I have finally got round to doing a review on the KIKO combination I picked up last year during my trip to Winter Wonderland, if you'd like to check out that post click here. I had an amazing time at KIKO running around with my arms covered in swatches, and as if they didn't have enough offers on the build up to Christmas, I also got all of these included in the black friday discount! However, 2015 has been the year I've been experimenting more with lip liners so it's an apt time to include this duo.
The first section I went to was lipsticks, for me they signify what beauty means; a simple injection of glamour. On a daily basis I like to have a simple look with few products, and therefore I find that lipstick tends to make the most difference to me. At this point I was just getting into darker lipsticks (I had also recently purchased Makeup Revolution's Rebel Without Cause), when I spotted this shade in the Smart Lipstick range. 914 Amaranth isn't your typical vampy shade, as although it looks quite purple in the tube, it actually swatched as a deep raspberry pink. However, I loved the glowy, satin finish it had without looking shimmery so I picked it up.
The formula is very moisturising, it glided on smoothly and softened over any fine lines. On it's own it's more of a deep pink, however over a deeper liner it tended to slightly brighten the shade. The longevity of the Smart Lipstick in 914 Amaranth was quite good too, around 5 hours for me, however due to it having a more glossy finish it's likely it will wear away quicker than a matte formula.
I also then spotted the lipliners and being unable to find a dark liner in the drugstores near me I went swatch crazy. The Kiko Smart Lip Pencil in 710 Rouge Noir was the shade I had been looking for! It's the perfect warm plum that doesn't look too harsh, plus it was literally as cheap as chips at £1.90 on sale.
Unfortunately I am unable to get away with using lip liners on their own as my lips are constantly dry, how I wish I could though as I love trying out the ombre lip look, Therefore, I did find the liner felt tight when I was wearing it on it's own, although this probably won't be the case for those of you who don't have dry lips. On the other hand, it actually went on much better than other liners I've tried, it glided like a dream and nor did the pigment stick to one area. As you can see from the lip swatch below, it actually came out quite decently (if I do say so myself), although I will have to pair the Kiko Smart Lip Pencil in 710 Rouge Noir with a lipstick/lip balm on top.
Both the Kiko Smart Lipstick and Lip Pencil are also intensely pigmented so quality isn't an issue you'll have to worry about. In terms of packaging the liner comes as a standard sharpening pencil (any sharpener will too), and the lipstick comes in a sleek black matte tube with the logo printed down the side. Quite minimalistic but elegant, nothing too fancy.
The lipstick is available for £3.95 here, and the liner for £2.50 (similar here in share Amaranth). You can also sign up to hear about their latest offers.
I've also done some lip swatches for you again, I hope they're useful? Overall, I am very much in love with this combination hence the title 'The Ultimate Dark Lip' as I really believe this is THE duo for me, well this year atleast!
I hope you enjoyed this post?
What are your Winter must haves (can be anything)?
Follow
PS I've also set up an instagram here, it's velvetblushx if you'd like to take a look :)
Oh, I love the combination! On its own it is a little too bright for me to love it completely, but with the liner it is pure perfection!
ReplyDeleteI am very much into dark lipsticks and purple eyeshadow at the moment, it is my favorite combination this season.
Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking
Thank you! The liner does add another dimension to it, it's great to mix it up a little :)
Deleteooh I love this combination, it looks so pretty! Dark lips are my favourite for this time of year x
ReplyDeletehttp://wonderfulandweirdbeautyandlife.blogspot.co.uk
Thank you! In the last year I've definitely become a convert to dark lips too :)
DeleteThis combo looks great! Excited to try some Kiko products soon when a shop opens near me :)
ReplyDeleteKat | www.kathorrocks.com
Thank you! Aww lucky you, I really wish there was one opened near me too as the only time I get to visit a KIKO store is when I go to London :)
DeleteThe end result is gorgeous! I love this shade of color so much and formula sounds very nice as well :)
ReplyDelete-Leta | The Nerdy Me
Thank you! I was in love with the shade Amaranth as soon as I swatched it too :)
DeleteThis is such a gorgeous combination, I love the finished result & it's definitely my kind of lipstick shade for winter x
ReplyDeleteBeauty with charm
Thank you! It's not a look I would normally have gone for everyday but I think it's quite wearable as it can be toned down with the liner :)
Deleteyes, that is a beautiful lipstick. and i love that name, amaranth.
ReplyDeletemy winter must haves... let's see...
1. cute socks peeking out of ankle boots
2. a classic trench
3. some rosy windswept blush
4. and a fuzzy blanket.
yup, my winter must haves. -- http://cynicalduchess.blogspot.com/
Amaranth is certainly a unique name! Your winter must haves sound perfect, especially the fuzzy blanket :)
DeleteSuch a beautiful shade! Although I don't wear dark lipstick shades that often (;
ReplyDeleteNati xx
www.simplyartdicted.com
Thank you! Before last year I was exactly the same, but I think I'm just becoming more open to trying out different combinations :)
DeleteI love, love, love the look of that lipstick! Whenever I go into Kiko I never find anything. Maybe I'm not looking hard enough!
