REVIEW: Urban Rituelle Aromatherapy Soy & Coconut Wax Candle & Natural Hand & Body Lotion...

On the one hand, I'm a little sad that this is the last in the current series of Urban Rituelle Natural Remedy product reviews - it's been such a pleasure to trial all these beauties. But on the other, I'm excited as I've just placed an order for the hand cream and lip balm from the same range, so it won't be long before they arrive, are put to the test and the results shared with you here. For now, it's my absolute pleasure to tell you all about the Natural Hand & Body Lotion, and Aromatherapy Soy & Coconut Wax Candle ♥...

Mandarin, Orange & Geranium Natural Hand & Body Lotion (500ml, RRP $39.95)

I mentioned in my review of the Hand & Body Wash (HERE) that I may not even need this partner product because the shower gel is so moisturising and skin softening. But the winter chill is on the horizon, which means that in a matter of weeks, my skin will transform literally overnight into a thirsty and flaky mess, so I'm thrilled I have this bottle of dry skin antidote at the ready! It has the same glorious essential oil fragrance as the body wash, and similar delicious ingredients (Kakadu Plum, Hibiscus Flower Extract, Argan Kernel Oil and Rosehip Fruit Oil) but with the added bonus of Shea Butter, Wheatgerm Oil, Olive Fruit Oil, Cucumber Fruit Extract & Chamomile Flower Extract. Quite possibly the most soothing body moisturiser to ever grace my vanity, I can't imagine anyone else not falling in love with this rapidly absorbed and intensely nourishing lotion. My skin feels supernally soft, smooth and supple - in short, the way it's supposed to be ♥...

Lemongrass, Ginger & Lime Aromatherapy Soy & Coconut Wax Candle (400g, RRP $44.95)

Candle lovers rejoice! This huge jar of uplifting goodness is literally a breath of fresh air and something I will treasure throughout the months ahead. I have several Urban Rituelle reed diffusers scattered through the house to maintain a continuously harmonious environment - in the larger spaces they work magically to provide a subtle scent as we swish past, and there's always one or two in the bedroom to aid relaxation. But for an intensive aromatherapy session, this candle is the ticket - whoa! Not only does it look beautiful (even before it's lit), the scent is sublime - lemongrass, lime and ginger are an inspired blend that lifts my spirits and creates a restorative atmosphere that's both energising and rejuvenating. Truly, I'm obsessed. Given the size and potential 80 hours of burn time, I was hoping this would see me through the winter, but at the rate I'm lighting it up (like, every night after work lol), I may need another one pronto ♥...

With dual 100% cotton wicks, the burn is even, slow and smokeless, and the glow of the amber glass is both warming and comforting. There's also Lemon & Star Anise Essential Oils in the mix, and a matching lid to sustain the fragrance when not in use, and keep the dust and bugs out. The 100% post-consumer recycled paper box includes detailed instructions on how to burn the candle safely, and to maintain its integrity. The jar is 100% recyclable, but this is one item that won't be hitting the yellow bin - I'm keeping it for my trinkets and/or cotton buds ♥...

This whole range is genius - congratulations UR Team, and thank you again for the chance to discover that stunningly fragrant and restorative products can be made, packaged and experienced without harming our beloved planet ♥...

Take care of you, and keep safe,

kats xxx

REVIEW: Urban Rituelle Hydrating Face Cleanser & Hydrating Face Balm...

My skin's love affair (skomance?) with the new Natural Remedy range from Urban Rituelle continues. I've been using their Hydrating Face Cleanser and Hydrating Face Balm for a few weeks now, and my skin doesn't want me to stop any time soon! Jam-packed with naturally derived and organic ingredients, they're not only keeping my skin clean, supple and hydrated but also delivering a delight for the senses throughout my evening ritual - when something smells as fantastic as it looks and feels, it's a winner in my beauty book...

Mandarin, Lime & Neroli Hydrating Face Cleanser (100ml, RRP $25.95)

Oh wow - I think I just found my new summer cleanser! This is a clear golden gel that lightly foams and gently (but thoroughly) removes all traces of makeup (including long-wear foundation), while at the same time providing an instantaneous aromatherapy session ♥ Fruit gel cleansers are my favourite in the warmer weather and as soon as this hits my face I can smell the zing of freshly squeezed limes and mandarins - I swear it's the real deal! SO refreshing at the end of any day, but especially a hot and sticky one. The ingredients list reads like a who's who of the botanical world - Aloe Vera, Camellia Seed Oil, Hibiscus Flower, Ginkgo Biloba, Seaweed Extract and Kakadu Plum. Not the slightest bit irritating or drying, this cleanser is an absolute delight, and one I will definitely continue to use ♥...

