OCC Lip Tar 2.0 Review & Swatches!

I cannot believe it has taken me this long to try Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tars, but better late then never right?!

I purchased these from Sephora a few months ago but you can also purchase them from the OCC site. They run $18 a pop so it's definitely worth purchasing the sets at Sephora that go for $49 for 5 (and a lip brush is included). There are 3 different sets to choose from, but today I will be talking about the 2.0 set.

If you are a makeup addict, you already know what these are but for the newbies out there, these are described as super pigmented and long lasting matte lipsticks. They not only can be worn alone, but they can be mixed to create custom colors. They are also Paraben-free and 100% vegan and cruelty free.

After hearing rave reviews for years, I was really excited to try these out! So were they just as amazing as everyone had said they were?

Yves Saint Laurent at Costco?

Yup. You read the title right, I just spotted YSL's Rouge Volupté Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick at my local Costco! I haven't been to Costco in awhile so this could very well be old news, but I was quite impressed to see it in stores.

My local Costco only had one color available, 11 Rose Culte, but I'm excited to see if they will start to offer more colors.

Originally $34 a piece at Sephora, they sell for $26.99 at Costco. This isn't a huge savings but it's savings none the less. I hope this is just foreshadowing more high end make up items that will be popping up at my local Costco.

I already love Costco but this just made it that much better! It might quite possibly be my ultimate one stop shop!

Things to pick up at Costco:
Eggs
Seaweed
Spinach
Brie
Jameson
YSL Lipstick

Le Awesome.

Wet n Wild: Mega Last Lip Color vs Fergie Center Stage Collection Lip Color

So similar and yet slightly different. That's exactly how I would compare Wet n Wild's Mega Last Lip Color line to Fergie's Center Stage Lip Color Line.

Similarities

Lipstick shape- Both are round instead of the traditional lipstick shape that comes to a point

Packaging- Both tubes are made of plastic with clear plastic caps that snap on

*I believe both have the same amount of product- .11oz (but not 100% sure)*

Differences

Size of packaging- Fergie collection is taller, but I believe both carry the same amount of product

Formula/Finish- Fergie collection is a bit creamier/hydrating and has a bit more of a shine finish. This is a subtle difference but I did notice a little more ease when applying the Fergie line lipsticks.

L-Mega Last              R-Fergie Collection

Price- Mega Last is $1.99 and Fergie Collection is $3.99

Color Selection: The Mega Last line offers 26 colors and the Fergie line offers 10 colors.

Final Thoughts

These lipsticks are almost identical products aside from it's exterior packaging. I do think the Fergie collection has a slightly more hydrating formula which is nice. I don't know if it justifies a price difference though, as it is just slightly more smooth. I think the price difference has to do more with packaging costs and the fact that it's a celeb branded line. Eitherway, both lines of lipsticks are wonderful! They both offer great pigmentation, last for hours, and are very affordable! The Mega Last line has more colors to choose from compared to the Fergie line, but the Fergie line does offer shades that are different. With that being said though, I purposely used the 2 colors above to show you the 2 lipsticks that I thought were the most similar between the lines. If you own one of those, you could skip on the other. 

*Direct shopping links provided via ShopSense*

Wet n Wild Haul with Swatches!

Last week Wet n Wild was 40% off at Walgreens and Rite Aid, so naturally this happened:

I'm a big fan of Wet n Wild's megalast polishes and lipsticks and at 40% off, saying they are a steal is an understatement! I've also never tried anything from the Fergie line aside from the polishes, so I picked up a few of her lipsticks as well.

Rimmel: Show Off Lip Lacquer Apocaliptic

I recently posted my review on Rimmel's Show Off Lip Lacquers which you can read here. I love them but my local Walgreens rarely has any left that haven't been tampered with. I was so excited to finally find an un-open one in Apocaliptic. It was definitely on the top of my list when they first came out!

As far as the color goes, I find that it wears a bit darker than what you see in the tube. It's a rich raspberry color with a slight hint of hot pink and it's awesome. I think this color is actually wearable for anyone and it makes a great statement lip!

In terms of formula, I'm happy to report that this one is just as great as Celestial. Goes on smooth, amazing pigmentation, and lasted for several hours. Definitely another favorite for me!

