"A hint of color that cares for your lips" Love, Love, Love!

I recently spotted the display for the newest Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balms...

"A hint of color that cares for your lips."

I can't express to you how excited I am at Berts Bees newest arrival.  I bought it on the spot in Pink Blossom.  I looooove this product.  I've been a huge fan of Bert's Bees for quite some time and their lip balms have become a staple in my beauty routine.  It's different than their previous tinted lip blam Lip Shimmers which I always found to be a little overwhelming on me.

This tinted chappy comes in a traditional chapstick tube.  It doesn't have the minty-tingle that I've come to love from their other peppermint oil formulas, but I still love it.  Light and fruity.  Highly moisturizing, with just the slightest hint of color AND it's 100% natural.

I'll be purchasing Tiger Lilly this weekend.

Berts Bees Tinted Lip Blam in Pink Blossom $6.99  <---totally worth it if you're a fan of Berts Bees.

Lash out, baby!

I get a lot of compliments on my lashes. Since I'm pretty much blind without my glasses, I really try to play up my eyes to make them more noticeable behind my lenses.  I used to wear falsies a lot, but they were such a hassle, a bit messy, and once a few of my natural lashes fell out... I discontinued use immediately.  Freaked me out.  I will say that I was blessed with naturally long lashes... thank you genetics!  Mascaras really do enhance what nature gave you.  I've tested a million mascaras and have determined that while some are pretty effective on their own, what really works for me is a layering process.  By request, I'm going to share my process with you all.

Get yourself a lash curler if you don't have one already.  Every woman should own one.  They instantly make your eyes look brighter and wider... thus making you look more awake.  Always curl your lashes BEFORE you apply mascara.  Dry mascara can stick to the curler and be pulled out from the root!  Clamp lashes near lid.  TIP: direct the heat from a blow dryer on to the tool for no more than 5 seconds for best results, this will help your lash keep its curl.  Touch the metal with a finger first, if it's hot, wait a bit before putting it near your lid.

This is what I'm diggin' right now...

First I use Maybelline New York XXL Pro Curl Washable Mascara.  It has two sides: Side one coats and curls lashes.  Side 2 is pigmented and provides 12 hour hold

Then I apply Maybelline New York Volum'Express "Falsies" Mascara.  It has a "spoon" brush that really grabs, lifts, and separates the lashes.  This adds great volume.  I am CRAZY for this mascara!!

Then I use Maybelline New York Lash Stiletto Voluptuous Waterproof Mascara.  This adds bold length.

Finally... and the newest addition to my technique is L'Oreal Telescopic Explosion Waterproof Mascara.  This grabs the hard to reach lashes at the inner and outer corners.

*I always purchase "black" "very black" or "blackest black" when it comes to my mascara.

I do one eye at a time and allow very little time between coats.  Applying wet mascara over dry can cause clumping or flaking.  This is true with any mascara, and even if you are only using one kind. 

The result is a nice fan... bold, voluminous and long.  Running a liner along the lash line can really create the illusion of fullness.  In the picture above I am using Maybelline New York Lasting Drama gel liner.

When it comes to taking off my eye makeup, I like to choose eye makeup removers that "condition" lashes.  I use L'Oreal Paris Dermo-Expertise Eye Makeup Remover.  It removes waterproof makeup and conditions lashes.  It's very gentle and does a great job removing even the most stubborn eye makeup.  Give it a good shake before use... the forumla does separate out.


Prices (May vary by store/location):
Maybelline XXL Pro Curl Washable Mascara $8.99
Maybelline New York Lash Stiletto Voluptuous Waterproof Mascara $9.99
Maybelline New York Volum'Express "Falsies" Mascara $8.99
L'Oreal Telescopic Explosion Waterproof Mascara $9.99
L'Oreal Paris Dermo-Expertise Eye Makeup Remover $5.97

A natural beauty

Covergirl has created a new "luxury line" of makeup called Natureluxe, and it is brand new to stores.  The idea behind it is to switch out some of the more synthetic ingredient in make up with more natural ones, while keeping the affordable drugstore price.  So far the line only includes a foundation and a "gloss balm".

NEW Covergirl NatureLuxe Collection: Natureluxe Gloss Balm $7.49

"Get the sheer color and shine of a gloss with the soft, lightweight feel of SPF 15 balm. Fortified with mango and shea butter, this feel-good formula leaves your lips feeling decadent and delicious."

• Fusion of a gloss and a balm
• Sheer gloss color with moisturization and a hint of shine
• Light, silky application and finish that isn’t heavy or sticky
• Emollients penetrate the outer lip layers and work with the lips’ natural barrier to moisturize, leaving lips soft and supple
• Added benefit of SPF 15 protects lips from the sun

205 Tulip

255 Marble

I purchased 2 shades of gloss balm from this line today... Shade 255 "marble" and 205 "tulip".  I really, really liked it. <3 The marble has barely-there color, but the tulip has a bit more pigment.  Lightweight, sheer, slight flash of color... very natural looking, with a slightly dewy finish.  Not heavy or sticky like a gloss.  The formula is very nourishing and it has a very nice texture.  Leaves you looking polished and finished without that made up look.  And can I just say that the smell is really nice?  Light and fruity, like a smoothie.  It's available in 16 shades and I plan on testing out a bunch of them.

Another plus is that its packaging contains bioresin, which is an eco-friendly bio-degradeable plastic derived from sugarcane.  The line isn’t packaged with 100% bioresin, it's still a huge step for a drugstore brand to take.

What is truely awesome is that even with 40 mph winter winds whipping my hair around my face, my hair wasn't stuck to my lips when I got in my car.  Phenomenal. 

AND totally affordable at $7.49.

What more could you ask for?

Open my eyes, L'Oreal!

