Oh, Cruella!

I somehow misplaced my "go-to" red lipstick, MAC's Russian Red. Which, is not entirely a loss, as it may have been contaminated with someones cold sore virus, which I hope to never catch.
So this weekend I headed to Oregon. Washington Square Mall in Hillsboro has the largest Sephora in the area plus a number of other fantastic make-up counters.
I tried a few things on, but was instantly drawn to the NARS counter.I tried on this darling "velvet matte lip pencil" in the scarlet shade of "Cruella"
Its a lip liner and lipstick in one, and goes on so creamy smooth, and finishes with a perfect matte appearance.
I promptly purchased the $24 lipstick. And came home to take some pictures.



Here, I am modeling with my lovely non-vintage styled hair (it rained BUCKETS today!) and my darling daughter.


It wears well, and keeps my lips feeling mostly soft all day. It kisses off like the dickens though, so watch out for your fella!

roux, rouge, really.

I am a collector. I collect shoes, purses, catholic icons, rosaries, dresses, seamed stockings, virgin mary statues, sewing patterns, fabric, and make-up.
Really I am quite sure I have an over abundance of many other things, but that is the basic list.
On the Make-up front I am addicted to MAC, Sephora, and other over-priced facial paint.
I am always looking for new lipstick, always. But I am picky, and I want to be able to try it on first.

So, you can understand my dilemma when a dear friend of mine came to me, with the infamous catalog in hand, requesting a purchase. Yes ladies, (gentlemen?) I speak of AVON. The dreaded of dread-iest(?) Make-up items in the world, especially if you are a collector of the finer things.
So I quickly scan the book, and furrow my brow. Avon does not have a single shade of red lipstick?
I look up to my friend and her big eyes, begging me to please purchase something so she can stay being a stay at home mom.

I settled. I bought catalog lipstick.
I ordered the closest thing to "red" I could find.
Its called "Terra Cotta" and while I was thoroughly disappointed when it showed up at my house, and was clearly "Mauve" I decided to give it a try.
Once on the lips, it does mellow into a nice burnt red, that goes fantastically with browns and neutral tones.
The type of lip stick is "lip plumping." Now I am not sure I believe that and my lips look plainly like the always do, but it did work to keep my lips feeling soft all day. Which is more than I can say for MAC's "Russian Red" which leaves my lips drier than the desert at the end of the day.
So I guess I can say I have bought and loved and Avon product. I am not sure I will ever order from Avon again, but should it happen, I hope to have another unexpected happy ending.