Sleek Make-Up Matte Me Ultra Smooth Matte Lip Cream Fandango Purple - Review, Swatches

When I got to know about Sleek Make-Up's newest lip offering, the Matte Me Lip creams, my heart literally skipped a beat. Why? Coz I am a huuuge fan of matte lipsticks, the shades looked stunning and the UK bloggers were raving about this product. I was specially drawn to two colors - Fandango Purple and Rioja Red and was desperate to lay my hands on them. The only hitch in the entire acquiring process? Sleek Makeup hates my address and I never get anything delivered. I've lost three parcels since last year so even though I was desperate, I decided control my craving and instead vent my anger and frustration to the bestie who lives in London. That was probably the best thing I did coz my sweetie bought Fandango Purple and sent it to me. It did take 1.5 months to reach (!!) and I had absolutely no clue that she sent it but you can imagine the expression on my face when I opened the package :D..

The Matte Me lip creams are basically liquid lipsticks that dry out to a matte finish. There are 6 shades in this range and most of them are very bright colors. The packaging is a typical gloss style tube with a doe-foot applicator that does the job of spreading the cream evenly on the lips.Fandango Purple is a bright purple pink/fuchsia color that is beautiful and unique.

The texture of the lip cream is very light and smooth and it applies evenly. It feels weightless and the color payoff is super. One swipe is basically all you need for luscious lips. The cream dries out to a matte finish pretty fast and then it practically does not budge for 3-4 hrs without flaking, caking or smudging (without eating or drinking). Else, it stays for about 5 hrs and then fades away leaving a pretty pink stain. The first time I used this on un- prepped lips and it felt really dry. The next time, I used a lip balm, blotted it and then applied Fandango Purple and it was fine. You do need a balm with this unless you want your pout to look dry and parched.

Creamy when first applied

Dries to a matte finish soon after

Here's how it looks on me.

If you are looking for a matte lip color, Sleek Makeup's Matte Me Lip cream is by far one of the best mattes to try. Awesome pigmentation, beautiful bright color and really long lasting. You can buy them from Sleek's website for $6.99 exclusive of $2 shipping cost. I read somewhere that this range is Limited Edition so you might want to hurry up. Now I just pray Rioja Red reaches me soon!

Have you tried any of Sleek's Matte Me lip creams?

Sleek MakeUP I-Divine Showstoppers Palette - Swatches

Sleek MakeUP recently launched their Limited Edition Showstoppers palette which features twelve of Sleek's legendary eye shadow shades, singled out from their I-Divine palettes. The palette includes five mattes, six shimmers and one sparkly glittery shade. I haven't yet used any of the shades on my lids but when swatching, found a couple to be quite chalky - Paraguaya and Oh So Special. The rest all have very good pigmentation. In terms of texture, the mattes are slightly dry while the shimmers are buttery soft.  Because of how soft they are, I did notice slight fallout so a primer is recommended before application.

Overall, this is a good palette to have because it's got a handy mix of mattes and shimmers. My personal favorites are Sunset, Bad Girl, Au Natural and Graphite. I would have loved the addition of a neutral or a brown shade and maybe one in green. I like the concept of taking the best of the best and putting them together in one place. If you don't want to spend money on buying individual Sleek palettes, this is an option to consider. However  you have to be fast to get it coz its a Limited Edition and an online exclusive. The Showstoppers palette is priced at £7.99.

Top Row from Left to Right - Paraguaya, Sunset, Me Myself & Eye, Bad Girl, Noir, Ultramattes V2

Bottom Row from Left to Right - Oh So Special, Bohemian, Storm, Sparkle, Au Natural, Graphite

Which shade did you like the most?

Sleek Makeup True Colour Lipstick Plush - Review, Swatches

I've recently been on a lipstick buying spree which means that you will see a lot of lippie reviews on the blog in the coming days. Also, if you've been following me for sometime, you will know that all of them will be in very bright colors. Yes, subtle and natural is just not me! Not that I don't like them but I look horrible in light or nude shades! Still on the hunt for that perfect nude lipstick though.

Sleek Makeup recently came out with 10 new shades in the True Color lipstick range and most of them are very bright colors in either matte or sheen finish. It took me nearly two days to finalize what I wanted to order and in the end settled for Plush, a matte and Smother, a sheen. Haven't touched Smother yet but I've been using a lot of Plush so ready to share my thoughts on the lipstick. 

The packaging of the lipsticks is really cute. When I got hold of them, my first reaction was OMG these are tiny. Why did I pay nearly Rs 650 on such less product? One of my fellow bloggers was the first to point out to me that 3.5g is actually much more than a MAC lipstick which is 3g. After reading the comment, I carefully examined the lippie and realized that it's not really low in quantity but that's just how its packaged. The good thing is that these can be easily popped into a purse or clutch unlike the larger tubes which take up more space. The outer packaging is rather stylish and the swatch on the cover gives an idea of the color inside. Unfortunately, it's not an exact match but nearly two shades darker. The bullet is encased in a rubbery black tube which I've heard is similar to NARS packaging. I'm not a fan of this rubbery tube because it's a magnet for attracting dust if left outside. Much prefer the usual metal packaging. The name labels on the bottom matches the lipstick shade and that can be helpful when you are trying to search for a particular shade amongst many others in a drawer. 

