Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips Secret Salma - Review, Test & Comparison

One was enough. And now look at me, not even glitching when speed ordering new Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk lipstick. Let's move Pillow Talk at the side for a moment (I promise I'm making the review as fast as I can) and embrace Hot Lips range in the meantime. I would be awfully lying if I said this wasn't on the top of my Christmas wishlist, not even reconsidering more useful things to wish for. It's just that perfect mauve pink with warm tones I wished for and it's inspired by Salma Hayek. Entire Hot Lips range is in fact, composed out of celebrity lip shades. I'm nowhere near Salma's complexion but the Secret Salma still fits my desire and complexion.

Collistar Giardini Italiani Spring collection: Look & Test

Collistar, a traditional classic among Italian cosmetics and women. This is my first ever experience with this Italian brand (nope, I'm lying, I've already tried nail polishes) and I'm excited to share some thoughts on quality, appearance and performance. I'm guilty, usually Collistar beauty and makeup collections just pass by me not even noticing any particular beauty product. Honestly, it's very much old school, maybe even more prone to older women and ladies. Still, I try to get out of my comfort zone every once in a while, and I said yes to the new Collistar opportunity. I'm trying out (only for you) the new, fresh and upcoming Collistar Spring/Summer 2017 collection called Gardini Italiani, gardens of Italy. I was pretty impressed to see such a youthful collection that might even appeal to younger audience.

MAC All Fired Up Swatch, Relentlessly Red Comparison & Dupes

Mac All Fired up is a well-known staple in regular Mac collection, although mine is pampered with cool design from previous Holiday collection 2015. Don't worry, the inside is the same as the same-name regular Retro Matte. Seducing with the right amount of pink and red, All Fired Up can't be overlooked as a fiery staple. It might be my only red lipstick that's comfortable for me to wear on a daily basis.

Nude for Pale Skin: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick Very Victoria

Rose gold and your favourite Youtube makeup artist? Sounds like a match made in heaven but it's actually a genius idea of Charlotte Tilbury herself. Influential brand that captivates with mighty nudes, smokes and luxurious lust. A lipstick that actually costs an arm and a leg but it's totally worth that extra hassle with not-so-affordable shipping. Yes, I'm talking about Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick, pure indulgence for a lipstick junkie like me.

Always popular Mac Lipstick: Hue Swatches, Review & Alternatives

Juicy finish and proper nude tones lift up MAC Hue right up in ''the cult classics elite'' and it's probably the most obvious pick when exploring MAC selection. I've been delaying my purchase due to not-so-popular Glaze finish and appearance in the actual tube - looks like a pile of nothing. Always on my wish list but never really executed due to a numerous lip shade selection. It was actually a pleasant surprise to found out I actually don't own a MAC Hue dupe in my three number lipstick collection. Still if you're on a hunt for something similar, stick to the end for comparison.

MAC Hue truly looks like an unappealing peachy nude in the lipstick tube. It gets easily lost in the massive MAC selection, especially now, when darker matte nudes are on a winning stroll. Slightly outdated concealer lips or light nude pinks are probably sitting in makeup drawers until the next nude-nude march. After trying several shades on my priority wish list, I've finally caved in and tried this classic nude hue. From ugly peachy nude shade, it totally transforms into a light pink once it's on the skin. It's lighter and warmer than Creme Cup, yet not as peachy as it looks in the tube. Actually, I can't really categorise it as a peach or pink nude - it's perfectly balanced right in between. It's a solid cream colour without any glitters or shimmers but has a flattering shine finish as all Glaze lipsticks. Yes, Hue is definitely lighter as most lipsticks shades but also buildable in terms of coverage. Glaze finish allows it to layer for intensity - from sheer wash of pink up to full shiny nude pink. Texture is pretty creamy but also prone to melting so expect melted edges or a slight mess with time. You need to be extra careful with application as Hue can snap off due to the pressure and creamy soft formula. Scent is a typical vanilla that fades with wear time. Longevity is also a weak point as it lasts for 2-4 hours at most. Luckily, it's easy to apply without a mirror. 

