Matte-tastic Lipsticks

It's time! This is my officially my first makeup blog post. With my Inspire the Brush IG page nearing 400 followers, I felt the next step was this. I am excited to post the first of MANY makeup reviews, tips, and creations. 

What better way to start my blogging off than to review my current ABSOLUTE favorite matte lipstick? The Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm won me over as soon as I saw it - sort of a 'love at first sight' scenario, I suppose. 

I entered Target's cosmetics section in search of a purple lipstick when the Colorburst display featuring Emma Stone [obviously] caught my eye. Naturally, I gravitated to the matte balm side (the other side was the Colorburst Lacquer Balm) and reached for the purple, which is called 'Shameless'.  After talking myself out of buying four sticks, I made my way to the checkout not knowing the price because the display wasn't tagged yet. To my pleasant surprise, it was only $7! 

I absolutely LOVE Shameless. It's a great pansy purple shade and looked fabulous topping my NYX Wonder pencil (I use this as a lip primer). I wore it out this past weekend and only had to re-apply a couple times to the insides of my lips - mainly because I had a few drinks and lost some of the color to the bottle openings. It didn't get all 'crusty' and 'peely' (as I call it) and I was talking, singing, and dancing pretty much the whole evening. These balms also have a fabulous, subtle mint flavor that eases your lips. Overall, it's a perfect, long-lasting lip color that adds just the right amount of funky to your look. 

Mischievous was one of the colors I had to talk myself out of at Target. Since I loved Shameless so much, I have been dying to buy a few more colors - especially Mischievous, a peach-y orange shade. I snatched it up tonight at Walgreen's along with another pink-y shade, Unapologetic, because they were buy one get one 50% off (sucker for a good makeup deal). After applying Mischievous, I noticed that it doesn't seem as pigmented as Shameless - it's a tad bit sheer, so I might apply something underneath when I wear it out. Unapologetic looked just as funky and fierce as Shameless and I can't wait to wear it out. Both of these colors, of course, have the pleasant taste and feeling of mint for a comfortable wear. 

My only concern with these products is the fact that they come in a matte plastic twist up barrel, similar to a twist-out crayon. The tips are pointy, so my fear is that I won't get the same flawless application once the point starts to wear down and become chubby. A lip brush is always an option at that point, though. This minor concern will not stop me from buying more Matte Colorburst Balms, go grab one (or three).

Mischievous and Unapologetic 

Shameless

Let the 3 L's Be Your Shining Stars

I will be the first to say that I NEVER thought I would be open to a makeup look without the presence of eye shadow. After hours upon hours of tutorials on winged eyeliner (which I still don't think I have completely mastered), I decided to give it a shot and let my lips, liner, and lashes be the "stars" of my face production - the 3 L's! 

My 3 L's shining like stars!

The key to letting the 3 L's shine is to make each one of them BOLD. 

First, choose a bold lip color that will stand out and make 'em say, "I am the star!" I picked a purple shade, but a bright red or neon pink would look just as fancy! (For a red, I recommend Victoria's Secret 'Showstopper' or for a cheaper option Elf Matte Lip Color in 'Rich Red'. For a poppin' neon pink I recommend MAC 'Candy Yum-Yum' or NP Set 'Florence' - Elf and NP Set can be found at Target).

Bold lip created with Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in 'Shameless'

The next key to allowing the 3 L's to shine is to make sure that your eyeliner makes a bold statement. Plain 'ole liner just won't cut it for this look. Go for a 'winged' liner technique using a liquid liner pen in black, or just make your black liner a little thicker than usual. I opted out of applying any liner on my lower lash line in this look, and instead only applied to my waterline. I don't regret it one bit! 

Bold winged liner created with Elf Liquid Eyeliner Pen in 'Black'

 Finish off your fabulous look by applying a nice, dramatic false lash to your lids and a brightening face highlighter to certain parts of your face. I applied Elf Shimmering Facial Whip ($3 - Target) to my chin, just above my cheekbones, in between my eyes and down my nose including the tip, and underneath my brows on the brow bone. Some other amazing highlighters I have tried are the NYX Illuminator powder and Benefit 'Girl Meets Pearl' liquid highlighter (it is the best!).

Elf Dramatic Lash Kit ($1 - Target, includes glue)
Elf Shimmering Facial Whip ($3 - Target)

Let the 3 L's Be Your Shining Stars!