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As the temperature dips, I find myself using lip balms daily and with a slightly excessive stash I enjoy the fact I get to use lip balms more. So today I thought I'd run through my favourite lip balms for dry lips, from under £2 to a pricey £21!
Side note/question: Do you believe using lip balms perpetuates dry lips? I'm really not sure if I believe it! I think over applying can have the opposite effect but using a lip balm as and when needed really does keep dry lips at bay for me or helps remedy them at least. What are your thoughts on this?
For the past 5+ years, there's been a buzz around perfectly plumped lips, achieved by lip fillers. With an influx of celebrities and social media influences sporting fuller lips, it's become hard not to wish for a similar look. And I get it, along with eyes the lips can dramatically change a look and a fuller pout is generally more appealing.
Have I considered lip fillers? In a nutshell, yes. However combined with a fear of my lip line being injected, the pricey up keep and the worry that the near to permanent results could end up going wrong or not being to my liking, I've decided it's simply not for me.
However, if like me you are still keen to explore safe and natural alternatives then this review of the PMD Kiss Lip Plumping System may just interest you! Especially to see my results and hear how long the effects can last.
Come Spring I always find myself rediscovering all the pretty and flattering lipsticks within my makeup collection. These are the staples that I rely on from the beginning of Spring to the very end of Summer. Because simply put, there's just something about a pretty pink or nude shade!
Of course, liquid lipsticks still get a look in but I'm truly all about my stash of trusty lipsticks that feel comfortable on the lips while staying put. Below I've rounded up six spring lipsticks that I feel are worthy of your attention from a few overlooked shades to recent Spring 2017 releases.
Over the past few years I've come to love a nude lip and now have quite the collection of nude lipsticks. But on more casual makeup days I often opt for an easier lip choice with either a pretty nude lipgloss or liquid lipsticks.
Below are just a selection of my most used glosses and lip creams that I really love and feel would suit all skin tones. Hope you find a few you like the look of!
Barry M Lip Boss in 5 Thinking Outside of the Box
(£4.49 - Superdrug here)
Barry M were some of the first lipglosses I tried when I was 14 and still they are one of my go-to brand. One of the main reasons for this is that they are all non-tacky and glide over the lips perfectly and I also can't get enough of the toffee scent to them. This shade is quite a sheer nude that I often wear over nude lipsticks to add that extra shine but alone it gives the lips a lovely subtle nude sheen.
MeNow Long Lasting Matte Lip Gloss in #30
(£1.49 eBay here)
I came across Me Now Matte Liquid Lipsticks on eBay a few months ago now and already I have 5 different shades in a range of pink and nude tones as I love them. These as some of the most long lasting matte lipsticks I've tried, and when I say long lasting I'm talking you struggle to remove them at the end of the day! This brown nude shade is very Kylie J esque and looks amazing on. Side note - I have found these to be annoyingly tacky if over applied so a thin coat is what's needed and then you can layer it up if you wish. Really amazing for the price! You can also see my swatches of shades #18 and #25 here.
Benefit Hoola Ultra Plush Lip Gloss
(£14.50 - Boots here)
Ahhh, one of my favourite lip glosses to use in summer. This is a tropical dream with the cocktail like scent and moisturising formula that acts like a lip balm. I also love this because it's the best non-sticky gloss I've come across and really does have a unique smooth formula to it. Again this is quite a sheer shade that adds a hint of colour to the lips and adds shine making the lips look fuller. I really must try the other lipglosses in this range from Benefit soon.
Ciate Liquid Velvet Matte Liquid Lipstick in Wonderland
(£17.00 - ASOS here)
Another amazing liquid lipstick here that's in such a pretty coral pink nude shade. What I love about this nude is that it has a perfect formula, moisturising for a matte finish and so lightweight to apply. This glides over the lips on application and dries quickly to a semi matte finish that gives that diffused velvet appearance. You can also expect a good amount of wear time with this one!
MUA Power Pout Glaze in Hush
(£3.50 - Superdrug here)
On to a bargain buy here for the fab smooth formula and unique brush applicator. As the name states this is like a glaze for the lips that is smooth and thick yet not tacky in the least. This has the least amount of colour to it making is a great gloss to add shine to the lips on none makeup days or applied over lipstick to add a good amount of extra shine. I also really like the slightly sugary taste to this gloss.
I'd love to know your own favourite nude lipglosses so I can add a few more to my collection.
Fee xo.
Lip products are something I have way too many of. I'm a total lip balm hoarder and I actually have trouble using everything I have because I haven't enough storage. Well that is what I tell myself.
