October Favorites 2017

Well hello hello. I know my October Favorites are extremely late, but hey I got some great products that might make it worth it. October was a bit of a hectic month. I had my beautiful best friend's wedding so a lot of my time was bouncing around between the wedding and work. Nevertheless, I have some favorite beauty products (and tools) from this past month including rediscovering my love for the drugstore products yay!

Dose of Colors Baked Browns Palette:
I guess you can count this as a rediscovered favorite but I purchased this palette back in April at IMATS. I knew though that I would have enjoyed this palette a lot more in the Autumn season. I mean the colors alone are beautiful. It reminds me of a portable version of the Sephora Pro Warm Palette (which I LOVE and I do have a review of it here).

I did get this palette discount when I went to IMATS for around $25 but honestly, the quality of the matte shadows in here is worth the retail price of $32. The mattes are just as creamy and comparable to Kat Von D's matte shadows (which I truly believe she does create some of the best matte eye shadows). These shadows blend beautifully without getting muddy and the colors (used with a good primer of course) last all day. I love that the colors can be a simple everyday neutral eye, to a really define, warm evening eye.

I almost didn't picked this up at IMATS until after I swatched the shades. I'm really glad I did decide to purchase it

Loreal Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Lipstick in Shakedown: 
Oh my...you guys....this is up there for favorite liquid lipstick formulas (here is my list of the ones that made the cut in my book). I saw that emilynoel83 had this color on his lips in one of her snapchat stories and been hearing the rave all over social media about formula on these including the pro-matte glosses.

There's so many things I love about this product that I'm not entirely sure where to begin.  For starters, I LOVE the shade. It's the brown lip color that I feel like I've been looking for all season but it has that hint of mauve undertones. It gives me major 90's vibes. I also love the doe foot applicator and how precise it is to get  a crisp line and by corners of the mouth. The formula is so interesting. It has a bit of thickness but when it dries down (which does take a while) it's a comfortable matte on the lips. I noticed when I press my lips together, it will slightly stick but it's not too much of an annoyance since I rather not have my lips be deprived of moisture. It's the longevity of this that blows my mind. Even with eating and drinking, there's some fading and a bit of transfer, but the majority of the color is still there and it doesn't come out of the lip line. It's amazing and makes me feel so much better to bring this out with me knowing I don't have to worry about how bad the reapplication process will be. Beyond impressed with this formula and so incredibly happy it's from the drugstore. Even better, try getting this when a $3.50 off $15 coupon for ulta that comes around (which is what I did plus I had points saved up to take more money off).

So good. Ok I'll stop talking about this now (for now)

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer:
Quite a mouthful to say but what a beautiful product. I've forgot how much I love this concealer and the brightener as well. I also just remembered that I did have this in a favorites a while back but I feel like I didn't give it enough love back then. So let's give it some love now.

These concealers are lightweight while still providing a natural full coverage. I love how the concealers brighten up the under eye area. Finally, one of my favorite things about this is because it's so light weight, it doesn't emphasize on fine lines and looks flawless from beginning to the end of the day.

Maybelline concealer, you have been much loved (if you can tell from the little amount of products I have left in them).

Beauty Blender Micro Mini:
Ok so this isn't a necessity, but I can't believe how much I've been liking this small beauty blender . It's a lot softer and more lightweight than the original beauty blender which makes this perfect for the delicate under eye area. Surprisingly, I've also come to love this with cream highlighters as well.

As I mentioned, I don't think this is a necessity, but if you happen to get one, I would definitely give it a shot first before turning it down (like I almost did). Besides, look how cute it is?

sephora.com 

MBA Cosmetics Chromalights in Champagne Toast:
Now that we're getting into the holiday season, I plan on making glitter a part of my daily routine. If you've seen my face at all for the month  of October, then you know I have been drenching myself in this glitter especially ever since I got my hair dyed to auburn again. I also purchased this at IMATS back in April and I've been using this glitter along with the Dose of Colors Baked Browns palette. The great thing about this product is that the adhesion is already embedded in the glitter so all you have to do is press it onto your eyes. There's some small fallout with the first time applying this but throughout the day, the glitter stays put. It as a really creamy feel which I love because some glitters can be too harsh for the eye. For $10, you get a lot of product and a little goes a long way. I've got so many compliments on this color and I really can't wait to go back to IMATS to try out more of their colors.

