My First British Makeup Purchase: Barry M Cor Balmy

  Hello there!
Contrary to belief, no one actually says 'Cor Blimey' in England, but I did find this adorable Barry M balm called 'Cor Balmy', which was too cute to resist. For the equivalent of $5.70, this balm can be yours. Do I think the price is a but high? Yeah, but London is one of the most expensive cities in the world!

 

This is the Barry M version of the Maybelline Baby Lips, but I think they moisturize better actually. Since being in London, even in the fair weather, my lips are getting more chapped, and this works better than the Babylips I brought along, so I am really glad I made this purchase. There are a few different shades, but I got the orange/coral called 'Trouble and Strife"

 

The outside of the balm is the color and the inside circle is clear and made of Jojoba and Shea for extra moisture. This is my first experience with the brand Barry M, but I think the packaging is fun and this lasted on my lips for 3 hours (and still felt moisturized), even after drinking water. 

 Overall, it is just a lip balm, but the relevant packaging and the moisture factor made it something that I am glad I have in my bag while trekking around the city.

Have you tried Barry M? 

Cheerio!

 

My Very First Empties Post: February 2014

I have never done an empties post on the blog, and I don't plan on boring you by making it too long, but this year, I am all about using up what I have bought with my money! Why waste it?
This months' empties are a small group, but I feel proud nonetheless! All of the items are linked back to original reviews if I have them.

February 2014 Empties:
Clinique Dramatically Different Gel Moisturizer $14.50 for 50ml: This lasted me about 4 months, and I used it every single day, sometimes 3 or 4 times. Not bad! I already replaced it with the original lotion formula because my skin is really dry, but the gel is great for summer months.
Maybelline Babylips SPF 20 in Peppermint $2.99: These are easy to use up with regular application. One lasts me about a month, 2 weeks if it is my only balm.
Mini Vaseline Lip Therapy $2.00: Love these little pots for everything! This lasted me about 6 months. Used mostly as a night lip treatment.
Smith's Minted Rose Lip Balm $6.00: Started using this at the beginning of January very regularly (2-5x a day) so I say this is a pretty good value. Need more!

This is my final empty--- Parasol from the Tarte Aqualillies Palette from last year ($38). This gorgeous nude has been a staple in my everyday eye looks for the last 6 months straight, and off and on when I first got it almost a year ago. Crazy how long one shadow lasts! I am still gonna use up that last bit, but I wanted to show you a bit of the color.

Did you empty anything this month? Feel free to link me your February Empties!

Baby Lips Electro: Oh! Orange!

Hey Pandas! Summer is all about brights, but they can be intimidating to wear, and personally I like the idea of them better than the actual thing. Cue the new Babylips Electro collection for Summer 2013. 

If you have ever ventured onto this blog, you probably know that I LOVE the Babylips formula. I think that Maybelline did a great job with all aspects of the product. I also know that some people don't care for Babylips, but even if it isn't your HG chap stick, I think the Electro collection is worth checking out.

 

 

They are the same price as the originals ($2.99) and the packaging is all black with colored writing on the clear cap. Oh! Orange! has the best smell---it smells like a "big stick"! (If you have never heard of this amazing ice cream treat, Google it!). The formula is no different, but I find there is a nice pop of color with the new neon Electros. They are the easiest way to feel summery and wear 'brights' with zero maintenance.

 

 

I think the wearable orange color is so pretty, the packaging is really cute, and the price can't be beat. If you are looking for a cheap summer thrill, pick up one of the new Babylips Electro colors!

 

Have you tried any of the Babylips Electro collection? I want to try the lemon one next! 

Baby Lips Electro: Oh! Orange!

Hey Pandas! Summer is all about brights, but they can be intimidating to wear, and personally I like the idea of them better than the actual thing. Cue the new Babylips Electro collection for Summer 2013.  

If you have ever ventured onto this blog, you probably know that I LOVE the Babylips formula. I think that Maybelline did a great job with all aspects of the product. I also know that some people don't care for Babylips, but even if it isn't your HG chap stick, I think the Electro collection is worth checking out.

 

 

They are the same price as the originals ($2.99) and the packaging is all black with colored writing on the clear cap. Oh! Orange! has the best smell---it smells like a "big stick"! (If you have never heard of this amazing ice cream treat, Google it!). The formula is no different, but I find there is a nice pop of color with the new neon Electros. They are the easiest way to feel summery and wear 'brights' with zero maintenance.

