Review: 5 Looks with Smashbox' Be Legendary Liquid Lip

I'm usually not a fan of high shine finishes for lipsticks because they feel sticky, but Smashbox' Be Legendary Liquid Lip makes my lips feel soft and plump. The formula is highly saturated and the vinyl-like finish creates fuller lips, as if I just got botox injections. It's not my everyday choice due to lipstick getting everywhere (while eating, drinking, putting on clothes etc.), but that's to be expected with any shiny or satin finish lipstick!

I decided to create 5 different wearable looks that were inspired by Smashbox Lip Editor-In-Chief Vlada Haggerty (@vladamua).

Swatches

Left to right: Iced Out/Space Case, Bad B/Petal Metal, Girl Please/Brains 'N' Bronze, Pink Drank/Mauve Squad, Bad Apple/Moscow Muled, Brick Trick/Foiled Brat

The 5 Different Looks

1) For the Space Bunny - Start with applying Iced Out on the outer parts of your lips, leaving the middle part for Space Case. The simplyteee take on an intergalactic look!

2) For the 90s Chick - Apply Girl, Please on your lips, then top it off with a bit of Brains 'N' Bronze for that metallic finish. Scary Spice would be jealous.

3) For the Bronzed Goddess - Line the outer parts of your lips with Bad B, then dab the middle with Petal Metal to finish off the look. For those with naturally tanned olive skin, this one's for you.

4) For the Innocent Girl Next Door - Apply Pink Drank all over your lips, and top it off with Mauve Squad in the middle for that extra plump! Elle Woods approved.

5) For the Indecisive Badass - Apply Brick Trick to half of your lips, and finish off the other half with Foiled Brat. Alice in Wonderland vibes with this look!

6) For the Girl Boss - Start with applying Bad Apple all over, and finish off with Moscow Muled on the middle parts of your lips. A different take on the classic red lip!

Review: Smashbox Always On Matte Liquid Lipsticks

Since discovering liquid lipsticks, I find myself no longer gravitating towards standard lipsticks like I used to. I've tried them all - from higher end brands such as Kat Von D, Stila, Anastasia and Tarte, to drug store brands such as NYX, L'Oreal, and Revlon. Lipsticks with a matte finish tend to dry out the lips, but Smashbox is among the few that won't make your lips look like you've been parched in a desert for a week.

WHY I LOVE IT

• The tip applicator makes it easy (and fun) to line and apply the lipstick 
• You only need one coat due to how pigmented and creamy the formula is 
• It won't smudge, budge or feather when you're drinking or eating
• It lasts up to eight hours 
• When re-applying throughout the day, it doesn't make your lips look like a butthole
• Offers a wide range of shades to choose from

Left to right: Bawse, Thrill Seeker, Baja Bound, Babe Alert, Driver's Seat, In Demand, Stepping Out, Chill Zone

CHILL ZONE - A deep, cool grey that's bound to send chills down your ex' spine

IN DEMAND - A neutral, pink nude that's great for the everyday pout

THRILL SEEKER - A bright red orange that's guaranteed to take attention off that unwanted pimple on the middle of your forehead

BABE ALERT - A nude rose that's giving MLBB (my-lips-but-better) a run for her money

BAWSE - A deep, cool red by YouTube megastar Lilly Singh (iisuperwomanii) that's sure to make you feel like a bawse

STEPPING OUT - A deep nude that pays homage to the 90s

BAJA BOUND - A pink coral that reminds me of Ariel the little mermaid

DRIVER'S SEAT - The result of Stepping Out's and Baja Bound's one night stand

Review: Clarins Rouge Eclat - Satin Finish Age Defying Lipstick

Took a break from matte liquid lipsticks, and tried out Clarins' new shades of their Rouge Eclat line! I'm already obsessed, as they're incredibly creamy and also have anti-ageing properties to nourish and restore smoothness to the lips. My lips can get pretty dry from all the matte lip stains I wear, so it's refreshing for them to feel so supple. Now onto a quick review of the 4 shades I got!

Swatches (left to right): 23 Hot Rose, 24 Pink Cherry, 25 Pink Blossom, 26 Rose Praline

23 Hot Rose - This is a soft pink that pairs well with any skin tone and simply brightens up your complexion. It's for the everyday, basic gal that wants a subtle pop of colour, without looking like she's trying.

