IPSY BAG: September 2014

the September Ipsy bag was all about Street Style and came in a metallic grey studded bag.

1) Crown Brush : Deluxe Infinity Shadow/Crease Duet Brush (C476)
This dual-ended brush offers the best of both worlds. The shadow brush is perfect for applying eye shadow or contouring the eye, while the crease brush is designed to be used dry for defining the eye, or wet for precision concealing. 
size: 1 brush (full size!)
retail value: $17.50 (on sale for $6.99)
promotion: 30% off $25 or more online purchase with code CROWNIPSY30; expires Dec 31, 2014

this duet brush is part of the Infinity series which are made of synthetic fibers. i have not owned any other dual-ended brush prior to this and although it is useful to just flip the brush over when applying eye shadow, it is a tad more difficult to store. if i store it upright, one of the ends is going to get bent... hmmmmm.

2) Hikari : Lipstick in 'Cabernet'

Amp up the color with Hikari’s richly colored lip stick. The high pigmented formula glides on smoothly with a matte finish. Layer this formula to build color for a perfectly enchanted pout.
size: 3.8 g (full size!)
retail value: $13.00
promotion: 30% off online purchase with code HIKARI30; US only; expires Oct 31, 2014

the packaging looks exactly like Be a Bombshell... so i am thinking the two companies buy their cosmetics from the same company and just put their labels on it. the black box and the sticker are exactly the same (check out some Be a Bombshell products here and here).

on the website, "Cabernet" is described as a rich red wine (which sounds about right). in the swatch on my lips, the color is not so pink but a deeper red. it is however, that pigmented - which i really like. i didn't find it drying and it is like the perfect color for fall. love!

3) Pacifica : Natural Eye Pencil in 'Fringe'

These rich water-proof, buttery smooth eye pencils glide on smooth and deliver big color pay off with every stroke. Long-lasting natural formula, provides hours of wear and contains beneficial ingredients great for the sensitive eye area.
size: 0.73 g
retail value: $11.00 (2.8 g)
promotion: 20% off online purchase with code FallBeauty; US and Canada only; expires Oct 31, 2014

the color 'Fringe' is essentially a brown. i haven't used an eye pencil in sooo long, let alone one that was not black. somebody suggested using this for eyebrows... i might just have to try that!

4) Briogeo : Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask

Repair and treat dry, damaged and breaking hair with Don't Despair, Repair!™ deep conditioning mask. Fortified with ultra-hydrating avocado, sweet almond & argan oils, strengthening keratin protein, power-conditioning rosehip oil, soothing aloe, and super hair-essential vitamins B5, D, A, E and biotin. This unique complex of targeted ingredients helps increase hair elasticity and moisture to prevent breakage, promotes healthy shine and luster, and replenishes strength. Comprised of 95 percent naturally-derived ingredients. This product is free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, silicones, artificial fragrances, artificial dyes, and gluten. It is cruelty-free and contains organic ingredients.
size: 29.57 mL
retail value: $26.00 (155 mL)
promotion: free shipping with code IPSYSEP14; US only; expires Oct 15, 2014

i am not one for hair masks but i figured that since i did indeed get my hair dyed recently, i might as well try this. it softened up my hair and i really enjoy the sweet almond scent.

5) Nourish Organic : Moisturizing Cream Face Cleanser with Cucumber + Watercress
This gentle cleanser washes away impurities without drying, irritating or causing redness. Cucumber hydrates and soothes. Watercress, rich in antioxidants, helps protect skin from free radical damage. Alcohol-Free. Gluten-Free. Vegan.
size: 30 mL
retail value: $13.99 (177 mL)
promotion: 30% off any facial product with code IPSY30; US and Canada; expires Nov 30, 2014
the cleanser says fragrance-free but there is a scent to it - which i do not particularly like. maybe it's the watercress? not sure what watercress is supposed to smell like though.

aaaaaand that's it. it is a pretty decent ipsy bag. nothing too fancy but some key mentions include the Hikari lipstick and the Crown dual-ended brush.

