Red Alert: Red Lip Round Up

I like red lipstick. That glossy, punchy color transforms any outfit into chicness. I'm pretty positive that any woman can sport red lips given the proper occasion, color, formula etc.

Over the years I've added more than a few options to my red-lipped arsenal...here are my picks for red lips!

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella

An amazing scarlet shade and a really great formula that wears beautifully on the lips. You can check out my review from a while back right here!

MAC Russian Red

If you're seeking a serious red that leans on the matte side, Russian Red has got you covered. Word to wise - invest in a red lip pencil so avoid feathering.

Maybelline Color Sensation in Are You Red-dy?

For a drugstore brand, this formula glides on and keeps that pucker moisturized. This shade is much more of a true red with a touch of orange and I imagine it would fare well on a myriad of skin tones. I reviewed it a while back right here!

Revlon Colorburst Gloss in Fire

Purchase!

I just picked this one up and have received *tons* of compliments when I sport it. Normally I shy away from red glosses with saturated color (typically too much room for error) but this one is gorg. A true red with plenty of pigment and boatloads of shine. The sponge brush is a bit cumbersome, but because I lurve the color, I'll make it work!

What about you? Do you rave about red lips? 

Product Review: MAC Lustering Lipstick, A

Oh lippies. Lipsticks. Lipglosses. Lip sheers. Lip balms. I have so many and I love them all. Therefore, today's product review centers around a new MAC lippie that I have been positively crushing on - Lustering!

Perfect for summer, this sheer yet punchy pink with a hint of coral is just lovely. I imagine it would work on many a skin tone and looks great dressed up with additional bronze tones or all by its lonesome with a fresh face.

A very unexciting, and fairly grainy photo of Lustering on me!

Some deets from MAC...

LUSTRE (L): Demi-sheer with wet-look lustre finish. Very slick. Makes lips look soft, smooth, ultra-moist.

And my review:

The Good: I love this shade on my skintone. It's just perfect for a bright wisp of color without too much drama for your mama. It glides on smoothly and there's a fair amount of pigment with just a few swipes.

The Bad: Some may say the $14.50 price tag is a bit steep, but in this instance, I think it's worth it.

The Review: A all the way on this one. If you're looking for a fab summer shade with just a bit of punch, MAC's Lustering fits the bill very nicely.

Wednesday Cheap Thrills!

So, I'm sure you're all still in recovery mode from the holidays...overindulgance all around. Below is a set featuring some cute little pick-me-ups, each less than $25. I'm really diggin' MAC's holiday collection - has anyone seen it in person? AND...how cute are those Target rain boots?!

Anywho, a few of my cheap thrills...

• Cleaning out my keyboard with compressed air (weird, I know...but I fully believe in a clean, sanitized keyboard)
• Gossip Junkie app for my iPhone...it is AWESOME
• Chocolate Lava Cake...nom nom nom
• New socks

Enjoy your Wednesday!

Cheap Thrills: Each Item Less than $25 by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring Forever21 accessories

Items in this set:

- Navy Schooled Fish Rainboot - 9 : Target, $25

Women's Mossimo® Isha Satin Pumps - Black : Target, $23

PROK, $14

Jeweled Bow Earrings - Forever21.com, $4.80

M·A·C Cosmetics | Cremesheen Glass, Ever So Rich, $18

More than Lip Service: Pretty in Pink

It's hot out, especially in Charlotte, where I currently live. Not just hot...I mean blistering 100 degrees. The humidity and heat wave is quite an issue if you're heading out to dinner and trying to look like a lovely, fresh daisy. So...instead making my makeup work overtime, I just focus my efforts on one feature. Lips!

Eye makeup can slide off in intense humidity and bronzer can look muddy when the mercury is rising. With all of the great new summer colors hitting the shelves, I am really liking bright pink/fuchsia lips. By sporting bright lips, you can certainly take it easy on your eyes and face. I enjoy a quick swipe of black, liquid eyeliner, a bit of mascara and a neutral flush.

Rachel McAdams sports the fresh, bright pink lip trend with her look below. This month's edition of InStyle magazine mentions that Rachel's lipcolor is a combo of two lippies: MAC's Impassioned and NARS' Roman Holiday.

Photo courtesy of Wenn

I did a bit of drugstore detective work and I found a really nice alternative with Revlon's Creme Gloss in Fiercely Fuchsia. The creme gloss has a nice consistency and decent wear time. It's a bit cooler than Rachel's lip, but it's very pretty as a punch of color with a neutral canvas!

Happy Monday!

25% off all online MAC cosmetic orders through June 18

If you love MAC as much as I do, then take advantage of their (very rare) online sale. Today through Wednesday, June 18, MAC is offering 25% off of all purchases when you use the offer code SAVE25 at checkout. Looks like you may get free shipping if you purchase $60 or more, too!

Take a peek at http://www.maccosmetics.com/

Details:
Save 25% on all online purchases on MACCOSMETICS.COM. Use offer code SAVE25 at checkout. Offer is valid from June 16 - 18 on orders shipped to United States addresses only. Offer is not applied to Viva Glam products or the purchase of MAC Cosmetics gift and egift cards.