Showing posts with label balm. Show all posts
Showing posts with label balm. Show all posts

Monday, September 16, 2013

Lipstick Queen Chinatown Glossy Pencil in Chase: Review and Swatches

The chubby lip pencil craze does not look like it will be dying down anytime soon, but recently my Ulta got in the Poppy King Lipstick Queen line and I had to try for myself the chubby balm pencil that started it all.
 
And I am really, really glad I did!
 
 
The shade I picked in the Chinatown Glossy Pencil was Chase, which is a gorgeous bright pink. For $22 you get the pencil and a sharpener. The packaging is also to-die for awesome; Poppy did not neglect any little detail here and for that I am appreciative!
 
 
Now, if you haven't seen the movie Chinatown, I suggest you do. Yes, now it may be a tad hipster, with everyone thinking Film Noir is awesome (because it always has been)...but I think beauty bloggers can really appreciate this film, because let's face it, we just get aesthetics.
 
Anyway, watch it when you can, and I promise it will make the packaging of these Glossy Pencils that much cooler.
 
 
This is the back of the packaging. I'm in love.
 
 
The actual packaging of the chubby Glossy Pencil is shiny and black, with the Lipstick Queen logo. The sharpener is similar. The fact that you have to sharpen these may be annoying to some people, but I don't mind, especially because now I have a designated sharpener for the purpose.
 
 
This is a cool detail on the back of the pencil. Fits right in with the theme of the packaging. Besides the obvious Chinatown reference, it also slightly reminds me of Bladerunner, or Firefly, but that is reference for another time.
 
 
There are a ton of pretty colors in the Glossy Pencil range, but Chase caught my eye because of the vivid pink hue. I usually gravitate towards reds, but I knew I had to have this one!
 
 
These are definitely glossy, and they feel like a slightly thicker balm on the lips. They are really comfortable to wear and can be built up in opacity, although I find a normal application is enough for stunning color. These last about 3.5 hours on me and leave my lips feeling good--not chapped at all.
 
 
This is one swipe of the Glossy Pencil on bare lips. Such a pretty color. Fades evenly as well. Smells like...well, lipstick, so nothing special there.
 
Overall, I think there is a reason Lipstick Queen is sometimes labeled the best at making these chubby Glossy Pencils. They really are awesome! Some may find they don't like the sharpening aspect, but if you can get over that, give these a try!
 
Panda Approved.
 
 
 photo panda-sig_zps4a356226.jpg

Lipstick Queen Chinatown Glossy Pencil in Chase: Review and Swatches

The chubby lip pencil craze does not look like it will be dying down anytime soon, but recently my Ulta got in the Poppy King Lipstick Queen line and I had to try for myself the chubby balm pencil that started it all.
 
And I am really, really glad I did!
 
 
The shade I picked in the Chinatown Glossy Pencil was Chase, which is a gorgeous bright pink. For $22 you get the pencil and a sharpener. The packaging is also to-die for awesome; Poppy did not neglect any little detail here and for that I am appreciative!
 
 
Now, if you haven't seen the movie Chinatown, I suggest you do. Yes, now it may be a tad hipster, with everyone thinking Film Noir is awesome (because it always has been)...but I think beauty bloggers can really appreciate this film, because let's face it, we just get aesthetics.
 
Anyway, watch it when you can, and I promise it will make the packaging of these Glossy Pencils that much cooler.
 
 
This is the back of the packaging. I'm in love.
 
 
The actual packaging of the chubby Glossy Pencil is shiny and black, with the Lipstick Queen logo. The sharpener is similar. The fact that you have to sharpen these may be annoying to some people, but I don't mind, especially because now I have a designated sharpener for the purpose.
 
 
This is a cool detail on the back of the pencil. Fits right in with the theme of the packaging. Besides the obvious Chinatown reference, it also slightly reminds me of Bladerunner, or Firefly, but that is reference for another time.
 
