Winter. At £20 a pop, it's not the cheapest stain on the market.

- High Street alternative: Gosh Long Lasting Lip Marker - Berry Red 3 (£6.99).

10. Bobbi Brown Creamy Matte Lip Color - Crushed Plum.

For my final product I wanted to chose a shade with a touch more femininity. Crushed Plum by Bobbi Brown is deep, rich and seductive berry shade. The purple-ish tone makes it appear a little more flirty and feminine than some darker reds and purples. It delivers 8 hour wear, a weightless feel, and a creamy moisturising formula. Impressive! There are currently 19 shades to choose from on Bobbi Brown's website, and they'll cost you £19 each.

- High Street alternative: ModelsOwn Lipstick - Plum (£6.00).

So, there you have it! Some of my favorite high-end lip colours that are on-trend for Winter, plus similar products that are readily available on the high street that won't break the bank! Hopefully you've found you're perfect shade, or maybe you've found something new that you'll be donning for the party season.

❄Merry Christmas!❄

By Tuesday T. Bryan.
http://tuesdaytbryan.blogspot.com

Wednesday, 20 November 2013

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

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
DO NOT USE IMAGES WITHOUT PERMISSION. Copyrighted material

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
DO NOT USE IMAGES WITHOUT PERMISSION. Copyrighted material

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.)

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
DO NOT USE IMAGES WITHOUT PERMISSION. Copyrighted material

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.

☆ Click here to FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER! ☆

☆ Click here to LIKE MY FACEBOOK PAGE! ☆

Friday, 8 November 2013

☆NEW Avon LUXE COUTURE Créme Lipstick; 3 shades; review + photos☆

Source: avonshop.co.uk/

I'm simultaneously writing this review and on hold to a mobile network company. I was going to name and shame them, but the fact that I'm calling to tell them I want to leave their network should be enough - at least I'll never have to phone them again!
[2 minutes later...] Finally! I'm off hold and the the call is done. Now I can focus on my writing.

Today's review is about a product from Avon's new make up range, the LUXE collection. Their "exclusive premium" range is out in time for Christmas, and it's a perfect way to treat yourself and your loved ones without breaking the bank!

The new range includes a ladies perfume, a jewelry roll, 10 shades of lipstick, 6 eyeshadow palettes, 2 liquid eyeliner shades, 2 mascara shades, 8 shades of lip gloss, a shimmer powder compact, and 5 shades of liquid foundation.

Today I will be reviewing Avon Luxe Couture Créme Lipstick in three shades; High Style Coral, Designer Red, and Stiletto Red.

"Silk-infused formula with pearlescent colour."

- Avon.

The first thing I noticed about these lipsticks is the glamorous golden packaging. It's gorgeous! All of the Luxe range products are presented in eye-catching, golden chrome-effect packaging. It's really stylish and makes the products appear much more high-end and expensive than they really are. They really do look like designer products! They look like accessories as opposed to just make up. It's very sleek and sophisticated (see image - top right).

Now, let's discuss the lipsticks themselves. The formula is divine! Avon say these lipsticks make the lips feel more voluptuous and as soft as silk, and they certainly live up to the claim! My lips felt deeply moisturised and nourished, both during and after wear. Some moisturising lipsticks don't have very good wear, they often don't stay in place very long and require re-applying regularly, however that is not the case with these lipsticks. I had to top up the colour every few hours and after eating, but otherwise the soft hue lasted for hours! Very impressive. So far, so good!

I chose these three shades because I thought "High Style Coral" looked irresistible in the brochure, and I picked the two red shades because I'm a sucker for red lips!

All the shades have a slightly sheer finish, but the colour can be layered to make the hue more intense.

"High Style Coral."
© Tuesday T. Bryan Photography
DO NOT USE IMAGES WITHOUT PERMISSION.
Copyrighted material

☆High Style Coral: (images - right and end of blog) As I said previously, I had high expectations after spotting this shade in the brochure photos. Many times I've found that shades don't look as good in reality as they do in a brands' advertising images, and sometimes they look like a different shade altogether, however this shade didn't disappoint. It's a soft, sun-kissed, caramel shade that gives the lips a flattering pearly sheen.

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

☆Designer Red: (Image - right) This bright, orange-toned red is a classic shade for the lips. It looks best paired with simple eye make up and pale, flawless skin. With the winter weather and the Christmas party season approaching, this shade is an ideal buy!

