Baby Lips!

Hello friends! Who loves lip balm? I do! And I was very intrigued when I was browsing the aisles of Walgreens last week and found Baby Lips from Maybelline. The cost was right around $4 and there were six different kinds... two clear shades- Quenched & Peppermint... and six tinted balms giving off shades of cherry, grape, pink, and peach. The shades sound mouth-watering, but they give off no taste or "flavor".

left: Peppermint, right: Pink Punch

Peppermint has a fresh minty scent, and Pink Punch has a much softer scent, that is just slightly fruity. Again, neither has any flavor. Some people prefer flavorless balms, but I actually like a little taste. And these don't taste bad... they just don't taste like anything! What I do enjoy about these is the moisture content... they claim to be "clinical strength"... and these are the results of the clinical study after four weeks of use (according to Maybelline)...

• 82% Visibly less dry
• 94% Less rough lips
• 77% More supple
• 77% Better looking lips

I haven't had these balms for four weeks, so I can't really vouch for the results of the study, but I must say, I wore my peppermint balm before bed and my lips felt very supple when I woke up. The balms also have an SPF of 20. Here's a look at how their appearance on the lips...

Peppermint: Just a clear balm... this is the natural color of my lips

Pink Punch: Equally as moisturizing as the clear, but one swipe reveals a beautiful pink tint. I love the juicy look this gives the lips!

Bottom Line: I love that these balms are available in a range of tints, and I really like the pink color. They feel nice on the lips, and are very comfortable to wear. Tyler just tried the peppermint & said it "feels good" (lol). The twist up applicator is basic, and easy to use, while the packaging seems rather loud & geared toward young makeup users. Doesn't bother me, just pointing it out. Texture wise, they remind me of the Nivea lip balms. My current favorite balms are the EOS Smooth Spheres- they aren't quite as slick as these, but they smell more "yummy" and have a slight flavor... so if I just want moisturization, I'll reach for those, but if I want a sheer pink tint, I'll go for Baby Lips! :)

♥

Daily Nuggets...

• The inside of our house is totally decorated for fall. I LOVE my fall decorations! Very similar to last year's setup :)
• I've been informed Tyler is making dinner AND dessert tonight. Score!
• I have an iPad 2 and I am loving it!!
• I have one small, yet persistent blemish on my cheek. go away already!
• Mally was on QVC this afternoon, rockin' it as usual!
• Yes, QVC is pretty much my background noise for whatever I'm doing :)

Mascarapalooza!

Hey everyone! It's such a dreary Sunday here... so a good day to sit on the couch & blog! And I have lots to talk about, because I am trying a LOT of mascaras right now. I realize not everyone is a make obsessed creature like myself, so you might think- that's insane! But, reviewing makeup is what I do, and I feel like finding a great mascara is a really challenging thing for most people (myself included).

It's hard to find a mascara that is universally loved... because we all have such different lashes... just like we have different hair on our heads. What your best friend loves... might not work for you. I've sort of made it a goal to find a mascara that everyone would love. I know it won't be easy... but I'm embarking on MASCARAPALOOZA 2011!

Here's the lastest round of mascaras I've found in stores that I'm testing out... from a variety of price ranges. I'll let you know what I think in future blogs & videos! Have you noticed all the brands that are putting out cone-shaped brushes?

Here are the claims of the mascaras as they appear in the pic from top to bottom...

• Rimmel Volume Accelerator: Claims to have an "Advanced Volume Boosting Complex" that will make lashes look 10x fuller instantly.
• Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes: "Fiber Shine" formula claims to sculpt, curl, and load each lash for the ultimate shiny lash fringe without weighing lashes down.
• Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes: Cone shaped rubber bristle brush... claims to multiply lashes with no clumps.
• Benefit They're Real!: Rubber brush that claims to lengthen, volumize, curl, lift, and separate. The long-wearing formula claims to not smudge or dry out.
• Jordana Best Lash Extreme: Claims to provide immediate, extreme volume with a formula that's buildable without clumping.
• L'oreal Voluminous False Fiber Lashes: Claims to have a lash sculpting fiber formula that will adhere to lashes for a volumized, sculpted lash effect.

♥

As you can see, all of these brands seem to think they've come up with God's gift to lashes! We'll see if any of these can beat the mascaras I talked about in my most recent Mascara Favorites video!

Daily Nuggets...

• Made Chicken Corn Chowder in the crock pot yesterday & LOVED it!
• It has been raining allll day.
• Cupcake has found a new hiding spot, deep in my closet & out of sight!
• Went out last night with some friends & enjoyed an 80's hair metal cover band LOL

Guest Blog! When Your Jewelry Can Outshine You

Hi everyone!! What a whirlwind week it's been! Just one week ago I was packing for New York City! Now I've been there & back and I'm getting ready to start another work week! I'd like to thank Ashley Spade for this quest blog... with some do's & don'ts for accessorizing! Remember- there are always exceptions to a lot of common beauty and style rules- so most importantly, trust your gut and do what YOU love! Thanks Ashley! :)

♥

When Your Jewelry Can Outshine You

A guest blog post by Ashley Spade

Every girl knows that accessories can make an outfit. We are taught this from birth, and most of us can accessorize in our sleep. However, what many don’t realize is that the opposite can be true as well. The perfect pair of earrings can be eclipsed by the wrong hairstyle, or your makeup can draw attention away from your jewelry (think Mimi from The Drew Carey Show). Read on for tips on how to avoid common mistakes and make the most of your accessories.