ReplyDeleteRachael at broomfie.blogspot.com
Snap! That's exactly how I feel about it too :) Ahh I've had the same happen to me, sometimes nothing catches my eye. Although I think the buildup to Christmas really lets you explore as they have so many offers on :)
DeleteI've never been to Kiko before but the lip combo looks so pretty and I think that for the price it's so worth it.
ReplyDeletehttp://perfectshadeofmauve.blogspot.com/
If you can find a store near you it's a really lovely experience, plus a lot of their products are really affordable :)
DeleteI haven't tried Kiko yet and am dying to, this post has just soldified that for me- the lipstick looks so beautiful xxx
ReplyDeleteBlondeOfCarbs♥
I am so glad that I walked into KIKO that day, otherwise I wouldn't have tried their products out either. Thank you :)
DeleteSuch a great lip combo! I am all about a dark lip this season.
ReplyDeleteBeautetude
Thank you! Same here, the trend is really growing on me :)
DeleteI love this combination! x
ReplyDeleteJordan Alice
Thank you!
DeleteI love dark lipstick in the autumn!
ReplyDeleteThe Fairytale Pretty Picture
There's just something about a vampy look isn't there?! ;)
DeleteSuch a gorgeous colour!
ReplyDeleteJenan
http://lavieenmauve-jj.blogspot.ca/
Thank you!
DeleteI am really starting to fall in love with KIKO. This combination is stunning and I'm glad to here their lip products are good quality too.
ReplyDeleteRoxie | The Beautiful Bluebird
I'm the same, I can't imagine not using KIKO products, which I would be doing if I hadn't popped into the store on a whim. The quality is amazing for the price, almost like trying high end products on a drugstore price :)
DeleteOhh, the combo is gorgeous but each is beautiful on its own too. These shades are right up my alley too, bright, bold and just lovely! Wish Kiko is easily available here in Canada but the only way to get it is through online.
ReplyDeleteShireen | Reflection of Sanity
I hadn't thought of it like that before, but you definitely get three looks with two products here! Aw that's a shame, I have to travel to London to visit a store too but I've seen a lot of offers online :)
DeleteIt is such a pretty lipstick shade and it looks gorgeous with the lip pencil. Lip pencil on its own looks kinda dry but it is beautiful. These shades really suit you :) x
ReplyDeletewww.elabellaworld.com
Thank you! Haha that's probably my cracking lips! Aww that's so kind :)
DeleteYour lip color it's just perfect !
ReplyDeleteI'm following you right now ! Check my blog and if you like follow me too :)
xoxo,
atwednesdaysiwearpink.blogspot.com
Thank you!
DeleteLoving the colors! The first one is my fav!!
ReplyDeleteDora
www.BangsBang.com
Thank you!
DeleteOoh these look like just my sort of shades! I've never tried the Smart lipsticks but I've only heard good things :) xx
ReplyDeleteJasmine Talks Beauty | High-End Palette Giveaway
The lipstick was lovely, so I can't wait to try more products from the Smart range :)
DeleteI absolutely love Kiko! Such a great brand! xx
ReplyDeleteclumsyagenda.blogspot.com
They have some great products :)
DeleteKIKO is a great brand and good value too !
ReplyDeletehttp://allornothing-blog.blogspot.co.uk/
Agreed! Most of their products are so affordable :)
DeleteI love KIKO Smart Lipsticks but I don't think I could ever get brave enough to try this gorgeous lip combo ;)
ReplyDeleteSal xxx
UmmBaby Beauty ¦ @ummbaby
I was the same but I've really gotten into dark lips since last year. I would say just build up to it and you might end up liking the look :)
DeleteAhh I love it when I find the perfect lipstick + lipliner combo ;)
ReplyDeleteLooks like you'll be rocking the dark lip look this autumn!
I've been experimenting my dark lipliner with different shades of red on top, and it's been quite fun :D
This is such a beautiful lip combo for Autumn. I need to try more products from Kiko as they seem to have some amazing products. x
ReplyDeleteRenata | Diorshow Mascara Giveaway
The colour is great!
ReplyDeleteMy winter essentials are warm, cosy clothes and loads of tea and cookies! :D
http://livialinette.blogspot.co.at/
Every time I went into KIKO, I looked around, then walked out. That happened like 7 times. Finally I gave in, knew what I wanted, grabbed it and walked out. I have been in love ever since! Now I wish I had gotten them!
ReplyDeleteAngie x | Chocolate & Lipstick || UK Beauty and Lifestyle Blog
Gorgeous shades, what a lovely lip combo for autumn!
ReplyDeleteWhat Raj Wants
Kiko have some of the best lip liners I've ever tried... So creamy! The combo looks lovely on you!
ReplyDeleteChristine | www.yveschild.com