My current favourite nude lip combo: MAC's Creme Cup and Colourpop's Button Pencil

Better together: Colourpop's Button and MAC's Creme Cup

I'm pretty lazy when it comes to my lips -- most days I opt for chapstick and a pale pinky/nude lippie, and if we're being totally honest here, I didn't see the point in applying lip liner until I finished beauty school. Lip liner not only defines your lips, it also evens out the colour of your them and helps make any run-of-the-mill lipstick last.

Armed with a bit more insight, I picked up a few cheap-o lip liners from Colourpop to see what all the fuss was about and MAC's Creme Cup, because this shade is the gateway to endless possibilities. When worn alone, I can't pull either shade off, but together. Oh, man, say hello to #kyliejenner calibre lips. 

Tip: if you can't get your hands on Colourpop's Pencil in Button, MAC's Spice is a close match, albeit a tad more expensive.

Swatches from left to right: Colourpop's Button, MAC's Creme Cup and blended together

Wearing MAC's Creme Cup over Colourpop's Button

What's your current favourite lip combo?

Troubleshooting Hourglass' Modernist Eyeshadow Palette

Hourglass' Modernist Eyeshadow Palette in Infinity

So, you've handed over a wad of moolah for Hourglass' latest release, now what? You've read the reviews, watched the how-to videos, stared at its uncharacteristic features -- its ripples and rolling waves, while trying to wrap your head around the fact that the pan lacks dividers. Or is it just me and the fine line of OCD-like tendencies I steadfastly walk along?

I, too, read the reviews and had my reservations regarding performance issues. Would my experience dissolve into a moment of frustration and regret? Let's delve into the Modernist eyeshadow's formula, and tailor your application.

The Formula

It's mighty soft, and finely milled to help reduce the amount of guess work for you. Hourglass has dumbed down these palettes, and I for one do not feel insulted. The eyeshadows lend themselves to mixing and melding for that sultry, smoky, editorial look (how very Nina Garcia of me).

The Colours

They're natural. Elements derived from the earth to intensify the colour of your eyes. I was drawn to Infinity for its rich chocolate-y browns and plummy/tea rose undertones. It's worth noting four of the five shades featured in Infinity are matte, whereas the fifth shade (centre) is the magician with its shimmery, metallic come-hitherness.

The Brushes 

Now, this is purely based on what I personally own, but I'll do my best to offer similar brushes based on affordability and accessibility.

• An all-over brush to ace your base and to blend at the end: MAC 217 / Zoeva Soft Definer
• Define the lower lash line (I prefer stubby, rounded brushes): Zoeva Smudger / MAC 214
• A shady lady to work the eye lid: MAC 239 / Zoeva Luxe Smoky Shader / Real Techniques Shading Brush 
• Cut a crease or contour: Zoeva Luxe Crease / MAC 275
• A petite miss for detailed handiwork in case you're into that sort of thing: Real Techniques Accent Brush (part of a set) / Dior Eyeliner Brush (a repurposed multi-tasker)

Application Tips

1. Before applying your eyeshadow, prime the eye area.
2. Set out your brushes in a handy spot for easy access.
3. Curl your lashes first to prevent unnecessary smudging.
4. Ok, we're ready to apply. When you bring the brush to the pan gently dab the surface to agitate and lift the product onto the brush. Sweeping back and forth will only lead to a messy situation.
5. Next, dab (again) excess eyeshadow onto the back of your hand in order to reduce the risk of fallout. Tapping your brush over the basin works, too.
6. Follow the order of operations (my method) >> Base > Contour > Shade > Line > Define > Mascara.

You'll notice there's a bit of dabbing involved prior to bringing anything near the eye area. This gentler approach means you'll be wearing eyeshadow instead of it wearing you. Does that even make any sense? In other words, your eyes won't be reduced to a powdery mess.

Swatches of Hourglass' Modernist Eyeshadow Palette in Infinity 

Wearing Hourglass' Modernist Eyeshadow Palette in Infinity on my eyes

Tinkerbell (lower right) approves!

With your palette in one hand, and a few key eyeshadow brushes clasped in the other get ready for a strong eye game, I know you can do it!

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Hourglass' Modernist Eyeshadow Palette:

• $76.00 AUS / $58.00 USD

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 8 out of 10 bags — Work with it, and it'll work for you. I can't speak for the six other shades' performance, but I am pleased as punch with Infinity.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

• Ambient Lighting Bronzer? Yes, please!

Three reasons to love Maybelline's Color Drama Intense Velvet Lip Pencil

Maybelline's Color Drama Intense Lip Velvet Lip Pencil in Fab Orange, Pink So Chic, and Fuchsia Desire

Instead of saving the drama for your Momma, how about serving it up to your lips. After all, they do all the talking, convey the most emotion, and will stop a lover's quarrel with a kiss to end all kisses.