However I think it gives me enough knowledge to advise on lip care. So here I have selected my favourite products for autumn - from hydrating but light lip balms to tints and moisturising lipsticks.
Prep with a Lip Scrub
If you suffer from dry lips and want to wear lipstick or a lip tint then preparation is key. There sadly aren't many lip scrubs on the UK market so here are two of the main ones. Of course you can always make your own DIY Lip Scrub - so many recipes online.
Lush Lip Scrubs
£5.50/25g - Lush here
These little glass pots of sugar based lip scrubs come in 3 different flavours - Bubblegarm, Mint Julips and Popcorn. Pow Wow, above, was a limited edition scrub which is no longer available. With very little ingredients (castor sugar mixed with jojoba oil and flavour) these do feel quite homemade but in a nice way. Though I would say they are a little messy as the sugar does fall off the lips as you are rubbing it in. My next one to try is going to be Mint Julips, I wasn't such a fan of the Popcorn one as it does have a salty, slightly bitter taste. If you don't want to spend a lot these are great.
Sara Happy Lip Scrubs
£19.00/30g - Beauty Bay here
A lot more expensive lip scrubs here that would have to be a treat to yourself or a gift (it will last you years mind!). These now come in 7 yummy flavours - Creme Brulee, Red Velvet, Brown Sugar, Lemonade, Vanilla Bean, Peppermint and Lavander. Annoyingly these don't come in glass jars so the feel of the packaging does feel rather cheap without the box but the scrub itself is amazing. Only a little is needed to exfoliate the lips well and the consistency is spot on. It does suggest you don't lick this off but the flavours are so amazing I can't help but lick my lips to remove the remaining scrub. My favourite has to be the Red Velvet scrub... A-mazing! You can find a thorough comparison of both scrubs in a post I wrote here.
Moisturise with a yummy Lip Butter
With the autumn wind you definitely need a least one lip balm in your bag and on your desk. I prefer to save thick lip balms until it gets really cold and opt for light but nourishing ones that come in nice flavours/scents.
The Body Shop Lip Butters
£4.00/10ml - TBS online here & in-store
I've been a lover of these lip butters for the longest time. They come in 7 amazing flavours, from yummy to really fruity and last a long time. The formula of this is what I truly love, just so buttery and light to wear on the lips and sorts out any dryness. Shea Butter is my favourite for colder months as it's a pleasant scent and helps my lips that little be more.
Soap & Glory Smooch Operator Lip Butter Balm
£5.00/4g - Boots
This is a fairly new addition to my vast lip balm collection. On first use I was slightly worried that it would be too sticky for my liking as under the finger in the pot it does have a sticky texture and it does feel sticky on the lips for the first minute. But I discovered this melts into the lips and the stickiness disappear. What I love about this balm is that it stays on the lips for hours though eating and drinking, really impressive. I also enjoy the coconut scent and the slight warming feeling on the lips. A new alternative to Carmex I would say!
Nivea Lip Butters
£2.25/16g - Boots, Superdrug, Tesco
The Nivea Lip Butters have been my go-to balms of 2013. Caramel Cream is wonderfully scented and feels amazing on the lips and Raspberry Rose reminds me of a lovely fruity yogurt. These are light but hydrating on the lips and not at all sticky. You will always find at least one of these in my handbag.
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| L-R: Black Cherry, Peach Kiss, Lovesick, 09 Neon Red, Applelicious Pink |
Easy to Wear Lip Tints
Tinted lip balms and sheer lip crayons are so easy to wear and generally cheap. So my collection is pretty vast. I love lip tints in summer and would be lost without then on holiday but they are also great come colder months when you want colour on your lips but they aren't in the best condition. Lip Tints are comfortable to wear and won't cling to dry skin like a lot of lipsticks will, making them a nice choice for autumn.
For an easy to wear tint I highly recommend the Hurraw Black Cherry Tinted Lip Balm (£3.99 Big Green Smile here), it's the easiest tint to wear I've come across which I'm sure is down to it being raw and organic! The red tint is quite pigmented and it's such a good lip balm. I also really like the new Baby Lips Lip Balm (£2.99 - Boots here), not as nourishing but Peach Kiss, above, is such a nice nude shade. NYC Applelicious Balm (£2.49 - Superdrug) also offer a great range of tinted lips balms that have great pigmentation and a lovely sour apple flavour... and so cheap!