Classy Is as Classy Does

When selecting your jewelry, be sure that your makeup, hairstyle and manicure matches the style of your jewelry. For example, engagement rings look best with a French manicure and classy makeup, whereas simple jewelry calls for simple manicures and minimal makeup. When considering your makeup, muted colors come across as classy, bold colors are more fun and flirtatious (and better suited for costume jewelry), and bare lips are perfectly acceptable for the “girl next door” look.

Matchy-Matchy = No-No

If you are wearing gemstones or colored jewelry, please refrain from wearing matching eyeshadow and fingernail polish. This does not give you a put-together look, but makes you look garish, or like a five-year-old who snuck into her mother’s makeup collection. Instead, allow your jewelry to speak for itself, and pair vibrant colors with subdued shades. In this instance, eyeshadow should be minimal if it is worn at all, and lipstick should be replaced with a shimmery lipgloss.

Less Is More

If you are wearing a distinctive piece of jewelry, such as a chunky bracelet or an antique ring, refrain from wearing any other items and avoid distracting makeup and hairstyles. One exception to this rule is if you use your makeup to draw attention to your unique item, such as getting a manicure to draw attention to a ring, or choosing a hairstyle that will draw attention to a pair of earrings. However, this is an exception that should be used sparingly.

Opposites Attract

A big ring should not be paired with long fingernails, as this runs the risk of looking gaudy. Similarly, dangle earrings are at their best advantage when combined with an updo, and longer hairstyles are best for stud earrings. If you always try to create contrasts with your jewelry and makeup/hairstyles, you will create an effective, striking look that will make people take notice of your favorite jewelry items.

The main thing to remember when accessorizing is to create a balanced look. Unless you are a southern belle or beauty queen, bigger is not better, and you will only look like you’re playing dress-up, which is likely not the desired effect. So take the time to carefully consider your makeup and hairstyle when choosing your jewelry for the day, and knock ‘em dead!

♥

Ashley Spade, when not on the quest for the perfect accessory or shoes to complete an outfit, is a law student in Chicago. She spends most of her time at the library, but she also enjoys exploring the various boutiques in the city and serving as a personal stylist to her friends and family. When possible, her furry sidekick Sir Winston Pugsalot the First accompanies her on outings. Follow their adventures on twitter: @ashspade or read up on her fashion tips and opinions at http://beltsandbangles.com/

Kiss my GLASS!

Hello friends! I'm a person who loves a variety of finishes on the lips. Sometimes I just want a creamy lipstick look. Other times I want shimmer... or a whole lot of shine. That's where the Wet n Wild Glassy Gloss comes in! These are super shiny! I want to show you my favorites- while they're all glossy, the shades aren't over-the-top bright, so they don't overwhelm your face. In other words... don't be scared of these!

Left to right: Through the Looking Glass, Glass Confusion, This Too Shall Glass, Glass is in Session

These swatches are in the same order. The first one is totally clear- and I think everyone needs a clear gloss. The second shade is a cool pink, and the third is more of a baby pink with the slightest hint of gold shimmer. The final shade is a beautiful berry shimmer. I chose these as my favorites because these colors aren't transparent gels... (with the exception of the clear)- they actually give off really pretty color. I remembered these being more sticky in the past, but they've since been reformulated and feel really nice... smooth, not sticky, and no gritty feel like some shimmery glosses have. They also have just enough tackiness so you don't feel like they'll slide right off your lips. The scent is very subtle- just lightly fruity. And the cost? Only a couple of dollars at the drugstore!

I just had to take this picture to show you just how reflective the glosses can be. Look closely and you can see the reflection of the blinds over my window!

Today I wore Glass Confusion gloss & loved the way it came off. It's all I have on my lips in this picture and I didn't use much. If you try these glosses Tweet or Facebook me and let me know how you like them! :)

♥

Daily Nuggets...

• Had a fun newscast today with some really random stories. Including one of my personal favorites... baby panda celebration!
• The weather is so mild and breezy out! I can't wait for fall!
• Just posted another Bridal Guide video... check it out if you're looking for some hair accessory ideas! (whether you're a bride or not!)
• I love finding a Dairy Queen sundae that I didn't finish in the freezer. I always forget about it & then have a nice surprise a day or 2 later.

Smokey Bronze Eyes!

Hey everyone! I know, long time- no blog. I've been extra busy doing some special video projects for BridalGuide.com - but don't worry, the blog is back! :) This is a pic I snapped last night when I was getting ready to go out. I was going for a smokey-bronze eye look... something that I love for summer and fall. Here's a list of the products I used- lots of Mally Beauty :)

• NYX HD Eyeshadow Primer
• Mally Evercolor Endless eyeshadow in Sunglow (2 step- cream/shadow) all over lid
• Mally More Perfect Palette- with a fluffy crease brush, blend bronze shadow up through crease, and with the same brush, lightly blend the black on outer corners. Smudge both shades under the eye with a smudger brush.
• Line upper lashline & waterline with Mally Evercolor Automatic Waterproof eyeliner in Onyx.
• Apply Mally Volumizing Mascara to top & bottom lashes
• Add Kiss false eyelashes in 05 for more dramatic lashes

Cheeks: Rimmel blush in Autumn Catwalk

Lips: Jordana Easyliner in Baby Berry, topped with Mally high shine liquid lipstick pen in Must Have Pink

♥

Daily Nuggets...

• Just made some sugar free pudding parfaits, topped with some chocolate mint marshmallows I found at Wal-Mart today!
• Another Wal-Mart find: delicious fall scents of those $5 Better Homes & Gardens are out... I picked up Country Kettle Corn & it smells delightful.
• Laboring tomorrow on Labor Day. woohoo. ;)
• Tyler is watching Star Wars and I just can't get into it.
• Cupcake has been very picky about her food lately... does your cat ever go through picky phases?