Top 5 Drugstore Lipsticks (Winter Edition)

         During the winter, I don't want to wear anything on my lips but moisturizing, protecting lip products. I've finally become one of those girls who doesn't want to leave the house with just lip balm on anymore. I need some colour, even if it's just a light pink or a nude. Here are my top picks for drugstore lipsticks that will get you through the winter season without drying out your lips.

5. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick

The Revlon Super Lustrous Collection has about 50 beautiful colours, which range from the lightest pink to black. It's essential in the winter months to find a lipstick that will moisturize your lips, and these lipsticks are infused with both silk and vitamins. Revlon has an exclusive LiquiSilk formula, and it's packed with mega moisturizers. These retail for only about $7.99 in the drugstore, so they're definitely worth taking a look at.

4. Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick

These were my go to lipsticks this fall, and I was quite happy with them! They come in 22 shades, including Nude Delight which is my favourite. Not only do these moisturize your lips, but they contain antioxidants and vitamins A, C and E. I would always exfoliate my lips before going out into the cold with these on, as you want to start with a smooth surface for these lipsticks. These retail on average for $6.99.

3. Revlon ColourBurst Lip Butter

Although these are not technically lipsticks, I had to put them in. These lip butters are fantastic to wear all year round for a surge of moisture without giving up colour. They contain mango, shea and coconut butter, and claim to boost lip's moisture by 156%! They also contain a gel formula, which is known to glide right over dry spots. These are available in 20 shades, and have a sheer to medium colour. I only own this lip butter in Pink Truffle, but I have heard that the shade Creme Brulee is the perfect nude, so I'll need to test that out eventually. These retail for about $7.49. 

2. Gosh Velvet Touch Lipstick

This was my top choice until very recently. I absolutely love these lipsticks, and was obsessed with the shade Cappuccino. These are incredibly shiny, moisturizing and glide on easily. There are 12 shades available. I just purchased the shade Darling, which I can't wait to try, as I think it may be even more of a perfect nude than Cappuccino. These lipsticks also contain SPF 6, which is important for any time of the year. They retail for about $12-$14, but are definitely worth the price. 

1. Bourjois Rouge Edition Lipstick

I adore everything about these lipsticks! I have never put on any lip butter or lipstick that glides over your lips like these do. I decided to try these on a whim when I was in Ireland, as they are almost half the price over there than they are in Canada. These contain orchid blossom extract, which helps hydrate and protect your lips for 10 hours. This collection contains 12 shades so far, and I currently own 02 Beige Touch which is an amazing everyday nude, and 03 Peche Cosy which is great for a subtle pop of colour. These lipsticks retail for $20 in Canada, so not the most affordable, but if you feel like spending a little more on a lipstick you definitely won't be disappointed. 

Goodnight! xx

Casual Friday Night Out Makeup!

(Please excuse my horrendous eyebrows!)

FACE:

Bourjois Healthy Mix Gel Serum Foundation in 51 Vanilla Clair

Nip + Fab CC Eye Fix -Light

Covergirl Clean Pressed Powder for Sensitive Skin in 210 Classic Ivory

Bourjois Bronzing Powder in 51 peaux claires medianes

Revlon Matte Powder Blush in Perfectly Peach

EYES:

Gosh Waterproof Eye Shadow Stick in Gold

NYX Love in Florence Palette in Meet My Romeo 

Physician's Formula 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum in Ultra Black

Covergirl Clump Crusher by LashBlast Mascara in Very Black

LIPS: 

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in 700 Nude Delight



Click here for my everyday Fall makeup routine!

Hope you're having a great Friday! xx

October Favourites!

             I can't believe it's November in 2 days! So crazy. This means less than 2 months left until Christmas, and also less than 2 months left until I go to Ireland! Ahhhh! I have been loving anything moisturizing this month, as my skin has officially made the changeover from summer to winter. I also have a few random favourites that I will include as well. I have mentioned some of these products before, so there will be a few familiar ones. Let's get into it!

LIP PRODUCTS

Burt's Bees Ultra Conditioning Lip Balm With Kokum Butter: I've started using this lip balm as a base before I put any sort of colour on my lips. It's meant to condition your lips for 4 hours with one application, which I find to be true. I purchased this forever ago, and have busted it out again for the cold weather. A must have for the winter!

Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm: The shade I'm using is called Honeysuckle, and it is the perfect colour for me. It's a brownish nude, and goes extremely well with my well loved Gosh Velvet Touch Lipstick in Cappuccino. This tinted lip balm is super moisturizing, and conditions with Shea Butter and Botanical Waxes. I'd highly recommend this for the fall/winter! 

Revlon ColourBurst Lip Butter: I have to say, I really wish I had tried this stuff sooner! The shade I have here is 065 Creamsicle. This may seem like more of a summer colour, but for some reason I only started getting into the light pink shades this fall! You don't need to apply any sort of a base underneath, as it's exceptionally hydrating and glides on effortlessly. Will be repurchasing more shades ASAP!

