REVIEW: OFRA Four Shades of Romance Collection Long Lasting Liquid Lipsticks – Paris Rendezvous, Venice, Santa Ana & Atlantic City

Hello everyone!

While hopeless romantics eagerly anticipate the arrival of Valentine’s Day every February, shopaholics like myself look forward to sales as well as new releases that complement the special occasion. OFRA, a brand I’ve been keeping tabs on ever since purchasing my now all-time favourite liquid lipstick in Miami Fever, launched the Four Shades of Romance collection in January to give ladies ample time to prep for their Valentine’s date. Featuring four versatile and romantic shades, this Valentine’s Day-inspired collection includes one that is limited edition and exclusive to this set.

OFRA Four Shades of Romance Collection

OFRA Four Shades of Romance Collection

OFRA Four Shades of Romance Collection

OFRA Four Shades of Romance Collection

Packaging size

Packaging size

Housed in a dark purplish-pink drawstring mesh bag and cushioned from inevitable knocks during transit by shredded pink paper, the liquid lipsticks looked set for the celebration of love in a visibly smaller packaging – about 2 cm shorter than the regular-size ones – and a shiny silver cap instead of the usual matte black. The slimline design also makes it very handy to carry around in a clutch purse.

SAMSUNG CSC

Swatches

Among the four shades shown above, Santa Ana, Venice and Atlantic City are repackaged from the permanent line. Given that OFRA has been consistent in naming its liquid lipsticks – Miami Fever, Las Vegas, Dubai and other names of cities around the world (would love to see one named after an Asian city like Singapore though), it’s definitely not surprising to see that the shades picked out for this bundle are of two of the most romantic cities in the world. All of them have a matte finish.

(Pardon my ignorance but why Atlantic City and Santa Ana if not for the shade? Perhaps my American readers can enlighten me on this one!)

#1 Atlantic City

OFRA Atlantic City

OFRA Atlantic City

OFRA Atlantic City

OFRA Atlantic City

OFRA Atlantic City

OFRA Atlantic City

OFRA Atlantic City

OFRA Atlantic City

OFRA Atlantic City

OFRA Atlantic City

OFRA Atlantic City

OFRA Atlantic City

OFRA Atlantic City

OFRA Atlantic City

Vivid red lipsticks are a staple for the romantic season so it would be silly not to have one in this collection pack. This classic red has blue undertones which exudes sophistication and confidence on your first date with the guy you’ve been really interested in. The formula ensures full coverage to reduce the appearance of your lip lines and it also leaves a creamy and hydrating texture on the lips before drying down to a matte (but still moisturising) finish.

#2 Venice

OFRA Venice

OFRA Venice

OFRA Venice

OFRA Venice

OFRA Venice

OFRA Venice

OFRA Venice

OFRA Venice

OFRA Venice

OFRA Venice

OFRA Venice

OFRA Venice

OFRA Venice

OFRA Venice

If you’re bored of your classic red lipsticks already, try this bold orange-red for a change! Like Atlantic City, Venice goes on slick and evenly and coats the lips with intense pigment and high-impact colour payoff which guarantee to get you noticed among a crowd of other dolled up women (so singletons, take note!).  A little of this product goes a long way and one swipe is all you need to fill the lips. The texture, however, felt slightly tackier than other shades.

Atlantic City and Venice swatch comparison

Atlantic City and Venice swatch comparison

I couldn’t tell Venice and First Class apart because they looked too similar! Since ColourPop carries a more extensive range of shades, it won’t be difficult to find dupes at a fraction of OFRA’s price if you’re willing to compromise on the quality. 😉

#3 Santa Ana

OFRA Santa Ana

OFRA Santa Ana

OFRA Santa Ana

OFRA Santa Ana

OFRA Santa Ana

OFRA Santa Ana

OFRA Santa Ana

OFRA Santa Ana

OFRA Santa Ana

OFRA Santa Ana

OFRA Santa Ana

OFRA Santa Ana

OFRA Santa Ana

OFRA Santa Ana

Not fond of heavily saturated brights? Don’t worry, OFRA has got you covered! Santa Ana brings out the gentle side of you with its gorgeous berry rose colour – an ideal neutral shade for everyday wear which also gives the lips a healthier-looking flush. It has an apparent buttery texture with fairly good colour consistency because some areas appeared thinner on my lips and thus required reapplication. But I don’t really see it as an issue. I absolutely love Santa Ana because it blends so well with my natural lip colour! I can totally see myself wearing it to death.