AT THIS MOMENT ...
currently listening: anything by Jessie Ware [Wildest Moments / Want Your Feeling | If You're Never Gonna Move / Sweet Talk / Running] 
just watched: City of God
still watching: Doctor Who Season 3
now reading: When God Was a Rabbit

IPSY BAG: December 2013

thought i'd share what i did last last weekend: Harry Potter The Exhibition in Edmonton!! good thing we bought tickets a couple days beforehand because all shows were sold out when we got there. phew! sunday was the last day so i hope you were able to make it if you had wanted to go! 

of course, pictures weren't allowed so here's a photo of a rook chess piece that was just outside of the exhibition area; also some Chocolate Frogs (i got Voldemort - chocolate was very tiny and for $6!) and some House Pins because magically, the four of us that went were sorted (on Pottermore) to four different houses - what are the chances?? worked out soooo perfectly. anyway, it was a fun day! 

i DEFINITELY want to check out The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando!!

andddd polina says to catch up already so here goes!
:)

reminds me of Glymm's bag in August 2012 - same texture, different design!

ipsy's December bag was all about "Celebration" - which was what i was hoping Topbox would be participating in but nopeeeee. let's check it out and find out for ourselves, shall we?

1) Be a Bombshell The One Stick in "Flustered"

An all-in-one multiple stick with a smooth texture. Apply to eyelids, cheeks or lips for the perfect pop of color anywhere.

"Flustered" is a warm bright pink which would be perfect for those who also enjoy lots and lots of glitter. i personally do not and i'm also not really drawn into the whole multi-purpose idea. i find that a color that may be great for lips tend not to be the same color i'd want for my eyelids.

size: 7.3 g (full size!)
retail value: $16
promotion: 40% off online purchase and free full-sized blush [expired Jan 15, 2014; US only]

2) NYX Extra Creamy Round Lipstick in "LSS548 Apollo"
A classic lipstick for all occasions that has a mineral-based emollient formula, beautiful velvet texture, saturated color, and resists wear and smudging.

i own more than 10 of these Round Lipsticks from a large eBay order where i spent hours deciding which 10 i actually wanted so i definitely recall ruling out "Apollo".

"Apollo" is a very shimmery orange and when it is this shimmery, it looks metallic. my skin tone practically screams NO to metallic lip colors. ipsy members received 1 of 18 colors - too bad i ended up with this one. i think it looks lovely on darker skin tones though.

size: 4 g (full size!)
retail value: $4.00
promotion: 35% off online purchase of Slim Lip Pencil [expired Jan 15, 2014]

3) POP Beauty Bright Up Your Life Eye Shadow Trio in "Smokin' Hot"
This palette of hues adds definition & intensity to lids, creating a broad range of looks that complements all eye colours. From brightening bare to sultry smoke, these hues blend smoothly onto the lid, adding a veil of silky luster that will outlive the day or night!

i remember those days when Sephora carried POP Beauty and they had these palettes designed for your eye color... i really wanted one of those! so i was a tad excited when i saw this on my ipsy bag. once i tried it however, i realized why Sephora may have stopped carrying it.

the pigmentation is really NOT there. the white is hardly distinguishable. the grey required a few swatches to even get this color and the black is not ... black. all three are shimmery. the quality just reminds me of kids' makeup.
can i also add how hard it was to open this case? you almost have to dig in your nail to pop this open. be careful of your manicures.

size: 4.35 g
retail value: $24 (for a 10 shadow palette)
promotion: 25% off online purchase [expired Jan 15, 2014; US only]

4) English Laundry Signature Pour Homme and Pour Femme Fragrances 
Signature Pour Femme By: English Laundry
Charming, Delicate & Elegant. Signature opens with quince, complimented by white chocolate and jasmine petals at the heart. For a purely peaceful scent, notes of orris roots, powdery musk and sensual woods have been composed at the base. Available in Holiday Gift Sets, Eau De Parfum, Body Lotion, Purse Sprayer and Pure Oil Roll On.

