Monday 29 September 2014

DUPE ALERT? Lime Crime Velvetines in Red Velvet and Utopia


The Lime Crime Velvetines have officially reached cult status - every beauty lover knows what they are and have at least one in the collection. But with all of the hype surrounding them, they're actually pretty hard to get your hands on as they're almost always sold out or on back order.

So if you've been wanting to get in on that Velvetine goodness but are continually missing out, I may have found a substitute at a drugstore price!

The Savvy Ultra Matte Lip Colours have two shades that are almost identical to the Lime Crime Velvetines (and Savvy's Rodeo Drive shade looks like a dead ringer for Pink Velvet!), but do they measure up? Read on for the comparison...


Packaging


Both the Velvetines and the Ultra Mattes look quite similar from the outside - they both come in a cylindrical, matte finish tube that is see-through so you can see the product inside. It also looks like you get slightly more product in the Ultra Matte. Of the two, I think the Velvetine packaging is prettier.


Applicator


For this kind of highly pigmented lip lacquer, you really do need a sponge-tip applicator to apply it with precision to the lips, so it's no surprise that both feature this kind of wand. However they are quite different, as the Velvetine's tip is shorter and wider, while the Ultra Matte's is longer and more narrow.

Both have their positives as the Velvetine's one allows you to cover the lips with the product more evenly, while the Ultra Matte's thin tip helps you to apply the colour with precision. 


Pigmentation


When swatched side by side, it's almost impossible to tell which is which! They are both extremely pigmented and opaque, and really do seem to have very similar formulas and finishes. Can you tell them apart?


Application - Red Velvet Vs Miss Munroe



From the swatches, you can tell that Red Velvet really does dry matte. The Velvetines are known for going on as a gloss and then drying completely matte, but Miss Munroe still has a slight wet and shiny look to it. 

The consistency of the swatches is also slightly different - Red Velvet goes on very cleanly, whereas Miss Munroe is a bit more 'watery' around the edges and bleeds slightly.


Lime Crime Velvetine in Red Velvet


Savvy Ultra Matte Lip Colour in Miss Munroe


Application - Icon VS Utopia



WOW. That's a pretty close call, don't you think? Icon looks slightly darker in this photo because of the light, but they are pretty much the exact same colours. They both apply very similarly - both bleed a little around the edges - though Utopia definitely has more of a true matte finish than Icon. 


Savvy Ultra Matte Lip Colour in Icon


Lime Crime Velvetine in Utopia


Final Thoughts


Scent

Both the Velvetines and the Ultra Mattes have a funny smell to them - and I don't particularly like either - but, the Velvetines definitely smell nicer than the Ultra Mattes. The scent isn't overwhelming, and it does go away very quickly. They both smell a little like paint, just not as strong.

Conscious

One thing the Velvetines definitely have the upper hand on is that they are confirmed vegan and cruelty free. I don't know about the Ultra Mattes, but if this is a must for you, then the Velvetines are definitely a great choice. 

Price

Velvetines - $20 on Lime Crime's official website
Ultra Matte Lip Colours - $7.99 at Priceline

The Savvy products are definitely the cheaper option, and for the colour payoff and quality, I highly recommend them. They're likely a lot easier to get your hands on too, as most Priceline stores stock Savvy and they're easily accessible on their website as well. Lime Crime definitely wins out in the packaging category, but if you're looking for a great quality substitute, Savvy really delivers here! 


What are your thoughts on the above? Do you think they're a dupe? Let me know in the comments below! 



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Monday 22 September 2014

Spring Outfit Of The Day - The Laughing Apple Dress

Spring is finally here! The sun is out and so are cute little dresses (yay!), so today's outfit of the day is based around this adorbs little number that I picked up at Dotti.


How quirky cool is that laughing apple dress? It has all these creepy little creatures all over it, and I remember when I bought it, the girls at the checkout were surprised that I had chosen it - what can I say, I like wearing things that are a little different! 


Outfit details

Dress: Dotti 
Necklace: Lovisa
Scrunchie: Colette By Colette Hayman
Sunglasses: Top Shop
Bag: Colette By Colette Hayman
Shoes: Rubi Shoes


Thank you to Marco at Photogenics, for helping me shoot this last minute post!


What is your go-to outfit for spring? Let me know in the comments below!



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Monday 15 September 2014

REVIEW: Hourglass Cosmetics Ambient Lighting Blush in 'Dim Infusion'

If you're anything like me, then the words 'Ambient Lighting' is enough to get your heart racing.

In the beauty world, the Hourglass Cosmetics Ambient Lighting powders are highly sought after and loved for their silky application and their very soft and glowing finish when applied on the skin.

After hearing about the range, I've been dreaming about having one of my very own, and recently, that dream came true!

I had some money left on a Mecca Cosmetica gift card that my best friend gave me, so I thought I'd treat myself to this beauty. More specifically, the Hourglass Cosmetics Ambient Lighting Blush in 'Dim Infusion'. 


As soon as you open the box, you're greeted by a luxurious little golden compact that when opened, has a little mirror inside. It currently has pride of place on my tabletop, because I just love looking at it!


The blush itself is a gorgeous blend of a soft coral pigment and the Ambient Lighting Powder (the highlighting powder that Hourglass Cosmetics is arguably famous for), which creates a gorgeous marbled effect in the pan.


There are six shades available in the collection, but I chose Dim Infusion for the gorgeous coral shade. I recently dyed my hair a deep violet, and orange toned beauty products really seem to pop on me now. That, and coral shades are universally flattering on all skin tones, so I know that even when I dye the purple out, I'll still be able to use this (and for the higher price point, I want to get the use out of it!).


