In honour of Chinese New Year today, I thought it would be fun to feature some awesome red makeup in my stash (I momentarily considered posting this red-themed makeup entry in time for Valentine’s Day, but ugh, Valentine’s Day…)

MAKE UP FOR EVER matte eye shadow in #51 – 2.5g (I don’t remember what I paid for this – this eye shadow is no longer carried by MUFE but they do have the new Artist Shadow range at Sephora which may offer something similar to this)

This is one of the oldest items in my makeup collection.  It’s from when there used to be a MUFE counter inside Eaton’s department store, and my friend worked there.  I had no business buying a straight up RED eye shadow, I just really liked how it looked on my friend, who convinced me that I could also pull it off.  I may have only ever worn this a few times, and only while playing with makeup at home.  And yet, I cannot part with it – I just never know when I might need a red eye shadow, you know?

Essence blush in #01 Renesmee Red – $2.99 for 5.5g (was purchased from Shoppers Drug Mart, where Essence brand is exclusively sold in Canada – unfortunately this was a limited edition product)

As evident by the packaging and shade name, this was from the Twilight Breaking Dawn limited edition collection. I bought it for the product and unique colour, not because of the movie (I swear!)  It’s a finely milled, high quality product at a very inexpensive print point ($3 for a blush made in Poland?  What wizardry is this?)  I have worn this several times, using a duo-fibre type brush – it imparts a natural flush if applied lightly.

The MUFE eye shadow is a cherry red whereas the Essence blush is a scarlet red.  I may give the MUFE eye shadow a try as a blush!

Anna Sui Minnie Mouse (01) lipstick (this came from the Holiday 2013 “Anna Sui x Minnie Mouse” collection, in the “Rock Song” kit which had an eye shadow palette and collectible tin, the kit was $59)

Full disclosure: I bought this primarily for the adorable packaging and Minnie mouse lipstick bullet shape.  Will you just look at it!  I simply cannot bring myself to swatch my lipstick so I’ll direct you to Temptalia who has wrecked sacrificed her lipstick for the sake of blogging – she’s a much braver person than I. According to her description, it is a “brightened, orange-red with warm undertones and a lightly luminous sheen. It reads a lot like a poppy red”. Sure, let’s go with that!

OPI Coca-Cola® Red nail polish – $10 for 15ml (this was from the Coca-Cola® collection which launched June 2014, but it is still readily available)

This is a One Coat Wonder (“OCW”) formula, which means that it is completely opaque and streak-free with just one coat of the nail polish.  This feat is simply amazing for a red cream shade. I’m not normally a big fan of the OPI formula as I generally find them too thick and goopy, but this one has a good flow and consistency. This colour really does match a can of Coke.

Smashbox Crease Brush #10 – $35 (available from Sephora, select Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutique, and online)

I own a lot of brushes, but none of them have distinct red lacquer handles like the ones from Smashbox.  I own 5 brushes from this brand and they’re all fantastic.  I use this fluffy brush to blend out the crease area and diffuse with a transition eye shadow shade. This brush had been on my wishlist for a while and I finally got it by redeeming Optimum points at Shoppers Drug Mart – getting this brush for “free” definitely makes it even more special.

So there you have it, some awesome red coloured makeup items from my collection for Chinese New Year.  I wish you good fortune in the year of the Sheep!