Estée Lauder Pure Color Crystal Lipstick

 image from nordstrom.com

Price: $22 for .13oz (3.8g)

What they say:
"Sheer color, daring shine. We've got your shade.

Light Up Your Lips

    * Super shine finish.
    * Cool, crystalline, high fashion shades with sheer coverage.
    * Prismatic crystal effects create a dazzling brilliance and dimension.
    * Delicately fragranced with a delectable fresh fig scent."

What I say:
The color that I got was Tiramisu, which I would describe as a light pink rose, without the brown many rose shades often have.  This lipstick is super sheer, so more shades would suit many skin tones.  Estée Lauder says that this lipstick has a crystal effect that creates a dazzling brilliance and dimension.  To me, this was a shiny, but not too shiny lipstick, that looked more like you applied a balm over or underneath.  Not a bad look, and one that can fit any age, in my opinion.

Pure Color Crystal Lipstick's texture is very much like a balm, which is refreshing, since many lipsticks can dry out lips.  I did notice some flakes being accentuated when I first applied this lipstick, but that was because my lips were in particularly bad shape (air conditioning can do that to me).  While the lipstick applies, and feels like, a balm, the stick itself is not too soft, so I have no worries about the base wobbling if I use too much pressure, of it melting too easily in the heat.  Mostly, I think, it is your lip temperature that makes it apply so smoothly.

The smell is the typical Estée Lauder kinda perfumey fig, which while not entirely pleasant, does fad quickly, and isn't the worst smell that I have had a lipstick have.  I would prefer having no scent over the fig scent, but it isn't a deal breaker to me.

The packaging is really nice, and I like the NYX-style lipstick in the bottom of the tube for easy identification.  Having the cap be a gold colored metal that somehow isn't the fingerprint magnet that I thought it would be is also a nice touch.

Overall, this was a nice lipstick, and one that I can see myself using up, since the color is a nice work color, without being just another MLBB (though I would classify this particular color as that).  The scent is a little bit strange to me, but the texture more than makes up for that, since it applies smoothly, with no need for a mirror.  I can't say that the price is that good, but at least you get a decent product for what you pay.  May or may not purchase another one, since the color selection, especially with a product this sheer, leaves much to be desired.

3.5/5 (minus for color selection and price)

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in 640 Summer Angel

Price: $7-10

What they say:
"Smoother Lips, Better Colour This moisture-infused lip essential reduces lip dryness by up to 65% for smoother lips and better colour. Developed with SPF 18 and a cutting edge Self Adapting Moisture Complex that features Hylaronic Acid, Collagen and Vitamins A, C and E to nourish lips, leaving them with a smoother surface for better colour application and wear. 24 creamy, moisturizing shades come richly wrapped in an elegant metallic purple case."

What I say:
I got this lipstick while I was on the hunt for the Hardcandy nail polish that I got at Walmart, and really I just got it because of the purple tube, my lack of lipstick on me at the moment, and the SPF 18 that this claims it has.

The lipstick is sheer, and extremely frosty.  Now, maybe, in another color, this would be okay qualities, but Summer Angel is a cool champaign color, so sheer and frosty just means it looks like I'm wearing, well, nothing but frost.  I can't really think of another way of putting it.  It's like when you  have a highlighter that doesn't give much color of its own, and you put too much on, that frosty, kinda greasy but not grease, sheen.

To make matters worse, the frost and formula itself make your lips lines show like you put a neon sign up pointing to them.  I know my lips have been a little dry as of late, with winter and all, but I had just treated them and moisturized hours before I wiped the treatment off, and the lines still showed.  This is definitely not a lipstick for someone who doesn't have absolutely perfect lips, and even then, this probably isn't the lipstick for you.  Like I said before, maybe this is just a fault of this color, but after this one, I'm not sure I want to find out if that is true or not.

On to the smell and taste.  Horrible, both of them.  I can stand some chemically smell and taste, but for this lipstick, the taste never goes away.  Seriously, it's gross, that's about all I can say.  The texture, surprisingly, I didn't hate entirely.  While it feels a little greasy, it's not drying, and it almost feels like the grease is moisturizing your lips underneath the cover.  There's slip, and the lipstick doesn't last the longest, but really, it could be worse.

