SPOTLIGHT: Favourite September 2018 LOTD's...

Gee, tough decisions for the selection of my fave September LOTD's. The gorgeous Barbe from Fashionista In Suburbia had an Instagram #7Lippies7days Challenge, and I couldn't resist entering multiple times ♥ The requirement was for different colour families or textures every day, and I took the opportunity to rediscover some beauties that I haven't touched in almost 2 years...

Of course, there are some all-time loves and repeaters here too, but I selected 18 from the BIG bunch which I hope you'll like, so here we go ♥...

1. Hikari Matte Lip Gloss - Metro. How's this for a pretty nude? One that I can actually wear successfully, and without looking anaemic. The formula is amazing - long wearing and supremely comfortable. Came in a LipMonthly bag ♥...

2. L'Oreal Color Riche - Cristal Cappuccino. Gorgeous reddish brown, THE shade for autumn, I've had this for yonks and it's still keeping my lips lush and supple ♥... 

3. Nude by Nature Moisture Shine - Garnet. The first of three lipsticks called "Garnet" on this page, and they're all vastly different colours! I swatched this one again just the other day as it's actually more intense than it appears here - I used a pale nude lipliner underneath for this pic, but have since found another one that's closer to the shade and supports the colour rather than watering it down. It's really quite beautiful, and the formula of these NBN lippies is magical, hope they bring out HEAPS more colours (hint, hint) ♥...

4. Ulta3 - Sweet Passion. Absolutely adore this lippie - one of very few in my kit that's leaning more to yellow/orange than red/orange, and a far better match for some of my wardrobe oranges. It's rich and dense and has a slightly frosted finish, which I think is ever so flattering for us older chooks ♥...

5. Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid - Orange Shot. A blast from the past and I'm bamboozled as to why I've neglected these for so long - fabulous formula, fabulous pigment, so comfortable to wear all day without flaking or becoming scruffy-looking ♥...

6. Maybelline Color Sensational - Fatal Red.  Always a favourite, so vivid and creamy, a true fire engine red - phwoarrrrr ♥...

7. Bourjois Rouge Edition 12 Hours - Red-Belle. This was a gift from a darling colleague on my last day at work ♥ It doesn't actually last 12 hours, but pretty close, and despite being a long-wear, it's entirely lip-friendly. Love you Bourjois ♥...

8. L'Oreal Color Riche Moisture Matte - Bloody Mary. This is her fifth appearance in my LOTD posts, which pretty much says it all. Pass me the vodka ♥...

9. Revlon Ultra HD Lip Lacquer - Carnelian. We're gonna go back, WAY back...to 2015 when I bought these! Oh my, doesn't time fly when you have too many lip products? Still as gorgeous as ever, smells delish, slicks on like a dream - unbelievable ♥...

10. Nutrimetics nc Hydra Brilliance - Garnet. Another one that gets featured regularly in these posts -  review HERE, love everything about it, and this to me is "garnet"! ♥...

11. Nude by Nature Moisture Shine - Deep Plum.  The second fave from the new releases by NBN, and a shade that's right up my alley - more please! ♥...

12. Covergirl Colorlicious - Ravish Raspberry. Had this one a while too, but it's still available from Priceline. The shade and texture is as delicious as the name ♥...

13. Revlon Ultra HD Lip Lacquer - Garnet. Yep, I sure dug deep into my collection, but I'm so glad because I've fallen in love with these all over again - such a beaut shade for spring, and hooray that gloss is making a comeback ♥...

14. W7 Liptember Lipstick - Raspberry Ripple. What would September be without a Liptember lippie hey? Quite possibly my favourite from the range, there's that slightly frosty shimmer again that I love, but not so much that it's dated ♥...

15. NYX Cosmic Metals Liquid - Fuchsia Fusion. You've heard me go on about this range many times, and my passion for this electric pink will never ever fade ♥...

16. Dirty Little Secret - Vengeance. Oh my, what a divinely soft yet statement pink. I've discovered some gems via LipMonthly, and this is one that's dear to my heart. I have a couple from this brand - the formula is lovely and moist, needs to be reapplied fairly regularly, but it does leave a decent stain to keep you going ♥...

17. City Color Creamy Lips - Blackberry Mojito. What an utterly stunning purple - massive applause as they totally nailed this berry shade. It sure is creamy, needs only a very thin swipe to look this intense, and even the name gets my mouth watering ♥...

18. Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink - Creator. Pretty much the ultimate purple liquid lippie - lasts all day ♥...

Any here you like, or you think might suit you?

Take care of you,
kats xxx

EOTD Catch Up!...

