Revlon Lip Butter Swatches, Photos, + Reviews

 Revlon Lip Butters have received mountains of praise on the internet and I am here to reassure you that the hype is well deserved. I am the proud owner of five shades and there has yet to be a color that I didn't love. The Revlon Lip Butters are light weight, pigmented, and easy to wear. They apply like a dream and they fade like a dream (which is even better in my opinion). These things aren't the longest lasting products on the market but once they're gone they don't leave behind a trace of unflattering and uneven product on the lips. 

Revlon Lip Butters: Tutti Frutti, Gumdrop, Lollipop, Strawberry Shortcake, Sweet Tart

The Revlon packaging is--bar none--the sleekest and most modern on the drugstore shelves. They also come in a wide range of shades that are flattering for everyone. They do get a bit messy around the edges of the tube due to their ultra creamy formulation but it is only a minor nuisance--if anything. 

The Revlon Lip Butters (like all other Revlon products) are on the higher end of the drugstore price spectrum. They retail for around eight dollars each (but if you are clever, you can catch a sale and pay somewhere around five or six). But with that higher price tag, customers get a high quality product and excellent packaging. Buy or Bust? In my opinion, this a no brainer. Buy!

Revlon Lip Butters: Tutti Frutti, Gumdrop, Lollipop, Strawberry Shortcake, Sweet Tart

   

Revlon Lip Butters: Tutti Frutti, Gumdrop, Lollipop, Strawberry Shortcake, Sweet Tart

Here are the colors swatched on my arm. It is barely detectable in the picture (and in real life) but Gumdrop, Lollipop, and Strawberry Shortcake have the slightest hint of glitter. It doesn't bother me (one who normally abhors glitter in any lip product other than lip gloss) and to be honest I think that the glitter is a nice, but extremely subtle, touch. 

If you are looking to add a color to your makeup collection, I would recommend Lollipop, Sweet Tart, or Gumdrop. Lollipop is an effortless but bold fuschia pink. It is great for summer days out shopping or a late-night party. Sweet Tart is a beautiful everyday shade. It would look great on a wide range of skin tones. Gumdrop is a light, easy color to wear. It is extremely subtle (as you can already tell from the sheerness of the swatch above) but it gives a lovely hint of lilac and shimmer to the lips. It is a fantastic color to wear--especially during hot summer days. 

Have you tried any of the Revlon Lip Butters? And if so, what did you think? If not, tell me what is your must have summer make-up essential? Leave your thoughts in a comment below!

CoverGirl "Ballet Twist" Jumbo Gloss Balm Swatch + Review

After receiving a decent amount of hype on the internet, I finally went out and purchased one of the new CoverGirl Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balms. I picked up two shades--"Ballet Twist" and "Watermelon Twist". From the color of the cap I assumed that "Ballet Twist" would be a subtle baby pink color but as I would find out after swatching it on my hand and then my lips, it is actually more of a shimmery nude.

Many people have been comparing this product to the Revlon Just Bitten Balm Stains or the Tarte LipSurgance Lip Tints (because they look similar) but these comparisons couldn't be more misleading. The Revlon Stains are just that--stains. They are smooth and pigmented and last for hours. These CoverGirl Balms are not meant to stain the skin and have a much shorter wear time (1-2 hours). The Tarte LipSurgance Lip Tints are highly pigmented and uber moisturizing. They also have a longer wear time than the CoverGirl Balms but their luxurious quality is heavily reflected in the price tag. If you are expecting your CoverGirl Balm to be similar to either of these products, you will be disappointed.

CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balm in "Ballet Twist" 

Here is the color swatched on my hand. It is almost impossible to see. I have a light-medium complexion and  I don't think the color would be very flattering (or show up) on skin tones much darker than mine.