Finally, I've incorporated this glitter into my Halloween look for work which was an autumn edition of Mother Nature and possibly one of my favorite looks that I ever done. I applied the glitter to my liquid lipstick leaves on my face to give them some dimension.

Every Drop Beauty Spatula:
Ok bare with me but my last two favorites are tools. However, they are amazing tools. This was also another purchase back at IMATS and honestly I will probably pick up two more this coming year. If you care about using your products to the fullest and getting your money's worth, then you need to get this item. I've always contemplated on getting one for years and I'm so glad I finally decided to get one. I've used this for so many things including skincare items (which as we all know can be pricey) and was very shocked at how much product was leftover. I would be able to get another week or two out of the bottle. The spatula at the end of it is silicone so it washes off easily. I'm obsessed and I've saw recently that they also make a spatula for lip products which is something I'm definitely going to look into.

Makeup Paw Palette:
So this isn't the exact one I got off of amazon however I actually got mine at Primark for about $3 and I can't get over how much I've been loving this set. The spatula is perfect on one end for getting product and the other side for mixing. The metal plate makes it easy to remove the content with makeup remover afterwards. I've been using this a lot to mix liquid lipstick colors and I've also been using this with my inglot duraline and my eyeshadows to create an eyeliner. This has been just a really handy tool to have and I think it's going to be a great addition to my makeup routine.

So yes that's a wrap up of my October Favorites. We're getting into the homestretch of 2017 including an ultimate favorites list for the year. I can't wait to get into the chaos of the holiday season. It exhausts me sometimes but I also secretly love it.

September 2017 Favorites

And a happy October, aka the best month, to all of you. I'm excited to show off the favorites I have for this month. I have a new holy grail foundation and I even have some rediscovered drugstore favorites. Let's get right into it. Also can we talk about how cute the little pumpkin succulent is? It's fake of course but I got it from Target for $3 and I just think it's such a cute decor for this season.

Bare Minerals Bare PRO Performance Wear Foundation in Cashmere:
I'm so happy to get back into one of my very first brands that I ever tried when I first started wearing makeup. I already rave about their liquid lipsticks enough that I'm sure everyone is done with me taking about them. I always loved their powder foundation since I started using it when I was 15 and my acne was at it's prime. Now at 25, I'm fighting with hormonal cystic acne but this new foundation has done AMAZING things for my skin. For starters, their products are already dermatologists tested so great for those with acne prone skin. It also has your spf 20 in it which is always important especially if you're on active acne medication like myself. You want to protect the skin from the sun's rays constantly and I think it's an important part in our routine that many people forget to incorporate. It's also a breathable full coverage formula and sets itself, so you don't even need powder on top of it. I'm beyond amazed at how well this has concealed and reduce the redness from the acne scarring yet the foundation still looks like skin. So no cake face here and definitely not overly mattifying. It wears beautifully throughout the day and only a few of my oils seep through but I don't look greasy at all. I received so many compliments on my skin with this foundation which I found shocking since I know I still have redness. Overall, if you're looking for an easy foundation that you don't have to worry about throughout the day and is easy on the budget ($34 is not bad at all for a well performing foundation) then I would definitely give this one a shot.

Also I'm so happy that brands are doing pumps for their foundations. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

Biossance Squalane and Antioxidant Cleansing Oil:
This is a new brand in the beauty industry and my second favorite product this month. Before I was using the Clinque Take off the Day Balm which I did love but I'm happy to be using a product that has more natural ingredients and has been dermatologist tested which really has been great with the tail end of my cystic acne. The squalane oil (which is all plant derived) is going to help lock in moisture and hydrate over time. So you're giving back to your skin while removing the impurities instead completely stripping the skin. I think there are several things I love about this. I like that it has a pump (clearly stated in my excitement from the last product). It's also a powerful oil for removing makeup but still gentle and is safe on the eyes so use this EVERYWHERE. Always remember to use cleansing oils on dry skin in order to remove the makeup and oil afterwards. I personally love using this product and then taking a warm, wet washcloth and placing it over my face after massaging the oil in my skin. I'll then take the same cloth to remove the oil. I find the heat of the cloth helps remove the makeup better and it also feels incredibly relaxing after a long day. Anyway, if you're looking to explore into a natural skincare brand, I think this would be a great product to start off with and will greatly help with the "makeup removing" routine.