 
There are a ton of pretty colors in the Glossy Pencil range, but Chase caught my eye because of the vivid pink hue. I usually gravitate towards reds, but I knew I had to have this one!
 
 
These are definitely glossy, and they feel like a slightly thicker balm on the lips. They are really comfortable to wear and can be built up in opacity, although I find a normal application is enough for stunning color. These last about 3.5 hours on me and leave my lips feeling good--not chapped at all.
 
 
This is one swipe of the Glossy Pencil on bare lips. Such a pretty color. Fades evenly as well. Smells like...well, lipstick, so nothing special there.
 
Overall, I think there is a reason Lipstick Queen is sometimes labeled the best at making these chubby Glossy Pencils. They really are awesome! Some may find they don't like the sharpening aspect, but if you can get over that, give these a try!
 
Panda Approved.
 
 
 photo panda-sig_zps4a356226.jpg

Friday, August 2, 2013

Sun Bum Lip Balm in Coconut

Sun Bum seems to be everywhere lately (you might spot it in Nordstrom's or the Roxy store) but I was first introduced to it on my trip to Maui.
 
If you haven't heard of them, Sun Bum is a smaller brand founded in 2010 and is Skin Cancer Foundation approved, which is awesome. Personally, I love their cool packaging and the smell of all of their products.
 
 
I decided to try out their SPF 30 balm, and have not been disappointed. This smells amazing---like real, fresh coconut. Nothing artificial here. It has the amazing SPF 30 and cocoa butter which makes it super emollient. It is also PBA free and they do not test on animals!
 
 
I also think their monkey logo is adorable! This whole line has a crazy cool vibe that just makes me want to be at the beach. And I love that this markets to the crowd that wouldn't normally take care of their skin... like hey, you can be an awesome surfer and still stay skin-cancer free. Awesome.
 
 
For $3.99 they aren't the absolute cheapest balms, but it is really hard to find an SPF 30 balm, let alone one that smells this good. They have a ton more flavors on their website, so check them out!
 
Panda Approved for summer!
 
 photo panda-sig_zps4a356226.jpg

Sun Bum Lip Balm in Coconut

Sun Bum seems to be everywhere lately (you might spot it in Nordstrom's or the Roxy store) but I was first introduced to it on my trip to Maui.
 
If you haven't heard of them, Sun Bum is a smaller brand founded in 2010 and is Skin Cancer Foundation approved, which is awesome. Personally, I love their cool packaging and the smell of all of their products.
 
 
I decided to try out their SPF 30 balm, and have not been disappointed. This smells amazing---like real, fresh coconut. Nothing artificial here. It has the amazing SPF 30 and cocoa butter which makes it super emollient. It is also PBA free and they do not test on animals!
 
 
I also think their monkey logo is adorable! This whole line has a crazy cool vibe that just makes me want to be at the beach. And I love that this markets to the crowd that wouldn't normally take care of their skin... like hey, you can be an awesome surfer and still stay skin-cancer free. Awesome.
 
 
For $3.99 they aren't the absolute cheapest balms, but it is really hard to find an SPF 30 balm, let alone one that smells this good. They have a ton more flavors on their website, so check them out!
 
Panda Approved for summer!
 
 photo panda-sig_zps4a356226.jpg

Saturday, March 30, 2013

L'Oreal Color Riche Balms from the Versailles Romance Collection

As you may have heard from my Panda-monium Monday post, I was really excited for the L'Oreal Versailles Romance collection for Spring 2013. When I saw the set-up, I had to pick up some of the Color Riche balms and some nail polishes (post coming soon!)

 
I know everyone is buzzing about that blue. I KNEW it would be a flop, but you know what? I bought it anyway! The blue is called Sundays by the Seine and the pink is Come by My Window. Both are so pretty and pastel-y in the tube, and of course the fancy Color Riche tube is luxe in itself, very worthy of Marie Antoinette and Versailles. These retail for around $8 each.