NYX: Xtreme Lip Cream

I had mentioned these lippies in my last post and realized I have never reviewed or posted swatches of them yet. NYX lip products are some of my absolute favorites and these Xtreme Lip Creams are another great addition to that category!

These Xtreme Lip Creams fall into the lipstick/lipgloss hybrid category. I love these kinds of lip products because not only are they a time saver, they are so convenient! It's nice to only have to bring one lip product with you instead of a couple (definitely not trying to add to the madness that is my make up bag). Oh and the pigmentation of these Xtreme Lip Cream's...amazing! As I mentioned in my last review, these are very similar to Rimmel's Show Off Lip Lacquers as far as consistency. They are a bit drier in formula and a little less shiny than the Rimmel Show Off's but that's being super technical and it's nothing overly obvious. If you have tried NYX's soft matte creams, they are a bit thicker in formula and more hydrating. They are definitely very comfortable on the lips and last for at least 3-4 hours on me.

The only major negative to them is the scent. If plastic & play-doh were a desirable scent, then NYX totally nailed it. Unfortunately, I don't know many people that look for that scent in a lip product, I know I sure don't. The good news is the scent isn't really noticeable once the product is applied. Thank Goodness.

Rimmel: Show Off Lip Lacquer Celestial & Luna

Finally! I got my hands on the long awaited Apocalips by Rimmel! I was a little disappointed that they changed the name for the US release...Apocalips is so much better than Show Off Lip Lacquer. Not sure why the name was changed...are you trying to tell us something Rimmel? Are we Americans not worthy of a cool lipgloss name?! Well, we did get 14 shades whereas the UK only have 8, so that's pretty awesome...I guess all is forgiven.

Anyways, I've been waiting for months for these bad boys to make an appearance here in the U.S. and I was at my Walgreens as soon as I heard they had arrived. To my dismay, not only were a lot of the colors sold out, the ones left over had been opened. So annoying.

There is a seal on the product but like most drugstore makeup, a little clear sticker doesn't prevent tampering. If you aren't familiar with this product, there is a way to tell if the applicator has been pulled out all the way or not.

From L-R: If the center section is clear like the photo on the left, then the applicator has not been pulled out of the tube. Regardless if the seal is broken, if you see a clear section, that means no one has pulled the applicator out yet. The photo in the middle shows the applicator about to be pulled out. You can see the color start to fill the section. The photo on the far right is what happens as the applicator is being taken completely out of the tube. If you see a gloss that has a center section filled with product, then you know someone has pulled the entire applicator out.

After searching forever for just one gloss that hadn't been tampered with, I was eventually able to get my hands on Celestial and Luna. There were shimmer shades but I was only interested in the creme finishes. Though these weren't my top picks, they were new and sealed and that's all that mattered to me!

Rimmel: Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipstick #17

Shade #17 is a nice mid-toned pink, perfect for everyday wear. I love pinks like this because they go with any make up look and really require no thought. It is a warmer pink which I usually don't like, but I find this to be very wearable and a great pinky nude.

This color apparently came out as part of the Spring 2012 collection. However, at the Walgreens I purchased it at, it was advertised as a new shade. As many make up brands release in the US first before releasing overseas, Rimmel releases products in the UK first before releasing them here in the states. (Is anyone else waiting for the Apocalips to release here?! Hurry up Rimmel!)

Maybelline: Colorsensational Vivids in Vivid Rose

Oh Em Gee...I freakin love this lipstick! Bright Magenta goodness is Vivid Rose in a nutshell. The color is super pigmented, bright, but very wearable and not garish at all. The formula of these lipsticks are also great. They aren't drying, have great staying power, and no off putting scent. There is a great color range and although some of the pinks are not exact dupes, if you were ever interested in MAC's Pink Pigeon or Candy Yum Yum, this line is a great affordable alternative. I found at regular price, these lipsticks were cheaper at Walmart (where I purchased mine) and Target compared to all the other drugstores. Of course drugstores usually have some deal going on, so you should definitely take advantage when Maybelline is on sale and pick up some of these vivid amazingnesses.  I definitely need more of these in my life!

Now bask in the glory of that which is called Vivid Rose!

