Huda Beauty Liquid Matte Review

When Huda Kattan announced she would launch "the best liquid lipstick formula ever!", I was excited and at the same time skeptical. Watching her hype the liquid lipsticks up on Snapchat just made me think it wouldn't be that great, and everyone would just purchase for the hype and the name. But boy, was I wrong!

Let me just take a minute or two to appreciate that packaging. A lot of people said she copied Kylie, etc., but I don't find the boxes to be alike AT ALL. Kylie's are just cardboard boxes with separators inside to separate the lip liner and liquid lipstick. The artwork is Kylie's lips with grills (which are actually metallic on the boxes), and the box background is white with drips and information. Huda's outer cover is clear plastic, with her lips printed on it. The actual liquid lipstick is housed in a tray that slides out, and the colour on the inner tray is more representative of the actual colour you will get on your lips. To me, the boxes are very different, but others can naturally have different opinions.

Slide-out trays! So chic.

The bottles are frosted glass and can be laid flat since they are rectangular and not cylindrical.

The liquid lipstick goes on very smooth. It's very easy to spread on to the lips.

Now on to the part you probably care most about - the formula!

Beauty Bakerie Lip Whip Review (Versailles)

Beauty Bakerie honestly has the cutest concept, website, and products. The liquid lipsticks look like they came straight from a candy cane shop. I was intrigued to try a lip whip out after seeing users vouch for them on Reddit, and decided to pick one up.

The packaging is luxe, that much I'll give them. The bottles are made of frosted glass, with an ongoing spiral running up the tube. The handle is matte mint. The boxes are super cute too. Beauty Bakerie tends to change their packaging often, so my tube may vary from yours.

The liquid lipsticks don't have any distinct scent. They just smell like regular liquid lipsticks. No cake scent here. Disappointing since they are supposedly from a Bakerie.

Now on to the formula.

Fall/Winter 2016-2017 Lip Colour Edit (15 Shades!)

Fall is here, and Winter is Coming. You have outfit ideas, know what colours you'll sport, and are getting your accessories ready. But do you have your lip wardrobe fixed up? Fret not, Lipflation is here to help you find your newest Fall/Winter favourite(s)! Get ready to find a few shades and formulas to die for. The swatches are halfway through the post.

Whether you're looking to splurge and treat yourself or looking for a drugstore find, I have you covered.

Vampy shades like berry, plum, and maroon have always been popular choices for Fall and Winter, but this year, shades with grey or ash tones have gained momentum.

No matter what your skin tone, budget, style, or lipstick form preference, I have included all types of options here. In fact, I listed fifteen, and included mini formula reviews! I have included some transition colours as well. Go ahead and find your next favourite!

Sephora Favorites Give Me Some Lip 2016 Review

I hadn't previously purchased any Sephora Favorites Give Me Some Lip sets because I didn't have access to them. When I heard one of my favourite beauty stores would stock it, I immediately felt a pang of joy. I wasn't sure if the shades would suite me, but decided to give it a go anyway because of the full-size Lancome Juicy Shaker.

Those minis are so damn adorable!

This set is for Summer 2016 and comes with 6 lip products - 2 full sizes and 4 minis. The products are listed below:

Full Size:

- Lancome Juicy Shaker in Boom Meringue (lip oil)

- Smashbox Always On in Stepping Out (liquid lipstick)

Minis:

- Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment in Rose (tinted lip balm)

- Too Faced Melted in Chihuahua (liquid lipstick)

- Kat Von D Studded Kisses in Lovecraft (lipstick)

- NARS Satin in Rikugien (lip pencil)

Instead of just talking about the products and value, I wanted to share with you the formula reviews of each of the products you get in this kit. I know a lot of my lovely readers live outside of the U.S. too, so I feel your pain!

Lipland Lip Crayon Review (Kerrina)

I found the brand Lipland through Instagram. I love matte lip crayons, so I was delighted when I saw they had a line of retractable ones. When I went searching for reviews, all I found were reviews from people who got the products sent to them, and had affiliate codes to get a share of sales made through their endorsement. I wanted to buy 5 at once, but decided not to since I didn't know how they would perform, what with the lack of user reviews. I ordered just one in the shade Kerrina because it looked absolutely gorgeous. 

