My Red Lip Routine

It's inexcusable that my blog's name is Red Lips And Beauty Bits, but I actually barely have any red lip looks posted on it! I decided to film a Red Lip routine video, so you can all see how I apply my red favorite red lipstick!

Enjoy!

I hope you all liked it! ^^

xx Anine

REVIEW: Rituals Good Luck Scrub

Since I'm not really a body care person, I haven't really review many body products on the blog yet. However, a product that is a must for me is a body scrub. I recently tried out the Rituals Good Luck scrub, which (as usually with Rituals products) smells amazingly of orange and cedar wood. 

First of all, don't mind the messed up packaging. This tub of product has been living in my shower for a while, and the packaging hasn't completely survived, as you can see.

Packaging: I really dislike the packaging. Because it's a tub of product, it's impossible to use under the shower. The shower water will run into the packaging. It doesn't seem to mess up the packaging too much, but it's very annoying. Also, even though the lid is on tightly, shower water will still find its way into the tub, since I don't have a shower caddy.

Use: The use of this product is pretty similar to that of any body scrub. I actually find this scrub too harsh for my skin, which is an issue I've never encountered before. My body skin isn't sensitive at all, but it reacts quite heavily after using this. It becomes a bit red and feels kinda sore. But yes, I guess it exfoliates very well. Beauty is pain? 

Price: €18.50 for 375g of product. This certainly isn't the cheapest body scrub out there and so I'm actually quite disappointed, especially since I usually adore Rituals products. 

Conclusion: I didn't like this product very much. The packaging is very annoying under the shower, and the scrub is too harsh for my liking.

What body scrub have you been using or would you recommend?

Xx Anine

SKINCARE: Honey miracle mask

Did someone say honey? Yes, biological honey has been my savior lately. As you might remember, my skin has been acting up for months. If once again tens (!) of breakouts would get settled on my face, I'd apply a layer of honey as a mask and wait around 30 minutes (the longer the better, really). 

The benefits for my skin would already show the morning after. Dark scarring would be lighter, small zits would be healed and painful impurities would disappear. Go get yourself some biological honey because it's a hell of a lifesaver!

Warning: it can get very messy, and you really don't want honey e-very-where. I'd recommend wearing a towel around your shoulders to protect your clothes.

xX
Anine

REVIEW: MAC MSF in Stereo Rose

When the MAC Fantasy of Flowers collection launched in February, I only had my eyes on one thing: the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish (MSF) in Stereo Rose. This beautiful product has quite the story behind it. 

In 2010, MAC launched Stereo Rose in a Limited Edition collection and everyone went nuts for it. I didn't pick it up back then and kind of regretted that. Imagine my excitement when they were going to bring it back for the 2014 Fantasy of Flowers collection!

Look at the gorgeousness of this baked product! The left swatch is blended into the skin (and so it would look like this on your cheeks), on the right you can see the swatch after one single swipe over the baked product.

But beware, this Stereo Rose MSF is not entirely what it seems. When compared to the Stereo Rose launched in 2010, the newer version of the product is lighter, and more peach instead of coral colored. Although I do not appreciate MAC launching two 'similar but not really similar' products under the same product name, just because it was such a hype, I do really like this color. It's much more wearable for lighter skin tones than the 2010 Stereo Rose.

I added these comparison swatches from Temptalia.com, just so you can see what the old and the new MAC Stereo Rose look like.

Source: Temptalia.com

From left to right: Stereo Rose (2010), Stereo Rose (2014)

Source: Temptalia.com

Use: I use a light duo-fibre brush to lightly apply it on the cheeks. If not applied carefully, it could look a bit lobsterlike, especially for us fair skinned girls. But the bronze, peachy sheen it gives to your skin is so amazingly beautiful. Perfect for spring and summer!

Price: I purchased this Mineralize Skinfinish for around €28. Not the cheapest product out there, so it was definitely a splurge to purchase this limited edition product. If MAC ever repromotes Stereo Rose, I do suggest to go and swatch it in store. You'll surely fall under its spell.

Conclusion: Although I don't think MAC should've launched this product under the same name, I do really like this product. Apply lightly and you'll look glowy, fresh and summerproof!

What's your favorite spring time cheek product?

xX Anine

HAIR: Tangle Teezer

Yes, here it is. The one, the only, Tangle Teezer! Every beauty lover and their mother and their dog owns a Tangle Teezer. I have to say, I was quite late in jumping on the tangle-free train. But now I'm here, I never want to go back. 

Let me start by explaining to you what kind of hair I have. My hair is véry thin and véry fine. Someone up there just decided to have a little laugh and create this pathetic excuse for hair on top my head. I'd always been so damn careful with my hair. But lately, I'd been noticing a lot of hair loss whenever I brushed through it in the shower, even though my conditioner had soaked in properly.

I hated all that hair loss and decided finally try out the classic Tangle Teezer. As you can see below, the brush has short and long plastic bristles, and there is a lot of space between them. It has a nice shape, so it fits very ergonomically in your hand. I barely use any other hair brushes, this to me is perfect. Only for blowing out my hair, I tend to use round brushes.