Signature By: English Laundry
Sophisticated, Masculine & Captivating. Signature is a fragrance with aromatic notes of bergamot, lemon, lavender and cedarwood. Nutmeg and coriander are composed in the middle. Signature reveals a base of sandalwood, vetiver, musk and amber. Available in Holiday Gift Set, Eau De Toillete, 3in1 Shampoo + Conditioner +Body Wash, Deodorant Stick and Pocket Sprayer.

i have never heard of this brand before but the packaging was cute and i liked how it came in a set for both him and her. also a spray top - so much more useful! sadly, the "Pour Femme" one leaked so i had like the tiniest bit left but i can for sure tell you what it smells like since it is all over the other products. seems like this leaking problem was quite common too.

"Pour Femme" is very feminine, very floral. it is not a soft-smelling scent. "Pour Homme" smells fresh and musky.

size: N/A but 2 larger than normal perfume spray samples
retail value: $72 (50 mL) for either scent; "Pour Homme": $84 (100 mL), "Pour Femme": $90 (100 mL)
promotion: free shipping and gift bag with online purchase of $75 or more [expired Feb 23, 2014; US only]

5) Nicka K New York in "NY139 Ripe Apple"
The Nicka K New York is specially designed to glide across fingernails with minimal effort for vibrancy that is dazzling and long lasting. Formula is free of DBP, Toublene, and formaldehyde.

ooooh a nail polish brand i've never heard of! the bottle is quite a unique shape. the color is a very deep red - the photos were taken in direct sunlight so they look like a true red here. i think it would look really pretty on the nails.

size: 15 mL (full size!)
retail value: $4.99
promotion: 30% off online purchase [expired Jan 10, 2014; US only]


so ipsy really is great for expanding your makeup collection - plenty of variety in brands as well as type of products. this month's was a tad too shimmery for my liking and it's unfortunate that the perfume leaked.

IPSY BAG: November 2013

still playing catch up! when will i ever get there??

work has been busy busy busy! lots of year-end stuff to do as well as prepare for an audit.
also, happy chinese new year! i spent the day visiting a couple of temples, walked around a mall and just altogether, spending time with the family.

so as i try my best to catch up, here are my quick thoughts on the November "Glam It Up" bag for ipsy...

1) Be a Bombshell Lip Crayon in "Shameless" 

A glossy lip crayon with a smooth texture that is perfect for travel and touch-ups on the go.

this is described as a burgundy with shimmer. the shimmer is too much for me... it gives off a metallic-like look that i am not a fan of. scroll to the end for more swatches!

size: 2.5 g (full size!)

retail value: $14

promotion: 40% off online purchase and free lip gloss until Dec 15, 2013 [US only; expired]

2) Pixi Beauty Beauty Bronzer in "Subtly Suntouched"

This bronzing powder gives your complexion the warmth and luminosity of naturally sunkissed skin. Hydrating, silky-smooth & long-wearing, it also protects against free radicals. Contains Vitamin E to protect the skin and mica, which provides dense natural pigment.

"Subtly Suntouched" is medium honey tan - we all know how many bronzers i own right? well if you didn't, let's just say too (too too) many. although i've always wanted to try more Pixi products (always tempted by their display at Target), i feel like the price range for this makeup line is too high. maybe it's the shiny plastic packaging? 

size: 3.2 g (full size!)

retail value: $18

promotion: 25% off online purchase until Dec 15, 2013 [US only; expired]

3) EM Michelle Phan Lip Gallery Creamy Color Sheer Lipstick in "I'm Taken All Red-y" 

Inspired by the girl who believes less is more. A fresh tint of just right color for a dreamy pout. Lightweight, creamy texture with sheer, buildable color quality. Silky shine finish and conditioning comfort.

