#radioactive glamour

[lampropelma-violaceopes]

*develops taste for high end lipsticks while unemployed*

[lampropelma-violaceopes]

I gave my grandmother a blush that's too pale and cool toned for me, completely failing to take into account that she's actually darker and warmer toned than I am. Also, it has glitter in it. She rocks it, though.

[lampropelma-violaceopes]

Thanks to the loveliness that is @navigatorjai, I got to watch What We Do In the Shadows last night, and I can honestly say that it’s the first vampire themed movie I’ve actually enjoyed. I’m not into any of the zombie/vampire/werewolf mythos at all (read: reflexive eye rolling), so it was completely refreshing, while still managing to be poignant unexpectedly.

Today’s First World Problem is being intensely aware that neither of my nude lipsticks is quite the right shade. Hnn.

[lampropelma-violaceopes]

so the first step was to get a haircut since I can’t afford ass-length hair while unemployed

RIP in peace

[lampropelma-violaceopes]

what are your lipstick secrets? (mine always kind of clumps up unless i apply a ton of lipbalm first)

I have really dry and sensitive lips, so I have the same problem unless I stick religiously to my lip care routine, which is:

Lip balm 24/7, especially while sleeping and before/after getting in the shower. I'm currently on an Aquaphor kick, at least until Cherry Culture reopens.

Scrub or mask if I notice my lips starting to feel peel-y - I use Mary Kay Satin Lips, but the same thing can be achieved with a Lush lip scrub, or some sugar mixed with almond oil in the palm of your hand, or even a warm and damp washcloth (gently). I immediately follow with balm.

About 10 minutes before putting on lipstick, I slather on a lot of balm. Then I blot most of it off right before applying. That way, it’s mostly had time to sink in.

If my lipstick wears off during the day, I put on balm, then wipe it away to remove the residual pigment (which is the part that clumps up and is drying, mostly). Then #3.

I usually avoid matte, frost, and metallic lipsticks, as well as most liquid lipsticks, since they’re the ones that are the most drying and trickiest to apply nicely.

[lampropelma-violaceopes]

What are your top 5 beauty products and why? :)

Etat Libre d’Orange Sécrétions Magnifiques - Infamous for causing seasoned perfume bloggers to retch upon the first sniff, I love it because it’s blatantly sexual, yet “industrial” at the same time. It suits me perfectly. I even get the occasional compliment (usually from a man).

Hong Kong Girl topcoat - Penetrates layers of wet polish to dry them almost instantly, gives a plump and super shiny gel-like finish, doesn’t dull holos, and makes my manicures last for between four days and two weeks!

MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Koi Coral - Nude lipcolor is fraught with peril for me because of my weird combination of extremely pale skin, warm undertones, and darkly pigmented lips. Koi Coral registers as a creamy peachy nude that harmonizes perfectly, plus a hint of a reddish reflex for interest.

Garnier Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum - I have very long, thick hair, and keeping it tame is a quite a production. This serum forgives all sins - if my hair needs extra detangling after conditioning, it does that. If flyaways need smoothing, it does that. If my entire head feels parched after a rough day, it even functions as an overnight treatment. 

L.A. Colors 5 Color Metallic Eyeshadow in Ammunition - Everything you need for a smoky eye in a US$1 palette. I usually use something else in place of the lilac shade (generally Sugarpill Frostine), but the rest, when applied properly over primer, are just as usable as MAC. (Or more so; the quality of MAC eye shadows seems to have gone down in recent years.) 

[lampropelma-violaceopes]

Four people have complimented me on my lipstick today, after a lifetime dearth in which literally no one has ever complimented me on my lipstick.

I guess it’s a keeper?

[lampropelma-violaceopes]

The matte lipstick trend cannot be over quickly enough for me.