COMPARISON & NOT-SO-DUPE ALTERNATIVES

Not a single lipstick in my stash perfectly matched MAC Hue. Also, I can easily imagine it being too light for everyone's taste. All three alternatives are indeed, darker in tone and more wearable for every day. Burberry Kisses lipstick in Nude Pink (34,25€, buy online) is the closest alternative with more prone pink tones and less nude vibes. Texture is pretty similar. Maquillage is a Japanese brand from Shiseido and has a more peachier but still pinkish alternative RD246 from Sheer Climax Rouge line (31€, buy Maquillage online). It has multidimensional shimmer that gives that extra shine to the lips and is super comfortable. Revlon Lacquer Balm in Demure (11,75€, buy online) was recently compared on my blog with MAC Peach Blossom here. It's in fact, a perfect dupe, which makes it darker, warmer and more shimmery than MAC Hue. Still, it's a lovely darker option for avoiding super light nudes.

I really hope, I didn't left you disappointed with imperfect alternatives, but at least you got a look into similar shade family and comparison. Actually, Burberry and Maquillage alternatives are more expensive than a MAC lipstick, but are easier to access in Asian parts of the world. MAC Hue is overall, a lovely light nude pink-peach that transfers differently on everyone due to balanced tones of warmth and pink. It's a lovely change of pace within this matte nude trend and flattering on both, darker and lighter skintones. Glaze finish is not my favourite due to melty formula that easily melts on the corners of a lipstick bullet. If you're not going to carry Hue in your daily bag, then it's a safe pick. MAC lipsticks are sold on their counters at about 20€.

Best Fall MAC Lipstick: Twig with Swatch and Dupes

MAC Twig, probably the most popular Fall muted brownish pink. This mauve rose is somewhere on the top position when we're talking about most desired MAC lipsticks. It's elegant yet bold enough to accentuate your features while soft and neutral to accompany you every single day. It's warm yet enough mauve to suit any skintone. As the name itself suggests it's a perfect Autumn edition and universal enough for every season. In several words...no wonder it's so popular.

Twig has a likable mix of tones - rose, mauve, red and nude tones all combine into a unique blend of darker nude that's also pretty common in lower-end makeup department. It's not the most youthful and bubbly shade you could choose but granny lips fit this sweater season as a glove. Transfered on the lips is slightly more lighter and less warm as in the tube. Popular Satin finish makes it longlasting for more than 6 hours and doesn't transfer as easily on your favourite scarf. It's still has properties of a comfortable creamy finish while it slowly dries up into a satin-matte in terms of hours. Easy peasy wear and quite astonishing longevity is just a cherry on top. Texture is a dream due to non-slippery feeling (for example, Amorous as a Satin is way more slippery and hard to manage), creaminess and signature vanilla scent. 

DUPES & COMPARISON

MAC Twig sounds fantastic and it really is, but drugstores are overflowing with similar shades that you might didn't notice due to extensive selection of colors. So if I start with the most obvious European dupe, it's Astor Lipcolor Butter Matte - Elegant Nude (around 6€, only in Austria/Germany). In a crayon form, it has a satin-like finish but dries into a matte within  hours. In terms of texture, it's almost spot on but slightly more slippery. Colour itself is matching but if you look a bit more closely, it's a tone warmer than MAC Twig. Another European dupe could be Catrice Ultimate Stay 020 All the she wants (around 5€) with a more creamier texture. Colour wise it has a blue sheen that makes this lipstick look slightly frosty but not noticeable on the lips. It's a colour or two deeper than Twig. UK version Rimmel Lasting Finish Kate Lipstick 08 (around 7€) can be also fairly easily find all across Europe and US. It's definitely the least dupable shade but offers similar tone with less warmth and less intensity. It's lighter in colour and almost borders Twig and MAC Faux (review & dupes here). A bit more mauve rose rather than pure rose and with a creamier formula. I also suggest looking up Rimmel Lasting Finish Kate 104, which is a darker version of 08. And saving the best for last, USA dupe is Maybelline Creamy Matte in Touch of Spice (7-10$). It's a shade darker than Twig but also way lighter and matte in texture. Frankly, I actually enjoy the Maybelline version slightly more than MAC - who would have thought. Unfortunately Touch of Spice will not hit UK and European market (try Ebay instead).