Swatch comparison

Swatch comparison

I think I may even like it more than Bumble now.

#4 Paris Rendezvous

OFRA Paris Rendezvous

OFRA Paris Rendezvous

OFRA Paris Rendezvous

OFRA Paris Rendezvous

OFRA Paris Rendezvous

OFRA Paris Rendezvous

OFRA Paris Rendezvous

OFRA Paris Rendezvous

OFRA Paris Rendezvous

OFRA Paris Rendezvous

OFRA Paris Rendezvous

OFRA Paris Rendezvous

OFRA Paris Rendezvous

OFRA Paris Rendezvous

Following very closely behind Santa Ana on my colour charts is Paris Rendezvous, the limited edition coral pink shade that was specially created for this promotional bundle. It feels exceptionally comfortable and lightweight on the lips and does a satisfactory job in filling the lips entirely with its fairly opaque and somewhat streaky coverage. It is hydrating but does not dry down completely. Therefore, this shade isn’t transfer-proof and won’t be as long-lasting as the rest. But looking on the bright side, it doesn’t demand a lot of effort to be removed. Moreover, this shade is too pretty to be tossed aside, don’t you agree? 🙂

Swatch comparison

Swatch comparison

With only ColourPop’s Instigator bearing the closest similarity (but far from being a dupe) to Paris Rendezvous, it is essentially a unique shade on its own.

OFRA has undoubtedly become one of my go-to brands for liquid lipsticks because of its incredibly soothing and comfortable formula that does not dry out my already-chapped lips. They generally last for at least four hours before fading evenly all over the lips. This bundle is really value-for-money and I would certainly recommend anyone who’s still contemplating to try this brand to get it. I assure you that you will love their liquid lipsticks as much as I do!

What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! 🙂

Thanks for reading!

OFRA Four Shades of Romance Collection is now available on OFRACosmetics.com. Quote “LIPLOVE” upon checkout for 30% off Storewide.

REVIEW: Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipsticks – Doll Parts, Androgyny, Hoe Hoe Hoe, Drug Lord & Mistletoe

Hello everyone!

Last Christmas was an exceptionally brutal period for my wallet because of all the sales going on that caused my credit cards to break out of hibernation. Jeffree Star Cosmetics, in particular, rolled out five limited-edition (and now permanent) liquid lipstick shades to get every beauty lover in the mood for the festive season. They are Drug Lord, Doll Parts, Androgyny, Hoe Hoe Hoe and Mistletoe, some of which are colours that I admittedly don’t have the courage to parade in public yet.

Topping it all off, these new lipsticks were sold as a holiday bundle for only US$75 (which is equivalent to a discount of US$15) despite the widespread attention they had garnered on social media even before they were released for sale! That’s quite a substantial amount of moolah when converted to Singapore currency if you ask me, and it is precisely their generosity (and willingness to listen to their customers) that compelled me to support the brand. As might be expected, the lipsticks were sold out in minutes, thereby prompting Jeffree Star to do a restock and make the more popular shades permanent!

Limited edition packaging

Limited edition packaging

From left: Androgyny, Doll Parts, Hoe Hoe Hoe, Drug Lord & Mistletoe

From left: Androgyny, Doll Parts, Hoe Hoe Hoe, Drug Lord & Mistletoe

Swatches at a glance, from left: Hoe Hoe Hoe, Mistletoe, Drug Lord, Androgyny & Doll Parts

Swatches at a glance, from left: Hoe Hoe Hoe, Mistletoe, Drug Lord, Androgyny & Doll Parts

Deviating from its regular pink packaging, these liquid lipsticks came in white tubes and boxes that scream exclusivity. I actually prefer this design because it looks more sophisticated and original, unlike the regular packaging (the use of stars and silver holographic effect and the hot pink especially) which reminds me so much of that of Lime Crime. But of course, in terms of the quality of materials used for the packaging, Jeffree Star’s doesn’t feel like it would crack and shatter into pieces if you accidentally drop it.

