BURBERRY EFFORTLESS KOHL AND LIP MIST IN OXBLOOD

Oxblood is the colour of choice for Burberry's Autumn/Fall 2013 'Trench Kisses' collection.  It comes in various forms: Lip Mist (sheer lipstick), Lip Cover (lipstick), Lip Glow (lip gloss), Effortless Kohl (a new product range reviewed here) and a Nail Polish.

Oxblood Lip Mist (No. 214) is a plum red shade with a sheer, but 'buildable', very emollient texture.  However, it certainly does not apply as deeply as it looks in the tube.  For those cautious of wearing dark colours can certainly still do so one layer at a time without a full-blown, rich, completely dark coverage on the pout.  Also, if you prefer a more moisturising formula then the Lip Mist is your best bet over the Lip Cover.  Not So Frivolous has comparison swatches of Oxblood in Lip Mist and Lip Cover formulas side-by-side.

Personally, I find it a little tricky to wear these kinds of dark, vampy shades, but when I saw it worn by Anna from Vivianna Does Makeup, I just had to get it.  Of course, she has a completely different skin tone to mine.  I was tossing between the Lip Cover worn by Lily Pebbles, or the Lip Mist.  I do love the formulation of the latter and the fact that it can be worn sheerly and appears a little brighter.  So, I opted for the Lip Mist.  I think Oxblood very much flatters those with pale skin due to the stronger contrast and gives a more dramatic, striking look.  However, after testing it out on my currently medium to tanned, olive (~NC30-35) summer skin tone with naturally blue-toned pigmented lips, I rather like it!  It's not too dark and has enough red in it that still brightens my complexion.  The juicy finish makes it a beautiful modern take on a dark shade.  It's a great autumn/winter shade and is also a great alternative to the classic red lipstick. :)  I'm glad I picked this up.  I've compared it to a couple of other Burberry lipsticks that are in the same colour family (see comparison swatches down below), and personally find this and Bright Poppy Lip Cover a much more wearable, lively shade compared to the much darker Blueberry Lip Mist, which I find difficult to wear.

Oxblood No. 02 in the new product range, called 'Effortless Kohl' is a darker, slightly duller version of the shade in this kohl pencil formula.  I mainly purchased it to use as a base for the Lip Mist if I wanted to add a bit more coverage (similar to the Oxblood Lip Cover).  However, after trying this out, the colour is a little too dark for me to be able to wear it comfortably.  If only it had a touch of vibrance to it!  Nonetheless, I will still use this to line my lips to prevent the Lip Mist formula from feathering if I plan to wear it with more layers for a stronger colour.  I also use this kohl to add colour to my cheeks and it works very well!  (Btw, this product is intended to be multi-use for both the inner and outer eye lash lines, eye lids, face and lips).  Just a hint of colour to match the lips.  You only need 2 or 3 very tiny soft strokes (as it's quite pigmented) along the cheek bone and blend them with your clean fingers.  Beauty!  Very easy to blend.  Thirdly, I did try it as a top lash liner (at home!)...not bad.  When blended to a soft line and with lashes curled and mascara applied - it actually doesn't look as scary is you'd think when worn just as a hint of colour.  (Anything beyond will probably emphasise any redness in your eyes!)  If I didn't have such sensitive eyes (esp. on the waterline) I would have loved to get the Kohl in 'Stone'. >_<

The Kohl comes packaged with a sharpener designed to fit the rather chunky-sized kohl pencil.  There are currently three shades available (the other is in Poppy Black).  The bottom end of the pencil is painted in a colour matching the kohl's shade for easy identification.