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Maybelline "Hooked on Pink" Color Sensational Lipstick Swatch + Review

2013-05-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in "Hooked on Pink"

I have already done a few reviews of colors from the Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick range in the past (click here and here to see those) and my opinion of the range has not changed significantly since I published those blog posts. I think Maybelline Color Sensational Lipsticks are great basic, inexpensive lipsticks for everyday wear. These aren't the most luxurious product on the drugstore market (the formulation feels a bit waxy on the lips and the packaging feels light and inexpensive) but the color range is large and the color has a pretty good lasting power.

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in "Hooked on Pink"

"Hooked on Pink" is not the name I would've picked for this deep rose, almost red, shade but, none the less, this is a lovely shade. "Hooked on Pink" is a cream shade--no glitter, shimmer, or reflex. I think this would be a wonderful color for women who want to wear a red lip but don't feel comfortable wearing bold, in-your-face color. This would make a lovely transition lipstick. Wear this for a few weeks and then maybe move onto a lovely red lipstick like the Revlon Kissable Balm Stain in "Romantic" (a sheer red color).

Positives

-Smooth application

-Highly pigmented

-Fades evenly and beautifully

-Price (around $7.49)

Negatives

-Generic, chemical smell

-No safety packaging for products in store

-Can be drying

In conclusion, this is a great basic lipstick especially for women and men just getting into makeup. I don't think the Maybelline Color Sensational Lipsticks are the highest quality lipstick at the drugstore (if you're willing to splurge a little more check out the Revlon Lip Butters, the Revlon Super Lustruous Lipsticks, or the CoverGirl Lip Perfection Lipsticks). But I think that for the price (I've seen these retail for four dollars on sale), you won't be disappointed. I was inspired to write this post because I've been wearing this color almost exclusively for the past week or so. It's one of my favorite lipsticks of the moment.

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My MAC Lipstick Collection: Swatches, Photos, + Reviews

2013-05-20T08:00:00.001-07:00

MAC Lipstick: Myth, Mlle, Viva Glam V, Lustering, and Milan Mode

Happy Monday! Today's blog post has been one that I've been meaning to do (because it has been requested more than a few times) but have never gotten around to doing it. Today, obviously, that changes. I wouldn't consider myself an avid collector of MAC lipsticks (I prefer to spend my time procuring books and nerdy t-shirts) but I do pick up lipstick whenever a color catches my eye. MAC lipsticks are rather pricey ($15.00) and that is the main reason why my collection is so small. They are amazingly high quality but I don't know if they're worth the price tag---especially when drugstore lip products are comparable in quality and extremely affordable.

My MAC Lipstick Collection

All of my MAC lipsticks have the traditional black, bullet shaped packaging--no fancy limited edition packaging for me--except for one shade, "Viva Glam V". It is part of the Viva Glam range. This range was introduced in 1994 and every cent of the selling price of these lipsticks is donated to the MAC AIDS Fund which supports men, women, and children living with HIV and AIDS. I find it easier to spend my money when I know that it's going to such an awesome cause.

MAC Lipstick: Myth, Mlle, Viva Glam V, Lustering, and Milan Mode

Myth is a satin finish. Mlle is a glaze finish. Viva Glam V, Lustering, and Milan Mode have lustre finishes. And Cream Cup (which is not picture here because it had an unfortunate accident with a girl I used to babysit) is a cream finish--very surprising, I know.

MAC Lipstick: Myth, Mlle, Viva Glam V, Cream Cup, Lustering, and Milan Mode

Here are the colors all swatched on my arm. If I had to choose my favorites I would say that Cream Cup, Viva Glam V, and Lustering are by far the easiest to wear. Myth is a lovely color but I find that it is a nude that washes me out unless I wear a gloss--Viva Glam V is an easier nude to wear. Mlle is my least favorite shade. It is very pigmented but tends to look very unflattering on me. I'm sure it would look gorgeous on someone with very fair skin tone but with my yellow undertones, it tends to look a little like something a mod clown would wear. Trust me--it's not a good look. And last but not least, Milan Mode. It is the most recent addition to my collection and it's a gorgeous color on a night out but the chunky-monkey glitter makes it a harder sell for an everyday lipstick.

Positives
-Packaging (sleek and timeless)
-Pigmented and smooth application
-Wide range of shades and finishes
-Lovely scent (not the generic makeup smell)

Negatives
-Price ($15.00)
-Not extremely long lasting (needs reapplication around hour two)

As I mentioned earlier, MAC lipsticks are expensive. But I have gotten two lipsticks through the Back to MAC program (return six MAC containers and get a free lipstick). It takes a while to get through six MAC products but a chance to save the environment AND get free swag, you would have to be ridiculous to pass up this opportunity.

In conclusion, MAC lipsticks are excellent products if you are willing to splurge. I'm planning to expand my tiny collection one lipstick at a time. I know this review was pretty brief but I've done full reviews on all the colors. Just check those out if you want to know more about what I thought about each shade.

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OPI "Hot & Spicy" Swatch + Review

2013-05-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

OPI "Hot & Spicy"

This color and I have had a love-hate relationship in the past. When I first bought it I hated this color--there was nothing wrong with the formulation but I was convinced that the color looked horrible with my skin tone. I wore it a few times but in the end I was not impressed with this color and it ended up getting lost in my collection. I don't know what happened between two summers ago and now but I have completed a complete 180. I am now obsessed with this color. I wouldn't wear it during the fall or winter months but something about this great weather we've been having has drawn me to this color. It is such a fun and bright shade. Orange nail polish is the perfect way to get ready for summer. I never would've said this two years ago--but I guess that goes to show you how people can change.

