MAC Up the Amp Lipstick Review, Photos, Swatches!

MAC Up the Amp Lipstick

MAC Up the Amp Lipstick ($15) is described on the MAC website as a "lavender violet". I think that's a really good description for it - it's a purple lipstick, but more violet (blue-toned purple) rather purple (even tone of red and blue). It's medium in tone, but it has that hint of lavender that lightens it up and brings a milkiness to the color. On tan/darker skin tones, it gives off a beautiful lilac pink hue.

It's definitely not an everyday color and is a bit edgy and daring, but when I'm in one of those moods where I want to look a bit fierce, I always reach for purple lipstick.

It actually took me a few wears to get use to this color - at first I thought it was too dull and dark. I was initially mixing it with lighter lilac shades (such as MAC Saint Germain, etc) to tone it down, until the point that I just started wearing it solo. It's one of my favorites now!

It's the "Amplified" formula, which I think is one of the best. It glides on smooth, creamy and the color is opaque. It has a shiny finish and doesn't dry out my lips.

When I wear purple-toned lipstick, I like to keep the rest of my makeup simple as the main focus is the lips. A simple winged-eye always looks great. Also, to keep my face from looking too cool-toned and dull, I always make sure to wear a warm-toned bronzer and a peachy blush. (Pink is a great pair for cool skin tones, but I love peach/orange blush on warm skin tones with purple lips.) I also never skip highlighter as I want to put some light back in my face since the lipstick darkens up my look.

MAC Warming Heart Pressed Pigment Review, Photos, Swatches & Application Tips!

MAC Warming Heart Pressed Pigment

MAC Warming Heart Pressed Pigment ($21) is a light, peach-pink with a very shimmery translucent finish. MAC describes the product as a "creamy highlighter with a versatility of finish" meaning that you can achieve a variety of finishes depending on how you apply them. You can apply the pressed pigments dry for a sheer, shimmery shine, or wet for a bolder, more metallic look.

The reviews I've seen for these have been very mixed - but unfortunately, I've seen more less favorable reviews. For instance, Temptalia rated the MAC Pressed Pigments a "F"and said that they have some of the worst fall-out of any glittery shadows she's worked with. On the contrary, Beauty Look Book really liked the MAC Pressed Pigments and owns several shades. I follow and trust both bloggers opinions, but I also understand that it's not going to be a product for everyone unless of course, you like glitter.

I personally have always liked shimmery eyeshadows and find it hard to resist an eyeshadow that sparkles and shines. When I spotted this pigment at my local Cosmetic Company Outlet, I grabbed it right away.

The texture of the product is very soft to the touch and has a creaminess about it much like the MAC Extra-Dimension products. Despite that, it's also gritty (not dry, though) and crumbly. The product is very delicate and you have to make sure not to apply too much pressure to it with your application tool.

MAC Warming Heart swatched dry and wet

Rain Cosmetics Tropical Storm Color Storm Lip Lacquer Review, Photos, Swatches!

Rain Cosmetics Tropical Storm Color Storm Lip Lacquer

Rain Cosmetics Tropical Storm Color Storm Lip Lacquer ($20) is a medium raspberry pink with cool undertones. It has mostly opaque coverage with a glossy finish. I think it's a universally flattering shade and is perfect for a little extra pop of color without being super bold. I love wearing it on it's own, and I also love it paired with MAC Chatterbox Lipstick (which is similar in color) when I want a fuller coverage.

The texture is very smooth and has a hydrating, balm-lip feel on the lips. It contains Antioxidants, Jojoba and Vitamin E to keep the lips feeling soft as long as it's on. It's not thick, runny or sticky and wears really comfortably. When initially applied, the color is opaque, but upon wear, it settles down into a medium coverage. It wears down after a few hours and leaves a light rosy-pink hue behind on my lips.

It has a light fruity scent, but nothing obnoxious and it goes away upon application.

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Rain Cosmetics is a Las Vegas based makeup line created for the modern and glamorous woman with a busy, on-the-go lifestyle. Recognizing the need for lightweight, long-wearing, moisture-rich formulas, Rain Cosmetics created a product line that lasts flawlessly all day into the night with little-to-no touch ups. I was introduced to Rain Cosmetics recently by my friend Makeup by Lacy and was so excited to see the brand in-person on my recent trip to Las Vegas. It's a great brand, and I'll be sharing with you some of their other products in the upcoming week.

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Rain Cosmetics display outside of the Elements Gift Shop in Aria Resort & Casino, Las Vegas

Bobbi Brown Bellini High Shimmer Lipgloss Review, Photos, Swatches!

Bobbi Brown Bellini High Shimmer Lipgloss

Bobbi Brown Bellini High Shimmer Lipgloss ($24) is a sheer, nude-pink with bright pink & golden-white shimmer and a glossy finish. Because it's sheer, it only provides a light wash of shimmering, tinged-pink color to the lips. The result is beautiful, natural and won't overpower your look. It's a great Summer gloss.

The consistency gets an A+ from me - it feels silky smooth and moisturizing on the lips. Despite the shimmer, you can't really feel it. It's not thick, runny or sticky. Just perfect.

It has a hint of mint, so it leaves the lips with a light cooling sensation when first applied.

The lasting power is quite good. I typically get around 2-3 hours of wear from it.

Bobbi Brown High Shimmer Lipglosses have been raved about from many bloggers - one including Temptalia, who recommends and loves these as some of her go-to lipglosses. I can totally see why!