For a more lasting tint I would suggest Revlon Just Bitten Balm Stains (£7.99 - Boots here) that wear off to a stain which is really nice and also come in a ton of shades. For the novelty/cutesy factor I had to include Tony Moly Petite Bunny Gloss Bars (£3.46 - eBay here) which add a light tint to the lips and a glossy sheen, great to diffuse dry lips - and who wouldn't want to pull this out of their handbag!
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| L-R: Notting Hill Nude, Rose, Strawberry Shortcake, Apricot Sugar |
Hydrating Lipsticks
When picked out lipsticks that will help with dry lips or work well with dry lips it can be hit and miss. Sometimes the formula will cling and highlight dry areas of skin or you will find the lipstick just makes your lips feel drier as the day goes on.
Revlon Lip Butters (£7.99 - Boots here) do vary in pigmentation from shade to shade (looking up swatches is a must) but the more pigmented ones really do feel like a hybrid lipstick/lip balm. Strawberry Shortcake for me is a lovely brightening pink hue that stays put and feels more like a balm on the lip. Another alternative to a tinted balm or lipstick is Lanolips Lips Ointment with Colour (£8.16 - Boots here). Above is the shade 'Rose' which is a soft pink that looks very much like a lip gloss, yet doesn't feel like one at all and is super hydrating.
As for actually lipsticks I love the Rimmel Moisture Renew range, very affordable (can be found on eBay and Fragrance Direct for only 99p) and just enough moisture to not slip straight off the lips. I also find the formula defuses the appearence of dry skin. Another range I absolutely love is Clarins Joli Rouge (£14.40 - Escentual here) which are long wearing yet moisturising. These look great on, with a dewy finish and come in some really lovely shades.
I'd love to hear how you deal with general dry lips and what lip products (lipsticks or tints) you use when your lips aren't feeling as hydrated as they should be.
Fee xo.
When picked out lipsticks that will help with dry lips or work well with dry lips it can be hit and miss. Sometimes the formula will cling and highlight dry areas of skin or you will find the lipstick just makes your lips feel drier as the day goes on.
Revlon Lip Butters (£7.99 - Boots here) do vary in pigmentation from shade to shade (looking up swatches is a must) but the more pigmented ones really do feel like a hybrid lipstick/lip balm. Strawberry Shortcake for me is a lovely brightening pink hue that stays put and feels more like a balm on the lip. Another alternative to a tinted balm or lipstick is Lanolips Lips Ointment with Colour (£8.16 - Boots here). Above is the shade 'Rose' which is a soft pink that looks very much like a lip gloss, yet doesn't feel like one at all and is super hydrating.
As for actually lipsticks I love the Rimmel Moisture Renew range, very affordable (can be found on eBay and Fragrance Direct for only 99p) and just enough moisture to not slip straight off the lips. I also find the formula defuses the appearence of dry skin. Another range I absolutely love is Clarins Joli Rouge (£14.40 - Escentual here) which are long wearing yet moisturising. These look great on, with a dewy finish and come in some really lovely shades.
I'd love to hear how you deal with general dry lips and what lip products (lipsticks or tints) you use when your lips aren't feeling as hydrated as they should be.
Fee xo.
When it comes to Autumn makeup I'm about smokey eyes and wearing lipstick opposed to tinted lip balms which I wear in summer. But this year I will be switching to lip crayons. The reason for this is there are so many on the market now and they are comfortable and hydrating to wear, making them ideal for the colder months ahead when lips can become dry.
Here I've picked out my 5 favourite shades for Autumn meaning they do vary in price greatly. However I really believe even the lowest priced lip crayons from MUA & Vivo and even Poundland's own brand Chit Chat are all good quality. Though my personal favourites would be Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains, Model Lip Stix and the new Barbara Daly Lip Melts.
Models Own Lip Stix - Coral Kiss (1)
£5.00 - Boots here
The fairly new Models Own Lip Stixs aren't your typical lip crayon but that is why I love the range so much. All of the shades are highly pigmented and have a semi-matte finish which is really quite nice. Bright lips are a key trend this autumn and this bold orange shade would look perfect with minimal makeup and luminous. Excuse the redness around my lips here... this was my last lip swatch and my lips simply had enough.
£5.00 - Boots here
The fairly new Models Own Lip Stixs aren't your typical lip crayon but that is why I love the range so much. All of the shades are highly pigmented and have a semi-matte finish which is really quite nice. Bright lips are a key trend this autumn and this bold orange shade would look perfect with minimal makeup and luminous. Excuse the redness around my lips here... this was my last lip swatch and my lips simply had enough.
