Matte – Bonita Valli

I’m not big on makeup. Never really have been, but recently, I’ve taken a real liking to the art and would like to believe that I’ve significantly upped my game!! My first love will always be deep, dark, sultry eyeliner but recently I’ve been adulterous and toyed with lipstick and even flirted with foundation. My love affair with the latter is very new and still requires a lot of work, but the real focus of this post is centered on the dynamic and seductive results achieved with lipstick.

My collection of lipsticks is pretty basic and easily broken down into 3 categories:

1. The Neutrals;

2. The Reds; and

3. The Berries.

The Neutrals: This includes MAC’s Modesty and MAC’s Shy Girl. Both are cremesheen and glide on to moisutrised lips with an effortless stroke. As the names suggest, these classic shades are incredibly humble. The kind of nudes that allow you to slip away just as Prince Charming catches a glimpse of that smile. The Cinderella effect if you like!

L-R: Cremesheen Modesty and Cremesheen Shy Girl

The Reds: Ever making a statement MAC’s Ruby Woo and Russian Red need no introduction. They are who they are, persuasive, intense and rich…. Fiery by nature! I must admit, the matte nature of these reds could be as detrimental as they are passionate and although both last for unimaginable hours, they dry out my lips leaving a chapped and hideous residue. I find that an intense exfoliation exercise needs to be carried out ahead of application.

L-R Matte Ruby Woo and Matte Russian Red

The Berries: These are my Prima Donnas! Need I say more? Diva is a matte finish but my all time favourite, Rebel is the perfect satin finish. She’s the right amount of edgy and announces herself upon arrival. Best of all, Rebel’s satin finish makes it easy to re-apply and goes with almost any skintone!

L-R: Matte Diva and Satin Rebel

You might have noticed that I was silent on my Topshop ‘Partition’ right at the back of my lipstick line. That’s because I’m still trying to figure it out. I’m not sure how long it lasts but I must say it’s an easy application.

Addicted to (MAC) lipsticks? Do tell!!!

xXx

Ps: Shout Out to Oyinkan (office intern aka APC!!!) for inspiring this post and stealing my Shy Girl!

Pps: Music Update!!! Currently addicted to Ellie Gouldings “Love Me Like You Do”, Ariana Grande’s “One Last Time” and MI’s “Mine” ft. WizKid.

My love for shellac died about as quickly as my manicure lasted- 8 days! My nails grew out quicker than I’d ever realised leaving an unattractive gap between my cuticle and my manicure. Like that wasn’t bad enough, I got the highly unattractive bubbles that occur if a shellac manicure isn’t done properly (thank you Apples & Oranges!).

Everyone knows how much I detest the unkempt look and seeing as I could never make it to the salon during the week (I work crazy hours), I got to googling shellac removal at home! Here’s how it’s done:

Tools:

1. Nail buffer
2. Orange/cuticle stick
3. Nail polish remover (or as much acetone as you can possible get in a bottle)
4. Cotton pads/wool
5. Foil paper
6. Hand lotion and Tea Tree Oil

Step 1: Using the nail buffer, file down the gel layer of your shellac manicure until you achieve a matte finish (was so tempted to keep the matte look)

Step 2: Soak cotton cotton pads in nail polish remover and wrap around each nail using the foil as a seal (be careful, the nail polish starts to drip everywhere)

Step 3: Set your timer for 10 mins. I’d suggest keeping one hand free to better manage a messy situation

Step 4: Remove the foil paper. At this stage, the shellac should be cracking/peeling off. Otherwise, slip your nails back in the foil for another 5mins

Step 5: using an orange stick (or cuticle remover in my case) peel off the shellac polish and buffer down nails for a smooth finish

Step 6: wash your hands and apply hand lotion and tea tree oil. Acetone drys out the nails and skin

I was still in the mood for pampering and so decided to use my new OPI texture effect duo (colour: My Current Crush). It’s a liquid sand and so dries with a matte/glitter/sandy finish. The application only requires one base coat and two coats of the liquid sand. No top coat. Amazing!

xXx

Ps: Thank you Ilobe for my new nail polish! Thank you Solape for my Orogold nail kit!

PPs: I did mention, I love nail polish right? and I love pampering! Perfect combination.

Tag: Matte

Lipstick Love

Shellac Homes (Get it….? Lol)