FLOWER BEAUTY Kiss Me Twice Lip & Cheek Chubby in Raisin the Roof, Apricot-a-lot, Think Pink, & Rosie Posie...

Hey y'all! If y'all follow me on Instagram, then y'all have been seeing pictures of these new Lip and Cheek Chubbies I bought from Walmart. I have also purchased other new products from Drew Barrymore's Flower Beauty Spring release. For now I am going to start off with a review on this two-in-one lip and cheek product. 

I purchased four of the five shades displayed in my local Walmart. The fifth shade that I did not purchase was a deep hot fuchsia shade, which I thought would not suit my skin-tone. 

I must begin my review by saying that this was a difficult product to test out. I am quite boggled by this product. Although this is a two-in-one product, I preferred one shade shade for the lips, another shade for the cheeks, and neither of the remaining shades for either lips or cheeks. 

Availability / Price: Walmart, $9.99 

Packaging 

Image #1: Rosie Posie, Think Pink, Apricot-a-lot, and Raisin the Roof

Image #2: Raisin the Roof, Rosie Posie, Apricot-a-lot, and Think Pink

Color / Pigmentation 

On the arms... 

Image #1: top to bottom shades Apricot-a-lot, Think Pink, Rosie Posie, and Raisin the Roof 

Image #2: same shades blended out 

On the lips... 

Raisin the Roof is a deep berry red. This is the only shade that applied appropriately on the lips. It felt and looked like velvet. Very pigmented! 

Think Pink is a bright hot pink with a yellow undertone. On the lips, this shade looks lighter and more like a bubble gum pink. From a far I think it looks normal, but as you get closer it looks unusually patchy and dry. I would not even describe it as matte. I even tried lip balm, which did not improve the appearance whatsoever. Very pigmented! 

Rosie Posie is a dusty mauve-pink with a brown base. On my lips, this shade looks like a baby pink, but chalky and powdery as you can see in the picture below. Optimal pigmentation for a natural looking blush. 

Apricot-a-lot is a light peach. On my lips, this shade looks chalky and white as you can see in the picture below. Poor pigmentation on the cheeks. I did not bother taking a picture of this on my cheeks because it did not show up at all. 

Formula: Cream to powder.

Texture: Applies wet, but dries fast. 

Application: The product dries fast. It turns from cream to a powder that sort of sticks in place very quickly. The product is difficult to control and blend. I used a lot of force to blend it out, which did not feel pleasant. 

Longevity: two to three hours. 

On the cheeks... 

Image #1: Raisin the Roof / Image #2: Rosie Posie 

Images #1-3: Think Pink 

In these pictures I'm demonstrating for y'all how I applied these. First, I applied Think Pink in a horizontal tear drop shape or in the shape of my cheek bones. Second, I used the Elf Stippling Brush (Target $3) for this shade (Think Pink) and the Real Techniques Buffing Brush (ULTA $8.99) for other three shades. Finally, I thought I may have applied too much product, so I used a towel to buff it out. At this point, I concluded that I had roughhoused with my poor cheeks and felt immense guilt. I turned 25 a few weeks ago and am experiencing the quarter-life-crisis and treating my physical appearance (skin, hair, etc.) as a fleeting moment to capture and cherish while it lasts. 

In a nutshell... 

I liked Raisin the Roof as a lip color and Rosie Posie as a cheek color. Although I liked the concept behind the product, I am not at all impressed by the execution. Honestly, $9.99 is a hefty price to pay for a two-in-one product that is only partially meeting its function. I was really looking forward to trying these, but now I am feeling overwhelmed by the fact that I bought four of them and cannot wait to return them. As a beauty blogger I invest a lot in purchasing products to review for my readers, but I it would not feel right to waste hard earned money on something I cannot imagine using ever again. I would not even give these away to someone. Lastly, I want to point out that typically creme blushes are recommended for individuals with dry skin, right! Or am I wrong? Well, when I was applying these, I thought to myself that maybe if I had an emollient base on like foundation, I could maybe blend these blushes better rather than tugging at my cheeks with my stippling or buffing brushes. 

Likes 

• Color Selection 
• Excellent Pigmentation (except Apricot-a-lot) 
• Cute "Chubby" Packaging 

Dislikes

• Expensive for drug-store makeup or Walmart makeup. 
• Time consuming - not meant for someone who applies makeup on the go, at a stop sign, or at a red light. 
• Hard to control and blend product 
• Application process is rough on cheeks
• Application will not be easy for makeup beginners 
• Formula / Texture is tough to decipher - is it a cream, a powder, or a sticky powder? 

Well, that's all folks. Have a beautiful day! 

Please support StrawberryHeartsChocolateDarts @

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

BLOGLOVIN'

GOOGLE+

SHESAIDBEAUTY

Your friendly comments are much appreciated. 

Thanks!

The Balm INSTAIN Long Wear Staining Powder Blush: Argyle, Toile, and Houndstooth

Hey y'all!!! 

I watched one Youtube review (by Beauty Broadcast) on theBalm INSTAIN blushes and was immediately convinced that I wanted to buy a few.  These beautiful babies made their debut last year, but around that time my local Sephora stopped carrying theBalm brand and I am not much of an online shopper.  I tried to purchase these blushes during theBalm's 50% off flash sale in the Fall of 2013, but the website crashed and I received an error page whenever I attempted to checkout. 

Out of the blue, Kohl's remodeled and expanded its beauty department, and theBalm is one of the brands it began selling.  I think I have a beautiful "material girl in a material world" angel up in heaven, who listens to all my girly whims, and grants my wishes.  I am by no means joking.  I firmly believe this is true. 

