REVIEW: L’Oreal Infallible 2-Step Lips & Giveaway!

This post is long overdue, but the timing is actually perfect because this lippy has just been awarded one of the coveted beautyheaven Best in Beauty 2013 accolades for Best Lipstick!

And it's no wonder - this really is an amazing product, quite revolutionary in fact. The concept is not new, but in my opinion, the formula is a breakthrough in the long-wear category. As I've mentioned in several of my posts, I was blessed with a win in the Australian Blogstar Awards back in August, and the complete set of these liptastic gems was part of the prize. Never in my long life have I received such a fabulous box of glossy colour sticks so beautifully presented, and it's almost an understatement to say I was utterly gobsmacked when I opened the parcel - warning: this is a picture-heavy post!

Part of my Australian Blogstar Awards 2013 prize

Like similar long wear products, this is a 2-step application - a cream pigment base followed by a moisturising balm overlay. Where it differs from other products out there is in its hydrating qualities, and the staying power. I've actually had my lips shrivel (and in one case burnt) by other brands, with several days of uncomfortable peeling following the initial application. In addition, none of the ones I tried lasted more than a few hours, and certainly didn't make it to the other side of a meal.

These L'Oreal lipsticks are seriously softening, and while I haven't tested if they actually last for 24 hours, most of them stand up to my rigorous daily routine of lattes, cups of tea and multiple munches (there's some specifics and a post-meal pic in my article over at beautyheaven). For me the deeper shades last considerably longer than the paler ones, mainly because they leave such a potent stain on the lips, so if you're like me and have a naturally pale pasty pout, these bolder hues are a godsend. At $29.95 they're not exactly cheap, but I believe they are well worth the outlay for their long-lasting and moisturising properties, and the presentation is class all the way.

Things I've discovered so far:

• They work best on bare lips
• Applying lipliner after the base and before the balm gives a far better result - the liner seems to reduce the initial staining effect of the pigment if you apply it first. I do my liplining while I'm waiting for the cream to dry :-)
• The flat colours look better later in the day - the shimmery ones are super pretty initially, but don't look as smooth and slick after eating
• Even if I don't reapply the balm regularly, my lips stay soft and flexible for hours
• The product does not transfer - to cups, glasses, teeth, clothing or other lips/cheeks!
• You will need a potent waterproof makeup remover to take the bold colours off at the end of the day

Instead of swatches, I thought I'd show you how every shade actually looks on my lips. While not all colours are 100% perfect for my yellowy undertone, every hue is unique and beautiful, and there's bound to be quite a few that will suit your particular colouring. All these photos were taken in the same lighting conditions (cool makeup light), and all are of the base with the balm over the top.

Blossoming Berry

Incessant Russet

Continual Crimson

Flawless Fuchsia

Coral Constant

Invincible Sable

Red Infallible

Lasting Mauve

Permanent Blush

Stay Framboise

Orange Extreme

Resolution Red

Timeless Rose

Violet Parfait

My personal favourites are Continual Crimson, Flawless Fuchsia, Stay Framboise and Invincible Sable - this last one is such a divine shade, but with my crinkly lips, the pigment seems to sink into the cracks and looks a bit stripey and weird when I smile. I'll keep working on a solution to my particular problem, but I'm sure it will work just fine for all you smooth-lipped younger gals.

Now we get to the best part :-)

YAY - My first Giveaway!

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This giveaway is now closed 

Delighted to announce the winners of my first giveaway - the three gals who will receive one of these fabulous lipsticks are:

IndieAna

Fawn

Hissycat Krissy

Congratulations ladies! Please reply to the email I've sent to you before Wednesday 20th November to claim your prize :-)

And thank you everyone who entered - it was a very tough to choose only three as I loved the sound of ALL the looks you'd pair this with. Oh how I wish I had one for all of you xxx

EDIT: Thanks for your emails ladies, all prizes have been claimed :-)

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Included in my prize pack were three extras of these gorgeous longwear lipsticks in the shade Resolution Red, and I have the OK from L'Oreal & beautyheaven to share the love with three of my (Australian resident only) readers.

To enter, you must follow me on Google Friend Connect, Bloglovin' or email, tell me in the comments section below which of the shades in the above lip pics appeals to you most and what colour eye shadow you'd pair it with, and include in your comment your email address, username (where applicable) and how you are following me.

Entries close midnight Saturday 16th November 2013, and based on the three most interesting answers, I will announce the winners on Sunday 17th November here on this page of kats colourings. Winners will have till Wednesday 20th November to send me an email, or I will choose again.

Hope you join in the fun, and good luck lovelies!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

Giveaway Terms & Conditions

1. Only one entry per person permitted.

2. To enter, you must follow me on Google Friend Connect, Bloglovin or email, comment on this post with your favourite shade from the 14 L'Oreal Infallible 2-Step Lips pictured above, and the eye shadow colour you'd wear with it, and remember to include your GFC or Bloglovin' user name..

3. Include your email address in the comment.

4. This competition is open to Australian residents only.

5. This competition is hosted by katshepsutt via the kats colourings blog at katscolourings.blogspot.com.au.

6. The total prize consists of three L'Oreal Infallible 2-Step Lips (one per winner) RRP AUD$29.95 each .

7. Competition closes midnight Saturday 16th November 2013 (Sydney time).

8. This competition is a game of skill and the winner will be based on the most interesting comment as judged by me, and notified by email and via a post on this page of kats colouring on Sunday 17th November 2013.