The CoverGirl packaging is getting a thumbs down from me. It is packaged very similarly to the Clinique Chubby Sticks, Tarte LipSurgance Lip Tints, and the Revlon Just Bitten Balm Stains but I find that the dark purple/black color scheme isn't very flattering. It looks and feels cheap. I've also read a lot of reviews on the internet with consumers having problems with the product breaking and falling out the tube. I dropped my Jumbo Gloss Balm on the bathroom floor mat one morning and the same thing happened to me. I originally thought it was just an accident but after reading about so many other women having similar experiences, I'm beginning to believe it might be a design flaw on the part of CoverGirl.

CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balm in "Ballet Twist" 

Here is the color swatched on my lips. "Ballet Twist" is averagely pigmented. It is not very buildable but it does make my lips a lovely shimmer nude color. Even after three weeks of testing out this lip color, I am still a bit torn. I like the way it looks on my lips. It is more lightweight than my other nude lipsticks (Revlon "Nude Attitude" or MAC "Myth") and it also has a subtle sheen (and thus I don't feel like I have to wear a lip gloss every time).

But at the same time this isn't the product that I thought I was buying from CoverGirl. This is not a gloss or a balm. It feels like any other moisturizing drugstore lipstick (although maybe a tad bit lighter) and while it does have a sheen to it, the end result is more similar to a luster finish lipstick than anything else. Maybe my expectations were too high ( I was hoping for a drugstore equivalent to the Tarte LipSurgance LIp Tints) but I was doomed to be disappointed. It is a nice product (I'm not trying to say that it is horrible and no one should buy it) but I'm disappointed that CoverGirl is not making it easier for their consumers to pick out makeup products by naming them appropriately. These probably should have been called CoverGirl Lip Perfection Jumbo Luster Lipstick Pencils--or something like that. I'm not in marketing or advertising, so please don't judge too harshly.

In conclusion, the CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balm in "Ballet Twist" is an okay product. It is not a true balm or a true gloss but it is a nice nude lipstick for everyday wear (although, beware, it can look a little frosty in certain light). It isn't very buildable and as a result might not show up on people with darker skin tones. 

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains: Swatches, Photos, + Reviews

 More talk about the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains! I know I reviewed each of these in an individual posts but I thought that it would be helpful to write a post that compares all the shades I own [I believe that I'm missing four] and tell you my personal favorites as well as giving you a nice overall review of this product. Click any of the links below for more pictures and an in-depth review of each shade!

Michael Kors Very Hollywood Perfume Review

I can't believe I first got this scent almost three years ago. It was my first Michael Kors product and it was also my first designer perfume. This is my second bottle now but I still love it. And it makes sense that this is the perfume I chose to feature in my first, semi-official perfume review! Although I suck at describing scents so I don't know why I'm doing this but here I go! [Too many exclamation points? I'm sorry. *bows head in shame*]

According to the Michael Kors website, Very Hollywood draws people in "with shimmering jewels of mandarin and iced bergamot. Scene-stealing gardenia follows suit with a decadent performance of award-worthy glamour." I can smell the mandarin a bit but it isn't too strong--honestly I didn't even notice it until I was writing this review. But it makes sense because I'm naturally drawn towards citrus smells.

Here is an up close look at what the top looks like. I think the packaging is so cool with this perfume. The pink and gold coloring make it super girly and fun while the geometric bottle makes it seem modern at the same time. The bottle feels heavy and expensive.

I think this smell is a slightly more mature than many of the other perfumes I own. It isn't terribly sweet but the first thing I notice is that smells quite floral to me. It is a bit musky but I like that. It isn't too terribly in your face, it's more subtle than that which is partially why I think it is a more mature scent. It doesn't smell old lady--I'm nineteen and I don't think that I would wear anything that smelt old but it isn't sugary-sweet perfume that I was drawn to in my early teens. I've grown up a bit. I would recommend it--obviously this is my second bottle--but I know that perfume is a very personal choice. It says a lot about the person who wears it, so please go check this scent out at the perfume counter. I love it!

What is your favorite perfume? Tell me in the comments! Chat with me on twitter! Check out my latest movie and book reviews!

