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?

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! 

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!

MAC Select Moisturecover Concealer Review

I purchased the MAC Select Moisturecover Concealer about two months ago with the express purpose of covering up my undereye circles. While I am still a fan of the Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer for covering up blemishes, I needed a light, easy-to-blend product to brighten up my face. I've been scheduling a lot more early morning consulting appointments these days, which has been giving me a chance to really try this concealer out! 


Here is what MAC Claims:
"A luxuriously blendable moisturizing concealer in a tube with built-in doe-foot applicator. Goes on exactly where you want it: blends in for a natural satin-smooth ultra-moisturized finish. Layers up for added coverage. Line-softening, skin-perfecting: The Pros’ “select” for under-eyes and delicate skin. Wide shade range provides soft, natural camouflage."


I really do agree with them! The doe foot applicator allows for easy application, though it may not be the most hygienic option. The makeup artist at MAC told me to make three dots of concealer, in a horizontal line under my eyes, and to then blend that in with my finger, no brush necessary! I blend from the inside corner of my eye to the outside end. The yellowish orange concealer blends in well to conceal any darkness and gives me a fresh, natural look. Since I am a minimalist, I asked if it was necessary to set this with a powder and she said that it can stand alone, how great is that? It leaves a slight dewy glow which I like and once dry, has been lasting me all day. Even throughout the humid weather that NYC has been experiencing lately, this product doesn't fade or budge! 


In addition to applying this concealer to my undereye area, I have also been applying it to blemishes. It does a great job neutralizing the redness without looking like I've caked makeup on my face! It is very easy to blend out with my finger and the shade really suits my skin tone.


Recently, I came across Peaches and Blush's blog post about MAC's foundation and concealer naming system and she really cleared up any confusions I had on the topic! NW means neutral warm and NC means neutral cool,  referring to warm or cool skin undertones. The shading system works according to the color wheel, so warm toned skin types would require NC foundations while cool toned skin types would require NW. When selecting concealer, it's important to see the undertone of the area being concealed. For the Select Moisturecover, I am an NW 35, which means that my undereye circles tend towards the cooler end of the spectrum and can be neutralized with a warm shade. All this color talk takes me back to 9th grade art class...love it!



At the end of the day, removal is very easy. I have had zero issues removing the concealer with Boots Botanics Soothing Eye Makeup Remover. Nice to know that it stays put when you need it to and comes off easily when you want it to!


I highly recommend this product for someone who is looking for some light concealing, especially in the undereye area. It makes my look a bit more polished and professional, which is exactly what I was looking for :) I do not, however, think this product would suit the needs who needs lots of coverage as it is very lightweight and sheer.


I am already starting to plan my next MAC purchase! I really want to find a fun gloss for the fall and winter. There are so many glosses to choose from: Creamsheen, Lustre, Dazzle...I've really been into berry shades these days...any recommendations?! 

Caved for Crocs

I was a Crocs hater when a few years back when they first came out, but after seeing them everywhere and hearing how comfortable they are, I just had to get some! These shoes are soo comfortable. While I do have to continually reassure myself that they aren't that ugly, it's not like I'm wearing them to a night on the town...right? FYI: I feel the same way about Uggs, but I will not succumb to social pressure! My feet are just too big to look cute in those shoes...

Anyways, thought I'd share my two new Crocs purchases with you all...clearly I am very excited!

First I got the Crocs Olivia. There was a sale going on at Crocs.com and I wanted a pair of super comfy casual flats...plus they had a little rhinestone on the side which I couldn't resist. That makes them cute and girly, right?? Haven't worn them out yet because the weather has been awful and rainy, but I'm looking forward to a dry day!

I have been wanting a pair of Crocs Mammoths for the past two years, but I wasn't willing to spend $40 for shoes that I planned only to wear as slippers. Well, good things really do come to those who wait, because I found a pair on sale this weekend at Century 21! This was the only color available in my size, and while I would've preferred pink or blue, this color is growing on me. I have been wearing these for the past three days non-stop around my apartment and I absolutely love them...I could probably even wear them to bed and be comfy...but I don't think I will :P

What do you guys think about Crocs? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Let me know!

Being Proactive about Hair Thinning/Loss!

