How to Care for Dry Lips and Favorite Lip Balms Review

Hi there!   Remember how I mentioned I am always battling with dry lips in the colder months in my
Favorite Lip Glosses  post?  Well I am here today to share with you what I do to keep them soft and comfortable.

When my lips get flaky, after I brushed my teeth, I take a soft cotton towel, wrap around my finger and gently massage my lips to remove dead skin.  Remember to be gentle, if a flake does not come of then it is probably not ready, leave it alone.

Afterward, I nourish my lips with hydrating lip balms, preferably natural or organic.  Some of my favorite are:

100% Pure Organic Lip Balm:  I have the mint and cherry flavor.  I love the simple, organic ingredients (oil and beeswax).  They glide on easily, hydrating, I don't have to keep on reapplying.  Fairly price, $6 each.  Love these!

Bobbi Brown Lip Balm:  I love the packaging and I know some of you will dislike it for being in a pot.  Moisturizing, smell great, feel good, add a nice sheen.  It is not hard but on cold days, I need to rub it in a bit with a clean finger to warm it up.  ($19)

Badger Organic Cocoa Butter Lip Balm:  Not pictured but this is another great one that make a difference for me.  Again I love that these are organic, safe ingredients and that they come in a variety of flavors.  I am digging the chubby tube, not only do you get more product but it really feels good while applying.  ($3)

The great thing about all the lip balms I mentioned is that I don't have to keep reapplying every hour.  On a few occasions, for what ever reasons, my lips were uncomfortably dry and cracked, I experimented with argan oil.  I would gently scrub, apply lip balm, then top it off with a drop of argan oil.  Oh wow, the next morning, my lips were all nice and soft...I was shock.  The argan oil I use is 100% organic argan oil.  This is something I tried on myself and it works, for you, please check with your doctor or dermatologist before trying.


Disclosure: All of the products being review was purchased by me. 

My Favorite Lip Glosses Review and Swatches

Hi there.  Are you enjoying all the beautiful color of Fall?  

I have pretty chronic dry lips and the cooler, dryer air just make it more of a challenge.  Hence, I naturally gravitate toward lip glosses.  Today, I just want to share with you my favorite that I am currently using.  Lets start with Korres, they are my favorite brand when it comes to natural lip products.

(L to R) Pomegranate, Quince, Raspberry, Light Purple.

Korres Lip Butter Glaze in Pomegranate:  The lip butter glaze texture is thinner than their original lip butter (the one in the pot) hence slightly less moisturizing, but is still more hydrating than most lipglosses out there.  I prefer the lip glaze because it is easier to apply and more hygienic.  Pomegrante is a true coral. 

Korres Lip Butter Glaze in Quince: Quince is a warm red; a very wearable red for those who are timid.

Korres Lip Butter Glaze in Raspberry:  It has more red and brown than purple, like a deep burgundy.  Perfect shade for Fall.

Korres Cherry Lipgloss in Light Purple:  I so adore this color, it is a very wearable purple.  It does not make you look dead or clash too much against my warm skin.  It is actually a very pretty, semi sheer pinkish lavender.  (Lip Swatch)

(Swatches L to R) NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Tokyo, BareMineral in Wild Honey, Revlon ColorBurst Lipgloss in Peony, BareEscentual Buxom in Bambi, Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss in Lust

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Tokyo:  Remember how I said I battle with dry lips?  This one will accentuate any dry flakes.  Aside from that, it is still one of my favorite for it pigmentation and shade.  Tokyo is an opaque neutral baby pink that does not clash against warm skin tone, it actually brighten my face.

BareMineral in Wild Honey:  Wild Honey is a beige with warm golden sheen.  It is pretty on it own but when you pair it with another lipstick...wow!  It makes everything look so much better especially those unimpressive lip color.  My favorite pairing is with a warm red lipstick or to tone down a too cool tone lipstick.  (Swatch of Wild Honey layer over MAC Sheen Supreme in Full Speed)

Revlon ColorBurst Lipgloss in Peony:  Peony is a sheer peach with micro gold glitter.  It is easy to wear, great for everyday, goes with almost anything.

BareEscentual Buxom in Bambi:  I love Bambi not only because it is a beautiful true, bright coral but it is also very pigmented and long lasting for a lipgloss.  However, if you are strictly against sticky lipgloss then you might find it sticky.  Personally I don't mind because it is what make it long lasting. 

Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss in Lust:  Lust is like the most beautiful dark red.  When you apply it, there is a tiny hint of raspberry and gold shimmer.  Unfortunately I think this is a limited edition color but I have seen it on ebay.

Phew, there you have it, all my favorite at the moment and most of them are great color all year around.