#1 Doll Parts

Doll Parts is a soft cool-toned pink with matte finish (US$18)

Doll Parts is a soft cool-toned pink with matte finish (US$18)

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Doll Parts

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Doll Parts

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Doll Parts

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Doll Parts

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Doll Parts

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Doll Parts (true to this colour)

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Doll Parts

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Doll Parts

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Doll Parts

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Doll Parts

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Doll Parts

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Doll Parts

Making a comeback this month is Doll Parts, a muted fuchsia with blue undertones that instantly transform a tomboy into a girly girl. It has a fairly runny consistency which makes it all the more easy to blend. With a single application, it was able to fill my lips with an opaque and well-pigmented layer of lipstick. Unlike some liquid lipsticks I have, this does not wrinkle the lips and cause them to stiffen or move awkwardly. I generally do not have any complaints about their formula and Doll Parts certainly did not disappoint!

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Doll Parts - swatch comparison

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Doll Parts – swatch comparison

I don’t really go for light pink hues when it comes to purchasing liquid lipsticks because of my relatively tanner complexion, so the closest (but far from similar) shade I have to Doll Parts is Bad Habit by ColourPop.

#2 Androgyny

Androgyny is a plum mauve with a matte finish (US$18)

Androgyny is a plum mauve with a matte finish (US$18)

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Androgyny

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Androgyny

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Androgyny

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Androgyny

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Androgyny

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Androgyny

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Androgyny

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Androgyny

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Androgyny

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Androgyny

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Androgyny

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Androgyny

Dusty mauves have become one of the most highly sought-after lipstick shades ever since Kylie Jenner started wearing it at public events about two years ago. As a neutral hue, Androgyny makes a safe choice for an everyday lipstick shade because it doesn’t blatantly shout for attention. It applies smoothly and evenly with a lightweight texture but settles slightly into the lip lines. It dries down to an opaque and non-drying matte finish quickly and was able to conceal the scab on my lower lip entirely.

However, this is one shade that you cannot rely solely on swatches to get a good idea of its true colour. While it seems to have redder undertones when swatched on my hand, it tends to pull purple on my lips which has a warmer tone. I was rather upset with the huge disparity because I really liked the colour on my hand. So Asian readers, do take note before you make your purchase!

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Androgyny - swatch comparison

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Androgyny – swatch comparison

Stingraye from ColourPop is lighter and has browner undertones as compared to Androgyny.

#3 Hoe Hoe Hoe

Hoe Hoe Hoe is a deep toned with hints of metallic red and purple throughout with matte finish (US$18)

Hoe Hoe Hoe is a deep toned with hints of metallic red and purple throughout with matte finish (US$18)

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Hoe Hoe Hoe

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Hoe Hoe Hoe

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Hoe Hoe Hoe

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Hoe Hoe Hoe

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Hoe Hoe Hoe

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Hoe Hoe Hoe

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Hoe Hoe Hoe

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Hoe Hoe Hoe

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Hoe Hoe Hoe

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Hoe Hoe Hoe

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Hoe Hoe Hoe

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Hoe Hoe Hoe

I don’t need another red lipstick but I just couldn’t resist those gorgeously subtle purple shimmers. Hoe Hoe Hoe lends the lips a fuller appearance with a provocative sheen, thereby upping the pout game. Unfortunately, it accentuates fine lines on the lips and feels a tad drier than the other Velour Liquid Lipsticks. The finish isn’t as densely pigmented as I like it to be but has a thicker consistency which may be why the applicator wasn’t able to collect a lot of product from the tube each time. Despite the alluring colour, this shade is probably the worst performer in the bundle.

