Review: Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub

Hi everyone,

Today I want to review a product I've been using for the last week or so. Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub is the lip product I've always wanted and never knew existed! For you Lushies out there, this has the scent of Snow Fairy shower gel, which is a hugely popular scent. The easiest way to describe it is a sweet, sugary pink smell! It smells sweet like the sweetest pink candy. I am a huge chapstick/lip moisturizer user, but had never been able to find an exfoliant for my lips that I liked. This makes my lip moisturizer have much more of an effect and also makes applying lipstick more smooth and gives a better look!

I have a quick video of myself using the product here. Basically, after you've washed your hands, you only need to take a pinch of the scrub and rub it on your lips! The excess you simply lick off - this scrub is totally edible and tastes better than it smells. Then you just have to follow up with a moisturizer. My favorite of the moment is Sephora's Super nourishing lip balm.

This product retails for $8.95 for a 25g jar. Considering how little you actually need per use, this is a great value. The product is totally vegan and its main ingredients are castor sugar and jojoba oil. It's available for purchase here. After using this for a few days, my lips feel smoother and softer than ever! I absolutely adore this product and highly recommend it! If you're not into candy, Lush offers a few other flavors of lip scrubs that sound equally scrumptious.

Enjoy!

Katherine

Nail polish: OPI Planks A Lot, with Sephora by OPI Spark-tacular! Top Coat.

New Year Resolution

Hi everyone,


I know I've been rather absent and inconsistent in 2011 - my resolution for 2012 is to keep this blog updated with new products that I try & love or hate! So tonight I want to do a quick review slash rave for MAC Cosmetics Studio Sculpt SPF15 Foundation. I have been a very loyal user of Make Up For Ever's HD Foundation for about two years now but wanted to try another foundation with a different look and features. It is available from MAC's website (linked below) for $29.50.

MAC Studio Sculpt

Studio Sculpt is a gel-based foundation with medium+ coverage (I got about a medium coverage myself). MAC's website describes it as water-resistant and hydrating. I applied this foundation with a typical flat foundation brush and definitely had to spend a bit of time buffing it in, but the result was worth it. This foundation gives a very natural, dewey finish which I find great for my not-dry, not-oily skin. It really complements it! I did set it with MUFE HD finishing powder but would consider another MAC powder foundation to layer as well. I love the idea of this foundation because it's hydrating and good for the skin, plus I love anything I can wear all day.

I will keep this brief, but I'd recommend this as a foundation for normal to dry skins (may not be the best for oily type skin) for anyone looking for decent coverage without looking cakey or dry.

Below is a photo I snapped of me with the Studio Sculpt. I find it looks really natural.

Hope this makes you think about branching out!

xo,
K

Other products used:
MAC blush in Harmony
NARS blush in Super Orgasm
MAC Iridescent Powder/Loose in Silver Dusk
Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in Ash Blonde/Taupe
MAC Pigment in Circa Plum (LE)
Bare Escentuals Eyeshadow in Queen Phyllis
MAC Opulash
Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes liner in 0L
Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss in Glam

Hooded Scarf

Hi everyone,

So this is one of my favorite trends for the fall, hooded scarves! I got mine in oatmeal from Fossil for $88. I would link you to their site but it's not online anymore! I hope that means it sold like crazy. Mine is a super thick sweater-type and is very long. Nordstrom is also selling one by David & Young for a lot less and appears to be a sort of infinity thing going on.

So, since there's no official Fossil pic, here is me rocking it out in the store...

It's super cute to wear on campus, especially with my black long peacoat and Dior sunglasses. It makes a great, ready for winter statement!

Enjoy!
K

Long-wear Lipstick for Fall

Hi everyone!

I'm back! And I have a lot to tell you about. Today, I want to review a product that I think is great for women who love to wear lipstick but hate reapplying every hour or so. My absolute favorite product is Make Up For Ever (MUFE) Rouge Artist Intense: Lipstick and MUFE Aqua Lip.