Eucerin Sensitive Skin Redness Relief Soothing Night Cream Review

Did you know that there are nearly 14 million of American suffering from Rosacea and many more with some kind of skin redness disorder?  For the past few years, my skin turned red between the brows and sides of my nose.  Occasionally, these areas especially, the sides of my nose will get tiny bumps that can get pretty raw and painful, .  I have been using Eucerin Sensitive Skin Redness Relief Soothing Night Cream for the past 2-3months for my redness.  This gel-cream active ingredient is a skin soothing ingredient, licorice root.

The first time I used this cream, I was not sure if it would works for me.  The gel cream texture feel nice and it absorbs quickly.  However, even though I did not use it as an eye cream, something in stings my eyes. To be fair, I do have sensitive eyes, a few other cream and mask did also irritate my eyes.  I am glad I continue to use it because my skin seem to like it, I just have to make sure to really apply away from my eyes. 

Ever since I started using this twice a day, my skin stopped having tiny bumps, flakes and rawness.  The appearance of redness did not go away completely, it probably reduce by 70%.  The one to two week that I stopped using this cream, the sides of my nose did start to feel raw and painful again.  Once I started using this cream again, the sensitivity went away in about 2 days.  I honestly did not expect to get such result from a drugstore cream.  This would have been my HG if only it did not irritate my eyes.

Price: $11.99 at Target and $14.99 at drugstores.

Overall Rating:  4 out of 5

Disclosure: The products being review was purchased by me.

Affordable Color Women Short from Uniglo

As you know, you can now order from Uniglo online.  I recently ordered a pair of Uniglo women chino short  and I want to share it with you because I think they have a nice selection of color, it is well made, nice fit.  Price is $19.90.  I got blue, but it is more of a turquoise to me.  For reference, I order a size 4, which fit perfectly; I am 5'3", 125lbs, normally wear a 4 at Old Navy, a 6 at LOFT and AE.

 Color:  Blue

Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me.

Nicole by OPI Drying Drop Review and Comparison

Ever since I discovered OPI Drip Dry, I have never do my nails without it.  It shaved off half an hour of waiting for my nails to dry and in the mean time, probably chip it somehow.  Lately I have found something even better!  Nicole by OPI Drying Drop!  They are both made by OPI with the exact same ingredients, so why better?  The price!  The original OPI Drip Dry is $11.50 for 9ml, whereas the Nicole by OPI Drying Drops is $7.99 for 15ml (available at Ulta).  Not only is it cheaper, you get a bigger bottle.  Yay!

For more information on these guys, check out my original review.

Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro Nail Polish in Wild Orchid

 

 

Hi there.  I must have a thing for purple nail polish, every Spring, I am on the hunt for some variation of purple/lavender.  This year, I landed on Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro in Wild Orchid.  Wild Orchid is a cream, medium grape purple.  I think the color is unique because most purple nail polish are either really dark or light, you don't find too many in between.  The formula is great, no streaking, opaque with first coat (but I personally always do two coat).  It did not chip on me until about the 5th or 6th day which I think is pretty good considering I use my hands alot.

 

One thing I want to mention is the brush...I love this wider flat brush.  More coverage area and easier to wipe off any excess.  Overall, I am happy and would recommend this affordable nail polish, particularly this color.

 

 

Price:  $3.99 at drugstores and Ulta.

 

Overall Rating:  4.5/5

 

Disclosure: I purchased this item.

 

 



Got2Be Rockin’ It Dry Shampoo Review

Dry shampoo has been around for a long time but I did not try it until now since I normally do not fuss around too much with my hair. I picked up Got2Be Rockin’ It Dry Shampoo recently and let me tell you, I am like, “Wow, it actually works. Why didn’t I try it sooner?”

Price: $5.99, purchased at Ulta

Pros: One day, I decided to do a scalp treatment, not something I normally do. Perhaps I used too much oil, it still look very greasy after I shampoo. I had to shampoo twice and my hair still look like it has not been wash in a week, just plain gross. Next morning, I sprayed Got2Be Rockin’ It Dry Shampoo and it just soaked up all the grease. My hair looks normal again. I was worry that it would leave white residue on my black hair but once I worked the product in and shook it off as instructed, the white powder disappear. Another great thing is that it also gives a bit of extra volume. All in all, two thumbs up.

Cons: Nothing that I can think of.

Rating: 5/5

Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

Sana Collagen Mist Toner Review

Price: $9, bought mine from Sasa.com.

Pros: First off, if I am not mistaken, our skin cannot absorb collagen because it is molecularly too large. Regardless, this is still a very good toner that immediately sooth and hydrate your skin upon application.  I think it really helps my skin cope this winter. In bottle, it looks like a light gel consistency but when spray, it is liquidly. It is also very long lasting, making it very economical. I started using it in October last year, it is now February, 4 months later and I have only used up half a bottle (I use toner twice a day).