Price: €12.40 on Beautybay. You can also buy a Tangle Teezer at hairdressers around Belgium, I've noticed, but they're usually double the price. I find this price very affordable for a product that makes such a big difference for me.

Conclusion: If you also suffer from hair loss or very tangly hair, this could be your lifesaver. It makes such a huge difference in my hair care routine. I visibly noticed such a big difference in hair loss!


Have you ever tried the Tangle Teezer?

xX Anine

NEWS: Superdry make up line

We all know Superdry from the comfortable sweat shirts and sporty clothing, but Superdry also has a beauty line, which they just expanded with some beautiful make up! 

As I saw the neon and metallic detailing, I couldn't help but think how simply FUN it looked. It reminds me of summer, beach waves and surf boards!

The thing that probably got me most excited, are these adorable nail polishes. They are perfect for spring and summer.

The beauty line also contains lip glazes that come in neutral and pink shades. 

For a statement lip look, these lipsticks would be perfect. They're supposed to be very smooth and light weight too!

This mascara wand has left me very interested. The shape is so weird, that I'm really curious how it would make my lashes look. The brush should extend and lengthen lashes to the maximum.

To complete the beauty line, Superdry also created eye shadows, blushes and bronzers, kohl eyeliners and a smoky eyes kit! Body care was not forgotten, as they even thought about hand creams, mirrors, tweezers and a nail care kit to finish up this cool collection.

Packaging: 

I like it, it's very unique, vibrant and cute.

Price:

The prices range from £2 to £20, so very affordable. The entire Superdry beauty line is available in stores ànd online (http://www.superdry.be/be-nl/dames/beauty for the Belgian ladies)! 

Have you ever tried anything from Superdry beauty?

xx Anine

REVIEW: MAC eyeshadow in Quarry

I'm an eyeshadow kinda gal'. Even so, a perfect nude eyeshadow look can take my breath away (okay that might be an overstatement, but you get the gist). At the MAC Technique workshop I purchased the  perfect nude eyeshadow pan in Quarry and fell in love.

Quality: No complaints whatsoever here, I find MAC eyeshadows to be perfection. The eyeshadow is véry pigmented, easily blendable, a bit more warm-toned than I expected, but still with cold undertones and so perfect to apply in the crease with a very coppery shade all over the lid. 

Price: 13 euros for 1.5grams/0.05oz of product in the pan.

Conclusion: I love this eyeshadow! It's the perfect cool-toned crease color.


What's your favorite eyeshadow color from MAC?

Xx Anine

REVIEW: MAC Paint pot in Bare Study

Here's another review of a worldwide loved MAC product, the paint pot in Bare Study. Believe it or not, I'd never tried a MAC paint pot before (I know, I feel like such a makeup noob right now), so I was véry excited to try this out!

Bare study is a soft beige with soft gold sheen. The beige tone isn't so pigmented that it'll completely cancel out any imperfections or veins on your eyelids, but it's the perfect product if you like that pop of something on your eyes if you're doing a no-makeup makeup look.

Use: I use my ring finger to dab ever so slightly into the jar and then apply it on my eyelids. I've heard other bloggers' warnings about applying too much, since it would crease ridiculously. However, I've not had any problems with this.

Quality: The paint pot doesn't crease on me. It is a nice base to make eyeshadows pop, or to use on its own. I do notice that I could use an eye primer to apply underneath, since it does not replace an eyeshadow primer in my opinion. 

Price: €19 for 5 grams/0.17oz. 

Conclusion: I like this product and am tempted to try out more colors! However, it's not perfect on its own to keep eyeshadows in place all day long.

Which MAC paint pots are your favorites?

xX Anine

PREVIEW: MAC Technique haul

Almost a month ago, I went to a MAC Technique class in Antwerp, where the MUA's taught me some tips and tricks for the perfect nude makeup look. To be honest, I didn't really end up liking the makeup application, since I usually go for a more full coverage look (simply 'cause I really need it!).  However I did get to know some new products, that in the meantime, I've added to my MAC wishlist!

I picked up some goodies I've been wanting to pick up for ages, but also got surprised during the Technique class by a stunning product that I fell in love with. More on that later. These are the products I chose:

All these products are very well known, classic blogger favorites, I might even say. Individual reviews of all these products will be coming up!

Xx Anine

HEALTH: lifestyle changes

Hi all,

January usually is the global month of healthy living, as leftover of the New Year's resolutions. For the first time I've actually made some lifestyle changes myself over the previous months, that I really wanted to share with you.

I've been very inspired to try out easy tips and tricks to maintain a happier and healthier lifestyle.

1. Yoga

It sort of started out as a joke; "Let's try yoga!" but my friend and I actually enjoy it a lot more than we anticipated. Am I any good at it? No. But am I relaxed and more in tune with my body afterwards? Definitely!

2. Smoothies and green juices

I gave myself a blender for my birthday back in October, and have tried out loads of recipes to make smoothies and fruit juices. I'm also very inspired to try green juices, however those have yet to turn out delicious... But I'm trying to be persistent!

