I got this set of mini Sleek Matte Me lip creams just before Christmas so unfortunately it's no longer available but thought I'd still do a little review on them anyway as the full size versions are available here, which I will definitely be stocking up on once these have run out.

First of all lets talk about the packaging, why is everything just so much more appealing when it comes in miniature?!!  Am I the only one that gets sucked in by this?  The packaging is really simple and, dare I say it, sleek.  These little miniature versions are also perfect for popping in a little clutch bag on a night out and the colours are just perfect.  There's not a single one of these that I don't wear, which is not always the case when products come in a set like this, there's normally always one that finds its way to the bottom of my makeup bag never to be seen again.

L-R: Rioja Red, Birthday Suit, Velvet Slipper, Old Hollywood

For ages I have avoided matte lips as no matter what time of the year I tend to suffer with very dry lips.  I love the look of matte lips though so I was determined to give them a try.  What I have learnt though is that it is all about the prep, even if you don't suffer with dry lips I would still suggest you prep your lips first as I find these lip creams last a lot longer when you prep your lips properly.  Firstly I brush my lips with a toothbrush to scrub away all the dry skin and then I exfoliate them even further with my trusty Lush Lip Scrub.  Then I like to generously apply plenty of lip balm (my favourite being Burt's Bees) and leaving that to work it's magic whilst I apply the rest of my makeup. This to me is one of the most important steps, letting your lips fully absorb the balm before applying the lip cream, as I have once not done this when I was in a rush and lets just say it was a big slippery mess and bleeding lip stains.  Not pretty!!  

Onto the actual formula itself, when first applied the product has quite a creamy texture and glides on nicely but I feel like you have to work quite quickly as it doesn't take long to dry and get that tacky feeling before it dries fully.  Once dry though that lip cream is not budging, especially the two darker shades.  I have both eaten and drank with these lip creams on and it has not budged and has only required minimal top ups.  The Old Hollywood shade especially needs a good old scrub to be removed.

                                              

                          Birthday Suit and Velvet Slipper   

Have you tried the Sleek Matte Me lip creams before?  Which is your favourite?

                          

1. Sleek Make Up Silver Gift Box, £25 from Superdrug - This Sleek gift box contains a mascara, lip gloss, brow kit, eyeshadow palette and an eye and cheek palette.  It is currently reduced from £40 to £25 at Superdrug and would make a beautiful gift for any makeup lover.

2. Deer Print Pyjamas, £25 and Cosy Bunny Print Pyjamas, £25 both from Next - I think pyjamas make a great Christmas gift, who doesn't like to get all snuggled up by the fire on a cold and dark winter night in a nice set of pyjamas?  Next is one of my favourite places to shop for nightwear and I'm loving their woodland themed collection this winter.

3. Soap & Glory Belle Of The Ball, £12 from Boots - I love how this Soap & Glory gift set looks like a giant girly bauble and what girl doesn't love a good pamper?  This set contains some of their Smoothie Star range including two of my favourites; Hand Food and Breakfast Scrub.

4. Classic Christmas Sleekster, £22 from Hotel Chocolat - I absolutely love Hotel Chocolat chocolates and this box of Christmas inspired flavours such as Mulled Wine, Mice Pie Brownie and Brandy Butter would make a great gift for any chocolate lover.

5. 70's Saddle Bag, £20.30 from Accessorize - One of my first stops when looking for Christmas gifts is Accessorize they always have a great selection of bags and jewellery.  I tend to buy a bag as a gift for someone every year because what girl couldn't do with another bag?  It will always go to good use.

6. Christmas Melt Warmer Gift Set, £18.99 and Twelve Melts Tube Gift Set, £15.99 from Yankee Candle - I'm obsessed with Yankee Candle's Christmas scents and would be thrilled to receive any of them at Christmas.  This little Christmas warmer gift set is so lovely and comes with a beautiful little warmer covered in snowflakes and reindeer and 3 christmas melts.  I think the melts are great for someone like me who likes a change of scent rather than burning their way through a whole candle, which makes this tube of christmas melts the perfect gift.

7. Candy Cane Necklace Gift Card, £16 and Gingerbread Man Necklace Gift Card, £16 from Johnny Loves Rosie - These little Christmas themed necklaces are so cute and make a lovely little gift or stocking filler.

8. Brown Bunny Ballerina Slippers, £12 from Next - Another gift you can't go wrong with in my opinion is slippers.  Everyone needs a good pair of slippers in the winter and this little bunny pair from Next are just adorable and inexpensive.

9. Silver Foil Print Beanie, £16 from Topshop - Woolly hats always make a great gift for Christmas and this one ticks all the boxes with its fluffy pom pom and Christmas sparkle.