Was going through some of my old posts and realised I haven't done an EOTD upload since May last year! The simple fact is that time is my enemy, both from an ageing perspective, as well as how long it takes to make it all happen. I'm still way passionate about eye makeup (I can't imagine that EVER changing!), and invariably create a look up to 6 days a week, but the camera is becoming more unkind by the day, and adjusting my technique for closeups (like drawing on the crease or combing my fringe WAY down lol) to disguise the sagging, bagging and wrinkling sometimes just doesn't do the trick. I'm still putting some up on Instagram fairly regularly, but considering it was an EOTD that got me started on blogging, I figured some pics were well overdue here. I've also had a major change of hair colour (work in progress) and I'm tending towards cooler eyeshadow hues, so here's a few of the looks from the last few months, plus the full face makeup, clothing and accessories so you can see the whole effect ♥...

Morphe Brushes 35B palette, Eye of Horus Jewel Amethyst Goddess Pencil on the waterline

L'Oreal Infallible Lipstick - Eternal Rose

The Balm Matt Johnson & Matt Malloy, Natio Steel Grey Define Eye Pencil on the waterline

Cosmoholic Liquid Lipstick - Prudish Pink

BYS Peach Palette - Lavish & Peachy, Revlon Jade Colorstay Eyeliner on the waterline

 Revlon Ultra HD Lip Lacquer - Sunstone

Chi Chi Cosmetics Oasis palette, Eye of Horus Teal Malachite Goddess Pencil on the waterline

Mirabelle Beauty Modern Matte Lipstick - Crimson

Morphe Brushes 35B palette, Eye of Horus Scarab Sapphire Goddess Pencil on the waterline

NYX Cosmic Metals Lip Cream - Fuchsia Fusion

Makeup Revolution Envy, Colourpop Coconut, Eye of Horus Teal Malachite Goddess Pencil on the waterline

Dirty Little Secret Lipstick - Sugar Daddy

MBA Cosmetics Navy & Babybaby, Natio Steel Grey Define Eye Pencil on the waterline

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick - Vintage Pink

Chi Chi Oasis palette - olive & lime, blend of Models Prefer Lime Tart Infinite Colour Eye Pencil & Eye of Horus Serpentine Sultry Goddess Pencil on the waterline

 JeffreeStar Velour Liquid Lipstick - Unicorn Blood

Colourpop Tink, bhcosmetics Wilde & Free palette - ice blue, Natio Steel Grey Define Eye Pencil on the waterline

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick - Fatal Red

Hope you enjoyed these looks - in all pics, I've lined my lower lashline with Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner, and mascara used was Maybelline The Falsies Waterproof, and L'Oreal False Lash Superstar XFiber. As always, I ignore the majority of recommendations for mature age makeup colours and techniques, and just do what I want!

Do any of these EOTDs appeal to you?

Take care of you,
kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: 2nd Quarter 2017 Fave LOTD's - Part 2...

It's pretty obvious I'm crazy about all lipstick colours (lol!), but it's especially difficult for me to choose my favourite plums, berries, pinks and purples - I mean they're just so gorgeous hey. But here's an attempt at selecting the ones that made my heart skip a beat over the last three months...

...a mix of old and new, matte and glossy, liquids, crayons and standard bullets, and most of them are under $15...

This first one is by Max Factor - it's their Color Elixir Giant Pen Stick in Intense Plum. While they still have these sticks in their range, I can't see this particular shade on their website any more. Darn shame as it's gorgeous, moist, glossy, and has a tinge of gold shimmer - just as well I stocked up before they ditched it (I have 3 stashed away). No. 2 is Milani Chocolate Berries - bummed that this one is not listed any more either. Why oh why do I fall in love with products that get discontinued? Absolutely adore Milani lipsticks, and thrilled to bits that they now have an Aussie website HERE. The third one is by Von Blair Hair Co - Liquid Velvet Lipstick in Anarchy - a Lip Monthly inclusion, this is one of the most comfortable matte liquids I've ever come across. No idea how to purchase it though, their website is quite weird - every time I go there, they only have 1 or 2 shades listed, always different, and never this one...

Next is Ulta3 Ultra Matte Long Wear Lip Cream in the shade Hunter Gatherer - yes this lasts well though it's a bit drying, but this colour - oh my... The middle stunner is one of the new Maybelline Color Sensational Bold lipsticks - Midnight Merlot. Super impressed with this range - they're magnificently pigmented, and the formula is so kind to my lips. No. 3 is Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate - shade 30. Fabulous berry hue, moisturising, just delish...

Onto the brighter hues, this is Mode Majestic Plum - $3 from Coles, impressive for the price, although it needs a bit of help in the hydration department. Middle one is another Maybelline Color Sensational Bold - Fiery Fuchsia. Love! Third one is Burt's Bees 100% Natural Lipstick in Brimming Berry - only just discovering their lippies and I'm in love already, so softening and a blissfully creamy texture...

And now for some purply pinks. NYX Intense Butter Gloss in Toasted Marshmallow - simply deevine, and my numero uno lip gloss formula. Next is Revlon Ultra HD Gel Lip Colour in Twilight - raved about these HERE, this colour speaks to me of love. On the right is another Lip Monthly one - Dirty Little Secrets Lipstick in the shade Vengeance - lovely, non-drying, needs regular reapplication but leaves a nice stain...

