Happy Valentine's Day to All! This post really has nothing to do with Valentine's Day, but I took a cute picture of my MAC lipsticks in a heart shape, so that's that.



The real reason for this post is that for the last few months I've been really thinking about combing through my collection and getting rid of a lot of items I don't use much. I have a fairly large collection of MAC lipsticks and I don't really reach for them like I used to, so I thought I'd tackle them first. In order to decide what to keep, I wanted to swatch everything, so I might as well take pictures of that process.

Charmed I'm Sure (Matte)

Cardinal (Satin)

Russian Red (Matte)

Salon Rouge (Matte)

True Love's Kiss (Amplified)

Racy (Frost)

Viva Glam Rihanna (Frost)

Ruling Class (Frost)

Swatching really helped me see how similar a lot of these are. I mean, I know I have a lot of similar reds, but some of them are REALLY similar. I have a preliminary list now of what I'm going to do.

Keep:
Ronnie Red
Charmed I'm Sure
Russian Red
True Love's Kiss
Lady Danger
Ruby Woo
MAC Red
Adore It

Maybe:
Charlotte
Steam Heat

Going:
Cardinal
Salon Rouge
Racy
Viva Glam Rihanna
Ruling Class
Sweet Sakura
RiRi Woo
New Temptation
Flaming Lips

For all that I'm getting rid of, I'm thinking of doing a blogsale. I have another blog that I've done those on in the past, so keep an eye out on that, or feel free to make an offer in the comments here if you don't want to wait.


Currently Wearing: 

Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani Spiderweb Lipstick

Currently Listening To: 


The song "She's Gone" by Pypy used for this show.... <3

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Disclaimer: This post contains my own opinion. I have not been sent these items for consideration and/or review. 

I've discovered quite a few lovely things this year, some of them made it into my Best of 2015, and some are old tried and true favorites. What are your favorites of the year?




Tom Ford - Bitter Bitch Nail Laquer
This is the perfect Fall color for nails. Brown with an ever so slight red hint.

Urban Decay - Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer
Love this for my dry skin since some concealers tend to look terrible on dry skin.

Lipstick Queen - Velvet Rope Lipstick in Brat Pack
I've only had this for a few months, but the first time I applied this to my lips, I literally gasped. It is so creamy and weightless for a matte(ish) lipstick.

Burberry - Wet & Dry Silk Shadow in Pale Barley
I use this when I just want a wash of color on the eyes, and since I've been being super lazy before work during the week lately, I bought a couple more shades in this range so I can switch the color up at least (Storm Grey and Rosewood are the other colors I have). I even use the applicator included in these!

Kiehl's - Midnight Recovery Concentrate
I received a sample of this a couple years ago and I liked it a lot, but didn't want to pay the price. Then in February I won a box of Kiehl's products from a raffle at a Bloomingdale's event and this was in it. I used the whole bottle and I have really noticed an improvement in my skin. I recently repurchased it again because I can't imagine surviving winter without it! It is lightweight and soaks in fairly well, but this is a night oil so don't try applying makeup over it. It keeps my poor dry skin moisturized and doesn't break me out like some heavier creams have. If I'm having a super dry time, I'll apply more moisturizer on top of this, but I don't feel the need to do that too often.

Marc Jacobs - Angled Blush Brush
This was a recent purchase, but it's oh-so-wonderful. It is very soft, which can have pluses and minuses when it comes to picking up blush, but this is a great blush brush for me. I don't apply heavy blush since I have a naturally rosy complexion anyway, and this feels almost soothing on my skin.

Giorgio Armani - Eye Tint in Flannel
I bought this last spring and still wear it at least once every couple weeks. This color is light and won't work for everyone, but I love it. The color is multi-dimensional. It is taupe that shifts purple with gold and pink flecks. Just...ugh. Love.

Charlotte Tilbury - Matte Revolution Lipstick in Red Carpet Red
Similar to the Lipstick Queen, it is comfortable and weightless, especially for a matte lipstick. This color is outstanding. Though it is matte, it has a few very fine specks of glitter. It's odd, I don't see it when it is on my lips, but I can see it in the tube and I'm sure it is what gives the glow to the lip, despite it being a matte.

Hourglass - No 28 Primer Serum
I've been using this for a few years now. Every morning after I cleanse my face, I put this on and let it soak in for 5 - 10 minutes before moving on to my normal makeup routine. I don't need a moisturizer when using this. It is amazing, though when it gets super hot in the summer, I skip it simply because I don't want any extra layers on my face and don't need the extra moisture.

Omorovicza - Queen of Hungary Mist
I received a sample of this and thought it was perfume, so it sat for a month before ever trying it. Then one day I looked it up and saw it was a face mist! This is so refreshing. It has a pleasant smell, which isn't as strong as say the Caudalie mist. I don't know if I've noticed a benefit to my skin, but when it is a hot summer day, it is amazing. It also is great to mist on when I've over powdered, or to feel fancy when I'm getting ready in the morning.


