The Ultimate Dark Lip

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)?

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PS I've also set up an instagram here, it's velvetblushx if you'd like to take a look :)