Lush handmade Cosmetics Lipstick review.

Hello, it's been a while.
The review I have today is for the Lush Cosmetics Emotional Brilliance lipsticks. Before we get to that here is an update about what I've been up to, don't worry it will be fast.
Latest thing I did was participate in the VIB rouge sales event (Future post of what I got.) Then I went on a last minute planned New York trip. Mom asked if I would like to accompany her, went, saw stuff, shopped, and loved it. I've been busy with my job, life, and sleep or lack there of.

Now for the review, I've seen this line before but never had the chance to explore the Emotional Brilliance line till now. If you've seen Lush products before you know some what of the surface of what Lush really is. If you shop there regularly you know much of the products. Yet if you've worked or currently work there you know how amazing of a company it is. When I was younger I didn't care for the store, I just thought it smelled too strong and the people there a little to friendly. Then a couple years later I applied there for a seasonal job, now it wasn't my first choice Sephora was. Sephora rejected me, in fact they rejected me a total of 3 times then had the balls to ask me to apply a 4th time. Lush hired me, trained me, helped me grow, and allowed me to fall in love on my own time. After the season was over I was hooked, but they didn't keep me. 3 years later I'd be working for them and being one of those same friendly people. I actually enjoying the smell now. After working at A&F for 5 years believe me it's a way better scent and less strong then Lush is.

Here is a list of products:
1. Vibrance - Sheer shimmery orange
2. Strong - Warm tomato red cream/matte
3. Perspective - Lightly shimmered dusty rose
4. Glamorous - Cool pop pink
5. Confident - Lightly shimmered plum with red tones

Lush Lip colors.

Lush lipstick are pretty unique because of the packaging. Some get confused thinking they are nail polish but no. These are liquid lip colors. Highly pigmented, hand made, and have naturally derived ingredients. These are moisturizing and easy to build. One thing that I find is that the list of all the ingredients are on the tag that have the name of the lip color. The basic ingredients are rose wax, jojoba oil, and candelilla wax. Unfortunately sometimes the rubber band holding the tag snaps off and takes that info with it. Luckily they have a sticker on the bottom of the lipsticks with the names and catch phrases to inspire emotion. Because there is actually a color game  called Emotional Brilliance that goes with the Lush's entire makeup line. I could go on about it but I got to focus more on this review first. So without anymore delays here are the lip colors.


Confident:

Lush lip color - Confident.

Like any other plums, grapes, berry shades. I don't usually wear these types of shades but when I do I feel bold and daring which is exactly why this color was named as such. What naturally attracted me to this shade was the blue opalescent shimmer in it which is like no other lipstick I have ever owned or seen. With a deep brick red undertone and a cool berry mix is great for falls and winters. I find with this shade I did have to blot some of the moisture out because it had a tendency to slide around. To reach full opacity just give it two coats blot the first and you'll be set. The vamp color does require a little confidence to wear but it's not impossible to pull off.



Glamorous:

Lush lip color - Glamorous.

Glamorous is a sweet Barbie pink color with a cream sheen to it. This color was a little hard at first to work with because it can clump when not dried for a second coat. But once you get that full opacity and some great lighting it becomes an electric pink. IF you want to turn it into a matte shade just blot the excess moister and finish with translucent finishing powder. Either way your lips will be nicely conditioned. This shade is a hint of what a glamorous pop star life includes.



Perspective:

Lush lip color - Perspective.

When I first saw this color I didn't really think much of it, in fact I didn't even want to get it at first. But one day at work I forgot to put blush on and I looked particularly washed out that day. So I used the tester as my blush and it looked good. As a lipstick, I felt like I have so many of this type of shade already. Which is that pinky peach with some luster mixed in. Yet this lip color is pigmented enough to give me that lipstick look with a hint of your lips but better. As a matte it is a great everyday color and even a great cheek tint. It gave me a new perspective about natural beauty.




Strong:

Lush lip color - Strong.

This was the first color I got, the second I saw it I knew this was a killer red lip vixen color. A bright rich tomato red that can become a luscious matte lipped vixen. It is so easy to use and any lipstick lovers dream to work with. Opacity can be pretty much reached with a single thick coat. Unlike usual mattes though this condition your lips well. Yet I will say you need to blot this shade because it does have a tendency to run.  Strong is exactly the feeling it conveys while you wear it, bold, bright, in your face as well as on it, and lovely. Wonder Women would approve. ;)



Vibrance:

Lush lip color - Vibrance.

