Red Lips | MAC Lipsticks

I've always admired how beautiful a red lip can look on others, but felt that such bold colours don't look quite right once on my own lips. Although I hadn't particularly tried many, those I had tried I felt were too bold and definitely weren't for me. After receiving a Debenhams voucher for Christmas I decided I'd pop to the MAC counter and take my time to search for a red lippy that I could (hopefully) see myself wearing. I did just that. I actually ended up with two as I couldn't decide which one I preferred! I took home a Lustre Lipstick in Lady Bug and a Sheen Supreme Lipstick in New Temptation (both of these were recommended by one of the MAC ladies). I also purchased a Lip Pencil in Cherry. 

Lady Bug is a buildable sheer red which has some orange tones to it. I find this red is very wearable, adding a subtle pop of colour. New Temptation is also a buildable sheer red but is more vivid in comparison to Lady Bug and I would say more of a cherry red. Due to the formula New Temptation feels very smooth and moisturising once applied. I love how New Temptation can be patted on to the lips to create a softer more subtle look. I think of the two New Temptation may be my favourite shade. 

{L-R- Cherry Lip Pencil, New Temptation & Lady Bug}

{L-R- Lady Bug & New Temptation}

Both of these lipsticks are, in my opinion, very wearable reds and are definitely shades that I feel I can confidently wear. Of course being the type of girl that normally wears more subtle shades it initially took a little getting used to but I'm pleased that I've managed to find reds that I feel suit me! The lovely thing is these reds are so versatile and easy to work with, both work well as an everyday colour but are still pretty enough to wear on a night out. 

What do you think? Any red lippy fans... if so what are your favourite's?

MAC - Soft And Gentle Mineralize Skinfinish

Whilst browsing through duty free a couple of weeks ago I made a few purchases, one of those being MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle. This has been on my wishlist for a while now, so I thought I'd grab it in duty free seeing as it would be slightly cheaper. I own MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Plus and it's become a daily staple in my makeup routine.

This product just looks really beautiful both in the pan (I love the swirls and the colours) and when applied. Soft and Gentle is intended as a highlighter. MAC'S website describes this product as a "velvet-soft powder with high-frost metallic finish" which is a pretty accurate description. I'd describe the shade as a pearly/peachy champagne - it's gorgeous! Once applied it doesn't feel heavy on the face and stays on for the best part of the day. Soft and Gentle gives a really subtle dewy highlight which I adore. I've also noticed that it looks very natural once applied, unlike some products which can look quite cakey. It's easy to blend this in to the skin and create the finish that you're looking for. Some have argued that this product covers you in glitter when applied, I personally haven't noticed any chunks of glitter being transferred on to my face once applied. There can be at times a bit of a shimmer but nothing over the top for everyday use but of course everyone is different so it depends on what you like I suppose.

Like most highlighters you're free to apply this in various places. I personally dust a bit on my cheeks and under my eyebrows. Although this product can also be applied pretty much anywhere on the body. It's very versatile and although it's not the cheapest, Mineralize Skinfinishes (MSF) are priced at around £21.50, I know that these products can last a very long time. I'm yet to hit pan on my MSF in Natural which I have been using almost daily for over a year now. 

{I've layered this up a bit to demonstrate the shade and the lack of chunky glitter, this is easy to blend out to give a natural highlight to wherever you fancy}

If you're looking for a gorgeous highlighter to add a dewy luminous glow to your complexion this may be the product for you, I think it's beautiful product and definitely something I can see myself using on a daily basis.

Have you tried Soft and Gentle? What are your highlighter favourite's?