Connecting the dots, Twig is quite a universally flattering mauve-rose, especially suitable for Fall season. It's an elegant dark rose that would suit any skintone. It's easy to find a drugstore alternative as rose lipsticks go never out of style and are slowly overtaking the young crowd as well. I do recommend giving MAC Twig a go, but it's not a staple due to several dupes. MAC lipsticks retail for around 20€. Rimmel can be found on LookFantastic and FeelUnique, Maybelline Creamy Mattes on Ebay, Catrice in European drugstores and US Ulta's and Astor only in Bipa, DM, Muller (Austria and Germany).

Makeup Revolution Dupe for MAC Miley Cyrus Lipstick

I know you love a good dupe, especially if they are tremendously apart in price range. I was certain that I don't have anything similar to MAC Miley Cyrus lipstick (review here) in my collection. What I didn't expect to see, were the new Makeup Revolution Iconic Pro lipstick line. Higher quality than before and 20 bright shades in creamy or matte formula, got a lot of attention. Particularly, I kindly received We Were Lovers, a warm bright fuchsia which perfectly matches my MAC Viva Glam Miley Cyrus lipstick. 

Iconic Pro lipsticks are a newer addition, suitable to create most challenging makeup looks. Consistency is either creamy or matte upon extra label. They come in the most stunning packaging - royal black with rose gold details. Shape is almost identical to MAC but with lower quality material. Scent is pretty much artificial with a hint of unnatural vanilla, not my favourite. Texture itself is a surprise, depending on which shade you'll choose. Consistent quality is what I miss the most from Makeup Revolution. Speaking about texture, my shade has a lightweight formula with a touch of creaminess. It's way creamier and more pleasant to wear than original formula same company. I'm not charmed yet I'm not disappointed either. I'm super annoyed with flimsy and too soft lipsticks that tend to snap upon multiple applications. I'm afraid Iconic Pro lipsticks might just fall in this category. Lipstick is already starting to rub on the back side of the tube upon usage. On the other hand, longevity is impressive with 5 hours as vibrant colours tend to leave a slight stain. Overall, a good C+ would do. 

MAC LIPSTICK DUPE 

We Were Lovers is a hard-to-find deeper, reddish warm fuchsia. Colours like this are pretty hard to spot in the drugstores. We Were Lovers is finally a perfect dupe for Limited Edition MAC Viva Glam Miley Cyrus lipstick.  Amplified MAC texture is also close to Iconic Pro formula. Not a lot of sheen but still longlasting and comfortable. MAC Miley Cyrus is way creamier while We Were Lovers is lightweight and a bit silicone-y. As for colour match they are almost identical.  We Were Lovers is a shade lighter and pinker than MAC.  You can see full application of MAC Miley Cyrus on my lips and in depth review here.

There's no need to buy MAC Miley Cyrus anymore. Also, it's limited edition until June or July 2015 so basically, you can't buy it after ending promotion. We Were Lovers shade will deliver same effect with a more cautious application. As for Iconic Pro lipsticks, I can't say much from trying only one lipstick. They definitely improved their formula but there are still missing details to make them fully worth/enjoyable for 4,95€. Keep in mind I'm regularly trying new lipsticks, that way, I'm much more critical than with any other makeup item (yes, even eyeshadows). Makeup Revolution is available worldwide here. In Slovenia, you can find Makeup Revolution on Licila.si or Makeup Revolution Slovenija. Currently, you can get 17% discount with BLOG17 code on Slovenian website.