Incidentally, when I opened the parcel, I thought the Body Wash or the Face Scrub were sure bets to be my pick of the bunch from this range - it turns out that all three of the ones I've reviewed so far score equal passion points. But wait...there's more ♥...

Mandarin, Lime & Neroli Hydrating Face Balm (200ml, RRP $34.95)

Well now, this is an interesting one. I don't believe I've ever tried a face balm before, and so I wasn't quite sure how this would pan out - I mean it's not a day cream or a night cream, which is what I'm used to. Anyways, because it doesn't contain sunscreen I thought I'd start by trying it at night - I can assure you that any doubts I might have had about its potency or suitability for my mature skin went out the window on morning one. My skin felt incredibly soft, plump, supple yet firm, and not a hint of dryness or any skerrick of excess oil either. This is a BEAUTIFUL moisturiser, surprisingly enriching, yet light and rapidly absorbed. Whoever develops these products at Urban Rituelle has done their homework and come up with a brilliantly balanced formula that seems to provide everything my skin needs to feed on overnight. Two tiny pumps of this thickish white cream are all I need to massage an instant glow into my face, neck and decolletage, and I'm still glowing when I wake up ♥...

I'm delighted that the fragrance is similar to the cleanser - that fabulously uplifting lime/mandarin combo, I swear it makes me feel energised and happy. Some of the ingredients are common too - Kakadu Plum, Aloe Vera & Hibiscus Flower, and there's also Shea Butter, Sweeet Almond Oil, Olive Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil and Avocado Oil. Actually, according to the box, 84% of the ingredients are organic, which is possibly why this feels so soothing. Calling it a Hydrating Face Balm was genius - what lip balm does for my pucker, this formula works the same wonder for my face ♥...

So lovelies, another two winners from this range - there are two more products from the parcel for me to review (soon), and the Mandarin Lip Balm and Hand Cream are absolute dead certs to be in my next UR order ♥... 

Take care of you, and keep safe,
kats xxx

REVIEW: Urban Rituelle Natural Hand & Body Wash and Purifying Face Scrub...

My love affair with Urban Rituelle products goes back, way back - at least 7 years in fact. A search on my blog reveals no less than 15 articles, and their fragrance diffusers and hand creams have made numerous appearances in my empties posts because they are exceptional - lovingly created, exquisitely presented, and the UR Team are constantly working towards developing products that are not only beneficial to our bodies (and souls) but also have the least impact on the environment ♥...

Recently they so kindly sent me six of the products from their new Natural Remedy range (there are 11 in total), which also includes face products - woo hoo! And I can assure you that each and every one of them is chock full of natural ingredients, an absolute pleasure to use, beautifully packaged, and all materials and ingredients used are chosen with sustainability as a priority - UR's philosophy is that their products not only have to work brilliantly, feel and look sensational, they also must be made with the greatest respect for our planet and its dwindling resources ♥...

I'll be reviewing all of the above in the coming weeks, but for now, I'll start with those categories that are most dear to my heart ♥...

Mandarin, Orange & Geranium Natural Hand & Body Wash (500ml, RRP $37.95)

I'll begin with the packaging which is a cream cardboard box made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper ♥ The list of ingredients is impressive to me as there is only one item (2nd last) that isn't either naturally derived or certified organic, and that's Dehydroacetic Acid, which Google explains is a preservative to prevent the growth of microorganisms. Everything else is either natural or, better still, organic - things like Kakadu Plum, Hibiscus Flower Extract, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Argan Kernel Oil, Macadamia Seed Oil and Rosehip Fruit Oil. There are no sulphates, parabens, mineral oils, phthlates, synthetic colour or fragrance, and no PEGS or silicones. The dark brown bottle is made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic, and the pump dispenser is the kind you pivot left or right to open and close ♥...