BITE Amuse Bouche Liquified Lipstick in Chutney:
Soooo speaking of liquid lipsticks, we're going to talk about a completely different formula of one that I've been wearing the majority of this month. This is a high shine, but fully pigmented color of a liquified lipstick. It's a thick formula but has a smooth application and doesn't tug at the lips at all. Although it is high shine, it's not sticky at all. I normally don't go for these type of finishes (I'm more of a matte finish type of girl) but I've really been loving the feel of this on my lips this month. It has such a good amount of hydration that last for several hours and the pigmentation fades away gracefully overtime. Throughout the day, it doesn't feel as thick as when initially applied and instead feels like a nourishing lip balm. I can see myself liking this a lot more especially when it gets a bit colder out and I want that extra lip balm treatment but color payoff. Sephora currently has a holiday kit for $22 and 4 minis if you want to experiment them first before committing to a full size. Bite always make such great sampler kits every season and these are great as a gift for yourself or to a friend especially if you never tried BITE before. It's a great way to treat yourself but also getting the most out of your money.

Fresh Sugar Lip Caramel Hydrating Balm:
And speaking of hydration, this will probably be my main stable lip balm going into Fall. As you guessed it and how my nose loves things that smell like food, this has a rich caramel scent that hydrates that lips without it being a super thick formula. I think the only downside to this is that it's in a tin when I prefer my lip balms more in a tube. However, that's definitely something I can over look because the thing I love the most about this lip balm, is that it doesn't disrupt your lip color. The first time I tried this, I was wearing a liquid matte lip color for several hours and I put the lip balm on top. Not only did it give me the hydration that I needed, but the color I had on my lips stayed in place and didn't get on my teeth (yay!). I would say this is more of a "treat yo self" product, but nevertheless, another great product from Fresh.

Essence Make Me Brown Gel Mascara:
I'm so excited to get back into some rediscovered drugstore favorites! I've been incredibly lazy with the eye brows this month but I'm also starting to realize the importantance of having some kind of definition to the eyebrows so I went back to this product. I never tried Benefit's Gimme Brow before but I will say the brush on the Essence one looks very similar to the Benefit's product and could definitely be a dupe for it. It helps give some tint and hold to the eyebrows throughout the day and is perfect for the lazy girl routine. Also the main difference is definitely the price point. For $3, I don't think you can go wrong with something just a simple and similar to the Benefit one. Save your money dear.

Wet and Wild Color Icon Bronzer in Reserve Your Cabana:
This is not a bronzer at all. However, it is a beautiful highlighter that honestly I forgot all about and was shoved towards the back of my makeup drawer. This isn't going to be your super sparkly and "highlight so bright you can blind a person" highlight. It's a subtle highlight that enhances the cheekbones and looks so natural. I forgot how much I love this type of highlight and it's great for days when I'm doing subtle looks. Also for $4, you get SO much product. It's about the size of my cheek. Not the best packaging (I know mine looks worn out and gross) but the important part is what's on the inside (truly a great life motto to go by) and the inside of this product, is perfection.

Commodity Gold:
You guys know that I love really good scents and I'm also the worst at describing really good scents. I was just introduced to this fragrance this past month and I've been wearing it constantly. If I want something a little bit more for for a night out, I'll go for the Elizabeth James Bourbon which I feel like has similar notes to this Commodity scent, just more enhanced. The Commodity Gold. Ugh honestly I just stopped typing to smell it more. It has a warmth and a slight sweetness to pull you in. Kinda reminds you of a late fall/ early winter evening and you're wrapped up in a flannel blanket next to a fireplace with someone. It's so inviting but also still subtle so good for everyday. I hope that helps but if not, feel free to look at the notes of the scent online and just go get a sample a Sephora. Just do it. It's so intoxicating and you'll feel like a million bucks (I guess hence the name "Gold").

sephora.com

Guys that's it! That's all my favorites for this month and I'm super excited to get into the fun holiday months and holiday products with you all. Wishing you all an awesome October!