The packaging is really pretty. The matte lip crayon is housed in a long gold tube. The box was wrecked a little during shipping. The lip crayon has a round top which turned flat with use. It is difficult to get definition using the flat top. I would have preferred a pointed or slanted shape.

Kerrina is a nice rusty pinky peach-nude with red tones. The colour is beautiful, and I figured if the colour looks good, I can deal with a bit of dryness.

The crayon smells incredible, like vanilla and chocolate.

And the packaging, shade and scent are where everything good about this product ends.

Dior Lip Glow 004 Coral Review

I am an avid lip balm junkie and enthusiast. To treat myself, I really wanted to try a high-end lip balm, and got sucked into getting the Dior Lip Glow because of the super chic packaging. The tube is what caught my eye. I then found out this changes colour once on the lips. EEK! My mind immediately went to those weird colour changing "mood" lip balms which turned into an absurd, ghastly shade of fuchsia when applied. I still wanted to see what the hype was all about, so I got myself the Coral shade, because my lips are naturally very pale, and I have forever dreamt of having luscious coral pink lips.

Simpli Nikki Lipstick Review (Cassi and Bossi)

Liquid lipsticks are all the rage right now, but let's not forget our classic, traditional lipstick tubes. We don't need to be super careful while applying them, unlike liquid lipsticks, and can reapply with ease. I have been on the search for a great traditional lipstick formula lately, and was super excited to try the Urban Decay Vice Comfort Matte formula out, but I was not very impressed. Then I tried out these Simpli Nikki lipsticks. Did these live up to my expectations? Read on to find out!

The Simpli Nikki mini makeup bag, lipstick in Cassi, and lipstick in Bossi.

Colourpop Ultra Metallic Lip Review (Man Eater and Kween)

Colourpop came out with four Ultra Metallic Lip liquid lipsticks on June 23rd, and I was curious and intrigued because I wanted to try out metallic liquid lipsticks but did not want to drop $18 (price for Kylie's and Jouer's versions) on something I may not like.

I was drawn to two shades - Kween, which is a metallic warm brick red, and Man Eater, which is a metallic rose gold with some brown in it. At $6 a pop ($10 here), these really couldn't hurt to try out.

Kween (top, Man Eater (bottom).

DIY Glitter MAC Lipsticks

You've probably seen these sparkly glitter MAC lipsticks on Instagram and Pinterest. At first sight, almost all of us think this is a cool new collection (preferably named Unicornland), and are then disheartened to find out these are DIY. I really wanted to make some for decorative purposes, but did not want to buy 20 different supplies to make them, so I went the easy route, and the results turned out to be pretty fabulous!

If you would like to make your own using just three things, read on for instructions! Please keep in mind these lipsticks are for decorative purposes only, and cannot be used on the lips. I do hope someone actually comes out with usable ones, but until then, all we can do is display them and swoon!

OFRA Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick Review And Swatches (Mocha, Manhattan, Santa Ana)

Prior to purchasing the OFRA Long Lasting Liquid Lipsticks, all I had seen were rave reviews. Every YouTuber was raving about them, some were collaborating with them, and it all sounded too good to be true. I wouldn't have purchased these because they would be around $26 here and they didn't sound amazing to me, but my favourite beauty store Banglashoppers became wholesalers of these liquid lipsticks and I could purchase them for BDT 1450/- (which is pretty close to the retail price of $20), so I picked three up.

Top To Bottom: Manhattan, Santa Ana, Mocha.

MUA Undress Your Skin Shimmer Highlighter in Iridescent Gold Review And Swatch

I have only used highlighters from mid-range brands up until now. Drugstore highlighters did not previously appeal to me since most drugstore brands can't even get their shimmery eyeshadows right, let alone shimmery cheek products. Is this highlighter actually worth some praise, or simply a pan full of chalky glittery powder? Read on to find out!