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

☆Stiletto Red: (Image - below-right) This red is a more delicate than "Designer Red", but it's not at all subtle! For me, this shade worked perfectly with medium-dark neutral eye shadow and a rosey blusher. Again, this shade is great for Autumn/Winter make up.

Now, let's talk dollar. This range is a little more expensive than most Avon cosmetics. Everything released from the range so far will cost you between £6 and £16 at the normal prices, and these lipsticks will set you back £9.50 each. If you snap them up for the introductory prices they'll be a little cheaper, though.

So, with Christmas just around the corner, why not treat yourself or your loved ones to a little something special from Avon's new luxurious range?

Click here to purchase Avon Luxe Couture Créme Lipstick from avonshop.co.uk.

☆ Click here to FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER! ☆

☆ Click here to LIKE MY FACEBOOK PAGE! ☆

Image - below: Here I am wearing Avon Luxe Couture Créme Lipstick in "High Style Coral". My blouse is from New Look. My gold chain was a gift. Excuse the forehead wrinkles, I don't know why I'm pulling such a stupid face.

Saturday, 19 October 2013

❄No7 Stay Perfect Nail Colour in 3 new winter shades + No7 "Perfect Lips Kit"; review + photos❄

Today's beauty review features 3 gorgeous new cool Winter nail shades from No7, plus some comments on the free gift I received, the No7 Perfect Lips Kit: click here to view the No7 offer on the Boots website!

❄I must warn you in advance; I may have gone a little overboard with the "snowflake symbols"...❄

I've always been a huge lover of No7 beauty products. It's brilliant quality. I find the results rival (and often beat) those of designer brands, without the expensive price tag! I was drawn to these beautiful new nail colours at my local No7 counter, and the free gift offer was impossible for me to refuse! So I bagged myself 3 nail polishes and was delighted with my free Perfect Lips Kit.

Let's discuss the nail colours first. I chose 3 light shades; Metallic Lilac, Winter Tale, and In The Stars. Dark, seductive shades are always a winter winner, but the lighter, icy shades shades I bought are sure to go down a storm, too! They're shades are great if you want to go against the flow while still looking fantastic. Shades like these are also ideal if you're not one for bold colours.

❄Image - right: These 3 cool new shades from No7 are sure to turn heads this winter.
Shade names (L-R); Metallic Lilac / Winter Tale / In The Stars.

As the name states, No7 Stay Perfect Nail Colour is from the Stay Perfect range, which is formulated to deliver long lasting results. If you've read my previous No7 Stay Perfect Nail Colour review (click here to view), you'll know I'm a huge fan of these polishes. They really do "stay perfect"! I always find myself removing the polish to change my manicure before any obvious signs of wear appear. Below you will see photos of Metallic Lilac when first applied, and again after 5 days of wear - it looks almost as good as the day it was applied! Click on the images to enlarge them.

❄Image - below-left: I took this photo straight after applying 2 coats of Metallic Lilac to my nails. I love the show-stopping metallic sheen!
❄Image - below-right: My nails in Metallic Lilac after 5 days of wear with no touch-ups. My manicure looks almost identical to when I first applied the polish! Now that's staying-power.

❄Metallic Lilac:❄This shade is an icy cold lilac with a cool metallic sheen. The gorgeous "frozen" finish looks breath-taking in every light! It's opaque in 2-3 coats and has a glossy, high-shine finish. Any lady can pull off this chic colour.

❄Winter Tale:❄A pale, pastel, purple-grey. It's shade (and the shade's name) is perfectly fitted to the icy temperatures, but pastels are a sure-hit in the Summer, too, so you can rock this beauty all year round! It's sleek, simple, and sophisticated. Non-metallic and non-glittery with a high-gloss and high-shine finish. Opaque in 2-3 coats.

❄In The Stars:❄Super-fine iridescent glitter encased in a clear high-shine polish with a super-glossy finish. Build up the coats to intensify the results. Wear alone for a subtle wintery look, or use as a top coat to add some snowflake sparkle to your usual manicure. Like many glitter polishes, this shade has fabulous staying-power, but, unlike many glitter polishes, this one is dead easy to remove!

❄Image - below: My nails after 1, 2, and 3 coats of (L-R) Metallic Lilac, Winter Tale, and In The Stars.