Flower "Wispy Wisteria" Lip Butter Swatch + Review

2013-05-15T08:00:00.002-07:00

For those of you who don't know, actress Drew Barrymore has recently launched a new cosmetics company, Flower, and I am a HUGE fan. I only own a handful of products but I honestly love each and every one of them. It also doesn't hurt that I'm a big Drew Barrymore fan (Hello? The Wedding Singer. Charlie's Angels. He's Just Not That Into You.). She's amazing and extremely beautiful.

The Flower brand is available exclusively at Wal-Mart--but good luck trying to find it. It went to four locations before I found one that actually had these products available. But that means that all of the products in this range are super affordable. This Lip Butter only cost $6.98 and everything else in the range retails for $15. The hardest part was trying to decide which products I wanted to try out first.

Flower Lip Butter in "Wispy Wisteria"

The packaging of the Flower products is so luxurious and modern and sleek. They all have the beautiful rose gold detailing which I think is a small detail that makes a huge difference. But I found that the packaging of this product in particular is a little too bulky for my taste--especially at the base. The top also does not securely click into place and sometimes falls off if I'm not careful but this is a minor problem that I hope will be fixed in the future. Otherwise, I give the packaging an A+. I don't think anyone in the drugstore can compete.

Flower Lip Butter in "Wispy Wisteria"

But what about the formulation? Well, I'm sure you will be thrilled to hear that the formulation is fantastic. I've been itching to write this review for weeks because I was so excited about this product. It applies like a dream. The pigmentation is excellent. And, it is easily one of the glossiest products on the market. The Flower Lip Butter gives the L'Oreal Colour Caresse Shine Stains a run for their money. It is also super moisturizing on the lips and does an amazing job of camouflaging dry lips. I don't think this will completely replace your favorite lip balm but it might decrease the number of times you have to reach for it during the week.

P.S. As I was editing the photos for this post, I couldn't help but notice that my cat photo bombed my swatches. You can see her if you look to the blurred black and white spot on the left side of the swatch. Readers, say hello to my adorable little kitty, Noelle. And even though she's so blurred that you can't really see her, I chose not to crop her out. She really is one of the sweetest cats I know.

Flower Lip Butter in "Wispy Wisteria"

First off, let me state the obvious. This lip butter is SO glossy. In the picture above I'm not wearing any lip gloss or lip balm. Isn't that insane? Ah! I almost couldn't believe it. A lot of products (the CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balm seem to come to mind) claim to be a glossy or a lipstick and lip gloss in one but the Flower Lip Butters blew me away. I cannot wait to get my hands on more colors. Before sitting down to write this review I did a bit research and almost everyone unanimously agrees that these Lip Butters are perfection!

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Maybelline "Quenched" Baby Lips Lip Balm Swatch + Review

2013-05-13T08:00:00.003-07:00

Maybelline Baby Lips in "Quenched"

I finally got on the bandwagon. I know. I know. Everyone has been talking about the Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balms and I was never really interested. I had my eos lip balm. I didn't think I needed another. But clearly, I was wrong. I still like the eos lip balms but they tend to feel heavy and waxy on the lips. On the other hand, the Maybelline Baby Lips are so smooth and lightweight. They're also SUPER moisturizing. These bad boys will turn chapped lips into smooth lips in a matter of a few applications--no problem.

Maybelline Baby Lips in "Quenched"

Unlike the other Maybelline Baby Lips, "Quenched" is completely clear. There really was no reason for me to post a swatch but as a beauty blogger I wanted to be thorough. Plus, taking pictures of swatches is one of my favorite parts of being a beauty blogger. Even when I have to stand outside in abnormally cold and windy weather.

Maybelline Baby Lips in "Quenched"

Here is what the lip balm looks like on the lips. As I said earlier, it is completely clear but it does give your lips a lovely sheen/gloss. I am officially obsessed with this product and I cannot recommend it more! I have tried a few of the other Maybelline Baby Lips but I wasn't as impressed. Check out "Quenched" if you are looking for an easy and powerful lip balm. Your chapped lips will thank you.

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Sally Hansen "Yellow Kitty" Swatch + Review

2013-05-10T08:00:00.004-07:00

Sally Hansen "Yellow Kitty"

It is almost impossible to get a great yellow nail polish. I thought I had found the perfect yellow nail polish when MissGlamorazzi raved about this color in a few of her videos. "Yellow Kitty" is a nice color but it's a bit too bright and I was looking for a more pastel yellow--like Revlon Buttercup. I have tried to wear this color three times since I first bought it but the color is requires so many coats to become opaque that it has always ended badly. It took four or five coats to get the swatch above--and even then I ended up ruining my nails because it took too long to dry even with a fast-dry top coat (so I ended the night wearing another spring-appropriate color, Essie "No Boundaries"). "Yellow Kitty" is a hard shade to find and if you happen to stumble across this color, I would suggest that you pass. The formulation and opacity is unimpressive and the color is not for everyone.

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CoverGirl LipPerfection Jumbo Gloss Balm Swatches, Photos, + Reviews

2013-05-08T08:00:00.001-07:00

CoverGirl LipPerfection Jumbo Gloss Balm: Ballet Twist, Blush Twist, Watermelon Twist, Coral Twist

After much internal debate and two trips to the drugstore, I finally come to a consensus about the CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balms. In the end I've realized that these products are a frustrating mix of good and bag. I know that might seem anti-climatic but I find that these products can be extremely underwhelming (see my review of "Ballet Twist" and "Coral Twist") or pleasantly surprising (see my review of "Watermelon Twist" and "Blush Twist"). They are extremely hit or miss which makes me hesitant to recommend them as a range.

CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balm: Ballet Twist, Blush Twist, Watermelon Twist, Coral Twist

I will first address my complaints before getting to my compliments. First, these products are poorly named. I own four out of the sixteen shades and none of them are what I would consider to be a gloss or a balm. They have a lovely sheen when applied to the lips but I would compare the look to a lustre or stain finish--not a gloss. Also, these are called gloss balms which (at least for me personally) induces imagery of an insanely moisturizing product. Who needs their Vaseline or EOS lip balms anymore? This is supposed to be a two in one product ..right? Well...not really. While they do apply smoothly to the lips and they do feel quite moisturizing, don't throw out your lip balm anytime soon. And in my experience, some colors ("Ballet Twist" and "Coral Twist") seem to emphasize the appearance of dry lips rather than fix the problem.

Second, the color pay-off doesn't quite match the caps or even the product in the tube. It isn't a big deal but it is something that is a bit annoying when I was picking out colors to buy. This was especially a problem with "Ballet Twist" which I thought was a baby pink but ended up being a true nude color. Like I said earlier, it isn't a big problem but it is something to be aware of when shopping.

CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balm: Ballet Twist, Blush Twist, Watermelon Twist, Coral Twist

Third, the lasting power of these products is not impressive. The sheen will wear off around an hour (sooner if you eat shortly after application) and the color wear off, on average, around one hour. Some of the darker colors ("Coral Twist") can last around three but it does not fade very gracefully (making my lips look patchy and chapped--which is never a good look). "Ballet Twist" lasted for a significantly less amount of time but it still left my lips feeling and looking dry. To be fair, I had no problems with "Watermelon Twist" or "Blush Twist". They faded beautifully and were just fantastic products to wear on an everyday basis.

Fourth, the inconsistency of these products. As I mentioned above, I had very different experiences with each of the shades that I bought. Some I loved, some I hated. This made it extremely hard for me to come to a consensus on the range. It was really hit or miss.

Now onto the things I liked about the products. I love the jumbo lipstick pencils. I think they're so easy to use and can sometimes give consumers better application control than a normal lipstick. And while they weren't glossy balms, they applied smoothly and easily to the lips.

I think that these Jumbo Gloss Balms are an okay product. There is nothing terrible about them but I think some of the shades aren't ideal for the lives of many working women. They aren't long lasting or highly pigmented. In the end, I think are plenty of products on the market that are better than the CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balms. If you are looking for long-lasting and high pigmentation check out the CoverGirl LipPerfection Lipsticks. They are fantastic products at a great price. If you are looking for a moisturizing lipstick (without a long shelf life) try a Revlon Lip Butter or a L'oreal Colour Riche Caresse Lipstick. Both feel amazing on the lips but the Lip Butter is very opaque while the L'oreal Lipstick has a very sheer finish.

If you still want to buy a Jumbo Gloss Balm despite reading this review--go for it! These are by no means a horrible product. Like I said at the beginning of the review, these are average products. Some of the shades are fantastic ("Watermelon Twist" or "Blush Twist") but some I regretted buying ("Ballet Twist" or "Coral Twist"). I will not be buying more of products from this range unless I read an excellent review on a specific color from someone that I really trust.

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Revlon Lash Potion by Grow Luscious Mascara Swatch + Review

2013-05-06T08:00:00.001-07:00

Revlon Lash Potion by Grow Luscious Mascara

Was anyone else super excited about the newly released Lash Potion by Grow Luscious mascara? I know that as soon as I saw the Emma Stone advertisement, I was hooked. The packaging was stunningly modern AND it claimed that it would make my lashes grow longer. Who doesn't want longer lashes? You can imagine how excited I was when I received this in the mail as part of one of Revlon's Facebook promotions.

Before and After: Revlon Lash Potion by Grow Luscious Mascara

Maybe my expectations were too high but I was largely unimpressed with this mascara. So many drugstores (Maybelline and Physician's Formula come to mind) have been majorly stepping up their game. I have tried so many drugstore mascaras and LOVED them. They gave full, long but natural looking lashes without breaking the bank. I was hoping this would do the same thing.

The formulation does a great job of lengthening but it is very clumpy. I'm not a huge fan of the spider-lash effect but I convinced myself to try to give the product the benefit of the doubt. Imagine my horror when a few hours later I looked in the mirror and the product had flaked all over my face. I can handle spider-lashes but I draw the line at flaky eyes.

Revlon Lash Potion by Grow Luscious

I haven't been using this product long enough to tell whether or not my lashes have gotten longer but because it has a very flaky formulation, I don't think I will be wearing it very often in the future. Here is a close-up of the much-hyped triple-groove wand that is supposed to give a clump-free application. I'm sad to say that I think this latest release from Revlon is more hype than substance. I would recommend passing on this product. It isn't worth the money (despite it's reasonable price tag).

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Disclaimer: This product was provided to me for review

Essie "No Boundaries" Swatch + Review

2013-05-03T08:00:00.001-07:00

Essie "No Boundaries"

As the weather has been getting warmer, my nail polish choices have been getting brighter. "No Boundaries" is one of my favorite Essie polishes. It is so bold and bright. I love to give this color as a gift because it looks great with almost any skin tone and it tends to be a hard color to find if you don't know where to look. I have had the most success at Ulta (because they seem to have almost every Essie polish imaginable). And as much as I hate the Essie brushes (they're too thin and difficult to work with), I will admit that Essie has the best range of colors for spring and summer. There is simply no competition. So if you are looking for some great colors to wear in celebration of the oncoming summer months, I would recommend checking out the wide range of colors Essie has to offer (including this one).