Pur Minerals Lip Gloss Stick - Honey Pie (2)
£16.00 - M&S here
This is the most expensive of my lip crayons picks and I'm tempted to say it's too expensive really! However I picked out this shade as it's a lovely deep nude shade that is so glossy without being the slightest bit sticky. If you like lip glosses but want something that will also look after the lips come autumn/winter then this range is perfect as the Lip Gloss Sticks are a hybrid of a lip gloss and lip balm and of course contains no nasties.
£16.00 - M&S here
This is the most expensive of my lip crayons picks and I'm tempted to say it's too expensive really! However I picked out this shade as it's a lovely deep nude shade that is so glossy without being the slightest bit sticky. If you like lip glosses but want something that will also look after the lips come autumn/winter then this range is perfect as the Lip Gloss Sticks are a hybrid of a lip gloss and lip balm and of course contains no nasties.
Revlon Just Bitten Balm Stain - Lovesick (3)
£7.99 - Boots here
After Clinique Chubby Sticks the Revlon Balm Stains are the most popular lip crayons and also the most similar to the original chubby sticks, though slightly more pigmented. Lovesick is another bold shade for autumn that has a slight berry tone to it, which again is also on trend for lips this season. The lip crayon has a lovely peppermint scent to it and as it is a balm stain once the glossy sheen has worn off you are left with a slight stain to the lips which is good for extended wear.
£7.99 - Boots here
After Clinique Chubby Sticks the Revlon Balm Stains are the most popular lip crayons and also the most similar to the original chubby sticks, though slightly more pigmented. Lovesick is another bold shade for autumn that has a slight berry tone to it, which again is also on trend for lips this season. The lip crayon has a lovely peppermint scent to it and as it is a balm stain once the glossy sheen has worn off you are left with a slight stain to the lips which is good for extended wear.
Barbara Daly Lip Melts - Iced Cookie (4)
£7.00 - Tesco (in-store)
These Lip Melts have just launched and are a great addition to the vast range of lip crayons on the high street as they do offer something new! The Lips Melts some in 5 autumnal shades and provide a wash of colour along with a lovely shine. Iced Cookie is the glossiest in the range as it contains a fine iridescent shimmer and I absolutely love it. I can see this being a firm favourite from autumn right through to winter. The consistency of these is also light and non-sticky.
Jelly Pong Pong Lip Blush - Cranberry (5)
£12.00 - Jelly Pong Pong here
Another more high end lip crayon here which I actually feel is worth the price for the pigmentation and shade.... though this shade can be found on eBay such cheaper *shhhh*. Much like the Models Own Lip Stixs this has a semi-matte finish and lasts fairly well on the lips. I'm not a huge fan of Jelly Pong Pong products however the shade of this lip crayon is just perfect and looks like quite a luxury shade.
Would love to hear what your favourite brand of lip crayons are!
Fee xo.
Finally got myself some Baby Lips! Yes, as a lip balm lover it only felt right I jump on the bandwagon, though to be fair I'm sure I would have been lured in by the vibrant packaging and the fact the product is called 'Baby Lips'.
I decided to pick up 'Cherry Me' resisting the 3 for 2 offer... but now I may be kicking myself that I didn't get Peach Kiss and take advantage of the deal as this is also a lovely tinted lip balm from the range.
To give a quick overview of the new range from Maybelline, the collection consists of 6 Baby Lips Lip Balms all priced at £2.99 each. Three of which are clear balms with an SPF 20 and other caring benefits to the lips and three are tinted lip balms (which I personally find to be the nicest). They all come with fruity scents as well. You can find them currently at Boots for 3 for 2 here or Superdrug 2 for £5 here.
As you can see Cherry Me is a sheer pink/rosy red tinted lip balm, though I should state it can be built up a little more than in the above swatch where I was wearing a swipe over my lips to give a glossy tint (also note the tint will look different from lip to lip). Also as you can probably notice it does diffuse lines in the lips making them look slightly more full, which for me is the 'baby lips' like element. I actually really like this aspect of the balm as most lip balms don't overly give that effect. The scent of this is also cherry which isn't overpowering, just subtle and juicy.
For hydration as these claim to give, I would agree to a point, the solid balm easily melts onto the lips on application and is very easy and comfortable to wear... though after an hour or so the balm totally wears off and my lips feel exactly the same. So they do smooth the lips to a point but would never replace a good moisturising lip balm... though I am yet to try the 'Intense Care' or 'Hydrate' ones, which aren't tinted but claim to really nourish the lips.