Currently Wearing: 
Tom Ford - Lip Color Shine in Willful


Currently Listening To: 


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Disclaimer: This post contains my own opinion. I have not been sent these items for consideration and/or review. 

Golden Rose sent me a few lipsticks to try out recently, and they are some beautiful lipsticks! I was not aware of this brand prior to them contacting me, but now I plan on ordering some more lipsticks and other products. They sent me two different formulas of lipsticks in a few different shades. I swatched them all here, which are each just one swipe. The quality on these are great!



They sent me three of the Golden Rose Velvet Matte Lipsticks. These are very creamy and pigmented. The color goes on nicely and since the formula has vitamin E, they are not drying at all, especially for a matte formula. With the quality of these, I was surprised when I found these on their website for only $7!

The three colors they sent met are 22, 23 and 25.





Number 22 is a mauve brown that is very "on trend" right now since the 90's brown lipsticks have been making a soaring comeback. It reminds me of Bond Girl by Charlotte Tilbury (both the color and finish actually). I am going to have to compare them side by side to see if this is a good dupe! I'll keep you posted.



Number 23 is a beautiful deep berry color that feels slightly more dry than the other colors, but still not as dry as most mattes. It is pretty opaque and dark when applied, but I blotted it down and it left a very matte, beautiful purple berry/wine.



Number 25 is right up my alley. It's a deep, warm red shade. It is a little bit of terracotta red, but not too orangey. It's very flattering and makes my teeth look whiter than I feel like they are. It is smooth and creamy and just lovely. I will be getting a lot of use out of this one for sure!



Golden Rose Matte Lipstick Crayon 07 is a sharpenable pencil with a velvety matte lipstick. It goes on smooth and doesn't feel drying. I believe this one also has vitamin E. It has a velvety finish similar to the Velvet Matte lipsticks, but the more precise tip of a pencil makes it easier to apply bright colors, so this will go in my handbag in case I want to switch it up to a bright lip while I'm out. The color is GORGEOUS. It's a bright, slightly warm red that really makes my blue eyes pop. These are also only $7.

Overall, I'm into all of these and plan to pick up more from this brand! Let me know if you have tried anything from them and what you've loved!

Currently Wearing: 



Currently Listening To: 


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Disclaimer: This post contains my own opinion. Though Golden Rose sent me these products for review, I am not being paid to promote the products. 

H&M launched their new beauty line earlier this fall. Yesterday I stopped by the H&M on 48th & 5th to check it out and walked away with four items to test the line and see what the quality was like. Obviously I've had these for a short time, but here are my first impressions based on what I got.



Pure Radiance Powder Blusher in Rosy Brown ($9.99)

The colors are:

• Fashion Fame (light pearl pink)
• Like a Dream (mauve)
• Music is Magic (bright pink)
• To the Rescue (berry)
• She's Got the Power (dark purple) 

Fashion Fame is pretty sheer with glitter. This is not really a liquid lipstick and more of a gloss. It was gritty due to the glitter, but I was really into it nonetheless.

I've already worn Like a Dream. It was comfortable on the lips, not too drying, and didn't leave a dark ring on the lips as it wore down.

Music is Magic and To the Rescue are both really nice and opaque. Music is Magic is so bright, but I still see myself wearing it somewhere. These two and Like a Dream are all creamy and really remind me of the NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams.

She's Got the Power was a little disappointing. It's more sheer, and goes on unevenly. It takes a few coats to get a truly opaque color, but it can work. This one has some pearl to it, which might explain why it isn't as opaque as the other cream ones.

Overall, I am very happy with this set and excited to try it out more.

Currently Wearing: 
Nars Audacious Lipstick in Anita

Currently Listening To: 


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Disclaimer: This post contains my own opinion. I have not been sent these items for consideration and/or review. 

CoverGirl Star Wars The Force Awakens Colorlicious Lipstick

Star Wars Makeup. Seriously.

I'm a child of the 80's and always loved the Star Wars movies.  I watched them on VHS tapes, mimicked Darth Vader in box fans, and had a pretty good impression of a Tauntaun walk. I was disappointed, along with the rest of the world, in the three prequel movies in the 2000's, but I have high hopes for the newest movies. Being a lover of all things makeup, I obviously was excited to see that CoverGirl was coming out with a Limited Edition collection for The Force Awakens.



I tried finding the collection at a few midtown NYC Duane Reade's but had no luck (does anyone ever find collections in NYC drugstores? I never have luck. Only me?). Thankfully, most of the collection is available on Walgreens.com, so I placed an order (which, I might add was delivered within 36 hours, so that was crazy).