Butter London "Fruit Machine" Swatch + Review

2013-05-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

Butter London "Fruit Machine"

Another nail polish post? Shocker...I know. But today I'm mixing it up and chose to wear Butter London "Fruit Machine". I'm normally not a fan of pink anything (blame it on the fact that my sister was obsessed with the color pink from birth and I wanted to be different) but when I saw this color at Ulta, I knew I wanted it. To be honest, I wanted all of the colors from Spring 2013 collection but I managed to control my impulses. I love the color but I am extremely disappointed with the formulation. It was a mildly gloopy application and only required two coats. But what I found most frustrating about this polish (which cost $15.00) was the hugely unimpressive lasting power. My sister and I both painted ours nails this color on Saturday afternoon and by Saturday night, my sister's manicure had already chipped. I thought maybe it was a fluke but by Sunday night, my manicure had already begun to chip on three nails.

I'd never tried a cream finish Butter London polish before and I will admit that my experience with "Fruit Machine" has decreased my enthusiasm for Butter London polishes. I had assumed that Butter London's higher price tag correlated to higher quality. I am disappointed but I am not yet making sweeping judgement about the Butter London polishes. I will give them another chance. Despite the horrible lasting power, I am excited that Butter London is a 3 free company (meaning none of the polishes contain formaldehyde, toluene, or DBP).

CoverGirl "Blush Twist" Jumbo Gloss Balm Swatch + Review

2013-04-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

In the past I've said some pretty harsh things about a few of the colors in this range. Need proof? Just check out my reviews for the shades "Ballet Twist" and "Coral Twist" and "Watermelon Twist". But this particular color has me swooning. It would be a wonderful addition to a lot of women's everyday makeup bag.

CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balm in "Blush Twist"

"Blush Twist" is a soft, delicate, baby pink. Like all of the Jumbo Gloss Balms I've tried, the color swatched on the skin doesn't quite match the color in the tube or on the cap. It isn't glossy (the finish is more akin to a satin or lustre) and I wouldn't recommend using this product to replace your lip balm...I still love it. The formulation isn't very pigmented but it applies smoothly and easily to the lips. It is just an effortless product.

CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balm in "Blush Twist"

For the last week this product has been a staple in my purse.This is something that I can apply without thinking and I don't have to worry about what it'll look like as it fades. Unfortunately, it does not have the best lasting power (somewhere around one hour). It is something to wear when you have time for touch up--so I probably wouldn't wear it if I knew I was going to have a long day at school or work. In conclusion, not all of the colors from this range are fantastic but this one is better than others.

BH Cosmetics 88 Color Matte Eyeshadow Palette Swatches, Photos, + Review

2013-04-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

How long has it been since I bought my first BH Cosmetics pallette? I don't even know. I remember I bought it when I first discovered the beauty blogger and YouTube world. It was all so new and exciting. It's still exciting but the novelty has worn off a bit. And I still proud to consider myself an active beauty blogger.

Back in those days everyone was talking about MAC, BH Cosmetics, and Sigma Makeup Brushes. I was organzing my makeup collection last night and stumbled across this neglected eyeshadow pallete and it brought back so many great memories. There are so many great products on the market that I know a lot of products fail to get the attention they deserve--and BH eyeshadow palletes are one of those products.

BH has a wide range of 88 eyeshadow palletes available (matte, shimmer, neutral, and many more) but the one that I adored the most when I was beginning to get into makeup was the 88 Matte Pallete. There were so many colors to chose from and it gave me the freedom to explore. Now, when I first received this in the mail I was surprised that not all of the shadows had a matte finish. Odd beacuse this is, after all, a matte pallette. But I wasn't too disappointed (and I don't think too many of BH customers will be either because it's only a couple shadows).

For the past couple weeks (especially while I was on spring break) I started using this pallete again and I fell in love with it all over again. The bright pinks, blues, and greens are the colors I love using the most. Probably because, while I have a hundred neutral eyeshadows, I don't have a ton of bright, bold shades. They're the perfect thing to add a little color to a neutral look or to go completely crazy. And even though I've had this pallete for years, I still haven't put a dent in half the shadows.

Some of the shades take a little more work than others (for example, the black is a bit chalky) but most of them are ultra soft and pigmented. I mean look at those bright colors. How did I ever misplace this thing? It's amazing. And the price is even more amazing! I don't remember how much I paid for my pallete but right now, you can get it for $11.50! 88 amazing colors for only $11.50? I think it's such a steal--especially for girls who are new to makeup.

However, as much as I love this pallete. I am well aware of its flaws. One) These BH palettes are very inexpensive and as a result, the packaging is not the best quality. I remember being a bit annoyed when mine broke a few months after I'd received it in the mail. Two) These eyshadows are very pigmented but they will fade if not used in conjunction with a good primer. Three) If not used over a primer, they can stain the skin and be a bit difficult to remove. This isn't so much of a problem with the neutral shades but be wary with some of the darker or bolder colors.

But despite it's flaws (most of which are minor or can be fixed with the use of a good base/primer), I still love this thing. It is a great product for both new comers and experts. I cannot recommend it highly enough. I've given one of these palettes as gifts a few times and I've heard nothing but rave reviews from the people I've given them to. This is such an amazing product--really, really amazing.