MUFE's Lipstick is highly pigmented, with about 50% more pigment than other lipsticks, and is very long-wearing. I wear it to teach and work and don't have to worry about fading for three or four hours at minimum! It comes in a variety of shades perfect for any season, and comes in three finishes, satin, matte and pearly. Personally, I think the satin is the nicest, as it gives a bit of sheen without looking cheap and sparkly. A swipe of MUFE's Lab Shine Lip Gloss over top can give it that extra oomph too. My favorite is shade D0 Diamond. MUFE's Aqua Lip is a great base for any lipstick, especially their own. Aqua Lip is a waterproof liner, but it goes on very smooth! It's formulated with Vitamin E and jojoba oil, so it's very creamy, but it never moves.

For fall, nudes, reds, and corals are necessities. Coral isn't the best on me, so I stick to reds and nudes. For my skin tone, I use MUFE Rouge Artist Intense in Moulin Rouge (red) and #23 (nude). The coordinating liners are #8C (red) and #1C (nude). These are both satin finishes. The lipstick retails for $19 and the liner $18. I highly recommend these to everyone, especially if you want a lipstick to put on and not worry about. My last red lipstick was a nightmare, feathering and fading within an hour - I had to constantly reapply or else look crazy. MUFE keeps me sane & lets me put my mind on other things.


Now for photos:

Make Up For Ever is sold exclusively at Sephora (online and in stores) in the USA, as far as I know. Luckily, they have free shipping for orders over $50.

So, try it and let me know what you think! I am very excited for a new MUFE smokey eye palette that's coming out - I will review it once I get it. Have a great day!

<3 Katherine

High Waisted Pants

Hi everyone,

Today I want to mention a trend that I think all body types can embrace: high waisted denim and pants. Why? Not only do high waisted denim trousers or a cute high waisted pair of shorts look very fashion-foward, it is a flattering look. High waisted pants can help smooth out bumps, minimize hips, and prevent that overflow that can happen with low-rise pants. High waisted pants are extremely versatile because you can often find some with fun detailing so tucking in your shirt can show off the unexpected parts of your outfit. Plus, they can have a slimming effect when the shirt is untucked and hanging over the high waisted pant. 

I recently scored at Fossil (fossil.com) and got their Faye high waisted shorts for only $19.99 (originally $68 - woo). They're not online but stores have some sizes I think. After scanning the web, I picked a few favorite examples of high waisted items you can add to your wardrobe for some spice that will be flattering and versatile. 

Dark Trousers

These are cool because they combine a few fashionable ideas - first, dark denim is slimming, goes with everything, and is highly preferable to a light wash. Second, the trouser gives you the ability to wear this casually or a bit dressier with heels. This cut is going to elongate your legs and make you look fabulous. 

Skinny Jeggings

High waisted skinny jeans will be great especially if you like fitted tops. These second skin denim by 7FAM will definitely smooth out any bumps. Having something on that's as simple as a v-neck will look good because it can lay flat on your hips and accentuate your curves in the way you want! This should be a staple in everyone's wardrobe because super-skinny denim can serve as an alternative to leggings with a tunic. Plus, they look great with casual shoes like Toms, cute flats, and sexy heels. Wardrobing with skinnies is endless so try it out. I promise, skinnies look good on full-figured ladies too - not just slim women. :)

Trouser Shorts

A high waisted trouser short is a must for everyone. Whether you get these in a colored fabric or even a simple denim, the flare out away from the thighs will flatter and accentuate the slimmest part of your body - your waist. Shorts may be misleading in that they get a reputation for being only for summer. I recommend a pair of these for all year around - in the fall, just add a pair of tights and some short ankle boots for a very funky and different look. Shorts are a cool alternative to a skirt! 

So, check out the stores where you usually shop. If you see something with a high rise, try it on! You might surprise yourself. 

<3 Katherine

Shatter Polishes

Hi everyone!


Sorry for the delay in posts. I'll try and be better about it, I've been busy! Anyway today I'm going to review the different brands of shatter polishes which I'm sure you've been hearing about. I personally have tried the OPI Shatter, China Glaze Crackle, Sally Hansen Crackle Overcoat, and Sephora by OPI Blasted polishes. My ranking?