Finally, a good point, the packaging.  I love it.  A rounded squared cylinder, purple plastic, and a crown at the top.  Very nice.

Overall, I would not repurchase.  For the price, this is absolutely terrible.  I would expect something like this if I paid less than $5, but I paid over 7 to experience this.  Unfortunately, I lost my receipt, and I'm not about to make a fuss over that amount, but otherwise, I would be taking this back for a refund.  Hopefully I'll be able to find something to layer on top of this, since it might at nicely as a shimmer adding coat.

1/5, horrible.

MAC Viva Glam VI SE Lipstick

Price: $14

What they say:
"A lavender-lovely Fergie asks us to enter a new kind of dreamscape, to feel the "Yes, we can!" of tomorrow, and to push forward on behalf of every man, woman and child affected by HIV/AIDS. VIVA GLAM VI Lipstick, Lipglass, and Special Edition Lipstick lead the way. Every cent of the selling price of VIVA GLAM Lipstick and Lipglass is donated to the M·A·C AIDS Fund to support men, women, and children living with HIV and AIDS."

What I say:
The website claims that Viva Glam VI SE (Special Edition) is a Soft Blue Pink (Lusture), and I think that is a pretty good description.  It is not the most pigmented lipstick, but I have no trouble layering it to get it more opaque.  This is just a MLBB color, though, so if you are looking for something more dramatic, this is not the color to turn to.

The texture itself is like many of MAC's lipsticks; not drying, a little moisturizing, doesn't seep into lines easily, and doesn't stay on lips for an extraordinary amount of time.

Is it worth the price?  Well, I would say yes, since it is better than many drugstore lipsticks that you can buy, but for a little bit more, you can get a department store brand.  Really, that's why MAC is called a mid brand; you can pay more, and get a little better, or less, and get a little worse.  I'm not saying MAC is a bad brand, I'm just saying that they are not the be all and end all that many people seem to think they are.  (In fact, I have quite a few MAC items, but I always weigh them for price and quality before I buy from them).

Overall, I like this lipstick.  I wouldn't buy this color again, since it is just another MLBB, but it is nice to feel that you are donating to something, even if it is only a little bit.

4/5

CARGO Botanical Lipstick

image from Sephora.com

Price: $20 for .14oz

What they say:
What it is:
A sheer, creamy lipstick formulated with natural and organic ingredients.

What it does:
"CARGO PlantLove™ Lipstick provides sheer color that is completely natural and contains a high-organic content. The innovative formula is infused with rich added-care ingredients and is housed in eco-certified packaging. Smooth and silky, it conditions and colors your pout to pucker perfection.

This product is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Synthetic Fragrance
- Synthetic Dye
- Petro-Chemicals
- Phthalates"

What I say:
I got this in color Muir Woods (looking online, this is a North America only shade?) as part of the Sephora Favorites Lip Service Box.  It was honestly one of the reasons I got the box, since I had had this particular shade of lipstick on my wishlist for so long I don't even remember when I put it on there.  I was ecstatic, thinking that I had found a great deal, and a good lipstick for a cheap price.

I was right; about everything but a "good lipstick."

I would have a swatch for you, but the lipstick is so waxy, so hard, and so lacking pigmentation that I can't even get a proper swatch off for you guys/gals.

I used this lipstick, and the end was still smooth, barely looking used at all.  What little I did get on my lips did not last even an hour, and I had to really look hard to see any pigment at all.

I am so glad I got this at such a good deal; I would have sent this back so quickly otherwise.

1/5  Don't waste your money on this one.

Korres Guava Lipstick in Wine Red

 

 Top picture is without flash, bottom with flash.

Price: $22 for .06oz

What they say:
"What it is:
Longwearing, creamy, antioxidant lip color with antiaging benefits.