At first I thought this was an eye shadow shade, because the eye liners, and eye shadows all have the same packaging. But when I looked at the catalog I felt pretty dumb since it turned out to be a lip color. Probably wont stop me from using it as both though. This color looks like a wet orange peel for your lips, making them juicy and Vibrant. I have quite a collection of shimmery orange color lip products. Vibrance was nice to work with and no blotting necessary. Even sheer it out for a little shimmer on your lips. You might get glitter left on after removing it, but nothing like glitter nail polish.







Until next month stay tuned, kidding I will make a recent up date post which will included the Haul I got from New York.

So whether you're late in the game or ahead of the trend, just do it cause it makes you happy.
-Val

Burt's Bees Lip Crayon review.

Lip product lovers alert! If you like lip crayons and moisturizing lip colors this might be your cup of milk tea. Lip crayons are one of my favorite forms of lip color application. Though the packaging can get bulky depending on the design, over all they make it fun. So here is my take on these fun lip products.
Burt's Bees products are pretty much everywhere, these fairly 'new' matte colored lip crayons have been making their round on the beauty blogs. Figured I'd give them a try, I do love a good matte color. Matte colored lipsticks are notorious for being drying on the lips, the reason is because they hold more pigmentation then regular lipsticks. It's also what gives it that dry looking texture which is flattering on a lot of people.
So far in this collection there are only 6 colors to choose from. Tailored mostly in the range of pinks and reds. They are designed this way for the purpose of everyday wear. The ingredients which makes them moisturizing are Shea Butter, Kendi Oil, and Jojoba Oil. The other ingredients are beeswax, candelilla wax, olive fruit oil, sunflower seed oil, rosemary leaf extract, and various other preservatives.

List of products:
1. Burt's Bees Lip Crayon - Hawaiian Smolder (429)
2. Burt's Bees Lip Crayon - Napa Vineyard (435)
3. Burt's Bees Lip Crayon - Redwood Forest (411)


Photo reviews:

 
Cute honey comb design - check, moisturizing lip product - check, easy to wear shades - double check. Like most lip crayons they have a mechanical twist up to get more product. They have no fragrance added in them which makes it good for people who don't like scented lipsticks. Some of them are sheer coverage but are easily build-able for day to night use.

The colors they carry are:
1. Sedona Sands - Chalk pink
2. Redwood Forest - Brick red
3. Niagara Overlook - Tea Rose
4. Carolina Coast - Lavender pink pastel
5. Hawaiian Smolder - Hibiscus pink
6. Napa Vineyard - Wine red






















Hawaiian Smolder:

This shade was sheer at first swatch, yet I went over with it a few times and was able to build a full colored lip. As for being a matte color? I would not consider this a matte color unless you blotted and finished with translucent finishing powder. The moisturizing ingredients make it more or less a moisturizing lip stick. The color is adorable and flattering for warm to neutral under toned skin. With it's hibiscus petal pink coloring it can pass for a your lips but better kind of deal.

Burt's Bees Lip Crayon - Hawaiian Smolder.

Napa Vineyard:

Like a nice red wine this rich red shade was both highly pigmented and moisturizing. It does become matte over time and feels more or less like a true saturated lip color. With both warm and cool under tones it's the perfect wine red lip color for just about anyone. This was one of my favorites out of the whole color range.

Burt's Bees Lip Crayon - Napa Vineyard.

Redwood Forest:

It does resemble the red wood bark of the tree. With that earthy red color it has a brick red appeal to it. As the same application and moisture as Hawaiian Smolder with a build-able coverage. Not highly pigmented of a matte lip color yet still packs a punch. Being more of a muted warm tone red it is best tailored to olive toned skin types if you have freckles though it compliments them well.

Hope this helped and stay tuned for a lip review of a rather Lush experience. ;)


So whether you're late in the game or ahead of the trend do it cause it makes you happy.
-Val

Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipsticks (review)

Aloha!
I have a short but sweet review for you, in regards to the *New* Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipsticks. Sephora kindly clued me in to the new summer launches for lipsticks and even though at first I was all lipsticked out from the Macaron lippies/MAC hauls. When I saw the new look of the Kat Von D vintage matte lipsticks I thought "I could get into that... I like studs on things, why not my lipstick?" Lets be real though. Even a lipstick connoisseur like I have not scratched the surface of the many brands, shades, and cute packaging out there. But these shades and textures where too good to pass up. So with out any time to waste.

