REVLON LIP BUTTER IN BERRY SMOOTHIE

Revlon Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie: Boots/Superdrug (£7.99)

I have been wanting to try another Revlon lip butter since I picked up Strawberry Shortcake earlier last year, but with an almost £8 price tag, I didn't really think they were worth it. I did however see that Boots had quite a few of their Revlon items discounted to £5 and so I snapped up two lipsticks, one being another lip butter in the slightly darker shade of Berry Smoothie. 

I've found that the formulation of this is a little different to my other one in the sense that it's less glossy, although still has slight flecks of shimmer that are barley noticeable. In the tube, Berry Smoothie looks a lot darker than Strawberry Shortcake but on the lips there is only a slight difference; this is definitely a 'your lips but better' kind of shade which I love for days when you just want a real natural look. 

The only issue with lip butters as a whole is the lasting power which is only around two hours if you're lucky. That's why I was a little sceptical to pay £8 again so waited for a discount. It's not a total let down though because as these are a 'butter' formula, they are very moisturising and much like a lip balm so regular application isn't a problem. 

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RIMMEL'S KATE MOSS MATTE LIPSTICK | 107

Rimmel Kate Matte Lipstick - Boots (£5.49)

I realise I'm late to the party with this one, but I have honestly been meaning to pick up one of the shades from the Rimmel Kate Moss matte collection since they were released back in October. I felt like I wanted to wait and see what others thought first and then base my choice on that and so, that is why I ended up getting the deep red shade in 107. 

Normally I tend to stick to nudes and lighter, less daring shades, but I thought I'd go out of my comfort zone a bit and pick up this one which really seems to be a cult favourite at the moment. When I first applied this lipstick it shocked me a little as I'm not used to darker colours, but after a while, it started to grow on me and now I really like it. Although it's a matte formulation, it's not drying at all and the finish is a softer, smoother looking matte than other lipsticks I've tried. It also goes on the lips easily and it lasts for quite a while before you need to reapply; I'd say around three to four hours! 

I would highly recommend this lipstick if you are looking for a dark berry red shade, that's matte but not drying at all. I much prefer the offerings of this Kate Moss collection and I'm hoping to pick up a few more of the shades soon. Have you tried any from the collection that you'd recommend?

Emma xo

follow me on TWITTER and instagram at iamemmawilde

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BALMI | RASPBERRY

Balmi (£4.99) - Boots

You may remember a long while ago, the huge hype surrounding the EOS lip balms available in the US but unfortunately for us UK residents, they were a lot harder to get a hold of. I never actually got my hands on one but the curiosity always remained; a round shaped lip balm really intrigued me for some reason.

Anyway, a few months ago (I know I'm late with this one!) the 'Balmi' came onto the scene in the UK, which is basically the same concept as the EOS version but slightly rounder. I however, could for the life of me find one anywhere, that is until a couple of weeks ago when I visited a huge boots store and finally found one. I bought the Raspberry version and the I'll admit, on finding it I was a little disappointed with the size. I envisioned it to bigger than it was for the price, even though, when out of the box it does look really cute and even has a keyring attachment which is a nice touch; I like the packaging I just wish it was a bit bigger.

Onto the product itself, I'm usually one for potted lip balms as I feel they last longer than stick forms, but this, although not technically in a pot, seems like it would last for a long time. It's almost like they've turned the pot inside out and this is what you've been left with and because of its rounded shape, application is made so much easier. The smell also deserves a mention, as I said, I bought the raspberry scent and it is a very prominent smell but isn't too overpowering which I like, I'm definitely on the hunt next for the mint flavoured one!

As for how well this lip balm moisturises your lips, I'm an avid Carmex lover, so it's inevitable that I'd compare the Balmi to that, and honestly, I don't think it does as good of a job. It does leave your lips feeling softer, just not as deeply moisturised as I feel Carmex does. It does do the job its supposed to but it's not my all time favourite lip balm. I do however, hope more brands take on this concept as it's far more hygienic and easier to apply than potted forms.

Have you tried the Balmi? If not, then is it something you would like to try? 

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REVLON LIP BUTTER IN STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE

Revlon Lip Butter in Strawberry Shortcake: Boots/Superdrug (£7.99)


Wow I'm late posting this! I've actually had this Revlon Lip Butter for weeks now and I actually thought I'd blogged about it already; clearly not. When these first came out I was skeptical about them, I mean they are a lip butter so I just assumed that they would be very sheer and very well, pointless. I mean paying £7.99 for an almost lip balm isn't my idea of a worth while purchase but having used this for a good few weeks now, I have completely altered my opinion on the Revlon Lip Butters.

