Lavender Smoke: MAC Crystal, Shale, Grape and Macroviolet

Purple Smoke: MAC Crystal, Shale and Grape pigment, with Macroviolet Fluidline

This look layers mulitple shades of silvery purples for a look that's monochromatic but not monotonous. 

If you own Lime Crime's Chinchilla lipstick or like that middle-ground between purples and greys, this is a look that goes with it. 

Clockwise from top: MAC Crystal, MAC Shale, MAC Grape pigment, blend of MAC Frozen White pigment and Reflects Transparent Pink, Lime Crime Chinchilla lipstick, and MAC Palladium Metal X Cream Shadow

Step 1: Apply MAC Shale, or any smoky grey-purple to the two outer corners of the eyes, and along the lower lash line.

Step 2: Pack a soft silvery violet in the centre. MAC Crystal is a beautiful option because it's a duochrome light grey with a violet sheen. It's not the most pigmented shadow around, so you will need to pack and layer a few times to build up intensity.

Step 3:  Deepen the corners with a touch of Grape pigment (I'm using the limited edition Crushed Metal version, but you can use the normal one).

Step 4: Dip the brush tip into more grape pigment and then smoke out the edges of the eye look.

Step 5: Using a blunt tipped detail brush, apply a deep metallic purple gel liner (MAC Macroviolet) thickly along upper and lower lash lines. Build up the line so it looks thick and solid. Leave out any flicks and the outer corners.

Step 6: Curl lashes and apply mascara. Then dust a translucent glittery violet to the brow bones and tops of cheek bones. 

The Lime Crime Chinchilla Experiment: Grey Lipstick Swatches, Mini-review and Look

[Pictured Left-to-Right: Lime Crime My Beautiful Rocket, Lime Crime Chinchilla]  

Some of you may recall a few months ago, I posted about Lime Crime's limited edition Chinchilla lipstick, which is the unlikeliest and most unexpected shade of grey.
Well what does a girl do on Cyber Monday while stocking up on staples like Great Pink Planet and Countessa Fluorescent? She drops an extra "experimental" lipstick into her cart for the heck of it.
Well that experiment took a long time to ship, but has finally arrived.
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When I opened the tube, I wasn't too sure what to make of it. The first thing I thought was, "This isn't really grey." Well, it is, kinda.
I would describe it as a smoky lavender. Equal parts purple and grey. So I compared it to my other purple lipsticks for reference. As you can see below, even NYX Power looks pink in comparison, so if you're not very comfortable with that shade on your lips, you will most likely not like this one.

Swatches from L-to-R: MAC Sheen Supreme in Asian Flower, Lime Crime Airborne Unicorn, NYX Power, and Lime Crime Chinchilla

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Now the important question: how does it look on the lips??
On its own, I wouldn't call it the most wearable lipstick around. The formula is great; very creamy and opaque, with that lovely vanilla scent. But it will take some getting used to when you look in the mirror for the first few times.
I definitely don't find it ugly, but I can't quite imagine this being too flattering on anyone who isn't at least medium-fair in skin tone. If you are deeper than about NW30-NC35, this might really look weird. If you are very pale with minimal or no ruddiness in your skin this is likely to look quite beautiful. In an odd way.
This is definitely a statement lip without having to be really loud.
With that said, here's a picture of a smoky, monochromatic look featuring Chinchilla on NC25 skin. I've found this lipstick looks more "wearable" with muted cool-toned shades like greys, charcoals, and deep purples as these bring out the purple tones of the lipstick. If you want it to really look grey, pair it with stronger, or warmer shades as the lipstick will look even more muted in contrast.
Topping it with a gloss will also make the shade a lot more wearable.
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Edgier Monochrome Look (above) -
On lids: MAC Crystal eyeshadow, Shale eyeshadow, and Grape pigment.
On lips: Lime Crime Chinchilla
On cheeks: TheBalm Bahama Mama as contour
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Softer Look (above) -
Add to cheeks: NYX Dusty Rose Blush on apples
Add to lips: Kiehl's Lip Gloss in Mahvelous Mauve dabbed on lightly
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Verdict?
Definitely interesting, but I'll just stick with my more "conventional" Lime Crime colors (neon orange and electric pink) for everyday wear, though I will be pulling this out from time to time, and wondering if I just might have the guts to wear it out.
The color is so unique as a lipstick that I can't really call the look beautiful or ugly. Maybe my mind can't grasp how lips could be that color, and is simultaneously attracted by the dusty lavender shade and repulsed by the alien-ness of the color worn on my lips.
Takes time to get used to, and definitely not for the faint of heart, because you will likely find yourself the only one who will really appreciate it. (The only word the BF could think of to describe this was "scary".)

Lime Crime Chinchilla Opaque Grey Lipstick (Lip Noir Collection)

Lime Crime Chincilla Opaque Grey Lipstick

This strange lavender-grey lip shade has, for some very odd reason, become an obsession for me. I know I would likely never wear this out, but it makes me soooo curious! This is part of the Lip Noir Limited Edition collection, and is by far the most amazing shade within.

This would probably be great for toning down any lavender or pink lipsticks, but $16 is not a lip-mixer price. If I got this, I'd have to love it on its own.

Chinchilla is available on limecrimemakeup.com for US$16.

What odd lip shades have you been fascinated by, lately?