List of Products:
Studded Kiss Lipstick - Kat Von D
1. Gothica (Brick red copper infused with gold glitter.)
2. Coven (Cool lavender pastel.)
3. Wonderchilde (Shimmery warm orchid.)
4. Sexer (Pink fuchsia with blue shimmer.)
5. Poe (Metallic navy with purple undertones.)
6. Slayer (Matte black.)

Will you just look at that hard-ass packaging! It does tend to make it bulky, but I still love the detail. Also her initials printed in old english text for that tatted look. All these lipsticks were amazing.

Kat Von D - Studded Kiss Lipsticks: Gothica, Coven, Wonderchilde, Sexer, Poe, & Slayer.

Gothica:

Studded Kiss Lipstick - Gothica

Studded Kiss Lipstick - Gothica

Gothica was not one of my intentional first buys at first. Yet when I swatched it on my hand in the store I fell head over heals with how wonderful it was. It is a brick red with gold glitter infused. Even when I swatched it on my lips I did not feel that glitter at all. So smooth, comfortable, moisturizing and was absolutely beautiful.

 

Coven:

Studded Kiss Lipstick - Coven

Studded Kiss Lipstick -Coven

Coven, was not what I expected at first. I thought this would be my 2nd chance to grab a lavender lipstick since I wasn't able to for the MAC Osbourne Kelly one. Almost borderline gray on me in certain lighting. The pigmentation on this lipstick is crazy good. Hardly had any patches and makes my brown eyes pop. A matte moisterized lavender feild for the lips.

Wonderchilde:

Studded Kiss Lipstick -Wonderchilde

Studded Kiss Lipstick -Wonderchilde

Wonderchilde was one of those 'I have purple hair but no purple lipstick to match,' purchases. But I think I did good on this one because it is gorgeous. Not dark like Lime Crime's - Poisonberry, but rather light and warm. The feel of this is just as effortless and smooth as the first two. The warm undertone of the orchid balances the cool shimmer that catches light. I loved this more then I knew I would.

Sexer:

Studded Kiss Lipstick -Sexer

Studded Kiss Lipstick -Sexer

Sexer was the first one I got out of the first color launch. I was going to go safe with the orange shade but thought I need to get out more. Plus a matte fuchsia is what I've been wanting for a while. This is what got me hooked on all the other shades was the application. Flawless, smooth, and just divine. A pink fuchsia with blue shimmer to make it look cool, the blue shimmer mattes out so it's only easy to see on the bullet.

Poe:

Studded Kiss Lipstick -Poe

Studded Kiss Lipstick -Poe

Poe was the color I was most interested in. I've never owned a navy blue lip product before and since I couldn't get the Illamasqua one off the internet (It's a US can't get this sorry not sorry.) The bullet is a dark purple which threw me off at first but I remember reading the description so I swatched it anyway. A dark metallic navy blue, glided on nice, yet was a little hard to get an even consistency. In regular lighting though you can't see the patches.

Slayer:

Studded Kiss Lipstick -Slayer

Studded Kiss Lipstick -Slayer

Slayer makes me think of Faith from Buffy the Vampire slayer TV series. Although her lipstick was more of a blood red brown (Gotta love the 90's). This made me think of that character the dark slayer. I have never owned a matte black lipstick before and always wanted one (That wasn't MAC). So this was a collectors purchase. It does have a tad resemblence for patch work like Poe. Yet it's manageable with the right lip primer and liner.

I have been on the fritz lately sorry, after I got hired at my new job they have been working me hard. Don't get it twisted though I love the job, yet with this new Manager it's been kind of hard to gauge their emotions. I don't post or make videos often anymore but hopefully with time and money I can get back to sharing my findings with you. <3

Whether you're late in the game or ahead of the trend, do it because it makes you happy.

-Val

Review: NYX Macaron Lippie

Hello there you lip junkies,
I have some new lipsticks to review and share with you today. On my birthday I didn't really want all that much since I already buy things out of my own pocket. This year I decided to treat myself to the new NYX Macaron Lippies. Even though I wanted a real box of Macarrrooowwns! These are in more ways better and longer lasting. These came out the month before and I had my eye on them, though I couldn't justify buying them for over 50 bucks then some added shipping fees the NYX site loves to slap on cause of Hawaii. Hate it when they say shipping is free for US then go -Oh except you Hawaii go suck on a fat one :(.
I was originally going to get just 4, but thought it was a better deal to get six since I could include them in the same shipping. (From a seller on E-bay who sells NYX cosmetics.) Could they be fake? Would I be duped? Should I even try? Well, its either do or do not there is no try. They are real, and awwwesome!