For £2.99 these are 100% worth it! If you haven't jumped on the bandwagon yet I highly suggest you do!
The next ones of my list to buy are 'Peach Kiss' and 'Hydrate'.
Fee xo.
Since summer has truly arrived I thought I would share with you some of my favourite products to use in hot weather this week.
I have mentioned the NYC Applelicious Glossy Lip Balms before but recently I have added two more to my collection and have been really enjoying using them in the hot weather.
The lovely NYC glossy lip balms are a low priced product at only £2.49 each in Superdrug however some shades from the U.S range are appearing in pound shops lately so you may grab an even better bargain!
Below are two UK shades - Caramel Apple and Applelicious Pink and two U.S shades - Garnet Gala and Apple Blueberry Pie. The U.K range consists of 4 shades, which isn't that large however you can pick up some of the U.S shades (and UK shades) in Pound shops like I have mentioned.
What I love about the Applelicious Glossy Lip Balms is they are a true tinted lip balms, their color pay-off isn't too bad at all and they feel totally weightless on the lips, making them perfect for hot summer days when lipstick or a sticky lipgloss just feels like too much. Also I really love the sour apple scent of these and the packaging - really great for only £2.49 each!
My most worn shades would be Caramel Apple as this is a perfect nude tint.... not a common tinted lip balm shade, and also Applicious Pink, which I actually took on holiday with me last year and used none stop. I actually ruined the packaging by taking it to the beach and getting suncream and sand on it, so I had to re-purchase it after my holiday. But it really was all I used during the day for two whole weeks!
As for my two recent Poundland purchases - Garnet Gala and Apple Blueberry Pie (both U.S shades) I am more than pleased with them as they seem to be even more pigmented than the other shades I own. Apple Blueberry Pie is quite a berry toned tinted lip balm which I think will be perfect for autumn when I opt for my berry toned lip products and Garnet Gala actually contains quite a bit of glitter/shimmer and have a lovely ruby red tone to it which just screams Christmas to me!
I really feel these are totally over looked products on the high street and cannot rate them enough. Great for summer days or keeping in your bag for when your lip gloss/lipstick wears off.
You can find the NYC Applelicious Glossy Lip Balms at NYC stands in Superdrug stores for £2.49 or online via eBay for £2.75 here.
Fee xo.
Today I thought it was about time I wrote a review on the NYC Applelicious Glossy Lip Balms as I have been loving these tinted lip balms for over 6 months now. I've been using these so often and in fact I took them on holiday with me back in November and used them daily!
The NYC Applelicious Glossy Lip Balms come in four shades - Caramel Apple (featured), Big Red Apple (featured), Applelicious Pink and Blushing Golden. Though if you're in America there are a whooping 10 shades available! All can be purchased in-store at Superdrug for £2.49 each which I feel is a great price.
Firstly who cannot love the apple shaped centre of these which contain a moisturising formula of shea butter, jojoba, and avocado oil. So cute and summery looking, but trust me these can be worn all year round as an easy lip colour.
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| Top lip swatch - Big Red Apple. Bottom lip swatch - Caramel Apple. |
Each NYC Applelicious Glossy Lip Balm glides over the lips with a non-waxy, greasy or tacky feel which I just really do like... I feel NYC got the formula spot on here as it moisturises perfectly whilst feeling light weight on the lips. As for the tint of the balms I again find they have just the right amount of colour pay-off to look nice on the lips and I particularly love how Caramel Apple (nude shade above) looks on the lips as I haven't come across a nude tinted lip balm before but I also love how juicy Big Red Apple looks.
The balms have a sour apple like scent/flavour to them which again I adore as I have never used anything with a slight sour scent to it and this definitely reminds me of the smell of sour apple sweets!
As for how these last that is the only thing I can criticise them on due to how they disappear off the lips when eating or drinking but they are just lip balms so that will always happen.
All in all these are just lovely tinted balms that won't blow the budget for spring/summer and can be worn on those non-makeup days. Another great product that I really cannot fault from NYC.
Fee xo.
Whether you like Valentine's Day or not it is a nice opportunity to be pampered either by someone else or yourself. It also means girly products released for the day, such as the ones in this post. But if none of that interests you there is the reduced boxes of chocolates in Tesco the day after!
For me personally I like any 'special' day/holiday as it just breaks up the months and makes that day in the week something different. Christmas and Halloween have to be my favourite but I also enjoy Easter, Valentine's, Pancake Day and any others I am missing out.