Comment from hK: I have always been weary of the shampoo conditioner combinations. I was wondering whether you knew anything about using a shampoo conditioner combo, rinsing then using a normal conditioner like the tresseme natural moisturizing conditioner? As a male with thinning hair, most shampoos I use to thicken my hair are those combo deals, but they leave your hair feeling incredibly dry.


2 in 1 shampoo plus conditioner products work best for individuals with normal, healthy hair. What this means is: no real issues with oiliness, dryness, volume, or damage. These combo products would bring in unnecessary moisture for individuals with oily hair and not enough for individuals with dry hair. Dry haired individuals, like yourself, should follow up with a creamy conditioner at the ends. For more options, check out this TotalBeauty.com link for a list of highly rated hair volumizing products.


Now hK, since you mentioned thinning hair, I thought to do a little bit of research in that area as well:

Main conditions associated with hair loss/baldness:

Male pattern baldness -- Condition that can occur at any age and is mostly hereditary. End result: Total hair loss in a short period of time.

Female pattern baldness -- Hair becomes thin all over the scalp except the front line. Does not result in total hair loss.

Genetics is not the only reason for hair loss, other contributing factors include: age, hormonal changes, stress, poor circulation of blood to the scalp, excess dandruff, illness, and excessive pulling or styling. Don't trust the common myth that over washing hair leads to hair loss. All that over washing does is lead to the faster removal of hair that has already disconnected from the hair follicle. Fun fact: It is perfectly normal to lose around 100 strands of hair in one day...wow!

Why can't we all look this good bald?!

Now that we know why hair loss may happen, let's talk about how to prevent/slow it down!

1) Invest in a high quality hair growth product: The best way to go here is all natural! Invest in a product that contains essential oils, natural herbs, and vitamin-rich nutrients to help your hair thrive. Stay away from products that contain only extracts, they aren't as powerful as the essential oils! Be sure to read the fine print when it comes to ingredients, as many 'natural products' still contain phosphates, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), mineral oil, etc. 

2) Eat healthy: Hair = protein. In order to promote healthy hair growth, indulge in a protein rich diet, including fish and protein supplement shakes. Diets laden with fats, sugars, alcohol, and junk food can inhibit hair growth.

3) Drink more water: Water, besides being refreshing and thirst quenching, flushes toxins, chemicals, and impurities out of your body which could be contributing to slow hair growth. Water also facilitates the transport of important nutrients. 

For those of you with thin hair woes, it may be beneficial to look into shampoos that don't contain sulfates. Although I have yet to find conclusive proof that SLSs 100% lead to hair loss, I've read enough to suggest that it is not the best thing for your hair and scalp. SLSs strip hair of natural oils making it weak and more prone to thinning. Luckily, sulfate-free shampoos are becoming more and more popular! Another good option is conditioner washing (co-washing) with a silicone-free conditioner. This way you are simply removing the dirt and oils from your scalp, without introducing harsh soaps to your fragile hair follicles. I have tried these options by way of the Curly Girl Method in the past and although I wasn't a huge fan at the time (I didn't follow the rules properly), all this research has me reconsidering it!

Hope I answered your question hk! Keep me posted on how things go. 

Mini Haul!

As I've been actively researching makeup via blogs, vlogs, and review forums, I have really been able to find some amazing products. Sadly, once you find that perfect mascara or moisturizer...a little bit of the excitement is gone :( I mean, sure...it does it's job well and it goes on the list of what to take when stranded on a desert island...but the shopper in me, well...she cries a little. 

It's been almost two months since I've stopped at a health and beauty aisle and really gone nuts! Well dear readers, the dry spell is over...here's what I've bought over the past couple weeks:

• Boots Botanics Soothing Eye Make Up Remover
• e.l.f. Shine Eraser Oil Blotting Sheets
• Sonia Kashuk Perfectly Neutral - 10 Eye Palette
• Milani Liquif'eye Metallic Eye Liner Pencils in Black and Brown
• Almay Intense i-Color 031 Trio for Browns
• Boots Botanics Soothing and Calming Eye Base
• eos Medicated Lip Balm in Tangerine
• Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in Goddess

I have started my foray into eye shadows...let's see how this goes :) If anyone has any good neutral eye looks to share, please let me know! 

Be on the lookout for some looks and reviews!