Review: Revlon Just Kissable Lip Balm Stain

What can I say? I am totally obsessed with this product! I swear, the fluorescent lights of shoppers drug mart shined down on the 'Reduced' sign hanging next to the Balm Stains.

Just sayin', 'balm stain is the best way to describe this product. It is moisturizing and feels really smooth on the lips while giving incredible pigmentation.

I went for a pretty bright shade. Smitten has had a recurring position in Essie Button's videos. To be honest, that is probably what swayed me to go for this colour. A little out of my comfort zone when packed on (like the above photo). But when I use a light hand and a little smudging it is much more subtle. I find this shade is waaay more flattering than some of the frosty pinks I've used in the past.

This brings colour to my pale face and because my eye makeup is pretty neutral, the lip never conflicts.

Have you tried anything from this range?

As I type this...my mind wanders to the shade Honey. Should I buy it (i.e, will you be my enabler and give me permission to spend more money)? :p

The Lipstick I Never Wear...

Here's a look at two lip products I wish I had the balls to wear!

1. Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in Jet Set: A true ruby red complete with a matte finish. I love this colour and originally bought it as costume makeup for a friend. When I wear it I find it brings out too much redness in my skin. Whether that be acne or leftover scarring. I think it would look beautiful on other people though! 

Also, the formulation is amazing. Very smooth and moisturizing, not at all what I expected from a $6 lipstick.

2. Lancome Juicy Tubes in Sweetheart: It is a berry toned gloss with lots of shine and chunks of gold glitter. Beautiful to swatch and admire on the vanity, but not practical enough for me. 

Are there any lip products you own but rarely wear? 

***Reality tv show catch-up!

This summer I have indulged, not in chocolate, an extravagant vacation or a boyfriend, but in trashy reality television. I could dedicate an entire post to why people watch this stuff..but rather than analyze I figured I'd just enjoy it.

Currently I'm watching Real Housewives of New York and New Jersey. I have found my favourites from NY. The witty and unconventionally beautiful Carole Radziwell and the emotionally unstable and ridiculously fun Sonja Morgan. Look this series up on TV links, it is worth a watch.

And my black horse this season is Gallery Girls! All about Manhattan's uber competitive and chic art scene. Seven women busting their a**es to land internships and work for the best of the best. There are some awesome characters. I think I am gravitating to sassy/artsy Liz and quiet/qualified Maggie.

Is anyone else watching these shows? C'mon guys...don't leave me out here alone!

Everyday Eye Makeup!

Sometimes I fall into a 'makeup rut' where I use the same products over and over again simply out of convenience and lack of creativity. The colours in this quad, though basic, can be used in different ways to create some really cool looks, helping me 'keep it fresh' ;)

 This post is what I wear to school and work (when I'm in the eye shadow type of mood). The lighting here is a bit dodgy (UK Girls, did I use that word correctly!?) but I hope you like the post regardless! :) What do you use everyday? 

L'Oreal studio secrets eyeshadow quad in forest smokes: I use the dark brown to line my eyes, the gold as a lid colour and the creamy shade as a highlight.

I never use the dark green colour, I find the glitter makes it hard to wear.

Revlon Grow Luscious Plumping Mascara: I've been using this since July and LOVE it!

Just mascara.

Final look: mascara & eyeshadow.

Clinique Acne Solutions Clearing Concealer

I featured this in a haul in early July and haven't talked about it since. I love the idea of a two-in-one product. This claims to cover pimples while treating them. My skin usually reacts well to salicylic acid so I thought I'd give it a try, why not?

First of all...props to Clinique, the packaging dispenses a very small amount of concealer so you don't waste it. A little goes a long way! As a concealer it covers my spots quite well, blackheads and smaller pimples are easily covered and stay that way for 3-5 hours. However, I didn't find that it treated the acne itself. I was hoping after a few days spots would disappear...but no such luck. I ended up using facial masks to try dry out the pimple (sorry if this is getting too descriptive!) and then continued with normal skincare routine. Despite this I would still recommend it-the coverage is good, it didn't aggravate my skin, but it didn't provide an "acne solution". One more tip, do not try this for the under eye area! As you can see from the photos, it creases. Save this concealer for the spots! If you are interested you can purchase it on their website.

Here's a glimpse into my life! ^^^ As if beauty bloggers aren't overexposed enough. I don't instagram etc but I still wanted to show you a little part of my day. Here's three things to note... 1) Lately I've been using my agenda so much-with my new job it has really come in handy for organizing meetings, important dates, travel etc! 2) If you live in Canada go to the Super Store right now-this president's choice drink is too good (pomegranate cranberry sparkling fruit juice). 3) And lastly, one of my favourite youtubers, Lorraine Stanick! I've been watching her videos for years, if you haven't seen them yet check out her channel here!

That's all for now, hope you are having a good week! Feel free to leave me a comment :)

Latest Purchase

You know the "your lips but better" look? This product is the best example of that! It has a reddish tint giving just a little bit of colour while still looking super natural. I've been wearing it to my new job and I think it's perfect. Fresh sugar lip products are famous for moisturizing and this definitely met expectations :) The only flaw I have noticed (thus far) is how easily this lipstick melts. I had to leave it in my fridge for a couple hours so it would keep it's lovely shape. 

What do you think of this range?

Lancome Juicy Tubes: Pink Bling

Just wanted to make a quick post about a beautiful product! Juicy Tubes are lipgloss with longevity, for as long as I've gone to department stores with my Mom, these glosses have been around. 

They add a transparent shine to your lips and are universally flattering. I received a gift set at christmas with at least 5 different colours. They smell sweet and have a fruity flavour. I love them all but Pink Bling is probably my favourite. Lancome's website describes them as giving a "glamourous lacquered effect" I couldn't agree more. What is your favourite Juicy Tube colour? Would you be interested in seeing more swatches of the other shades?

Nars Blush in Luster

This product is so beautiful, the photos don't even do it justice. I've been swooning over it for months but eventually plucked up the courage (and cash) and went to Sephora.

It is described as being a "sheer golden apricot" Completely accurate, I would also add that it has some shimmer too. Perfect for the summer! I have a very fair complexion and thought it would border on looking too dark. This isn't a problem at all, the colour suits my skin and has an almost bronze affect, warming up my cheeks :)

I have been applying it with my Sephora blush brush and the result is a tad 'spotty'. I still think the blush itself is great but the brush seems to be creating a streaky affect. However, nothing a little blending doesn't fix!

What are some other blushes I should try?
Hope you had a fantastic week, I know I'm happy exams are done :)