Rimmel: Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipsticks

From L-R: #103, #110, #06, #10

I haven't been to Walgreens in a hot minute so I was shocked when I was there about a week ago and saw that all Kate Moss Lasting Finish lipsticks were 50% OFF! Yes, you read that right...50% off! Originally $5.79, which is not a bad price to begin with, $2.89 is a freaking steal! I've always wanted to try these lipsticks and what better time to do so. I'm not sure how long they are running this promo but I do know that all Rimmel is 50% until Saturday, 3/16, so it's a great time to buy!

The selection was a bit scarce at my local Walgreens but I picked up a few colors that weren't destroyed by someone previously mangling with the product. (I know you have come across those lipsticks that looks like someone half bit it/used it to draw like a 3 yr. old would..ugh.)

NYX Round Lipstick

I noticed I had acquired quite the collection of NYX round lipsticks, so I thought I'd share some swatches and a quick review for those out there looking to try these or add to their collection. I only own 21 shades out of the line and I say only because there's 124 to choose from! If there was an award for creating the most variations of a color...NYX would win, hands down.

These lipsticks are super affordable at $4 each on the NYX Cosmetics site, and you can find them even cheaper on sites like cherryculture.com and Ulta. They claim to be a velvet texture lipstick that resists smudging...the velvet texture maybe but resists smudging? NO. I find these lipsticks to be a very creamy formula which is nice because they are moisturizing to the lips. However, the creamy formula also contributes to the product sliding a bit so I'm not sure what they mean by resists smudging. Last time I accidentally swiped my hand over my lips, I was rocking lipstick on my face...not cool. Although I don't agree with the smudge proof claim, these are great lipsticks (Just don't swipe your hand over your lips and face). They are creamy, not heavy or thick on the lips, color range is great, super pigmented, no noticeable scent, and very affordable. I also love the packaging because the actual color of the lipstick is visible at the bottom of the tube. This is great not only when you are buying these in person but also when I'm storing them upside down. I can easily see what is what which is so convenient. The wear time for me is about 3 hours before I need to re-apply.
I definitely recommend these for any lip junkie that is looking for some extra colors to add to their collection!

*Cherry Culture is currently having their 20% off sale again so these lipsticks come to $2.40!!! Sale ends March 10th, code: MMM2013

Now on to what's most important, THE SWATCHES!

Wet n Wild: Mega Last Lipstick

For me, Wet n Wild had always been the brand that was crappy in quality but so cheap I couldn't be that disappointed..that is until a few years back. Talk about stepping up your game Wet n Wild! To this day, I still think Wet n Wild has some of the best quality eyeshadows and blushes at the drugstore and at a ridiculously affordable price!

I recently became reunited with my Wet n Wild stash of lip products and forgot how much I enjoy using them! I'd have to say that any cons to the product are pretty much justified by the price...$1.99. Yes, $1.99....AND most of the time Wet n Wild is BOGO 50% off or BOGO free. You could pretty much find change on the ground and get yourself some of these lippies...crazy.

So what's the good vs the bad?

MAC: Archie's Girls

I haven't been that excited about a MAC collection in awhile but when I saw the packaging for the Archie's Girls collection, I was sold. The red hearts and comic style artwork; love, love, love! With much restrain, I only picked up 2 lipsticks from this collection. I chose 2 colors that I knew I would wear and though they are similar to colors I already own, did I mention the cute packaging?!

So I picked up the Ronnie Red lipstick from the Veronica line and the Betty Bright lipstick from the Betty line. I'm extremely happy with my choices and if I had one regret, I wish I would have purchased the Daddy's Little Girl lipstick from the Veronica line because you can never have enough hot pink lipsticks right?! Oh well, it's a very small regret because Daddy's Little Girl is very close to MAC's Candy Yum Yum in my opinion. It really had more to do with the cute packaging that had me lusting over it for a hot minute. At the time I made my purchase nothing was sold out yet, but now all 3 of these colors are sold out...everywhere (Mac, Nordstrom, and Macy's). I know this collection is also sold at Dillard's but I didn't see any lipsticks on their site. The collection will also launch tomorrow, 2/7, at MAC stores. 

Now for some pics & swatches!