I have accumulated a ton of brand new lipsticks lately, and I have been reluctant to swatch them, because I would not be using them anytime soon, and I wanted to keep them new and 'sanitary' for when I get to using them.

However, I got curiouser and curiouser, and to satisfy that, I decided to go on a swatch fest, take some pictures, and all that.  I hope you enjoy the rest of this post.  I am not responsible for any lemming caused as a result of this entry!!

I have also discovered some real gems among these batch of lipsticks, and I think they are really worth running out to get.

(I am not paid by anyone to say that though!)

We have a little set up, I am seated at my sister's work area, there is ample white lighting, so I could take more accurate pictures of the products and swatches.

How I sanitised the lipsticks after I applied them:  I used a plastic fork, and just scrapped off the top layer... much like what makeup counters do.  I didn't use the alcohol solution thingy, cos I didn't have any at home, and well, I think it's just easier to scrap off the top layer.

Also, please take note that I just sharing my initial comments when I applied these lipsticks, these aren't exactly proper reviews, so I can't comment on whether they last 5 hours, or 10 hours, or whether they really do moisturise or dry your lips after wear.

Here is a picture of my lips before and after swatching.  I swatched about 10 lipsticks.  I used the neutrogena oil-free remover to wipe off in between each product. I think my lips look pretty much smooth and exfoliated after all these.  Haha. You also get an idea of my own lip color, and I am about NC15-20 in shade.

1. Maybelline Moisture Extreme No945 Natural Nude (courtesy of Sara)

I love the texture and color of this lipstick.  I didn't expect the texture to be so creamy, and the color so pigmented.  It reminds me somewhat like the YSL RV, though the finish isn't quite the same... but that feeling of wanting to reapply the lipstick just for the heck of it is very similar to how I feel when I use the RV.  I was so excited about this, I had to text Sara immediately to thank her again and to rave.  I have swatched this range at the counters before, but I think it is so different to swatch on your hands and to actually feel it on your lips.

2. Maybelline Born With It No15  (no name)  This is courtesy of Liana, when we did our swap.

You can see how shiny the lipstick is just in the tube alone.  This lipstick feels moisturising and 'wet' when applied.  A very nice natural color which you can just slap on anytime, and not worry about it looking all over the place.  And I love the packaging of this lipstick, reminds me of a Chanel Rouge Allure lipstick.

3.  Natura Republic Lucid Star Moisture Lipstick PK115 (This is courtesy of Anonymous Bosch.)

I think PK stands for Pink, and this lipstick, like the one above, feels 'wet' and slick when applied.  The color is a sheer wash, with glitters. The glitter remains on your lips after the color is gone.  I can imagine how shiny but smooth this lipstick will look in certain lighting condition.  Think of this as a solid dazzleglass.

4. Illamasqua Sonnet Lipstick (I got sis to buy this in Vegas after watching Lorraine's haul video)

My first illamasqua lipstick. A very pretty nude.  If I weren't rotating so many lipsticks right now, I would be using this quite often.  Think of it as a smoother lipstick version of Mac Naked lip pencil.  The texture is also quite interesting.  It feels almost waxy, and slick, but the finish is rather matte.  It is one of those my lips but better color.  If you have lipcolor like mine at the before/ after picture.

Then I tried the same lipstick with MAC Underage lipglass.

5.AVON Ultra Color Rich Perfect Peach 304 (This is courtesy of Sarah)

A true frosty lipstick.  The color applies darker than it looks in the tube.  Very smooth texture and I like how it is  slightly sheer around the edges.

Ok, we are moving to the pink colors now...

6. Maybelline Watershine Pure P24 (no name, courtesy of my sister's colleague from the T&C dept)

I like the finish of this lipstick, though it is sheer, it gives my lips a nice rosy wash of color.  This will give the next lipstick I am showing a run for its money, as far as the sheerness and texture go.

7. YSL Rouge Pur Shine Rose Sorbet No28

(I bought this on ebay, from the seller Germ1123 or smth, and never featured it cos was a little guilty about buying YET another lipstick)  I am quite surprised, even though I shouldn't be, at just how sheer the product is.  Still, the packaging is so pretty.  You see how it is so similar to the Maybelline watershine above?  The color is similar too.  But the Maybelline lipstick only cost half the price.

8. MAC Victorian lipstick (from the Spring Color Forecast Collection)

This is a nice frost lipstick, and is prolly what Lollipop Lovin' (LE, Lustre) would look like if it is a frost lipstick. I tried to capture the gold sheen to this lipstick in the swatch.  It also reminds me of NARS Orgasm, the multiple cream stick looks like on the lips.

And I tried this with a pink gloss over, which caused some of the gold frost to fade.

Are you bored by now?

8. MAC Viva Glam Cyndi

I think this is like "my lips just been kissed", stained look.   :)  I like! The lustre finish of the latest Viva Glam lipsticks really make the colors much more wearable and suitable for all skin tones.

9. AVON Ultra Color Rich Lasting Mauve U9 (Again, this is courtesy of Sarah!)

Looks like the Viva Glam Cyndi, except this is frost finish and more pigmented, obviously.  But I don't detect any 'mauve' shade going on.  A very pretty color, but I don't see myself wearing this very often.  Might give it to my mom who will definitely use this color everyday.  :)   And that's how I scrapped the top of the lipstick off after each swatch, except I went a little clumsy and sort of knocked it a litte too hard at the corner.

10. MAC Up The Amp lipstick (OK, so the last lipstick is not new, as I have this more than one year ago)

This is one of Diana's and Kas' fave lipstick, and I just want to show up 'dark' and purple/ violet it looks on my lips, or against my skintone.

That's all.... I just wanted to post everything in one entry, instead of dividing it into part of a series.... I have in mind some dupes and comparisons... and I might put up 2 lipsticks for sale (brand new sealed never been swatched) later this week, if there is any interest.

I hope this has been a helpful and fun read/ viewing!