24 Pink Cherry - If y'all know me, you know I'm not a fan of pinkish reds so this wasn't my favourite shade. However, for those that want to rock a red lip but feel it's too bold for everyday, this is a great alternative!

25 Pink Blossom - Barbie would definitely approve this shade, and it'd leave Ken wondering why they ever broke up in the first place! I've been searching for the perfect baby pink for awhile, and I think I've finally found it! It's the right balance of pop, without it being too fluorescent. 

26 Rose Praline - This shade is undoubtedly my absolute favourite. The neutrality makes it easy to wear daily, and that's exactly what I've been doing! Because the texture is so smooth and supple, it feels no different than wearing Vaseline. 11/10 would recommend!

So what were my thoughts overall?

Wearability: About 4-5 hours 

Finish: Satin

Transfer: Yes, but less in comparison to other satin lipsticks

Coverage: Sheer to moderate - Great for layering!

Price: $28 CDN

Overall: If you're looking for an everyday, moisturising lipstick with minimal transfer, this is for you! The pleasant, fruity scent is also an added bonus.

SHOP THE LIPPIES

Review: Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipsticks

Haven't done one of these in awhile! Anastasia's liquid lipsticks recently came to Canada, and obviously I took advantage. There are many shades I was eyeing that are currently sold out, so expect a part II to this the moment they're back in stock!

Also, you may have noticed I changed my blog layout again. Why? The short answer: Indecisive Tina can't decide on a template. The long answer: The last layout didn't allow me to add click-through links in the Outfits, Beauty and Travel galleries, so it was more difficult to view older posts. This one does, but I'm not completely sold yet. It may or may not change again in the next couple weeks... But for now let's get to the review!

Swatches left to right: Pure Hollywood, Carina, Craft, American Doll, Vamp, Heathers

PURE HOLLYWOOD

This pale mauve nude is a complete dupe of Tarte's Namaste from their Tarteist Lip Paints, but with a hint of more rose. Make sure you're not sick while rocking this shade or you may be wondering why people are avoiding standing next to you.

Yay or nah? Nah. Love the shade, but 4 hours post application it started sinking into my lip lines. It resembles how pruny your fingers get after a long bath - Not a cute look.

CARINA

Described as an 'intense watermelon', this shade would pair well with any skin tone and complexion.

Yay or nah? YAY. I usually avoid reddish pinks because I feel it's the indecisive middle child of Red and Pink, who can't decide which team she wants to play for. However, I am absolutely in love with this shade and 100% will be adopting it into the lipstick family! 

CRAFT

A gorgeous sangria plum, Craft is perfect for those that shy away from dark lippies, but still want to fit in. 

Yay or nah? Yay-ish. The feeling is bittersweet with this one! I am so in love with the shade, but it unfortunately bled onto my skin throughout the day. 4 hours into wear the colour started seeping outside my lip lines, and every hour after that I was constantly checking the state of my lips. Guess Craft is just a pretty face...

AMERICAN DOLL

A classic blue red that will even make Snow White jealous.

Yay or nah? Nah. The shade itself is beautiful, but the staying power is questionable. Red is more prone to bleeding, and I haven't found a red liquid lipstick that has not bled onto my skin. Granted, I normally don't use lip primer or blot my lips. I'm sure both techniques will help increase the longevity, but ain't nobody got time for that in the morning.

VAMP

Vamp is a deep burgundy shade bound to uncover your deepest, darkest secrets.

Yay or nah? Yay-ish-mish. Obsessed with the colour, not so obsessed with the wear. It lasted about 4 hours before slightly bleeding and disappearing on the insides of my lips. Pair that with Pizza Hut for lunch, and it's Vamp who?

HEATHERS

A brownish oxblood with potential to become a fall staple.

Yay or nah? Nah. With the shade being too similar to Kat Von D's Damned, and it being more susceptible to bleeding, Heathers weathers away, and will not be joining the liquid lipstick familia. 

OVERALL

I'm not overly impressed, nor am I overly disappointed. The quality is pretty standard among the other brands I've tried, with each one winning in certain categories and losing in others. Keep in mind my complexion can get pretty oily, so that plays a factor into the colours bleeding. Let's pit Anastasia up against rivals Kat Von D, Sephora and Tarte, and see who comes out on top! 