so this was the product that was highly anticipated with Michelle Phan's release of her makeup line. i like the idea of a sheer red lipstick since these can help ease the transition to a full red lip. oh and the name is quite cute. 

but

it looks red in the swatch below but in reality, it is more orange. it's light and shiny on the lips and since it is a sheer lipstick, you can easily remove it with a tissue. more swatches below!

size: 3.5 g (full size!)

retail value: $15

promotion: 30% off online purchase until Nov 30, 2013 [US only; expired]

4) HSI Professional Argan Oil Leave-In Hair Treatment

Discover HSI Professional Argan Oil, the product your hair needs for constant nourishment and incredible shine! The essential nutrients contained in this magic-in-a-bottle product are meant to give your hair a very healthy look, lots of shine and velvet smoothness. Use as a leave-in treatment conditioner, heat protectant or frizz tamer. Suitable for all hair types.

hair oils! that's another thing i have too much of... not much to say here since it's like all other hair oils to me. 

size: 5 mL

retail value: $29.99 (60 mL)

promotion: 50% off online purchase until Dec 20, 2013 [expired]

5) Nailtini Nail Lacquer in "127 Caviar Cocktail" 

Glamour is an attitude as much as a look, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't look the part...all the way down to your fingertips! Just in time for the year's most glamorous season, nailtini is serving ipsters gorgeous nails in two shimmering shades - icy golden Champagne and molten pewter Caviar Cocktail. The perfect finishing touch to glam it up head to toe!

is it weird to say that one of the colors i try to avoid wearing on my nails is grey? i don't know but i just find it a very unflattering color on me. Nailtini describes this pearly polish as a shimmering gunmetal grey. i am putting this in my give away/sell stash though. let me know if you are interested!

size: 15 mL (full size!)
retail value: $13
promotion: 50% off $25+ online purchase and free eyeliner until Dec 31, 2013 [US only; expired]

6) Starlooks Gem Eye Pencil in "GP06 Amethyst"
The Starlooks Gem Eye Pencils provide a magnificent metallic finish and are so versatile, soft, and creamy that they can be used as a liner or eyeshadow base! Each highly-pigmented, unique pencil has a gorgeous, micro-glitter finish.

this eye pencil is really pretty. "Amethyst" is a gorgeous light shimmery purple. it is very pigmented and goes on so smoothly. i like to use it on the inner corners of my eyes but just so you know, the glitter may migrate to your cheeks by the afternoon.

size: 2.4 g (full size!)
retail value: $14
promotion: 40% off online purchase until Dec 15, 2013 [expired]

again, ipsy with plenty of makeup items. i'm not blown away by everything here but mainly because i already have a ton of the same item (i.e. bronzer, hair oil). the Starlooks eye pencil was pretty impressive and the em sheer lipstick isn't bad either.

so yep! random Q - what are you guys hooked on watching these days? i was browsing Netflix and decided to start 'Sherlock'. just finished my first episode and so tempted to just watch another one but i have work tomorrow and each episode is like a movie... hahaha what to do!

REVIEW: Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick in "Rosy Nude"

oh hello there :) 

i got a quick lippie post for you today. 

while i was on the search for some nude colors that will actually look good on me rather than make me look deathly ill, i picked up my second Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick (3.7 g). 

"065 Rosy Nude" was recommended by some darker-skinned vloggers. i am actually pretty light-skinned but since the other nudes that people were recommending were just not working out, i figured that it was time i try a warmer shade of nude.

Revlon remains one of my favorite drugstore lipstick brands. look how pretty the packaging is with the sleek quilt pattern on the side and the colored top.

