SPOTLIGHT: Favourite May & June 2020 LOTD's...

If you follow my Instagram account, you would have noticed that instead of the regular five-days-a-week appearances, my LOTD uploads are somewhat sporadic and erratic. Due to COVID, I'm only heading into the office every second week, and while I'm still wearing makeup just about every day, I'm saving my dress-ups (and consequently my LOTD pics) for those days when I go to the workplace. Consequently, I've not had many lip love photos to choose from, but below are what I put together from the May & June limited assortment...

What's been interesting is that my lipstick application skills soon deteriorate if I don't keep up the practice, so some of these are a bit lopsided - anyways the colours and textures are what count, right?

1. Colourpop Ultra Metallic Lip - DM. A regular, I trot this out when I'm wearing golden browns from my wardrobe. In July last year, I said it was too drying and was going to toss it, but in the end, I couldn't bear to do it as I've nothing else quite like it, and I solved the problem by applying a thin layer of balm underneath ♥...

2. NYX SlipTease Lip Lacquer - Shady. You'll see these fairly often as they are totally fabulous - full review of the majority of the shades is HERE. Still can't believe I picked these up for $7 each from Priceline ♥...

3. Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm - Coy. I've had this for ages and I'm bamboozled as to why I've never worn it. Lost in a sea of lip products, I'm delighted I singled it out. It's gorgeous - creamy, moist, wears pretty well, super convenient being in crayon form, and I just adore the colour ♥...

4. Antipodes - South Pacific Coral. Received this in a surprise gift from the brand, and I wear it fairly regularly. It's actually a lot brighter in the tube but I'm experimenting with different lip liners underneath to see if I can get it to really pop. Fabulous formula, sooooo comfortable ♥...

5. Maybelline Color Sensational Rebel Bloom - Rose Rush. Seems to be only available on eBay now - such an unusual and pretty orangey-pinky-red. I'll keep wearing it though in the hope that MNY changes their mind and brings it back - LOVE IT! ♥...

6. Seraphine Botanicals Vegan Berry Tint - Cherry Cream.  Three years old and still going strong. Supremely comfortable with brilliant coverage and wears well. Although it does get a little dry after a few hours, reapplication is smooth and makes it all creamy again ♥...

7. Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink - Pioneer. How about that red hey? These liquid lippies are astonishingly good - methinks I need a few more in my kit. Their lasting power is amazing, and the comfort-factor is way up there ♥...

8. Avon Mark Lipstick - Berry Cute.  Love the name, the colour, the formula - I think this is appearance #4 in my faves posts, will definitely be a fifth ♥...

9. IBY Beauty High Intensity Lipstick - Mardi Gras. I keep this for the shade - it has a very high blue content which makes it just the right colour for several outfits. It's a little drier than other formulas, but my obsession with matching is stronger than my desire for comfort lol ♥...

Would any of these suit you?

Take care of you, and keep your loved ones safe,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: Favourite February 2020 LOTD's...

I hope all of you are coping ok with this virus nightmare, and pray there will be an end to it soon. In these troubled times of health and economic uncertainty, I am SO fortunate to be able to work from home, and only venture out to pick up essentials at the supermarket (masked and gloved) or for a neighbourhood power walk in the fresh air. I'm certainly grateful for the extra hour's sleep because I don't have to travel or get all dolled-up, but I have to remind myself to take regular breaks, to get up and move around, and hit the treadmill in the evenings - it's so easy to stay glued to the computer all day and half the night, and that's not good for anyone. But unlike so many others, I'm counting my blessings that I still have a job, and while the usual routine is out the window (believe it or not I didn't wear ANY makeup last week) I'm determined to keep up with the usual blog posts for as long as I can...

Let's start with some uplifting reds hey...

1. PUR Cosmetics Velvet Matte Liquid Lipstick - Key Red. Such a beautiful cream, such a sensational shade, and I give it a 9.5/10 comfort factor. There are so few matte liquid lipsticks that I can heap praise on, but this is one of them! It was actually gifted to me by a beautyheaven member as part of a Christmas 2017 Secret Santa ♥...

2. Maybelline Colorsensational Made For All - Red For Me. Lots of appearances in the Faves, and there'll be lots more - I reviewed the whole range HERE ♥...

3. Seraphine Botanicals Vegan Berry Tint - Cherry Cream. Another gorgeous cream that first appeared in July 2017 - it just keeps on keeping on, and how lustrous and lush is that red?! Still knocks me for six how well this covers all my freckly spots ♥...

