Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquers

Rimmel recently launched the latest lip offerings into the market called Apocalips. 

I was initially thinking this would could be another hybrid lipstick-stain product(al la L’Oreal Shine Caresse) but it is in fact a new category in its own right. This is a new breed of lip lacquers/glosses that are highly pigmented and creamy in texture, as you would find in traditional lipsticks but with the shine that is often seen in lacquer glosses. Lets check out the official wordings first shall we? 

Rimmel Says:

Combines the intense colour of lipstick with a lacquer like shine, Apocalips lacquers are packed with pure colour pigments; its lusciously creamy, conditioning formula promises a never-before combination of colour, shine and comfort that lasts and lasts.

My Views: 

Lightweight and wearing comfortably, it feels very emollient on lips without a hint of tackiness or stickiness  and the high shine also helps to create a plumping effect for those with thin lips. 

It conditions like a lip balm, helps to prevent lips from drying but will show up chapped lips so conditioning lips and exfoliating them is a must (try a dry toothbrush after showering when the flaky lips are softened).

The colours range from subtle nudes to bright and vibrant shades so there’s bound to be a shade that suits all occasions. One swipe of the brighter shades and you have full coverage on your lips – something i’m very impressed with.  What’s better is that you can layer these lacquers so you can mix two Apocalips together to form your own custom shade as well as dial up or down the brightness of the colours. 

Under natural light on NC30 skintone

Under Flourescent light on NC30 skintone

Packaged in a doe-foot sponge applicator, it spreads the formula easily and can even be used to create defined lines when tilted on its side which makes touching up on the go easy-as. It has a tasteless but distinctive apple peel scent which is quite unique as well.

My only complaints are that some of the creme shades without any micro shimmer to add dimension can make lips look flat ‘painted on’ (which also could be an effect you are going after as well but isn't flattering for everyday wear). Good thing is that this can easily be resolved with layering of shades to create one that sits better on your skin.  

Lasting-power wise, the nude colours survived about 1 hr of wear before fading and disappears even faster when eating but the brighter shades lasts 2-3 hours and still holds its colour through light eating. 

The Colours

100 Phenomenon
A pale pink nude that looks best on fair skin and those with cool skin tones for a very natural my lips but better look. Those with pigmented lips like myself with have some difficulty pulling off the look with this shade as it’s washes out the lips too much. 

600 Nude Eclipse
A brown based nude pink that works much better on warmer skintones and also sits better with pigmented lips. This would be the ‘my nude lips’ look if you have medium or warm skintones – then this shade is for you. I love wearing this on my lazy weekend days where i like a bit of hydration but am not going for colour.

701 Stargazer

Full of golden micro-shimmer, Stargazer is very sheer and on my lips, I can barely see the colour other than the shiny shimmer from different angles. I think this shades works best when layered over other lip products to bring some golden warmth and sparkle to the colour. 

201 Solstice 

This is a dusky rose shade that would suit all skintones. The presences of shimmer adds a dimension to lips and just makes this an even more exquisite shade on my skin. This is one of my top picks  of the Apocalips collection.

101 Celestial  

This is a warm dusty pink with a creme finish. It differs from Solstice in that it's a brighter version of the shade and it doesn't contain shimmer is produces a nice block colour effect for lips.

102 Nova
This is a cool Barbie-resque mauvy pink that would wear better on those with cool and light colour skintones.

501 Stellar 
This is a warm and vibrant cherry red that just pops and brightens up lips and goes well with all skintones. In bright white lights, it even has a slight orange tint to it. I love wearing this on my no-eye makeup days because all attention goes to my lips.

303 Apocaliptic 
A rich berry pink, this signature shade that just accentuates the pouts and again would suit all skin tones. It's definitely another bright colour so make sure you co-ordinate your blush with warm berry colours when wearing this shade.

Personally, I love the texture and comfortable wear of Apocalips. My top picks from the current eight shade offering would have to be Solstice, Stellar, Apocaliptic and Stargazer for layering. These lacquers are even better value when on sale (as often can be found at the Chemist Warehouse) for up to 50% off. 

Apocalips Lip Lacquer RRP A$15.95 and is available from Priceline, Priceline, Target, Kmart, BIG W, selected pharmacies and selected Coles and Woolworths stores.