Maybelline's Color Drama Intense Lip Velvet Pencils pack a wallop of a punch -- color payoff, price, and longevity, all tied up with a delightful fruity scent. Sign me up, please!

The pencil (in this case) is mightier than the sword

Swatches from left to right: Fab Orange, Fuchsia Desire, and Pink So Chic

Why should you love these? Well, I'm so glad you asked!

1. Way cheaper than its counterparts. NARS, Nudestix, Bite Beauty each have insanely amazing formulas, and yet Maybelline performs just as well, and refuses to break the bank.
2. It lasts. Through cocktails, intense conversations, dinner, a little wine, people watching, singing in the back of the cab, you name it! Your lips are covered.
3. Ten shades to mull over, to wear, to get to know, to love.

Wearing Fab Orange

Wearing Fuchsia Desire

Rosa over at Lipstick 'n' Linguine is the sole enabler behind this latest purchase, and for that I thank you.

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Maybelline's Color Drama Intense Velvet Lip Pencil:

• $9.95 AUS

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 10 out of 10 bags — it's the lippie you need in your life right now.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

• So snapping up Minimalist as soon as it's back in stock.

YSL's Volupte Tint-in-Oil

YSL's Volpute Tint-in-Oil in (from left to right) No. 8 Pink About Me, No. 6 Peach Me Love, and No. 1 Drive Me Copper

New year, new lips?

Earlier this month YSL released Volupte Tint-in-Oil, a hybrid lip formula designed to hydrate whilst delivering a whisper of colour to slightly enhance what your mama gave ya. Eight varying pastel-y shades steeped in apricot kernel oil, coriander fruit oil, jojoba seed oil, and possiflora edulis seed (passion flower) oil work together to give the lips a stained glass effect. 

Volupte Tint-in-Oil does more than just hydrate, it also treats, and ties your everyday makeup into a picture perfect bow.

The packaging

Instead of relying on lucite, YSL pulled the silver curtain on Volupte Tint-in-Oil. Despite this slight deviation from its predecessor, Gloss Volupte, the tell-tale logo embossed into the coloured band corresponds to the contents inside. A helpful, and subtle classification necessary for the girl on the go.

The screw top cap remains unchanged -- it twists and locks into place to avoid product spillage, and seepage. The final click proved to be invaluable when I accidentally stowed one of the tubes upside down. 

Note to self: always screw cap tight to avoid a potentially messy situation. #handbagsalvation

The contoured applicators

Hinged at the cupid's bow to create a concave/convex ladle, the applicator serves up a much-needed helping of product. Meanwhile, the tip manages to embrace the trickiest spot, the corners of the lips.

The lip shaped applicator has to be the most fun(ctional) thing I've ever come across. A thoughtful, and memorable feature which sets YSL apart from other luxury makeup brands.

Volupte Tint-in-oil Swatches from left to right: No. 1 Drive Me Copper, No. 6 Peach Me Love, and No. 8 Pink About Me

Of the eight shades available for purchase, I chose Drive Me Copper, Peach Me Love, and Pink About Me in order to skip across the spectrum of colours on offer.

Wearing Shade No. 1 Drive Me Copper

Drive Me Copper when swatched is a semi-translucent burnt copper with golden orange and red shimmer suspended throughout, but once applied onto my lips it pulls redder. Simply delightful when paired with a bronze-y glow.

Wearing Shade no. 6 Peach Me Love

Peach Me Love is a sheer watermelon red with orange undertones to give it that peachy hint. Golden shimmer rounds out the oil slick to enhance its glass-like finish.

Wearing Shade no. 8 Pink About Me

Pink About Me is a baby pink with lilac undertones, and an almost discernible blue shimmer -- I had to hold a flashlight up to a swatch to be absolutely sure.

The finish on all three is as wet as you'd expect, but quickly dries down within the first twenty minutes after applying. Once the wetness subsides, a slight sheen is punched up by an intensified tint which lasts for a good three hours. Prior to completely wearing off, the sheen turns a touch sticky, but not annoyingly so, this is only an observation. The tint-turned-stain for all three lasted around eight to nine hours, call it two meals, a piece of fruit, one coffee, and several glasses of water.

Volupte Tint-in-Oil was never drying, features the signature Sweet Tart scent, and wore evenly as the hours progressed.

If you like Smashbox's O-Gloss, then YSL's Volupte Tint-in-Oil will be right up your alley.

Looking for a few other colours? Sabrina of The Beauty Look Book recently reviewed Oh My Gold, I Rose You, and You Drive Me Copper.

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for YSL's Gloss Volupte:

• $49.00 AUS (I suspect) / $32.00 USD

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 10 out of 10 bags — I have big love for YSL lippies, despite the price their products are truly splurge-worthy.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

• Cherry My Cherie, and Crush Me Orange, I have my eye on you.