Tone Adapting Nude: MAC Faux Lipstick with Dupes

MAC Faux Lipstick was hard to catch, let me tell you that. It was almost mission impossible if I take into consideration all the praises Faux got recently. So, I've been patiently stalking my nearest (abroad) counter and managed to snap one of the last few there. This hyped up mauve nude is truly what I expected it to be. Slightly darker rose with a perfect balance of mauve and grey. The tricky thing is, that Faux looks like a brown-rose based nude in the bullet but surprises once applied.

Faux is just right up my alley, a perfect version of my natural lip color. Honestly, I was a bit confused about my MLBB lipstick shade, I could never really determinate my natural lip tones. It all makes sense now...this is it! It's slightly cool toned but still warm and rosy. Wild enough, Faux actually looks brown rose in the tube but transfers on the lips in a totally different way. Once on the lips, it's a lighter and ashier version of herself. With a Satin finish it looks almost matte but it's still creamy enough to be universally likable. I can totally see Faux being an ultimate favourite by all skin types - including cooler and warmer undertones. I assume Faux ''adapts'' to the same tones as your natural lip color. In my case (neutral tone with a hint of cool undertone) it transfers as an ashy pink mauve shade.

DUPES

Here are the closest matches for MAC Faux lipstick. Essence Cool Nude and NYX Matte Lipstick  Whipped Caviar are the closest dupes, while Catrice Ultimate Stay Mauve Your Lips is a tad sheerer and cooler. Whipped Caviar and Cool Nude are slightly warmer in the tube. Faux has a lot of similar siblings in the drugstore but nothing is really spot on due to previously mentioned ''tone adapting ability'' to your own natural lip color. While some drugstore dupes look like a perfect match in the swatches, they translate totally different on the lips than Faux. For example, Essence 05 Cool Nude looks a perfect swatch dupe for Faux, but looks way too warm on my skintone here. Do you get what I'm trying to say? 

MAC Faux (Satin) is a lovely addition to my recently overflowing nude collection. It's easily dupable but still transfers totally different on your lips due to ''tone adapting ability''. In this case, Faux will also probably look different on various skintones. I recommend trying Faux on your lips before purchase as it might translate cooler or warmer than expected. Mac lipsticks retail for around 21€ on MAC counters.

Mac Lipstick Collection & Dupes

This will be a long ride, for you and me. I've put a lot of effort in this particular post and it took me over 3 days to photograph, edit and write about my favourite thing - lipstick. Not just any lipstick but cult favourite MAC lipstick. My MAC collection includes 12 colors, surprisingly I forgot to take pictures of Bubbles, a shimmery white topper. I've built my ''army'' slowly but thoughtfully, also with generous gifts from other bloggers. In general, MAC lipsticks have a lovely arrange of colors, they have different finishes, are high quality and preform wonderfully. Once you've tried one, you will probably want more.

MAC Approaching Storm (LE, Pro Longwear Lipcreme) is a deep reddish brown with grey undertone. Pro Longwear Lipcreme formula starts with really creamy application but color sets in terms of minutes. With time, color becomes more and more matte and doesn't budge for hours. Comfortable wear with longevity. MAC Amorous (Satin) is a deepened muted red-mauve. Satin finish makes it comfortable and semi-matte. Amorous in particular still budges so I recommend it setting with powder. MAC Viva Glam II (Satin) is a lovely defining brown nude with grey undertones. Not too warm, not too cool. A perfect balance for fair and medium skin tones. Love! MAC Peach Blossom (Cremesheen + Pearl, review here) is a sheer perfectly balanced everyday pink. Has micro blue shimmer that's visible only on the sun. Cremesheen formula is creamy and comfortable. MAC Nude Scene (LE, Cremesheen) is a pale, pale peach shade with multidimensional shimmer. Lovely as a topper or over darker lip liner. 