The golden liquid inside has an almost gel-like consistency, and it smells as if it were divinely inspired - predominantly geranium, but there is also a tinge of citrus, lavender and patchouli to steer it into the realm of family-friendly rather than girls-only. I'm besotted - it's the only hand and body wash that I've EVER moved from shower stall to vanity and back again just so I could experience it more than once in the same day! I definitely need another bottle lol. The suds are creamy and fragrant, and anyone with skin prone to dryness will be blissing-out just like me as this formula is so nourishing, calming and moisturising. There is a partnering Hand and Body Lotion in the range, but I'm not even sure I need it after this! LOVE ♥♥♥

Mandarin, Lime & Neroli Purifying Face Scrub (100ml, RRP $25.95)

Similar recycled cardboard box with UR's Earth-friendly mission statement(s) on one side, and equally fabulous (and comforting) ingredients information on the other two. 50% of the tube is made from post-consumer plastics, it's 100% recyclable, and has what I regard as the essential flip-top cap for easy dispensing, especially in the shower. Over half of the ingredients in this beauty are organic - Aloe Leaf Juice, Kakadu Plum, Gooseberry Fruit Powder, and there's also White Kaolin Clay and Hibiscus Flower Extract. The sloughing granules are small and firm, and there's no indication as to what they are made from but I'm guessing that the Ground Bamboo Stem may be involved here. The scent is very subtle, and I would call it more earthy or natural rather than citrus-inspired - but the Mandarin, Lime & Neroli essential oils are there, just not in predominance, so scent-sensitive folks are well catered for...

As for the results, my face feels amazing. I almost always use scrubs in the shower, but I've tried this over the basin, and unlike other brands in my kit, it's super easy to completely rinse off the fine granules. Incidentally, afterwards, I paused in my skincare routine as I was distracted by something else, and by the time I got back to the remaining steps, I was delighted to observe that my skin felt fabulous as is! No tightness, no feeling as if the surface had been stripped - just deeply cleansed, super-soft and supple skin, and I massaged the rest of my products into an ultra-smooth and healthily glowing surface. Needless to say I'M HOOKED ♥♥♥  

All Urban Rituelle products are Australian made, cruelty-free, and if you don't wish to order from their website or visit their Caringbah store, there are over 1000 stockists around the country, plus with every purchase I have made over the years, I have received a free soap - a different one each time (how do they know?) ♥...

Thank you Urban Rituelle for this beautiful gift, and I'm both excited & delighted to have the opportunity to review all of these stunning products in the weeks ahead. I'm so in love with what you create, and I hope your dreams filter out into the world ♥...

Take care of you, and keep safe,

kats xxx

Colour Theory Lipsticks - Part 2...

Following on from PART 1 of the Colour Theory Lipsticks, here is the second batch from the bundle that was gifted to me back in Feb - two almost impossibly pale, two that are perfect Spring pout partners, and one sassy and bold red that will no doubt appear in my monthly faves post, well at least once I stop wearing a face mask when I venture outside ...

Always On...

Pretty, but not for me - my darling grandmother would have referred to this as a "salve" (something to treat dry lips or as a sunscreen) but not a lipstick to wear out...

Sugary Sweet...

Another one that I cannot wear, but it will come in handy as a soft blush come September...

Pink Persuasion...

Now, this is more like it - I have a few soft pink items in my wardrobe that I wear only in Spring/Summer, so I'll be putting this aside for later in the year...

Pretty in Pink...

Love this pink - muted yet with enough oomph and warmth to go with light denim, soft coral and even khaki...

Swipe Right...

My pick of this bunch - juicy and bright yet soft, and with less intensity than most of my other reds. The bullet looks a smidgin more orangey in the photo than it does on my lips, but that's just lighting differences...

As you can see these are all super-moist, and my only beef with this range is that the brand labelling on the case wears off pretty quickly, and then they look a bit scruffy. But other than that, great value!

Would you wear the paler shades?

Take care of you, and keep safe,

kats xxx

REVIEW: Colour Theory Blushes...

More goodies from the Colour Theory box that arrived a few weeks ago! Blush is something I simply can't live without. If I'm in a rush I can manage without concealer, contouring and mascara, but if I have absolutely no makeup on and there's a knock at the door, a couple of swipes of a soft-toned blush gives me the confidence to open it and say hello (hey, it might be a delivery of beauty stuff lol!). Even lipstick on its own can appear a bit out of place on me, but a gentle glow on my cheeks looks natural and healthy, and these blushes have just the right intensity to wear solo, as well as adding a much-needed radiance when I'm fully made-up ♥...

