Review: Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer in Stellar and Big Bang

Bandwagon alert! I didn't mean to buy it. I wasn't going to buy it. Then I was in Boots, fancying spending my money on something pretty for my lips and it just jumped out at me. After swatching a few different shades, I liked the look of Stellar the most.

The packaging seems pretty robust to me and there's a clear section at the bottom so you can see how much you're using. I'm not a big fan of the cubist effect on the lid. It seems a little on the tacky side but it's not too big a deal. The applicator is an angled sponge, with a small well in the centre. This is handy as it collects liquid there, allowing more product to be applied at once. 

As I apply it, the first thing I notice is the smell. It definitely smells odd. A really synthetic, almost fruity smell. It's not at all pleasant and, once applied, you can taste it but that goes away after a couple of minutes. It's bearable. 

 The consistency is mostly even and has a glossy finish. It's not gloopy or sticky at all, although it does take a little while to dry. Stellar (above) is a gorgeous bright, almost neon, blue-based red. It's certainly not for the faint hearted! Big Bang, meanwhile, (below) is a deep true red. It's bright but more sophisticated than the neon effect of Stellar. They both have a gloss to them, giving the effect of lipstick and lip gloss in one. 

As for longevity, this stuff sticks. After applying, blotting and re-applying, it lasted 9 hours even with eating and drinking. It doesn't fade particularly evenly as I was left with more around the lip line, but I was home already by that point so never mind. 

For £5.99, it's a pretty good price. If you can get past the smell, it's worth the price just for the staying power and the bright, showstopping shade. I won't ask if you've tried it- because of course you have- but let me know what you thought of it.