Here are two new products from Lush just in time for Valentine's Day...
Lush The Kiss Lip Gloss/Balm
£5.50 - here or in-store
A total first for Lush - a vegan friendly lip product! Now initially I thought what a small pot of lip balm for £5.50 and I still do think it could have contained a bit more than 10g of product but actually this little pot of pink goodness has impressed me more than I expected it to.
The Kiss lip gloss is described as a light balm to moisturise and protect the lips, while giving a subtle pink glossy sheen and I have to fully agree with this, which is why I think calling it a Lip Gloss is a bit misleading, this for me is a tinted lip balm all the way. It is smooth and creamy meaning it sits lightly on the lips and slightly moisturises them. The scent is definitely my favourite thing about this product and taste very sweet and as someone on the Lush website commented, like a drumstick lolly! Also is not only smells nice but tastes nice - as good as the yummy lip scrubs!
As for the tint I have to say it does make the lips slightly light pink and shimmery which some may not like, though this can easily be worn under a lip product or you can use less and work it into the lips. Really do like this product a lot and hope that Lush will be making more vegan lip balms in the future!
Tender is the Night Massage Bar
£4.50 - here or in-store
Another first again with this valentine's themed product - their first ever soft centred massage bar. I have always been on the fence about massage bars from Lush even though they always smell amazing. I just don't seem to relax enough to actually use one and enjoy it. However this new soft centred balm-y product is really temping me as it smells amazing and the soft centre really is a lot softer than the outer crumbly but balmy shell.
As for the scent it is girly, creamy, sweet and like a lot other Lush products it smells good enough to eat.
If you are in to pampering yourself I would highly recommended this product in place of a moisturiser or body oil for a different type of treat as it does leave the skin so soft and feels lovely on the skin as it melts. I'm also thinking this could be good rubbed into the feet at night then left to soak in with socks overnight or even on the cuticles or ends of the hair, again as an overnight treatment to wash out in the morning (though do not take my word on that, I will have to test this out and report back!). So it could be used more as a multi-balm then a massage bar if you wanted to use it in little chunks to make it last.
Lush also have some gift sets available for Valentine's day.... but if you are a man reading this with a girlfriend or wife then I would strongly suggest you impress her even more by bypassing the gift sets and making up your own little hamper of products. A few lovely products include... It Started With A Kiss Lip Tint £5.50/here, Sweetie Pie Shower Jelly £3.10/here and the lovely Cupcake Fresh Face Mask £5.95/here. For extra brownie points you could wrap it up in one of Lush's wrap scarves... or even go next door and get one from Primark! Or impress her even more and include a few extras such as a DVD or even her favourite magazine (just make sure she hasn't read it already!).
If you are a lover of Lush products please let me know what your favourite newer product from Lush is, as they have been releasing so many new products at the moment!
Fee xo.
I mention the odd lip balm every now and again here on Makeup Savvy but it's been quite a long time since I wrote a post just on lip balms.
I'm still addicted as ever to lip balms with multiple choices by my bed, in each room of my home and in every handbag. So I thought I would let you know which lip balms I have been most enjoying in the past few months when lip balm has been most definitely needed!
Lip balm for me is an essential product. My lips don't get overly dry, even in winter, which may be down to using lip balms but I do love the way a lip balm makes the lips feels. I also love different flavours of lip balms from vanilla ones that taste a bit like cake to ones that taste like like sour sweets or juicy cherries... which you may notice in my reviews below as I like to associate the flavour of a lip balm to a specific food!
Here are my current four favourite lip balms...
Here are my current four favourite lip balms...
Jason Lips Bee Healthier Lip Balm
eBay - £3.49 free p&p here
I received this is my January 2013 Glossybox (contents of the box here) and I am so glad it was in there as it wouldn't have been a product I would have tried otherwise. This pretty much look likes a boring lip balm but this glides on the lips and makes them feel lovely. But what has got me so hooked is the flavour, it actually is After Eight mints but in lip balm form! As it is minty is just slightly tingles the lips but really it probably the least tingly mint lip balm I have tried, so there is no need to be put off by that. I know already this is a lip balm that I will have to re-purchase as I will use it all up in no time.