Dupe?: Loreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara vs. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

Hi hi. My apologies for being gone for so long, for August has been a chaotic month and not enough coffee in between the days. But with some free time I have right now, I figured I finally give you my opinion on whether this Loreal mascara is the drugstore dupe for the Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara.

I was really excited when I first saw this launched because I do love the Too Faced mascara a lot but I also love me a good drugstore dupe (I mean who doesn't?). Especially when it comes to mascaras, I almost never justify buying a high end mascara when mascara expires in 3 months. Unless it's in one of these favorite sets, then it's definitely worth it. 

So to the review. The Too Faced mascara almost gives a false eyelash look and provides great volume to my lashes. I always loved the effect it gave. However, I can sometimes find this to be clumpy and it doesn't separate the lashes as well. So let's break down the comparisons. 

PACKAGING: 

Of course, I do love the pink color on both tubes but the Too Faced tube definitely carries a bit more weight to it whereas the Loreal has a light plastic feel to it. As far as the wands go, I do like that the Too Faced one is a little bit longer but I've also always preferred longer wands on my mascaras. The brushes is when you can notice a little bit of a difference between the two products. The Too Faced hourglass shape is more defined where as the Loreal you can see a slight curve to the hourglass shape. The brush hairs are also a bit longer on Too Faced than Loreal. The Loreal looks more as it will perform by providing soft, fluffy volume to the lashes whereas the Too Faced will have more product on each bristle.

FORMULA:

I find the Loreal formula is a lot lighter feeling on the lashes than the Too Faced one. Both formulas though provide great pigmentation and are midnight black on the lashes. 

PERFORMANCE:

I'm very happy to say though that the Loreal mascara performs just as well or even a little bit better than the Too Faced mascara. Both products provide the length and volume that they claim to give. The wear over time was also great with both. No smearing and no flakes throughout the day. Anyway, you can check out the results for yourself and get close and personal with my eyeballs. Each product was applied with two coats.

Left: Too Face Better Than Sex Mascara
Right: Loreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara

FINAL THOUGHTS:

I will still keep using the Too Faced Mascara just to purely use it up, but I'm really happy to say that I do enjoy the Loreal mascara just as well. I might even like it just a little bit more because 1) it's a drugstore price 2) the formula doesn't feel heavy on the eyes but still provides a great effect and outcome. I still want to experiment with the Loreal one with my Covergirl supersizer to see the effect it would give. 

Well I hope some of this was informative and will help you save a bit of money. I would love to keep doing dupe reviews like this one so if you have any suggestions definitely feel free to shout them out. Stay well dears. 

♥

Favorite Lip Balms (tinted and non tinted) part 1

Currently indulging in a pb and j sandwich at 10pm on a Tuesday. I know, wild times. I just made a whole post about my favorite matte lip products so now it's time to go to the opposite end and discuss my favorite lip balms. It's a mixture of affordable and some more on the indulgence side. A lot of these are great on there own or just paired with a lip liner. You do you boo.

Also heads up the word "moist" might be used a lot. I mean...it's lip balm guys. Sorry in advance.

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Honey:
All of these are amazing and this is very much a "treat yo lips" product but this shade in particular is the perfect terracotta nude shade. There's enough warmth too it that it doesn't look to pale of a nude on the lips. Of course the comfort of these is so nourishing and the sweet lemon scent is refreshing. Truly everyone should treat themselves to at least one of these. I find it best to buy them during the holiday season when they come in minis and sometimes you can get 2 of them for $22. I did give this product some love back in my March Favorites for 2016.

sephora.com

Sephora Rouge Balm SPF 20:
I'm not going to talk about these too much since I just discussed them in my May Favorites but these provide more pigmentation than the fresh ones and leaves more of a stain even after the balm has faded away. A fantastic balm for color payoff and comfort.

Sephora Lip Balm:
I would assume all of these are amazing but I do have this in almond and I'm obsessed with it. Light weight but creamy and moisturizing lip balm. Of course, as you all may know if you can't tell from previous posts, scent is very important to me these these don't fail. Apparently, all of the different scents provide different benefits. It's similar to the rest of the Sephora skincare line with the scents and how they provide different benefits (maybe a future post on that?) They also have an exfoliator for the lips in a honey scent which I'm definitely curious to try out. In the mean time I'm very content using my $3 e.l.f exfoliator which gets the job done.

