Product Review: e.l.f. Lip Kiss Balm

Link ~ August 12, 2016 ~ 28daysbeauty ~ Leave a comment

E.l.f. Cosmetics is (and I mean this with truly the best intentions) a fantastic cheap thrill! They totally deliver, all for $2, with their Lip Kiss Balm in Bare Kiss.

e.l.f. lip balm, elf cosmetics, eyes lips face — e.l.f. lip kiss balm

The formula is smooth and not sparkly – which is a really nice alternative to a saturated market of glittery balms. The coverage is sheer, and the color is a beautiful neutral nude pink. The formula also has menthol in it, so it’s a bit refreshing when you apply. It feels lightweight, and is not sticky – plus, it has a pretty semi-gloss finish.

bare kiss, e.l.f. lip balm — e.l.f. bare kiss balm

I keep a tube of this in my desk drawer, as I’m constantly running to meetings, and it’s so easy to swipe on in between. My lips feel hydrated and soft for hours at a time. I love this because it’s basically a sophisticated, tinted “adult” lip balm – no extra glitter or sparkles to make it feel too “teeny-bopper”. Plus, at $2 a pop, you can try all of the four colors available!

Product Review: My 3 latest beauty obsessions from Julep

Link ~ March 19, 2016 ~ 28daysbeauty ~ Leave a comment

For those of you who read my blog, you’ll know of my beauty box opinions. Julep has become my favorite (for their assortment and subscription functionality), and I’ve found 3 products in shades that I’m seriously loving for this Spring.

Julep Nail Color in Whitney: this is beautiful nude taupe nail polish in a cream finish. I love it for my manicures, especially layering underneath essie’s Gel Setter top coat. It lasts incredibly well, and is subtle to wear with everything.
Julep It’s Balm Full Coverage Lip Crayon in Nectar Pink Creme: Ok, straight talk? This is just a gorgeous nude pink in a fantastic formula. It reminds me of my favorite Cargo Essential Lip Color in Sante Fe, and it has a moisturizing core to care for lips. It has the slightest sheen to it, and wears beautifully throughout the day. In a pinch, I used it as blush, and it looked awesome.
Julep When Pencil Met Gel Long-Lasting Eyeliner in Smokey Taupe Shimmer: I’ll admit I have VERY high standards for eyeliner, for two main reasons; 1) I have sensitive eyes, and 2) I want a smooth formula that lasts. And this eyeliner may have just unseated my all-time favorite “Eqyptian” Cream Shaper eyeliner from Clinique. This shade is gorgeous for most eye colors, and the formula is so smooth but long lasting. I’m totally impressed with this, as it didn’t cause me any irritation and yet contains shimmer. (Shimmer or mica particles are often a culprit of irritation in eye makeup)

it’s balm full coverage lip crayon and when pencil met gel eyeliner

This brand is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. Not only is the box subscription model easy to use, the value is great and formulas are high quality. Also, their formulas are very user friendly and caring for skin. Julep is also starting to be featured in retailers, so keep your eyes on this brand!

Product Review: Smith’s Rosebud Salve

July 30, 2015 ~ 28daysbeauty ~ Leave a comment

Rosebud? Nope, not the sled. This, rather, is one of the secret weapons known to the professional beauty industry as the fix-it-all miracle balm. Seriously, Smith’s Rosebud Salve is something I have in my purse at all times. I use it as lip balm, cuticle treatment, soothing dry patches around my nose in winter, healing bug bites in summer, and generally helping any other dry, sensitive skin issue. Some makeup artists use it to tame crazy eyebrows, or frizzy hair flyaways.

rosebud salve, lip balm, cuticles — the little miracle worker

The patent for this formula goes back to 1908, and the formula was developed in 1892. I was introduced to this in beauty school back in 2000, and I’ve been hooked on it ever since. I usually buy 2 or 3 tins at a time, as I’ll keep one in my purse, gym bag, and desk drawer at my office. Use it as a great hydrating base for lipstick, and you can also mix a bit with shimmery eye shadow to create a highlighter in a pinch. It’s awesome, just plain and simple!