So here we go with some pics and reviews <3

List of lipsticks:
1. 11 - Coconut
2. 10 - Black Sesame
3. 08 - Earl Grey
4. 04 - Blue Velvet
5. 07 - Citron
6. 03 - Key Lime

NYX Macaron Lippies.

Photos & Reviews:

NYX Macaron Lippie in Coconut.

11 Coconut: In a nutshell this is a chalk white creamy color. This lipstick was difficult to work with even after I buffed my lips with my Lush lip scrub and set them with the Too Faced lip insurance. It caked, buckled, and creased. That being said it's not your every day or every night color, unless your in the arts, because it photographs well. You may think you'd never use a white lipstick ever, just think about all the many colors you could make up. By adding them to an everyday red or orange or pink. I'd use this particular while lipstick to mix with, yet not personally wear it on it's own.

NYX Macaron Lippie in Coconut.

NYX Macaron Lippie in Black Sesame.

10 Black Sesame: At first this reminded me of Chinchilla by Lime crime. This is a different color all on it's own. Being a lot brighter, more of a cool tone and seems like a true gray. Funny thing is, this is exactly what black sesame tofu looks like minus the tiny black specks. Hard to work with when it came to application and even later seem like a regret to get. Only because it began to clash with my skin tone. Chinchilla seems much warmer then this. Of course you could still use this as a mixing media with a different color, like a purple. So there is some use to this lipstick shade, I wouldn't recommend it if you already have Chinchilla.

NYX Macaron Lippie in Black Sesame.

NYX Macaron Lippie in Earl Grey.

08 Earl Grey: This was an fantastic surprise, the color is nothing like I've ever owned or seen. The perfect pastel blue, not too green not too blue. Sure there are probably similar lipsticks out there but this is one of a kind. The application was a little hard but not as hard as Coconut. Seems like a color that can mix with both warm and cool undertones. The gray and blue in this shade cohere so well together to make the perfect pastel macaron lip color.

NYX Macaron Lippie in Earl Grey.

NYX Macaron Lippie in Blue Velvet.

04 Blue Velvet: Woah woah woah! This is a brilliant lovely color of a lipstick. I was holding out on buying Lime crime's - No she didn't. Even though it probably could be better quality, this was the better price. They might be similar in more ways then none. This is a hot blue color with a bright flash back. Perfect if you are a raver, or go to black light parties. Its a good application and not hard to work with. Can crease a little but overall a good creamy shade. It brought out the warmness in my eyes. I liked this color a whole lot.

NYX Macaron Lippie in Blue Velvet.

NYX Macaron Lippie in Citron.

07 Citron: Yeah :/ this wasn't such a great idea. Though there were other colors that were a safe choice I decided to enter the danger zone. A yellow lipstick, these are so hard to apply and get a good consistency going. The sunlight definitely brought out the color much better then the indoor lighting or flash did. Yet just like New yolk city it was rather frustrating to get a good thing going. I couldn't see this on it's own unless you used a lip liner of the same color or a white one. It's not pastel like New yolk city, just a tad darker.

NYX Macaron Lippie in Citron.

NYX Macaron Lippie in Key Lime.

03 Key Lime: More like the zest on a key lime pie. This was a great lipstick to get a hold of cause again I own nothing like this. Being bright and not a metallic shade takes it out of the ball park for me. Warm enough for my skin and light enough not to be Gothic. The lighting for this lipstick is key, pun totally intended. Flash and sunlight bring it out to play. A fun fresh lush color to own. What more can I say.

NYX Macaron Lippie in Key Lime.

Make your own:

This is the part where I played around with the colors mixing and matching. I came up with three ombre combos, you can make your own and even mix with reds, oranges, or other lipstick to change the consistency.

NYX Macaron Lippies - Citron & Key Lime.

NYX Macaron Lippies - Black sesame & Coconut.

NYX Macaron Lippie - Earl Grey & Black Sesame.

These were a great birthday present, and even better I own them n_n. They are affordable which is nice being that most colors like this are sold at 15 or more. If you want to get in on some of the Macaron action take your time because they aren't limited edition. Swoon! So if you missed out buying one color wait till next time to get it. Hope this helps you figure out which color suits your pout. Until next time Aloha.

-Val

Ipsy April 2014 bag (Review)

My Glam bag review/update~

Ello my sweet peas! I haven't been on here in a while I understand some of you are wondering where I have gone. I am still on the search for a good affordable school to get my Esthetician license, which is a lot harder then it seems here. Long story short HCC messed up pretty bad and then continued to disappoint my efforts. But my co-work AT MY NEW JOB!~ gave me a heads up on an even better school though it's farther away and would require me to brave the Hawaii traffic for a year 1/2. I am willing to fight for this dream.

