Orange Is The New Red: Some Oranges I Love and One That Made Me Go What?!

 

Who am I kidding, red will always be my lip color of choice, but as it gets really really hot here in California, and as the orange lip trend is spreading like wildfire, I wanted to show you what I reach for when I want an orange lip. And to end...an orange lip warning of sorts.

Surprisingly, these are the only orange lippies that I own, beyond some balms and a Lancome gloss I have practically finished, so any recommendations are welcome in the comments!

From left to right:

Revlon Ultra HD Lipstick in Geranium ($8.99): A gel finish with just a hint of sparkle. A very true orange.

Lipstick Queen Chinatown Glossy Pencil in Chase ($22): Balmy but still gives nice color, this shade runs more pinky/orange.

Beautifully Disney Change Your Fate Lipgloss ($14.95): A sheer orange gloss without sparkle.

NYX Intense Butter Gloss in Orangesicle ($6.99): So pigmented! An orange that leans more red than the other shades.

NYX Macaron Lipstick in Orange Blossom ($6.99): A matte pastel orange. More on this later.

 

Revlon Ultra HD lipstick in Geranium is a recent find. It is the line that Emma Stone is touting all over the television, so naturally I picked it up at Ulta through some type of subconscious marketing. I love the consistency. It is gel-like and buildable with a punchy finish on the lips. Lasts roughly 4 hours on me but I hate the packaging (can be seen in first photo), just plastic and kind of tacky in my opinion. 

 I have had Lipstick Queen's Chinatown glossy pencil in Chase for a while now, and I still reach for it often. I love the thinness of both the consistency and the actual pencil and it feels good on the lips. This is not the most intense orange since it reads a bit pinker on lips, but it is still fresh. I do disklike the smell of Lipstick Queen lippies though--very drugstore/artificial.

The Beautifully Disney gloss in Change Your Fate, named after Princess Merida, is also something I reach for regularly when I want something subtle but not typical pink. This is a sheer look, similar to the Lipstick Queen pencil.

NYX Intense Butter Gloss in Orangesicle is new to my collection, but it much different than the original Butter Gloss formula. The smell is the same, but this is thicker and more like a liquid lipstick than a gloss. As you can see it is full pigment in one swipe and really should be worn with a liner. I think it is a gorgeous bright orange color but because of the thickness does get a bit messy if you over-apply.

NYX Macaron Lipstick in Orange Blossom was something I wanted forever and after looking at swatches, I thought this would be a matte bright orange. Um...who on Instagram is swatching this?? Because this is not what I have seen ladies. DO NOT TRUST THE GRAM. As you can see, this is a sickly sad pumpkin color with extra horrible sprinkled in. Please avoid. I don't know how I can make this work because Ulta accidentally sent me TWO of these when I ordered these so long ago. Help.

What is your favorite orange lippie? Do tell!

The Fair Foundation Files and My Take on a Classic Look for Spring

The extensive testing process is over and I have come to a lot of conclusions about Rimmel's Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation in shade 010 Light Porcelain (retail $4.99 at Ulta, but I received it complimentary from Influenster).

So, what does this wunderkind have to offer us?

• Cheap price tag at around $5 depending on location
• No added fragrance as far as I can tell
• Totally matte
• Fun mousse texture
• Lots of light shades

It claims to offer 'lightweight shine control' as well, but we will get to that claim.

The texture of this is a mousse and is very fluffy, so you will think you need more when you actually don't. A little goes a long way---a lot gets cakey fast. This can be used with fingers, a BB, a flat brush, or a round foundation brush. I have tried all methods and they all basically work the same.

Here is me wearing Stay Matte in Light Porcelain all over my face. It almost covers my hardcore cheek hormonal blemishes, but a little dab of concealer fixes them right up. I just wanted to show you with only this product.

You really need to moisturize and prime well. Even if you have oily skin, this will get into every pore and every fine line. But if you prep well, this can have great results.

My results have been nothing less than spectacular. For over a week, this foundation (Clinique moisturizer and primer underneath) has keep me completely shine/oil free for 12-15 hour days. I have worn this during busy work and school days and I also wore it to a 95 degree day at the Huntington Library (for you non-Californians, it is beautiful, but mostly outside and was hotter than the sun that day). No shine whatsoever. 

But before you go running out and buying this, I have a few words of advice....