Lypsyl Lip Balm:
Have you heard of this lip balm? Yea, me neither up until about a year ago. This is very similar to the Sephora lip balm except I think it's a little bit thicker in moisture. It's apparently the only lip balm made with Swedish beeswax along with coconut oil, chamomile, and honey. Sounds like all the wonderful things I do want to put on my lips. This smells like Andes mint (chocolate mint) candies if anyone is familiar with those. Finally, I love the packaging for the little bumble bee on the side of the lip balm. HOW ADORABLE.

sigh, always weak for cute packaging

Rosebud Perfume Co. Strawberry Lip Balm: 
This is another line of lip balms where all the different ones they make are excellent and nourishing but I have the strawberry just for, well you guessed it, the scent. It's like those sweet strawberry candies that used to sometimes be at the doctors office or grandma's house. I used to use this as my overnight balm which works just as well but lately I've been using it as my pre-balm in my morning skin care routine as I do the rest of my makeup. My lips are well nourished and hydrated by the time I'm ready to put a lip color on

BITE Beauty Agave Lip Mask:
You didn't really think I was going to make a 'favorite lip balms' post and not add the holy grail of moisture and the ultimate 'treat yo self' for your lips. I've raved about this way too many times that it's obnoxious. The smell of a sweet brown sugar and the nourishment. I never felt something so great for my lips ever. This product is well worth every penny and will last you for at least a good year. Please try a sample of it and you won't be disappointed by it.

So  I hope this post today was at least somewhat informative and gives you an idea of what you would might like to try. This might be a good post to look back on during the Winter months. Hopefully by then I will have a part 2 up because I don't think this collection is ending anytime soon.

Do any of you have lip balms collections? Any of them I should try out? Help ya girl out


♥

(also I'm trying to get better with photo lighting! just a lot of trail and error for now)

Brand Focus: Tree Hut

Well it's the first day of Spring and I'm still cold. But if you're still bundled up in a blanket binge watching Great British Baking Show (I may or may not have been doing this) then you could probably use some great body care products during your hibernation.

I discovered Tree Hut after watching Emily Noel's video on their body butter and shaving gel. So naturally I did purchase both of those products. This brand is sold at Ulta and is affordable ranging from $5 to $15 and I always wait for the $3.50 off coupon.

Let's just say as far as body care goes, this is becoming one of my favorite brands. The body butters feel comfortable and not sticky while still providing hydration especially during the winter months. But even better are the scents to these body butters. The first one I tried was the "Moroccan Rose" which doesn't smell overly like rose but rather a sweet dessert. It's such a interesting but comforting smell however different from a overly sweet vanilla scent. The second one I have and currently using, is the "Almond and Honey" scent. This smells like delectable almond cookies. Ugh, so good. So if you like smelling like a dessert (which who doesn't?) but you don't want it to be overly sweet, this might be some great butters to try out.

I was kinda skeptical on the Bare Moisturizing Shave Oil to be honest because I was very content just using the drugstore gels that I know get the job done. This is a beautiful product. It's excellent for a close shave without cutting yourself or having any irritation afterwards so really beneficial to those with sensitive skin. The only warning that I would say about this product is that because it's an oil to be careful washing it off so you don't slip in the tub. Other than that, I'm willing to pay the extra money for this since it provides such a close shave while bringing back moisture to the skin.

This is definitely a brand I want to continue to keep my eyes peeled on and I want to try other products from them such as their hand creams and body scrubs.

Have you tried any other products from Tree Hut? Or are there other body products I should consider trying during these last couple of days of cold weather? (fingers crossed)

♥

April Favorites 2016 (and a few random shout outs)

Just as predicted (or at least for me) April flew by so quickly. I went to IMATS, became a server and continue to ate a lot of hummus (mostly at midnight). The products I've been using this month start to work in with the idea of simplicity and require minimal work. As it gets warmer out, I like to attempt to keep my beauty regime simple so everything doesn't melt off my face. I say attempt, because I still loving using my eye liners (dedicated post coming to you soon!) Here are my favorite products for the month of April.

How cute are the little succulent plants? Not even real. They we're $3 from Target and I figured it went with the whole Spring theme. But really I just love succulents too and I'm bound to collect more and become a crazy plant lady.