CoverGirl "Coral Twist" Jumbo Gloss Balm Swatch + Review

2013-04-24T08:00:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago I reviewed two of the new CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balms in the shades "Ballet Twist" and "Watermelon Twist". I was torn about my overall opinion of the range--I liked "Watermelon Twist" but was unimpressed with "Ballet Twist". And so, because I have no self-control whenever I walk into a Target, I bought two more shades so that I could further flesh out my opinion.

My thoughts on the packaging have not changed. It is nice but nothing special (but that is just my humble opinion).

CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balm in "Coral Twist"

Here is the color swatched on the back of my hand. It is a lovely bright coral color--perfect for spring and summer. It applies easily but it is neither a gloss nor a balm. I talked about this in my past reviews but the finish on this lip product is more similar to a satin or luster. And while it feels moisturizing on the lips, I would never describe it as a balm. The title is very misleading and, quite frankly, I'm disappointed with CoverGirl.

But that being said, after trying out four shades from this range, I have to admit that I do like the formulation. And I'm not alone because I have heard a lot of great things about these bad boys all over the internet. However, the colors are very hit or miss. "Watermelon Twist" and "Blush Twist are perfect colors for everyday wear. But "Ballet Twist" was too light and while "Coral Twist" is a lovely shade when I first apply, it quickly becomes a bit of a mess.

CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balm in "Coral Twist"

As you can see in the swatch above, the product likes to collect in the crevices of my lips--and unfortunately, accentuating any dryness in the process. It is noticeable at first (unless you look really, really close) but with "Coral Twist" and "Ballet Twist", these colors fade in such a patchy, ungraceful manner and in the end the collection of the product in my lip crevices become very noticeable. And as a result, my lips look very dry. The drying effect can be avoided if you moisturizing thoroughly before applying. It will also be less of a problem as the temperature warms up during the hot summer months. But still, I can't help but be disappointed. This is supposed to be a product that is effortlessly moisturizing--a lip color and lip balm in one product. I haven't found this to be much a problem when I wear either "Watermelon Twist" or "Blush Twist".

The lasting power of the Jumbo Gloss Balm range isn't impressive. The satin-like sheen disappears well within the hour mark and the product is literally undetectable by hour three. I will not be repurchasing this shade but there are other shades from the range that I really love. These Jumbo Gloss Balms are a bit hit or miss--so I recommend that you do your research before buying one.

Revlon Lip Butter Swatches, Photos, + Reviews

2013-04-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

Revlon Lip Butters have received mountains of praise on the internet and I am here to reassure you that the hype is well deserved. I am the proud owner of five shades and there has yet to be a color that I didn't love. The Revlon Lip Butters are light weight, pigmented, and easy to wear. They apply like a dream and they fade like a dream (which is even better in my opinion). These things aren't the longest lasting products on the market but once they're gone they don't leave behind a trace of unflattering and uneven product on the lips.

Revlon Lip Butters: Tutti Frutti, Gumdrop, Lollipop, Strawberry Shortcake, Sweet Tart

The Revlon packaging is--bar none--the sleekest and most modern on the drugstore shelves. They also come in a wide range of shades that are flattering for everyone. They do get a bit messy around the edges of the tube due to their ultra creamy formulation but it is only a minor nuisance--if anything.

The Revlon Lip Butters (like all other Revlon products) are on the higher end of the drugstore price spectrum. They retail for around eight dollars each (but if you are clever, you can catch a sale and pay somewhere around five or six). But with that higher price tag, customers get a high quality product and excellent packaging. Buy or Bust? In my opinion, this a no brainer. Buy!

Revlon Lip Butters: Tutti Frutti, Gumdrop, Lollipop, Strawberry Shortcake, Sweet Tart

Here are the colors swatched on my arm. It is barely detectable in the picture (and in real life) but Gumdrop, Lollipop, and Strawberry Shortcake have the slightest hint of glitter. It doesn't bother me (one who normally abhors glitter in any lip product other than lip gloss) and to be honest I think that the glitter is a nice, but extremely subtle, touch.

If you are looking to add a color to your makeup collection, I would recommend Lollipop, Sweet Tart, or Gumdrop. Lollipop is an effortless but bold fuschia pink. It is great for summer days out shopping or a late-night party. Sweet Tart is a beautiful everyday shade. It would look great on a wide range of skin tones. Gumdrop is a light, easy color to wear. It is extremely subtle (as you can already tell from the sheerness of the swatch above) but it gives a lovely hint of lilac and shimmer to the lips. It is a fantastic color to wear--especially during hot summer days.

Have you tried any of the Revlon Lip Butters? And if so, what did you think? If not, tell me what is your must have summer make-up essential? Leave your thoughts in a comment below!

OPI "Strawberry Margarita" Swatch + Review

2013-04-19T08:00:00.001-07:00

OPI "Strawberry Margarita"

Looking at this nail polish is like taking a walk down memory lane. OPI "Got A Date To-Knight" was the first nail polish I ever remember buying. OPI "Japanese Rose Garden" was the second. And OPI "Strawberry Margarita" was the third. I have so many great memories of the summers I would wear nothing but those three colors--mostly because those were the only three colors I owned (It was hard for a middle school student to save up nine dollars each for a nail polish). As you can probably tell from the swatches I've posted, my collection has since expanded. There are many brands out there with colors that are similar to this color but I always go back to "Strawberry Margarita". Maybe it's because of all the great memories I've associated with this color, maybe it's because it's my Grandma's favorite nail polish, or maybe it's because it was the first nail polish I ever finished and had to repurchase. But I think it's mostly because I'm a creature of habit and I know that I can always count on this color to look great--winter or summer. It is also a great color for anyone to buy a little girl (or boy) who is justing getting into nail polish. I know that my little sister and I loved it at that age--and as I've grown older it's continued to be one of my most worn polishes.

