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Besame Cosmetics Red Velvet 1946 Lipstick Review!

February 16, 2016

Happy Tuesday readers! How was your Valentine’s Day weekend? I didn’t have anything planned really but at the last minute I went out with my family/friends to a lake where we celebrated an Un-Valentine’s day, haha.

Late last year, I picked up this cute set while I was waiting in line to purchase some items at Sephora. I had heard about Besame Cosmetics and instantly fell in love with this unique vintage packaging. Later, I read that this lipstick, Red Velevet 1946, is the lipstick that Hayley Atwell wears on the show Marvel’s Agent Carter so of course I had to try it.

Let’s take a look!

The matchbook has this quote written on the inside:

“Life without lipstick is like cake without frosting.”

I couldn’t agree more. 🙂

Besame Cosmetics Lipstick and Matchbook Set

Described as, “a set of five rich, highly pigment lipsticks housed in a portable matchbook, plus a full-size lipstick with a satin, matte finish that delivers full coverage in one coat.”

Pros

Highly pigmented

Good value ($23 for the lipstick and matchbook-lipstick alone is $22 and the matchbook alone is $6)

Long-wearing

Leaves behind a stain

Cons

Difficult to apply

Doesn’t glide on as smoothly as I would like

Drying

Can accentuate fine lines/imperfections

Overall: I really like this lipstick as the shade is gorgeous and it’s what I used in my Valentine’s Day look (check it out here). If you’re looking for lipstick shades that are true an era (i.e. 1940s, etc) then Besame Cosmetics is your brand. I did have trouble applying this straight out from the tube so a lip brush comes a bit handy. The formula is a satin matte, which kind of tugged on my lips a bit when I was applying; however, prepping your lips beforehand-exfoliating and a little bit of lip balm-helps the appearance and and application process. The lasting-power is great, however with eating and drinking, this will come off although it leaves behind a stain.

The lipstick matches are a cute addition and you’ll get about 1 use out of them. Word of caution: make sure you close the matchbook well if you’re going to be carrying this in your purse.

Here’s a swatch of Red Velvet 1946.

Have you tried Besame Cosmetics?

Stephanie

PopSugar Must Have Unboxing February 2016!

February 11, 2016

Hi guys! February’s PopSugar Must Have box has arrived and if you haven’t heard of this it’s a monthly box whose items range from fashion, beauty, home, fitness and food, making it a well rounded subscription box. Subscription plans start at $39.95, all items are full size and are valued at over $100.

I’m excited to share this month’s box so keep reading to see what came in the box. 🙂

Victoria’s Secret Coconut Milk Hydrating Body Lotion, $18

This soothing lotion moisturizes winter skin to leave it hydrated, soft, and smelling faintly of coconut and floral scents. A favorite of mine already.

Victoria’s Secret Sports Socks (Special Extra)

Socks that provide a cushioned sole, arch support and made with fabric that keeps your feet cool and dry even while working out. Of course I will be using these. You can never have enough socks, right?

Victoria’s Secret Reward Card (Special Extra)

A $20 gift card to use at Victoria’s Secret? Yes please! Love their sports bras, but not the price, so this will come in handy.

Beautycounter Nourishing Cleansing Balm, $50

A cleanser formulated with carefully sourced ingredients to remove makeup and impurities while also moisturizing skin. Also included is a soft muslin cloth to remove the cleanser with. I’ve tried this twice, sans the muslin cloth, and while I find it does help makeup breakdown quicker, I definitely need to follow up with a cleanser because it leaves behind a greasy residue. UPDATE 4/2016: I stopped using this one as it was making me break out.

Fringe Studio Hello Beautiful Square Tray, $14

A kiln-fired glass tray that can serve as an elegant accessory for work or home that has the words Hello Beautiful embossed on it.

JewelryStorm Endless Arrow Ring, $28

A dainty ring that has, “just the right amount of bling to wear alone or stacked with other pieces.” I love this ring with the simple yet chic design. However, sizes seem to run a bit small on these.

Foodstirs Heart Cookie Mix, $12.95

Co-founded by Sarah Michelle Gellar, Foodstirs cookie kit is, “free of artificial ingredients, GMOs, and preservatives.” This kit includes the cookie mix, a heart-shaped cookie cutter and pink crystalized sugar. Perfect for Valentine’s Day!