Essie "Tart Deco" Swatch + Review

Summer is finally here! And that means bright, bold, look-at-me nail polish. I hope Covergirl doesn't mind me borrowing their ad logo for a bit. But Tarte Deco is a beautiful shade from Essie's permanent line. It is a bright orange--very similar to OPI's Hot and Spicy. I wrote a review last summer saying that I thought that orange nail polish didn't suit my skin tone and that I would leave that color to someone else.
  

Since then I have changed my mind. This color in certain lights looks like almost a neon orange but in others it looks like a soft, creamscile orange. I like the seemingly versatility of this shade. It went on smooth and easy although it did begin to chip along the edge of the nail rather quickly, like around the two day mark. That was a little disappointing but that is easily fixed by wearing a good top coat-- I was testing out a new one and so far it hasn't impressed.
  

Lately I have been loving Essie polishes. I hate their brushes but they do make excellent pastels, pales, and bright colors that are simply fantastic. Don't be surprised if there are quite a few Essie posts in the future. 

Maybelline "Yummy Plummy" Lipstick Swatch + Review

 Maybelline is known for making great, inexpensive lipsticks. I own many myself and I love how in the drugstore they are presented in categories based on the color family they are meant to belong to. It is easy to find the color I want quickly and effectively. Something that I find completely FRUSTRATING about Maybelline lipsticks? It is nearly impossible--without opening up the lipstick and looking at the actual product--to know the formulation. Is it a frost? A matte? A shimmer? I have no idea! Also, there are no safety packaging on the lipsticks to keep people from opening up the product and swatching them. You sort of have to guess and hope that no one has touched it yet. That makes me hesitate.

   

The packaging is adequate. It feels cheap. But the product itself is a really good deal for the price. It isn't overly moisturizing but it does dry beautifully on the lips. It lasts about four to six hours on average. I have mixed feelings about Maybelline lipsticks but it doesn't have anything to with the actual product. All of the shades I own are great.

   

"Yummy Plummy" looks significantly different on the lips than it does in the tube. It is by far the darkest shade that I own. It is a warm plummy, nudey-brown color. I know it's probably not the color for everyone but I think that it looks really nice in the fall or winter--especially under a pale pink or nude lipgloss.

MAC "Viva Glam V" Lipstick Swatch + Review

 As random as it sounds, MAC Viva Glam V was my first MAC lipstick. It isn't a cult classic like Myth or Cream Cup. But I first bought it years ago. I had jsut started getting into makeup and I had become obsessed with beauty videos on YouTube. If there was one thing that they were constantly raving about, it was MAC lipsticks. We don't have a MAC store near where I live but we do have a MAC counter in our local Macy's. I walked in having no idea what I wanted to get, I just knew that I wanted one.

  

I asked the woman what lipsticks she would recommend. I also remember being put off when she picked up this shade. It looks like a horrible muddy brown at first look. I thanked the woman but mentally told myself that I would pick something else when she wasn't looking. But then I swatched it on my hand--I had seen many Youtuber do this--and I saw that it was this beautiful shimmery pink color. If it looked gorgeous on the hand, it looks even better on the lips.

 

Viva Glam V is one of those no fuss, no muss colors. Slap it on and you're good to go. As you can tell, it is a very well-loved color. I'm so glad that the woman recommended it because I never would have given this shade a second look. It is subtle and I think it would look fantastic on any skin tone. I would considered it a "your-lip-color-but-better" shade. I really can't say enough good things about it. Lately I've been trying to try a lot of new products so that I can review them but I had sort of forgotten about my old loves. It now has a place of love in my purse.

  

It also helps a worthy cause. In case you didn't know, proceeds from every purcahse of a Viva Glam lipgloss goes towards the MAC AIDS Foundation. It is the best of both worlds. I think everyone can agree that the fight against AIDS is a worthy cause. What MAC lipsticks is your favorite? I might be expanding my collections sometime this summer and I would love to hear your thoughts!

Revlon "Romantic" Just Bitten Balm Stain Swatch + Review

I am so happy with this product. It is like the Revlon Just Bitten lip stain and the Revlon LipButters combined into one super cool, super neat product. I love it! It is moisturizing and easy to apply. It has really good lasting power throughout the day and while it doesn't stay as on as bold and as bright as the product appears when you first apply it, it does fade into a pretty softer shade. It does smell quite minty--similar to the Tarte lip tints. But it isn't really that overwhelming and I didn't even notice it the first couple times I used it.
  

