Review: Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Stick

I love Soap & Glory! The names of their products are hilarious! Sexy Mother Pucker! hahahaha
Today I'll be reviewing their newest addition to the lip products, Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Stick ($16).  If you are familiar with their product, you may have seen their lip plumping lip glosses, Sexy Mother Pucker Lip Gloss. I have one, but I didn't like their lip gloss.  Very tingly and thick consistency (I don't like thick lip glosses).

I saw FleurdeForce talk about this and since then I had to have it.  For the people in UK they had access to this earlier, but for the folks in the US it just hit the Sephora stores.  I pre-ordered mine from Sephora.com (I'm so impatient....) and I had it for about two weeks now and I can't put it away!

They come in three colors, Plum Jam, Nudist, Fuschia-ristic.  They remind me Clinique Chubby Sticks, or of many stain, gloss sticks from various brands (Revlon, Neutrogena, Covergirl).

What it is:
A super moisturizing lip crayon that glides on effortlessly and wraps lips in a luscious wash of creamy color.

What it does:
This buzz-free formula is packed to plump, promising fuller, more luxurious-looking lips, without the tingle of most plumping glosses. The high-pigment color stays put—no smudging or bleeding—making sure your high-gloss, shiny finish wears long into the night.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Phthalates

Research results:
- 96% of testers felt their lips were more moisturized after use
- 88% of testers agreed their lips had an instant glossy finish
- 86% of testers found their lips looked fuller after use

 I have it in Nudist which is a peachy nude color and Plum Jam which is a slightly plummy color (little bit reminds me of Clinique Black Honey).

Picture below is in the order of Plum Jam, Nudist, and Fuschia-ristic.

Swatch on my hand.  ohhhh so pretty...

On my lips.  Plum Jam

Nudist

My Thoughts:
I love this gloss stick!  It is super shiny, super hydrating, and the colors are great for everyday wear.  I can wear this all day long without reapplying and it won't dry out my lips.  While they still have pigmentation, it is still sheer and really natural looking.  I'd say that it does not feel like it plumps up my lips nor do I feel any tingling sensation (with many lip plumping products).  But it still looks plump and full due to the color and the shiny gloss.  It is a twist up and you don't need to sharpen which is very similar to the Clinique Chubby Stick, but I feel like the Clinique Chubby Stick dries out my lips a little bit if I don't reapply through out the day.

I have been wearing this everyday like a mad woman and loving every minute of it!  Definitely a lip product I could never get sick and tired of.  If you are looking for a good nude colored gloss or lipstick, I highly recommend Nudist! Also if you really enjoy hydrating lip products like Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments, you will absolutely love this (S&G Gloss stick is $6.50 cheaper). I might just have to get Fuschia-ristic as well to complete my collection. :)

First Look: Flower Costmetics by Drew Barrymore

If you haven't heard or seen Drew Barrymore promoting Flower Cosmetics, I'm here to tell you that Drew Barrymore is the face and owner of her own cosmetics brand, Flower.  I saw the collection, and I was so blown away by the beautiful colors.  Flower philosophy is to keep the cost of the products down by not paying for advertising.  They also use same ingredients used in luxury makeup and some products are made of real flower.  Also they are produced in the good 'ol USA and never tested on animals.  Also this brand is sold exclusively at Walmart and Walmart.com.  I think the official launch date was January 31st, but I've seen other bloggers seeing items at their local stores (limited items) and I ordered mine through Walmart.com.  All the items were priced starting at $6.98 and doesn't go above $13.98. Apparently a lot of the items are sold out already! Goodness!  I'm so excited for this brand and Drew Barrymore! (Loooooove her!)

So here are few items I was able to get.  This is just a first impression and quick swatches.

I ordered the Flower Color Play Creme Eyeshadows, Win Some, Rouge Some, Creme Blush, Kiss Stick, High-Shine Lip Color.  The Color Play Cream Eyeshadows packaging look very similar to L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadows, but they are a bit different.

 Swatches of the Flower Color Play Creme Eyeshadows. They come in a glass jar with white top.
From left to right:
Lilac You a Lot (irridescent purple), Midnight Garden (black, grayish with sparkle), Awesome Blossom (slightly metallic chocolate), Mum's the Word (rusty pink).  As you can tell they are quite pigmented, minus Lilac You a Lot.  Also the consistency of the shadows are very light and airy, so I'd say it feels like a cross between creme and mousse.  It's not like the Maybelline Color Tattoos. 