Staying Power: Kat Von D

Moisture: Anastasia

Price: Sephora

Variety of shades: Kat Von D

Application: Sephora

Who's my top pick? In terms of the quality you get for what you pay, Sephora. You can read a more in-depth review here!

Let me know in the comments some of your favourite matte liquid lipsticks!

SHOP THE LIPPIES

Review: Tarte's Tarteist Lip Paint

I took a break from fuelling my liquid lipstick addiction, but when Tarte came out with new lip paints, I couldn't resist. I've been obsessed with the mauve/burgundy colour family, so I naturally swayed towards those shades. Below is a quick review of their new Tarteist Lip Paints!

Swatches left to right: Frenemy, Tbt, Namaste

Frenemy

This gorgeous burgundy shade is the love child of Kat Von D's Vampira and Damned. Damned is going to have to step aside, as this will now be my go-to dark lippie. The high pigment formula easily glides and paints the entirety of my lips with one application. 

Verdict: YAY! The shade isn't too dark that I'm hesitant to wear it to work, but also bold enough to make a statement. Be careful though with the initial application, as it can clump towards the end of the lip brush.

Tbt

Mauve this, mauve that. Tbt happened when Kat Von D's Lolita and Sephora's Marvelous Mauve decided to have a one night stand. It's a little darker in person, but a great staple if you're riding the mauve train and aren't able to secure the Kylie Lip Kit. 

Verdict: YAY, but I wouldn't put it at the top of your purchase list if you already have a similar shade.

Namaste

Namaste indeed. The search for the perfect nude ends here. This has been on high rotation since purchase. It's the right mix of nude and pink to prevent you from looking sickly, washing you out or looking like you have nothing on your lips.

Verdict: 10x YAY! Already thinking of purchasing my next tube.

Overall

If you're an avid liquid lipstick wearer, you know exfoliating and moisturizing your lips before application is crucial, especially with the Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks. The same goes for Tarte, but post initial application my lips feel soft, as if I'm wearing a satin lipstick. The lip paint doesn't instantly dry on your lips, but rather lies comfortably on top. It eventually does dry matte, however, there is still a bit of transfer. The wear is about 5-6 hours, with only the inside of your lips losing pigment.

Compared to Kat Von D: KVD has a thinner formula, so I'll usually have to apply two coats for the desired look. With Tarte, I only need one. The prices are comparable, but KVD offers 2-3 hours more wear, and a wider variety of shades. 

Compared to Sephora: Pricewise, Sephora is cheaper and I'd say the formulas on both are quite similar. 

If you have extremely dry lips, but still want to try a liquid lipstick, I'd recommend Tarte or Sephora. KVD has the driest formula out of the bunch, but also lasts the longest.

Let me know which ones are your favourites in the comments!

SHOP THE LIPPIES

Review: Welcoming New Kat Von D Lippies

Kat Von D's new Fall shades in her Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks have been sold out for quite some time. Right when I got the 'in stock' notification on my phone, I quickly added the items to my cart and in doing so bumped into a pole as I was walking to work. T'was worth, and now y'all get a review! 

Swatches left to right: Beloved, Melancholia, Mother, Bow N Arrow

1) Mother (Currently sold out) - You'll be impressing everyone and their mothers with this gorgeous dusty mauve pink -- the spawn of Sephora's 13 Marvelous Mauve and Kat Von D's Bauhau5. Mother compliments all complexions and provides the perfect pop of colour, while still muted enough for everyday office wear. 

Yay or Nay? Yay, only if you don't already have Marvelous Mauve, Bauhau5, or a similar shade. Let's be real, $24+tax is a lot for a shade twin.

2) Bow N Arrow (Currently sold out) - Bow N Arrow is very picky with who she makes friends with. This shade is hard to pull off and I haven't decided if I can or not. If you have a paler complexion, pair it with some blush and a smokey eye and you'll be shooting men right in their tracks. Otherwise, you'll look half dead.

Yay or Nay? Yay if you're a true 90s baby, don't have brown lips naturally, and on the fairer side.

3) Beloved (Currently sold out) - Easily my favourite shade out of the bunch. The coral is soft enough that I'm not afraid to wear it out in public (unlike Sephora's 04 Coral Crush). This is a must-have in your purse, and is great all year round.

