Friday, October 15, 2010

Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain + Balm Review

Now, I know that Revlon launched their Just Bitten Lip Stain + Balm back at the beginning of the summer...but I only recently feel like I have used the product enough to be able to review it well. For those of you who haven't gotten a chance to check it out yet, read on. For all the rest of you who probably have tried it ages ago...well you keep reading too :P I put my own spin on this product for a fun look!


This really has been the summer of lip stains, what with Maybelline and CoverGirl also launching their own. I was really drawn to the Revlon one though. For one, I really like the spokesmodel, Jessica Biel, even though I know that is totally unrelated to the usefulness of the product, advertising works! But also, the 2 in 1 aspect really intrigued me. Having just gotten off of a lipstick purchasing high, I realized that in the summer reapplying lipstick is just a bore. Also, with the awful heat and humidity, I wanted something that was lightweight and not prone to melting in my makeup bag. Most of all, I wanted the just ate a cherry popsicle look! I am happy to say that with a few tweaks, I was able to achieve that look! I also think this shade will look just as lovely for the winter months as it was for the summer :)


I purchased the lip stain in Twilight, the color is pretty true to the packaging and comes on as a deep berry fuchsia on the lips (sorry I don't have any swatches, I couldn't get my camera to auto focus without flash). I am not really one for bright, bold colors, but this shade is really fun! I wouldn't personally wear it to a class or a casual event, but for a special occassion this stain would definitely be great! Since I was looking for a more toned down look, I decided to apply this product my own way...here's how:


First, I lined my completely naked lips with the marker tip, being careful not to draw outside my natural lip line. Then, I filled in my lips and made sure that the product was well coated on, it should feel a bit tacky when you press your lips together. Then, I waited for about a minute and then washed my lips off in the sink, just enough to tone down the brightness. The end result - the cherry popsicle stain I'd been vying for! Even after washing it off a bit, the stain is still there, just a bit lighter and less bold. I then applied the lip balm and was on my way. Though I'm sure this is not how most people would wear this product, I really enjoy this look. 


Pros:
- Marker tip makes application very easy!
- Product has a mild, fruity scent, but no real taste (good for lip product eaters like me!)
- When I washed off some of the stain, it lasted on my lips for a good 3-4 hours. Even through mealtimes!
- It is versatile, you can go for a bold or toned down look!
- Lip balm is nice and moisturizing, wish Revlon made it on it's own! 
- It can be removed with makeup remover, so you are not stuck with it til it fades away


Cons:
- Stain does not appear the same on all parts of lips...my bottom lip was more responsive to the stain than my top lip. It was as if the marker did not work as well on my top lips...kind of odd!
- Application requires a precision to make sure you don't draw out of the lines
- Stain may fade unevenly over the course of the day...


Overall, I really like this product!  Next time, however, I may just try to find a more natural shade to save me some steps and to allow for a longer lasting time! Any recommendations?

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Boots Botanics Soothing Eye Make Up Remover Review

Have been using this product for the past month and I decided it was high time to let you all in on this gem :)


I'm a recent waterproof mascara convert...it's just so great (CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume)! I can wear it on humid, muggy, rainy days without a care...no flaking, no smudging!! I've even worn it in the shower...didn't move a bit! In the past, I shied away from waterproof formulas because I didn't want to deal with the nightly hassle of removing it. I turned to Boots Botanics Soothing Eye Make Up Remover when my trusted Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover just didn't cut it (I kept losing lashes while trying to get the mascara off, ick!) and I am one satisfied consumer :)


The packaging is very cute, the bottle has an aluminum (at least I think that's what it is) cap and holds 5 fl. oz. The product needs to be shaken before use because the formula separates. It has a light, pleasant, soapy scent. I use a cotton wool pad, apply a bit and put it on my eye. It melts off eye shadow and liner instantly, waterproof mascara requires a few swipes. Excessive rubbing or tugging at lashes to remove mascara is not necessary at all! Your skin will thank you for this :) It leaves behind an oily residue, but that's nothing a quick rinse with warm water won't take care of! This product is meant for all skin types, so the oily residue shouldn't be an issue for oily-skinned ladies. I have gotten the product in my eye (c'mon, it's me we're talking about) and I'm happy to report that it is very gentle and does not sting! 


My only gripe with this product is how small the packaging is! I wear some form of eye makeup pretty much everyday, so I wish that the bottle were available in a larger size at Target. Til then, I'll just need to stock up!


Highly recommend this product, it made me a waterproof mascara convert! 

Saturday, October 2, 2010

September Favorites

Happy October everyone :) I feel like I say it every year, but can you believe how fast this year is going by? Looking forward to watching the leaves change color, wearing layers and boots, and planning my Halloween costume!


Ok, back to the topic at hand...here are the products I found myself reaching for over and over in September:


1) Aveeno Nourish+ Volume Shampoo
I'm so happy to have found this shampoo, it really makes my hair shiny and full of body. Been using it for the past two months and it has yet to let me down! Check out my first impression here.


2) Johnson and Johnson's Baby Creamy Oil with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E
My skin has never felt better! It's soft and moisturized up until the moment I hit the shower, no more itchiness...what more can I ask for? Thanks to a nice deal on Amazon, I have really stocked up on this must-have! Check out my full review here.


3) Giovanni Frizz Be Gone Serum
This September was really strange...lots of super warm, humid days and then tons and tons of rain! Both types of weather wreak havoc on my hair. Now, while this isn't a miracle in a bottle, it really did help to tame my hair from extreme frizzy/poofiness...and for that, I have made it a daily staple. I apply a pea-sized amount to the ends while hair is both damp and dry. Check out my full review here.


4) MAC Select Moisturecover Concealer
I just reviewed this product, but I had to include it here as well. School and work kept me pretty busy in September and that unfortunately meant sleep had to take a minor hit. Thanks to this concealer, I looked fresh and alert! 


5) CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof Mascara
This mascara is just awesome! It holds curl well, doesn't give me the spider eye look, and does indeed give me the volume I'm looking for. Now that I've started applying it sans my Jane clear mascara (I think the non-waterproof primer was a bad idea!), I have had no issues with application. Check out my review here.


6) MAC Capricious Lustre Finish Lipstick
This is a my lips but better (MLBB) lipstick for me! I just love the plummy, pink color. It's as moisturizing as a chapstick, which I can't really say about too many other lipsticks I own. Pictures to come soon :)


7) Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Coral Reef
Though the color of the tube seems a little shocking, this is a gorgeous milky coral gloss on! It isn't sticky at all and makes for a great spring/summer shade! I'm going to be sad to retire this guy for the fall and winter.


8) Revlon Just Bitten Lipstain + Balm in Twilight
A wearable fushia stain that gives me the 'just finished a berry popsicle' look that I was going for! It's long-wearing and works great for those days when you just don't have the time to reapply. Full review to come soon!


I'm really looking forward to fall so I can bring out my darker lipsticks and give eye shadows a try! What products were your most popular for September? Share in the comments!