 

 

I think the wearable orange color is so pretty, the packaging is really cute, and the price can't be beat. If you are looking for a cheap summer thrill, pick up one of the new Babylips Electro colors!

 

Have you tried any of the Babylips Electro collection? I want to try the lemon one next!  

My Favorite Lip Balms!

I am the self-proclaimed lip balm queen/hoarder, and I am here to share my wealth of knowledge on the subject. Ha

 

For me, lip balms are a necessity. They go along with food and water and I usually have no less than 5 (I am sadly not kidding) on my person at all times. My lips have gotten so used to me pampering them and spoiling them that they cannot live without some form of balm. Here are a collection of my favorites!

 

Babylips are probably my all time favorite lip balm. Since they were released by Maybelline,  I have been hoarding these things like a crazy squirrel. Seriously. I love the clear ones the best, but am growing to love the color ones more and more. They provide excellent moisture and an SPF 20.

 

L to R Colors: Quenched (Clear), Cherry Me (Red), Peppermint (Clear), Yummy Plummy (New Release Plum), Twinkle (New Release Light Peach), Pink Wink (New Release Light Pink), and Peach Kiss (True Peach).

 

 

Here are just a few of my EOS balms. I find them yummy smelling and tasting, not as moisturizing as most, but easy to apply without getting a build up on the lips. They also keep well in purses because of the screw top. And you can dig in your bag and always find it because of the shape!

 

 

Here are some of my miscellaneous balms. The top one is a small sized Julep balm in the Strawberry Mint Flavor. I use this when my lips needs something with an exfoliator, as this has a slightly gritty texture. I smush it together and the little particles burst a bit and my lips feel nice!

 

The tried and true Lip Smacker in Dr. Pepper is a cult classic. It has an amazing smell, gives lips a just bitten look, and moisturizes well.

 

I also love Nivea a kiss of Milk and Honey because the warm scent is so calming on my lips and it has ample hydration.

 

 

Here are some of my intense lip treatments good for night time!

 

I love Nivea Lip Butter in Caramel Cream Kiss because it is so emollient and smells so yummy.

 

And I have just discovered the joys of baby Vaseline tubs! I slather this on for a great lip treatment. Can be mixed with sugar for an impromptu scrub as well.

 

My other treatment is Overnight Renewal Therapy 70% White Petrolatum Jelly. It does smell a bit odd because it is refined Petrolatum but does a wonder as an overnight treatment. I love it!

 

 

And last but not least, my new favorite love of Jack Black Lip Balms. I use these daily when I wake up to give my lips a nice start. They have a Vaseline like texture and I like feeling that my lips are protected with SPF 25.

 

L to R: Acai Berry, Shea Butter, Grapefruit, and Natural Mint

 

and the bottom is my almost finished tube of Natural Mint. Sad!

 

I hope you enjoyed learning about my slightly crazy lip balm obsession. What are your faves?

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Favorite Lip Balms!

I am the self-proclaimed lip balm queen/hoarder, and I am here to share my wealth of knowledge on the subject. Ha

 

For me, lip balms are a necessity. They go along with food and water and I usually have no less than 5 (I am sadly not kidding) on my person at all times. My lips have gotten so used to me pampering them and spoiling them that they cannot live without some form of balm. Here are a collection of my favorites!

 

Babylips are probably my all time favorite lip balm. Since they were released by Maybelline,  I have been hoarding these things like a crazy squirrel. Seriously. I love the clear ones the best, but am growing to love the color ones more and more. They provide excellent moisture and an SPF 20.

 

L to R Colors: Quenched (Clear), Cherry Me (Red), Peppermint (Clear), Yummy Plummy (New Release Plum), Twinkle (New Release Light Peach), Pink Wink (New Release Light Pink), and Peach Kiss (True Peach).

 

 

Here are just a few of my EOS balms. I find them yummy smelling and tasting, not as moisturizing as most, but easy to apply without getting a build up on the lips. They also keep well in purses because of the screw top. And you can dig in your bag and always find it because of the shape!