MBA Cosmetics Blushing Bouduet in Garden Bouquet:

I got this blush from IMATS and I'm so glad I bought it. I'm obsess with the terracotta color and warmth it gives to my cheeks so essentially it's great to work in as a bronzer as well. It stays on all day plus the floral design is adorable and fits with spring (I might have mentioned in the last post that I have an obsession with floral designs) . I think I got this between $12-$14 so in the mid-range area but I truly believe is worth it especially for the amount of product you're getting and is an excellent color for the spring and summer.

Bobbi Brown Face Mist: 

I really love products that you're able to multi-task with, I purchased this Bobbi Brown setting spray during the VIB sale. It's a little pricey, but I was out of setting spray and I figured I give this a shot. I like this setting spray because it doesn't feel too much like "hairspray" on your face. It's sets it while hydrating it which I never knew would have felt so refreshing. I have used this as a primer and it works perfectly. Plus, this smells like chamomile tea which I find very relaxing. I know that can be and acquired taste for some, but if you have a few extra bucks and looking for a hydrating setting spray, give this one a shot.

Rimmel Lasting Finish Liquid in Light Ivory (091):

I was hoping to not fall in love with a new foundation. But for a comfortable, full coverage foundation that last all day, this rimmel one will be a game changer. I have tried applying this with a foundation brush but it came off too streaky. However, with my Real Technique's beauty sponge, it's flawless but not "cakey". It covers so well, that I forget to cover up my acne with concealer (and you know I love using my Urban Decay concealer when I can). There's is a bit of a floral scent to it but nothing overpowering and the scent doesn't last all day. It says it's sweat and humidity proof. I've put this out to the test on my serving nights, which requires going back and forth from the kitchen and this foundation holds up perfectly. I'm excited to see how well it does in the actual summer sun. So far it's a major win. 

I'm all about the brighter eyes in the spring months (do the starry lights make it obvious?) So I went back to these two cult drugstore classics. The Rimmel scandal eyes eyeliner in Nude is great for the waterline and works well with opening up the eyes without being as harsh as white. Another classic is the Maybelline Age Rewind Eraser for Dark Circles. I really love this especially when the whether gets warmer since it's essential to the lazy girl routine. . 

Besame Brightening Face Powder in Vanilla:

This Besame setting powder has been my favorite for a while actually but when I want to stay matte especially in the warmer months, I've been gravitating towards. It says translucent but it is a pale yellow powder so it helps with brightening up the skin and is great for setting the undereyes since it's finely milled. Plus it smells like delicious vanilla (you know me and my love for products that smell like food).

RANDOM FAVES:

On a side note, I'm a avid mug collector (hold me back the day when I get my own kitchen). So I saw this Betsey Johnson mug (love her style) and it was on sale at Micheal's plus another 20% off so I got it for $5! Yes I could have just save that $5 for something else, but it's so adorable and the handle looks like a heart and it's so spring and perfection. Maybe it's just me but I truly believe the mug and it's level of fun-ness depends on the day you're going to have. It's important to have small things like this to keep the positive vibes going !

LIPCOLOR OF THE MONTH:
NYX Whipped Lip and Cheek Souffle in Coco Bean:

I can't seem to get myself away from the browny/mauve colors even though we're heading into spring. I've grown for a huge love for this product for it's multitasking purposes. They do have other colors that are brighter and more "spring type" (I'm thinking the Coral color will be my next purchase) but this cocoa bean color really gravitated me. These are a mousse like texture and work perfectly as a lip tint and cheek tint. This color in particular really warms up the cheeks well. The only bad thing is that the longevity isn't the best but that's what you get for a lip tint. Aside from that, I think these are quick and easy to have in the warmer months that really cut down on my makeup routine but still giving a "little something". Add bonus: it smells like vanilla frosting.

MUSIC OF THE MONTH:

Alabama Shakes. Obsessed with their laid back sound even though some of their songs have a kick to it. I feel like every time I hear a new song from them, I instantly fall in love with it. Such a unique style and band. My personal favorites so far have been "Always Alright" and "I Found You". Great tunes and definitely give them a listen.