Nivea Lip Butters in Raspberry Rose & Caramel Cream
Superdrug - £1.49 Caramel Cream (free p&p until Feb 14th) here
Also available in Boots, Asda etc
My favourite lip balms/butters on the high street here! These are just amazing. Forget Vaseline, Palmers, Blistex. Nivea are totally on the money with these lip butters. They are thick and buttery and apply so well to the lips keeping them moisturised without feeling heavy with product or sticky. There are four different flavours but Raspberry Rose and Caramel Cream as just amazing. Raspberry Rose reminds me of a yummy raspberry yoghurt and Caramel Cream is like buttery popcorn... so nice! I really cannot rate these more highly.
Balmi SPF 15 Strawberry Lip Balm
Boots - £4.99 here
Balmi lip balms launched late last year and since then I have managed to try nearly all of the flavours in the range. I have just finished using up the Balmi Coconut lip balm which I loved and actually took on holiday with me and cannot explain how handy it was on the beach. Yes, it did get sand around it, so made a crunchy noise as I closed it but no sandy fingers going into a lip balm or getting on my lips which was great. Also the flavour was perfect for warm weather. I am now onto using the strawberry lip balm and really liking it. The flavour is a little more synthetic than the coconut one but I really actually like that and I am a bit addicted to how it feels to apply it. If you have been wanting to try out the EOS lip balms then this range is a great accessible option.
What lip balms do you like to use?
Fee xo.
Today I have a lovely new product from Models Own to share with you.
Models Own have reinvented the normal pocket lip balm by launching three fruity flavoured moisturing lip balms that come in vibrant rubberized packaging and contain a handy mirror.
The flavours are - Peach (orange packaging), Watermelon (green packaging) and Coconut (pink packaging).
The lip balms are priced at £4.00 each and are available now on the Models Own website and from the Models Own Bottleshop. They will also be available to buy in Boots stores from June.
Models Own have reinvented the normal pocket lip balm by launching three fruity flavoured moisturing lip balms that come in vibrant rubberized packaging and contain a handy mirror.
The flavours are - Peach (orange packaging), Watermelon (green packaging) and Coconut (pink packaging).
The lip balms are priced at £4.00 each and are available now on the Models Own website and from the Models Own Bottleshop. They will also be available to buy in Boots stores from June.
Here I have the juicy Watermelon Moisturising Lip Balm and my initial impression was on the dinky slim line compact - I really do like the slim size and the soft touch feel to it. As for the lip balm itself it really is packed full of flavour and isn't a synthetic watermelon smell. The texture is definitely more moisturising on the lips however I am not keen on anything sticky feeling on my lips and this does have that tacky feeling to it. But I know I am just fussy and it isn't too sticky.
I think this will be a great one for in summer especially when it hits Boots stores in June. Though I am a little sad they didn't create a cherry one in a bright red compact!
Fee xo.
One of my blog resolutions was to include more swatches in product reviews and so I am jumping right in with some lip swatches today.
My little set-up of having a mirror behind the camera worked well but I still need a tripod and better lighting... which will only come when it's not winter anymore!
But anyway, onto my review of the amazingly pigmented Liquid Lipsticks from Lush...
There are 14 liquid lipsticks in the Emotional Brilliance range (launched July 2012) along with liquid eye shadows and eyeliners (full range - here). The liquid lipsticks come in cute 5g glass bottles with doe foot applicators and would be best described as a hybrid of a matte lipstick cream and a normal lipstick.
To apply, these feel quite similar to a matte lip cream but once dried feel slightly more like a normal lipstick and comfortable and lightweight on the lips. As you will see from the swatches below these are super pigmented! These really do stain, so when fading accures you are left with a lip stain which is really nice. However for a less bold lip you can really blot these out and leave as a stain or add a lipgloss or lip balm over the top - something I really like to do when wearing these during the day.
My little set-up of having a mirror behind the camera worked well but I still need a tripod and better lighting... which will only come when it's not winter anymore!
But anyway, onto my review of the amazingly pigmented Liquid Lipsticks from Lush...
There are 14 liquid lipsticks in the Emotional Brilliance range (launched July 2012) along with liquid eye shadows and eyeliners (full range - here). The liquid lipsticks come in cute 5g glass bottles with doe foot applicators and would be best described as a hybrid of a matte lipstick cream and a normal lipstick.
To apply, these feel quite similar to a matte lip cream but once dried feel slightly more like a normal lipstick and comfortable and lightweight on the lips. As you will see from the swatches below these are super pigmented! These really do stain, so when fading accures you are left with a lip stain which is really nice. However for a less bold lip you can really blot these out and leave as a stain or add a lipgloss or lip balm over the top - something I really like to do when wearing these during the day.