Cons: Nothing really

Rating: 5/5

Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

Dr. Teal's Eucalyptus Epsom Salt Bath Treatment

Got ache and pain? Or simply love taken bath? If your answer is yes to both then this is a must.

Price: $4.99 for over 1 Kg.

Pros: Ah, to me, taken a bath is such a simple luxury and I always enjoy adding bath treatment to make it even more special. Lately I have been experiencing back, hips, and legs pain due to being 8 months pregnant, all the extra weight and expansion is taken a toll on my little body. The combination of warm water and Epsom salt really help ease soreness. Of course, this is also great for athletes as well. The packaging said add 2 cups but I only use 1 cup yet I can still smell the spearmint and eucalyptus scent which to me is refreshing and calming at the same time. I have tried other brand before and honestly I cannot smell anything so this is a plus. Also, for the price and the amount of product you get, cannot beat that.

Cons: It comes in this huge bag that is supposed to be reseal-able but it is not. As you pour (because there is no scoop), the salt gets stuck in the seal part and won’t reseal easily. I would totally be willing to pay an extra dollar for them to package this in a plastic jar with a scoop.

Overall/Rating: Despite my dislike for the packaging, I think the product and value itself still warrant a perfect 5/5 rating.

Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blushes Review and Swatches

The new Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush is a powder-gel formula that is actually bouncy when you apply pressure, like a marshmallow. These comes in 10 shades available, the one I purchased are 15 Rose Petal and 20 Peach Satin.

Price: $7.99 each

Pros: I like this new packaging much better than the old Maybelline Dream Blush. The dome shape of the blush makes it much more accessible versus having to stick my finger in a pot (old version).

The formula applies and blends like a cream blush but has the finish and lightweight of a powder blush. It goes on fairly sheer and is buildable. I just use my finger, by the way. Peach Satin last on me the whole day and only fade slightly.

Cons: The lighter shade like Rose Petal is so gorgeous on pan but it goes on sheer, even after a few layers.  I think it show up a little better on swatch than on my cheeks.  Unless you are fair to light, I would recommend skipping the lighter shades as I am not sure if it will show up on darker skin tone.

Rose Petal (L) and Peach Satin (R)

Overall: A part of me wishes these blush are pack with more pigment for lighter shade like Rose Petal because it is so pretty in pan. Then on the other hand, they give a natural flush and are hard to overdo the way they are. Plus, darker shade like Peach Satin, I think the pigmentation is just right. I can also see this possibly being a hit for oilier skin gal whose skin cannot hold a cream blush.

Rating: It is tough; I am torn between a 4 and 4.5 out of 5


Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

Meaningful Beauty Cindy Crawford Review

Meaningful Beauty is a skincare line that is collaborated between former super model Cindy Crawford and French Dr. Jean-Louis Sebagh that started over 10 years ago. Their website talks about using the latest breakthrough technology but nowhere does it say what this latest breakthrough technology really is. The good news is there is a 60 days guarantee and the price is affordable, you can get a 5-piece kit plus 3 bonuses that contains both day and night essentials for only $39.95. I was sent two samples and they are:

Lifting Eye Crème-Advanced Formula

I have been using this eye cream for over 4 weeks now. I like the packaging; it’s in a squeeze tube, easy to dispense and is hygienic. Do note that it is only .25oz versus the standard .5oz eye cream jar. It is calls a lifting eye cream but I don’t think it actually lift anything. What I do notice is that I tend to wake with puffiness on my left eye (only one eye, weird, I know) and if I use this cream the night before, there is less puffiness the next morning. Or if my eye is puffy, I apply this cream in the morning and the puffiness subsides within 15 minutes. This is what I adore about this eye cream.

Skin Brightening Décolleté and Neck Treatment SPF 15

This is a chemical sunscreen for your neck and chest area. It is moisturizing, easy to spread and absorb. I personally prefer SPF 30 or higher. Other than the low SPF level, there is nothing negative about this product but I also feel like there is nothing outstanding either.

Skin Brightening Neck and Decollete Treatment SPF 15

Last comment I like to make is that I prefer if the company market their products where you can purchase them either individually or as part of a kit. Currently you can only purchase a bundle kit so if you like or only want to try an item or two; you have to purchase the whole kit to do so. Fortunately, the kit itself is very reasonably price and they also offer free shipping.

Disclosure: This review contains sample sent for consideration. The review is base on my honest personal opinions and experiences.

ELF Swatches

I bought some stuff from E.L.F. lately and I know it would be awhile before I get a chance to write review for them.  I thought I show you guys some swatches for now. 

Studio Blushes in Tickle Pink and Gotta Glow

Studio Cream Eyeshadow in Natural Glow and Eggplant

Studio Cream Eyeliner in Metallic Olive

I also have a few of their brushes from this purchase and prior.  Reviews for all of these coming up...