I picked this up on a whim from Almas Super Shop for BDT 580/- (£3 at Superdrug, BDT 550/- at Urbanza). I found this on display while shopping for necessities and immediately bought it.

My Thoughts On Hype Marketing And Limited Stock Products

If you don't know what hype marketing is, you are either safe from the beast it is, or simply unaware of it. And if you're very familiar with it, get ready to scream "GIRL YES!" throughout this post (granted we share the same views, of course!).

You've seen it - Jeffree Star's monthly liquid lipstick restocks of different colours each time, Kylie Jenner's 6-second sell-outs, the limited edition Too Faced Sweet Peach eyeshadow palette which Too Faced said they'll likely never stock on their site again, the Violet Voss Holy Grail palette almost never being available unless pre-ordered... the list continues. But what's with all the hype? Is there not "normal" makeup out there? Why are we, as consumers in the beauty industry, so obsessed with these limited quantity things? Why do we lose it when we hear so-and-so product will never be in stock again, that too from brands which likely came to our attention through self-proclaimed beauty "gurus" on YouTube? Are these products really that good?

My HONEST Review of the Kylie Lip Kits (With Proof)

Ah yes, the coveted Kylie lip kits. People go crazy for them, want them for their birthday, and go as far as stealing them from mailboxes. You'd think they are the best liquid lipsticks ever. You've read the title and you probably already know I'm not about to tell you this stuff is made of glitter, candy canes, and all things pretty.

Prior to actually purchasing them, I had read and watched honest reviews, but the reviewers downplayed the main issue with these lip kits, so much so I thought it wouldn't bother me much. What you're about to see may be a little nasty or gross, so if you're very sensitive, you may want to avoid seeing the pictures.

Worth The Hype? Too Faced Sweet Peach Eye Shadow Palette Review and Swatches (WOC)

I managed to snag the Too Faced Peach Palette from my favourite beauty store. They brought in just one piece and I called them up and asked them to keep it on hold for me (which they actually did. Nice people!). Read on to find out my thoughts on the palette, and if it's worth the hype!

The highly coveted Too Faced Sweet Peach Palette

Summer 2016 Glossy Red Lip Edit

The sun is shining bright upon us, and it's time to bust out our bright, glossy lip colours!

This is Part 1 of my Summer 2016 Lip Edits, and in this post I'll be mentioning some oldie-but-goodie red lip glosses and balms I love. These lip glosses and balms are not new to the market; they are simply some of my all time favourites and must-haves for Summer!

YSL Volupte Sheer Candy Review and Swatches (15 Rose Candy and 16 Cherise Desir)

You may have seen these pretty little lip balms in my Instagram photos. I love how pretty the casing is. But is what's inside really all that amazing? Read on to find out!

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick Review and Swatches (Underage Red and Lolita)

If you love liquid lipsticks, you've probably already come across, read reviews of, and most likely purchased a shade or two (or fourteen!) of the Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks. These liquid lipsticks are available at Sephora alongside a plethora of other liquid lipsticks. Are these any better than all the other liquid lipsticks, or are they just okay? Read on for my honest and comprehensive review.

Top: Kat Von D Underage Red

Bottom: Kat Von D Lolita

Melvita Moisturizing Lip Balm Review

The first time I applied this lip balm, all I could think was "What the f*** have I been using all my life?!"

This lip balm is KILLER. It's smooth and creamy, and glides on the lips in the dreamiest way possible. It's not sticky, glossy, or goopy. I apply a lot so it can look a little shiny on my lips, but it's not very glossy. I should mention I hate glossy balms and love creamy balms, so this formula works for me.

The main ingredient in this lip balm is argan oil.  The argan oil helps moisturise my lips and feels light and lovely. However, this is too light for night-time use, so I only apply this during the day.

As for the scent, this has a very light, pleasant, heavenly smell. I can't really put my finger on what it smells like, but all I can say is it's a very pleasant smell. In fact, half the reason I reapply so much is because it smells divine!

The tube is pretty amazing. The lip balm stick comes in a lipstick-style tube which looks very classy. The lipstick shape is also great because it's so easy and hygienic to apply the balm. No messy fingers!