They are truly very pretty and would be conversation pieces when pulled out of a purse. Or really cute for a "Is it a boy or girl?" baby shower as favors. Am I right?
 
Yeah, thats about all these are good for...

 
The blue is swatched on the right, the pink on the left. As I expected, the blue is just a clear balm. The pink is very sheer and baby pink, but neither showed up on my lips other than a shiny slick of balm. Meh.

 
Here you can see the pink a bit better in flash, but the blue is pretty invisible.
 
All in all, good formula as expected of the Color Riche balms, pretty packaging, and cute concept, but there are cheaper balm alternatives. I won't be purchasing more, but I will leave the decision up to you.
 
Have you tried this? Love or hate?
 
 

L'Oreal Color Riche Balms from the Versailles Romance Collection

As you may have heard from my Panda-monium Monday post, I was really excited for the L'Oreal Versailles Romance collection for Spring 2013. When I saw the set-up, I had to pick up some of the Color Riche balms and some nail polishes (post coming soon!)

 
I know everyone is buzzing about that blue. I KNEW it would be a flop, but you know what? I bought it anyway! The blue is called Sundays by the Seine and the pink is Come by My Window. Both are so pretty and pastel-y in the tube, and of course the fancy Color Riche tube is luxe in itself, very worthy of Marie Antoinette and Versailles. These retail for around $8 each.


They are truly very pretty and would be conversation pieces when pulled out of a purse. Or really cute for a "Is it a boy or girl?" baby shower as favors. Am I right?
 
Yeah, thats about all these are good for...

 
The blue is swatched on the right, the pink on the left. As I expected, the blue is just a clear balm. The pink is very sheer and baby pink, but neither showed up on my lips other than a shiny slick of balm. Meh.

 
Here you can see the pink a bit better in flash, but the blue is pretty invisible.
 
All in all, good formula as expected of the Color Riche balms, pretty packaging, and cute concept, but there are cheaper balm alternatives. I won't be purchasing more, but I will leave the decision up to you.
 
Have you tried this? Love or hate?
 
 

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Burt's Bees Cherry Lip Shimmer

I love Burt's Bees. They make products that are 100% natural and have the cruelty-free seal from PETA printed on the labeling. Perfect.

This lip shimmer is just under $5 and is perfect to keep lips healthy during the hot summer months. It also gives a nice red sheen, that looks like you just ate a cherry lollipop. Yum!

These are small and slim and are perfect for tucking into a pocket. They are hearty balms too, and I have noticed they do not melt super easy.

This is a warm orange/red which is flattering on warm tones and will look great with a tan!

I also love that this has a nice mint taste and smell. Perfect for those quick touch-ups!

Final Thoughts: A fan of the brand? Pick up this fun color!

Price: 8/10
Staying Power: 8/10
Packaging: 9/10
Color/Wearability: 9/10
Quality/Branding: 10/10

Total: 44/50 = B+ = Pleased Panda

xo PrettyPanda

Burt's Bees Cherry Lip Shimmer

I love Burt's Bees. They make products that are 100% natural and have the cruelty-free seal from PETA printed on the labeling. Perfect.

This lip shimmer is just under $5 and is perfect to keep lips healthy during the hot summer months. It also gives a nice red sheen, that looks like you just ate a cherry lollipop. Yum!

These are small and slim and are perfect for tucking into a pocket. They are hearty balms too, and I have noticed they do not melt super easy.

This is a warm orange/red which is flattering on warm tones and will look great with a tan!

I also love that this has a nice mint taste and smell. Perfect for those quick touch-ups!

Final Thoughts: A fan of the brand? Pick up this fun color!

Price: 8/10
Staying Power: 8/10
Packaging: 9/10
Color/Wearability: 9/10
Quality/Branding: 10/10

Total: 44/50 = B+ = Pleased Panda

xo PrettyPanda