The collection includes:

• Super Sizer Waterproof Mascara - The Light Side (1 shade)
• Super Sizer Mascara - The Dark Side (1 shade)
• Outlast Nail Polish (6 shades)
• Colorlicious Lipstick (6 shades)

Unfortunately, when I ordered from Walgreens, the nail polish wasn't available, so I didn't get any of those. I'm not a huge fan of waterproof, so I just picked up The Dark Side mascara. It is not my cup of tea. Though the color is nice and dark, it doesn't give a lot of volume. I'll likely use it for simple day looks or to use on my lower lashes.

I also picked up three of the lipsticks (R-L):

• Silver 10
• Red 30
• Purple 50

Red is a deep burgundy with gold shimmer and Purple is deep and wearable with a touch of frost. Both of these were super pigmented and opaque on one swipe. Overall, I like the colors a lot. There are a couple of things about these lipsticks however, that will keep me from wearing these lipsticks often. First, these feel almost gritty. I can feel the texture on these and that drives me crazy. The other is the smell/taste of the lipsticks. It is very strong, chemically smell and taste. I had to take it off immediately. It has been a long time since I bought a CoverGirl lipstick, do they all smell like this? It's a shame because I do like the colors of these.

Here are swatches of the three I own.

L-R: Red 30, Silver 10, Purple 50

L-R: Red 30, Silver 10, Purple 50

Currently Wearing: 
Bite Beauty Luminous Créme Lipstick in Pomegranate

Currently Listening To: 



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Disclaimer: This post contains my own opinion. I have not been sent these items for consideration and/or review. 

I don't always do a post for my Glossybox, but the box for June had pretty good content, so I thought I'd share it. I bought a year subscription last fall, and though I think Glossybox has had some of the best stuff (only somewhat offset by a higher price), I am disappointed by one glaring problem that they refuse to fix. Judging from posts from others on their Facebook page, I'm not the only one this happens to, but I keep getting items for "Medium/Dark" or "Medium/Tan" skin tones. From day 1, my profile has been set up as fair skin. I also emailed their customer service after the first time I received a product for medium/tan skin, to which I received no response. This box is now the third time that I got a box with a medium/tan product. Am I wrong for being upset about this? I mean, I am paying for these products and it isn't as though they don't know what my skin tone is either. One of the selling points of the box is that they get your skin tone so you don't have things like this happen. I've tweeted them about the problem this time, but it looks like their @glossyboxushelp twitter page hasn't been used since the end of May so I suppose it is time to call them about it. I know, I know. Most of you are like "why haven't you ALREADY called." For me, calling is the last resort. Especially when there are so many other options to not talk to anyone! Haha. Okay, end rant.



June's box was called American Beauty and had a different box and paper than usual because of that. I use my boxes for storage of backups and samples, so I like having some that are different colors to keep organized.

Now for the products!!

My sister recently gave me a couple new products she found at the drugstore as a gift. Even though I had never heard of Sula, I was immediately intrigued by the packaging. The design is simple and the lipstick tube is made of metal and not plastic. They feel nice and look nice, which I personally find important in my beauty products.

Most importantly though, the products are nice. They are listed as "natural" but who really knows what that means these days. The website doesn't seem to say much about it, so it doesn't seem like it really means anything.

The lipstick I got is called "PUCKER UP" and is a straight up orange, which really does match the bottom of the tube. It is creamy and goes on smooth. It has nice staying power and doesn't dry out my lips. I like this formula a lot and plan to pick up more of these lipsticks. I've swatched it next to what I considered an orangey lipstick before I got this one, MAC Lady Danger. Haha. You can see the difference.



 The lip and cheek tint is in "ALL I EVER WANTED" and has a minty smell that is refreshing, especially in the summer. I quite like to use cheek tints for summer instead of powder because it feels nicer on the skin to me. This tint is quite pigmented and I just dot it on and blend it with my fingers. For the photo, I did a mega swatch and then blended it as much as I could to give you an idea of that too. When blended, it is a rose pink that looks like a natural flush on my pale skin when I use a light hand.

Overall, I have a very good impression of this brand and want to explore more of their products.

Currently Wearing: 


Currently Listening To: 
I'm working my way through this list from Huffington Post. They aren't all winners, but there is some good stuff in here.

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Disclaimer: This post contains my own opinion. I have not been sent these items for consideration and/or review. 

Before I get started with my May Fave Five, I wanted to link quickly to my blog sale that I have just posted. Is is on a separate blog, so go here for lots of makeup items for sale!


My favorites for the month are all things I've been using a while and have been reaching for a lot in the last month.

1 - Boscia No Pores No Shine T-Zone Treatment - I've been using this in place of a primer when it's warm out so I don't get too shiny and it works really well. I don't notice too much about it shrinking pores, but my pores aren't a big issue for me. I will be buying the full size of this once I use up this deluxe sample.

