LIME CRIME - VELVETINES

Good news everyone! Lime Crime is finally back in Australlia, with a partnership having been established between Lime Crime and Makeupnet.

There has been some controversy surrounding Lime Crime over the past few years, most famously the credit card hacking incident. I have a lot of friends who ceased their relationship with Lime Crime following this incident, and were too afraid to purchase unicorn goodies from the retailer via credit card or paypal for fear of their information being stolen by hackers. It was around this time that Lime Crime also severed all of their ties with their Australian retailers which left us babes high and dry, and fighting over Lime Crime sale items on sites such as PepperMayo and Princess Polly. Those were dark times.

Thankfully, it was announced a few weeks ago that Makeupnet would now be stocking all of the Lime Crime goodies here for us in Australia. Yay! Now we can shop freely with little fear of another hacking. So of course, that calls for a review of some of their much loves liquid lipsticks, known as the Velvetines.

My favourite Velvetine - 'Riot'

What I really like about the Velvetines, which only Jeffery Star Cosmetics has been able to match recently, is the colour diversity and Lime Crime's boldness to produce statement shades. Velvetines come in every colour of the rainbow! It's insane.

I am a big Velvetine lover. BIG. Just look at my stash.

I don't know if you've realised, but sometimes I get a bit carried away with my purchases and try to buy everything.

'Velvetines liquid matte lipstick dries to a touch-proof velvet finish'.

A very quick shout out to my biggest blog fan, who also happens to be my boyfriend. You know you've found a keeper when he buys you Velvetines for Christmas. 

Packaging

The packaging is super cute and the product smells really nice too.  The brush applicator is easy to use, and excess product can be wiped off back into the tube.

The only issue I have is that sometimes the tube appears to not have been completely filled. This is just the way the liquid lipstick moves around inside of the tube and is nothing to be concerned about.

'The first Velvetines lead the way in the hugely popular liquid to matte lipstick trend'. 

Shades & Textures

Lime Crime offers an amazing range of shades, and I only own a small potion of the Velvetines available. 

Have a look at what I mean:

L- R: Suedeberry, Pink Velvet & Utopia

L - R: Cashmere, Bleached & Faded

L - R: Shroom, Pumpkin, Riot, Wicked & Salem

And some swatches:

Formula & Pigmentation

The colour range that Lime Crime offers in the Velvetines range is remarkable, and pigmentation varies depending on the colour, Like all liquid lipsticks, you cannot re-apply liquid lipstick on top of pre-existing liquid lipstick as it will become very patchy and noticable. 

All Velvetines become matte once dried completely. You can add gloss, however this will kill off any staying power the Velvetines had. 

I do however have a few issues with the Velvetines. I find that they quick to dry, which means quick and precise application is a must! They are not food or water proof, and unfortunatly touch-ups end up looking blotchy. So you will need to completely re-apply after food and drink as the product starts does start to crumble and flake.

On a positive note, they are make-out proof which earns the boyfriend tick of approval.

'All of Lime Crimes products have been cruelty-free since its inception in 20008. While many of the products were also vegan from the very beginning. In 2012 Lime Crime reformulated the rest to meet vegan standards'.

Ingredients

Lime Crime does meet some crucial beauty standards that make us make-up lovers swoon. All Lime Crime products are vegan and animal cruelty free with is always a big plus. Unfortunatly their products do still contain parabens.

Affordability & Retailers

Velvetines currently retail for $29.00 AUD, or $20.00 USD. I like to keep my eye out for a sale, so I can purchase as many as possible or cash in on free postage deals. Since re-establishing distriution rights within Australia, Lime Crime products can be purchased from Pepper Mayo & MakeupNet as well as directly from Lime Crime.

Final Verdict

I think that if the Velvetine forumla were to improve, to avoid that crumble and flake feeling, then I would buy every colour under the sun and wear them daily. However due to their high maintenance, I find that these lippies are reserved more so for the weekends.

If you still haven't given Velvetines a go, please do so. The colour range just can't be beaten. Plus, who doesn't look good in a Velvetine. Check out #limecrimevelvetine on Instagram to see what I'm talking about.


- B xo

LIME CRIME - UNICORN LIPSTICKS

Say goodbye to my little friend.

Everyone has heard of the brand Lime Crime. And everyone has heard of their Unicorn Lipsticks. EVERYONE. I'm sure these lippies have been reviewed to death by other reviewers, but I thought I'd give them one last review before they are phased out. That's right - PHASED OUT.

Lime Crimes 'Unicorn Lipsticks'

'In 2009, Lime Crime launched their Unicorn Lipsticks, making them the first to introduce distinct and radical lip colours to the market'.

Packaging

Unicorn Lipsticks come in beautiful unicorn packaging. Lipstick casing is a beautiful purple hue and depicts a unicorn and the brands name in a shimmery, silver print. So cute! Each lipstick also has the product colour on the bottom of the packaging for reference.

'Long-lasting, highly pigmented lipstick with gentle sheen'.

Shades & Finishes

All Unicorn Lipsticks have an opaque application but can be built up if desired. Over the years I've collected as many Unicorns as I could get my hands on, and have decided to share a snap shot of my collection as well as a bit of what I've learnt in that time:

From L - R : Babette, Great Pink Planet, Cosmopop, My Beautiful Rocket, Airborne Unicorn, Countessa Fluorescent, Centrifuchsia, Retrofuturist, Poisonberry.

If you look great in pastels these are a must for you! These colours are gorgeous and would go great with dreamy pink or lavender hair. Check out the combinations on Instagram for yourself! However if pastels don't flatter you as much as you would like, I would steer clear. Always be mindful of your skins undertones when making a purchase.

Babette, Great Pink Planet, Cosmopop

If you're after something a bit more playful or to brighten up your day, you can't really go past this trio. Had a bad day? Apply 'Countessa Flourescent'. I promise that it lives up to its name.

My Beautiful Rocket, Airborne Unicorn, Countessa Flourescent

And for something darker, you absolutely cannot go past Poisonberry. This beauty is dark, dark, dark purple. And I love it. You can wear it by itself or soften the intensity of it with some lip gloss. You can't go wrong either way.

Centrifuchsia, Retrofuturist, Poisonberry

'Bold, opaque & recklessly loaded with pigment. For lips that speak louder than words!'.

Formula & Pigmentation

Although they do apply nicely, smooth lips are a must as they will highlight any cracks or imperfections. These lippies are wonderfully pigmented and the colour that you see in the tube is exactly what you get.

Ingredients

Unicorn Lipsticks are certified as Vegan by PETA and are certified cruelty free!

Affordability & Retailers

Lime Crime are set to discontinue their line of Unicorn Lipsticks this year to make way for bigger and better things (so many feels), with existing unicorns slashed down to $8.00 USD (score for us!). You can find your next purchase of Unicorn Lipsticks on sale here: https://www.limecrime.com

Final Verdict

So if you're stuck at home this Easter, head over to Lime Crime and order yourself some Unicorns before they're gone forever.


- B xo