Remotely Fashion: January 2014

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Review: Topshop Lip Cream and Velvet Lips

This winter, Miriam and I have been experimenting with very intense lip colors ranging from deep scarlet reds to dark plum purples. Sometimes the darkest of lip colors can add just the perfect gothic edge to a feminine outfit. The dark side of the color spectrum can be intimidating, but they are flattering on a variety of skin tones. Just channel your inner Clara Bow and you're set to go!

Being the lip color fiends that we are, when we spotted Topshop's newest lip color creations we had to try them out. First up, I tried Velvet Lips in Plush. (Not currently available online, but should be in stores.) There is no scent for this lip product and it comes with a doe-foot applicator. You can pretty precisely define the shape of your lips without a lip liner using this product; however, being the perfectionist that I am, I would apply a lipliner under it when I use it in the future. It clings unforgivably to any dry skin on your lips so you MUST exfoliate your lips before using this product. I had to remove the product and reapply because it looked so horrid! The formula dries fairly quickly and is best applied in layers after each coat dries. Do not be tempted to rub your lips together in order to distribute the product on your lips because it will create patches and splotchiness. I also found that it applying too much of this product will create splotchiness, so I would say three coats maximum. The finish is absolutely matte and doesn't transfer easily.

But I found my lips looking a little tight and dry, so it was the Topshop Lip Cream in Lotus Flower to the rescue. It has a heavenly vanilla scent and also comes with a doe-foot applicator. The creamy formula has an lovely iridescence and is very moisturizing. It comes packed with color and could be worn alone except for the fact that the formula slides and transfers easily so it is best worn with a base of either lip liner, lipstick or the Velvet Lips product that I have on here. It has a beautiful glossy finish, but it is not sticky like a regular lip gloss. It also transformed the color of the Velvet Lips to a more red-based purple, rather than a blue one.

After layering the Lip Cream on the Velvet Lips product, I put them both to one my top anxiety-producing tests -- eating food with lipstick on. I always seem to get the dreadful 90s lip liner look whenever I eat with lipstick on. I ate a semi-messy sandwich wrap and drank a cup of piping hot Earl Grey tea and noticed the lip color transferring quite a bit on the wrap. My hopes were dashed and I finished my sandwich. But then, I looked into the mirror and barely any of the color budged!! Even the iridescent glossiness of the Lip Cream remained. The photos below show my mouth after eating.

After eating(!):

Pretty cool, right? Overall, I think both products are great but the Lip Cream is something I could see myself using more often. Velvet Lips is remarkable in its long-wearingness but it may be a touch too blue-based for my liking. Aside from that, the trickiness of the application process (waiting for each layer to dry) makes it something that I couldn't really toss in my bag and apply on the go.

What are your favorite vampy lip colors? Let us know in the comments!

Friday, January 3, 2014

Ask RF: Under Construction

As we sail into 2014 we are marking the beginning of the new year with a brand new series -- Ask RF. Email us your fashion conundrums and we will, like year round elves, do our level best to help.

Dear RF,

I’ve recently started to spend a lot of time on construction sites for my job (I’m a field engineer), and the first thing you learn while on site is SAFETY FIRST! I’ve got a hard hat that I take with me, but it didn’t take me long to find out that ballet flats aren’t the most ideal footwear for dodging nails, climbing ladders and tromping through dirt. After a fruitless Google search for “female engineer wardrobe”, I asked my colleagues (all men in their late 40’s to early 50’s) what I should purchase. Now, I know fashion isn’t the #1 priority in my field, but the general consensus of “$50 steel-toes from Wal-Mart” wasn’t the response I was hoping for. Is there anything out there that 1) has a thick enough sole that a rogue nail won’t land me in the hospital for tetanus boosters; 2) is comfy enough to stand up to 10-12 hour days; and 3) looks utilitarian enough that it doesn’t open me up to “engineer Barbie” jokes, but still fashionable enough that I might be able to integrate them into my wardrobe?

- Amanda

Dear Amanda,

First of all, congratulations on your new position! We totally empathize with your need to be fashionable but stable on rocky ground. Your question reminded us of our days in Japan when we would get invited to hike up Mount Misen in Miyajima and realized that we only owned cute (but flimsy) flats and a couple fun heels. We opted for flats but they were dusty and dingy by the end of it, and while our Japanese sisters were somehow able to ascend the mountain in platform pin-up heels, we yearned for a shoe that would be stylish but sturdy.

Fortunately, we think have discovered some rugged options that you will be able to seamlessly incorporate when you're off the job. Make sure to protect your shoes from the elements at your workplace with a shoe protector spray and we hope you'll be stomping proudly in your new shoes!

xoxo RF