Crush on Me Lipstick
Red Apple has several different lipstick lines, each with a slightly different formula and ingredients. On the whole, all the lines are non-toxic and have basically clean ingredients, but some do contain more controversial ingredients like synthetic beeswax (often petroleum-based) and/or retinyl palmitate (linked to cancer.) The color I chose, Crush on Me, is from the Originals Series and contains neither.
Crush on me is a great, cool-toned pink. It's got a hint of lilac to it and some silver/white shimmer. In the swatch, below, it looks like a bright pink, but on the lips, it goes on as a paler shade. I prefer to do a once over, sheer wash of color with this lipstick, as building it up can make the sparkle feel a little gritty on the lips and it can start to look frosty.
I've seen a few complaints about the lipsticks settling into lip lines, but I really haven't had any problems. It wears well, lasts several hours, and fades pretty evenly. My only complaint - and if you're a frequent reader, you'll probably see this coming - is the scent. The Originals Series lipsticks contain tangerine oil and essence of vanilla, and Crush on Me has a sweet, brown sugar smell. To me, it's a bit sickly, but the scent doesn't last too long on the lips so it's not completely unmanageable. From what I can tell, the rest of the lipstick lines are unscented.
Ingredients: Ricinus Communis, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Cera Alba, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate from an all natural non gluten source, Prunis Dulcis (Almond), Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Essence of Vanilla, May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Manganese Violet, Mica, Iron Oxide.
Rockin' Cafe Palette
The company's name may include lipstick, but for me, this eye shadow palette is the true standout. Eyeshadows are pressed and sold either individually or in palettes. The pans are pretty standard - 26mm - so they'll fit into MAC or other palettes. Red Apple also sells two-pan palettes and branded magnetic Z-Palettes to hold them.
The Rockin' Cafe Palette includes four shadows and the Z-Palette, which can hold up to nine shadows. I love neutral eyeshadows, so picking this palette was a no-brainer. It's a well-balanced selection, with two mattes - Porcelain and Brownie Points - and two satin/shimmer shades - Champagne and Twinkle Taupe.
 |
| How cute is this Z-Palette? Yes, those are little apples all over it! |
Champagne - is a beautiful, shimmery taupe. At first glance, it seems very warm-toned, but there are definitely some cooler, silver tones in there as well. Probably my favorite of the four, I love using this all over the lid.
Twinkle Taupe - is a pretty coppery/bronze shade with a subtle sheen. Less taupey than I was expecting from the name, but still a great color.
Brownie Points - is a matte medium brown. It works really well blended out in the crease, or you can intensity it for liner. It's one of those super versatile shades that I find myself reaching for all the time. If you don't already have a color like this in your collection, you really need to think about adding one!
All four colors apply smoothly, blend easily and have good pigmentation. They also kick up less powder/dust than other silicone-free pressed shadows I've used. They can be applied both wet and dry, depending on the look you're going for.
I did have a bit of a learning curve getting these shadows to last on the eye, but once sorted, they work beautifully. I'm not sure why, but with my usual Faerie Organics primer, they were a hot mess. No creasing, but they did pretty well disappear off my lids within two to three hours. When I use The All Natural Face's Magic Primer, they fare much better. This primer has never worked perfectly for me, but it does keep the shadows on all day with only minimal creasing.
Ingredients: Mica, Zinc Oxide, Silica, Ascorbyl Palmitate. May contain: iron oxides, titanium dioxide, chromium, ultramarines
The Bottom Line
I've been happy with everything I tried from Red Apple Lipstick. The price point is on the higher end ($23.50 for lipstick, $18.75 for eye shadow), but, factoring in ingredients and quality, I don't think it's unreasonable. The products perform well, and Red Apple also offers discounts when you buy three or more of either item. There are definitely a few more eye shadows and (unscented!) lipsticks that have made their way onto my wishlist.
Have you tried Red Apple Lipstick?
Disclosure: Products provided for review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review in return for free product, nor was I compensated for this post. All opinions are my own. Contains affiliate links.
I haven't tried red apple lipstick yet but they're products are so appealing to me! Especially their eyeshadow palettes!
ReplyDeleteThe lipstick is good, but the shadows were definitely the standout product for me! I'm okay with loose shadows, but there's something so nice about having an actual palette :)
DeleteLove the eyeshadow combination! I can't wait to try out their lipsticks too.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great palette if you like neutrals! I'm definitely tempted to try more now :)
DeleteThe matte eyeshadows seem to be pretty pigmented =) I checked their website but I didn't see anything related to international shipping, do you think they do ship internationally or is it restricted to Usa/ North America?
ReplyDeleteThis Z-palette is SO damn cute!
They all have good pigmentation, mattes included :) As far as I can tell, they do ship internationally - you should be able to calculate the cost from your cart.
DeleteAlways hear great things about this brand! That palette has some gorgeous colours in itx
ReplyDeleteThey do get a lot of rave reviews...and well-deserved ones from what I can tell! I'm really happy with the shades in the palette :)
DeleteCool! I like the color for the lipsticks, I fear with the palettes I have now, I will never get rid of them- I keep buying new ones! It's an addiction!
ReplyDeleteMy eye shadows are a bit out of control here too! Mostly loose ones though, so I figure I can justify these since they're pressed. And in a palette, which is a refreshing change :)
DeleteI love the colour of those eyeshadows. It always seems a bit trickier to find good pressed powders.
ReplyDelete