I chose Strawberry Shortcake which is a warm pinkish shade with blue undertones. On my lips it does come out a lot more of a pale barbie pink than it appears in the tube but I think with my skin tone, it still looks nice. I love how the blue undertones really make my teeth look whiter haha. It is a very creamy consistency and the application is so easy because it jet glides onto your lips like a lip balm. It is a very moisturising formulation which feels nice on the lips and doesn't leave them feeling dry at all - it does however show all the inconsistencies of your lips so I'd suggest applying a good lip balm first. One thing I wish was different was the lasting power. It only lasts on the lips around 2 hours maximum before you need to reapply which is annoying but I suppose for a sheer lip balm/stick is what you'd expect.

The price was what surprised me the most and not in a good way. I think nearing £8 is a bit steep for the product you are getting. I mean, it is after all just a very sheer lipstick/balm. I'll give it the fact that it is moisturising and the colour payoff is surprisingly good for what it is, plus the packaging is lovely, but I still think the price is a little too much; even if Revlon is usually a higher priced drugstore brand anyway. I would however still recommend the Revlon Lip Butters for anyone who is looking for a moisturising sheer lipstick with good colour payoff. I am actually now wanting to try a couple of the other shades to see if they are all as good as this one. This however does seem to be the best pigmentation of the lighter shades available.  

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RIMMEL MOISTURE RENEW LIPSTICK IN VINTAGE PINK

Vintage Pink 180 - Boots £6.29

A couple of weeks ago I read about Rimmel's Vintage Pink lipstick and how great it was, so that in mind, I set off to Boots to buy my own. Lately my love for lip products is growing more and more; I'd say I'm definitely a lipstick person now, although, I'm no daring enough to wear bright reds or fuchsia's just yet!

Anyway, I bought vintage pink and immediately fell in love with it. It is definitely more of an autumn/winter shade I feel but it's still wearable now especially in the UK as our summer is non-existent. The colour is a very deep mauve/plum purple that definitely leans more to the pink side on my lips but I have seen it on others as a more plum coloured shade.

True to its 'moisture renew' name, this lipstick is very very moisturising and very creamy on the lips and surprisingly has good staying power which you wouldn't normally expect from such a creamy product. The pigmentation is great and again, varies depending on your natural lip pigmentation. This is definitely the most daring lipstick I own - other than a red which I don't dare to wear.

As for the packaging; I know a lot of people think it's quite tacky/cheap/drugstore-ish but I personally really like the purple tube. It definitely stands out from my other lipsticks and I think it's a fun alternative to an ordinary tube. Although it's plastic, the packaging does seem sturdy and the lid clicks in place which I like. Obviously I haven't shown the lipstick across the room or anything like that so I can't say just how sturdy it is, but for in your handbag it's fine.

This is definitely one of my favourite lipsticks and come autumn/winter, I can see this will be my go-to shade. I'm keen to try some more of the moisture renew shades if you have any suggestions. Also, I'd love some mauve/pink toned suggestions too!

Have you tried Vintage Pink by Rimmel? 

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CARMEX CHERRY LIP BALM

Carmex Cherry Lip Balm - Boots

You have probably all either heard of or tried some form of Carmex lip balm but up until recently, I was one of those very few people who hadn't. Now I know there are so so so many reviews out there for this but I just wanted to share with you just how much I lot this product and have my own little rave about it :).

This lip balm comes in a tiny pot which isn't to everyones liking but I personally don't mind it. The warmth of your finger softens the balm just enough so it comes out of the pot so easily and smooths onto your lips. 

There's nothing worse than than a lip balm you can't get out of the pot!

Now, I'm definitely not one of those people who constantly has dry lips, but for some reason or another my lips do crack quite a bit which makes wearing lipstick/gloss/butter a difficult thing. I apply Carmex in the morning, at night and before applying anything on my lips and since using it, I've found that my lips are so soft and smooth and the cracks are all gone. This is actually the most amazing lip balm I have ever tried, I don't think I'll be using any others for a long time. 

Also what I like is the scent. I went for the cherry one rather than the original just because I love when things have a lovely smell, especially lip products. It's almost good enough to eat (please do not eat it though!). Other things I love about this lip balm are that it has SPF 15 in it - you have to protect our lips from the sun - and that it leaves your lips with a tingling sensation for a few minutes afterwards which for me, just goes as an indication that it's actually doing something unlike some balms which don't seem to have any effect. This is actually my holy grail lip balm and I will definitely be stocking up on it; one for my bag, one for my bedside table and one for my bathroom I think haha. Is that a tad extreme? I don't think so.