Yay or Nay? Absolutely yay! All you need is one layer and then get ready to pucker up.

4) Melancholia (Currently NOT sold out) - I love love love this shade! Not sure why it was named what it was, as it's the complete opposite of deep sadness and gloom. It's a classic pale, mod pink that makes you appear more tanned.

Yay or Nay? Yay, only if you don't suffer from chronic dry lips. Exfoliate prior to application, or your lip lines will be very prominent. Also, who doesn't want to look more tanned in the middle of winter?

I recommend adding your email to the waitlist online at Sephora so you're notified the moment the lippies are back in stock. Let me know in the comments which ones were your faves!

Now off to Turks & Caicos!!!

SHOP THE LIPPIES

6 Beauty Favourites I Can't Live Without

I'm not the type to leave the house without my face on, but I'm also not the type to need (or want) 3+ items just to do my eyebrows. Below I've highlighted my 6 current go-to items I am obsessing over and absolutely cannot live without.

1) BareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick - Fly High - This will soon be added to my 'empties', and is the only lipstick that has gotten this close to being finished. The lilac pink shade makes it wearable for everyday, and it's super creamy and pigmented leaving a rich satin finish. It makes my lips feel and appear baby soft, while conditioning them at the same time with Vitamin A, C and E. I will be repurchasing this 10x over.

2) Kat Von D Tattoo Liner - Trooper - I've tried multiple liquid liners, from drugstore brands to more high-end ones and Kat Von D takes the win. The thin precise brush tip helps me draw the perfect cat eye, even on the go-train. It takes seconds to apply and dries instantly. I have oily lids and this liner does not budge all day, even when rubbed. It's also waterproof so highly recommend if you're looking to do a sad chick flick marathon anytime soon.

3) Sephora Retractable Waterproof Brow Pencil - Midnight Brown - I recently bought this after a friend recommended it, and it hasn't left my makeup bag since. It's a cheaper dupe of Anastasia's Brow Wiz and makes me look forward to doing my eyebrows in the morning. My eyebrows stay put all day, and it takes half the time than using Anastasia's Dipbrow Pomade.

4) Anastasia Contour Kit - Light to Medium - My friend gifted this to me on my birthday and it quickly became my HG. I wear a lot of bronzer, so I'd always empty Benefit's Dallas within a few months. This kit offers 3 shades of bronzer for contouring, as well as 3 shades of highlighter. It allows me to be versatile with my makeup - days where I'm feeling bloated and want to go for a more contoured look vs. days where I want to look 12 and just use highlighter.

5) Too Faced Chocolate Bar Eye Palette - The Naked2 Basics palette was on high rotation before discovering this yummy palette when I was searching for the perfect burgundy shade. There are 16 matte and shimmer shadows ranging from basic neutral shades for everyday looks, to more smokey shades for a night out. I love that it's scented with real chocolate, so I can indulge every morning without eating actual chocolate. 

6) L'oreal Voluminous Miss Manga Rock Mascara - Blackest Black - I have typical asian lashes that are pin straight and don't curl very easily. Just one coat of this mascara lengthens and lifts my lashes to the point I'll get compliments on how long my lashes are. If you're already blessed with long, thick lashes, 1) I hate you, and 2) this mascara will make it look like you're wearing dramatic falsies - and there ain't nothing wrong with that!

Thought I'd share the impact just doing my eyebrows and adding mascara can make. The right side of my face is sans mascara, eyebrow pencil and lipstick. Whoever said "eyebrows frame the face" and "mascara makes your eyes pop" knew exactly what they were talking bout.

Put everything together and voila! Also cheers to 5 day old hair.

What are some of your beauty favourites? Let me know if you want a full everyday make-up tutorial :)

SHOP THE FAVES

Review: Battle of the Liquid Lipsticks [feat. Kat Von D & Sephora]

Ever since I've discovered the existence of matte liquid lipsticks/lip stains, it's rare you'll see me use an actual lipstick [with the exception of Fly Away, from bareMinerals' Marvelous Moxie line - highly recommend]. They are truly a game changer in the world of lipsticks, and I am completely obsessed. The ones featured in this post are my all-time favourites, but I'll also mention the ones that didn't quite make the cut.

