Coffee in Context

While scrolling through Pinterest the other day, I came across a quote that read, "I run on coffee, sarcasm & lipstick."  If that doesn't describe me, I don't know what does (well, maybe a good winged eyeliner too).  I've been on a huge lip-product craze, adding a few pieces here and there to my ever-growing makeup collection.  How I'll get it all back to Austin?  Well, that's an issue I'm ignoring until August.

I recently got invited to an event at the Bite Beauty Lip Lab in SoHo, a seemingly hole-in-the-wall shop on Prince Street with a major surprise inside.  Visitors can sit with resident "Lip Lab Technicians" to create a custom lipstick, ready on the spot!  My technician mentioned that most people come in to find their perfect nude or red lipstick, which I completely agree with-- I've been searching for years for a true nude that doesn't make me look like I've just stepped off The Waking Dead set.  They offer every color in the rainbow, though, so don't be afraid to ask for a neon orange or a fluorescent blue!


After mixing lipstick shades to your heart's content (which, trust me, I watch for hours), you choose the finish.  I went with a glossy finish for my nude to avoid looking to thick and concealer-y.  It's similar to MAC's lustre finish, which happens to be my favorite that they offer.  Although you don't get to officially label your lipstick with a sticker, I've decided to name this one Cold Brew, since it resembles my typical Starbucks order (specifically a vanilla sweet cream cold brew, if anyone's wondering).

For the pink shade I chose a cream, slightly more pigmented but still with a healthy shine.  It's pretty similar to most colors I wear now, but I figured it'd be nice to have a special one.  I've unofficially named this lipstick Something Like That-- a saying I've been known to use, it just sounded right.



Finally, you choose a scent for your lipstick-- they have everything from mint to lemon to vanilla, and you can mix the scents to make something unique.  I considered a cherry-vanilla combo, but ultimately decided to just stick with cherry for both.  Then the lipsticks are melted, mixed, frozen into molds, and set in exclusive lip-printed packaging-- fifteen minutes later you have your very own one-of-a-kind lipstick ready to wear!*

You know I couldn't stop myself-- earlier, while waiting for the event, I perused MAC just to see if there was anything eye catching.  I knew I wanted a nude and a pink, so I figured I'd look for more interesting, fun colors.  With MAC's enormous shade range, I just couldn't say no.



Ever since the weather started getting warmer and I've had to retire my dark brown-reds for the season, I've been trying to find a sheer, wearable red.  I came across Spice it Up! (lustre) and knew it was a winner.  MAC describes it as a "mulled warm berry" but I think it leans more brown then berry.

I also picked up Mud Wrestler (matte finish), which I'd never heard of before.  MAC describes it as a "creamy neutral beige."  I thought it leaned a little grey, definitely on the cooler side.  There's something that makes it subtly edgy, without being a full grey lipstick.   I imagined it with clean face makeup and a strong winged eyeliner (my favorite!), but haven't gotten the chance to wear it yet.


Finally, I decided to give my Trish McEvoy lip liner in Barely There a break and find something a little lighter for the summer.  I settled for Subculture, a cult favorite from MAC, to go perfectly with the nude and pink lipsticks from Bite.





*Technicians recommend waiting at least an hour before use to ensure the lipstick has set in its tube and prevent breaking

As someone who's always enjoyed writing, I think it's only fitting to finally jump on the blogging trend.  To start off, here's a quick snapshot of myself:

My name is Haley; I'm 20 years old, and spend my time living out of suitcases between Long Island, New York and Austin, Texas.  Most importantly: you'll never find me without a cup of espresso or cold brew close by, hence the name of this blog.

Most of my free time in Austin has been spent frequenting hole-in-the-wall cafes and exploring downtown shops, so I'm excited to be able to share my small adventures here.  Like every other 20-something-year-old, though, I love to travel; you'll find me in airports as often as possible.

I'll be kicking off my junior year at The University of Texas at Austin this August, studying Corporate Finance.  In the meantime, I'm spending my summer at home in New York as a marketing intern.  Expect lots of city posts and what-to-wears (with Starbucks in the background, of course).

If you'd like to find out more, stick around for upcoming posts!  Welcome to Coffee in Context.