Category: lips

NARS Satin Lip Pencil

Remember this post about NARS Lip Pencils? I was distinguishing the Gloss and Matte Velvet Lip Pencils, which I both adore. But after this dry winter, my lips didn’t quite perform as well with thicker, drier formulas. I have been riding this trend of luscious, creamy lipsticks that are full of pigment like these and these.

So no surprise here, NARS is on their game. Their new Satin Lip Pencils have that creamy hydrating goodness with rich pigments that I have been wild about lately. The moisturizing formula glides right on my lips while the pencil format allows for a precise application. The vitamin packed shades have a glossy finish and layer well with other lip products.

I’ve been wearing three shades over the past couple days. (Check out my Instagram here for more swatches) Isola Belle is the perfect, wearable nude with just enough peach to give my lips a hint of color. Yu is my dream vibrant pink, and when I wear it, I am chanelling my inner 60’s mod girl. Lodhi is the sweetest coral that is just perfect for the arrival of spring.

Let me know which one you pick up!

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE WAS PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

mark. Make It Rich Lip Color Crayon

True confession here: I would much rather wear a neutral lip gloss than a bold lip any day. That being said, in the interest of blogging and all, I am constantly trying out the latest and greatest lip products with a pop of color. (And don’t put it past me to rock a bright pink lip for girls’ night out).

Of course, I went directly for mark’s make it rich in Naturally first (center). Its buttery texture and rich pigment had me sold. I thought “could this be the formula to get me going on bold lips?”. I had to track down some other shades and test them out STAT.

Fast forward a week and, as I sit here typing, I have Hot Sauce (far left) on my lips. Who knew that wearing this rich crimson could give me so much joy? The formula is super lightweight but ultra-hydrating. The color stays on without any bleeding. The cool-based red make my teeth look glimmering white (well, whiter…). The crayon design makes it super easy to draw on the color precisely. And I love the subtle, warm vanilla scent.

Royale, second from left, is a berry bordeaux, perfect for our last bit of winter days. I love the look of a deep, vampy lip on a cold day. Second from right is Hey Honey, which looks brown. But it is actually a very wearable, deep nude with a little copper. Lastly, far right is Peony, a fuchsia with a silverly shine (probably least wearable for me, but would look amazing on darker skin). Not pictured: Punch, a feminine pink.

You can purchase the make it rich lip crayons at shop.meetmark.com.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE WAS PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Brand Spotlight: Bite Beauty

There is something about this brand that immediate caught my eye. Their section in Sephora is like a candy case of lip goodies. The sleek packaging, wearable colors and catchy names made me want to scoop up one of everything. But in the interest of brevity, I am going to highlight three “All Star” products that I am head over heels for from this cool little indie company.

First, major kudos to the brand: all their formulas are infused with food-grade ingredients – makes sense since lots of what goes on your pout goes in your mouth. BITE avoids petroleum by-products and synthetic chemicals and also produces in small batches to preserve the hydrating benefits of organic oils, fruit butters, and bioactives. So cool!

My fellow bloggers were swooning over the BITE Beauty High Pigment Matte Pencil so I gave Corvina, one of their new spring colors, a test drive. This bright coral pink definitely reminds me of this NARS lipstick. The finish is very matte with rich, opaque color. Shea butter keeps the dense color from looking dry on the lips. And bonus: the formula is packed with as much resveratrol as found in five glasses of red wine, boosting long-term anti-aging properties.

I am loving these buttery “lipsticks” that are everywhere these days. My dry lips need all the help they can get, and BITE Beauty Lush Lip Tint in Lychee might be best of breed. The soft lipstick gives a glossy, hydrated finish and softens lips with argan oil and vitamin E. The center B provides a double dose of resveratrol like in the Matte Pencil, just not quite as much. The initial also contains a soft pearl highlighter giving the finish just a bit of shimmer. Oh, and PS, the color is buildable.

BITE Beauty Honey Lip Lacquer in Ruby is an easy-peezy way to easily wear red lips. The low maintenance gloss applies evenly and wears well without being a mess. I apply from the center of my lips, blending outward, to give just a stain of color. You can layer for a bigger punch of pigment. I adore the way this smells – just a touch of honey thanks to the moisturizing Pure Manuka Honey. Jojoba provides long-term hydration as well. Like the Matte Pencil and Lip Tint, Resveratrol provides an anti-aging benefit. And this stuff won’t budge – the formula is waterproof.