The three blushes in the Colour Theory range are all gorgeous, and I've no doubt at least one of them will be a great match to whatever your skin tone may be - there's a pastel pink (Pink Poison), a rose gold (Sunburst) and quite a bold terracotta (Misty Rose), and all of them are only $5 each, or two for $8 from Amcal or Guild Chemists...

Pink Poison

The palest of the three, and so pale I thought it wouldn't show up on my skin, but actually, it does! (see swatches below) While it doesn't have enough oomph for me to wear it alone, I've been using it to soften deeper shades that are a little too bold, tone down shimmery highlighting when I've been a bit too heavy-handed (it's almost a matte finish) or for colour-correcting others that are a wee bit too orangey. The brush picks up the powder easily, and the formula blends beautifully ♥...

Sunburst

At first, I thought this was more like a light bronzer as it looked quite golden in the pan, but when applied (and in natural light) it has more pink content, which is why I described it as rose gold above. It's a gem - silky soft, pretty as, and just the thing when you want a subtle ever-so-soft sunkissed glow ♥...

Misty Rose

Knowing my penchant for colour, you've probably guessed this is my favourite of the three - the most fabulous autumn shade and I love it so much I may be hitting pan by September! Unlike the other two, this one has more of a shimmery sheen, and the texture seems just that little bit creamier ♥...

Swatches!

The pan pics and swatches below were all taken in natural light, whereas in the photos above, I matched them with wardrobe items under cool artificial light - there are some slight tone differences, but I think you get the idea...

As with the lipsticks, I think these are amazing value. Thanks again to the Colour Theory team for sending these to me to try. Heaps more in the box to go through, so watch this space! ♥...

Take care of you,
kats xxx

Colour Theory Lipsticks - Part 1...

A few weeks ago the generous folks at Colour Theory sent me a surprise parcel containing most of the cosmetics from their range. I mean, there was so much in the box - nail enamels, highlighters, bronzers, lip glosses, blushes and of course, that makeup item so dear to my heart (and always on my lips), lipsticks! It will take me a while to work my way through all of the goodies, but I thought I'd start with what I've been wearing daily in the last week - half of the lippies ♥...

The Colour Theory range is only available at Amcal or Guild Pharmacies, or there is a website (HERE) where you can order most of the products. Every item (except for multi-packs) is $5, or two for $8. From what I've tried so far they are amazing value. The lipsticks are creamy, smooth, hydrating, refreshingly well pigmented, and there are 10 shades in the range - five soft pinks and nudes, and five bold shades, which if you know me, are TOTALLY up my alley lol. Because they are so moisturising they need to be reapplied fairly often, but I'd much rather that than have my lips all shrivelled by lunchtime ♥...

So let's get started with the first five...

Timeless

The first of the nudes I tried - it's such a delicate shade, but matched the outfit I was wearing perfectly. It has a hint of orange which makes it quite different from the others which are mainly pinks. Even though it is so pale, the coverage is excellent, and it complimented my complexion way better than I expected ♥...

Love Me Coral

Love me this colour - I would call it more orange than coral, but it's just plain gorgeous and surprisingly streak-free. Not too bright but with enough oomph to be noticed, I'll be wearing this quite a bit come Autumn/Winter when I want to cheer myself up ha ha ♥...

Pink Lemonade

Such a yummy pink - almost a magenta, but with a softness that's refreshingly girly, and not too loud. I wore this with a hot pink & black combo outfit and it was the perfect match. This is a shade I will wear all-year-round ♥...

Vintage Crop

My favourite so far - halfway between a plum and a berry, I just adore the fact that it has intensity without being too dramatic. I slayed them in the aisles pairing this with aqua - adore it! ♥...

Boyz-N Berry

100% berry-licious, this is almost a purple and delightfully fruity and fresh. The bullet pic was taken in natural light, and the lip one was under my cool makeup light, which is why the colour looks a wee bit different. Bold and really quite vampy, it will be perfect for the cooler weather when the darker wardrobe shades need a lift and it will undoubtedly have many outings in the future ♥...

