lipstick

New Beauty: 4U2 Cosmetics

Happy Monday! I hope the week has kicked off well for you guys; lots of motivation and good vibes, yes?

I'm feeling rather determined to have a good week, especially since The Bloggers Blog Awards are this weekend and I'll be catching up with old friends too. Last week kept trying to drag me down truthfully, and I'm hoping this week goes a lot better!

I was recently lucky enough to be sent some of 4U2 Cosmetics Lipaholic lipstick collection* and I can't tell you how thrilled I was opening my post that day! Just look at all those beautiful shades. There's almost something for everyone, so I felt spoiled for choice.

Each day I wake and get dressed; I decide who I want to be that day. Sometimes I'm the colourful girl with the loud prints and the bracelets and the POP of purple of my lips. Other times I'm hiding in layers of Tshirts, hoodies, hats and a nude lipstick that makes me feel dressed, but also hidden. Every single day we can make choices about who we are, how we will look, how we will feel, how we decide to present today's version of ourselves to the outside world.

It's kind of magical actually.

Last week I stuck to three versions of myself, using Living Nature lipsticks from Botanical Brands that were sent to me. I tested myself, I set a challenge. I was not only going to review these beauty products as I normally would; I was going to really take note of who I was wearing each one, and how it made me feel.

Because I often find we don't take enough time to stop, assess and appreciate the little things.

One of my favourite things in the world, is trying out new makeup. Finding a whole new brand, or simply trying a new range from your favourite brand, can be just awesome can't it?! If you don't agree, I just can't relate sorry, haha. I'm a makeup fiend. I want everything, and I want it now. I'll try anything, from Primark's little range, to high end lippies that cost more than my weekly shop. It's good for the soul, I reckon.

Recently I was contacted about the House of Fraser beauty range (something I'm already a huge fan of!) and was asked if I'd like to try anything? Erm... YES. Yes I would. Now as tempted as I was to run to my favourites; Urban Decay and MAC, I forced myself not to. Sometimes it's good to try new things. So I opted for two brands I've actually not tried at all before. The two Laura's in fact; Laura Geller and Laura Mercier.

My two favourite beauty products ever, are foundation and lipsticks; they're just THE BEST THINGS. Plus I love growing my collection of each (one day I'll share my lipstick collection, I'm pretty impressed with it tbh).

I'm the type of person who loves a bright lip; the bolder the better. Give me a powerful red or a deep gothic purple and I'm a happy girl. I'll try out every orange, pink and even blue under the sun. However, there are plenty of times I need a good, subtle daytime sorta' lip too.

If I'm going to a restaurant, for example, there's no way I'll be wearing a Ruby Woo no matter what staying power it promises. Eating, food, drink, a bright lipstick and me just don't mix. I'd end up with it smeared across my face, or I'd be too worried about it to eat comfortably.

Then there's those times I'm nipping the local shop first thing Sunday morning. Sure, a lippie that packs a POW is great; but when it's teamed with the first leggings you can find and yesterdays tshirt - it sort of doesn't look great. So enter, the casual daytime lippies.

I'm guessing you guys already know I love a bright colour, right? If not, I'm doing something very wrong here. Whether it's my makeup, my hair, my clothing or even my tattoos; a bold colour will always go down very well with me. So when Kiss Cosmetics* sent me one of their brand new products ready to review, I jumped at the chance!
Can we first and foremost talk about the packaging? I know it means nothing in terms of how good a product is, but it is our first impression into the care and quality. And let's face it, we're all suckers for something that draw in the eye.

kiss cosmetics lipstick purple osculate orchid

This bright,bold, bubblegum-esque lipstick is a heavenly addition to my makeup collection, and quite fitting for someone as colourful as I. I honestly did a little 'squee' for Kawaii girls everywhere when I opened the package and seen it.
Next up; The smell. Yes, you read that right. I noticed as soon as I applied it, that it had the most beautiful scent for a lipstick; which I don't think I've experienced with others before. It's hard for me to describe, but I think 'sweet' is as close as I can come to doing it justice. And no, not sickly sweet or cheap like those terrible lipsticks you'd get free with magazines as a kid. Oh the nostalgia...
The pigmentation is simply amazing, especially considering this is a lipstick that will be available for only £7! No need to keep reapplying with this bad boy, one quick swipe and you're ready to go. It is bold and beautiful; so basically everything I want in a lipstick. The exact shade is 'Osculate Orchid' which is a dreamy deep purple with a pink undertone.

kiss cosmetics osculate orchid lipstick swatch

The creamy, rich formula worked wonders on my lips; which tend to be quite dry. The power behind my pout felt immense as I wore this at the weekend, and very me. I'm quite the sucker for a purple lipstick anyway, and this has fast become my favourite.
The KISStick Osculate Orchid is going to be available from 20th May so be sure to visit the website and nab one up quick!
It's an exciting shade from an exciting brand, and I'm definitely going to be purchasing a few products from them in the future.

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