OPI "Polka...Com" Swatch + Review

2013-04-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

OPI "Polka...Com"

"Polka...Com", other than having the cleverest name out of any of the polishes in the new OPI Euro Centrale collection released a few months ago, is also the most unique polish I picked up from the collection. While "You're Such A BudaPest", "Suzi's Hungary AGAIN!", "OPI...Eurso Euro", and "Can't Find My Czechbook" were lovely colors, they were also all very dupable. They were all beautiful colors with cream finishes. Nothing so unique that these colors would be impossible to find anywhere else. I loved all of the colors from this collection but I am realistic enough to acknowledge that fact. "Polka...Com", on the other hand, is like nothing I've ever seen in stores before. Yes, this chunky glitter polish is quite popular but this color combination of blue, pink, teal, and purple is beautifully unique (with the added bonus of almost perfectly matching any of the colors from the Euro Centrale collection I listed above). This color is buildable but it would take six or seven coats to get a completely opaque finish--although this often leads to chipping within a couple days of application. Instead, I recommend wearing a cream finish polish with a few coats of this color on top.

CoverGirl "Euphoria" Lipstick Swatch + Review

2013-04-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

It is official. I am in love. I got this color at the beginning of January (it was the first CoverGirl lipstick I've ever own) and I cannot wear it enough. It isn't the most "spring" color but I don't care. I am still going to wear it. This was the color I was hoping the Stila "Pomegranate Crush" Cheek + Lip Stain would look like. Unfortunately my first Stila product was a big disappointment while my first CoverGirl lipstick was a major win.

CoverGirl Lipstick in "Euphoria"

The CoverGirl LipPerfection range of lipsticks is very moisturizing and "Euphoria" is no different. It won't help "create soft, smooth, beautiful lips in just 7 days" like CoverGirl has claimed but it applies smoothly and easily to the lips. "Euphoria" is very long lasting (at least four-five hours) but it doesn't stain the skin like many of the other shades from this line making it easy to remove at the end of the day. I loved this shade so much that I went out to buy five more shades. A little excessive--I know.

CoverGirl Lipstick in "Euphoria"

Here is the color swatched on my lips. I understand that in the tube and even swatched this color can look a little intimidating--okay, a lot intimidating. But as you can see, once you get the color on the lips it looks like a pretty berry-red color. Isn't it just gorgeous? I know that spring has just begun but I highly, highly recommend this color if you're looking for a beautiful lip color for fall/winter. Or even if you are looking for a darker color to wear in spring/summer. I cannot say enough good things about this color and I am almost one hundred percent positive that I will have to end up buying another tube sometime in the future.

What is your favorite drugstore lipstick? Leave your answers in the comments below!

OPI "OPI...Eurso Euro" Swatch + Review

2013-04-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

OPI "OPI...Eurso Euro"

Summer is still months away but I can still hear it calling my name. "OPI...Eurso Euro" is one of the colors from the new Euro Centrale Collection OPI released a few months ago. It was one of the colors, that as soon as I walked up to the display, I knew I was going to talk out of the store with. It is a beautiful royal blue that would look great during the summer months paired with a tan and bright white shorts. It doesn't have any shimmer and reminds me vaguely of OPI "Dating A Royal"--my bottle died almost a year ago when it crashed onto the tiles of a my bathroom floor, otherwise I would've done comparison swatches. But, if my memory serves me right, "Dating a Royal" was a lighter and less of a vibrant. I think this is one of the seasonless polishes. It'll look dark enough to wear effortlessly in the fall and winter months but is bold and bright enough to rock during spring and summer. In conclusion, I am in love with this color. It is utterly fabulous.

CoverGirl "Watermelon Twist" Jumbo Gloss Balm Swatch + Review

2013-04-10T08:00:00.001-07:00

After being so disappointed the new CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balm in "Ballet Twist", my hopes were not high when I started using the shade, "Watermelon Twist". But let me begin this review by saying that I was pleasantly surprised. Maybe I judged the range too harshly by assuming that all of the other colors were like "Ballet Twist". I will probably go out in the near future and pick up a few more colors. Then, I can finally be sure of my opinion of the CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balms because, right now, I'm a little torn.

CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balm in "Watermelon Twist"

Unfortunately, like "Ballet Twist", the color in the tube looks significantly different than what the product looks like swatched on the skin. But despite that fact, I ended up loving this product. I was a bit disappointed that this product didn't quite qualify as either a gloss or a blam but once I got past my initial disappointment, I was happy to see that instead it was a lightweight lip product that fit effortlessly into my everyday life.

CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balm in "Watermelon Twist"

"Watermelon Twist" is a lovely medium-pink color. It is a great everyday color. Unlike "Ballet Twist", it doesn't make my lips look overly chapped or have the frosty finish that was a little off putting under certain lighting. The lasting power isn't magnificent (three hours max) but it fades evenly and beautifully throughout the day. The color is very subtle, making it wonderful shade for women looking for a "no-makeup

makeup look.

This is a product that is so easy to apply that reapplication doesn't really feel like a hassle. It's a perfect product to throw in your purse. I know that this shade in particular has been receiving a ton of love on the internet and I can definitely understand why. But as much as I love this particular color, I'm hesitant to give the range a rave review. I will reserve my final judgement until I have tried more colors. But I will say that "Watermelon Twist" is a winner.