 Walmart packed my package in the most horrible way possible and these got tossed around like popcorn in a humongous bag, so it's quite messy, but this is what it looks like when you open them.  This is in color Awesome Blossom.

This is the Win Some/Rouge Some Creme Blush in Peach Blossom.  This one isn't that creamy, but I'd say a cross between cream and powder.  It definitely finishes powdery and that's their claim.  It's a very pretty peach, perfect for spring.

And last but not least, the Kiss Stick, High Shine Lip Color in Sweet Peony.  I read in an interview that Drew Barrymore said this is one of her faves, so I had to have it!  It's a peachy creamy lipstick with slight pink sheen to it.  Really pretty.  it's a bit light even for my skin, but I can make it work for the spring. lol

Swatches of the lipstick in sweet peony on the left and the blush in peach blossom on the right.  Doesn't it scream SPRING IS HERE?

So that's my first impression of the Flower Cosmetics by Drew Barrymore.  I'm going to have to try them out to do a review. 

Review: Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids Lipstick Hot Plum

I've been turning my head to all the new collection the drugstore brands have been releasing this year!  Maybelline just released a new line in the Color Sensational line- Vivids in 10 new colors.  This Vivids line have brighter, vivid pigments, yet same creamier feel from nourishing honey nectar.

Vivids line comes with a bright red cap, but same shape as the other Color Sensational lines (some come in silver, deeper red caps, etc...)

COLOR
I chose Hot Plum (#900) which looks to be a plum color in the tube, almost fuscia, however when put it on it looks almost hot pink.  (I don't know why but it keeps reminding me of MAC Candy Yum Yum, perhaps the shiny version)

This is a swatch with indoor light

Swatch with flash

As you can tell it definitely is a vivid color and has slight sheen to it and dimension.  Depending on which angle you look at it, it looks different.  This is a very fun color.  When you are feeling down, or just want a fun look, this color will definitely do it for you.

FORMULA
It glides on smooth as any other Color Sensational Lipsticks.  It is nice and moisturizing with the honey nectar formula.  This Vivids line definitely is vivid and very pigmented.  And Hot Plum is definitely opaque.

LASTING POWER
I didn't expect this color to last very long, because Maybelline doesn't promise long wearing.  But surprisingly this lasts all day.  I do apply mid-day for moisture and extra shine. And this does transfer, however it doesn't smudge all over my face throughout the day which is always a plus when wearing a bright bold color such as this.  I'm all about maintenance-free lipsticks.  Also I was able to apply precisely just straight off the lipstick, and didn't need lipliners or lip brush.  While this lipstick doesn't totally dry out my lips, it does get drier, if you don't reapply.  I'd definitely recommend reapplying throughout the day or apply lipgloss.

Overall, I'm impressed with the Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids in Hot Plum.  It definitely did not disappoint.  I will definitely be picking up more of these.  And I'm like totally obsessed with this color!  Also it doesn't hurt to get compliments and be noticed. :)

If you haven't seen my matching nail color (Rimmel 60 Second) with this lips, check it out on my facebook.  I don't know how it happened, but it was a perfect match with my nails. :)

Have a great weekend everyone!

Review & Swatches : YSL Vernis À Lèvres Glossy Stain

I know I have mentioned YSL Glossy Stain several times but I just never got around to writing a full review.  So finally, here it is!  I'm at home bedridden with a really bad cold.  So since I can lie in bed with my laptop, I thought I work on this long overdue post. :)

From the first time I heard of these to the first time I purchased my first YSL Glossy Stain, there was a long gap, cuz I just didn't think $32 was worth it for a lip product. But boyyyyyy was I wrong!!!

If you have not heard of the YSL Glossy Stain, this is the info from YSL.

WHAT IT IS: A revolutionary new lip product that combines the texture and shine of a gloss with the long wear of a stain.

WHAT IT DOES:
Coat your lips with this lip color that offers a lightweight texture, which immediately melts onto lips. Glossy Stain delivers intense glossy color for an extremely long-lasting shine.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Phthalates

What else you need to know:
The applicator's unique slanted tip and short soft bristles allow for flawless application with perfect precision.

