The Damned: TOPSHOP A/W 13 Makeup Collection

I know I blog a lot about TOPSHOP but I do work there so I have a first look at products!

Today I want to have a look at some of the A/W makeup collection. With Halloween a week today it is aptly named "The Damned". I love this collection and I already own a few products from it!

(I haven't had time to swatch these yet, but I hope too as soon as possible)



My favourite product is the Illuminating Face Powder - £14

Everyone should own a finishing powder and this is one of the best ones I've used.

The product has a  delicate fragrance and is beautiful smooth to the touch. To look at the product, at first glance has a shimmer to it and one may think it is a highlighter however, once buffed onto the skin with a powder brush you get no shimmer at all. The product does two things at once, it mattifies (which is great because no-one wants to be shiny) and it also gently diffuses light hitting the face for a perfectly smooth complexion. 

I'd say go and buy this, but be quick as I have a feeling this will sell out quickly!

Cheek and Eye Duo - £12

Named Bitten Cherry the cheek and duo is a lovely addition to the collection. The compact is split into two halves, one darker pink and one a frosty pale pink.

The darker colour works as a contour/blush when used on the cheeks and the lighter side working well as a highlighter. Also the two can be used on the eyelids for a frosty pink delicately smoky eye.

I've not used this product myself but I think has good potential.

Lips - £8

I have reviewed TOPSHOP lipstick before and I will again because they are great. At £8 each I think these lipsticks are a bargain for their quality. The three I've chosen to review are Wicked (left) Called Up (centre) and Ruthless (right)

Wicked is a lovely burgundy colour and comes in a creamy finish and gives long wearing moisture. This colour looks great with a clear gloss, for high shine vampiric drama.

Called Up has more purple undertones and the final colour is a beautiful berry colour. The finish of this product is again creamy, providing moisture throughout the day.

Ruthless is the most dramatic lipstick in the collection. It has a blue base and comes out a really deep almost black colour. Coming again in creamy finish this product won't dry your lips out. I say for ultimate drama apply a couple of layers and finish with a gentle dusting of translucent powder for a matte finish.

Velvet Lip - £10

A new product out there. Velvet Lip is a ultra pigmented lip cream drying to a powdery soft, ultimate matte finish. It comes in three colour Plush (middle) is a gorgeous purple colour. There is also Raven (right) which is a pure black and Velveteen Ribbons (left) a lovely deep red colour. 

These products dry very quickly so you need to apply as quickly as you can. First line the lips with a lip liner as close in colour to Velvet Lip as you can get and then get applying! It takes some practise as it's not like a normal lip colour but once you get it right it will look incredible.

Eye Gleam - £9

I've been waiting for TOPSHOP to make these and I hope they make more colours as I love them. These can be seen as a good dupe for the MAC paint pots. Eye Gleam is a mousse creamy eyeshadow. Coming at the moment in three colours Winter Frost (left) Bronze (centre) and Noir (right).

The products work great as a base for eyeshadows and as stand alone colours. They are heavily pigmented and have great lasting power. Winter Frost is a lovely pearlescent white colour, as well as an eyeshadow smooth a thin layer under the arch of the eyebrow for a cheeky highlight. Bronze does exactly what it says on the tin, a beautiful copper colour gives rich and warm tones. Noir is just amazing! The colour is a beautifully dark, a inky black colour with shimmer. It looks great in the light and creates a dramatic and sultry smoky eye. 

Matte Nails - £6

Matte nails are the most fashionable nails around at the moment. If you're going to paint your nails this A/W then try a matte nail varnish. Keeping in with the Halloween theme TOPSHOP have created a lovely range of deep, rich matte nail colours.

Brutal (left) is a gorgeous berry/purple colour. Drizzle (middle) is a purple-ly based steel grey (one of my favourites, it's so chic) and also Dress Up (right) a gorgeous red colour, get your vamp on!

Whichever shade you choose, you cannot go wrong with a matte nail.

Like I said I love this collection and I'm sure you will too! Let me know how you get on with any of these products if you go and get them!

Much love

R x

which red?

Every little girl has watched their mum put on red lipstick and it is my belief that every woman should own a red lipstick.  However there are so many available to but which begs the question; "Which one do you buy?". 

Buying red lipstick can be scary so the most important thing to think about is finding a shade that suits your skin-tone best. I have compiled a list of skin tones and suggested what colours will go best with this skin tone! I'll also give a few amazing products I have tried and tested myself.

The Skin Tones

Porcelain: Ultra-light skin tone which tends to have cooler undertones. This skin tone looks best with a cooler red. Try one in a plum or burgundy tint. If you're looking for something more daring I'd suggest a warm red.

Fair: A light skin tone with cool undertones also is again suited to a cooler red but don't be afraid to be bold with a warmer toned red.

Beige: A skin colour with yellower undertones which is most suited to a warmer red. 

Olive: Warm reds look best on this skin colour with green undertones. This skin tone is best for a 'true' red as well (think pillar box red/London bus red)

Caramel: Cool reds are most wearable wearable as they will contrast brilliantly with the warmer tones in your skin, but warm reds also look gorgeous too.

Dark:  Cool reds are meant for you, don't be afraid to wear a deep wine red shade as this will look incredible with your skin as it will contrast the warmer tones in your skin.

If you're unsure of your specific skin tone just remember;

Warm Skin Tones: orangey reds, warm reds and brown based reds.
Cool Skin Tones: pink tones of red, berry reds, brick reds, bluer tones of red and plum tones.

The Lipsticks

TOPSHOP £8

I really like this lipstick. They are really well pigmented and come in a variety of finishes including, matte, creamy and velvet. The range has about 6-8 shades with warm and cool tones. My favourite one is probably 'Screen Siren' - it's a really lovely true red and will look great on everyone!

M.A.C £15

I'm ever so slightly obsessed with M.A.C products. Mainly due to their sheer number of shades, not just in red but in every colour! They are richly pigmented and again come in variety of textures and finsihes. They really do have staying power as well, and will last even longer if used with a good lip liner. My favourite shade is "Ruby Woo" it is their classic red shade. Wear it with pride.

Chanel £25

A timeless favourite with many women. Chanel have been famous for making the ultimate red lipstick. There moto; "One red, one style". Yes, it's £25 but it will be a true investment. It has a radiant and satiny finish and brilliant staying power. The shade I suggest; 'Incandescente (97)' as it will suit all skin 

tones and go perfectly at any occasion!

There are of course many other brands to choose from out there but these are 3 that I have used in the past. Feel free to comment below with any other recommendations.

Much love

R x