I'm so impressed with these lipsticks - of course, I'm more partial to the brighter colours, but as you'll see in Part 2 (coming soon!), the nudes and soft pinks are ever so pretty. Thanks again Team CT for the opportunity to try these luscious lip smackers - I'm feeling very spoilt! ♥...

Have you heard of Colour Theory Cosmetics, or tried any of their lipsticks?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW: Urban Rituelle Seaside Story Hand & Body Lotions...

It's been way too long since I indulged my passion for any of the lovingly prepared Urban Rituelle products, and I'm counting my lucky stars that just recently, Team UR gifted me with their collection of exquisitely fragranced Seaside Story Hand & Body Lotions. And they arrived just in time for the warmer weather when my skin is in sore need of some preparation before breaking out the summery shorts and sleeveless tops ♥...

For as long as I can remember, Urban Rituelle has created a theme for each of their collections, and Seaside Story is aptly named indeed. Each one of these deliciously scented potions encapsulates an essence of a sea-and-sun lifestyle, and they are all captivatingly unique. The creamy formulation is both enriching and revitalising, leaving the skin ever so soft, and aglow with a healthy sheen. Absorbed in seconds, the skin-pampering ingredients include chamomile and cucumber, and three especially nourishing oils - argan, avocado and rosehip, all blended together with a caring concern that's palpable ♥...

Coconut & Lotus

I so need this fragrance in my collection! Lotus blooms drizzled with coconut milk. and the petals dusted with powdery musk. Well, that's what it smells like to me - beachy and sensual, with a hint of the tropics. There's also shea butter, macadamia, olive and wheat germ oils in the mix to keep skin supple and moisture-rich. Every summer-loving body needs this fragrant juice ♥...

Tiare Flowers

If you shower at night, you'll want to slather this on before you climb between the sheets. Heady white flowers blended with bergamot and ylang-ylang - mmmm, gardenia lovers, this is for you. Can a hand and body lotion be seductive? I think so ♥...

Mandarin Blossom

Us fruity-floral fragrance fiends have been well looked after with this gem - an absolute delight for the senses, it's the perfect balance of juicy fruits and sweet spring blossoms. with an added zing of crisp bergamot. This is for mornings when I want a little zest to get me started, and it's not too potent to interfere with whatever EDP I'm spritzing. I would say it's the prettiest and most delicate scent of the range ♥...

Sea Kiss

SO hard to pick a favourite, but I reckon this is it. I don't get to the beach much these days, but I don't need to any more - it's all here in a tube! Whoever came up with the name got it right. It's a little musky, a little salty, and a little peachy - I literally can't get enough of it. So fresh and clean, my skin smells like I've just emerged from the surf. I'll be coating myself in this after a long hot day (if there's any left!). Absolutely love it ♥...

UR presentation is always stunning, and these lotions are in 60ml recyclable plastic tubes with convenient flip top caps, and along with the box, each one has an original design and colour scheme that reflects the contents. They retail for $14.95, and there are matching soy candles and purse-size fragrance sprays... 

All Urban Rituelle products are never tested on animals and made in Australia by a team of creative individuals who so love what they do.  Yes I'm raving, but I can't help it when it comes to this brand - you can read some of my previous gushy reviews of products (that are still available), HERE, HERE & HERE...

Thank you thank you Urban Rituelle for this beautiful gift, and what perfect timing as I'm putting together my shopping list for Christmas for friends, family and ME - Santa, please take note!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW: July Bellabox...

When I was made redundant last year, I thought it best to cancel all my subscriptions until I landed a new job, and I sure have missed the parcels of goodies that used to turn up every month from various sources. And even though I've been working fairly steadily since then, I haven't re-subscribed to anything because it was the perfect opportunity to use up the ton of products I had stashed away - a task I've only just recently managed to (almost) complete. But then as luck would have it, last week the generous folks at Bellabox kindly sent me their July pack to review, and after grazing through the terrific contents, and seeing the value, I'm sorely tempted to make this monthly offering my next adventure ♥...

No doubt some of you are familiar with this particular sub, but for those of you who aren't, let's take a closer look at what's in this month's box...