L'oreal Colour Riche Caresse Lipstick Swatches, Photos, + Reviews

2013-04-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

I'm here with another range review--this time featuring the L'oreal Colour Caresse Lipsticks. Weirdly enough, this is the first time I've ever reviewed a L'oreal product on my blog. So, hooray for trying new things! I have being eyeing these bad boys (in addition to the L'oreal Colour Caresse Shine Stain--reviews will be coming shortly) for months now and I finally just took the plunge and bought a few shades of each.

The L'oreal Colour Riche Caresse Lipsticks are marketed as "vibrantly sheer color, non-cakey, [and] deliver a feather-light finish without being sticky or heavy". After trying out these lipsticks for a couple weeks I was pleasantly surprised with how accurate the L'oreal's statement was. Both of the colors I purchased are medium to light pigmentation that glides onto the lips without any tugging. I would compare the texture to the new Maybelline Color Whispers but the L'oreal lipsticks feel slightly lighter on the lips and are definitely more of a sheer formulation.

These aren't designed to be a long-lasting lip product and tend to last for about three hours before fading. When first applied, the lipsticks have a lovely glossy finish. This finish slowly fades to a more matte finish an hour after application. These lipsticks retail for around nine dollars--which is on the higher end of drugstore price range-- and comes with .1 oz of product.

L'oreal Colour Riche Caresse Lipsticks: Blushing Sequin and Cardinal Plume

L'oreal Colour Riche Caresse Lipsticks: Cardinal Plume + Blushing Sequin

Here are the colors swatched on my arm. When applied to the lips, the color intensity is variable depending on your natural lip color. On my lips, "Cardinal Plume" appears more like a pinkish-red color rather than the true red color above. "Blushing Sequin" is a fantastic every day color. It isn't a bright or bold color but it gives the lips a beautiful hint of pink. If I could only repurchase one color, I would chose "Blushing Sequins".

In conclusion, these L'oreal Colour Riche Caresse Lipsticks are fantastic for every day wear. They feel almost non-existant when applied to the lips and fade very naturally and beautifully as the day goes on. Their medium to light pigmentation makes application effortless. These lipsticks are perfect for "no-makeup" makeup looks to wear to the office or to school. Plus, the packaging is beautiful--especially for drugstore. I will definitely be buying a few more shades in the future.

OPI "Can't Find My Czechbook" Swatch + Review

2013-04-05T08:00:00.001-07:00

OPI "Can't Find My Czechbook"

"Can't Find My Czechbook" is just another reason why the latest OPI Euro Centrale collection is so amazing. I bought five colors and so far I've loved each and every one of them. There are a million nail polish brands to chose from out there but OPI is still my favorite brand. The cream formulation is flawless and while the color range is not top notch, the brushes truly are. I took a OPI hiatus for a few weeks but as soon as I used this polish I was reminded of how easy these brushes makes application. "Can't Find My Czechbook" is a lovely medium green-based blue. It isn't the most unique color I've ever seen but it really is gorgeous and I can't want to wear this color during the spring and summer months.

OPI "Do You Lilac It?" Swatch + Review

2013-04-03T08:00:00.001-07:00

OPI "Do You Lilac It?"

Where has this nail polish been all my life? I have heard everyone and their mother raving about this polish for years. And I don't know why but whenever I was buying nail polish I would see it but then think "Nah. I'll get that next time". But then I never got it next time and that was a mistake. I probably never would have bought it for myself if I hadn't picked it up for my sister (it was on her Christmas wishlist) and trying it over spring break when I went back home and we decided wanted to have coordinated spring nails. It is a medium pastel purple. Darker than Essie "Lilacism" but equally beautiful and perfect for spring. It was also very opaque--two coats was more than sufficient. OPI has a wide range of colors and not all of them are hits. It is hard to know which colors to buy and which colors to pass on but I highly, highly recommend this shade. It isn't the most unique shade but if you don't have a lilac nail polish, check this one out. Don't be put off by all the hype surrounding this product because the hype is well deserved.

CoverGirl "Ballet Twist" Jumbo Gloss Balm Swatch + Review

2013-04-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

After receiving a decent amount of hype on the internet, I finally went out and purchased one of the new CoverGirl Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balms. I picked up two shades--"Ballet Twist" and "Watermelon Twist". From the color of the cap I assumed that "Ballet Twist" would be a subtle baby pink color but as I would find out after swatching it on my hand and then my lips, it is actually more of a shimmery nude.

Many people have been comparing this product to the Revlon Just Bitten Balm Stains or the Tarte LipSurgance Lip Tints (because they look similar) but these comparisons couldn't be more misleading. The Revlon Stains are just that--stains. They are smooth and pigmented and last for hours. These CoverGirl Balms are not meant to stain the skin and have a much shorter wear time (1-2 hours). The Tarte LipSurgance Lip Tints are highly pigmented and uber moisturizing. They also have a longer wear time than the CoverGirl Balms but their luxurious quality is heavily reflected in the price tag. If you are expecting your CoverGirl Balm to be similar to either of these products, you will be disappointed.

CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balm in "Ballet Twist"

Here is the color swatched on my hand. It is almost impossible to see. I have a light-medium complexion and I don't think the color would be very flattering (or show up) on skin tones much darker than mine.

The CoverGirl packaging is getting a thumbs down from me. It is packaged very similarly to the Clinique Chubby Sticks, Tarte LipSurgance Lip Tints, and the Revlon Just Bitten Balm Stains but I find that the dark purple/black color scheme isn't very flattering. It looks and feels cheap. I've also read a lot of reviews on the internet with consumers having problems with the product breaking and falling out the tube. I dropped my Jumbo Gloss Balm on the bathroom floor mat one morning and the same thing happened to me. I originally thought it was just an accident but after reading about so many other women having similar experiences, I'm beginning to believe it might be a design flaw on the part of CoverGirl.

CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balm in "Ballet Twist"

Here is the color swatched on my lips. "Ballet Twist" is averagely pigmented. It is not very buildable but it does make my lips a lovely shimmer nude color. Even after three weeks of testing out this lip color, I am still a bit torn. I like the way it looks on my lips. It is more lightweight than my other nude lipsticks (Revlon "Nude Attitude" or MAC "Myth") and it also has a subtle sheen (and thus I don't feel like I have to wear a lip gloss every time).

But at the same time this isn't the product that I thought I was buying from CoverGirl. This is not a gloss or a balm. It feels like any other moisturizing drugstore lipstick (although maybe a tad bit lighter) and while it does have a sheen to it, the end result is more similar to a luster finish lipstick than anything else. Maybe my expectations were too high ( I was hoping for a drugstore equivalent to the Tarte LipSurgance LIp Tints) but I was doomed to be disappointed. It is a nice product (I'm not trying to say that it is horrible and no one should buy it) but I'm disappointed that CoverGirl is not making it easier for their consumers to pick out makeup products by naming them appropriately. These probably should have been called CoverGirl Lip Perfection Jumbo Luster Lipstick Pencils--or something like that. I'm not in marketing or advertising, so please don't judge too harshly.

In conclusion, the CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balm in "Ballet Twist" is an okay product. It is not a true balm or a true gloss but it is a nice nude lipstick for everyday wear (although, beware, it can look a little frosty in certain light). It isn't very buildable and as a result might not show up on people with darker skin tones.

CoverGirl LipPerfection Lipstick Swatches, Photos, + Reviews

2013-03-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

Ah! It is officially spring and that means bright and bold lipstick. I have recently become a tad bit obsessed with the CoverGirl LipPerfection Lipsticks and in the time span of the last month I have acquired six new shades. In my defense, they were on sale.

CoverGirl LipPerfection Lipsticks (R-L): Burn, Spellbound, Euphoria, Eternal, Dazzle, Siren

Here are the six shades I purchased. First things first, let's talk about the packaging. I think that CoverGirl did a nice job with this range. I like it much better than that outdated blue packaging from CoverGirl's Continuous Color range but in the end, I think the packaging is average when compared to other brands. Although, I must say that the color swatches at the bottom of the lipstick tube's are fairly accurate and make color selection process a little easier.

CoverGirl claims that these lipsticks have "beautiful, rich color" and "helps create soft, smooth, beautiful lips in just 7 days". Now, the first claim is pretty standard but the second claim left me a bit skeptical after I first read it. In the weeks since I first bought these lipsticks I have learned a few things.

One) CoverGirl was not lying. These lipsticks--for the most part--are extremely pigmented and very long lasting. Most of the brighter and darker shades stain the skin with an intensity that even makeup removing wipes can't remove. If you need lipsticks that will last all day, pick up one of these bad boys from a drugstore near you. Two) They're very moisturizing--except for Siren which I will talk about later--but they will not replace a chap stick They feel wonderful on your lips but I haven't noticed any difference in the softness of my lips after seven days of wearing this lipstick. I think CoverGirl exaggerated a bit on that claim.

Three) Look very closely to the bottom of the tubes because many of these lipsticks are glittery (and if you're glitter averse like myself, this is a handy tip). But be sure to look closely because it isn't obvious when you first look at the shades.

Four) They have a generic lipstick smell--I'm sorry but I couldn't think of any other way to describe it. The smell didn't bother me but after looking at other reviews online, it was something that bothered some people.

CoverGirl LipPerfection Lipsticks (L-R): Euphoria, Eternal, Dazzle, Siren

CovverGirl LipPerfection Lipsticks (L-R): Burn, Spellbound, Euphoria,

CoverGirl LipPerfection Lipsticks: Burn, Spellbound, Euphoria, Eternal, Dazzle, Siren

Here are all of the colors swatched on my arm. I will do more in depth reviews/swatches of all these colors in the near future but here is my quick thoughts on the shades I own. If you can only buy three shades I would recommend Euphoria (Oh my goodness, I am obsessed with this shade), Eternal, and Spellbound. All these colors have creme finishes and would look great on a variety of skin tones. They're also all quite bold colors--perfect for spring.

What is your favorite drugstore lipstick? Leave your answer in the comments below.

OPI "You're Such a BudaPest" Swatch + Review

2013-03-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

OPI "You're Such a BudaPest"

Another day, another nail polish swatch. After taking a break from blogging last week, I took some time this weekend to finally get swatches for a few of the shades I've been wearing recently. This color, "You're Such a BudaPest" is one of the new colors that came out in the OPI Euro Centrale collection--which if you read my post (click here) you will know that I absolutely loved. It was easily one of the best collections OPI has come out with in my recent memory.

This color is a beautiful pale purple shade. It has the tinniest amount of rainbow glitter but it is almost undetectable until you are literally four inches away. It's a nice touch but not something that should sway your decision to buy in either direction. It is very similar to many lilac colors out there--Essie "Lilacism" or Sally Hansen "Lacey Lilac". But what I think separates this color from a lot similar shades is that in certain lighting (especially yellow-er toned lighting) it transforms into this beautiful almost periwinkle blue shade. I also felt that it was my purchase was justified because my own bottle of OPI "Rumple's Wiggin'" has finally died. If you are looking for a beautiful lilac color to add to your collection, I would recommend this one.

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