Sephora Cream Lip Stain swatches from top to bottom: 01 Always Red, 14 Blackberry Sorbet, 06 Pink Souffle, 13 Marvelous Mauve, 07 Cherry Blossom, 12 African Violet 

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick swatches from top to bottom: Damned, Lolita, Lovesick, Susperia, Bauhau5, Backstage Bambi

KAT VON D'S EVERLASTING LIQUID LIPSTICK

DAMNED - Pop that cherry with this deep, dark vixen, and you'll conquer fall in style [as seen here]. This darker shade is not for the weak and is similar to Vampira, but the formula and consistency is 10x better.

LOLITA - One of the most sought after lip shades thanks to Miss Kylie Jenners, I've recently fallen back in love with this brown beauty. Rumor has it the more dusty rose Lolita is making a comeback soon. Whichever shade you opt for, this is a must for all you 90s babies. 

LOVESICK - This lovely mauve nude shade is part of Kat Von D's new fall collection. It's the matte sister of bareMineral's Fly away, and y'all know how much I love that shade. It doesn't make your teeth appear yellow either, which is always a win in my books.

SUSPERIA - If you're a loyal reader, you'll remember my dislike for ColourPop's Grind in my review of their Lippie Stix. Another one from the new fall collection, this bright lavender is Grind's arch nemesis, better in every category. 

BAUHAU5 - If you have to choose one shade, it's this one. There was a 2-3 month period where this was my go-to lippie for everything. It's the right amount of pigment, pop, and class that makes it my absolute favorite, and will guarantee compliments all around.

BACKSTAGE BAMBI - Bauhau5 had to learn to share the spotlight when I met Backstage Bambi. You know I'm looking to party when I bring out this vivid hot pink, because I'm actually a 75 year old grandma on the inside. It's a slightly less florescent version of Sephora's 08 Whipped Blush, and I'm already on my second tube.

SEPHORA'S CREAM LIP STAIN

07 CHERRY BLOSSOM - This is an absolutely gorgeous colour for all skin tones, especially for darker complexions. It's super pigmented, so all you need is one coat to last you the entire day.

06 PINK SOUFFLE - A soft muted pink, Pink Souffle not only sounds delicious, but is great for all complexions and perfect if you're going for a more natural look. Of course Vaseline or lip balm is the way to go if you're aiming for a neutral base, but a 'lil touch of pink never hurt anybody.

13 MARVELOUS MAUVE - Lolita's fabulous cousin, this shade has a more dusty pink undertone than brown. You really can't go wrong with a MLBB, nor can you have enough variations of it either.

12 AFRICAN VIOLET - Clearly my kryptonite are blue-toned pinks. Nicki Minaj is my inner spirit animal so I guess that explains why. Whenever I'm feeling vivacious, I like to amp up my lips with this fun, bold colour. 

14 BLACKBERRY SORBET - Another classic must for fall! If the name doesn't entice you enough, how about the fact you can actually eat a sorbet and not have to worry about your lips partitioning into two colours afterwards.

01 ALWAYS RED - I'm very picky with my reds. This is similar to Kat Von D's Studded Kiss Lipstick in Underage Red, my former HG. The difference is you don't need to apply, blot, and apply once more to ensure it lasts all day. Since this is a lip stain, there is little to no transfer.

Unfortunately for some reason, paired with my oily complexion, Underage Red and Outlaw from Kat Von D's Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks would bleed onto my skin by mid-day, and by the end of the day I looked like Ronald McDonald. Always Red is a matte, bold, classic red that will stand the test of time.

Didn't quite make the cut:

- Sephora's 05 Infinite Rose - This is a great shade for some, depending on how dark your natural lip colour is. However, it just looked like I applied a layer of glitter over my bare lips.  

- Sephora's 04 Coral Crush - Awesome nail polish colour, not so much for my lips. I'm all for crazy lip shades, but this was too florescent and coral for my complexion. 

- Kat Von D's Berlin - I personally don't like shades that are in-between red and pink. This made me think of the post make out-with-red-lipstick-on look that I will always avoid.

- Kat Von D's L.U.V. - Love the deep purple, but when pitted against Susperia, Susperia is better for everyday wear due to the hint of pink in it.