2 - Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in 16 Pink Beige - This is a nice neutral pink shadow that really brightens up my eyes. I can wear it just as a wash of color or sometimes I put some Maybelline Color Tattoo in Pomegranate Punk in the crease with this and it makes a really pretty combo. I don't notice any creasing and it stays put. I need to get this in more colors.

3 - YSL Rouge Volupté in 17 Red Muse - I've talked about this a lot before, but it really is my go-to for a bright red lip. I had to deal with finals in May and used this a lot to distract from my exhausted face. A bright red lip can really just brighten your face easy!

4 - Rimmel Scandal Eyes Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner in Taupe - I picked this up a while back kind of unsure what I'd do with it. It was a little dark to use in my waterline as an eye brightener and a little too light to make a big impact as a normal top lid liner. However, this has been perfect for lining my lower lid. I don't care for how a dark liner looks on my lower lid, so I've usually just not put anything there. But this taupe just darkens it enough to add dimension and shadow without making it obvious. I don't think I've went more than a day without doing this since I got this liner! It doesn't budge either!

5 - Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil - A year or so ago I received a sample of this stuff and quite liked it. Then during a sale on the Tarte site I picked up the full size bottle. If I notice my skin is really dry or flaky (which happens a good bit during the winter) I use 4-5 drops straight on my face. Normally though, I put a bit of whatever moisturizer I am using that day/night in the palm of my hand and then add 1-2 drops of maracuja oil to it. I'll just mix it up a bit with my finger and apply that to my face. I feel like it has kept my skin clear more often and with less flaky bits. It doesn't clog my pores like some heavy moisturizers do, so that helps in cold/dry months for sure.




Currently Wearing: 


Currently Listening To: 



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Disclaimer: This post contains my own opinion. I have not been sent these items for consideration and/or review. 

With the release of RiRi Woo, the new Rihanna lipstick from MAC based off of the iconic color Ruby Woo, I decided to also pick up another beauty-blogger favorite, Russian Red. Instead of just showing swatches of RiRi Woo for you all, I thought it might be fun to swatch all of the deep red lipsticks that I have from MAC.


First, a bit about RiRi Woo. Rihanna loves wearing Ruby Woo, so for her RiRi <3 MAC collection, she wanted to make a few changes to it to improve it for her a little. I was hoping that improvement would include a little bit less of the dry feeling, but it feels just as dry. The color is different, a little deeper, but just BARELY. If you own Ruby Woo, you don't really need RiRi Woo. It doesn't have different packaging, but RiRi Woo does have the embossed lipstick bullet. Eh.


Now onto the swatches!


All of these, with the exception of MAC Red, are Matte lipsticks. RiRi Woo is the first of a new finish called Retro Matte. I didn't notice a big difference between the Matte of Ruby Woo and the Retro Matte of RiRi Woo though. But remember, not all MAC Mattes are alike! If you find Ruby Woo too drying and have decided that MAC Mattes are not for you now, think again! Ruby Woo seems to be the most drying of all the MAC Mattes. Deeply Adored isn't nearly as drying, and both Ronnie Red and Russian Red are actually very creamy!

• Charmed I'm Sure came out in the Marilyn Monroe collection. It is a deeper red and is a somewhat berry red. It is not quite so matte as Ruby Woo, but still leaves that matte feeling on your lips.
• Russian Red is a staple of most red lipstick lovers collections. It is a beautiful deep red with a tough more of an orange lean to it in the best possible way. I just received it, so I can't speak to how well it wears yet, but from swatching it, this lipstick goes on SO nicely. It swiped like some of my most creamy lipsticks, so it's hard to believe that it's a matte finish!
• RiRi Woo is from the RiRi <3 MAC collection and introduces the Retro Matte finish. I'm not sold on this finish. It was actually difficult to swatch. I had to kind of go over it a few times to get it to go on evenly. The color is a blue-based true red and is amazingly beautiful. But if you have Ruby Woo already, you don't need this.
• Ruby Woo has been a cornerstone of my lipstick collection. It's a beautiful color, blue-based true red almost exactly like RiRi Woor, but it is super dry. I always wear it with a primer or chapstick to help keep my lips from drying out. I still love it though. 
• MAC Red is amazing because it is a Satin so it is less dry and is a dream to put on your lips. This color is a little more pinkish than Ruby Woo. 
• Ronnie Red is from the Archie's Girls collection and is even more pinkish than MAC Red. It has a matte finish, but it really seems like it is more satin. It even has a bit of sheen to it, though I suppose after it is on for a while, it is more matte.

Currently Wearing: 

Currently Listening To: 


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Twitter: @RecordsRedLips
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Disclaimer: This post contains my own opinion. I have not been sent these items for consideration and/or review.