Tilo Heart Print Scarf, $125

This scarf was designed exclusively for POPSUGAR and has white hearts imprinted on them.

Definitely one of my favorite boxes for sure!

What are your thoughts on this month’s box?

Stephanie

Maybelline Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid Lip Color Review!

February 4, 2016

Happy Thursday everyone! I was at Target the other day and was thrilled to find the new Maybelline Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid Lip Colors on the shelves. Here’s my review on it.

Maybelline Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid Lip Color in Nude Flush

Described as, “bold, vivid color [that] glides easily onto lips for a velvety matte finish. Formula is comfortable and creamy with a smooth feel upon application.”

Pros

Budget friendly

Good pigmentation

Good color selection

Glossy

Cons

Made my lips feel numb

Not matte

Fragrance might be bothersome to some

Easily transfers/comes off when eating

Overall: Unfortunately, this didn’t work at all for me as I think I had an allergic reaction to it. As soon as I applied it, my lips felt very numb. At first I thought my reaction was similar to what I get when I apply lip plumping glosses but the numbness never faded away. The second day I tried it, again my lips felt numb and this time they really started to hurt so I immediately wiped it off. This applied like a gloss and isn’t really sticky but it never dried down to a matte finish. About 2 hours into wearing them, I could still rub my lips together and get a glossy feel. Upon drinking and eating, the lipstick wore off completely, so this product doesn’t last long. Even if I didn’t have a reaction to this, I would still return this as the name is misleading, and, in my opinion, you’re better off sticking to the Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lip Colors.

Maybelline Nude Flush

A swatch of the shade Nude Flush. These are nicely pigmented as I only swiped it once across my arm to get this color.

Have you tried these ones? What’s your opinion on them?

Stephanie

January 2016 Favorites!

February 2, 2016

Happy Tuesday everyone! How was your weekend? It’s been super windy over here but other than that, everything is good. It’s time again for my monthly favorites so let’s get started!

Renee Rouleau AHA Smoothing Serum 17%

I have a very textured forehead and even though I exfoliate on a regular basis, it doesn’t help much. I’ve found that exfoliating serums though make a major difference in the appearance of my skin and this glycolic acid based one works great. After cleansing and toning my skin, I pat on a thin layer before applying my moisturizer on top. It tingles a little but isn’t uncomfortable. I use it for three nights straight and then discontinue it for three nights straight and I’m mindful of not spending too much time in the sun when using this.

Too Faced Soleil Matte Bronzer in Chocolate

I have a sample of this bronzer and I’ve been reaching for this pretty much everyday. As the name implies, there is no shimmer here which is great and it blends in effortlessly while looking natural. There is a slight chocolate scent but it quickly dissipates once you apply it.

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Athens

I’ve reviewed this lip cream here so I won’t say much other than the scent to this one is addicting and the color is natural and gorgeous.

NYX Intense Butter Gloss in Peanut Brittle

I’ve been stalking the NYX store to purchase the shade Tres Leches and since they are always out of stock, I picked up the shade Peanut Brittle. Peanut Brittle is part of the NYX Spring 2016 collection and believe me when I saw this lipgloss is highly pigmented. The swatch below was just one swipe. I wear this alone and I get a glossy nude lip that’s divine.

Top to Bottom: NYX Athens and Peanut Brittle

Chloe Love Story

Jen from In the Beauty Box (give her a follow!) sent me a bag filled with gifts and this one was one of them. With notes of Neroli (Orange Blossom Oil), Stephanotis Jasmine, Physalis and Cedarwood, I’m really liking this scent. It’s not overly overpowering and somehow I get a whiff of rose which is nice. It doesn’t last long though which is about the only downside I see.

What were your January favorites?

Stephanie

January Birchbox Unboxing 2016!

January 28, 2016

Hi everyone! I’m back with another subscription box post which finally arrived this week. I will say I am disappointed this month with the shipping of my Birchbox. It was shipped out on the 8 and I had no information as to where it was until a week later and then it took another week and a few days to be delivered. :/

Anywho, I choose the curated box this month which was Korean Beauty as it’s generating a lot of buzz lately. Here’s what the box included.