What it is formulated to do:
Korres Guava Lipstick lavishes your lips with highly pigmented formulas that deliver intense, enduring color. Fall in love with the pure, vivid shades that pamper your pout with an infusion antioxidant and vitamin C-rich guava extract.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Petro-Chemicals
- GMO"

What I say:
Color: 58 Wine Red (burgundy wine)
Swatch:

it rotated it again.. bah!

I got this in the Sephora Favorites Lip Service Box.  This was a full size product.

Pros: This is a lovely beginners red; it's not too pink, not too brown, layerable, and not over the top.  The formula is moist, without being a grease bomb, and did not feather/bleed on me, or show lip lines.  It was easy to layer, faded gracefully, and didn't stain.  Also, it looks lovely on pale skin (I didn't try this on other skin tones, sorry).

Cons:  It was very easy to take off, meaning it didn't last very long.  The size is minuscule (this is .06oz, a normal lipstick is .1-.14oz).  The price is very steep for so little product.

Overall, it is decent, but I'm glad I didn't pay full price for this.  The color looked good and applied well, which is good for how often you would have to apply it during the day.  The small size is a big deterrent, and I would not suggest getting one of these unless a) you get it in the Lip Service box (a really good deal if you are interested in trying new things, and it comes with 3 full sized items), or b) get it on sale either through Sephora or Korres.  Even then, I would only suggest b if you really like the formula and color.

I know I keep bringing up the price for the product, but let's do a little math:

Guerlain - Rouge G de Guerlain Jewel Lipstick Compact

   $45 for .12oz, $375 per oz

Korres - Guava Lipstick

   $22 for .06oz, $366.67 per oz

NARS Lipstick

   $24 for .12oz, $200 for oz

Yes, that's right, it costs nearly as much as a Guerlain Rouge G, without the lovely packaging, and the getting to feel like a snob (in a good way) factor.  (Come on, you never bought anything expensive to supplement your cheaper stuff with glam?)

3.5/5  Liked it, but too steep a price.

DuWop: Private Red

image from shop.duwop.com

Price: $22

What they say:

" DuWop has unlocked something new! Private Red, a color-changing lipstick that morphs into each woman's personal red, is the first of its kind to transform a single red shade into an endless variety of hues. This silky lipstick goes on smooth, and the rich pigment changes within five minutes to leave behind the ultimate perfect red.

Private Red's proprietary formula includes a blend of three naturally derived pigments - annatto, hibiscus, and henna - and the technology behind the classic “mood lipsticks” of the seventies to provide a vibrant red shade that adapts to suit each individual's coloring. Annatto lends a rich pigment base, while hibiscus flowers offer gentle antiseptic properties, and henna leaves behind a long-lasting stain. Additional hydrating ingredients such as beeswax, caster oil and Vitamin E keep the lip color lightweight and emollient.

Red is a stunning classic, but it can be the hardest to wear. Private Red offers a provocative answer to the question, “what is my best shade of red?” without the hassle of selecting the perfect shade from amongst an endless sea of choices.

Private Red is available in an ENDLESS variety of shades."

What I say:

I got this item in Sephora Favorites Lip Service Delux Sampler box, and actually liked it more than I thought I would. They claim that it morphs itself to your individual color. I don't think it does, I think the "morph" is really just your natural lip color messing with it, and the color of your skin next to the lipstick altering how it looks. This is true of almost all lipsticks, so that's not a problem for me, I just don't see how they can claim it changes colors because of chemistry (if this is actually happening, it is happening so fast, and is altering to the same color for all the people I have seen wear this. Kinda like O-Gloss).

The color is a Cherry Red color, kinda pinky, not too warm or cool, brighter red. It is nice for me, but I can see how many people say the color looks off for them. This is not a color for everyone (unlike what they claim).

The formula is a little drier than a lot of lipsticks that I own, but it didn't dry out my lips. I would recommend making sure you don't have tons of lip flakes before wearing, both because of the formula and because of the color. There was no bleeding for me, but my liplines were noticeable (I tried this without gloss to see if this would happen or not). The wear is great. I ate my entire lunch, and drank 2 glasses of water, and while the color is a little faded, there is no ring of doom, and the fade is even. I didn't even use a lipliner, and it lasted hours for me.