Luna by Luna Eyeshadow ($15)

The shade I received was Miracle - a gorgeous shimmery plum that's smooth as silk and blends like a dream. Delighted to have a compact single pan to slip into my makeup bag in case I need to pat on a little more during the day, although I doubt I'll need to - this seems to have excellent staying power, and it's cruelty-free ♥...

MODELCO Highlighting Shimmer Whip ($12)

This is a stunning cream luminiser in the shade Champagne - the prettiest soft gold with an amazing metallic sheen. I'm not a big user of highlighter - I usually just dust a little on the top of my cheeks and the tip of my nose, but I've already tried blending a teeny bit of this liquid with my foundation, and I'm amazed at the difference it makes to my face - gives me a lovely youthful radiance without looking overdone. I also stroke a smidgin down the centre of my nose after contouring, and I far prefer the result than the powder I've been using ♥...

Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Mud Mask (10ml, $5.99)

Haven't tried this yet, but it's scheduled in for the end of the week which is when I always ALWAYS indulge in some kind of mud mask. While I don't experience acne, my skin can always do with some detoxifying, and I'm loving the sound of the tomato, watermelon and pumpkin ingredients. The blurb says it's 96% natural, so that's a bonus too ♥...

Liar Wrinkle Cheater Eye Serum (12ml, $39.95)

I'm always up for a new eye product, and this clear serum is 100% natural, cruelty-free and vegan, and has a lovely fresh scent. With a metal rollerball applicator, it feels icy cold in the current Sydney temperatures, so I'm stashing this away till the weather warms up a bit. Specifically for reducing wrinkle depth and preventing new ones forming, I'll report back on this via one of my Empties posts later in the year. Love the writing on the tube - "Tell them your real age, they'll never believe you" ♥...

Coco & Eve Like a Virgin Super Nourishing Coconut & Fig Hair Masque (212ml, $64.90)

Can't wait to try this when I next shampoo - it smells SO good, and the instructions say it only needs to stay on for 10 minutes. Cruelty-free and vegan, it's also minus any sulfates or parabens and is designed to restore damaged hair, tame the frizzies, and deliver lots of hydration and shine. Sounds like my kind of hair product ♥...

Plunkett's Nutri-Synergy Working Hands Intensive Repair Treatment 

I actually have a half-finished tube of this magical hand repairer in my bedside table drawer - I've been sidetracked with three others that came my way, but it will appear in my Empties post in the next month or so. Absolutely BRILLIANT hand cream - totally unglamorous, but boy does it work, and it absorbs completely ♥...

I've checked out the contents of previous boxes, and they all seem to be of the same excellent quality. Bellabox costs $19.95 per month, and the fact that there will always be five sample-sized products is especially appealing as there's no chance my bench will become overloaded again with a whole bunch of stuff that I'll struggle to finish. And the bonus is that anything I try that I love, I can probably buy from their website. I've lost count of the number of beauty items from other subscription services that I adored, but could never purchase because they simply weren't available in Australia...

Thank you Bellabox for the opportunity to sample your terrific product - I love that there's a mix of skincare, hair and makeup items, so this is a winner!

What say you lovelies - does this sound like your kind of thing, or are you already a customer?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW: Maybelline Colorsensational Made For All Lipsticks...

As a beauty blogger, one of the potential perks is the approach from brands to add us to their "PR list". Which usually means that whenever a company is releasing a new range, there's a pretty strong likelihood that a box will arrive in the post containing the said goodies, to be reviewed on the blog and promoted via other social media. I've only been contacted a couple of times since I started my blog back in 2013, which is understandable as I have a somewhat small (but faithful ♥) audience, and I absolutely REFUSE to buy Instagram followers. But, good things come to those who wait, and just the other day Maybelline invited me to join their list (yasss!), and to my absolute delight, this beautiful (and 100% recyclable) box of the latest Colorsensational Made For All Lipsticks landed on my doorstep on Monday ♥...

Regular readers will know of my passion for Maybelline makeup, and the fact that quite a few from their range repeatedly appear in my Empties posts (e.g. Master Precise Liquid Liner, Total Temptation Brow Definer, Volume Express The Falsies Waterproof Mascara), and my Monthly LOTD collages are riddled with their lip products. Consequently, it probably goes without saying that I am deliriously happy to have been selected, so a gazillion thankyous Maybelline, and let's get on with reviewing and swatching these luscious lippies, in numerical order...