4. David Jones Moisture Cream Lipstick - Honey Gold. I don't know if DJ's make their own lipsticks any more - they're not listed on their website, so maybe not. All the same, they knew what they were doing - this actually came in a Deluxe Sampler Tote in February 2016, which makes it at least 4 years old, yet that divine burnt orange hue still packs a punch and keeps my lips soft and supple all day ♥...

5. Colour Theory - Love Me Coral. Still crushing on this $5 range - there are two more of the shades down below, and 10 in the set - I've written up and swatched five of them (HERE) and the post of the other five is coming soon ♥...

6. Maybelline Color Drama Intense Velvet Lip Pencil - In With Coral.  Still in love with these gems - reviewed most of the set back in 2015 when they first came out (HERE). I hope the MNY design team member who came up with these was given a huge bonus for creating a brilliant formula in a wide range of colours for such a low price - they've certainly stood the test of time, and the odd shade or two is still available from Priceline ♥...

7. Maybelline Colorsensational - Mauve For Me. Sigh. I've said it all before, and many times over - one of my all-time favourite shades, and formulas ♥...

8. Maybelline Colorsensational Matte - Touch of Spice. Crikey here's another oldie but a goodie - I've just done a search and this one appeared for the first time in August 2016. Lipsticks are supposed to be binned after two years, but I can't bear to part with anything past that when it still looks fabulous on, smells perfectly normal, and keeps my lips hydrated - Roger that ♥...

9. Colour Theory - Vintage Crop. It was a very good year for this shade, credit to the vintner for creating a hue that's halfway between a rosé and a grenache ♥...

10. Nutrimetics NC Hydra Brilliance - Marshmallow. A Limited Edition (50th Anniversary) - why oh WHY did I not buy a few of these? One word - divine! ♥...

11. Maybelline Smoked Roses - Dusk Rose.  Reviewed three from the range HERE, and then went back for this stunner. Can't for the life of me figure out why I ummed and ahhed over this slayer as they were half price at the time. I guess it was because the hand swatch wasn't a patch on how it turned out on my lips. Anyways, I adore it so much I don't give a hoot that I had to pay a bit more for it ♥...

12. Colour Theory - Boyz-N Berry. Yes, another of the $5 lip smackers, fruity fresh and berry bright ♥...

Would love to know if there's one here you like more than the others ♥...

Take care of you, and keep your loved ones safe,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: Favourite October 2018 LOTD's...

Here we go with another month of pout paint pics, and you can always count on me for a variety of shades, formulas and price points. Those three factors are why I am so loopy for lippie - any gal will always be able to find something that's flattering to their complexion, comfortable to wear, and within their budget...

...plus I never ever underestimate the power of a new lipstick to lift my spirits ♥... 

1. ModelCo Luxcreme Long Wear Lipstick - Sienna. Don't you just LOVE it when magazines have a free lipstick stuck on the cover? Thanks to Coles & Womens Weekly for this pretty nude that wears well, and is actually quite comfortable for a long-laster ♥...

2. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick - Abstract Orange.  Aptly named as it's hardly what I'd call an orange, more of a terracotta or bricky red, but I love these in-between shades. Been a big fan of Revlon for many years, and I can't see that changing any time soon ♥...

3. Seraphine Botanicals Quince & Crimson Lip & Cheek Crayon. Soft velvety feel on the lips, lasts for hours and hours, vegan, glorious colour but quite sheer - the blotchy bits in the photo are my freckles showing through as I didn't use a lipliner underneath, still love it though ♥...

4. Hikari Lip Crayon - Armour. This is absolutely gorgeous, I wore it again just the other day and it survived breakfast. Courtesy of a Lip Monthly bag, I have a few of these crayons from this brand and they are all stunners ♥...

5. Antipodes Natural Lipstick - Hungry Like the Wolf.  Oh, oh, oh, so much to love in these lippies, chockablock with goodness - this was a gift from the gorgeous Marisa Robinson a few years ago, I'm not even sure they make it any more, but holey guacemoley, what a red this is ♥...

6. Essence Adventure Awaits Metallic Lipstick - Kisses From The Orient. I'm a huge fan of Essence lipsticks, BUT, this is a limited edition and we all know what that means - buy it while you can (and if you can find it). I nabbed a couple because it's the perfect Christmas lipstick - the metallic content is gold, and it glistens and gleams with all the bedazzlement of the festive season ♥...