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

❄Image - below: My nails after 2 coats of "Winter Tale" and 1 coat of Avon Opal Top Coat on my ring finger. Click here for my Avon Opal Top Coat review!

Now let's discuss the free gift I received with my No7 purchases; the No7 Perfect Lips Kit. It includes 2 full-size lip cosmetics and a lip brush worth £25, all presented in stylish gift wrap.

Contents:
No7 Stay Perfect Lipstick - Classic Rose,
No7 High Shine Lip Gloss - Smile,
No7 Lip Brush.

❄Image - right: The No7 Perfect Lips Kit, which I received free with my purchases. The products are great, and I love the chic gift wrap it comes in, too!

No7 Stay Perfect Lipstick - Classic Rose: Some long-lasting lip products leave the lips feeling dry and uncomfortable, but not this one! This leaves the lips feeling hydrated and looking healthy, and the colour lasts for up to 8 hours. Classic Rose is a sophisticated earthy pink that's sure to flatter any woman's lips. I applied mine with the No7 Lip Brush (see below).
❄ Click here to read my review of No7 Stay Perfect Lipstick in "Cherry", my all-time favorite shade!
❄ Click here to purchase No7 Stay Perfect Lipstick from the Boots website.

❄Image - above-right: No7 Stay Perfect Lipstick in "Classic Rose".
❄Image - right: No7 High Shine Lip Gloss in "Smile".

No7 High Shine Lip Gloss - Smile: A collagen-boosting gloss that provides the lips with deep moisturisation, gorgeous colour, and a brilliant high-shine finish. The well-pigmented formula contains added vitamins to protect and care for the lips whilst giving fabulous colour. Smile is a subtle nude pink with the tiniest touch of shimmer, a great daytime lip shade for any girl!
❄ Click here to read my review of No7 High Shine Lip Gloss in "Coral Kiss", one of my favorite shades!
❄ Click here to view No7 High Shine Lip Gloss from the Boots website.

❄Image - right: Why not combine the 2 products for a dramatic, sultry, glossy look? First apply No7 Stay Perfect Lipstick in "Classic Rose" using the No7 Lip Brush, then top with No7 High Shine Lip Gloss in "Smile". Gorgeous evening glamour!

No7 Lip Brush: This lip brush is perfect for helping with precise lip colour application. The dainty brush has super-soft bristles that hold a great amount of product and allow you to successfully colour all areas of the lips precisely. It's also useful for blending lip colours together. I love the sleek and stylish brush design. It's easy to clean, and the brush head protector keeps the bristles in good shape.
❄ Click here to purchase the No7 Lip Brush from the Boots website.

❄Image - below: No7 Lip Brush / No7 Stay Perfect Lipstick in "Classic Rose".

If you haven't checked out No7 yet, click below to visit their website now! There's something for everyone and new shades and products released regularly. You won't be disappointed!
Click here to view No7 products on the Boots website: http://www.boots.com/en/No-7/

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

By Tuesday T. Bryan.

Friday, 4 October 2013

Maybelline SuperStay 10H Tint Gloss; "Forever Coral"; review + photos

Today I'm reviewing a product that has been on the market for a while, but it's still one of my all time favorite lip colours. I haven't found a product that quite matches it's brilliant qualities, and the shade I'm using is hard to beat, too! I'm talking about the epic Super Stay 10H Tint Gloss from Maybelline New York. The product name has now been updated to SuperStay 10 HR Stain Gloss. The shade I'm reviewing is "Forever Coral" - a classic bright red.

Image - about-right: As you can see from the photo, my Maybelline Tint Gloss has seen a lot of life! The packaging may look a little worse for ware, but the product is just as good as the day I bought it.

It's a moisture rich lip gloss with the staying power of a tint. It has all the pros of both a gloss and a tint, without all the negatives, e.g. it doesn't fade like a gloss does, and it doesn't dry out your lips like some tints do. Put simply, this stuff gives you the best of both worlds and them some!

Image - right: This product is build-able. One coat gives a vibrant "flush" of colour.

As the name suggests, it gives long-lasting colour. The vibrant shade doesn't fade and it hydrates all day, so there's no need to continuously re-apply. It's a great go-to product for situations when you need your lip make up to last - I love to wear it when I'm going out to eat! The colour stays true without feathering, transferring, or losing it's sexy, glossy shine. It really lives up to it's name!