L'Oreal Telescopic Explosion Waterproof Mascara Blackest Black $9.99

The Claim:
Thicken and lengthen every lash
unique spherical brush reaches 100% of lashes from every angle for a dramatic, fanned out affect
wears all day without smudging or flaking

I'm a mascara layer-er.  A lot of times I layer several different brands/types of mascara to achieve my desired lash-look.  Probably a year ago I bought an issue of Nylon that said this product was fabulous for those pesky inner and outer lashes.  I've read a lot of bad reviews and then some good reviews... I don't know why it has taken me this long to check it out for myself, (...maybe the price point, 10 dolla) but I finally gave in and bought a tube.

This product has a super cute ball-like wand (kind of like an irritated hedgehog) instead of brush makes it easier to reach those lashes at the inner and outer corners.  I have to say, I found lashes with this wand that I didn't even know had existed.  I cannot believe how nice my eyelashes fan with this great little tool.  It's pretty damn good for the bottom lashes too.

I think if you are unfamiliar with this wand, it may take a little mastering.  I would, without hesitation say that this mascara is probably not too great on its own either.  You would want to pair it with your everyday mascara as I did.

Also, multiple coats of this stuff would probably produces disastrous results.  I noticed in my slight application that the formula does clump a bit... apply one coat with a light hand and you should be golden.  It would probably be beneficial to give the applicator the occasional rinse to avoiding the whole... clumping issue.  (Sorry L'Oreal... clump less claim out the window).

Overall...
I would say if you're a lash-enthusiast, as I am, that you should own this product.  I'm a little disappointed that it took me this long to purchase.  The formula does has a bit of a tendency to clump... this is easily avoided with a light hand and one application.  It's not too fabulous for all your lashes, but totally awesome for reaching those inner and outer corners.  I say thumbs up.

In life... there are many disappointments. This is one of them.

I was excited to try Covergirl's NEW line of lipcolor... Covergirl Lip Perfection Lipstick.  It's supposed to be some ground-breaking new lipstick that infuses "silk protein" with beautiful, rich color to "sustain moisture levels" and improve the look and feel of your lips with just 7 days of wear.  A lipstick that makes your lips more beautiful with every wear?  Yes, please.

I picked up shade 280 "rapture" today for $7.99. 

I HATED this lipstick.  Couldn't wait to get it off my lips.  The formula went on smoothly, but once it was on, it felt... GRITTY.  Not nice at all.  Also, the color really was not true.  On the end of each tube is a visual "sample" of what the color looks like; "rapture" looked so pretty on the tube, an awesome coral.  However, once on my lips... it just looked cheap.  It had a funny sheen to it that was just not attractive on me at all.  As for the claim that it improves the look and feel of your lips with just 7 days of wear, I'll never know. Soooooo disappointed, Covergirl. 

And I'll be honest, I really don't like its packaging either.  Looks like a weird little purple square bullet.

Thumbs down. :(

“The eyes have one language everywhere”

I am in love with Maybelline New York's Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner. ($9.99)  This eyeliner is an oil-free formula that has a highly concentrated pigments in a clear gel base.  The application is smooth and the formula has a nice texture.  The color is intense and long lasting and dries quickly for a smudge proof finish.  Maybelline claims that the formula resists wear for 24 hours, but to be honest I've never let it go that long. 

It comes in a little tub with a twist off cap and has a little brush applicator.  The bristles on the brush are tapered, lay flat and are densely packed.  You have a lot of control when it comes to the precision and the thickness of the lines.

It comes in four colors: Black, Brown, Grey, and Plum.  I've only tried the black, but I am dying to try the plum!

I love that you can adjust the level of intensity of this eyeliner.  You apply it by dipping the tip into the gel and wiping off the excess on the rim of the jar.  For a natural look where you just want a little definition, do small strokes and glide liner across the lash line; it has a nice matte finish.  You can also amp up the intensity by first defining and then continuing to build the line until your desired look is achieved.  For a little bit of vintage pin up sexiness, you can wing the liner out towards the brow.

Be sure to keep the brush clean by wiping your brush with a dry piece of tissue!

The application itself can take a few tries to fully master and it's definitely a tool that that requires a steady hand.  However, once you get the hang of it, it really does look great.

“A man had given all other bliss, And all his worldly worth for this, To waste his whole heart in one kiss Upon her perfect lips”

I received a coupon in the mail for L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Anti-Aging Serum...It's a take off from their original long-lasting Colour Riche formula.

The claim:
Rich, creamy L'Oreal lip color with an anti-aging serum that's enhanced with L'Oreal's "exclusive anti-aging serum, including ProXalyn, Collagen and other powerful ingredients"

It's supposed to:
Improve definition
Fill surface lines
Create fuller looking lips
Easy, precise application

I purchased L'oreal Paris Colour Riche Anti-Aging Serum No. 401 Peach Parfait

I really love this color, actually I had a tough time picking what color I wanted there were so many (16 to be exact)... killer shades.  The color did come out a bit lighter and more sheer than anticipated, but it still looked great.  It feels great on my lips, the light formula left my lips smooth and moisturized.  The color did not feather and I didn't constantly need to reapply.  The only thing I really didn't like about this lip color was that it had a funny, oily smell... I think that is a result of L'Oreals "exclusive anti-aging serum".  I did put it on over my Bert's Bees chappy and the peppermint oil neutralized any offensive odor.

Pros:
Doesn't feather
Feels great! Light, non-drying formula
Smooth lips
Doesn't need constant reapplication

Cons:
SMELL!
Price point a little high for a drug store brand... 10 bucks, friends.

Overall, a great everyday lipstick.  Just a hint of color, non drying and long lasting.  I would definitely buy more shades, but due to the price, I would probably wait for a sale or a coupon.

I can dig it. =)