What’s an unsung makeup hero? For me, it’s an oftentimes underrated makeup morsel, a permanent collection product that scoots under the radar screen of many makeup lovers but regularly rocks my world. The long-running Unsung Heroes series features some of my favorites.
Burnt Spice… That name always cracks me up. I picture the (hopefully it didn’t actually happen, and if it did, I’m sorry) rejected member of the Spice Girls who got cut at the last minute and therefore did not experience worldwide fame and fortune. She still holds a grudge against Baby, Sporty, Scary, Posh and Ginger…
LOL.
Matte rosy brown Burnt Spice MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour adds just enough color to my face without overwhelming whatever else is going on, and it superbly complements smoky and winged eye looks IMO. And bright blush.
It reads as a nude on my NC42 skin #nudelipsforlife #nudelipsforever and may look more lusciously brown and dramatic if you’re a lighter lass.
MAC’s liquid lipsticks are some of my favorites out there because they don’t make my lips peel or crack. I thought I was the only person who was all about them for that reason, but nope! I was texting with my friend Jen, who’s really not even a hardcore makeup person like you and I are, a few weeks ago, and she said that she loves Topped With Brandy. The Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolours are the only liquid lipstick formula that doesn’t dry out her lips, and I was like, “Me, too!” And when a liquid lipstick formula can ignite zeh passion in someone who’s only marginally interested in makeup, you know it’s good.
That was my long-winded way of saying it isn’t drying. ?
It’s all of the good things an outstanding liquid lipstick should be — smooth, opaque, swoon-worthy, pigmented, long-lasting, and easy to apply with the applicator.
I wore it today and made a mental note after I finished a cup of coffee and had a huge handful of Trader Joe’s Honey Wheat Pretzel Sticks that it was still going strong! And it was still going strong three hours later. And it still looked perfect.
If you ever find the formula settling into your horizontal lip lines, there’s an easy way to fix that.
Smile. 🙂
Then, with your lips stretched out, pat the lipstick down with your finger until it looks smooth again.
If the settling thing keeps happening, though, try using less, because you probably only need to use a little of this formula.
I love Burnt Spice all by its lonesome, but I think it’s also super pretty underneath pink or peach glosses. Baby Sparks Dazzleglass is my favorite topper at the moment.
It’s a gem in the permanent line, and you’ve gotta check it out if you’re a nude lip lover.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
This is pretty and I have yet to try that formula!
Hi Rachel,
It’s really lovely. The trick is to apply just a teeny tiny bit, spread it around with your fingers, and then outline the rest of your lips. The less you use the better!
May I ask what skin care you are using? The make up looks great but I have to say I notice your skin looks amazing which is what probably helps the make up look even better. I spend so much on foundation but let’s face it if your skin looks dry and dehydrated no matter how much you spend on the makeup it’s not going to look right!
Hi Jennifer,
I was doing a crazy multi-step regimen in December which was time consuming and ended up breaking me out, and since then I’ve simplified down considerably and have been happy with the results. Nothing too fancy — a gentle face wash, oil-based makeup remover (at night), eye cream, an acid toner, a benzoyl peroxide cream and a moisturizer and/or sunscreen.
Morning:
Gentle cleanser — Avene Tolérance Extrême Cleansing Lotion and a washcloth
Benzoyl Peroxide cream — Kate Somerville Anti-Bac Clearing Lotion
Moisturizer — Clarins Extra-Firming Day – All Skin Types and/or Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte (although this seems to be drying out my skin)
Evening:
Oil-based makeup remover — I’m currently using the one by Tatcha; previously I used Tata Harper. Honestly I don’t think this needs to be fancy at all, I just had a couple bottles that I’d been holding onto and needed to finish.
Gentle cleanser — Avene Tolérance Extrême Cleansing Lotion and a washcloth
Acid Toner — Biologique Recherece p50 1970
Moisturizer — Clarins Extra-Firming Night
I’m looking everything up right now! Thank you so much for the time you take to answer questions and linking the information! I know it takes a ton of your time and i really appreciate what you do! Maybe my skin will look as great in a couple months! Have a great day!
You’re so welcome. I just realized I forgot to list the eye cream! It’s Clarins Super Restorative Total Eye Concentrate.
Here’s something to keep in mind. There’s lots of great options at drugstore price points too! Like for the gentle cleanser, I also like Cetaphil (old school but dependable). Neutrogena makes solid cleansers and moisturizers, too.
I think you can save on cleansers and moisturizers, and splurge on treatments. The benzoyl peroxide treatment by Kate Somerville is something I won’t/can’t swap out for something cheaper. I’ve tried less expensive options and they’re never as good as KS.
Also, the only place you can get Biologique Recherche here in the US online is Rescue Spa. They won’t show you the price unless you sign up; it’s about $60 for the big bottle.
Smile is always a great tip, but I never thought it would help me with my liquid lipsticks.
Ha! It helps stretch the skin. 🙂
Love this look on you. Burnt Spice looks great. I feel like it would be bright and pastel-y on me if that makes sense. I only have one of the Retro Mattes (Dance wit Me) but perhaps I should look for my nude in the collection. Looking forward to your thoughts on the Kerry Washington collection.
Hi Indya,
Something like Topped With Brandy might be a better nude lip for you. Have you tried it yet? It’s so pretty!
I haven’t but I just googled it and it IS pretty! Thanks Karen!
You’re welcome. I did a quickie swatch a while back:
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/mac-makeup/what-was-the-last-beauty-product-you-tried-because-of-a-recommendation-from-a-friend/
The colour looks great on you! And I have to say, I really love this look on you. Just a bit of colour, but beautiful, smooth, glowing skin.
Also, great tip about smiling to smooth out the lip colour. I never thought of that!
Looks great on you!