Tag: lips

Carmex Moisture Plus Lip Balm

I realize Carmex can be a little divisive. But I am more than happy to admit I am a total devotee. I love the classic tub, especially in the cold winter months. But for those who don’t care for the medicinal taste, Carmex’s newest launch could be a perfect solution as the winter months start drying out our pout. And this option is adorably trendy!

Carmex Moisture Plus Lip Balm has new package designs inspired by prints, textures and even Pantone’s official color forecast. All four patterns house an ultra-hydrating formula with a soft vanilla flavor that provides beautiful shine. Plus a bonus dose of SPF 15. The slim stick uses aloe, vitamin E and shea butter to nourish chapped lips and moisturize will still offering a fashionable polish. These would also be adorable for those of you with young daughters – a totally appropriate beauty item for the start of school.

Carmex Moisture Plus is available for $2.49 at Walmart, Walgreens or Dollar General.

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Budget Beauty

Everyone loves a deal. And a beauty steal is even sweeter. Here are some of my favorite budget beauty buys I’ve discovered lately:

Hada Labo Tokyo Ultimate Anti-Aging Facial Mask – Sheet masks are all the rage and this one has a great price if you are ready to dip your toes in. For around $1.50 per mask, the 100% cotton adjustable facial boosts hydration, smooths fine lines and firms skin. The scent is refreshing but not overwhelming. And Hada Labo’s proprietary Super Hyaluronic Acid™ plumps skin and strengthens skin’s natural moisture levels.

Softlips Cube Lip Protectant – While my love of these cubes isn’t new, I did just discover my favorite new scent, Vanilla. This Shea Butter packed formula nourishes my lips and leaves just a bit of shine. And the cozy but still tropical scent is delicious. Bonus points for included SPF 15 protection.

CoverGirl Intensify Me! Liquid Liner – My eyeliner collection is borderline obsessive. It is probably the product I enjoy trying out most – it gives my bigger eyes much needed definition. My former favorites have always skewed luxury, so I was surprised to find my current favorite in the drugstore aisles. This paddle-shaped felt liner in Intense Black is inky, easy to apply and stays on like a champ.

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Sisley-Paris Phyto-Lip and Phyto-Eye Twists

Sisley-Paris’ Twists are luxury, creamy packages of on-to-go beauty. The Phyto-Lip Twists have been in my rotation before, but I had yet to try the Phyto-Eye Twists. And they are a great addition to the collection. Both formulas glide on skin and are packed with plant-based skin care ingredients. You can use for full on pigmented or a wash of color. Love having the option but you probably can guess I particularly love the more natural and blended wash of color.

Sisley-Paris Phyto-Lip Twist is more of a tinted balm than lipstick. But the vibrant color comes out glossy. No sharpening needed – just twist up for more product. The tapered shape allows for outlining of lips and coloring all in one stroke. The bold shades like Pinky and Candy are surprisingly wearable. But I equally love the nourishing Nude.

The Sisley-Paris Phyto-Eye Twist are designed to be shadow, pencil and eyeliner. They are slightly smaller than the lip twists, but still with a large tip. So precise lining isn’t easy, but with these bold shades you won’t mind a slightly thicker look. The formula has ingredients like Green Tea, White Lily, Camellia that protect and improve delicate eye area. I like applying to my lids close to the lash and blending with a finger. But you can also color the entire eyelid or add a graphic, bold line.

I prefer the more neutral Bronze, but the blue Lagoon shade is stunning! I cannot wait to wear it for a special occasion. Topaz is now on my wish list to add to my collection.

Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program. I consult for Neiman Marcus which is affiliated with the Neiman Marcus Group, but as always, opinions are my own.

Tata Harper Volumizing Lip and Cheek Tint

While many skin care products have excited me in the past couple of months, things have been fairly quiet on the color cosmetics front when it comes to the Belle Belle review pipeline. All that changed when this beauty from Tata Harper arrived. I attribute my glee to the fact that this product simplifies my routine and provides skin care benefits.

Tata Harper Volumizing Lip and Cheek Tint, like her other products, is made with natural ingredients and pigments. The formula blends moisturizers and minerals with Spanish Lavender and Lipoamino Acid Technology to plump and volumize skin and lips.

I’ve heard great things about all the shades but I am using Very Vivacious. I love the coral/bronze shade – it looks most natural on my redness-prone skin. The shade looks rich in the pot, but blends flawlessly on skin for a very sheer application. I suppose you could layer for more color, but I like natural flush.

I first apply my foundation or tinted moisturizers. Then I apply Very Vivacious using my fingers to the apples of my cheeks – just above where I’d normally use bronzer. And then I take what remains and apply to lips for a wash of color.

Next up, I am going to invest in Very Sweet – a peach that looks like it would be perfect for a summer dewiness.

Urban Decay Cosmetics The Ultimate Pair

This post is a follow up regarding ULTA‘s twice yearly 21 Days of Beauty ending this weekend. Head out there and shop!

I have been through a whole swath of red lipsticks. And while I prefer a neutral lip, if I do reach for a red Urban Decay F-Bomb would be right there at the top of my list. That’s why I am hoarding this duo despite my occasional bold lip. It is that good.

The full size F-Bomb Revolution Lipstick is paired with a creamy and waterproof liner. They are literally perfect shade matches. The pigment of both is insanely long-wearing. And the blue/cool hue makes your smile bright and white. So if you need an excuse to take advantage of ULTA’s event (more about that below), here is a last chance idea!

Each day through 4/4, ULTA will feature a “Beauty Steal” and a “Beauty Focus Day” – Beauty Steals are special offers on top beauty products & Beauty Focus Days feature demonstrations like customized makeup lessons, expert beauty tips, and one-on-one appointments. 21 Days of Beauty brands include Stila, Urban Decay, IT Cosmetics, Bare Minerals, Benefit, Too Faced and more. This beauty extravaganza is celebrated in all ULTA Beauty stores nationwide with special offers also available here.

To celebrate, I’ve teamed up with ULTA for a huge giveaway! The exclusive ULTA beauty prize pack includes kits from brands like Urban Decay, LORAC, bareMinerals, stila, Becca and more. Enter using the widget below (sorry again international friends, US Only).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Samples and giveaway prize have been generously provided by ULTA. As always, opinions are my own.

NARS Spring 2015

I am way not on the ball when it comes to NARS Spring – so unlike me! Their launches are usually among the ones that I am most excited for probably because it is always so darn good. And somehow I didn’t get this up until today – a couple weeks after it hit shelves.

If it was even possible, I am drawn more towards neutrals as the years go on and Spring 2015 is all about nudes – but not neutral – a more daring subtle color palette. Something in my wheelhouse but just a slight twist – I like it.

Tilda Swinton is featured in the collection’s photos designed by François Nars to “expose a new natural state”. Look for pink shimmer on cheeks, barely there eye shadow and deep neutrals. The shades pictured above (from left to right):

Liguria Lipstick – Nude caramel
Porto Venere Eye Paint – Soft pale pink
St-Paul-De-Vence Duo Eyeshadow – (L) Shimmering nectarine (R) Chestnut
Valhalla Single Eyeshadow – Soft shimmering pink peach
Guyane Lip Gloss – Seashell pink
Vent Salé Lip Gloss – Silver highlight (to be used on top of a deeper shade in the middle of the pout)
Reckless Blush – Sheer pink shimmer

Available now at narscosmetics.com and Sephora.