This may work for me, but I feel this will probably be a seasonal product for me. It takes a ton of prep time for me to look flawless with it (I have larger pores and my cheeks run drier). Also, I do not see this as 'lightweight'. It certainly isn't heavy, but I would say you can feel it on your skin.

Also keep in mind that this tends to oxidize in my experience about half a shade. If you have a chance, try a test patch on your skin first. Ulta let me return the first shade I bought before the Influenster box with no problem (that shade was Light Ivory, the next one up from this, and ran too yellow).

Overall: If you are drier on at least 50% of your face or have a lot of fine lines, this might be a nightmare for you. Oily girls...grab this and throw away your blotting linens forever.

Now, onto the fun stuff...I decided to make a look for Influenster and @RimmelLondonUS for the #StayMatteSwitch movement.

This is my twist on a classic look---for Spring! Substituting my normal red lip for something pinker and of course, matte skin!

What I Used:

1. Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation in Light Porcelain ($4.99)

2. Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Creamy Natural ($4.99)

3. Clique Cheek Pop blush in Peach Pop ($21)

4. Benefit They're Real Mascara ($23)

5. Josie Maran Argan Creamy Concealer Crayon in Fair ($20)

6. Nude browbone shadow from Wet N Wild 'Drinking a Glass of Shine' Palette ($4)

7. NYX Collection Noir Liquid Black Liner ($5.99)

8. Benefit Gimme Brow in Light/Medium ($22)

9. Lipstick Queen Chinatown Glossy Pencil in Chase ($22)

This is a routine I rely on for early morning to still feel fun and fresh

1. Prime, get that foundation on your face---any way you like---and then conceal!

2. Set with powder

3. A little blush on the apple of your cheeks. Something dewy works well!

4. Curl lashes and apply mascara

5. A nude matte wash of shadow on your lid is simple and a no-makeup look

6. A liquid liner baby cat eye keeps things classic

7. A hint of brow keeps things looking put together

8. And a glossy coral pout keeps things fresh!

What is your go-to Spring look?

Medieval Beauty by Lipstick Queen

I know I show a lot of red lipstick here at Pretty Panda, but it is something I wear everyday. Although I love the bright, bold reds, I know some people are shier when it comes to this tricky shade. I found the perfect my lips but better red shade that wears like a balm and will make you feel like a medieval beauty.  

 If you like sheer reds, or just really want to be the star of you own medieval story where you overcome all odds to be with that prince or princess, or maybe just slay dragons, whatever you like...wear Lipstick Queen Medieval while doing so! 

 

This shade was based off of the idea that since lipstick in the medieval period was a sin, women sucked on lemons to bring out their natural lip color. This does that for you, but without the pain. Only Vitamin E and pigment, Medieval wears on the lips like a second skin. The packaging is gorgeous, and it can transport you back in time (even if only in your head).

 

 

There are a lot of products out there that can give you this color...and many of them are much cheaper. At $22, this is pricey, but the formula is easy to wear. This certainly isn't the only red MLBB sheer tint around, but it is a fun one.

 

 

The lipstick itself looks much more vibrant, but it has this almost jelly-like quality that smooths out lip lines and makes you look like you aren't even trying. Natural beauty is the best anyway!

 

 

If you know me at all, you know this is very low on the pigment scale for me. Above is one swipe on my lips, but it creates this slightly glossy, almost juicy finish that I am in love with.

 

I'm taking a break from my high power pigments to look like a medieval princess for a while. Will you?

 

 

Medieval Beauty by Lipstick Queen

I know I show a lot of red lipstick here at Pretty Panda, but it is something I wear everyday. Although I love the bright, bold reds, I know some people are shier when it comes to this tricky shade. I found the perfect my lips but better red shade that wears like a balm and will make you feel like a medieval beauty.  

  If you like sheer reds, or just really want to be the star of you own medieval story where you overcome all odds to be with that prince or princess, or maybe just slay dragons, whatever you like...wear Lipstick Queen Medieval while doing so!  

 

This shade was based off of the idea that since lipstick in the medieval period was a sin, women sucked on lemons to bring out their natural lip color. This does that for you, but without the pain. Only Vitamin E and pigment, Medieval wears on the lips like a second skin. The packaging is gorgeous, and it can transport you back in time (even if only in your head).

 

 

There are a lot of products out there that can give you this color...and many of them are much cheaper. At $22, this is pricey, but the formula is easy to wear. This certainly isn't the only red MLBB sheer tint around, but it is a fun one.

