NARS - Schiap Lipstick

I had this lipstick sitting in my stash for over a month before I finally wore. It seemed too bright and in your face to wear to work so I had to wait for a weekend that I felt like wearing it. I wish I hadn't waited that long.

Schiap is a beautiful hot pink. What used to be my type of lipstick, before I started working and became a boring lipstick wearer. Sometimes bright lips can be just too high maintenance for an on the go work environment. 

Schiap is described by NARS as a 'shocking matte pink'. Yes to the shocking pink part but I would consider it a semi matte finish. The longer it wears the more it dries down but it is not fully matte, there is still a slight creaminess to it. This lipstick is super pigmented, the swatch at the end of the post is two swipes. 

I was really impressed by how well this lipstick wore, over a full day I only touched up once and that was after eating lunch. It wore off evenly too which meant not ugly line left around the lips. It just faded evenly, so it still looked good even though the colour wasn't as strong. 

Application of Schiap is super easy, it has a very creamy texture that makes application smooth and even. I applied two layers, blotted and applied another layer to put the shine back. I didn't use a lip liner and experienced no problems with bleeding or smudging. 

Overall, I am really in love with this lipstick. It looks amazing on - really brightens up my face and looks polished. It's the type of lipsticks that you get complimented on (and I did within an hour of being out). It is comfortable to wear and looks good the whole time.

Schiap would be one of the brightest pinks I own (and I own a lot of them). None of my lipsticks are quite the same shade; they are a bit more fluro and slightly paler. Schiap happens to be one of the most comfortable too and has the best wear. 

If you are looking for a pigmented, easy & comfortable to wear bright fuchsia pink lipstick I highly recommend you check out Schiap. It is like nothing I own and I am so happy to have it in my stash. 

Schiap can be purchased from Mecca Cosmetica for $39.00.

Is Schiap a lipstick you would rock?

What's your favourite bright pink lipstick?

Makeup Empties - #1

Since I decided not to do regular empties posts, I haven't been keeping all the random beauty products I finish up, but I have been keeping all my actual makeup empties. It has been really satisfying to see the empties pile up! These empties are for the first three months of 2014, I am planning on making these empties posts a quarterly type of thing. 

Chanel Perfection Lumiere Foundation

This was my first 'high end' foundation and when I pretty much started my love affair with Chanel Beauty. I first reviewed it HERE, way back in January 2012. The review still stands, I loved this foundation right up until I finished it. It is medium-full coverage with a matte finish. I have found it a perfect foundation for work. Sadly the bottle design doesn't allow you to get out the last few drops of foundation, which feels like a waste. I may repurchase in the future but first I want to try the newest Chanel foundation - Perfection Lumiere Velvet. 

Clinique Superbalanced Powder Makeup

I purchased this foundation back when I was obsessed with Clinique (before my Chanel love affair). This was a fantastic powder foundation - natural with a light-medium coverage. I loved the grinder in it, you only shaved off the amount of foundation you needed each use. This made it much less messy than other powder foundations. Sadly, this product has been discontinued!

YSL Touche Eclat

I purchased this at the height of the hype surrounding it. I understand why some people hate it and why some people swear by it. It didn't always work for me but when it did it was amazing! The trick is to know where to apply it and to not overuse it. I will repurchase (after my current spending ban is over). 

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Treatment Concealer

This was a quite good concealer but I absolutely hated the sponge applicator. I think mine was defective as the concealer used to come out the side of the sponge, it was so bad I ended up removing it. The actual concealer was good and I would consider repurchasing it when it is on sale. 

Guerlain Meteorites Compact Pressed Powder

This powder has the most amazing compact and was beautifully scented. The powder was a great product, it set my foundation and removed any shine but never looked heavy or cakey. I will repurchase this soon. In the meantime, I am considering pressing another powder into the empty pan. The compact is too pretty to waste. 

Lancome Hypnose Star Mascara

This mascara is long overdue for its trip to the bin. Sadly this mascara didn't really work for me. The brush just picked up too much product and clumped up my lashes. I prefer the Doll Eyes version to this. 

Covergirl Clump Crusher Mascara

Really sad to see this mascara empty! I loved it. My lashes looked long and thick with absolutely no clumps. The brush was really easy to use and gave great results. I would repurchase, once I have made a dint in my unopened mascara stash. 

Revlon Luxurious Colour Kohl Eyeliner

This eyeliner came in a sample box ages ago. I really liked this liner, it is like a powder in a pencil. Very dark and matte black. Easy to apply and wore well. I think this liner has been discontinued but it has a very similar formula to the Kevyn Aucoin Eye Pencil. 

Benefit Instant Brow Pencil

I enjoyed using this brow pencil and it seemed to last for ages. It was quite a soft, waxy pencil which was easy to apply and the medium shade was a good match for my brows. Because it was so soft, applying too much did happen but a quick brush through with the spoolie on the other end and you were good to go. I would consider repurchasing but lately I am having a moment with firm brow pencils (hello Shu & Kevyn). 

YSL Volupte Sheer Candy

If I am completely honest (and I always am here), this is really just a glorified lip balm. The colour is almost non-existent and the moisturising properties aren't that great. The packaging looks great when you whip it out but a bit of a disappointing product. I would rather spend my money on the original Rouge Volupte formula. 

Face of Australia Big Volumising Lash Mascara

For the $6 I paid for this mascara, I was impressed. It gave me big lashes and lengthened them well too. I love the fluro orange tube (it was very easy to spot). It did seem to dry up quite quickly though. I will possibly repurchase, if it is still available. 

I am currently on another self-enforced spending ban and am really proud of myself! It has been almost six (SIX!) weeks and I have not purchased any makeup!! In total my spending ban will go for ten weeks and end the day before my birthday (perfect timing). It has been great to not spend all my money on makeup. My bank accounts are looking much healthier and I am more comfortable with my relationship with makeup hauling at the moment. It is more of a love and less of an obsession that it has been. Anyway, I'll keep you up to date on my progress, wish list and inevitable birthday haul. 

What products have you emptied lately?