SO WHO'S THE WINNER?

Depends what you value most:

Price: Sephora ($18 CDN vs. $24 CDN)

Application: Sephora (1 coat suffices as it's thicker, more pigmented vs. 2+ coats depending on the shade)

Variation in Shades: Kat Von D (25 vs. 14)

Longevity: Kat Von D

I love both brands' liquid lipsticks and would highly recommend trying both to see which one better suits your lips. I don't find either of them drying, even though they are extremely matte. I do put a base of Vaseline before any application, so that may help. You aren't going to go wrong with either brand, so HAPPY LIPPIE HUNTING!

SHOP THE LIPPIES

Review: ColourPop Lippie Stix

Anyone that knows me knows I love playing up my lips. At only $5 USD and 75 different shades to choose from, try buying just one! ColourPop is 100% fur baby friendly, bunny approved and only test their products on humans. Every package also comes with a cute handwritten note, making the experience that much more personalized!

Clearly I have a thing for nudes and pinks...

PONY, Satin - This is one of my favourites! It glides effortlessly on your lips, leaving a satin finish that's not too matte, and not too glossy. I'm definitely channeling Nicki Minaj when I wear this, and I ain't complaining.

Yay or Nay? Yay! Just don't drink tea or coffee, as it may make your teeth look slightly yellow. Aside: Bare Minerals Fly Away is a similar shade, and doesn't make your teeth appear yellow. It has been my go-to lipstick for the past 2 months.

GOSSIP, Satin - Another blue pink favourite, I secretly stole this from Barbie when she wasn't looking.

Yay or Nay? Yay! 

GRIND, Matte - I love purple, but this shade is too purple for my liking. I always mix it with a pink to dilute how deep the shade is, but it would look great on darker skin tones. 

Yay or Nay? Nay. Colour aside, the application is like rubbing two faux leather leggings on a hot day -- for lack of a better metaphor. They definitely took matte to a next level.

TIPSY, Glossy - This shade is nice if you're going to an underground, glow-in-the-dark rave, with how neon it looks on. It's also super glossy, so avoid kissing, drinking or eating anything.

Yay or Nay? Nay. The shade didn't suit my skin tone, and I would feel uncomfortable leaving the house with it on. 

SCANDY, Satin - A darker version of Gossip, this shade is a gorgeous neon magenta.

Yay or Nay? Yay for feeling scandy-lous!

BUTTON, Satin - Love, love, love this colour! It's completely wearable for everyday, and is similar to Mac's Velvet Teddy (but lasts longer and more moisturizing) and Bite's Glace/Leche (but won't break your wallet). Feel free to channel Kylie Jenner and take 37458345 selfies.

Yay or Nay? YAY x the # of times Kylie Jenner changes her Instagram captions.

BFF, Glossy - I thought I would feel fabulous in what I thought was the perfect JLO nude, but I felt the complete opposite. It's a more warm peach compared to Tipsy, but still did not suit my skin tone.

Yay or Nay? Nay.

CAKE, Satin - This is a bright pastel pink that is not for the faint hearted.  It's such a cute shade for spring and summer, and guaranteed to let you have your cake and eat it too.

Yay or Nay? Yay! I usually apply by dabbing it on, or blotting my lips once on a tissue because of how pigmented the colour is.

ROCKET, Satin - This shade is like the middle child between pink and red. It's not my go-to, but is a lovely shade nonetheless.

Yay or Nay? Yay, but if you're feeling indecisive with the other shades, opt this one out.

Top 3 Must-Haves - Button, Pony, Cake

Top 3 Don't Bothers - Tipsy, Grind, BFF

Staying Power - It lasts quite long for the price you're paying. Doesn't beat the staying power of other brands such as Kat Von D, Sephora and Bare Minerals, but nothing to fret about.

Scent - It smells like chocolate. C h o c o l a t e.

Verdict? I recommend doing research and looking up the swatch colours for each shade before purchasing. Know what finish you prefer (matte/satin/glossy), and what tones (warm/cool) work best for your complexion. Personally, I tend to opt for cool shades with a satin finish. I have very oily skin, so when paired with a glossy lip, say hello to your portable mirror. ColourPop offers a large variety of colours, and at their price point, they make it easy and fun to experiment with different shades.