Jordane Easyshine Glossy Lip Color Review and Swatches

With a baby on the way, I have to be more conscious with my spending (at least I am trying to). I was happy to find cheap thrill like Jordane Easyliner Retractable Eyeliner. Let’s see if these lippies are also as great.

L to R: Watermelon, Strawberry

Price: $1.99 each at Walgreens.

Pros: Jordane Easyshine Glossy Lip Color is tinted lip balm that live up to its claim and maybe even more. These has the hydration of a lip balm; the shine of a lip gloss, and the pigmentation of a sheer lipstick. They are comfortable to wear, without any stickiness and pretty long lasting power.

Cons: Watermelon has a very strong scent when I first opened it; it takes some getting used to. I however did not have any problem with the Strawberry shade.

Overall: I recommend giving these a try, not just because they are cheap but because I really like the formula. I like the convenience of a tinted lip balm; I can use one instead of two products. Also, for something that is so lightweight, it is hydrating, pigmented, and long lasting.

Rating: 4.5/5

Top: Strawberry, Bottom: Watermelon

 

Lip swatch in Strawberry

 

Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

Jordana Easyliner For Eyes Retractable Pencil Review and Swatches

Price: $1.99 at Walgreens

Pros: It is super cheap! It works! These eye pencils are pigmented, easy to glide, no tugging and they stay in place all day, without smudging. I also love that they are retractable so I don’t have to deal with sharpening them. I love using the purple on the bottom lash for a pop of color. It goes very well with my brown eyes.

Cons: I have not seen this brand outside of Walgreens so it may be hard to find if you don’t have a Walgreens nearby.

Swatch: Purple Fusion and Denim Blue

Overall: If you can find them, I would highly recommend giving these a try. I don’t think you will be disappointed with the formula and there are many shades to pick from. Plus, they are only $1.99.

Rating: 5/5

Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

O'slee Rosehip Peeling Gel Review

O'slee Rosehip Peeling Gel is a gel exfoliation that promises to decompose extra grease and dead skin.  Skin becomes translucent and even with continuous use.

Price:  $11 for 60 grams. Purchased from sasa.com

Pros:  The ingredients are short and simple.  I like that it contains rosehip extract. It will be a novelty for those using peeling gel for the first time. Slather on the gel and rub your face in small circular motion, have fun seeing your dead skin roll up into tiny balls. I tend to have dry, dead skin on the side of my nose and this effectively removes them all. Also, since the texture is a gel instead of a scrub, it is extra gentle for those with sensitive skin.

(I don't know why this picture is loaded side way and I don't know how to fix it...sorry)

After rubbing the gel for about a minute.

Cons: I can’t think of any really.

Overall: I highly recommend this exfoliation for people with sensitive skin. If regular scrub leaves your skin feeling raw, I think you will like this; it is very gentle yet effective.

Rating: 4.5/5

Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

NYX Eye Brow Kit with Stencil Review and Swatches

The review today is on NYX Eyebrow Kit with Stencil in color For Everybody.  The kit also come in For Blondes and For Brunettes.  Each kit comes with 4 colors, 3 stencils, an eyebrow comb and an eyebrow brush.

Price:  $13.50

Pros:  The brow powders are pigmented and come in large size container, about the size of a MAC eyeshadow.  The shades in For Everybody palette is really versatile, it would be suitable for everybody maybe except for light blond.  Last but not least, the inclusion of make it convenient and travel friendly.  

Cons:  I feel that the packaging is a bit thick, they have room to slim it down and make it less bulky.  Also, the eyebrow brush and comb are just okay.  I would use them if I am in a pinch but I mostly use my own separate set.

Overall:  I feel like I cannot give constructive comments on the 3 included stencils because I simply have never use a stencil.  I hardly have to pluck or groom my eyebrows and I have been filling them in stencil-free for the past 15 plus years so I find using a stencil just slow me down.  However, I have to note that I was able to find a stencil that closely match my eyebrow thickness and arch angle.  Overall, I think the brow powders are of high quality and the stencils may come in handy for most people.

Rating: 4/5

Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

Sula from Canada Made it Way to the U.S.

I was browsing Ulta.com the other day and came across a new brand call Sula.  Their gorgeous packaging immediately grabbed my attention (the power of marketing).  Sula is an eco-friendly Toronto, Canada base company that seem to started with fragrance and expand into cosmetic as well.  Lets check out some of the items they carry.

The image above is their on the go perfume oil, available both individually or in a set.  Come in six scents and also eau de parfume version (below).

They also have a collection of cosmetics that include eye shadows, lipsticks, lipglosses, lip&cheek tint, blushes, and eye crayons.  All cosmetic items are retail for $8 each and available at Ulta.com.  I am not sure if these are available in store, I have to check.  Do you know?