Shop the post:

Highlights from Youngblood Cosmetics Spring 2013

I applaud Youngblood for their truly distinctive and fresh Spring collection. From a daring eyeliner to a real God-send for those with oily skin, each addition fills a product need elegantly. I’ve been trying out three products: gel eyeliner, new lipstick and anti-mattifier. Here’s the roundup.

I can’t stop hearing about blue for the spring and I was hesitant at first. Well, I’ve come around to embrace this trend whole-heartedly – whether you go for subtle navy mascara or bold turquiose eyeliner, this look is ultimately wearable. The New Incredible Wear Gel Liner in Lagoon is for a look with more impact. I am a huge fan of gel liners as they are easy to apply and last ages. This one is no different and with safe natural ingredients, limiting irritation. The finish has a golden sheen and the iron oxide makes for a deep, rich pigment.

The new lipstick in Debalicious is a petal/bubblegum pink shade – could you get more Spring? I think not. The formula is packed with natural oils and Candelilla wax to soften and hydrate lips. While the finish is on the matte side, the formula glides on creamy. The shade will really pop on those with deeper skin tones, but is totally wearable on my light-medium complexion as well.

Attention those with shine issues: Anti-shine Mattifier is a unique and effective solution for oil control. The formula absorbs surface oil while Nigella and Pumpkin Seed oils purify and balance the skin. So your skin will be oil free throughout the day. I don’t mind the included sponge for application, but I think it is best applied with fingers to spots prone to oiliness.

All these goodies are now available on www.ybskin.com.

VenEffect Anti-Aging Lip Treatment GIVEAWAY

I hadn’t had a chance to dive into the world of VENeffect skincare, but it certainly has been on my radar since it appeared on counters at Neiman Marcus not too long ago. Now, I’ve been trying their Anti-Aging Lip Treatment for a couple weeks and can totally see getting hooked on the whole line.

VENeffect focuses on the influence of estrogen loss affecting collagen, causing fine lines and wrinkles. The product line uses 100% natural phytoestrogens to enhance collagen and, in turn, improving the appearance of skin. Makes sense that hormones would play a big part in our youthful glow!

The Anti-Aging Lip Treatment targets this approach especially for the lips, softening and plumping. Don’t expect a greasy balm – this is more of a thin cream with a weightless feel. I usually prefer balms, but since this is less of a hydrator and more of an anti-aging treatment, I look at is as a lighter serum for the lips.

I’ve been using the treatment twice a day (and sometimes more often). I do think my lips are softer. The anti-aging ingredients promise to minimize vertical lines and plump and enhance to a “rosy glow”. VENeffect products are hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and paraben free.

I’ve teamed up with VENeffects to get three lucky readers a chance to try the Anti-Aging Lip Treatment valued at $85. Enter using the widget below. Sorry, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Chantecaille Spring 2013 Lips

I’m one of those odd souls who loves winter. I love the cozy holidays, exciting weather and layered fashion. So, I am grudgingly accepting the quickly approaching hot weather. One thing that makes this so much easier is the stunning new lip products from Chantecaille to celebrate Spring. These shades are right up my alley – wearable, fresh neutrals that you can just swipe on. And of course, with it being Valentine’s Day, can’t think of a better topic than our pout. Pucker up!

I’m was already hooked on the Chantecaille Lip Chics – think buttery soft lipsticks that hydrate but are still packed with color. The lightweight texture has plumping effects of a gloss but coverage of a lipstick. I’ve treasured Heirloom but the new spring colors are so cheerful and feminine. Daphne is a nude pink with a sheer finish – perfect easy neutral lip. Rose Délice is a stronger, cooler pink but still relatively sheer. The pigment looks very blue and pigmented in the swatch above, but it is decidedly wearable.

Unlike the Lip Chics, I was totally new to the Luminous Gloss Long-Wear Lip Shine. Wow… are these good. These rich and pigmented lip glosses have great lasting powder and such a smooth finish. There is no settling into lines or stickiness. Extra shiny polymers give a wet, glasslike shine and superior adherence. There is no scent to these formulas. Pink Melon is a cool, relatively opaque pink that settles into a light nude. Framboise is a true raspberry that gives just a wash of color.

I can honestly say these will be my go-to spring shades. There are tremendously easy wear and use on the go. They hydrate and heal my dry lips. The fresh, girly shades are sure to cheer me up as my beloved winter comes to an end.