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Hoe Hoe Hoe - swatch comparison

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Hoe Hoe Hoe – swatch comparison

Dance With Me by MAC is the dupe for Hoe Hoe Hoe! But if I had to choose between Hoe Hoe Hoe and Dance With Me, I would opt for the former. Apart from price difference, there are many other reasons for my choice and they will be revealed in my upcoming review on MAC’s Retro Matte Liquid Lipsticks so keep your eyes peeled to this space!

#4 Drug Lord

Drug Lord is a pure white with matte finish (US$18)

Drug Lord is a pure white with matte finish (US$18)

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Drug Lord

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Drug Lord

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Drug Lord

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Drug Lord

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Drug Lord

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Drug Lord

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Drug Lord

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Drug Lord

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Drug Lord

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Drug Lord

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Drug Lord

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Drug Lord

The first of its kind, this sold-out multi-purpose shade can be used as a lightening agent to create ombre lips, as a liquid eyeliner or even worn as it is. But unless you want to look like a drug addict who has probably forgotten to wipe large remnants of heroin off the lips after use of the drug, or a clueless child who has mistakenly used correction fluid on her lips, use Drug Lord only as a base colour, please.

When worn by itself, it appears messy and requires several applications to completely conceal the natural lip colour. It forms clumps at the doe foot, thus making it hard to line the lips. On top of that, because it’s white, the applicator gets dirty very easily!

#5 Mistletoe

Mistletoe is a true Christmas tree-green with a matte finish (US$18)

Mistletoe is a true Christmas tree-green with a matte finish (US$18)

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Mistletoe

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Mistletoe

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Mistletoe

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Mistletoe

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Mistletoe

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Mistletoe

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Mistletoe

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Mistletoe

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Mistletoe

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Mistletoe

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Mistletoe

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Mistletoe

What’s Christmas without red… and green? This aptly-named shade (although Grinch would be more appropriate) is a unique colour in my stash (so no swatches to compare with, sorry!). It has a slightly runnier formula and therefore was able to distribute evenly across the lips without too much difficulty. It applies smoothly on the lips but has a fairly opaque coverage because streaks of my natural lip colour could still be seen. You would hence need more than one swipe (the formula is buildable) to entirely obscure the lips.

I’m very late to review these lipsticks so Mistletoe and Hoe Hoe Hoe have already been taken down from the catalogue on Jeffree Star Cosmetics website. But who knows, it may just make a comeback this Christmas!

All in all, this bundle is only worthwhile if you intend to use all of liquid lipsticks. Otherwise, just stick to the conventional shades like Androgyny, Doll Parts and Hoe Hoe Hoe because honestly, US$75 is still quite a lot of money!

What are your thoughts on the unusual colours like Drug Lord and Mistletoe? Would you wear them as they are or blend it with another shade to achieve another colour? I would love to hear from you so chime in below!

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more beauty reviews! 🙂

JEFFREE STAR VELOUR LIQUID LIPSTICKS in Doll Parts, Androgyny and drug lord ARE AVAILABLE AT JEFFREESTARCOSMETICS.COM AND BEAUTYLISH FOR US$18 EACH. INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING IS FREE FOR ORDERS ABOVE US$100 AND US$35 ON JEFFREECOSMESTICS.COM AND BEAUTYLISH RESPECTIVELY.

REVIEW: OFRA Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Miami Fever

Hello everyone!

Thank God for the internet. Not only does it enable consumers living outside of the United States to have access to brands not found in their country, but also introduces them to new or indie brands that would otherwise be confined within their own retail walls. One brand I had discovered of late is OFRA, an up-and-coming cosmetic brand that has got every makeup enthusiast talkin’ about their liquid lipsticks.

ofra-logo

Founded in the late nineties by Ofra Gaito – a therapist and make-up artist from South Africa – along with her husband David, OFRA has over 20 years of experience in the beauty industry so they are definitely worth a look. For a start, OFRA is among the few brands to have an in-house laboratory, thus allowing them to formulate and produce their own professional skincare and makeup products and oversee the entire manufacturing process.