Revlon does not disappoint with the pigmentation or formula either. the ColorBurst line features lipsticks that are rich in color, lightweight and moisturizing at the same time.
"Rosy Nude" comes off a bit too red-brown for my taste - sort of like a rusty brown color. even though it is darker than i would've preferred, i actually like keeping this in my coat pocket for convenience. ColorBurst lipsticks are so easy to apply that i can use throw it on as i am walking to work. i use it like i use lip balm and the color payoff is a great bonus.
since it is so light on the lips, it does disappear rather quickly and i'd feel it wear off within the hour.

again, i love the lipstick itself but it seems that i am not having any luck with the colors i am choosing.

Revlon Colorburst lipsticks can be found at any drugstore for approximately $5.99.
check out my review and swatch of this lipstick in the shade "075 Peach" here.

quick note about a very generous offer from nailpolishcanada.com:
they are offering those of you that were subscribed to Glymm in the last four months and who had to endure the horrible drama that ensued, a box of nail goodies worth $25 for FREE. this Anti-Glymm Box Box even allows you to pick a nail color, given 3 options :). all you have to do is email them (click on the link for info) with proof of your Glymm membership and they will email you back a code. if you decide to spend at least $25 on other things on the website, shipping is free but if you want just the box, it will cost you $3.
there is a crazzzzyyyy Deborah Lippmann sale right now. need i say more?

REVIEW: Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids Lipsticks

oh Maybelline, you have me hooked!

when i first saw these Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids on store shelves, i knew i was in trouble.
when i saw Jayne post about them and say: "I know you'll get these Helen, you love lippies!!", i was doomed. there was no fighting it, she had already written my fate.

and so, i picked up one last week. then i went back the next day and got another one. and now i am trying to decide which one i want next!

the Color Sensational Vivids Lipsticks (4.2 g) come in the rectangular shape like the other Color Sensational lippies but with a clear plastic orange cap. all of them come in the orange cap so don't let that confuse you :)
there are 8 Vivids available in Canada and 10 in the States - according to the website, we missed out on "Neon Red" and "Hot Plum" but i found "Hot Plum" in stores and not "Brazen Berry" - has anyone seen "Brazen Berry"?

you all know of my love for corals so it's no surprise that i picked up "870 Shocking Coral" and "885 Vibrant Mandarin". the names for these fit the color so perfectly - when i look at my lips, the color definitely screams "shocking" and "vibrant" and i love it! i am not one for bright colors usually but this lipstick line has opened a whole new world for me.

"Shocking Coral" is a beautifully bright pinky coral lipstick. i really enjoy wearing this color which i find is perfect for spring.

"Vibrant Mandarin" is another bright color but in the orange-y red of the color spectrum.

both of these colors are extremely pigmented - it makes me so excited that i can get such great color payoff from a drugstore lipstick. they have a honey nectar formula which i think is why the lipstick also smells sort of sweet. it feels nice on the lips and doesn't feel drying. the color itself lasts a good 4+ hours or until you eat.

for me, i feel like i can't just throw on this lipstick and walk out the door. the lip color becomes such a focal point on my face that i feel the need to balance it out a bit with other makeup.

i took a couple pictures with and without flash to show off the brightness of the colors:

top: natural light; bottom: with flash

with flash - aren't they gorgeous?

here are some arm and lip swatches:

top: natural light; bottom: with flash

if you like it bright and bold, you can apply it straight from the tube to get this look:

but if this is a bit of a step outside your comfort zone, try using a lip brush to control the amount of color you apply to your lips:

i purchased these at Walmart for $5.96 each! what a steal!
i am debating between "Fuchsia Flash" or "Hot Plum"/"Brazen Berry" as my next purchase - should i go for the hot pink or a (gasp) purple?? let me know what you think!