Here is a closer look at the tip of the product. I've heard people say that it is very similar [especially packaging-wise] to Clinique's Chubby Stick. Now I've never owned one of those so I can't make any comparisons. But I can say with certainty that is also very similar to the Tarte Lipsurgence lip stains--except those are much, much more moisturizing. These are moisturizing but not nearly as close to those--but then again, they're a quarter of the price so I'm not complaining.

 

Having said that, I think this is an excellent product. I've only tried two so far and this is by far my favorite. The product looks darker in the tube and quite frankly it can look a little intimidating, but it goes on the skin in a very beautiful candy apple red color. At first, it gives a nice subtle sheen to the lips but that will disappear within an hour or so. This is not the product if you want a bold, bright stain that won't budge for hours. But it is the product for anyone looking for a subtle long lasting lip color that is super moisturizing.

 

If you are trying to decide between buying a LipButter, a balm stain, or a lip stain, I would chose the lip balms. They are the best of both words. There are about twelve shades available currently in the line and I can't wait to get my hands on more. They are a bit pricey for the drugstre [somewhere around eight  plus dollars] but I think they are well worth the price.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Review

This is easily one of the best products I've ever recieved in any of my Birchboxes. Strike that. It was one of the best products I have tried--period. This product leaves my face so incredibly smooth that after I've used it, I can't stop touching my face. That's probably horrible for preventing acne but I can't resist. It is that smooth. I am not exaggerating when I say that this is a holy grail product. I. Love. This. Stuff.

  

It isn't abrasive. Actually when I first used it, I was worried that it wasn't rough enough. I could barely feel it on my skin. It comes as a fine white powder. I put about a nickel size amount of powder in my palm and I use water as needed. I had a rough patch of skin on my right cheek and the last time I used it, I paid special attention to that area. I could literally feel the skin softening under my fingers. It was amazing. It is supposed to be a daily exfoliant but the results can last up to three days. The biggest downside to this product--and it is extremely big--is the price. It is fifty dollars for twenty ounces. I'm going to be so sad when I run out of the sample size Birchbox provided. It will be difficult trying to justify paying that much money for a skincare product but I will probably eventually cave. This stuff is that good!

Although the powder formulation is a little annoying because it can get messy. But I must point out that Dermalogica was smart enough to make the top just a solid surface with a few holes to allow the product to slide through. Now, to the best of my knowledge there is no way to take this part off. But I don't really think there would be any reason to. This makes it easier to work with than other powder products I've worked with like the 100% Pineapple Enzyme Mask I recently reviewed. I don't need a spoon and I'm not as worried about pouring out too much. Downside? If you pour it is nearly impossible to get product back in the bottle. So, you still have to be careful.

  

If there is an odor, I haven't noticed one. It hasn't irritated my skin but I don't consider myself to have sensative skin. Out of all the reviews I've read online, I have heard nothing but great things from fellow bloggers and consumers. The only complaint I've seen is the price. I ADORE this product. It is so amazing. Have you tried any Dermalogica products? Please leave your suggestions in the comments below!

100% Pure Pineapple Enzyme Facial Peel Mask Review

About the brand: Recently I have become obsessed with skin care products. I have a few 100% Pure products but in the blogging world I haven't heard that much about the brand. 100% Pure claims to be a brand that has "no synthetic chemicals, chemical preservatives, artificial fragrances, artificial colors, harsh detergents or any other unhealthy toxins." and they don't test any of their products or ingredients on animals. Vegans should also feel comfortable using these products. I was imediately intriqued by this line. Could a natural beauty line compare to synthetic products? I was determined to put these products to the test.