3. More water and green tea

I'm already quite the water and tea drinker, but I'm really forcing myself to drink tea every morning and evening and bring a giant glass of water to bed with me, which I drink right before I go to sleep. I've noticed it helping me clear up my skin and being less hungry for greasy food.

4. Lighter makeup, better skincare routine.

For the first time in years, I've been noticing improvement in my skin. I'm sure it's a combination of the yoga, drinking more water and eating healthier, but I feel like my extra imput into my skincare routine has been contributing as well. I've been very good with my skincare routine, implementing more and more healthy little rituals in the morning and the evening, even enjoying the entire step-by-step routine.

Because my skin has been better, I've been able to wear less heavy make up, which will be better for my skin in the end as well. Win win!



Xoxo Anine

PHOTOSHOOT: experimenting

Hi all,

I haven't really shared a lot about it yet on my blog, but in my free time I tend to sometimes do some photoshoots. I definitely am not a make up artist and never had any education to do make up. I simply love experimenting and helping out with photoshoots, just with friends.

Last week I did a little beauty photoshoot, and I'd like to share some photos. The model is a good friend of mine and we've done so many photoshoots together in secondary school, so I know her by heart and we work together perfectly. Here are the photos, I hope you like them!

Disclaimer: keep in mind that these looks are NOT meant to be wearable, I am aware that these are not everyday looks ;) I tried to be artistic lol.

Model: Sofie Vantvelt
Make up + photography: Anine Van de Ryck

The first row of photos was a lilac, shimmery look.

The second look is very strong, with a heavy brow and a smokey eye.

The last look I love the most and is also the most wearable; a strong winged liner with an ombre lip (which isn't very clear in the photos, but oh well).

I soon will also be doing the make up for a photoshoot for a new Belgian webshop, which I'm super excited about!

Do you like experimenting with make up?

Xoxo Anine

REVIEW: Jouer Matte Moisture tint

Hi everyone,

I'm sure every beauty freak has heard of the brand Jouer and in particularly the Jouer Matte Moisture Tint and Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint. As I have a very oily T-zone, I decided to try out the Matte Moisture Tint in the color Linen. Keep on reading to find out more about this cult product!

Packaging: As you can see, the packaging is matte, which is a nice feature. You might notice that it has gotten a bit dirty here and there, but nothing too disturbing. I like the tube packaging a lot. Thanks to the tube, you can very neatly get out the right amount, so no spilling or wasting product here.

Here you can see what ingredients this product contains. 

What does it claim to do:

"This lightweight mattifying moisture tint evens out imperfections and leaves your skin with a velvety smooth, matte finish with its Multi-Mineral Complew. SPF 15 protects from UVA & UVB rays while Vitamins A, C & E deliver rich antioxidants to the skin. Matte Moisture Tint applies with ease, promoting a seamless complexion. Oil free - Hypoallergenic - Fragrance-free - perfect for all skin types."

Sounds almost too good to be true!

Consistency & color: The product is very thick, but doesn't feel heavy on the skin at all. It applies easily and blends quite seamlessly. I do have to be careful around my hairline, it tends to be a bit harder to blend it there. The color Linen matches my skin tone perfectly (that's never happened to me before!).

Quality: Wow, they weren't lying when they called this product "Matte Moisture Tint". It is so matte, you need to make sure to highlight, just so you don't look overdone, heavily made up or just too flat. I like to mix in a tiny amount of liquid highlighter, which adds a more natural finish to the product. This is not a must, of course. 

However, it does live up to its expectations of making sure I stay oil-free. I do notice a healthy shine coming to my face after a few hours, but I can barely call it oily. If you really want to wear it the entire day, you might want to blot in the afternoon, but that's because I can't stand oils on my face. 

Coverage: I love the light coverage of this. You do need to keep in mind that this is NOT a foundation. It is a tinted moisturizer and thus has the coverage of one. It hides most of the redness on my skin, but still shows my natural skin and impurities. 

I'm wearing the Matte moisture tint on this photo, topped up with some colored powder (MAC Studio Fix powder in C3).

Price: £30, I purchased it on Cult Beauty. I wish it was cheaper, but I find it worth it!

PRO's:

+ It has an SPF of 15.

+ The light, but buildable coverage.

+ I can wear it easily on a daily basis.

+ I stay oil-free during the day.

CON's:

- The finish is VERY matte.

- The price.

Conclusion: If you're in for an oil-free, light coverage face product and you're not afraid to drop quite a few coins at a cash register or make your visa card squirm at the online checkout, you might enjoy this product very much!

Have you tried anything from Jouer? Or do you have any oil-free foundation recommendations? 

Xoxo,

Anine

GUEST BLOGGER: Sofie's favourites

Hi everyone,

Today, I have a guest blogger for you. My friend Sofie from http://the-knitting-nanny.blogspot.be/ agreed to sharing some of her favorite beauty products. I thought it might be nice to for once hear an other voice on Red Lips and Beauty Bits ;-)

Hi folks!
I’m Sofie, a 22-year-old student from Antwerp. Currently I’m studying theater, film and literature. I really enjoy watching movies or a good play, reading books and taking pictures. I’d like to let you know which my favourite products are:

Have you tried any of these products? How did you like them?

Xoxo

Anine