Review: Topshop Lipstick in Rio Rio and Tease

I love lipstick... maybe a little too much... I'm probably addicted... ok, I'm definitely addicted and it's a problem. 

There, I said it.

I recently purchased two new lipsticks, to satiate my addiction. Having never tried Topshop lipsticks before, I was eager to try them out. With the greatest of restraint, I selected (aka: limited myself to) two gorgeous colours - Rio Rio, a beautiful orangey-red and Tease, a vibrant hot pink. These lipsticks were about €12, from what I remember, or £8 and can be ordered online here:

Rio Rio
Tease

As these were my first Topshop lipstick purchases, I'm not sure if this is applicable to all lipsticks, but these two shades are wonderfully moisturising with fantastic colour pay-off. Overall, I find that they are very comparable to MAC lipsticks but for a much more reasonable price.

Rio Rio

Rio Rio is a beautiful red lipstick, with subtle orange undertones.

I know red lipstick can often be overwhelming, and a lot of people avoid it as a result. However, I think Rio Rio would make a perfect lipstick for those ladies looking for a starter red, as it isn't overly dramatic. 

Personally, I love red lipstick and find it great for a night out to dress up an otherwise casual outfit. However, Rio Rio is a lot more versatile than other reds, and is very wearable during the day. The shade is very flattering, and the finish is a gorgeous satin matte but the lipstick is very moisturising. I also find that the colour tends to last for hours, even on a night out with eating, drinking and dancing.

In summary, this lipstick is definitely in my top five favourite lipsticks of all time.

Tease

Tease is a gorgeous, vibrant, Barbie-esque pink lipstick.

I absolutely adore bright pink lipsticks, but I often find them difficult to wear, give the usual blue undertones and my (relatively) pale complexion. However, during the summer, when I get a bit of colour, I find myself gravitating towards them... it might have something to do with the sunshine too.

As with Rio, I find this lipstick really moisturising, the pigmentation is phenomenal, and the colour lasts for hours. It is perfect for a night out as it really dresses up an outfit, and pairs beautifully with somewhat understated eye makeup (usually, I just go with a splash of Rubenesque by MAC, some winged black eyeliner and lashings of mascara).

Unfortunately, Tease is probably going to be resigned to sitting in my makeup drawer for the next few months once my "tan" fades (damn you, Winter) but I will undoubtedly by whipping it out next summer.

Have you ever tried any Topshop lipsticks? Are there any holy grail colours that I should invest in?

Review: Sally Hansen Gel Cuticle Remover

I've recently been having a lot of trouble with my cuticles - they seem to be growing more than usual, and I'm reluctant to snip at them, so I picked up a tube of this cuticle remover from Sally Hansen. 

This product is used for step 2 in the Sally Hansen perfect manicure:

Step 1: Shape nails

Step 2: Cuticle care

Step 3: Strengthen and grow

Step 4: Colour and care

Step 5: Protect and shine

This gel claims to "quickly remove excess cuticles" by loosening them, and it contains jojoba extract, kiwi extract and wheat protein to moisturise and deeply condition your cuticles.

Directions for Use

1. Apply a thin strip of gel around the cuticle (see above right)

2. Leave for 1-2 mins (wait longer if needed, but no longer than 10 mins)

3. With flat end of pusher tip, gently loosen and push back cuticle

4. Wash away with soapy water

I applied the product for 4-5 minutes, as I wanted to see a dramatic result!! My cuticles are significantly reduced, following this treatment, and my entire nail feels more moisturised and conditioned. The smell is strong, so I would recommend using this in a well ventilated space. I won't be using this every day, as I think that would be too intense. But I will definitely use it every week or two, to give my nails a treat.

Rating out of Five: ♥♥♥♥

Haul: New Look and H&M

001. Striped Jumper, H&M - €12.95

002. Striped Tank Top, H&M - €4.95

003. Sandals, New Look - €12 (Sale)

004. Owl Necklace, New Look - €7.99 (Sale)

NOTD: Coral by Barry M

My latest nail polish purchase is the beautiful coral red colour from Barry M.

I usually wear two coats of this polish, but one coat can work too, if you apply it generously. It applies beautifully and dries quickly though, so applying two coats isn't a chore. I adore wearing this during the summer - it looks great when paired with a beautiful tan!!

What do you think? Are you a coral fan?

NOTD: Miss Minty with Barry M Nail Effects

Gosh's Miss Minty is a firm favourite polish of mine, I seem to love anything mint green lately. However, I have recently been pairing it with Barry M's Nail Effects in black. I love how these polishes look together, and people keep asking whether I got my nails done professionally!!

The directions are as follows:

1. Paint your nails in your chosen colour, and allow the polish to dry completely. I chose Miss Minty for my base colour.

2. Apply a single coat of Barry M's Nail Effects all over the nail (as you would with any other nail polish).

3. Allow the polish to dry completely... it will crackle and break as it dries!!

And there you have it... salon finish nails in an instant!!

Style Stalker: Leighton Meester

Leighton Meester oozes casual glamour and sophistication, whether she's waltzing down the red carpet, or slouching around the beach.

Outfit #1

Leighton has paired this beautiful polka dot dress with a sloughy grey cardigan, grey booties and a tan waist belt. Keeping her hair off her face, and wearing minimal makeup, ensures that focus is not taken off her beautiful dress. I absolutely love this outfit.

Outfit #2

Leighton looks cute and stylish in this cream mini-dress, which she has paired with a waist belt, sandals and sunglasses. 

Outfit #3

I think Leighton looks stunning here. Pairing a gorgeous waistcoat with a tank-top and jeans is a classic move, but one that Leighton really works, adding her signature sunglasses to complete the look.

Outfit #4

Leighton looks adorable here, pictured with her puppy. She has cracked out another pair of gorgeous sunglasses, and paired them with some washed out jeans, a grey t-shirt and a tan cardigan. Her hair finishes off the outfit, with cute little plaits keeping it off her face.

What do you make of Leighton's style? Is she a winner for you?