Image - right: This product is build-able. I like to wear two coats for a vibrant opaque finish - perfect for glossy evening glamour!

It doesn't give a "wet look" shine like some glosses do, which is a bonus for me, as I find "wet look" glosses quite unattractive. Instead, it has a silky, sultry finish, which looks very sophisticated. The shine doesn't fade, so there's no need for constant re-application. The colour is build-able, too. One coat gives the lips a bright "flush" of colour (image - above-right), but I like to wear two coats for a vibrant opaque finish (image - right) - perfect for glossy evening glamour!

It's ultra-hydrating formula makes it ideal for all year round - it prevents your lips from drying out in hot weather, and protects your lips from the harsh winter breeze (the time when my lips usually suffer from dryness). As previously mentioned, the hydration lasts for hours, so your lips look and feel soft, healthy and kissable all day. It also has a delicious tropical scent! The formula is non-sticky and lightweight, so it doesn't feel heavy, unpleasant, or uncomfortable.

Application is simple and mess-free with the "tear drop" shaped wand which comes to a point so you can get an even result on your cupid's bow and lip corners as well as the larger areas of the lips, allowing the perfect application. The applicator holds just the right amount of product, and it's angled to make applying it easier still.

I honestly can't fault this product. There are definitely more shades on my wish-list - I have to have "Endless Ruby"! Nice one, Maybelline!

Click here to view Maybelline SuperStay 10HR Stain Gloss on the Maybelline New York website.
Click here to purchase Maybelline SuperStay 10H Tint Gloss from the Boots website.

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

By Tuesday T. Bryan.

Image - below: A recent one of myself. Showing my love for birds with my top. Epic seaside themed decor and retro wallpaper.

Sunday, 4 August 2013

Avon True Colour Technology - reviews + photos - lipstick/lip gloss/eye shadow/brow definer

Unnecessary intro: It's July 29th 2013 (I usually hand-write my notes well before publishing my reviews
online), and I'm sat in my 347 year old house with no lightening conductor, anxiously waiting for today's summer storm to pass (we've had three today already). There's rain water pissing through the old windows and the conservatory is shaking as if an earthquake's on the way, but that's life when you live in a house that was built in 1666 - the same year as The Great Fire of London!
Anyway, writing the notes for this blog entry is basically my shot at taking my mind off the storm (unsuccessfully).

Necessary intro: So there's a lot of hype in the Avon world about their new make up, which features "True Colour Technology". According to Avon, this means that the colour you see is what you will get when applied. They also say their make up contains "self-renewing pigments for long-lasting colour". They've released loads of new shades, and they've updated their packaging; it's Avon's usual sleek and simple design with added practicality, i.e. the lipstick bullets have a "window" in the lid so you can see the shade easily.
I'm going to review 4 lipsticks, 3 lip glosses, one eyeshadow quad, and one Perfect Eyebrow Kit.

Image, above-right: A photo of myself! The cosmetics I'm wearing include Avon True Colour Eyeshadow Quad in "Stone Taupes", Avon Perfect Eyebrow Kit in "Blonde", and Avon Ultraglaze Lip Gloss in "Apple Cinnamon", all of which I am reviewing in this blog entry.
***
Let's begin with Avon Ultra Colour Lipstick. It's available in 30 shades with 3 finishes - 12 satin finish, 11 shimmer finish, 7 soft matte finish - all of which have what Avon call a "clear view window" in the lid, as I mentioned earlier. The moisturising formula leaves lips feeling soft, and looking healthy, conditioned and smooth. Avon say "purse lips to reactivate self-renewing pigments for ongoing colour". I'm putting 4 shades to the test... (I apologise in advance for the awkward layout.)

Knockout Pink: This shade is one of the 12 with a smooth "satin" finish. This sexy and sophisticated pink is a great all-round colour. It's actually my favorite of the four shades I've chosen - this is unusual for me as I'm not a huge fan of pink lipsticks, but I love this one!

Oxford Wine: Again, this lipstick has a satin finish. I like this deep, rich, plum shade, but it doesn't suit me at all! The creamy consistency of these lipsticks means applying the dark shades can get messy - I highly advise using a lip liner to make application easier. Avon Glimmerstick Lip Liner is fabulous stuff, but it only comes in four shades and I can't see one online to suit this particular lipstick - maybe it's time they released more shades!