Overall, a good product. If you are in the market for a bright red, you might want to check this one out. It might not have the mood ring effect of changing to suit you, but it is a nice color, and it really does last a really long time. The price is a little steeper than many people might be willing to pay, so I wouldn't call this a must have, but it was fun to try.

4/5 A little expensive, doesn't change color like they claim, nice overall.

Edi: Sorry for the invisible text, blogger decided to mess with my code on this post. All's well now ^_^.

NYX Round Lipstick Penelope

 

Sorry for the used look of this one, but I just had to rip into it as soon as it arrived ^_^.

This is the new Penelope.  The old Penelope looked like a dark plum color online, but they recently redid the color (according to the NYX Cosmetics website).  I love this lipstick, and this color.  The lipstick is moisturizing, opaque, creamy, and non-drying.  The fact that it is so cheap is amazing, considering how much better it is to some high-end lipsticks I own.

The color is black.  Not dark plum, not dark blue, black.  One coat of this lipstick makes you have black lips, but slightly transparent (if that makes sense).  One coat it if you want a little red to show through, but this is still opaque.  Two coats, and you want a shiny, true black lip.  This is surprisingly forgiving, considering the color, and I was able to clean up mistakes without staining the skin around my lips.  Since this is such a deep color, beware how your skin looks, and also how chapped your lips are.  This is a definition un-forgiving color, and you will have to work it.  That said, I am in love.  Besides Halloween, when cheap cosmetics come out with their version of black lipstick (always crappy formulation, and always LE), it is impossible to find a true black.  Now, with YSL, MAC, and others making their versions (still LE), NYX has decided to make their own, and considering it took over an already-existing name, let's see if it in permanent.

So will I repurchase?  Yes, if I run out.  Otherwise, No.  This is not something to wear everyday for me, so we'll see, but for about $2 (even 4, sometimes), it is totally worth it.

5/5

Giorgio Armani Lip Wax

 

image from giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com

Price: $26.00

What they say:

"A modern vision of lip color, lip wax compact lipstick is a blush of color for lips. The incredibly smooth and silky texture of lip wax glides over lips leaving rich, tailor-made color. The ultra-fine and soft Micro-fil veil ensures a smooth and seemingly weightless result. To obtain a more precise distribution of color, apply with the Giorgio Armani lip brush. For a sparkling shine, add a layer of armani lip shimmer."

What I say:

I bought this in colors #4 and #7 with a gift card that I had, and am so glad I did!  Color #7, a LE color, which I would describe as a pinkish raspberry (more vibrant, almost like a fushia to me) was a decent color, but didn't look good on yours truely.  Now, on the other hand, color #4, Raspberry, was stunning!  I wore this to my brother's birthday, which consisted of an all day trek through a natural science museum, and only had to touch this up once after I ate.  The color faded evenly, so no ring, in case you were wondering.

True to their description, this really does have a weightless feel (so much so, that I often forgot that I had anything on my lips).  The pot design of this might not be the most hygienic, but since I wash my hands before I touch my makeup, I really don't have much of a problem with it.  I would suggest a lip brush if you are worried about things like that, but I think you might have more trouble with a brush, since you might pick up too much product.  Inside the pot is a mirror, so touch ups are a snap, and a little goes a looooong way (don't dig with your finger/brush, or you have too much).

Now, they have changed their website since I first checked these things out, so the swatches look a little bit better than they used to, but I would still suggest going and seeing these in person before you purchase.  These are truly unforgiving when it comes to color, since they are so opaque.  Nordstrom's carries these if you go in person (though for whatever reason, they don't have these online, except for the LE ones when a new collection comes out). 

So, are these worth it?  In my opinion, yes, but I wouldn't run out of your way to pick one of these up (unless you have the extra cash around).  This is more of an item you ask for your birthday or the holidays; something you already have picked out, and the lucky person just has to pick it up (seriously, I wish my relatives would do that more often for me).

HG 5/5