Tag: lips

Revlon Just Bitten Lipstain and Balm

I haven’t ever really been a “lip stain girl”, but the claims of longevity sucked me right in.  I didn’t want to splurge and I had already heard good things about Revlon’s so I picked one up. The stain was easy to apply and not near as drying as I expected.  And man, does this stuff wear forever!  What a treat to not have your makeup coming off as you sip from a glass.

I found it pretty easy to use, as the pen is tapered and making minor adjustments comes easy. I do recommend a bold color for maximum effect.  Layering the pigment will keep the color from appearing splotchy after a couple hours. I find this to be less drying than the other brands I have tested – but it is a stain so the balm step is highly encouraged. My only beef is the cap on the balm always knocks the balm out! So I usually skip and use an alternative lipgloss.

MAC Cosmetics Red Lipstick

Who doesn’t want to look glam and polished with really white teeth?  Well, I do.  So I dove into the red lipstick world. I knew the best place to start were the bright and bold shades of MAC cosmetics.  But there are so many to choose from!  Selecting a color from the MAC displays can be overwhelming, so I am sharing my three favorite reds to help narrow it down.

From left to right: Lady Danger, Russian Red, Ruby Woo

Top to bottom: Lady Danger, Russian Red, Ruby Woo

Lady Danger is the most orange of the group. While it looks almost neon next to the other shades, it is a true, real red.  It is more bold, so this is my favorite for a special occasion that calls for a saucy pout, like a night out in the Lower East Side.  I love that Lady Danger is creamy and glossy – not near as matte as the other colors.

MAC’s top red is Russian Red, a velvety, deep red that has been around since the 1980s.  This is my favorite “dress up” lipstick. You can really achieve pearly teeth with these blue undertones. I consider this more “ruby red” than crayon or tomato red.  It is very opaque and matte but not as matte as Ruby Woo.

If you are looking for classic, velvet, matte, pinup red, Ruby Woo is your girl.  The blue undertones are even deeper.  Some say that this is so matte that it is hard to apply, but I think, with a dose of confience, it goes on quite well. You want to make sure your lips are hydrated though because it can be drying.

These lipsticks all have that subtle powdery vanilla that MAC does so well.  They smell good! (odd to say that about a lipstick but it is so darn true)

suggah Anti-Aging Lip Plumping Treatment

Who doesn’t have dry lips in the summer? And more importantly, who doesn’t want moisturized, pouty and youthful pucker. I was recently introduced to this charmer of a skin care line based in Southern California and I am smitten.  One of their best sellers has earned a spot on my nightstand, permanently.

Suggah isn’t a lip balm, but rather a treatment that can be used morning and night. In my opinion, it does everything a lip balm does and more. Plus the smell is pleasant, natural and vaguely sweet.

The consistancy is a super-rich and emollient balm that can, literally overnight, change the appearance of my lips.  They become ultra-smooth and hydrated. SircuitSkin achives this by using Shea butter, rather than wax or petroleum.  Suggah also contains Maxi Lip™, adding a monster dose of moisture that makes lips look fuller.

No surprise this rockstar is on their bestseller list.

NARS Lip Gloss in Turkish Delight

Confession: I am a Kim Kardashian fan. I think she is a smart business woman and her cuvvy figure and fashion is a breath of fresh air. While her makeup is heavy, she always looks polished and I am a fan of her nude lip, smokey eye look. No, she’s not perfect. But I admit I like her. So when I found out the lip gloss I was manhandling at the counter was her favorite, I was intrigued. NARS Turkish Delight is perfect for those who want to roll neutral but with some serious sheer shine. Don’t let the color fool you into thinking this is just a ultra sheer hydrator. The shade is oddly present and creamy. It also can play well over other lip formulas for added dimension. InStyle Magazine named Turkish Delight named “Best Lip Gloss for Fair Skin” and “Best Lip Gloss for Olive Skin” in 2011 – proving it works on almost all skin tones. I can be really picky about the stickiness of this gloss and I find it incredibly comfortable to wear. Vitamin E helps battle dryness. I am calling this as one of NARS most timeless and lasting shades.

Lipstick Queen Medieval-Tinted Treatment

Ever crave just a pinch of color while healing chapped lips and improving the health of your pucker? Yeah, me too.  That’s is why I love Medieval-Tinted Treatment.  The woman behind the brand has been magnificently successful lately.  J. Crew and Kate Spade took notice of her fabulous products and have recently launched collaborations.

The treatment is inspired by customs from the Medieval times when full coverage lipstick was considered a sin.  Lipstick Queen manages to achieve that stained look with an amazing amount of moisture.  It is a very subtle shade of pink that just hints at color.  There is no need for liner, precise application or even a mirror.  And the Vitamin E in the treatment makes it a virtual double for lip balm.

The J. Crew collection is sold out for now, but get the original on QVC.

Jouer Mini Tinted Lip Enhancers Kit

If you are anything like me, I have an assortment of lip treatments and glosses scattered throughout my life: on my desk, in my car, in ALL of my purses, etc.  So, when I see a kit of three that can provide lip plumping, moisture and a dose of color, I am intrigued.  These lip enhancers contain what Jouer calls “Maxi-Lip” that has been clinically proven to minimize fine lines and pump up your lips naturally.  Lip enhancers also contain Vitamin E, Shea Butter, and Jojoba Oil to moisturize and heal lips.  Unlike other lip enhancers, this formula does not sting or tickle (thank goodness – that’s just creepy!).  Concerning the color, these shades are relatively subtle, so they should really work on a range of coloring.  And I am always a sucker for the wine-related naming scheme:  

  • Champagne is a lovely barely-there neutral
  • Bellini is a juicy coral
  • Shiraz is a sheer berry

This trio is available through www.birchbox.com.  I was unable to find them on the Jouer website, but hope they will be selling them there too eventually.