1. OPI Shatter
2. Sephora by OPI Blasted
3. China Glaze Crackle
4. Sally Hansen Crackle Overcoat

OPI Shatter
Of the brands I've tried, this is the only one I've bothered to get a second color in and I would be willing to try even more colors by OPI. They came out with the original shatter back in February and I think they have the easiest formula to work with. This is a true shatter in the sense that a thin to medium coat produces lots of tiny cracks and a very intricate effect. As with all the shatter polishes, it does get quite goopy over time so I'd recommend making sure you close the lid very tightly and not leaving the brush out any longer than you need to. Always give it a good roll before you paint - this morning I must not have mixed well because the shatter only shattered on 3/10 nails (yikes!). I have both the black and the bright blue, and they both make for interesting combinations. The formula is generally easy to work with and provides satisfying results. This usually retails around $9 and I get mine at Trade Secret or Beauty Brands.

**note, most shatters need a top coat or they dry matte and look dull.

Sephora by OPI Blasted
As it's by OPI, this has a similar formula that definitely provides lots of little cracks and an easy to work with formula. On the first try though (and subsequent tries thereafter) it's more goopy than the OPI which can be difficult to work with and leave you with thicker coats. The thicker the coat, the fewer cracks you get and it ends up being more like the result you get with a China Glaze. The brush on these isn't as good as the OPI one either, it's not as wide. Still, if you can get a Sephora one instead of an OPI one (if the OPI is sold out), go for it.

China Glaze Crackle
CG gives a very different formula that's a lot more difficult to work with - and I'm not the only one saying that! Below is one of my tries with the China Glaze crackle polish in white. Whites in general are harder to work with, but this formula is fussy and much thicker than the OPIs. When I use a thin coat, it just looks wimpy and you can see the underneath color. If I use a thick enough coat to give the color, you get very large cracks and only a few (as you can see) so it's definitely a different look than the "shatter" you get with both of the OPI formulas. If you're willing to work with a fussy formula it can be a different effect - and I have heard the newer CG crackles are a bit better formula wise. Beware of using too thick a coat otherwise you'll have drying problems.

Sally Hansen Crackle Overcoat
So this is my last pick for crackles. Initially I was willing to work with the thick goopy formula, but it's more fussy than the China Glaze in my opinion. The cracking was even less than the China Glaze, maybe two cracks per nail. But they had different colors available and I could pop in at Walgreens to find them. However, on my second attempt to use my crackle, I discovered the brush had gone all wonky and made the polish nearly impossible to use. The subsequent attempt at a crackle mani failed miserably because it was very difficult to control the amount of polish I was putting on. A fellow polish friend said her brushes all went wonky like this too. So, if you want a thicker crackle, definitely get the CG. You can see the higher quality in the brushes - definitely. Steer clear of this one if you can - it's a waste of $7 I think.

So I hope you have a better idea of shatters now! Tweet me (@katherinep) pics of your shatter manis! I'd love to see the colors you mix and match!

<3 Katherine

Lip Moisturizers

Hi everyone,

I hope you're all doing well! Today I have for you two lip moisturizers you can incorporate into your life instead of Chapstick brand. Chapstick contains petroleum, phenol, menthol and other non-appealing ingredients, plus it doesn't have much to moisturize your lips. It gives temporary relief for dry lips, but can actually contribute to chapped lips!

So, I have for you a vegan and non-vegan option. First is the Vegan Hemp Balm by the Merry Hempsters. It's USDA certified organic and vegan and uses hemp seed and sunflower seed oil, as well as Vitamin E and rosemary to moisturize and smooth lips. I've been using this brand for about six months and love it. It stays on and feels much smoother and richer than Chapstick! I've been able to find this product at Whole Foods, but I think it's also available on their website. Because this is vegan and there is no beeswax in it, it has a tendency to melt a little bit occasionally, but it's not been a problem.

If you don't mind having beeswax in your lip balm, then I recommend EOS lip balm. It's an odd balm that comes in a sphere, but this is the most moisturizing lip balm I've ever used! The unique aspect of EOS lip balm is that it has shea butter and jojoba oil - so it moisturizes and makes my lips really really smooth! It's better than the Hemp Balm for making smooth lips, but they tie in terms of moisture. I just got the Lemon Drop flavor and am LOVING it. I have also used sweet mint a few times and have been surprised by how long one sphere lasts! I actually have lost all of my EOS balms before I finished them.... As with the Merry Hempsters, this is an organic and natural lip balm. EOS is available at more places, like Walgreens.

Both cost about $3 or $3.50 and I highly recommend them! Let me know what you think!

<3 Katherine