7. Maybelline ColorDrama Intense Velvet Lip Pencil - Pink So Chic. I'm still in awe of this range - fabulous colours and formula, and still available for $9.95. No liner required, lightweight, comfortable, the dedicated post I wrote in April 2015 when they first came out is HERE ♥...

8. Essence Adventure Awaits Metallic Lipstick - Kisses from Asia. The partner in the Limited Edition set - not quite as jaw-dropping as the Orient one, but still a beauty, and oh how I love the pink + gold metallic combo (but weird that the case is orange). I bought a spare 'cos I have nothing else like this ♥...

9. MBA Cosmetics - Lovespell. These MBA lipsticks just keep on keeping on - at least 3 years old and no degradation of the product. What a pretty girly pink hey ♥...

10. Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate - #20. Another gem I can't get enough of. Some bright pinks are just too lollyish or what I call "Barbie Pink", but this darling has both oomph and class, and the formula is a dream ♥...

11. Revlon Matte Balm - Passionate. Adore this shade, and it's so smooth and velvety - I have one other from this set, and I should buy more as I'm mad keen on the convenience of crayons, and especially if they're as lip friendly as this ♥...

12. MBA Cosmetics - Stargazer. If you want purple, head to MBA Cosmetics - this fave has appeared many times in these posts, and will for a while yet ♥...

What's your go-to lip colour?

Take care of you,
kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: Favourite May 2018 LOTD's...

Time for another round of personal fave LOTD's. To this day it still surprises me how lipstick-loco I've become in the last few years. In my younger days, I never dreamed that I would have such a massive collection so late in life, and in most colours of the rainbow. As I recall I was obsessed with ONE particular lippie in my early teens - can't for the life of me remember the brand (most likely Avon), but it was the palest beige, icily frosted and I used to slick it on straight after meals as I thought it made me look so hot lol! It's laughable because now it's the last colour I would wear - I'd just look ill ♥...

As usual, there are a few non-mainstream brands in the collage, and I'll start with the reds and work my way towards my true love, purple...

1. This first one has appeared before - Seraphine Botanicals Vegan Berry Tint in Cherry Cream. Every time I think about cancelling my Lip Monthly subscription, I remind myself how many gems have come my way in their little bags, and this is one - so creamy, so dense and such a fabulously vibrant red ♥...

2. Another stunningly fiery hue, this is Lush Liquid Lipstick in the shade Power Without Fierce. I should wear this way more often as it's simply divine, the gold shimmer is just so flattering ♥...

3. At least one of these NYX Cosmic Metals lip creams appears in every post as I wear them probably more than any other product - this is Solar Energy, adore its juicy vibrancy ♥...

4. You may have gathered I'm quite fond of metallic finishes - I just love the sheen! This one is Colourpop Ultra Metallic Lip in the shade DM. Wish it wasn't so drying, but it's tolerable ♥...

5. It's lipstick shades like this that make me look forward to Autumn - L'Oreal Infallible Forever Frappe. Gorgeous maple, and so lovely and moist ♥...

6. Another repeater, L'Oreal Color Riche - Oud Obsession. Is it brown, is it red? Don't care, it's a stunner either way ♥...

 7. Another one from Lip Monthly. I can count on them for something a bit different, and I can't get enough of this dusky pink - Bellapierre Kiss Proof Lip Creme in Antique Pink, and kiss proof it sure is, lasts forever, and then some ♥...

8. This ever so pretty pink is Rimmel Lasting Finish in Heart Breaker - moist and comfy, I have quite a few from this range ♥...

9. Adore this one and it's only $6 from Woolworths! - MUD Full Colour Lip Lacquer in Wild Mauve Surprisingly comfortable and reasonably long wearing ♥...

10. Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid Lipstick - Berry Boost. This range is still SO good, beautiful colours and the formula is brilliant, although it's far from matte, which suits me just fine ♥...

11. Fell for this one big time - Revlon Ultra HD Matte Metallic Lip Colour in Dazzle. There's nothing even vaguely metallic about it, but the shade soothes my soul ♥...

12. NYX Cosmic Metals Lip Cream - Asteroid Aura. Be still my beating heart ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥...

Well, that's it for another month lovelies - what's your latest lippie discovery?

Take care of you,
kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: 4th Quarter 2017 Fave LOTD's - Part 1...