Since breaking into the American market, they have partnered with numerous high-profile personalities and franchises including Miss Universe. Most recently, they also seemed to have taken a leaf out of ColourPop’s book and worked with social media influencers. This shift in marketing direction proved to be highly fruitful as their latest collaboration with famous beauty vlogger Kathleen Lights had attracted lots of buzz on Instagram (and maybe YouTube), so much so that even a social media dweeb like myself had taken notice of it. Although not as dirt cheap as ColourPop, their products are considerably more affordable than MAC and the likes (with discounts), but even so they boast of equally great quality. Therefore, unsurprisingly, many were very eager to lay their hands on the first liquid lipstick born out of this partnership (though I believe the choice of colour played a huge role in the hype as well). Within days of its launch, it was completely sold out, thereby prompting OFRA to do a restock that was never (based on their Instagram update 14 weeks ago) in the plan!

Being totally new to the brand, I wasn’t really keen on adding it to my stash at first but after seeing how popular Miami Fever was, I knew I had to! (Yes, yes, say all you want about me being a bandwagon jumper :mrgreen: )

OFRA Miami Fever

OFRA Miami Fever (US$19.90)

OFRA Miami Fever

OFRA Miami Fever

My first venture into OFRA started off well as there was a discount code (which has already expired) for 40% off the entire website. Thus, instead of paying the full price of US$19.90+, I only had to fork out US$16.89 (inclusive of shipping fee). My order was processed and shipped out by the end of the following day but it took close to 7 days to arrive at my U.S. address. I wasn’t in a hurry to try it so I didn’t really mind the wait.

The lipstick is packed rather tightly in a slim paper box, but it could be easily removed by sliding it upwards along the rectangular cutout at the front. Don’t bother taking it out from the opening at the top because the box will tear if you do so.

OFRA Miami Fever

OFRA Miami Fever

Packaged in a relatively tiny bottle about twice the length of my pinky, it comes with an applicator which felt sturdier and slightly more slender than that of other liquid lipsticks I own. It was the perfect size because it allowed for a more precise and manageable application. Therefore, no lip liner is necessary.

OFRA Miami Fever

OFRA Miami Fever

OFRA Miami Fever

OFRA Miami Fever

OFRA Miami Fever

OFRA Miami Fever

OFRA Miami Fever

OFRA Miami Fever

When putting the applicator to my lips, a pronounced scent of vanilla (or something close, like a chocolate blend) unexpectedly hit my nose. It is a lot more potent than that of MAC lipsticks, so I would advise you to stay clear if you have a very sensitive nose. But apart from the smell, there’s truly nothing to dislike about this lipstick. Besides, it even contains antioxidants and Vitamin E for added benefit!

The liquid lipstick glides on smoothly and evenly in an opaque coat of vivid burnt orange with blue undertones in just one swipe. This shade is one of a kind; I don’t remember having anything similar. Contrary to the description on the website, it dries down almost instantly, leaving little to zero chance of smudging and feathering. It felt lightweight, therefore reducing any sign of flaking. It does not settle much into the lip lines (of course, exfoliating the lips prior to application would give better results but as usual, I’m lazy) and the flawless matte effect it provides reflects light to add a glow to your smile. Most importantly, it’s extremely long-wearing because it lasted almost 6 hours on me (with minimal drinking and eating)!

I can go on gushing about this product but you probably already get the gist. In short, this liquid lipstick is uh-mazing, right down to the finish. For this reason, I will certainly be looking forward to my next purchase with OFRA!

OFRA Miami Fever swatch comparison

OFRA Miami Fever swatch comparison

Compared with the liquid lipsticks from ColourPop, Miami Fever definitely looks more pigmented and hard-wearing. The subtle glaze over it also made it look less flat. You’re clearly paying for the quality here.

That’s all from me! What do you think of OFRA products? Do share with me your thoughts in the comments below!

Thanks for reading ❤

OFRA Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Miami Fever is now available on OFRACosmetics.com while stocks last.