Have you tried Carmex cherry lip balm? If you haven't then I'd suggest you do asap as it's amazing! Is there any other Carmex products you'd recommend?

Carmex is available at Boots and Superdrug for around £2.69 (correct me if I'm wrong) per 7.5g or at Savers for £1.99.

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COLLECTION 2000 CREAM PUFF

I have read so much about Collection 2000's Cream Puff lip creams and thought; I just have to try them. Whilst in Superdrug last week, I spotted they were on a 2 for £4.99 deal (normally £2.99 each) and took advantage of this, I mean saving £1, why not? Anyway, after much deliberation, I chose to get Powder Puff 2 (nude) and Cotton Candy 1 (pink). 

Here's what they say:

'Collection 2000 Cream Puff Lip Cream is the new velvet-feeling, matt-looking, muted and moisturising lip cream. For a velveteen pout that doesn’t look puckered, Collection 2000 Cream Puff Lip Cream is your perfect product. Enriched with a creamy, hyper-moisturising formula that is packed full of vitamins, this innovative cream with a powder finish is a lip-loving product that provides a unique matt, long-lasting lustre to the lips. Powder microspheres hug the creamy colour to your lips to make sure that your pout is perfect all day, or night!'

Now onto what I think. Let's start with Powder Puff 2 which is a nude shade that in the tube looks great but on the lips it gave that awful concealer appearance that just isn't for me. It is such a pigmented nude and looked really odd against my skin tone but would probably look better against paler skins? It also picked out every crack, bump and imperfection on my lips which was not  great look, I definitely think this shade would work better over a lipstick to tone it down a little. 

Onto Cotton Candy 1 which I love! It is a gorgeous muted pink shade which leaves your lips with a slight colour without looking too in your face. I like the finish and I like how it could be a stand-alone lip colour or be used over the op of another similar lipstick. 

Both lip shades are a matte finish but leave your lips feeling surprisingly moisturised like you would expect from a lipgloss even though they have more of a lipstick look. They packaging is a basic tube with a standard doe foot applicator that is big enough to glide over your lips in one sweep. Overall I do like these lip creams but I think I'll only repurchase Cotton Candy 1 because it's a beautiful shade and far more wearable. I might however try some of the other shades available.

Have you tried Collection 2000's Cream Puff lip creams? Do you like a matte finish lip?

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NATURAL COLLECTION LIPSTICKS: ROSE BUD, ROSE PETAL & BERRY SORBET

L-R: Rose Bud, Rose Petal, Berry Sorbet

Natural Collection is one of those brands that people seem so reluctant to try because of the price but then when they eventually do try it, the majority of the time, they love the products! I discovered the other day that I actually already owned a lipstick from the Natural Collection range in a very bright red colour - my mum gave it me after she used it for Halloween! I'm not at all brave enough to wear a red lip to this found itself in a draw at home, but I was intrigued to try some of the other more wearable lip shades. 

I decided to take up Boot's 3 for £5 offer and I chose lipsticks in the shades; Rose Bud, Rose Petal and Berry Sorbet. Let's start with Rose Petal, i've heard so so much about this lipstick, everyone seems to go on about it, raving how great it is so this was a definite one for me to try. I'll admit this shade scared me a little when I looked at it. It's very very nude and I immediately got the image of concealer lips which most of us know is not a great look. However, if you apply it over a lip balm it actually comes out a lot more natural and it is a really really nice, everyday lipstick. 

Next onto Rose Bud which is my favourite of the three lipsticks I picked up. It's a very 'your lips but better' kind of colour (or at least it is on my lips) which is perfect for me as I much prefer a subtle more natural looking lip. It is noticeable as it has slight purple/magenta undertones tones to it but it isn't too overpowering. 

Finally I got Berry Sorbet which is a very pale pinkish red that comes out a lot darker on the lip than it does swatched. This is my least favourite as it's far to red for me but I think it'd be perfect for those wanting to try a red but are not daring enough to go for a full bright red lip. 

Overal I found all three lipsticks to be very moisterising and the staying power for each is good; lasting about 4-5 hours. They are surprisingly pigmented for the price and are definitely very build able on the lip. Each lipstick retails for £1.99 (as does the whole range) and they are available at Boots as part of a 3 for 2 offer at the moment. 

What are your thoughts on Natural Collection products? Will you be buying any of these lipsticks?

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