Time to recap the LOTD's for the final three months of 2017! These are the nudes, oranges and reds - no browns this time around, it's just not a colour I usually wear in Spring/Summer, but no doubt I'll get back into it once the weather cools down a bit ♥...

As usual, there are some repeaters here - I have lots of lippies, but some I adore so much they deserve to get trotted out a little more frequently. So let's get started with the nudes...

First up is a soft beige from SAVVY by DB - Rich Coffee. Have had this one a while, but it's still moist and slick, and goes on nice and evenly. In the middle is one that keeps appearing on these pages, and will for a long time to come - NYX Cosmic Metals Lip Cream in Speed of Light. The Cosmic Metals are my favourite glossy metallic lip products of all time, fabulous formula, awesome colours, and the most comfortable to wear. LOVE! On the right is a surprise find from MUD - Full Colour Lip Lacquer in Vintage Pink. I'd be more inclined to name it Vintage Coral, but what do I know haha. Absolute bargain for $6 from Woolies ♥...

These next three are heading into pink territory, but I still classify them as nudes. On the left is a mini lipstick from SAVVY by DB - if I could find this in a full size I would, just love it, it's called Raspberry. The second one is another firm favourite - Covergirl Katy Kat Matte in Catore. Moist and not entirely matte, my kind of matte.  No. 3 is another one that's up near the top of my list - Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Color in the shade Kisses - love this whole range actually ♥...

Such a challenge to find a pretty and intense orange that isn't patchy or streaky, but these are all winners in my book of this sunny colour. First one is by BOE Beauty, called Primped, and it's $2 from Big W - yessssss! Astounding formula, long lasting, amazing colour, what's not to love hey. The middle one is by Ulta3, called Sweet Passion. It's almost a metallic, and a rare and pure unadulterated orange. The third one is SO close to a red - it's one of the ModelsPrefer Artist Collection crayons - Carnation, and 3 for $5. You can count on me to let you know about lippie bargains! ♥...

Ooh ooh, we're getting into the REDS! Tip of the Day - if you're ever feeling blue, put on a red lipstick. It's a sure bet this colour will give me a boost and an instant dose of sass, not to mention a bucketload of don't-mess-with-me 'tude! On the left is a bricky red, but still a red, and great if you're not feeling quite so daring. This is Bourjois Rouge Edition Lipstick in Brun Boheme. Exquisite formula, I'm a late starter with Bourjois, but I'm making up for lost time lol. Centre stage is another Bourjois - from their Rouge Edition Aqua Laque range, Brun'croyable. Ooh la la! And on the right is SAVVY by DB Matte Lipgloss in the shade Glow. Came in a box of 10 for $10, what a $1 stunner ♥...

On the left is the same SAVVY by DB Matte Lipgloss in the shade Glow, but with a slightly pinker lipliner underneath - it's bold but sheer enough to be versatile so I can get away with a few subtle adjustments. In the middle is probably my ultimate red - JeffreeStar Velour Liquid Lipstick in Redrum. This fella sure knows how to make a lip product that's non-drying, long lasting and intensely pigmented, whoa! The last one in this row is something that came in one of my Lip Monthly bags - Appeal Cosmetics Ultra Shine Liquid Lipstick, and it's (very appropriately) called Vixen. Freaking awesome colour and super moist - unfortunately it bleeds severely, and I haven't found a way to stop that as yet...

This first glorious red was a gift from my beautyheaven Secret Santa, and I will be eternally grateful ♥ PUR Cosmetics Velvet Matte Liquid Lipstick in Key Red. She couldn't have chosen anything more wonderful for moi hey ♥  Centre one is another $1 Matte Lipgloss from SAVVY by DB - this one is called Warmth. Has a wee bit of blue in it for those of you who go for cooler reds. And on the right is one more Lip Monthly winner - Seraphine Botanicals Long Lasting Velvet Lip/Cheek Crayon in Quince & Crimson. These are definitely worth investigating further - the formula is vegan, smooth as silk, and non-drying ♥...

Well looky here, another Matte Lipgloss from SAVVY by DB - Heat. You may have gathered I'm quite taken with these ridiculously cheap lippies. Piggy in the middle is an Ulta3 Lipstick in the shade Prom Night. I find Ulta3 lipsticks to be a bit hit and miss as far as density is concerned, but the ones I've mentioned here are perfect. Lucky last is Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid Lipstick in Fuchsia Ecstasy. Crazy about this range too - has everything I could want in a liquid lipstick. I probably should have included this shade in the pinks (post up soon!), but I always have this dilemma with fuchsias - are they pinky reds, or reddish pinks?