 

 

The lipstick itself looks much more vibrant, but it has this almost jelly-like quality that smooths out lip lines and makes you look like you aren't even trying. Natural beauty is the best anyway!

 

 

If you know me at all, you know this is very low on the pigment scale for me. Above is one swipe on my lips, but it creates this slightly glossy, almost juicy finish that I am in love with.

 

I'm taking a break from my high power pigments to look like a medieval princess for a while. Will you?

 

 

Lipstick Queen Big Bang Theory Gloss in Energy: Swatches and Review

Okay...I was lured into this gloss the second I saw it. It was red, sparkly, had an interesting shape, is space-themed, and by Lipstick Queen...oh and did I mention it was red? Yeah, just the first criteria alone did it for me. I was a lost cause. But did I get blinded my the galactic light? 

 *Note there is a little discrepancy as the packaging says Big Bang Illusion, but it is marketed as Big Bang Theory gloss...* This gloss comes in 8 gorgeous colors for $22 and every one is named after a part of Poppy King's 'Big Bang Theory' about fuller lips. Basically, this gloss is supposed to give you the full, pouty lips your long for without the stinging, tingling, or burning of other actual plumping glosses. 

 The packing is really sleek and pretty, but a little on the awkward side as the wand is very long and the doe foot brush is very small. This gives you great control, but it doesn't pick up much product, so I had to go back a few times to get full coverage on my lips. 

 I have to say, I was a little teensy bit disappointed when I swatched Energy for the first time. In the tube, it looks like a metallic red, blow-my-mind-away sparkle galaxy extravaganza. But on my hand...just...eh?  

 

On my lips...pretty, but lacking the wow factor I craved. However, I won't write this gloss totally off. It truly does make my lips look full and moisturized. It was also comfortable to wear once I got enough on my lips, had decent staying power (a couple of hours), and was very shiny.

 

Overall...Lipstick Queen Big Bang Theory Illusion Gloss didn't blow me away with the red option (but I do have high standards when it comes to reds now, since I have too many to count); however, I will be checking out their neutral colors. I think I was too caught up in the look of the red to realize that the nude shades we pretty as well and probably really do the formula more justice.

 

If you are looking for a solid red gloss---Energy is for you, but if you have an arsenal of red lipsticks and glosses, this is nothing out of the ordinary.

 

Lipstick Queen Big Bang Theory Gloss in Energy: Swatches and Review

Okay...I was lured into this gloss the second I saw it. It was red, sparkly, had an interesting shape, is space-themed, and by Lipstick Queen...oh and did I mention it was red?   Yeah, just the first criteria alone did it for me. I was a lost cause.   But did I get blinded my the galactic light?  

  *Note there is a little discrepancy as the packaging says Big Bang Illusion, but it is marketed as Big Bang Theory gloss...*   This gloss comes in 8 gorgeous colors for $22 and every one is named after a part of Poppy King's 'Big Bang Theory' about fuller lips.   Basically, this gloss is supposed to give you the full, pouty lips your long for without the stinging, tingling, or burning of other actual plumping glosses.  

  The packing is really sleek and pretty, but a little on the awkward side as the wand is very long and the doe foot brush is very small. This gives you great control, but it doesn't pick up much product, so I had to go back a few times to get full coverage on my lips.  

  I have to say, I was a little teensy bit disappointed when I swatched Energy for the first time. In the tube, it looks like a metallic red, blow-my-mind-away sparkle galaxy extravaganza. But on my hand...just...eh?  

 

On my lips...pretty, but lacking the wow factor I craved. However, I won't write this gloss totally off. It truly does make my lips look full and moisturized. It was also comfortable to wear once I got enough on my lips, had decent staying power (a couple of hours), and was very shiny.

 

Overall...Lipstick Queen Big Bang Theory Illusion Gloss didn't blow me away with the red option (but I do have high standards when it comes to reds now, since I have too many to count); however, I will be checking out their neutral colors. I think I was too caught up in the look of the red to realize that the nude shades we pretty as well and probably really do the formula more justice.

 

If you are looking for a solid red gloss---Energy is for you, but if you have an arsenal of red lipsticks and glosses, this is nothing out of the ordinary.

