carriebrighton: New Release: The Body Shop Colour Crush Lipsticks

You've probably noticed by now that I'm a big fan of The Body Shop (you can read about my love for them here, here, and here!) especially their make up collection. I think they bring something different to the world of high street cosmetics, with ethically made products that often emulate the high end brands we know and love in quality, without the high end price tag. Because of this, I was rather excited to hear that they are launching the Colour Crush lipstick, a 24 shade range of highly pigmented lipsticks that are vegetarian and cruelty free.

Grouped into 3 shade families, pinks, nudes, and reds, there is really is a shade to suit everyone. I was lucky enough to be sent 3 colour to try out, but I'll be honest, they weren't colours I would usually pick myself. From left to right in the top two pictures, and top to bottom in the other three, the shades are:

When I say they aren't colours I'd usually try, I actually mean they are shades I've never tried before. I tend to play it safe with light pinks and nudes, and occasionally go wild with a brighter gloss in dark pink or red pink. Nothing too crazy there. As soon as I opened the tubes I could see that these were not your average nudes, in a gorgeous bright orangey coral, a deep pinky purple, and a chocolatey grey. I tried Coral Cutie on first, and fell in love. Red lipstick makes me look silly, it always has, so for a bold lip I always steer towards a dark pink, but I have finally found a strong shade that works for me! I found this shade really flattering, and it may actually persuade me to wear brighter shades during the day, and not just save it for a rare night out. The lipstick glides on smoothly and has a gloriously think and creamy consistency, making it moisturising, without being sticky. The colour pay off and texture of these remind me of an iconic high end lippy, but without that painful price tag.

Damson in Distress looks very purple in the tube but is a gorgeous dark but powerfuly pink shade on. It is a mature step up from the bright pink lip, and glides on smoothly and beautifully. I think this shade would look gorgeous with a little black dress or a sleek playsuit, and feels like a particularly glamorous colour.

Crush on Caramel is quite dark, and seems to me like a more sophisticated nude shade. I really liked this shade and when I'm feeling brave think it would make a particularly nice daytime shade, and would dress up smart clothes or workwear nicely. Like the other shades, the texture and pigmentation is just gorgeous, think and creamy with a strong colour payoff.
I think these gorgeous lipsticks were just the push I needed to start being braver with my makeup and to wear more interesting shades, and I for one will definitely be popping into the Body Shop to have a look at the rest of the 24 shade range!