REVIEW: Australis Colour Inject Mineral Lipstick in "Boogie Woogie"

one of the many gifts that my boyfriend picked up for me in Australia included today's featured product: the Australis Colour Inject Mineral Lipstick.

i put the Face of Australia lipstick on my wish list because it was recommended by a friend and it also had SPF 30. i figured i'd try the lipstick line from Australis as well just to see how they compare with their mineral lipstick.

i'll be doing the Face of Australia lipstick review later on since i was in the mood for some color rather than a nude :)

Australis states that the Colour Inject Lipstick (4 g) contains "vitamins, minerals and antioxidants". more specifically, it contains Kakadu plum (which has Vitamin C), Vitamin E and mica. it also has UV protectors such as titanium dioxide. 

the lipstick comes in a black tube with a reflective pink band around the middle. the tube gets wider around the top which is slanted. 

"71040 Boogie Woogie" is a dark pink - it's a very pretty color. it is very pigmented, as you can see by the swatch on my skin. my lips already have a lot of pigment but the pink still shows. i find that the color works well in brightening up my face - in a youthful kind of way, if you know what i mean.

as much as i like the color, i can't say the same for the formula. after a few minutes of applying it, your lips will feel neither moisturized or dry. i felt the need to reapply quite often - the color seemed to fade after an hour. 

and the thing i like least about it? the SCENT. some people like the old lipstick scent but this Australis lipstick is just way too waxy-smelling and it is way too strong. i can smell it while i put it on and also when i press my lips together. when i lick my teeth to make sure i didn't get any on there, it tastes like i've actually eaten the lipstick. 

yuck.

soooo, sadly i don't wear this lipstick often since the scent is a major turn-off. 

Australis Color Inject Lipsticks are $12.95 AUS but seems to be only available in Australia.

what is your favorite pink lipstick? 

SPOTLIGHT: Coral Lips featuring Revlon (ColorBurst and Super Lustrous)

i'm baaaaaaaaaack! sorry for not posting regularly but it is the holiday season! and yes, i am one of those people that still had shopping to do on Christmas Eve.
i hope you all had a fantastic Christmas (and Boxing Day!). i was completely exhausted from all that shopping. this year was the first time i've ever attempted a Best Buy trip when they opened their doors at the wee hour of 6 AM.

getting out of bed is one of my biggest challenges so i made it there at 6:10 AM - which i felt like i totally deserved a pat on the back for. feeling tired, cold and hungry, i found out they were already sold of the camera i was hoping to lay my hands on. guess i should've known - there was a ridiculous amount of cars in the parking lot and i've heard stories of people lining up at 5 or earlier!
so i headed over to Visions instead since they were also selling the same camera but with the Wi-Fi feature and at a slightly higher price. to my dismay, Visions was also sold out by then... BUT they earn an A+ in my book since they are able to order it for me at the same price. hooray! now i just have to wait for their call. guess i know next year i won't have to wake up at such a ridiculous hour to shop!

- - - - -

so back to the subject of this post... this actually has been delayed way too long. i remember mentioning that i picked up a handful of new lippies for my coral collection from London Drugs when they had a $3.99 Revlon lip products sale (it was seriously 6 months ago). i figured i'd finally squeeze this post in before 2013 since "Tangerine Tango" is the color of the year.

if you love corals as much as i do, then keep on reading! i am reviewing 5 coral shades, all of which are from either the Super Lustrous or ColorBurst collection but in different formats or finishes. here we go!

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in "677 Siren" - Creme (4.2 g)

let's start with the brightest color of the bunch - "Siren", an orange-red shade! the name is definitely very well-suited since it is a riskier color. the lipstick comes in a round tube, with a gold "Revlon" band around the middle. the top of the tube is clear so you can see the lipstick inside. the lipstick applies smoothly and evenly. after 5 hours of wear, the color is still vivid but my lips are a tad dry. the cracks and lines on my lips are very visible, as they normally are with bold colors such as this one. i'd make sure my lips are not peeling before using this one!

Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick in "075 Peach" (3.7 g)

this lipstick is very soft, just like the ColorBurst Lip Butters. the packaging of this lipstick is a rectangular quilted black tube with the color indication on the top. when you twist it up, you can also see "Revlon" etched on the lipstick. "Peach" is slightly shimmery and quite similar to "Smoked Peach" (scroll down for swatches!). the lipstick is very smooth and pigmented. the wear time is a little over 3 hours.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in "170 Coral Reef" (5.9 mL)

"Coral Reef" was surprisingly pigmented. i love it when lipglosses have great color payoff! this made me purchase a second Super Lustrous Lipgloss in "Nude Lustre" (which isn't as pigmented). this lipgloss is light and not overly sticky. i love that it also has SPF 15. the color is a very pretty coral that leans pink. after wearing the gloss for about 3 hours, i found that my lips still had the glossy feeling but the color had disappeared.

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in "015 Tutti Frutti" (2.55 g)

the ColorBurst Lip Butters give you the buttery balm feeling while also giving your lips a nice touch of color. the Revlon website says that it gives you "sheer to medium" color - but with "Tutti Frutti", it is definitely not sheer. compared to the others in this review, it is the most orange shade. i really enjoy how effortless it is to put these ColorBurst Lip Butters on and achieve such a strong color. one issue i have with it is that the buttery aspect of the Lip Butter makes the color move around on my lips. it also tends to settle in the dry cracks. after applying the lip butter, there are times when the product won't go back down no matter how much you twist the tube. after 3 hours of wear, i feel that it is not as moisturizing as before and some of the color has faded.
the Lip Butters also come in the same quilted packaging as the ColorBurst Lipstick, but it is slightly transparent and the entire cap is in the same shade as the lip butter inside. the top of the lipstick is also transparent which makes it even easier to tell your lipsticks apart.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in "013 Smoked Peach" - Matte (4.2 g)

the packaging of the matte version is similar to the creme ones of the Super Lustrous Lipstick line. instead of the gold band, it is silver and slightly larger in size. the tube is also a "matte" black instead of the shiny one of the cremes. the color looks very similar to "Peach" (ColorBurst) except it is slightly more pink. even though this is a matte, it goes on your lips easily. however, perfecting the application is difficult since it is hard to get even coverage. after some time, the color looks pretty dry on my lips.

- - - - -

here are the swatches side by side to show you the comparison:

natural light

with flash; in direct sunlight

all of them have great color payoff which is why i am such a fan of Revlon lippies. a few of the colors do look similar to one another in the swatches - such as "Siren" and "Tutti Frutti"; "Peach" and "Smoked Peach". however, they look different on my lips:

these lippies differ in finishes and lasting power. aside from the gloss, "Tutti Frutti" (ColorBurst Lip Butter) has the glossiest finish. "Smoked Peach" is obviously the driest one.
in terms of lasting power, i'd rank them from shortest to longest: "Coral Reef", "Tutti Frutti", "Smoked Peach", "Peach" and then "Siren".
all of the them are unscented except for the ColorBurst lipgloss (smells sweet) and the ColorBurst Lipstick which smells slightly chemical.
for each lip product line mentioned above, there are plenty of other colors to choose from. the Super Lustrous Lipsticks has the most extensive range - i counted 58 color options on their website (not including the mattes)!
current prices for all the Revlon lip products mentioned above are $5.99 on londondrugs.com (did you notice how they vary in sizes though? ColorBurst Lip Butters have the least amount of product in them).

if i were to pick a fave - i'd pick two! "Coral Reef" is absolutely lovely - i love the soft coral shade. i also quite like "Peach". it's a nice everyday color that requires little effort to apply. "Siren" is really pretty when you want the focus to be on your lips.
as much as i like Revlon lip butters, "Tutti Frutti" is just a tad too orange for me. plus, it requires extra effort to get even coverage.
my least favorite would have to be "Smoked Peach" due to its frosty sheen. you can see every single line on my lips! it looks gorgeous on other people though.

so thank you for reading this post! do you have any more corals to recommend me? i still have quite a few in my collection to review but that can come later... i don't think i will be getting any lipsticks in 2013's Color of the Year (it's emerald!).