Hibiscus: This lipstick has a soft matte finish. It's a vibrant, fun and flirty shade of "almost-neon" pink. This super-girly shades is perfect for statement summer lips! Pair it with simple eye make up and a flawless but natural complexion to really make the lips stand out.

Scarlet Siren: Soft matte finish. A deep and seductive classic red. I really love how this shade stands out
against my pale skin - it creates a really striking contrast that would look perfect for Autumn / Winter! Again, the moisturising consistency combined with such a dark shade create potential application problems - use a liner to minimise the chance of making mistakes. Avon Glimmerstick Lip Liner in "Red Brick" is a great match for many red shades - trust me, I use it all the time!

***

Let's move on to the new Ultra Glazewear Lip Gloss. It comes in 19 high-shine, non-sticky shades that make "lips glisten in every light". These glosses care for your pout, too - the formula is enriched with shea butter for deep moisturisation. Lips look and feel plumper, smoother, hydrated, and youthful. Avon say the new gloss is "infused with colour-awakening pigments that saturate lips in rich, vibrant colour"...

Apple Cinnamon: Sugar, spice, and all things nice! This super-shimmering high-shine gloss is perfect for
Autumn. It's subtle enough for the office, and glittery enough for the dance floor. If you're a lover of nude lipstick, give this shade a try for a more glamorous option.

Strawberry Shine: As I said when commenting on the "Knockout

Pink" lipstick, I'm not usually one for pinks, but this beauty has pleasantly surprised me! It's a summery, sparkly, ultra-feminine pink. The shade is bright and fun, yet still sophisticated and not too "over the top". I love it!

Fiery Red: This bright red shade has a "glass-like shine" finish. If you love the red lip and want to keep it all year round, you'll want a brighter shade for the summer, and this one is perfect. Keep the eye make up simple and the complexion natural yet flawless, this way you can stay true to the classic look yet make it more summer-practical.

***
It's time to talk eyes! First we have the new and improved True Colour Eyeshadow Quad. There are 9 shades available, all of which come as a compact containing a mirror, a double-ended sponge eye shadow applicator, and four beautifully matched shades. The shades are actually numbered and arranged in the compact in such a way to help you apply your eye shadow "like a professional". Of course, you don't have to follow the step-by-step guide; get creative and mix up the order, or use less shades for a subtle daytime look. Avon say that their True Colour Technology means the rich colour you see in the palette is the same colour you'll see when applied. Avon also say the "crease-proof colour stays true without fading", so this stuff is great for us busy bees as it banishes the need for touch-ups. Statistics show that one of the original

Avon quads was sold every 2 seconds*, so these are bound to be a hit!
*Based on actual UK sales, 08/03/12 - 06/03/13.

Stone Taupes: I chose this one as I love neutral eye make up - the earthy browns and taupes suit me down to the ground. If you're not sure what shades of shadow to wear, remember that you can't go wrong with neutral tones as they suit all hair, eye, and skin shades. I love all four of these shades. The colours work together really well and they blend effortlessly. And they're build-able, so you can add more colour for extra drama. Personally, I would have liked shade number 3 to be more metallic to match the shimmer of shade number 2, but other than that I can't fault it!

***

Finally, let's discuss the Perfect Eyebrow Kit. We all know how the eyebrows can change the overall look of the face. Not only do they play a vital role in our facial expressions which help with communication of emotions, but they also frame our features. Avon have created this new eyebrow compact which contains wax, colour, a mirror, and a double-ended application brush. There are two smudge-proof shades available, "Soft Brown" and "Blonde" - I opted for "Blonde", of course, which is a perfect match for my brows! There are two steps to the application process: First, smooth the wax over your brows to set them, then you fill in and define your brows with the colour. The result is a natural yet defined look, but you can build the powder for a stronger brow. Avon say this stuff provides better coverage than a pencil, but I prefer their Glimmerstick Brow Definer. The brush included in the compact is okay, but I'd advise you to invest in professional tools. Avon did sell an angled eyeliner brush which would do the job well, but it's recently been discontinued according to the website. I use Mac and Bobbi Brown brushes, and for my brows I'd choose the Mac 266 brush.

All Avon products mentioned in this blog entry are available online from http://avonshop.co.uk/ or from your Independent Avon Representative.

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

By Tuesday T. Bryan.

Tuesday T. Bryan