MAC Russian Red vs. Rimmel Kate Moss 01: Dupe?

I officially lost my MAC virginity this week... I finally purchased my very first MAC lipstick! *squeals*. I ended up choosing probably the most well known shade: Russian Red. I've been trying hard to find the perfect red lipstick and once I had tried this one out, I knew my search was over. It's absolutely beauuutiful. I love it to bits and can't wait to wear it out! :).

However, when I did a swatch of it in the store I realized it looked almost identical to a lipstick I already owned. It reminded me of the Rimmel Kate Moss lipstick in the shade 01. So when I got home, I did a bit of experimenting....

(MAC Russian Red, Rimmel Kate Moss in 01)

When I swatched both of them on my arm, they looked 100% identical. The only difference I could see was that the Kate Moss lipstick had a slight sheen finish whereas Russian Red was purely matte.

(Rimmel Kate Moss in 01)

But when I actually apply them onto my lips, you can instantly see the difference. Russian Red is definitely slightly darker than 01, though by looking at the tubes (bottom photo) it would seem the opposite!

(MAC Russian Red)

Though they are slightly different, I would still consider the Rimmel Kate Moss in the shade 01 to be the closest dupe out there, which is great because it's a lot cheaper than a MAC lipstick (only $8.99) and the quality is just as good. It's also less drying since it has a sheen finish.

If I had to choose, I would pick Russian Red, mainly because I prefer slightly dark red lips rather than bright ones. It all really just comes down to what your personal preferences are :).

Which would you choose? :)

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Benefit Coral My World

I have been yearning to get the Coralista blush by Benefit for a while now, but wasn't willing to pay for the full price ($28.50). So when I saw a small set of the blush with a highlighter for only $12.50 at Sephora, I jumped on the opportunity!

Though they are small, they will last a long time, especially the blush. Both are very complimentary and especially perfect to use if you're on holiday and have a slight tan. 

This is officially my new favorite blush. It's a peachy/coral shade with a hint of gold shimmer. Though it is a bit more matte when applied to the cheeks and not too harsh. It's build-able and lasts all day too, only lasts a couple hours without a primer.  

Sun Beam is the perfect bronze-gold highlighter. It's a liquid rather than a powder, which is very nice. It goes perfectly with the blush :).

Both products are stunning and this small Benefit box would definitely be a nice present to give during holidays without having to spend too much money :). 

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NYX Lip Smacking Fun Colors

Thanks to a close friend of mine, I recently discovered NYX. After having a look at their collection, I became a fan instantly. Out of all all their products, I found their Lipsticks the most appealing. Each one was around $8.99. I ended up choosing two shades from their Lip Smacking Fun Colors line: Power and Pumpkin Pie.

NYX chose the names perfectly in my opinion. I tried out Power first and I have to admit, every time I wear that shade I feel incredibly confident. The color is not my usual type given that it's more of a purple than pink, and is definitely outside my comfort zone, but I have made a resolution to wear more daring colours and plan on sticking to it!
It glides on smoothly and is also incredibly pigmented. The only downside is that is very drying. Ah well, perfection is hard to come by :P.

The second didn't fully live up to my expectations, but it's still pleasant. Pumpkin Pie is a nice peachy shade and perfect for every day. The pigmentation isn't as amazing as Power, but on the other hand it's not as drying.

I can't wait to try out more products by NYX :)

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