MAC Up The Amp (Amplified) is a smokey greyish medium purple/lavender. Really unique shade and easier to wear than expected. However, teeth my look more yellow than usual. Amplified finish is fully opaque with enough grip. Reminds me on Satin finish but with slightly more creamy finish. MAC Viva Glam Gaga (Lustre, review here) is a perfect baby pink with sheer texture. Easily build up and transparent with one layer. Lustre finish offers sheer layers that can be build up for more color intensity. Leaves natural, slightly shiny layer. MAC Candy Yum Yum (Matte) is intensely bright blue based pink with lots of white tones. MAC's Matte formula is usually comfortable with matte finish. Texture is slightly harder but fully pigmented with one swipe. MAC Viva Glam Nicki (Satin, review here) is a yellow based pink with coral undertones. Quite bright once it's on the lips. MAC Viva Glam Miley Cyrus (Amplified, review here) is a current limited edition Viva Glam pick until June 2015. A lovely warm fuchsia pink with intense pigmentation. MAC Relentlessly Red (Retro Matte, review here) is a gorgeous, fully matte deep warm pink-red. Stunning. Matte Retro finish leaves ultimate matte finish with harder texture. Still workable and easy to manage. 

DUPES

Half of my collection is based upon Limited Edition shades, mostly around Viva Glam range. That's why I've decided to find similar colors so you won't be left empty handed. Some shades are dupes, while others are fairly close to categorise them in same color family. Personally, none of them look identical while they do look really similar once on the lips. 

MAC Peach Blossom has a lot of dupes in the drugstore. Catrice Gel Lip Colour 100 Sweet Macaron is slightly pinker but the closest out of three. Benecos Pink Honey is a natural alternative with a darker, peachy base. Revlon Lip Lacquer is sheerer, peachier and glossier version of MAC Peach Blossom.

MAC Viva Glam II dupe is Jordana Modern Matte in Matte Blush. It's a tinge less grey and more matte. Catrice Made Ultimate Stay Lipstick in Mauve Your Lips is a shade or two cooler.

MAC Amorous was difficult to spot. Catrice Ultimate Stay lipstick in All that she wants is only similar. It's way too light and has a blue, shimmery chrome effect. A good dupe would be both, Essence Longlasting Lip Liner 05 Lovely Frappuccino and Rimmel Moisture Renew in Vintage Rose. 

MAC Up The Amp is truly a unique, medium purple. Revlon Super Lustrous in Berry Haute is somewhat similar but too warm to be considered as perfect dupe. 

MAC Nude Scene is similar to Revlon Kissable Balm Stain in Charm, but without pink undertones. 

MAC Viva Glam Nicki is almost impossible to dupe since it has a strong white base. Similar is Maybelline Color Drama Pencil in In with Coral but without extra brightness. Quite frankly, I prefer In With Coral. 

MAC Viva Glam Gaga is dupable to Lime Crime Great Pink Planet and Isadora Jelly Kiss Ballerina. Lime Crime is a tinge more cool toned, while Isadora a tinge more warm. 

Indepth dupe review for MAC Viva Glam Miley Cyrus was already made here. The closest is Bourjois Color Boost Lip Pencil in Fuchsia Libre. Has a glossier finish and less opaqueness.

MAC Relentlessly Red was also featured in indepth dupe comparison here. There are a few more shades that are really similar to Relentlessly Red, but Rimmel Apocalips Stellar is the closest budget version (along with Bourjois Rouge Velvet in Frambourjoise).

Which ones are my favourite? Definitely MAC Viva Glam II and Relentlessly Red. While others are beautiful as well, these two are my ultimate picks for matte lip trend. I highly enjoy Retro Mattes, Mattes and Satins. Colour wise, everyone has a different taste. I strongly recommend you sticking with your own likings, don't pay attention to trend recommendations. Also, different skin tones and undertones make lipsticks look different - try lipsticks on your lips before buying. They can always sanitise your picks in pure alcohol. Also, neutrals and everyday shades will be more frequently used than brights.