As for ingredients, this lip balm is all natural and does not contain chemicals or mineral oil/petrolatum. 

I swear you will not understand how great this is unless you try it yourself. I am completely in love and this is my new holy grail daytime lip balm. I will repurchase every time I run out. Absolutely no complaints. I definitely recommend this lip balm, because it's honestly the best I've ever used!

I purchased mine for £8 from Naturisimo.

L'Oreal Collection Star Pure Reds Li Bingbing Review and Swatch

L'Oreal India has been collaborating with their brand ambassadors to create custom lipstick shades for quite some time now. The first product I got from their Star Pure Reds line was Li Bingbing's shade Pure Fire.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Cream and Lip Care Stick Review

If you know of the benefits of Vitamin E for skin but don't want to pierce a pill and slather oil all over your face, skincare products with Vitamin E are a great option.

I have been using the Vitamin E Lip Care stick for a month (purchased on 20th February and it's now 22nd March). I have to say it's one of the BEST lip balms I have ever used! It's waxy, non-sticky, and silky. It applies very smoothly and moisturizes my lips like nothing else. I apply this at night, then exfoliate in the morning, and get silky, soft, smooth lips. What I absolutely love about this balm is it's not glossy, so I can use this under matte lipsticks without losing the matte effect of the lipstick. There is no petrolatum in this, which is always a plus. It has a faint plastic smell which fades away after I apply it. One think that irks me, though, is the stick can feel pretty hard sometimes, so I have to drag it on my lips and swipe it on several times to get a thick layer. But other than that, this lip balm is phenomenal. I bought this for BDT 800/- from Cosmic Jovian, Jamuna Future Park.

The Vitamin E Moisture Cream is quite oily but doesn't make me sweat. Oily creams usually tend to make me feel warm, but this does not have that effect, which is why I like it. It moisturizes well without giving me that sticky feeling and helps get rid of dry patches. It feels silky on my skin. I don't know of any side effects since I only use this once every three to four days or so. I would definitely recommend this if you're looking for light moisturization. This cream actually belongs to my mom, but we don't mind sharing! 

I really do like these two products from The Body Shop's Vitamin E range and will probably repurchase the lip balm again. I will also be on the lookout for new products from this range.

Have you tried these? Did you feel these are moisturizing, or were you disappointed? Let me know in the comments!

Burberry Lip Velvet Long Wear Lipstick in Military Red Review and Swatch

Even though liquid lipsticks are all the rage right now, every woman needs a traditional classic red lipstick in her makeup collection. Although I love my Ruby Woo to death, Burberry Military Red is a lipstick that comes off as uniquely beautiful to me.

Burberry's Lip Velvet line boasts a matte velvet finish, smooth feel, and long wear. But does it live up to its claims?

IONI Cosmetics Lipinphatuation Matte Lipstick Review and Swatches

IONI's Lipinphatuation matte lipsticks are, according to me, the most underrated lipsticks ever. They deserve so much love, yet I don't see many lipstick lovers raving about this product. I would actually go out of my way and say this is one of my favorite lipstick formulas. Read on to find out why I think this deserves a spot in every woman's makeup bag!

EOS Smooth Sphere Lip Balm Review

This is my first ever EOS Smooth Sphere!

This is the Summer Fruit version. It smells wonderfully tropical, like watermelon and coconut.

It smells so good, I've already reapplied three times just for the scent! I have dry lips so I'm supposed to apply lip balm often, but never get around to it. With this heavenly scent, I'm sure this'll be one I reapply often!

It's very light and not thick, goopy, or tacky. It's waxy so I'm guessing this would be great as a base for lipstick. I'll be using this as my daytime lip balm since I don't really see this as being a night-time treatment. Besides, I'd probably get cravings at night if I had this on!

EOS lip balms are all natural and 95% organic and contains no scary chemicals or petrolatum, which is always a plus!

Needless to say, the packaging is super cute. Application isn't too difficult either. I can see myself purchasing more of these in future!

I purchased mine from MAC Cosmetics BD in Plaza A.R. (Third Floor) for BDT 500/-.