Limecrime Velvetines In Red Velvet

To tell you honestly, i'm still on the fence when it comes to red lipsticks. I'm getting comfortable with it, yes, much thanks to my MAC Viva Glam 1 but I feel like I want to elevate this penchant to a whole 'nother level. I actually feel the need to just put myself out there and tell the world that i'm no crimson wimp. And what better way to bring it than with the most talked about and coveted matte red lippie: Lime Crime's Velvetines!

Lime Crime Velvetines in Red Velvet

I actually got mine during a Beauty Fair held a few weeks ago at Il Terazzo in Tomas Morato. I've been hearing raves about this lipstick from almost every guru showcasing its key strengths: opacity, longevity and it being transfer-proof. When I arrived at the Beauty Fair, I was welcomed by different makeup booths teeming with metallic red and purple boxes. I also noticed that the kissers of almost all the girls in the crowd donned this color and man, it's screaming a true hue of crimson red. It looks like a shade that's not made for the faint-hearted but for the vampy soul. Since my goal was to overcome this fear, I decided to take on the challenge. When I was attended to by Makeuphub's SA, I didn't go around the booth taking my time on deciding. I just told the SA right away that i'm going to purchase it in the shade Red Velvet. But she told me that they were cutting the price to Php680 a pop as a special offer to the Beauty Fair attendees. When I found out about this, I told her to give me two (both in Red Velvet as Suedeberry didn't look good on me). It was quite a steal actually as it normally retails for Php850 a piece.

The Velvetines is packaged very similarly to a lip gloss as it is a liquid lipstick although the size is tinier. It contains a considerable amount of product, lest you intend to use it everyday then you'll easily run out. The exterior of the tube is frosted which does not compromise the color display of the lipstick. It also comes with a doe foot applicator which is common for liquid lipsticks. That is something that I strongly abhor alright due to sanitary purposes. For obvious reasons, I would appreciate twist caps over such kind of mechanism.

Velvetines' Red Velvet on the left (swatched beside NYX's Soft Matte Lip Cream in Milan)

As for its formulation, it is a liquid lipstick that dries to a strong matte and opaque finish so it doesn't require any liner at all. It stays put, as if you just swiped a coat of lightweight paint on your lips. It almost instantly dries up upon application. The shade Red Velvet, in particular, has a cool blue undertone which makes a huge statement for a look. It matches all skin tones, too! Because it is matte and it easily adheres to the lips, it may have the tendency to emphasize the lips' natural crevices so don't forget to exfoliate and prep first with a balm. It doesn't feel velvety on the lips though, which is a far contrast to NYX's soft matte lip creams (a characteristic that I like). For a glossy finish, you can top it with a gloss of your liking but that defeats the purpose of what this lipstick is trying to achieve.

How Velvetines' Red Velvet looks when smudged (swatched beside NYX's Soft Matte Lip Cream in Milan, which was smudged as well)

One major setback that I have with this lipstick is the application. I still haven't gotten the hang of applying it precisely. I wish that its applicator was more tapered to achieve cleaner lines and sharper shapes. I feel like I need more practice as the edges seem to go uneven everytime I put it on as it's not blendable and it can't be erased easily. My suggestion is to apply the lipstick inwards-outwards with a light hand while making gentle, minute strokes until the lips are completely covered. In case you make a mess, make sure that you have a makeup remover and concealer handy.

Since i've compared its formulation to paint, it could stay forever on your lips if it goes untouched. It's transfer/kiss-proof, which is awesome! You don't need to worry about staining anything or anyone, for that matter. I went around all day with this lipstick on and boy, it didn't smear. It actually triumphed a session of popcorn and soda in the cinema. I excused myself in the middle of the movie to go to the wash room to check if there were traces of my finger licking from the cheesy goodness of the popcorn and I was over the moon to find just the orangey bits of cheese powder. But just like any other product, it also has its kryptonite, which is grease or oil. The middle part of my lips had rubbed off when I ate juicy and oily ribs, which necessitated a major touch up.

Overall, I am in love with this lipstick. It has a great color payoff and its longevity is unparalleled. It never fails to perk up a dull look, I must say. I still think that it's a good buy despite it being a little user-unfriendly. I'm looking forward to trying out its to be born sibling, the Pink Velvet, which will be out this Christmas!

Have you tried Lime Crimes' Velvetines? What are your thoughts?

*Lime Crime Lipsticks are available thru online retailers in the Philippines like Makeup Hub.

www.facebook.com/MakeupHub.NatureleCollezion

Stay Happy,

Khaye :)