Tag: lips

NARS Summer 2016 Color Collection

Another season brings another inspired and beautiful collection from NARS. I mean, just look at the shot above. If it doesn’t make you crave sunshine on your face and sand in your toes, I don’t know what could. This summer, NARS partnered with contemporary artist Konstantin Kakanias to channel French Riviera inspiration. The ten-piece collection captures “high fashion moments steeped in exclusivity and ease.”

The first of two products I tried was the Dual-Intensity Blush in Liberation – a light shimmering pink paired with a caramel rose. While these shades look deep, they give a perfect kiss of color, ideal for spring skin. The silky texture applies weightlessly and blends into skin for a natural look. I like a wash of color, but this can be built up for a more editorial look. I use the darker shade under my cheekbones and on my hairline. The pink goes right on the apple of my cheeks. It also can be used wet for a luminous, dewy and translucent look.

The second product I tried was a new NARS formula, Lip Cover, and I adore it. The saturated color is a high-pigment gloss. It comes in four shades and I have been trying out Get Dirty (such a good name) which is a desert rose. The effect is a rich nude that channels Kardashian with class. I get a couple hours of wear and it is ideal with a sheer gloss layered over it.

The Summer 2016 Color Collection is available exclusively at NARS until May 1st when it launches at Sephora.

NIVEA Lip Care and GIVEAWAY – Closed

I am pretty faithful to old school Carmex, so it takes quite a bit for me to love something new. Leave it to the classic, European brand, NIVEA, to give Carmex a run for its money. I worked with the brand for a challenge a couple weeks back (look for my Instagram and Twitter pics with hashtag #LipService). Each day that week, I tried a new variety of NIVEA Lip Care. And I can safely say I will have these stashed everywhere from now on.

My favorite was the A Kiss of Milk and Honey Soothing Lip Care. It is perfect for nighttime, but I actually like the soothing formula at work for a little stress break. My other favorite is A Kiss of Shimmer for just a hint of color and shine. Really they were all winners across the board.

It has been a long time since I have done a giveaway. And I am happy to report that I am bringing one back today! Just comment below on which NIVEA Lip Care would be your pick. Next week I will pick one winner to receive their prize! Good luck and happy Friday.

a note: giveaway is open to US residents. winner will be announced on Thursday, April 21st.

Thanks for stopping by and entering the giveaway! The winner has been chosen.

Clarins ‘Joli Rouge’ Lipstick

More along the lines of a “to me, from me” kind of Valentine’s Day gift, I have been testing out this new Lipstick from Clarins. I don’t know too much about this brand, but I know they’ve had some product launches lately met with wide applause.

Clarins ‘Joli Rouge’ Lipstick isn’t quite as aligned with their “glow-y” products of late, but it is nourishing and perfect for winter weather. The formula is loaded with pure plant extracts and mango oil. I can swipe on and get an instant cure of dry lips.

The finish has a sheen with more of a wash of color. If applied alone, I get long wear (maybe three hours), but I’ve been layering over balm thanks to my nasty cold/sinus infection. While I never would have picked up Spicy Cinnamon myself, I was glad the good folks from Clarins sent this shade over. The rosy brown actually wakes up my winter complexion especially with this cold-related pallor.

Available at Nordstrom.

The Best Lipgloss: Buxom Full-On Lip Polish

I’ve been using this lip gloss for a couple years, but it was this holiday season that I finally have deemed it my absolutely favorite. I swipe this on every day, keep a tube at work and always more than one in my purse. So you could say I am committed.

First off, I notice a subtle and pleasant tingle. I don’t really notice a great deal of plumping but the minty fragrance wakes me up and refreshes me. The shine does add a voluptuous appearance. The highlight is the nourishing vitamin A and E and hydration.

Dolly is a cult favorite, but I personally love the nude Sandy. Heather – a spiced merlot – was a holiday favorite for me. Orange shades will be fab in the spring (Amber and Debbie). These are very sheer so don’t shy away from the brighter colors. Also, love their buying guide which comes in handy with 98 shade options!

Available at Sephora.

Stowaway Cosmetics

While I’ve had my eye on Stowaway Cosmetics for a couple months, looks like I picked the perfect time to dive in. Absolutely love their sets for gifting. First, their daily essentials have chic, smaller and minimalist packaging. My favorite part is that you can actually finish the products before they go bad. No more crusty mascara and dried out BB cream. The sizes are perfect for travel, but also neat and tidy for the vanity.

You can purchase Stowaway individual products, but the easiest way to try (or gift) the brand are the kits. For $75 you can customize a kit containing:

Radiant Complexion BB Cream
Creaseless Concealer
Cheek & Lip Rouge
Creme Lipstick
Effortless Eyeliner
Defined Lash Mascara

A little about the individual products:

Radiant Complexion BB Cream: This is truly a balm that has a balanced coverage – not too sheer but doesn’t cake on. I love the way my skin feels plump and moisturized.

Creaseless Concealer: I really get nice coverage with this concentrated concealer. It doesn’t crease in my under eye and covered redness around my nose very well.

(a note about these – I purchased a light and it was ideal on my winter skin town. So I would say the shades are slightly on the darker side as I usually wear a light-medium)

Cheek & Lip Rouge: This dual-tasking compact has a smooth formula and offers my desired sheer wash of color. You can also build it up for a stronger impact. The finish is matte. I absolutely adore the shade Burnt Rose with its slight bronzing effect.

Creme Lipstick: I’m not much of a lipstick wearer but this cream, long-wearing formula makes it fool-proof with just one swipe. And my lips stay hydrated. I also love applying just a wash of color with my finger.

Effortless Eyeliner: This tiny eyeliner is a true standout. The q-tip sized pen glides on and stays! (I’m using the inky Black)

Defined Lash Mascara: Also a tiny tube, it manages to house a generous, fluffy brush. The fibers can build impactful lashes. And it holds up all day with no flaking.

For the holidays, along with the kits I am also loving the gift guide with sets ready for under the tree like “Your Sister”, “Secret Santa” and “Frequent Flyer”.

Made in the USA. Available at www.StowawayCosmetics.com.

Urban Decay Matte Revolution Lipstick

I don’t even hesitate anymore to admitting to be a neutral lip lover. I favor chapstick and gloss over lipstick. But as the temps cool, I get in the mood for a little bold pick-me-up every once in a while. And no one does lipstick like Urban Decay.

This season, they are releasing a new non-drying matte lipstick that feels creamy on the lips and comes in a range of beautiful shades. The neutrals are a crowd pleaser and you can’t go wrong with the bold and velvety reds and purples.

One reason these are so stellar is Urban Decay’s proprietary Pigment Infusion System that lends to high pigment and nourishing oils. The formula contains Shea butter and a blend of avocado, olive, and babassu oils. Even my dry lips soak up the hydration and look smooth.

The sleek bullet design comes in black, distinguishing the matte formula. My favorite shades are Stark Naked and Bad Blood. Available at Sephora.

Belle Belle Beauty