 

 

Here are some of my miscellaneous balms. The top one is a small sized Julep balm in the Strawberry Mint Flavor. I use this when my lips needs something with an exfoliator, as this has a slightly gritty texture. I smush it together and the little particles burst a bit and my lips feel nice!

 

The tried and true Lip Smacker in Dr. Pepper is a cult classic. It has an amazing smell, gives lips a just bitten look, and moisturizes well.

 

I also love Nivea a kiss of Milk and Honey because the warm scent is so calming on my lips and it has ample hydration.

 

 

Here are some of my intense lip treatments good for night time!

 

I love Nivea Lip Butter in Caramel Cream Kiss because it is so emollient and smells so yummy.

 

And I have just discovered the joys of baby Vaseline tubs! I slather this on for a great lip treatment. Can be mixed with sugar for an impromptu scrub as well.

 

My other treatment is Overnight Renewal Therapy 70% White Petrolatum Jelly. It does smell a bit odd because it is refined Petrolatum but does a wonder as an overnight treatment. I love it!

 

 

And last but not least, my new favorite love of Jack Black Lip Balms. I use these daily when I wake up to give my lips a nice start. They have a Vaseline like texture and I like feeling that my lips are protected with SPF 25.

 

L to R: Acai Berry, Shea Butter, Grapefruit, and Natural Mint

 

and the bottom is my almost finished tube of Natural Mint. Sad!

 

I hope you enjoyed learning about my slightly crazy lip balm obsession. What are your faves?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Face and Outfit of the Day!

Today is really important. Firstly, because it is my first day experimenting with makeup and my new red hair. Secondly, it is Gary Oldman's birthday...my ultimate British celeb crush and genuinely awesome guy. So, here is my OOTD and FOTD to celebrate!

Here is your cheat sheet for my look today.

1) Clinique Perfectly Real Makeup in Shade 01 (N). $26. I patted this all over my face and pressed it in with warm fingers. The consistency is drier, so this method works for me.

2) NYX Are You DepEYEved Mascara $8 and NYX Natural Palette $7. I used the lightest shade in the palette all over my eye and contoured with the middle tan shade and the light grey shade. One coat of mascara on my top and bottom lashes.

3) M.A.C. Pearl Blossom Beauty Powder from the Barbie collection (oldie but goodie, shopping the stash here).

4) Revlon PhotoReady pressed translucent powder in shade 001. $8. I blotted this with a big kabuki brush all over my face to set foundation and blush.

5) Neutrogena Skinclearing Blemish Concealer in Fair. $7. I dotted this on two trouble spots and blotted again with the powder.

6) To conceal my dark circles I used Clinique All About Eyes concealer in 01 Light Neutral (the match for my foundation although it does pull more yellow) $16. I used a concealer brush to pat this under my eyes.

7) Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser $10 went on top of the concealer to airbrush and add the protective benefits and the Vitamin C to keep my eyes looking bright all day.

8) Babylips Peach Kiss to balance out my look with nude/peach hydration.

9) The final step was lining my eyes with Sephora Flashy Liner in Flashy Ultra Green. $12. Pantone's shade of the year--emerald! I think it goes well with the red hair and doesn't make me look like too much of a leprechaun!

 

Just a light, thick line on my upper lid with a very small wing-out did the trick!

 

 

Here is the foundation, beauty powder, and babylips at work!

 

 

And here is the whole look including my awesome shirt (hence my OOTD, or half of it anyway) the many faces of Gary Oldman. You can buy your own at Society6.com (I am not affiliated and I bought this with my own money). It is really cool because it has everything from Sid Vicious to Jim Gordon! I also wore my Sirius Black necklace from Etsy, all to celebrate his B-Day!

 

 

So happy birthday to the flawless Gary, and I hope you enjoyed this FOTD and sneak peek at my cool shirt!

 

 

 

 

Face and Outfit of the Day!

Today is really important. Firstly, because it is my first day experimenting with makeup and my new red hair. Secondly, it is Gary Oldman's birthday...my ultimate British celeb crush and genuinely awesome guy. So, here is my OOTD and FOTD to celebrate!

Here is your cheat sheet for my look today.

1) Clinique Perfectly Real Makeup in Shade 01 (N). $26. I patted this all over my face and pressed it in with warm fingers. The consistency is drier, so this method works for me.