On a lighter note I dyed my hair purple/indigo ombre! It is the first time that I have ever done this type of hair style, and so far I've notice it is an attention grabbing hair style. Sometimes it's annoying and sometimes it's just fabulous. It will also be a new challenge and comfort level pusher for me. Which I have been craving for some years now. Like 14 year craving. I've been at an all girl school for 7 of them and at a stress-filled dead end job with a ridiculous dress code. Here it is!

 

And now for the review...

 Ipsy April 2014 bag (Review):

Lets start off will the theme which is beauty rocks, because it does. I haven't personally been to a concert for a long time now though. Even when Bruno Mars came home, I found $300-$2000 ticket price which was sold out with in 2 hours utterly redonkulous! Damn scalpers. That's ok though, I only really like one song from the talented artist.
The bag I got was good, I liked it and even bought some of the products that I didn't get in my bag. Rainbow honey nail polish is the bee's knees, and for 20% it was a good deal. Bought two shades love em both. Now I also got products I didn't think they'd give me but I pretty much got all that I wanted.

List of products:
1. [Full sized] Cailyn, Tinted Lip Balm - Acid Pink.
2. [Sample sized] Benefit, Lollitint - Candy Orchid.
3. [Full sized] Kiss, Look so natural lashes - KFL01.
4. [Travel sized] Urban Decay, 24/7 Velvet Glide-on eye pencil - Black Velvet.
5. [Full sized] City Color, White Gold shadow & Highlight mousse.



Product photos:

My Ipsy April 2014 Glam bag.

I love how their bags have an inside lining now, and even more details like the logo on the zipper. They really have upped the game since they have started. I also like how they at least had more then just one full sized product even give you added discounts. Can't wait till next month, I just hope it doesn't get stuck in Richmond CA again.

Product photos and review time:

Cailyn, Tinted Lip Balm - Acid Pink.

Now I was hoping to get the Apple pink color, but I got Acid Pink instead. They have a tendency to send me fuchsia shades. But oddly enough this did not seems like a balm at all, it was richly pigmented when I expected sheer coverage. Is good it's a great product definitely moisturized and gave me a great rocking color. The brush is nice and soft which made it easy to apply and just over all is a great richly pigment balm (like a lipstick). It will match my hair now. ;)

 

Benefit, Lollitint - Candy Orchid.

This was something I could do without, even though when they gave me a sample Rose tint. Candy Orchid was not really my cup of tea, the stain is stronger then the Rose tint. Lasted longer too, so if you are looking for a light bright pinkish purple tint this is perfect. It does start out milky but quickly dissipates into a Orchid lip stain. Which is great if you want to have a nice lip product with the Pantone's color of the year.

 

Kiss, Look so natural lashes - KFL01.

Oh! I wanted these soo badly. This particular one as well, Kiss has a great way of making such affordable lashes with a natural light weight vibe. Haven't personally used these yet but I am ready when ever I decide to. They are feather tapered which makes batting your lashes twice as fluttery. I hope when these arrive in CVS stores I can grab one more and use them as demi lashes.

 

Urban Decay, 24/7 Velvet Glide-on eye pencil - Black Velvet.

Oh my~ this was amazing, I loved how it was easy to use and creamy soft. Have tried their Navy liner and this is just as smooth and manageable. Gave me a nice soft winged eyeliner and just worked even better when I tight lined as well. I did get a little flakiness in later hours on the bottom eye line. I wore this for about 8-9 hours with tiny fall out. A little did get into my eye and caused minor irritation but did not cause my eyes to freak out. This is great for a nice warm soft look.

 

City Color, White Gold shadow & Highlight mousse.

Exciting to try new products, I love how warm toned this shadow is. Did a simple eyeliner look with this and the Urban decay velvet pencil. Put this on the center of my lids and it just brought my whole look together. I did not expect this to be as creamy as it was. Because I did have to blend it so it wouldn't clump in areas. Next time I use this, it will be for a cheek bone highlighter to see how it would look on my pale skin tone. Not to sure if it has a tendency to crease because I used an eyelid primer.

Ok my sweets!

Thank you so much for still being interested in my blog which I haven't updated in a while. I am not going to lie I have been in a search for some direction in my life and when I realized I had stopped doing the things I love it just made me sad. I like to share my findings and read yours as well. Hope I can be a little more self-disciplined with my blog. And update it's look as well. 

Mahalo,

Val