Shopping online for cosmetics may seem a little risky -- especially if you're not as versed in the beauty world. You can't really see the true color of the product, can't feel the quality, and can't sample it on your own face/skin. But if you're knowledgable enough and know/trust the brand, it's hard not to succumb to the ease of ordering makeup with a few simple clicks.
[Tip: If I'm even the slightest bit hesitant about ordering a product I haven't used before, I like to run a Google search for any reviews/swatches I can find. That way, you can read how other beauty fanatics viewed the product before you commit.]
First up, e.l.f. Studio Matte Lip Color in Nearly Nude ($3)
I really like the e.l.f. brand -- it's UNBELIEVABLY cheap and pretty good quality! (I actually purchased this one for $2.80 but I think it's sold out on NastyGal.) The tube itself is sturdier than you'd assume for three dollars. It is a twist-up application, and there is so much product!! With e.l.f. products, you really get a lot of bang for your buck. [I will say, though, it is a little difficult to get the cap on and off sometimes.]
It has great color payoff. The formula itself is pretty matte and opaque. It's a very thick consistency, and has a bit of a lag when applying on the skin. Unlike the Nars Pure Matte Lipsticks, which tend to stay very matte while not too drying, the e.l.f. Studio Matte Lip Color seems somewhat drying on the lip. This can be an issue when applying on even the smoothest of lips, because it tends to show every single crack and flake. But for $3, not bad. And the color is a beautiful shade of pinky nude!
Next, NYX Butter Lipstick in Lollies ($6)
The tube is so cute! A lot of beauty gurus rave about NYX products. They're some of the best drugstore products you can buy. However.. this doesn't mean that I'm going to go out and replace all my makeup for NYX. For a lipstick that looks like it's going to be super opaque and creamy, it didn't meet all of my expectations. That being said, it's a lipstick that I like and will definitely use in the future.
[For some reason this photo is not reading as peachy as the true color. This is a little pinker than how it reads in person.] I suppose the name of the product is accurate -- I would honestly describe the consistency of this lip stick as that of room-temperature butter (if you were to rub a stick on the back of your hand.. lol). Not sticky whatsoever, and almost (almost) a tad oily and thin. The color isn't very dense, but it's a gorgeous lip color. I wouldn't exactly say it's a MLBB [my lips but better], but it's close. I would recommend using a lip primer or nude lipliner under this color to maximize its potential (or else you run the risk of it being too sheer but too creamy of a color, which can lead to some weird looking lips).
Next, NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Buenos Aires ($6)
The applicator reminds me of those Bonne Belle lip glosses I used to have as a kid. Instant points for that. It's a doe-foot applicator, and a little tricky to use, but it gets the product out of the tube. I'll just use a lip brush to apply it to my lips when the time comes.
I. Love. This. Lip. Cream. I can't believe how much I like it! It is the coolest product I've tried in a while. It does come out a little thick, but it's easily blended out. It is SO pigmented and SO creamy. A little goes a long way with this "lip stick." And it's the most vibrant true peach color -- absolutely perfect for spring and summer.
When I saw the name says "soft matte," I didn't really know what to expect. But that's the perfect way to describe it. It isn't a high shine lip stick, but it isn't a true matte. It almost looks like the natural texture of lips, but obviously in a lovely peach shade. I can't wait to wear this when the weather gets warm.
Next, NYX Cream Lip Stick in Stella ($4)
This is such a strange product! Well, first, the consistency is great. It's creamy and opaque and not too thin or oily. But the strange part is the color. In the tube it looks very, very true pink. Even on my hand swatch it reads very pink!
As you can see, it almost looks like a darker hot pink shade. But when I applied it to my lips, it read as almost a neon peach! I DON'T UNDERSTAND!
In this hilariously cheesy closed-smile selfie, you can sort of tell how bright and peachy-pink it looks. [Forgive my appearance otherwise -- it has been a long day!] Regardless of this color trickery, I love this lipstick. It's another that I can't wait to start wearing! And for $4, what a steal.
And finally, Mirabella Neon Muse Mineral Face Pigment in Tale of Tangerine ($14 on sale from $28)
This pigment it absolutely gorgeous! It's sort of like a product like Clinque's Black Honey lipstick in that it looks pretty terrifying in the container, but applies like a dream. A little of this powder goes a LONG way. The Mirabella site says this pigment can be used wet or dry, on the eyes or cheeks.
I just swatched it as a dry blush (the way I'll be using it). The slight wash of color is not "tangerine" at all, but a light orangey pink. There's zero shimmer, glitter, or sparkle in it. It's almost similar in color to Nars Orgasm blush [my absolute favorite blush] without the sheen. This is a beautiful, everyday blush to wear for a subtle glow. I'm in love!
This was a LOT. I hope you stuck around for it all, because these are pretty great products, and I'm excited to use them! A lot of them are still available on NastyGal -- and they're so affordable it hurts -- so if you like any, click the links to buy them for yourself :]
xojaybee
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