 

Lipstick Queen Chinatown Glossy Pencil in Chase: Review and Swatches

The chubby lip pencil craze does not look like it will be dying down anytime soon, but recently my Ulta got in the Poppy King Lipstick Queen line and I had to try for myself the chubby balm pencil that started it all. And I am really, really glad I did! 

 The shade I picked in the Chinatown Glossy Pencil was Chase, which is a gorgeous bright pink. For $22 you get the pencil and a sharpener. The packaging is also to-die for awesome; Poppy did not neglect any little detail here and for that I am appreciative! 

 

Now, if you haven't seen the movie Chinatown, I suggest you do. Yes, now it may be a tad hipster, with everyone thinking Film Noir is awesome (because it always has been)...but I think beauty bloggers can really appreciate this film, because let's face it, we just get aesthetics.

 

Anyway, watch it when you can, and I promise it will make the packaging of these Glossy Pencils that much cooler.

 

 

This is the back of the packaging. I'm in love.

 

 

The actual packaging of the chubby Glossy Pencil is shiny and black, with the Lipstick Queen logo. The sharpener is similar. The fact that you have to sharpen these may be annoying to some people, but I don't mind, especially because now I have a designated sharpener for the purpose.

 

 

This is a cool detail on the back of the pencil. Fits right in with the theme of the packaging. Besides the obvious Chinatown reference, it also slightly reminds me of Bladerunner, or Firefly, but that is reference for another time. 

 There are a ton of pretty colors in the Glossy Pencil range, but Chase caught my eye because of the vivid pink hue. I usually gravitate towards reds, but I knew I had to have this one! 

 

These are definitely glossy, and they feel like a slightly thicker balm on the lips. They are really comfortable to wear and can be built up in opacity, although I find a normal application is enough for stunning color. These last about 3.5 hours on me and leave my lips feeling good--not chapped at all.

 

 

This is one swipe of the Glossy Pencil on bare lips. Such a pretty color. Fades evenly as well. Smells like...well, lipstick, so nothing special there.

 

Overall, I think there is a reason Lipstick Queen is sometimes labeled the best at making these chubby Glossy Pencils. They really are awesome! Some may find they don't like the sharpening aspect, but if you can get over that, give these a try!

 

Panda Approved.

  

Lipstick Queen Chinatown Glossy Pencil in Chase: Review and Swatches

The chubby lip pencil craze does not look like it will be dying down anytime soon, but recently my Ulta got in the Poppy King Lipstick Queen line and I had to try for myself the chubby balm pencil that started it all.   And I am really, really glad I did!  

  The shade I picked in the Chinatown Glossy Pencil was Chase, which is a gorgeous bright pink. For $22 you get the pencil and a sharpener. The packaging is also to-die for awesome; Poppy did not neglect any little detail here and for that I am appreciative!  

 

Now, if you haven't seen the movie Chinatown, I suggest you do. Yes, now it may be a tad hipster, with everyone thinking Film Noir is awesome (because it always has been)...but I think beauty bloggers can really appreciate this film, because let's face it, we just get aesthetics.

 

Anyway, watch it when you can, and I promise it will make the packaging of these Glossy Pencils that much cooler.

 

 

This is the back of the packaging. I'm in love.

 

 

The actual packaging of the chubby Glossy Pencil is shiny and black, with the Lipstick Queen logo. The sharpener is similar. The fact that you have to sharpen these may be annoying to some people, but I don't mind, especially because now I have a designated sharpener for the purpose.

 

 

This is a cool detail on the back of the pencil. Fits right in with the theme of the packaging. Besides the obvious Chinatown reference, it also slightly reminds me of Bladerunner, or Firefly, but that is reference for another time.  

  There are a ton of pretty colors in the Glossy Pencil range, but Chase caught my eye because of the vivid pink hue. I usually gravitate towards reds, but I knew I had to have this one!  

 

These are definitely glossy, and they feel like a slightly thicker balm on the lips. They are really comfortable to wear and can be built up in opacity, although I find a normal application is enough for stunning color. These last about 3.5 hours on me and leave my lips feeling good--not chapped at all.

 

 

This is one swipe of the Glossy Pencil on bare lips. Such a pretty color. Fades evenly as well. Smells like...well, lipstick, so nothing special there.

 

Overall, I think there is a reason Lipstick Queen is sometimes labeled the best at making these chubby Glossy Pencils. They really are awesome! Some may find they don't like the sharpening aspect, but if you can get over that, give these a try!

 

Panda Approved.