Rimmel Apocalips (known as "Show Off") lip lacquers were quite the buzz last summer, and now I know why. These liquid lipsticks are highly pigmented, shiny, and fairly long-wearing -- high-end qualities at a drugstore price of $4.99! You can't beat that. I picked up Comet and Luna; the cosmic names are a play on the Apocalips pun. I may be wrong but I think these are Walgreens exclusives. Swatches and more after the jump!


These things are incredibly opaque with one layer. I assume they're called lacquers because they're supposed to be long-wearing, and that they are. I've had Comet last 6 hours on me (without meals). Even after a burrito (mmm, burritos...) it left a stain, nothing a little gloss or balm didn't fix. These do transfer though, so I blot after application. One time i forgot to do this and it was an unfortunately windy day, and when I looked in the mirror 5 hours later I had razor-thin streaks of lipstick on my cheek. Que horror! No wonder the gallery docent was looking at me funny. Blotting also leaves it a matte finish, which I prefer, and removes the waxy scent that I dislike.

The applicator is different from your usual doe foot because it has a little well, which holds more product. One dip is thus more than enough for your lips. I also like that the caps have cuts in them like diamonds for better grip. Ergonomics, yes, they have applications in makeup.


I only got 2 colors, because as you may know I am not a lipstick fan. US shades differ somewhat from their original UK counterpart, as you can read here. You can see swatches of all UK shades here.

Comet is a pinky brown that would be a MLBB shade on deeper tones. It leans warm but from swatches I've seen online, it that would look great with any complexion. This darker shade of nude makes me look more mature so people will take me seriously.

I had hoped Luna would be a lovely coral, but it's simply too light for me. It's a peachy pale orange that would look best on fair complexions in the spring and summer. You can see though how it warms the face and instantly makes me look younger. To make it more wearable, I layer it with Clinique Chubby Stick Intense in Curviest Caramel, as seen below.

The deeper Curviest Caramel tones down the intensity of the orange for a nicely coral look.

These lacquers, especially the darker shades, don't sink into the lines of the lips, and I find I can get away wearing them with chapped lips. Which I LOVE, because my lips are perpetually dry.


Here's a tip -- how to tell if your Rimmel London Show Off aka Apocalips lip lacquer is fresh: on first opening, the clear glass fills up with the lacquer.

The Wrap

Pros

Opaque, long-wearing lip lacquers with thoughtful packaging at a great price

Cons

Transfer easily


Rimmel London Show Off Lip Lacquers retail for $4.99 USD at Walgreens. They're often buy-on-get-one-at-50%-off, so watch out for those deals!