MY THOUGHTS:
I'm still kicking myself in the butt about why I took so long to get my first glossy stain.  It really is a revolutionary lip product.  It is nothing like I have used before.  Although now that these have been out for awhile, there a lot of dupes or alikes, like the L'Oreal Caresse Shine Stain (Aqua Lacquer) and other lip stains.  However, I still don't think anything is better than the YSL Glossy Stain.
1. The richness of the colors are just lovely.
2. The color and the shine lasts all day.
3. It hydrating on your lips.
4. Did I mention it lasts all day? LOL
5. Not much of it transfers

It feels very wet and it smells like wine or a bit like grape juice.  I like to apply two layers of this.  The first layer, I like to apply a little bit and rub it and let the stain settle.  Then I'll apply a thick coat to really get the color and shine.  Ohhhhhh and it is just so beautiful.  And because of it's almost like jelly like texture, when you eat, the color doesn't come off.  Multiple times while wearing the red Glossy Stain (#9 Rouge Laque), people have asked the same question.  "How is your lip color not coming off after you've eaten?"  I didn't know other people noticed something like that, but even they were amazed.  Honestly, I can wear this through coffee, lunch, and afternoon and make it to dinner without re-applying and the color and shine will still remain.

I will mention that depending on the color you may choose (the darker colors especially), the color can get darker as it stains.  This is the only downside....  I'd recommend trying out the colors first and wait at least 10 minutes before determining the actual colors.  I have returned 2 of my glossy stains because the colors changed on me after I have applied.  For example, I bought #10, Rouge Philtre which was supposed to be true red color.  After 10 minutes I have noticed that the lines on my lips had turned darker and darker.  Then it turned into a really dark almost vampy red.  Which I did not like.  You can see the picture below.  Top is right after application and the bottom is about 10 minutes later.  You can see the change in color.  This is in comparison to #9, Rouge Laque which does not change color.

I now proudly own 4 Glossy Stains. #29, Rouge Forreau (one of the newest colors released recently).  This is the only color that is more "natural looking".  The other three I own are quite bold.  Honestly I think Glossy Stains are the best for dark, colorful shades since dark colors are hard to manage, but due to the staying power, YSL glossy stains are god send.
Because this color isn't as bold, it's also not as shiny.

With flash (please excuse the black dot smack middle of my lips) This is after I ate, and I obviously left something behind. >.<

#26, Poupre Preview.  This is a slightly purplish pink.  This one turns darker in time to a purplish wine color.  This is my second favorite color!
Without flash

With flash

#12, Coril Fauve.  This is coral, reddish color.  It's not an opaque color.  It's very sheer but shiny.  This one does settle into your lips, but not really visible to the naked eye.  This is a very zoomed picture.  I promise you.

Without flash

With flash

#9, Rouge Laque.  This is an opaque slightly coral red.  This is my favorite! When you want to wear red, this is so easy to wear, very flattering to different skin tones, and maintenance free.  And just beautiful.  I wear this one a lot.  If you saw my new year's eve picture on facebook, this is what I was wearing. :)

Without flash

With flash

I think I have all the colors I want from YSL.  I'm happy with the 4 colors I have.  But if they come out with more I'd definitely keep my eye out for them.  And I'd definitely repurchase these.  These Glossy Stains have made me have faith in colorful lip colors that I used to dread, because they are so hard to manage.  Glossy Stain is definitely a game changer! I love Glossy Stain!!!

I also did a post of the L'Oreal Colour Caresse Aqua Lip Lacquer aka Wet Stains aka Shine Stains back in Christmas. I'm not quite sure of the official name yet. :)  I'll do a full review on that and do a comparison of both of these products.  

Hope everyone is having a wonderful 2013! 

Red Sexy Lips: Get yo Sexy On~

I have been O.B.S.E.S.S.E.D. with Red Lipsticks lately.  I just recently started trying this bold statement, so I had a lot of learning and catching up to do.  I didn't know there were so many different shades of red lipsticks that can really alter your skin tone, color of your teeth, etc....  There are orangey tone lipsticks, pinky tone lipsticks, vampy tone lipsticks... so you do have to try quite a bit before deciding on what looks good on you.  It can be scary... and you may not be used to it... but keep searching... nothing says sexy like a bold red lipstick.....