RE:P Bio Fresh Mask with Real Calming Herb

This mask uses, “organic herbs and kaolin clay to reduce redness and deeply cleanse pores.” I managed to use this once and the first thing I noticed was the scent which is very herbally and tea-like. Surprisingly, I didn’t find this too drying although I noticed a few bumps on my forehead after I used it. I’ll need to use this more to determine how well it works.

IPKN Flash Cream Radiant Primer

This primer contains SPF 15, is rich in fruit extracts and is said to create a “smooth, luminous canvas for makeup.” I tried it under my foundation and it gave a very subtle sheen to the skin. It’s a nice product though it is not my favorite and has a rather strong perfume scent. I will use it up but won’t purchase a full size.

TONYMOLY Delight Tony Tint in Red

So I’ve always been curious to try TONYMOLY products, mainly because of the cute packaging- Panda’s Dream anyone? Although the packaging on this tint is simple, it smells like strawberries, yum. The color dries to a matte finish that is supposed to last all day and although it did last an impressive amount of time through eating and drinking, it will start to fade unevenly throughout the day.

Manefit Beauty Planner Cucumber Soothing + Moisturizing Mask

Sheet masks are all the craze now and this one is supposed to soothe, tone and restore moisture to dry skin. I haven’t tried this out yet but I’ll wait until it’s not too cold at night so my skin can have a nice, refreshing treatment.

Goodal Waterest First Essence

This product includes, “hyaluronic acid and fermented lotus flower to help skin retain moisture.” I’ve tried this once in the morning and I do like it. However, like most products included in here, it does have a strong scent.

Goodal Yerba Mate Bubble Peeling & Yerba Mate Cleansing Foam Packettes

Considered a bonus, the Bubble Peeling, “removes dead skin for a brighter complexion,” and the Cleansing Foam, “balances oils and detoxifies the skin.” I haven’t had an opportunity to test these out yet but the Bubble Peeling has definitely piqued my interest with the name alone.

Overall, I do like the box and think it’s a good assortment of products to try. Sometimes I wish they weren’t so scented though.

Have you tried Korean skincare/beauty products? Which ones do you recommend?

Stephanie

PopSugar Must Have Unboxing January 2016!

January 26, 2016

Hi everyone! How was your weekend? My PopSugar Must Have Box arrived over the weekend so here’s a quick rundown of what was included this month.

Blue Sky Day Designer Weekly Planner, $16

A perfect item to include for a new year to keep you on track. While I did give this one to my sister, I’m definitely going to check out other designs.

Not Soap, Radio Bath and Shower Gel Gift Set, $22

A positive and unique approach to shower gels, these smell amazing and each of them has an uplifting message. Clarity, luck, confidence, happiness and calm are themes included here.

Patchology FlashMasque Trio, $20

Facial sheet masks are popular and these claim to “revitalize, hydrate and illuminate skin” in just five minutes.

Pehr Designs Pebble Sack Bin, $40

A storage bin that can house hats, scarves, toys, books and beyond. Great for keeping things organized.

Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up by Marie Kondo,$18.99

In this book, expert cleaning consultant Marie Kondo illustrates “how to spark joy in our lives through tidying up,” and how to stay organized all year round. Definitely not a book I would have normally chosen on my own but I’ve skimmed through it and it looks very interesting.

Project & INC Summer Snow Sugar Free Gum, $2

Sugar free gum whose, “proceeds from every seventh pack purchased go toward antibullying efforts in the US.”

Chapstick Total Hydration 100% Natural Soothing Vanilla, $2.99

Considered a special extra, this chapstick protects lips against dryness with argan oil and other natural oils and butters. It’s portable and does provide much needed moisture to my lips.

Overall, this month’s box was okay-not my favorite but it has some practical items that I will use.

What do you think of this month’s box?

Stephanie

Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask Review!

January 21, 2016

Hi readers! If you follow me on Instagram, you know my friend and fellow beauty blogger Jen from In the Beauty Box sent me a box (thanks Jen!) filled with some awesome products. Among them were samples of the Bite Beauty Lip Mask which I’ve been curious about but never got around to actually trying them. Needless to say, I was thrilled and I’ve been putting these to the test. Here’s my thoughts.

Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask

Described as a “soothing, leave-on lip mask that replenishes moisture in lips. This innovative, natural formula smooths, nourishes, and moisturizes lips with a bio-active blend of organic agave nectar, jojoba oil, vanilla CO2 extract, and triple the amount of antioxidant trans-resveratrol found in red wine.”

Pros

Provides a barrier for lips

Long-lasting

Works well under lipstick

Not sticky

Sheer tints

Cons

Thick consistency makes it hard to take out

Not very hydrating

Pricey

Lanolin might be an irritant to some

Overall: I have mixed feelings about this product. Due to the thick consistency, it was a little hard to take out and apply; however, once it warms up a bit though it becomes easier. While this does provide a protective barrier around lips, oddly, I don’t find it very hydrating. It does feel very nice and luxurious once it’s on but if you have very dry lips, I don’t feel it does much. I do find that exfoliating lips first is essential in achieving smoother lips. The lip mask works well under lipsticks and I didn’t find it sticky. Individuals who are allergic or sensitive to lanolin will want to steer clear as it is the main ingredient in the lipstick. The sample I received included the original, and the tinted ones in Smashed and Champagne. The colors are a bit more on the sheer side, which is nice if you want a bit of a tinted sheen. I don’t consider this a ‘must have’ lip product but more of a luxury item that if you can afford to indulge in, then by all means give this a try.

Have you tried this product? What are your thoughts on it?

Stephanie

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream Review!

January 19, 2016

Happy Tuesday readers! Hope your weekend was great. 🙂

After much debate, I finally caved in and purchased two NYX Soft Matt Lip Cream products. I’m currently obsessed with nude/pink shades so I picked up the shades Athens (peach/pink nude) and London (peach/beige nude). Let’s get to the review!

Soft Matte Lip Cream

Described as a “velvety smooth Soft Matte Lip Cream delivers a burst of creamy color and sets to a stunning matte finish. Surprisingly durable, lightweight and delightfully creamy, it’s no wonder this sweetly scented formula is a NYX fan favorite.”

Pros

Creamy on initial application

Nicely pigmented/opaque coverage

Amazing scent

Decent lasting power

Budget friendly at $6/ea

Great array of colors

Cons

Slow dry down time

Feels drying once it sets

Color of bottle doesn’t match the actual shade

Needs to be reapplied after drinking/eating

Overall: Aside from the amazing cake scent once you open these, I noticed that the shades don’t necessarily match the bottle so I highly recommend swatching these in store beforehand. They feel very creamy when you first apply them and stay that way for about 10-20 minutes-the dry down time on these is fairly long. Once dry, this is a true matte finish so it will feel dry unless you apply a little bit of lip balm underneath. Exfoliating lips prior comes in handy so that the color doesn’t cling to dry patches. These have decent lasting power, however, they do come off if you are eating or drinking and you’ll need to reapply. I’m happy with these though as they provide good pigmentation and are inexpensive.

Here’s some swatches.

Top-Bottom: Athens and London

I hope you found this review helpful. 🙂

Have you tried these? What shades do you recommend?

Stephanie

December 2015 Favorites!

December 29, 2015

Hello everyone! How was your Christmas and long weekend? Mine was great although I still can’t believe that we are only a few days away from a new year. Crazy how time is zooming by.

Anyhow, I’ve gathered my favorites this month so let’s get started. 🙂

Renee Rouleau Purifying Face Wash

This face wash is on heavy rotation in my skincare routine. It’s a very gentle, unscented gel cleanser that slightly foams but doesn’t leave skin feeling stripped of moisture. Ingredients like sea whip and green tea are included to calm skin. I think this cleanser is perfect if you don’t have too many breakouts.

Skin Script Raspberry Refining Cleanser

I ordered a box full of Skin Script skincare gift sets and I’m really loving this cleanser. It smells like raspberries and includes glycolic and salicylic acid to help clear up acne as well as yucca extract to help relieve irritation. This cleanser gently foams and rinses clean without that harsh tight feeling certain cleansers can leave afterward.

Skin Script Cacteen Balancing Moisturizer

I picked up a few samples of this moisturizer at the esthetic trade show in Long Beach and it’s been a good moisturizer for these winter nights. A medium weight moisturizer, this has prickly pear cactus to help heal and is rich on olive oil fatty acids that help retain moisture in the skin.