  

The pineapple enzyme mask is said "to smooth away dullness and make complexion more healthy, glowing and vibrant" and is filled with anti-aging ingredients. The claims of anti-aging are hard to prove or disprove but this product made my skin feel soft to the touch. Not as soft as the Dermilogica Daily Micorfoliant but I was still impressed. Now, the product comes in a powder format and before you apply it, you must mix it with either water or yoghurt. I perfer yoghurt because it is easier to apply and mix with the powder. When mixed with water it can become watery and the application is a bit uneven. Plus side, it dries much faster than the yoghurt mixture.

  

The downside of this product? The powder formula makes it inconvienent to use. It takes time to mix it with the water/yoghurt but that also means more product in a smaller container. Next downside? It doesn't peel unlike what the name of the product implies. The mixture dries into a semi-clear/unattractive yellow color, depending on thickness of application. Not the most estheically pleasing appearance but a bit more subtle than the stereotypical green mud mask. Since the product doesn't peel very well, you have to rinse the product from your face with warm water. But it does constrict as it dries giving you a tight, mask feeling. I love that.

     

I have used the mask four times and, as you can see from the picture above, I've hardly put a dent in the product. You don't need a lot of powder--less than a teaspoon. I recommend adding the powder in a small bowl, then add the water/yoghurt. Each time I forget to do that and I end up making too much mask and then feeling wasteful.

  

In conclusion? I really like this mask. The smell wasn't fantastic but neither was it horrid. It's nice to pamper myself  every now and then. The price is very reasonable. The pineapple enzyme mask is available for $17.00 on the 100% Pure website. 

LUSH Satsumo Santa Bath Bomb Review

I'm back at school. Spring break is over, sadly. But over my break I was able to use a few of the LUSH goodies my sister got me for Christmas. First product on my must use list? Satsumo Santa! He is a bigger sized bath bomb. Much larger than the only other LUSH bath bomb I've used, So White. The scent was pleasant. Nothing incredibly memorable. But nothing offensive either. The smell didn't last long on my skin after getting out which was something that So White did incredibly well and it didn't make the water uber moisturizing. I was a little disappointed. 
   

This best thing about this bath bomb? It was so large that it was fizzing for what felt like forever. I'm sure that a frugal person could have easily split this bomb in half to use it for two baths. I didn't because I was unsure about whether that would work. I'm pretty certain it would. Satsumo Santa turns the bath water a bright, red color. It sort of looks like you're bathing in fruit punch. I liked it. Until my sister came in after I'd bathed but before I'd drained the water and said that it looked like blood. It doesn't. Not really. More like fruit punch. I might repurchase this because, I mean, look at it! It is so cute! But I perfer the fresh scent and long lasting power of So White. Even if it doesn't make my bath a cool color.

   

I am officially addicted to LUSH goodies now. Their Easter Collection is currently on sale and I picked up a few things for myself and my sister. She's a little addicted as well. Keep your eyes peeled for more reivews in the future. Have you tried Satsumo Santa before? If so, please leave your thoughts in the comments below. Also, if you have any LUSH recommendations I'd love to hear about them.

R.I.P EOS Lemon Drop Lip Blam

It is a very sad day...I went to my car and found my lip balm DESTROYED. So far this summer, the sun has only been here about fours [not an exaggeration] and it couldn't leave my lip balm alone. Most of the actual balm has slid down through the gaps and is sitting at the bottom. I left it upside down in my car, hoping the sun comes back before I leave and it will return to it's natural state...but I'm not holding my breath.

Now I guess its about time for a mini review. I think they're egg-like shape has its pros and cons. Pros: it is easy to find at the bottom of a purse or a cluttered car. Cons: I can't fit it in my jean pocket. That's where I like to keep it when I go to school or when I run errands. It isn't very convenient. So I just keep my Soft Lips in my jeans and my EOS in my car/purse. Problem solved!

Now, onto the smell. It smells EXACTLY like a lemon bar. Yum! I like it much better than the summer fruit scent. Summer fruit is just too sweet for me. I don't like it. And while I like lemon drop, honeysuckle honeydew is my favorite. *sniffing product* It just smells so good. Sweet but not too sweet. Fresh. Clean. I highly recommend that one but the lemon is semi-close second.