Hope you've enjoyed this review -  Part 2 will be up later this week, and that'll be pinks, plums, berries and purples ♥...

Take care of you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: 2nd Quarter 2017 Fave LOTD's - Part 1...

Crikey another three months have rocketed by, and here we are in the second half of the year already! Hasn't been long since I posted the first quarter faves, but I'm not falling into that "oh I'll squeeze them in somewhere" trap again lol...

Ok so these are the browns, oranges, reds and corals/nudes - actually hardly any nudes because I so rarely wear them, although next quarter will see a few more than usual...

The first two above are the same lipstick - Maybelline Color Sensational Chocoholic from the Bold range - love these new intense lippies shades, and the formula is super comfortable. The second pic is the same lipstick but topped with my fave Cosmoholic gold lip gloss - this stuff can inject life into anything! Third one is Chocolate by OXX Cosmetics from Kmart. Not the most moisturising lipstick in my kit, but for $2 I had to try it, and I love this rich dairy milk hue...

Next we have Colourpop Ultra Metallic Lip in the shade DM - a gorgeous gorgeous copper and my camera just doesn't do it justice. Glides on like molten metal and really quite comfy. Next is a David Jones one I've had for a while - Moisture Cream Lipstick in Honey Gold. I dig it out every so often because it's quite a unique shade and the only one in my kit that goes with certain pieces of my wardrobe. Last one in this row is Colourpop Ultra Matte Liquid Lipstick in Mama - I find these very drying, but I simply adore the colour range, and this one has Autumn written all over it...

First on the left is a liquid lipstick by Laritzy called Lola - came in one of my LipMonthly bags, lovely bright colour, but like a lot of oranges, it has a tendency to go streaky unless I'm careful. Next one is a darling by SAVVY called Watermelon. Came in a pack of 8 minis that I bought late last year - totally bummed that I can't buy this shade in a full size. No. 3 is a Vegan Berry Tint by Seraphine Botanicals called Cherry Cream - another LipMonthly find, blew me away because I wasn't expecting a lip tint to have so much coverage, or such a creamy texture - love it!...

And here we are with my precious reds - first on the left is MUD Make-Up Design Lipstick in the shade Red Roulette, a steal from Woolworths for $5. Next is an old fave, Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Fatal Red - holey cow it's just so red!  Actually I thought it was my reddest red until I discovered  the one on the right, Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid Lipstick in Rebel Red - it doesn't get much brighter and bolder than this hot hot hot hue, and the formula is a dream come true for dry lips...

Moving onto the cherry reds, this first one is NYX Intense Butter Gloss in Cherry Custard. I think I've mentioned before that these glosses are my favourites of all time - so rich, so moisturising, so intense, so perfect. Next is another oldie but goodie - Maybelline Color Drama Intense Velvet Lip Pencil in Red Essential. I've been neglecting these crayons which is a pity as they are a brilliant formula and the colors are all stunners. This last one is by Sugar - Matte as Hell Crayon Lipstick in Poison Ivy - definitely not for the faint hearted...

And lastly we have the less intense corals and one nude. First up is a lippie I've loved for years - SAX Rich Lip Colour Lipstick in Coral. Beautifully moist and I so appreciate the fact that it's a pink coral rather than an orange one. You can still buy SAX cosmetics from their website, or in a local pharmacy if you're lucky enough to find them stocked. The second glossy one is Australis Pout Paste Intense Lip Colour in Make Me Blush. I don't think they make these any more, but I only recently received this sealed one from a friend, and loving it so much I'm really annoyed that I didn't explore them when they were hot off the press - very creamy and of course, super glossy.  And finally the last one in this part - NYX Cosmic Metals Lip Cream in Speed of Light. Totally in love with these liquid lipsticks and I'm so pissed off that my local Priceline no longer stocks them - "if there's no slot for them in the stand, then they're dumped" is what the sales assistant told me. Boo and double boo Priceline!

Well lovelies that's a whole lot of lippies hey? Part 2 will be up lickety split, which will be the Plums, Berries, Pinks and Purples ♥...

Any of these take your fancy?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. Linking to Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link Up - why not come on over after 6:30am...