Plush is a really pretty raspberry color which will look good on all skin tones. It is bright but not so bright as to shield your eyes from it. The color just brightens up the entire face and you don't need a lot of makeup when you are wearing this. Liner, Mascara, a hint of foundation, blush and Plush is all you need to turn heads!

OK so I've told you that I like the packaging, the pretty color and now I'm also adding that I love how pigmented the lipstick is. Now let me come to the bad. It's extremely dry and terrible to apply! Even though the True Color lipsticks are supposed to be enriched with Vit E, Plush definitely shows no sign of Vit E. The first time I applied the lipstick, I was struggling to get this to apply smoothly. Way too much pulling and tugging involved! Next time, no such mistake. I applied a balm first and the situation improved slightly but still significant dryness.  From the reviews that I've read of the other True Colors, all the mattes in this range are very drying so pretties with dry lips, you might want to stay away. One advantage of the finish is that it lasts for a long time on the lips. I get around 5 hours after which it fades away leaving a pretty pink stain. 

Honestly, the only thing that I like about this lipstick is the color and that's why I try everything to make it comfortable for my lips which includes prior scrubbing and applying a generous dose of lip balm. Totally dislike the texture! In the US and UK, these might be considered budget lipsticks but here, with the amount I have to pay to buy one of these, I'd rather get a Velvet matte from Colorbar which applies much better. No more Sleek True Color matte lipstick for me! Have read that the sheen finishes are very good and moisturising. Will share my thoughts once I try out Smother. 

Have you tried any of the Sleek True Colour Matte lipsticks? What's your experience?

New Launch by Sleek - Base Duo Kit

Another  breakthrough from Sleek MakeUP to help you avoid life's little dramas! base DUO KIT   A medium coverage foundation and setting powder in one handy compact. Launching 1st November at sleekmakeup.com

Sleek Makeup Blush in Flamingo - Review and Swatches

In terms of lip color, I love to experiment. Neon pink, blood red, bright coral, intense orange.. I've tried them all and absolutely love these colors on me. In terms of blushes, I was a big bore till sometime back sticking only to neutrals. No experimentation whatsoever. But then I started reading all the wonderful blogs and the pictures and swatches of the beautiful blushes enticed me no end. I finally picked up the courage to buy MAC's Peaches and Desert Rose (yes, 5 months back they were a big step for me!). I loved these colors and then got bolder and thought of getting something radically different from what I would usually wear.  My blush of choice? Sleek's Flamingo!

This is my first Sleek blush and I'm really impressed by how pigmented and silky smooth these are. Flamingo looks scary in the pan coz its such a bright pink and since its so pigmented, one will need to be careful with the application. A tiny bit goes a long way but once its well blended, gives a beautiful flush to the cheeks. The only con is that it does not last for long. A blush that is so pigmented ought to stay on for at least 4-5 hrs but this does not last for more than 3 hours on me. 

In a nutshell, here is my take on Flamingo.

1. Packaging - Very chic and sleek and I love that they have a mirror included. Very very helpful!

 2. Color - Beautiful bright matte pink that will go with all skin tones. Medium to Dark skin tones will absolutely rock this color. 

3. Pigmentation - Very pigmented. You only need a tiny amount to create those rosy cheeks. Have to be careful though. A little bit more and you will end up looking like a clown! A stippling brush is ideal for this. 

Swatched 3 times on the left. Blended on the right

Swatched on the left and Blended on the right

4. Texture - Quite soft and smooth. There is a bit of fall out during application but I can live with that.

5.  Staying Power - Not too happy with the staying power. Does not last on me for more than 3 hours. 

6. Availability - You can order this from the Sleek website for $5.99 and they do have International delivery. The charge is $7.50. 

Will I Recommend This? 

I really like the quality of this blush and the color. I love that its a true matte and there is not even a speckle of shimmer in it. If you are looking for a bright pink matte blush, then do give Flamingo a try. You will love the healthy flush on your face. 

What do you think of Flamingo? Would a bright color scare you and excite you? Do share in the Comments below. 

A Sleek Haul & A Sleek Giveaway!

Yippee Yippee Yayy Yayy my Sleek goodies arrived today and it has made me so very happy and gay!!!...

Eeeks what a corny rhyme that was! Well pretties I'm not really known for my poetic skills so kindly ignore the above and just look at these beauties. This is my first order from Sleek and I'm super impressed. They just took a week to get the stuff delivered and in great condition!

I ordered the Oh So Special Eyeshadow Palette, Blush in Flamingo and the Glisten Me Liquid Illuminator in Goddess. Loving the packaging and the gorgeous colors. I haven't tried them out out yet so cannot write a review. Will put them up in a few days time.

Btw.....I'm not really keeping all three products for myself. See what a nice and generous person I am :))))...Yes girls, be prepared to participate in my very first GIVEAWAY coming up in a week's time. And the occasion? Pout Pretty's one month birthday!!! Will let you know the details in a couple of days time so do watch out. In the meantime, can you guess which one of these beauties I'm gonna give away? Do share in the comments section. I would love to know :)))

 Love

D