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain: I just did a review on this, which you can find by clicking here, but I love this gorgeous colour! This one is 035 Charm. It lightly stains your lips while giving them a moisturized feel. Unfortunately, the moisturized feeling doesn't last for too long, so I'm really only a fan because of this specific colour!

Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub: I actually received this as a gift for my birthday in May, but only needed to start using it recently. This has become part of my daily routine when I'm getting ready to go out, to make sure that there's no dry skin building up on my lips. My lips get chapped SO easily because of the cold weather, so this helps significantly in getting them ready for the day.

Top to Bottom: Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Honeysuckle, Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in 035 Charm, Revlon ColourBurst Lip Butter in 065 Creamsicle

EYES + FACE

Nip + Fab CC Eye Fix -Light: This is a really nice concealer and surprisingly moisturizing! I don't have dark circles under my eyes, but this concealer does make you look noticeably more awake and just brightens up the whole eye area. It contains light diffusing particles, as well as beeswax and vitamin E to nourish and protect. I'd recommend this to anyone who wants to start carrying for their under eye area and brighten it up at the same time.

Essence Stays No Matter What 24 Hour Jumbo Eye Pencil & Shadow: This eye pencil was extremely cheap and does it's job exceptionally well! I use the shade 07 Whipped White Frosting for the inner corners of my eyes, and it's really made a difference in the presentation of my eye makeup. My eyes look brighter and stand out more. It really does not budge all day. I'll definitely be using throughout the fall and winter.

Revlon Matte Powder Blush: Apparently I'm a big fan of Revlon this month! They actually come out with some really great products, I don't think they get enough credit. I have the shade Perfectly Peach, which I've been wearing forever. I always tend to gravitate towards peach blushes as opposed to pink, just because they seem to look more natural on me. This blush has quite a long staying power, as when I take my makeup off at the end of the day it's still there. There is quite a lot of product there, so it does last you a long time. Big thumbs up!

NAILS

Butter London 3 Free Nail Lacquer: All Hail the Queen....there's really no need to say anything else. Check out my review here!

CLEANSERS + MOISTURIZERS

Biotherm Hydra-Mineral Cleanser Toning Mousse: I've talked about this cleanser so many times that it seems to be getting a little repetitive. However, I've been using this all month long and it is the perfect cleanser as it really does tone your skin at the same time. I wish it were a LITTLE more moisturizing for this month, so perhaps I will purchase the one that is meant for dry skin as well. Excellent product.

The Body Shop Coconut Body Butter: I have both the 50 ml size and the 200 ml size, as I like to carry one in my purse. This is a must have for the winter. Incredibly moisturizing, made with Community Fair Trade virgin organic coconut oil, you cannot go wrong with this stuff. I love using this as soon as I get out of the shower and/or on freshly shaven legs. 

Be Better Sakura Sensation Foam Bath: I received this as a gift, but I believe it's from Rexall Pharma Plus, which is a Canadian drug store. I've been using this all month long, as I take baths constantly and it smells amazing! It's made with natural ingredients and is paraben free. Love this stuff!

OTHER

Coconut Oil: I have been a huuuuge fan coconut oil for the past year, but after discovering it's most recent purpose, I've become an even bigger fan. My cat Kenya has not been feeling well (send her good vibes!) and had a really sore throat. She wasn't eating properly and was having a hard time swallowing. I started giving her about a tablespoon of coconut oil twice a day to sooth her throat, and from the first time I gave it to her there has been a huge difference! There's a million different amazing uses for coconut oil, and I'll link an article here in case you don't know about them. The kind I have here is Omega Nutrition Certified Organic Coconut Oil. However, it's best if you can get virgin or extra virgin. 

Owl Change Purse: I am obsessed with this little purse! I purchased it from St Lawrence Market I believe last month and it comes with me all the time! It's hand crafted and made with real leather. I actually use it to separate my subway tokens from my wallet. So adorable!

Kimchi Blue Kissing Swans Zip-Around Wallet: I purchased this online from Urban Outfitters about a month ago, and unfortunately it is sold out now! I love swans, so when I saw this I had to get it. It's got all the space you need and is made of incredibly smooth vegan leather. I'll be using this until it completely wears out.

H&M Leopard Print Scarf: I've been wearing this scarf non stop this month, as it seems to go with everything! I've even been wearing it with my winter coat (which may have to change, as it's not the warmest scarf). It's inexpensive, I believe I got it for $14.99 and is quite durable. I will likely be getting all of my winter accessories from H&M as well!

Back when it was warm enough to sit outside!

AND MY LAST OCTOBER FAVOURITE...

Chloe!!! Seeing as we just got Chloe this month, she is for sure an October favourite! She has settled in quickly, has grown and is such a pleasant little kitten. Her and Kenya love each other so much! Perfect addition to our little family.

THAT'S ALL! xx

New Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain: Review

        I've heard so many people rave about the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Lip Stain + Balm, that when I saw this new version I thought I'd give it a go! I actually was looking to try the lip stain, but the colours were all wrong for me, as they don't make any particularly natural ones. Also, my lips have started to get SO dry now that it's getting so cold out, so something with a little bit more moisture would be a better option for me right now!