2) NYX Are You DepEYEved Mascara $8 and NYX Natural Palette $7. I used the lightest shade in the palette all over my eye and contoured with the middle tan shade and the light grey shade. One coat of mascara on my top and bottom lashes.

3) M.A.C. Pearl Blossom Beauty Powder from the Barbie collection (oldie but goodie, shopping the stash here).

4) Revlon PhotoReady pressed translucent powder in shade 001. $8. I blotted this with a big kabuki brush all over my face to set foundation and blush.

5) Neutrogena Skinclearing Blemish Concealer in Fair. $7. I dotted this on two trouble spots and blotted again with the powder.

6) To conceal my dark circles I used Clinique All About Eyes concealer in 01 Light Neutral (the match for my foundation although it does pull more yellow) $16. I used a concealer brush to pat this under my eyes.

7) Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser $10 went on top of the concealer to airbrush and add the protective benefits and the Vitamin C to keep my eyes looking bright all day.

8) Babylips Peach Kiss to balance out my look with nude/peach hydration.

9) The final step was lining my eyes with Sephora Flashy Liner in Flashy Ultra Green. $12. Pantone's shade of the year--emerald! I think it goes well with the red hair and doesn't make me look like too much of a leprechaun!

 

Just a light, thick line on my upper lid with a very small wing-out did the trick!

 

 

Here is the foundation, beauty powder, and babylips at work!

 

 

And here is the whole look including my awesome shirt (hence my OOTD, or half of it anyway) the many faces of Gary Oldman. You can buy your own at Society6.com (I am not affiliated and I bought this with my own money). It is really cool because it has everything from Sid Vicious to Jim Gordon! I also wore my Sirius Black necklace from Etsy, all to celebrate his B-Day!

 

 

So happy birthday to the flawless Gary, and I hope you enjoyed this FOTD and sneak peek at my cool shirt!

 

 

 

 

March Julep Box: Pastels

Hello lovely Pandas!

 

I love Julep, I am a Maven and an It Girl, and here is what my Julep box contained for the month of March!

 

 

As per usual with the It Girl package, I get three polishes instead of two with a product. This month was all about pastels, which is right on trend. From my experience Julep has never been a month ahead of the trends (which I would prefer) but they are never behind! Always right on cue.

 

 

I love the colors this month! Here are some swatches. Keep in mind these are only one coat each! Amazing!

 

The coral creme is Teri. It is a bit lighter in the bottle, but gorgeous in the swatch.

The pastel lilac creme is called Simone. This is so flirty and feminine!

And of course, the nail world is abuzz with mint right now! The mint is Shenae, and this is one of my favorite mints. It has a very slight mint shimmer to it. Look closely at the bottle shot above! Wow!

 

 

Every month Julep always adds a little extra something. This month is was a Strawberry-Mint lip balm. As we all know, I am a lip balm addict. The first step is admitting you have a problem right? Although my precious Babylips still take the cake, I am impressed with this! It smells heavenly and it really moisturizing. Score!

 

 

Although the square shape is a little odd, I kinda like it!

 

So, were you as impressed with Julep this month as I was?

 

 

March Julep Box: Pastels

Hello lovely Pandas!

 

I love Julep, I am a Maven and an It Girl, and here is what my Julep box contained for the month of March!

 

 

As per usual with the It Girl package, I get three polishes instead of two with a product. This month was all about pastels, which is right on trend. From my experience Julep has never been a month ahead of the trends (which I would prefer) but they are never behind! Always right on cue.

 

 

I love the colors this month! Here are some swatches. Keep in mind these are only one coat each! Amazing!

 

The coral creme is Teri. It is a bit lighter in the bottle, but gorgeous in the swatch.

The pastel lilac creme is called Simone. This is so flirty and feminine!

And of course, the nail world is abuzz with mint right now! The mint is Shenae, and this is one of my favorite mints. It has a very slight mint shimmer to it. Look closely at the bottle shot above! Wow!

 

 

Every month Julep always adds a little extra something. This month is was a Strawberry-Mint lip balm. As we all know, I am a lip balm addict. The first step is admitting you have a problem right? Although my precious Babylips still take the cake, I am impressed with this! It smells heavenly and it really moisturizing. Score!

 

 

Although the square shape is a little odd, I kinda like it!

 

So, were you as impressed with Julep this month as I was?