For most of the liquid lipsticks the doe foot applicator works really well however with the really pigmented deep shades such as Decisive and Confident I feel using a lip brush to pick up the lipstick from the applicator would be neater or using a lip liner first then applying the liquid lipstick would stop any possible bleeding around the lip line.
My favourite shades would have to be Decisive and Passionate. Two bold, rich shades that just look amazing and really do last a good 4 hours even through eating/drinking and most important feel comfortable on the lips.
All the liquid lipsticks can be used as blusher/cheek stains which I really do like because they are so pigmented so the blush lasts all day on the skin.
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| Swatches from top to bottom - Glamorous, Confident, Drive, Passionate, Decisive, Vibrance |
My only real dislike is Vibrance which is the shimmery orange and also Glamorous a bold neon baby pink.
Vibrance as you can probably see is quite sheer compared to my other swatches, which is okay if you want a more sheer finish, however my problem is with the shimmer in it. The shimmery pieces are far too heavy which results in the texture of the lipstick feeling gritty on the lips and also the shimmer clumping together, making the finish look uneven.
As for Glamorous I just feel the brightness/neon of the lipstick doesn't work well with the formula. Unless you really blot and re-applied and repeat, this does look quite streaky on the lips... in a cheap matte lip cream kind of way.
I really do feel £14.50 is expensive for one lip product that isn't 'high'end' however if you do have a specific lip shade you love... such a dark lips or red lips then just purchasing one will be so worth it.
Just due to the fact they are so pigmented and last really well. Also you have the added benefit of using it as a cheek stain.
Fee xo.
Today I have a bit of an exciting review... well for me anyway! Because I have discovered a website that you can purchase the NEW Stila bundles that you can normally find in TK Maxx which nine times out of ten someone has already opened and tried!!
But with buying online you get none of that! Just brand new lovely products for... wait for it... only £5.99. A pretty great price for three lovely lip products I personally think.
The website is called Direct Cosmetics and there are two sets available, the Stila Lip Trio set (£5.99 here) which contains: Stila High Shine Lip Color in Beatrice, Lip Shine in Sugar Shine 08 and Cherry Crush Lip and Cheek Stain.
Also the Stila Makeup Trio (£6.99 here) which contains: Stila Oil-free Sheer Colour Tinted Moisturiser in Dark, Perfecting Concealer in Shade A and Lip Pots Tinted Lip Balm in Mandarine.
Be warned my reviews of these three lip products may contain a lot of 'lovely's' because I did just find everything to be lovely. From the packaging, to the shades, to the consistency - all just very lovely!
So the first product in the trio is the Stila High Shine Lip Color in Beatrice which I'm tempted to say is my favourite out of the three products. Firstly how pretty is the packaging? So much detail and just very chic but girly. The shade is a lovely high shine red and I mean this really is high shine, it looks so glossy on the lips and isn't at all sticky like a lipgloss. Also being totally new to Stila lipsticks I didn't know about the amazing vanilla-y scent, very similar to the MAC lipsticks and a lovely touch. Very much impressed by this!
Okay this is actually my favourite product as I am a sucker for stains and love the shade of this and the lovely metallic red packaging. The Cherry Crush Lip and Cheek Stain is one of those lovely fast drying gel products. On the lips this gives a nice dark (ish) cherry stain and on the cheeks it just gives a nice pink/red flush that blends in really well. It's lovely and smooth and I think equally as nice for summer as it would be for winter.
My only slight disappointment with this was with how the product tasted.. of course you don't go eating the product from the tube, but from time to time you do lick your lips and it just tasted odd to me and a bit product-y. Though it you don't it just has a faint scent of cherries which is nice. I know I will definitely be using this a lot especially as a cheek stain!
Last but not least the Stila Lip Shine in Sugar Shine which is a pretty nice product but just not in the same league as the other two products. Maybe it's because it's a simple gloss but nothing really stood out for me, though the packaging is very cute. I will use this I'm sure, probably over pink lipsticks like my NYX Strawberry Milk lipstick to give a glossy finish.
Overall I really am impressed at the value for money with this set and so glad it can be purchased online. The site also stocks a lot of other Stila products like the Lip Glazes stick for only £2.49 and there is even two Smudge Pots for £2.99!
Direct Cosmetics also stock my favourite discontinued Bourjois Shimmering Shine Liquid Eyeshadows for £1.99 which are so lovely and last forever! I actually don't know why Bourjois ever discontinued them! Really so many bargains to be had.
I now feel like I need to buy more Stila lips products especially the High Shine Lip Colors!
Fee xo.
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