The idea is to use a blush brush to blend the highlighting powder and the coral together to form an illuminating blush, that simultaneously adds a gorgeous flush to the cheeks, while also adding a glow to the face. 


When swatched and blended in, the blush does appear very pale, but the colour can be built for a more intense effect if needed. The powder itself is super fine and blends really well, and doesn't sit on top of my base makeup, which I love. It sinks into the skin and lasts all day when I wear it to work.


To apply, I use a blush brush (specifically, the one from the Sportsgirl Brush With Fame set) to gently pat the blush onto the apples of my cheeks then sweep in circular motions towards my temples.


Here I am with just one cheek done. The effect is very natural, and I love the way it makes my cheeks glow! Plus against my darker hair, I think the colour really suits me. Though I have a feeling it would suit anyone and especially if you have a lighter complexion.


Here's a close up so you can see the colour a little more clearly. See how you can't tell that there's powder on my cheeks? Dim Infusion blends so seamlessly that it creates a subtle flush that looks very natural! Plus this shade really warms up the complexion.



You can pick up this blush for $46 at Mecca Cosmetica and while it's a little on the pricey side, it really is worth the splurge! I rarely treat myself to high end products, so I'm going to treasure this little beauty.

Next on my wish list? Like every other beauty blogger, the Ambient Lighting Powder Wardrobe! I  challenge you to look it up and not fall in love with it.




Have you tried any of the Ambient Lighting Powders? Or have any on your wish list? Let me know in the comments below!

Disclaimer: This post was not sponsored, I bought this blush with my own money (well, with the gift card that my best friend treated me to!). All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.


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Monday 8 September 2014

REVIEW: Lime Crime Velvetine in UTOPIA + Swatches!

Love 'em or hate 'em, Lime Crime really do have the goods when it comes to their lip products. 

Especially their iconic Velvetines, which are renowned for their gloss to lipstick formula, incredible staying power and crazy strong pigmentation.

Today's post is all about the second addition to my Velvetine collection (I already own and adore Red Velvet!), the latest shade from Lime Crime, Utopia.



Packaging


Before we jump right in, let's just take a moment to admire that packaging! Let's be honest here, Lime Crime really do get it in terms of product design. What beauty loving girl (or boy) wouldn't adore that super cute rose-adorned box and matte bottle design?




Applicator


Each Velvetine comes with a sponge-tip wand applicator with a slightly tapered end for precise application. I would prefer a slightly firmer applicator as the Velvetines really do require precision when you put them on (as they're not the easiest to remove!), but it still feels soft on the lips and one dip into the bottle gives you enough product for an opaque coat of colour.


Colour & Pigmentation


Speaking of colour, how gorgeous is Utopia? It's a bright, almost fluorescent hot purple that would look incredible on all skin tones. I'm a big fan of simple eye makeup (usually just winged out liner) plus a colourful bold lip, so I was immediately drawn to this shade when it was released.

Bonus points for the colour? It's a cool tone, so it will even make your skin and teeth appear whiter!

Below you can see two swatches - on the right is a fresh swipe of Utopia, and on the left is a swatch that has been left to dry for a minute or so. You can see that freshly applied, the Velvetine looks like an opaque gloss, whereas after a few minutes it has turned to a matte finish.


I really love the formula for that reason, because bold lip colours generally show application mistakes more than less opaque formulas, so I love that the wetness of the initial application allows you to clean up any edges before it sets. 


Application Tips


Here you can see how the application looks after one coat of Utopia. It was a little bit sheerer than Red Velvet, so I would recommend applying a second coat after it dries for a more intense look.

Also, as with most matte lip products, the Velvetines tend to cling to the lips which can emphasise any lines or creases. It's noticeable close up, but from a normal distance, it really isn't obvious. However I would definitely suggest that if you have dry or chapped lips, to exfoliate them and apply a hydrating balm before popping on a matte product like this. 


Below you can see the colour after two coats, and WOW is it explosive! The purple really pops against my skin and looks super vibrant. In the below images it looks slightly more pink than it does in real life, but the colour is pretty true. 


Longevity


When it comes to staying power, here I've vigorously rubbed the swatches I took earlier to see if the colour would budge. As you can see, the rubbing didn't smear the colour, but instead began to wear it away. Note that I was really forcefully rubbing, and it is still very much intact!


And below are photos I took after wearing Utopia for a few hours. Since applying it, I had gone out for dinner and throughout the night I checked to see how it was holding up, and I thought it did a great job. However I noticed after oilier foods, Utopia tended to come off, which makes sense, especially as most makeup removers are oil based. 

It especially wore off in the centre of my lips, but overall, I think if you steered clear from oily foods, this could definitely last through both eating and drinking without wearing off or transferring. To remove, all you need is a regular makeup remover (I use Bioderma Crealine H2O Cleanser and Makeup Remover, which works really well at taking it off) and it comes off pretty easily with a bit of gentle rubbing.


Final Impressions


All up I'm loving this product! If I'm going to wear a bold lip, I don't want to be worrying about whether it has transferred all over my face if I'm eating or drinking! It's definitely the kind of lippy that I would very comfortably rely on for a long day or event. It's also consolidated my love for the Velvetine range as a whole, and I think the next one I purchase will be Black Velvet or Wicked!




Want one for yourself? I bought mine from Lady Petrova boutique in Melbourne for $24.00 and you can check out more from Lime Crime at her online store.

#TryingToBeALimeCrimeGirl #heehee

Disclaimer: This product was bought with my own money and all thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are honest and my own.


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