Before I start, the strategy behind this release was to create a range of universal lipstick shades that would suit anyone, regardless of the colour of their skin. According to the brochure that came with the pack, the six shades were tested on 50 different skin tones, and below is the photo of all of their fabulous faces...

Was Maybelline successful? Hard for me to say as I have what I would call a fairly neutral skin tone (perhaps leaning slightly towards warmish) and I seem to be able to wear most colours. But what I can say is that all of these lipstick shades suit ME to a T ♥...

Mauve For Me (373)

This one I already had - it was kindly sent to me by Beautyheaven to trial, along with Fuchsia For Me. Gorgeous, GORGEOUS deep nude verging on terracotta, incredibly flattering, and something I will wear over and over again. The formula is creamy, moist and has a satin finish. Actually, they're all satin except for Red For Me which is matte. I have to reapply after eating, but I expect that with a super moist formula, and I don't give a hoot about longevity if a lippie is supremely comfortable to wear and I adore the colour, and both boxes are certainly ticked with this darling ♥...

Pink For Me (376)

Who doesn't love or need a dusty pink in their collection? Soft and understated, yet with enough oomph even for a bold lippie lover like me. I have quite a few muted pink items in my wardrobe, and this pretty baby matches them perfectly. Actually, I can see it complementing all sorts of outfits, plus it's the kind of shade I can wear all year round ♥...

Fuchsia For Me (379)

What a stunning colour. I have a few other fuchsias in my collection, all different, although some are closer to what I would call hot pink. To me, fuchsia should have more red content than blue, and this one delivers a beautifully bold and accurate interpretation of one of Mother Nature's prettiest blooms. And yes, it's as juicy and hydrating as it looks and sure to brighten up the dullest rainy day ♥...

Red For Me (382)

I purchased this knockout matte shade a couple of weeks ago and adore its clarity and cheerfulness. Pretty close to centre red, this will fire up any ensemble and let folks know you mean business. I will wear this punchy lipstick with black, grey, olive, navy, cream - anything (except maybe pink), so versatile it is. And the formula is so dense it completely covers my lip freckles - teamed with a lip liner, it keeps my pout perfect for hours. It doesn't look all that matte in the pic, but it does dry down to a surprisingly comfortable shine-free finish ♥...

Ruby For Me (385)

I was expecting this to be deeper and with a tad more blue than the Red For Me, and it is, although the difference is more obvious on my arm than on my lips, or in this photo. But it's enough to take it a step above awesome, plus it has an even greater WOW factor because of the glossy finish. And because of the pigmentation density, shine and that smidgin of blue, it makes the cut in my top 5 red lippies of all time - whoa, now that's saying something! ♥...

Plum For Me (388)

Oh oh oh, I'm plum loco about this gal. It was the one I was most excited to try - my intuition told me it would be a slayer, and I was right. Vampy but not scary, I have a feeling I'll be buying a replacement for this before any of the others. Right now I'm imagining what a knockout this will be with teal or aqua or navy - sigh ♥ So happy that it leaves a stain as it wears, and it's bright enough to not classify it as purely a winter shade ♥...

So, it's official - I'm loving every single one of these shades. I also love that each cap is an accurate representation of the bullet colour (as is the sticker on the base), which makes it super easy to spot in a box full of others. I'm impressed with the little extra attention to detail too - all covers are shiny, except for the red matte one, which is...matte! My only con is the little clear dots (two on each lipstick) that prove the contents are pristine - when you peel them off, they leave behind a sticky residue that needs a eucalyptus oil clean up. But that little irk isn't necessarily restricted to MNY, and to be honest it's reassuring to know that it hasn't been opened. Hey, if that's my only beef, then I'd say these are Winners For All ♥...

Thank you again Maybelline - what a treat ♥ As for you dear followers, you know I can't help but share the love ♥ so if it doesn't bother you that I've opened the cases just to take the group photos, I'm giving away the gifted Mauve For Me, Fuchsia For Me and Red For Me spares - just let me know in the comments below if you're interested in any of them and I'll pluck a winner (or winners) from a hat ♥...

Edit: the name I pulled out of the hat is...

ray_jay

Congrats my dear, please email your address details to katshepsutt(at)gmail.com so I can send you Mauve For Me, Fuchsia For Me and Red For Me!

Take care of you,

kats xxx