How was your April? Any favorite lip colors this month? Or food? Or anything that just really made you happy? Share your thoughts down below
♥

Favorite red lipsticks

Currently listening to old 2000 pop songs as I type this post. What a time for bad fashion but really catchy tunes that you had to sing with all your heart.

Anyway, tonight I share my favorite red lipsticks. I have a problem. I constantly feel like I need new red lipsticks in my collection because of the different finishes or undertones. Red lipstick is definitely not in everyone's comfort zone but I do believe there's a red color out there for everyone. I feel like I instantly have a boost of confidence with a red lip and a little more confidence to conquering the day. 

As I de-cluttered some makeup this week in preparation for imats, I've picked my top 6 red lipsticks that I always seem to go back to. I also wanted to de-clutter because..well... I'm probably just going to buy more red lipsticks at imats. Like I said, I have a problem. 

Those are my babies. Just perfection. It's a good mix of drugstore and high end but I personally think they are all worth it. 

Revlon lip butter in Red Velvet: Really bummed out because i think they discontinued this one which is disappointing because this is such a beautiful low maintenance deep blue based red. I loved wearing this for occasion when I had to look put together but I wanted the comfort of a lip balm and the pigmentation of a lipstick. So comfortable and easy to maintain. It also fades away gracefully during the day and leaves a nice natural red tint. Also this was my first lip butter from Revlon and I think the formulation on all of them are fantastic. I mean, you hear lip butter and how could you not want to put that on your lips. 

Sephora lip cream in 01 Always Red: This is hyped on the internet for a good reason. First, the price is $14 which is right in between high end and drugstore. This is everything you want in a matte liquid lipstick. It has the pigmentation of a true blue base, Hollywood classic, red, doesn't budge and is kiss proof! I can't tell you how many times I have put this lip color on and stared at the mirror just mesmerize by how flawless the application looked. I really would love to try their other colors (such as the deep purple of course). I think everyone should have this staple in their collection. 

NARS Audacious lipstick in Audrey: Ok so this was a splurge. However, if you have the opportunity to splurge (maybe during the Sephora's Beauty Insider coupon week that happens in April) get yourself this lipstick. Honestly any color will do because this lipstick is incredible. I'm obsessed with how this is a deep red with a berry/maroon undertone. I just feel like it's such a unique color. I was all about this color this past winter. Comfortable on the lips and pigmentation is all there. Also magnetic closure packaging. I'm a sucker for that. 

Maybelline creamy matte in Divine Wine: Don't let the color fool you online. This is a deep color with some maroon and slight brown undertones. But if you're feeling vampy, this color is perfect. It's comfortable on the lips but you will want to add a lip liner to this since it can be really easy to mess up such a pigmented and deep shade. I'm really impress with the formulation for how creamy it was for a matte and I definitely want to try more colors.

NARS velvet matte lip pencil in Cruella: Yup this was the birthday gift from Sephora last year!. I love this lip color for, of course the deep blue base red matte color but also for how multi-functional it is. You could wear this alone or use it as a liner. This pairs perfectly with the Sephora lip cream I mentioned earlier. It gives just a little bit of a deeper tone to the classic red that the lip cream gives off. Sometimes Sephora will have a deluxe size product available as a 100 point perk. But from what I heard, Sonia Kashuk's Velvety Matte lip crayon in 03 poppy nude might be a possible dupe for the NARS. I can't confirm on this since I don't own the Sonia Kashuk product but maybe that will be a future post? 

Burt's Bees lip crayon in Redwood Forest: YOU GUYS. I love all of the products I mentioned above. But this my be my favorite and I feel like it doesn't get talked about a lot on the internet. This runs about $9 but I'm so happy I got it. It's a brick red but it's soft enough where it doesn't look too striking so it's comfortable to wear during the day. You can also layer it up it get a more intense color. Although in the swatch below it appears shiny, it comes off mostly matte on the lips. This is so comfortable to wear during the day but you still look like you put yourself together. And because the red is not as striking but has a "little something" to it, I think it would be a great product for those who are trying to get into the red lipstick zone without being uncomfortable.

From top to bottom: Burt's Bees - NARS lip pencil - Maybelline - NARS audacious lipstick - Sephora lip cream - Revlon lip butter

So those are my favorites. What are your favorite reds or lipstick colors that give you confidence?