I reckon this one might appear in every quarterly selection - NYX Cosmic Metals Lip Cream in Fuchsia Fusion. I mean is that a killer pink or what? Can't think of any negative about these glosses other than my local Priceline doesn't stock them any more. What is wrong with you people? I mean get with the program puh-lease! Middle one is years old and still packing a punch - Revlon Color Burst Lip Butter in Lollipop. Sadly discontinued, this is the only one in the range that ever blew my skirt up, and it's still flapping around my ears ha ha. Last in this row is another NYX Intense Butter Lip Gloss - shade is Pink Macaroon. NYX is slaying the lip products hey...

Soft pinks - sigh...they're spesh. On the left is a gorgeous lip gloss by Be A Bombshell, called First Kiss (via Lip Monthly). Impressively pigmented, not sticky, lasts incredibly well. In the centre is another mini-lipstick by SAVVY - Pomegranate. And last one is my latest pale pink passion - Maybelline Moisture Renew Lipstick in Vintage Pink. So soft, so flattering, so feminine...

You know I love my purples ♥  Rimmel The Only 1 Matte Lipstick in Run The Show - appeared in the 1st quarter post as well, will no doubt feature again. Second one is NYX Cosmic Metals Lip Cream in Asteroid Aura - no words! Third one is NYX High Voltage Lipstick in Twisted - beyond me why they canned this range...

That's it for now lovelies - if  you missed Part 1, you'll find it HERE.

Take care of you,
kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: Lip Monthly Subscription...

I'm ALWAYS excited when I discover one of those little "...you have a parcel..." cards in my letterbox, but the one I found on Tuesday had me puzzled as well. I wasn't waiting on any orders that I could remember, so I was intrigued by this distinctive shiny gold padded bag from the US. But it turned out to be my very first Lip Monthly pack! (Don't you just love it when you completely forget about something, and then it shows up out of the blue?). I subscribed several months ago after reading all about it over at the beautiful Barbe's brilliant Fashionista in Suburbia blog (thanks babe!). How it works is magically described in Barbe's post (link above), along with reviews of three of the bags, including this one. I'm super impressed with the value, and if you fancy joining up for US$12.95 a month (shipping is free), be sure to use her code (FASHINSUB) ♥...

So onto the contents - all full-sized products, three for lips and one for face. The pack contains a cute little card listing the contents, along with the RRP of each item. None of these goodies are currently available in Oz, but that doesn't bother me as there's always somewhere online that sells anything and everything hey. Lip Monthly says this pack has a retail value of US$68.95 - awesome!

Two of the colours I received were different to Barbe's pack, and here's my absolute FAVE - Dirty Little Secret Vengeance. The most gorgeous GORGEOUS blue pink, and right up my lip-colour alley. Stunning pigmentation, creamy, moist and an absolute pleasure to wear ♥...

Next is the Manna Liplocked Priming Gloss Stain in the shade Lucky - a super pretty pinky nude "with benefits". Again, excellent pigmentation, not the least bit sticky, and it lasts a good few hours - love this...

It does turn out a fair bit paler on my lips, but has enough colour for me to get away with it, plus it doesn't streak AT ALL - very little effort is required to create a smooth, glossy finish...

My Jello Shot Rosy Cheek & Lip Gel is the same shade as Barbe's - Hangover. The beauty of this stain is that it's different on everyone, depending on your body temperature. The lasting power is incredible - I swatched it last night on the back of my hand, and it's still there!...

As you can see from the pic, this is of little value to me on it's own as my lips are RIDDLED with imperfections, but it's staining quality is a winner as far as an "underlay" is concerned - it's a pretty shade, and given I haven't as yet found a way to remove it (!), this does at least give my blotchy lips some pigmentation, which is a bonus when my lippie wears off. I could also use it as a cheek stain, but interestingly it comes out Barbie pink on the rest of my face. Actually, I've never been a fan of cheek stains as they require such precision to apply evenly, but I'll sure make use of this on my pout...

The Jor'El Parker Fango Mud Therapy is one of the best masks I've ever tried. I gave up cream types a while back in favour of the sheet variety, mainly because the tube/tub ones are just so darn messy. But this organic beauty only stays on for 5 minutes, so I applied it while I prepared for my shower. Given the somewhat frightening picture below, I'd recommend remaining in the bathroom throughout the process - my cat would never forgive me if I wandered around looking like this! Ingredients include Sweet Almond Oil, Avocado Oil, Green Tea Antioxidants and Volcanic Ash Minerals, it's 100% vegan, it's not tested on animals, and it smells DIVINE. My skin was incredibly soft, refreshed, toned and becalmed once I rinsed this green goop off. Totally hooked! 

All up I'm loving everything about this new subscription, and can't wait for the next gleaming gold pack to arrive ♥

Take care of you,

kats xxx

Linking this to Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party - starts at 6:30am, and you won't be disappointed. The standard of blog articles you'll find there each week is top class ♥...