I don't know about you but I have my everyday makeup and then I have my 'special occasion' makeup. This isn't on par with that special pair of shoes that you keep in a dust bag and don't want to scuff the bottoms of so you basically don't wear them. But more makeup for evenings and days I want to look and feel my best. This could simply be a dinner out, a special event or of course New Years eve.
When I use said makeup items it feels special and almost like a treat so there has to be something about them that means they have made the cut - think beautiful packaging, limited edition compacts, perfect formulas and finishes and products from my favourite luxury beauty brands!
While this post would be extremely long if I shared the makeup I consider my 'special occasion makeup' I decided to share with you four lipsticks instead that I adore and feel beyond special to me.
Nude Lipstick for Special Occasions
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk
If there was one brand of lipstick that feels special to me, it's that of Charlotte Tilbury. I started 'collecting' them only a year ago but with quite a few of them now I can honestly say they are my most favourite lipsticks to wear. However, the most special feeling of them all and my go-to nude for any special occasion is Pillow Talk.
For a good few years I relied on Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner in Pillow Talk, another highly recommended beauty buy, but finally bought the matching lipstick just recently. Pillow Talk is a universally flattering nude pink that seems to suit most natural lip colours perfectly. The formula is also impressive, being a wonderful velvety-soft matte finish that doesn't accentuate dry lips or fine lines.
To me, this is an all-round perfect nude lipstick from the tone to the finish and of course the luxury packaging. If you have ever thought about trying this lipstick then just do - you won't regret it!
Huda Liquid Matte in Sugar Mama
My other favourite nude lip colour has to be Huda's Liquid Matte in Sugar Mama which I have a mini size of as it came in the lovely Huda Liquid Matte Minis Set (£33 here) but can be picked up full-size (here) for £18.
This is another your-lips-but-better shade that really is very flattering. While I of course love the shade what makes this a go-to special lip product for me is the formula! Unlike a lot of matte liquid lipsticks this is non-dry/pulling and actually feels untraceable on the lips while also being longlasting making it great for nights out. Huda Liquid Matte is really up there with my most favourite liquid lipsticks and this nude shade is just perfection.
See all swatches to the bottom of this post.
Red Lipstick for Special Occasions
MAC Matt Lipstick in Ruby Woo
If there was a universally flattering red lip then it would be MAC Ruby Woo as from super pale to super dark skin this is a vivid red shade that will compliment your skin. Ruby Woo is also one of those classic MAC shades that everyone knows and loves which is why it's in my collection (it's also the name of my beautiful old dog which makes it extra special).
This is a shade for me that comes out when I'm feeling brave enough to wear a red lip as I feel confident that it's flattering and doesn't make my teeth look yellow as some red lipsticks can do for anyone. The formula is very matte so I always make sure to prepare my lips with a lip scrub and balm before applying but once applied it's simply stunning, as the matte finish almost looks like velvet.
I really don't think I will ever stray from MAC Ruby Woo for my special occasion red lip! Also available in mini size here for only £10.00.
Smashbox Be Legendary Liquid Metal in Crimson Chrome
For a truly bold and festive lip, I have one of Smashbox's Liquid Metal lipsticks in Crimson Chrome, which granted doesn't get used a lot but definitely feels very special when I wear it when the right occasion arises.
As you can see this is a luscious metallic ruby red lipstick that is ultra pigmented and non-setting on the lips. while bold and non-drying the formula has without a doubt been thought out as it has great staying power; not smudging or wearing off through both eating and drinking. It looks very beyond rich and smooth on the lips. I'm not sure about any of the other shades in the Be Legendary Liquid Metal collection but Crimson Chrome is a lip colour I wear when I feel festive and want to show it! Oh, and it's currently reduced to £16.15 here!
Do you have makeup products you consider 'special occasion' items?
Fee xo.