Before applying a few coats of the Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in 035 Charm, I exfoliated my lips with the Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub. This is a must have if you have dry lips, as nothing goes on properly when your lips are chapped. This is an edible exfoliator, which I try not to think about as I'm licking the dead skin off of my lips.

Seeing as I only picked this up at the end of the day today, I decided to apply the balm stain at 5:30 PM and see how it held up until around 9:30 PM, when I normally take off my makeup. According to revlon.ca, this product is supposed to give your lips an instant moisturized feel with a light stain of colour. The flush of colour that it does give you is meant to last for hours.

This is how is looks on my lips after applying a few coats. My lips did feel moisturized, although not exceptionally. They're naturally a dark nude colour, so this gave me a really nice light shade of pink. I am really a huge fan of this colour! Once again, it is 035 Charm. The balm stain smells minty, but doesn't make your lips tingle.

An attractive close up of my noticeably chapped lips!

The moisturizing balm came off pretty quickly in the next hour, and my dry lips started to reappear. However, the colour was still noticeable.The stain came off a little more in the center of my lips than anywhere else, but that's to be expected with any lip stick/stain. In the 4 hours between putting it on and taking it off, I reapplied once after I ate.

This is what was remaining on my lips when I took the rest of the stain off with a little makeup remover on a tissue (ran out of cotton pads, sorry if it looks a bit gross!) Overall, it does what it's supposed to do. It is only meant to keep a flush of colour on your lips, which it did. Next time I wear this, I may just apply once or twice and use a gloss or moisturizing lip balm over top when needed. Usually I don't go for pink/peach colours, but I loved this one as soon as I swatched it on my hand in the store. I'm not sure if I'll be repurchasing other colours, but this one is a huge thumbs up!

HOMEWORK TIME! xx

My Everyday Fall Makeup Routine

For the most part, this is the way I have applied my makeup every day this fall. Occasionally I switch it up with the eyeliner or eye shadow, but I pretty much do the same thing every day! I would have to say the only major difference between what I do in the summer compared to what I do in the fall/winter, is what I put on my skin. I rarely wear anything but tinted moisturizer on my skin in the summer, but like to switch to something slightly heavier in the wintertime like my Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation. I always go for a neutral look, as I find that suits me best. Wearing a darker eye look or lip colour tends to look strange on me!

These are all the product that I use on a daily basis! It seems like a lot when all laid out like this, but it all amounts to a very natural, clean look. I've been using some of these products for years, while some are still relatively new to me. Here's a run down of what I do below:

FACE: After applying my Neutrogena Naturals Moisturizer, I go in with the Nip + Fab CC Eye Fix in Light to brighten up my under eye area. I really like this concealer, as it's hydrating and contains vitamin E to fight off signs of aging (yes, at 22 you need to start thinking about this already!). Then, I just use my fingers to apply my beloved Bourjois Healthy Mix Gel Serum Foundation in 51 Light Vanilla all over my face, including my eyelids. I go in with a second coat over any breakouts, and around my nose where my pores are the largest. I am lucky enough to not have any breakouts right now, but I definitely do get them. Once this sets, I use a large brush (not pictured above, as it needs to be washed) and dust my face lightly with Covergirl's Clean Pressed Powder for Sensitive Skin. I've been using this powder for years, and repurchase it once every couple months or so. I then take my Bourjois Bronzing Powder in 51, and contour my cheekbones, temples and jaw line. To finish, I apply my Revlon Matte Powder Blush in Perfectly Peach to the apples of my cheeks.

Note: I do nothing to my eyebrows besides brush them out. Not into filling in my eyebrows!

EYES: Next, I take my Gosh Waterproof Eye Shadow Stick in Gold and apply it to my eyelids. Using my finger, I make sure it's all blended in, and that there's no crease. This has become my staple eye shadow, and I will eventually be purchasing more neutral colours from this line. Using a flat eye shadow brush, I take my NYX Love in Florence Palette in Meet My Romeo and sweep the lightest shimmery brown over my lids as well. I actually got this from the Urban Outfitters website in the summer, as I've never seen NYX in Ontario and wanted to try it. I then sweep the off white colour over my brow bone. I used to apply one of the darker brown colours in the crease, but I prefer a lighter look now. I have recently started adding the littlest bit of the Essence Stays No Matter What Jumbo Eye Pencil and Shadow in 07 Whipped White Frosting to the inner corners of my eyes. After this is complete, I use my favourite Physician's Formula 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum in Ultra Black to create a winged out look. This took forever for me to learn how to do, and I'm still trying to get it right! I top this off with two coats of my Covergirl Clump Crusher LashBlast Mascara in Very Black.

LIPS: To finish off the look, I first apply Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Honeysuckle, (I often have foundation all over my lips by this time and need to put colour back into them!) and go in overtop with my Gosh Velvet Touch Lipstick in 146 Cappuccino.


Once again, this may seem like a lot to some, but it takes me on average 10 minutes to apply.

HOPE YOU ENJOYED MY NEUTRAL FALL LOOK! xx