Tarte Cosmetics Beauty and the Box Eyeshadow in Apple of My Eye

I’ve been reaching for this eyeshadow quad quite frequently throughout the holidays and I love it. Bronze and gold eyeshadows are my go-to shades and this quad encompasses gorgeous colors that can be used to create subtle daytime looks to dramatic smoky night time looks.

e.l.f. EX-tra Lip Gloss in Scott

I picked up the e.l.f. Mix and Mingle Lip Gloss set at Target and while I’ll have a complete review on the blog later, the shade I have been loving is Scott. Scott is a peach beige lipgloss with gold flecks that once applied give a nice subtle glow. Priced at $2 each, they glosses have good pigmentation, decent staying power, aren’t sticky and have a sweet taste. My only issue is that the lip gloss applicator is flimsy and I’m constantly worried it may break off.

e.l.f. EX-tra Lipgloss in Scott

Rhonda Allison Holiday Wine Luster Holiday Set

I follow fellow esthetican Christina Gliatta from Estie Skincare on Instagram and when she posted this Rhonda Allison kit, I knew I had to order it from her. I’ve been wanting to try Rhonda Allison skincare products for a while and this kit did not disappoint. It includes one ounce of Cucumber Spritz and half an ounce of Blushed Wine Gel.

I use the Cucumber Spritz in the morning before I apply my makeup to add moisture to my skin without it feeling heavy. Depending on the weather, I’ll toss it into my purse and take it on the go to refresh my skin. The Blushed Wine Gel is a great antioxidant moisturizer for my combination skin during the day. It has small shimmer particles that provides skin with a glow and it works great under my makeup.

So far, I am impressed with the Rhonda Allison line and can’t wait to try more in the future. If you’re looking to try out Rhonda Allison products, make sure to follow Estie Skincare-Christina is super nice and helpful.

Sara Happ Lip Scrub in Peppermint

A special extra that Christina included- thank you!- this lip scrub is heaven sent! I like Fresh Sugar Lip Polish but this one is more moisturizing, and perfect for this harsh winter weather. The price is a little steep at $24 but you only need very little of this luxurious feeling lip scrub so it will last you a long time. Lips feel super soft and hydrated and most importantly, are left flake free. Bonus: the packaging is so chic complete with a little bow.

What are your favorites this month?

Stephanie

PopSugar Must Have Unboxing December 2015!

December 22, 2015

PSMH

Hi everyone! How was your weekend? It’s windy and gloomy over here today but luckily I have an insight to December’s PopSugar Must Have Box to brighten things up. Let’s get to it! 🙂

Luv AJ The Rose Gold Ombre Bracelet, $65

An ombre bracelet that has a mix of silver, rose gold and gold plating.

Swing Design Nova Blue Mist Jewelry Box, $36

A jewelry box that has a stitched blue leatherette and suede interior-perfect for housing the rose gold ombre bracelet we received.

My Cup of Cake Classic Belgian Chocolate, $5.99

It doesn’t get much simpler than this three minute gourmet souffle that features dark Belgian chocolate and all-natural ingredients.

Meri Meri Silver Stars on White Glitter Tape, $4

Perfect for the holiday occasion, this white glitter tape adds a sparkling finish to your gifts.

Nima Oberoi Lunares Geo Stopper, $24

An exclusive geo stopper, wine lovers will appreciate this bottle stopper that is handcrafted to not tarnish or break so you can reuse it.

Stowaway Cosmetics Creme Lipstick Trio, $30

A lipstick trio that is designed for the girl on the go. They are small enough to fit comfortably in your clutch and also to be used up before they expire. Shades include Muted Plum, Raspberry and Cranberry.

Tiny Prints Gift Tag Stickers + $20 Promo Code, $20 (Special Extra)

Another great holiday item, these heart gift tag stickers have already been used to seal Christmas gifts. A $20 off your purchase card was also included with this.

Below is a swatch of Muted Plum. I may gift the others away so I didn’t swatch those but one is a bright red shade (Cranberry) and the other is similar to fuschia (Raspberry). These remind be of Bite Beauty except Muted Plum has a little more slip to it which makes it glide effortlessly on the lips