So since I'm a newbie, thought I share some of the cheaper options I went with, since I didn't want to spend tons of money getting the wrong shades or formula in expensive brands.  Even though except for one, are drugstore prices, I really like the formulas and the colors I ended up with.

For me, I've realized that I want something that will stay on and it's not going to bleed all over my teeth, or when the wind blows, I'm going to have streak of hair in red, lining across my face... so long wear was an important factor for me.  Which meant, I had to get all day wear type lipstick or line with red lipliner, or go with matte lipstick. 

Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense- No. 42 ($19)
Texture: Soft Matte
Stay Power: Pretty good, exceptionally good with lipliner filled in
Color: True Red
I think this color suits me the best.  I like the formula and it doesn't rub off when I'm drinking coffee...  However because it is matte, and it'll get drier throughout the day, it can accentuate your lip lines.

Rimmel Kate Moss- No. 10  ($5.99) I was able to get mine for $3.99 at CVS
Texture: Slightly Matte with Creamy Shiny Finish
Stay Power: It won't come completely off your lips, but a lot of it does come off. Definitely will need to reapply
Color: Dark, slightly vampy red
I'm not sure if you can see it well in the pictures, but this was a little too dark on my lips.  People mentioned... like "woah... your lips are redddddd"... I'm guessing almost like a vampire... LOL.  Even I thought it was a bit dark. Definitely not my number one choice.  Although for the price of Rimmel Kate Moss lipstick line, I think the quality is really good.

NYX Matte Lipstick - MLS 18 Bloody Mary ($5.99) On Sale at ULTA for $4.19 and you can use $3.50 off coupon. :)
Texture: Matte
Stay Power: Really good.  It really sticks on your lips.  It can possibly be drying if you don't reapply or don't apply lipbalm throughout the day.
Color: Pinky toned red
This one is definitely not a true red.  It has slight fuscia tint to it.  But still very pretty and I think it looks good on my skin tone.  NYX Matte lipsticks are so pigmented.  For the price, I think the quality beats MAC matte lipsticks.  But MAC does have a lot of colors. :)

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream - SMLC10 Monte Carlo ($5.99)
On sale at ULTA for $4.79
Texture: Creamy, slightly jelly but dries semi-matte.  Still keeps the shine a little bit.
Stay Power:  It won't rub off completly, but it does come off.
Color: Bright red
From the packaging, I thought this would be a vampy red, but when I put it on, it actually goes on bright red.  I like it. It's like a cross between a lipgloss and a lipstick/stain.  However, because it does come off, you have to becareful not to get it on your teeth.

Revlon ColorStay Overtime Lip Color - Forever Scarlet ($8.99 at ULTA)
Texture: One side has liquid/creamy lipstick that dries completely matte, and the other side has a clear shiny moisturizing lipgloss to seal it in and keep it moist.
Stay Power:  THIS SUCKER DON'T BUDGE.  You'll probably have a harder time trying to get it off at the end of the day.  (see my blot picture below)
Color: Even though the name of the color suggest that it's gonna be a scarlet letter type red, it's actually a very orangey red.
I have to really give it to Revlon for this one.  There are few other brands that have the same concept.  Make Up For Ever is one of them.  And I have yet to try, but, MUFE is $24.  You can get the Revlon one for fraction of that price if you find the color you like.  The stay power is freakin awesome.  And as long as you reapply the gloss or your own lipbalm to keep your lips moisturized, it actually doesn't flake (which is some of the problems I had with other stay all day type lipsticks.)  The formula on this is great.  At the end of the day, I use little oil or moisturizer to loosen it up and remove.

Right after the gloss application, I harshly patted and moved the napkin around... but as you can see, all you got was slight stain from my lip pencil.

My redlipstick collection is growing!

If you are afraid or think you don't look good in red, you are wrong.  You just haven't found the right shade yet.  Red is such a bold, sexy color but at the same time, such a classic color that never ever goes out of style.  Just by putting this on, it gives you that boost of confidence that makes you wanna strutt like it's the runway. kekeke  okay maybe it's just me.  But just look at, Marilyn Monroe, Madonna, and Gwen Stefani.... They got their sexy on.... if I still haven't convinced you.... it really makes your teeth look really white. kekekeke :)  Go get yo sexy on ladies....