From Max Factor to MAC: my favourite lipsticks...

I am a long-time fan of lipstick and this is a long-overdue post about the shades I can't live without. I have definitely upgraded my brands since I last did a round-up in 2010 (!) but my fondness for bright shades hasn't faded! My dark hair and pale skin can make certain shades look quite dramatic but for me, lipstick is the easiest and most fun way to make you look and feel more polished without too much effort. I have tried to share pictures where you can actually see the lipstick as it appears on my face and have linked to the outfit posts they came from too. There's nothing more frustrating than not being able to see how a lipstick looks when it's worn, whether that is with a few layers or blotted down... I know that some people are nervous about wearing bright colours but start with lipstains and build up the layers or put it on half an hour before you leave the house and I can guarantee that you will have forgotten to be self-conscious by the time you leave!

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Although I may flirt with other red lipsticks, Max Factor Colour Elixir Lipstick Ruby Tuesday is my favourite red lipstick and it looks equally good dressed up or down. I wear it so often that it was really tough to choose some pictures to show it off but hopefully these ones give an idea of just how bright a red it is.

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Confusingly, Max Factor Colour Elixir Lipstick Pink Brandy is a peachy coral shade rather than a pink and is one of my favourite neutral shades. You can build up the colour but I prefer it with just one layer. It's enough of a colour to make you look pulled together but without distracting from your outfit. One of my favourites and one I have repurchased many times, I think you can see how well-used it is from the pictures!

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This Bd Lip Melt Cherry Bomb was a £2 bargain from Tesco and whilst it is glossier than my Max Factor lipsticks, I think that is what makes it so easy to wear. Another shade that works best with a couple of layers to give you a proper pout! It just goes to show that you don't have to spend a fortune to get a great colour and pay off though, for example, I prefer this one to the much more expensive Lady Bug from MAC!

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This Max Factor lipstick (Bewitching Coral) is a bright pink (see the gorgeous Amy raving about it here) but is also one of those colours that seems to pick up the tones around it, as you can see from these photos! It's not one that I reach for every day but it is one that works really well when the sun is shining...

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MAC Lady Bug was one of the first MAC lipsticks I bought and although some people rave about the lustre finish, I'm not a massive fan. It makes my lips feel really slippery and the lasting power is absolutely awful. This is the one I always reach for when I want a neutral red (does that even make sense?!) that doesn't compete too much with stronger eye make-up.

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MAC Lady Danger is the newest addition to my lipstick stash and is a really fab orange-y red. It is the perfect match for both my biker coat and this gorgeous silk dress and I love how bright it is. I am a firm believer in the transformative power of a bright lippie and this one makes me feel like I can take on the world without breaking my stride- what more can you ask for in a lipstick?!

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MAC Impassioned is a perfect neon pink that is guaranteed to cheer up even the gloomiest day and is a shade that I imagine would suit anyone, whatever your skin tone, I mean just look how fun it is!

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Another gorgeous pink shade that I can;t live without! I picked up this Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet lipstick in Pink Pong 06 for a couple of pounds but I don't know why it was reduced as it was still sealed but thanks Boots! You also get a sneak peek at my new fringe too, I haven't managed to get a proper outfit post so far but I really really love it :D

Are you a lipstick fan? Which ones should I add to my collection?