This week on Almost Posh we are super excited to introduce a new series "Binge Or Stinge", with the inaugural post being guest-written by Bridie.

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This is your no-frills guide to prodz and services; which are worth it and which are worthless. We review and let you know if you should immediately binge all your cash like an 18 year old on pay day or stinge like you're $100 away from your overseas trip.

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When Beth kindly gave me some lipsticks to review, I was more than keen.  You know how so often you tend to 'inherit' the lipstick habits of your mother?  Mine is a diehard pink addict and when I checked my lipstick stash, I found no less than 8 pink lipsticks...

Beth must have been subtly been trying to pull me out of a beauty rut, and gifted me a couple of bright corals and two nudes to report back on.

Each of the duos has a high-end and budget friendly option.  Which would prevail?


The Corals

Australis Velourlips Matte Lip Cream in 'Mi-A-Mee' vs MAC Morange

First off let me say that this isn't a dupe - Mi-A-Mee is a pinky coral and a gorgeous shade in its own right with a matte finish and Morange is a true orange in MAC's 'amplified' creme finish.  Morange looks beautiful on blondes with a tan and dark haired pale girls, where Mi-A-Mee could be worn by almost anyone.

Velourlips have become a hit for good reason.  They are pigmented and stay all day long. Because of the matte texture they don't clag up after a busy day talking in meetings. The colour is bright with a flat finish.  I applied with the doe foot applicator that they are packaged with and got a reasonable looking finish - no liner needed.

I've worn Morange in the past and used MAC's 'Redd' liner with it, which gives depth and turns it into an orangey red lipstick, instead of a true orange.  When worn alone I just didn't love it on my skintone.

The verdict - STINGE!

Cash in the scratchie, vacuum the couch and dig in your partner's sock drawer, because you only need $10.49 for the Australis Velourlips! This colour is the ultimate to take you from fusty office to 'drinks with the girls' in 5 minutes.

The Nudes

NYX Butter Gloss in Fortune Cookie (link) vs MAC Lipglass in Naked Space

Naked Space* is a peachy gloss with a hint of sparkle.  It has a warm undertone that is flattering on my skin.  I've often joked with Beth about the propensity for a nude gloss to result in what we've dubbed 'cadaver lips'.  Naked Space won't do that - it is warm and looks fresh and pretty - it could easily be layered over other lipsticks to create a glossy look. I find MAC Lipglasses to have a very subtle tingling effect which makes lips look fuller and of course the signature cupcake scent which I adore.

In the other corner, the NYX Butter Gloss in Fortune Cookie (I prefer the French name, 'Biscuit Chinois'!) It is a very smooth creamy formulation with a creamy scent. It doesn't have the sparkle of the MAC and isn't as sticky.  It is also thankfully warm-toned enough to ensure you're not mistaken for a Law & Order: SVU extra (bong bong).

The verdict - STINGE!

While the Naked Space is a lovely gloss, the NYX holds its own and provides excellent value at the paltry price of $9.95. I'd buy more of them in other colours.

Typically I prefer brights when I have a little more time in the mornings, so nude gloss with a quick smoky eye and couple of coats of mascara are great for busy days filled with childcare drop offs and what is a good contender for Adelaide's Worst Commute.

* Sadly this was a limited edition MAC shade, but could easily be replaced with similar shades like Prr or C-Thru

(from top:) Morange, Mi-A-Mee, Fortune Cookie, Naked Space (hairy arm, model's own!!)

Today, it's a win for the stinges in the lip stakes.  What are your favourite non-pink lippies? When it comes to lipstick do you binge or stinge?

Linking up with the Monday Madness Makeup Party.