Availability / Price 

TheBalm INSTAIN blushes are sold at Kohl's, Kohls.com, and theBalm.com; $22 each as sold separately; $34 for a set of three blushes (the amount of product of each blush in the set is equal to the amount of product of each blush sold separately, so do not assume that the amount in the set is less because of the excellent bargain price - $11.33/blush-in-set). 

I lucked out because the three colors I wanted to buy were the exact three available as a set.  However, the sets change.  The first time I saw this set at Kohl's (around Thanksgiving), I did not buy it because I had only liked one of the shades in the selection of shades available at that time.  Recently, I was on the Kohl's website and noted that the selection of colors had changed.  I rushed to Kohl's the following day and exchanged the single blush I had bought (in the shade Toile) for the set of three blushes, which included Toile in addition to the two other colors I had wanted, Argyle and Houndstooth. 

Packaging 

The pictures below clearly demonstrate the creative, vintage, adorable packaging. The blushes open up like a miniature book and close securely because of a magnet between the top (lid) and bottom (product pan). The book-shaped packaging has an additional sleeve like cover than slides on top and it displays the same artwork in the front and back as the book-shaped blush that slides inside. I like the addition of a mirror and appreciate the lack of an applicator, which would have made the packaging unnecessarily bulky. The mirror has a little saying on top of it, which adds charm as well. "Wear it well... Vous va bien..."  

Toile... is a coral peachy-pink. 

Although leaning more warm-toned than neutral-to-cool, I appreciate that this blush does not have a yellowish undertone. It suits my beige/olive complexion beautifully. I cannot wear blushes that lean red, orange, amber, or bronze because it emphasizes the yellow undertones in my skin, which I dislike. Mauve-pink, plum-pink, and berry-pink shades are ideal for my skin-tone. So, Toile is a nice change from the boring same old shades because it has the right balance of warm coral and peach. It looks so natural and adds a healthy flush of color, which in turn brightens my complexion. 

Argyle... is a soft, neutral-toned, baby pink. 

I absolutely adore this color as much as Toile. Toile and Argyle are my favorites! Argyle is another unique addition to my collection because it is a pure pink, unlike the plummy, mauve, and berry pinks I own. It is a young, refreshing, and brightening shade. 

Houndstooth... is a subtle mauve-pink. 

This color did not show up on me very well, which is so surprising because it is second to the deepest shade in the entire collection of six shades. I swiped (not dabbed) my brush a few times to grab enough pigment to show up on my face. The color looks so beautiful in the pan, but I wish it had shown up on me. 

Formula / Texture / Application / Longevity 

TheBalm describes the INSTAIN blushes as a staining powder. I did not notice a "staining" effect. After watching the Beauty Broadcast review on these blushes, I was expecting intense pigmentation and a staining effect. So, when I first applied the Toile blush, I lightly dabbed my brush into the product. The light dabbing was not enough. I liberally swipe my brush twice or thrice across the pan and only then am able to pick up enough color to show up. Toile and Argyle show up beautifully and perhaps I might have overdone it so I could capture the shades for photographing purposes. I still remain unsatisfied with Houndstooth. 

These blushes feel velvety smooth to the touch and on the face. I really the like the texture, which I would describe as a buttery soft powder. The product blends out very nicely; not at all patchy or difficult to control and spread like NARS. Oh, the irony! I was surprised by the subtlety of the pigmentation, yet I appreciate the shade selections, application, and texture. Lastly, like I mentioned I did not notice "staining" and the wear-time was the typically four to five hours for me. Most of the blushes I own require touching up after a few hours. Please keep in mind that I do not wear base makeup, so the blush does not have anything other than my moisturizer to adhere to. Overall, my cons are that I was expecting wild pigmentation and "staining" effect. I thought a light dab of the brush would be enough. So, I have struggled with properly applying this blush because either the color is not showing up enough or I am applying too much. The pros are the color selection, texture, and blending capacity. I do not regret purchasing Toile and Argyle, but my experience with these blushes was definitely different from Emily's experience (Beauty Broadcast). 

Toile / Houndstooth / Argyle 

Please support StrawberryHeartsChocolateDarts @

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

BLOGLOVIN'

GOOGLE+

SHESAIDBEAUTY

Your friendly comments are much appreciated. 

Thanks!

Fashion Look Book # 2: What's trending in my closet? (#OOTDs)

Image #1: Sweater from Express; Jacket from Express; Head Band from Charming Charlie 

Image #2: Sweater from Express; Jacket from Express; Jeans by Celebrity Jeans from Dillard's; Boots from Francesca's; Earrings from Francesca's  

Image #1: Sweater from Express; Tights from Express; Boots from Francesca's; Tank-top from Kohl's;  Earrings from Icing's; Bracelet from Francesca's 

Image #2: Sweater from Express; Jeans by Celebrity Jeans from Dillard's; Boots from Bakers; Tank-top from Kohl's; Earrings from Target; Bracelets from Kohl's 

Please support StrawberryHeartsChocolateDarts @

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

BLOGLOVIN'

GOOGLE+

SHESAIDBEAUTY

Your friendly comments are much appreciated. 

Thanks!

Maybelline Color Sensational "The Buffs" Lipsticks in Touchable Taupe, Truffle Tease, Stormy Sahara, and Untainted Spice (Part 2)

Hey y'all! 

Yep! Yep! I bought not one more, but four more shades from the Maybelline Color Sensational "The Buffs" collection. I used a $1.25 off Target coupon on each. Originally, these cost $4.99 at Target. 

In this post, I will provide swatches and a brief updated review. Please click here to read my complete in-depth review of these new lipsticks from Maybelline. The first two colors I purchased from this collection are called Sin-a-Mon and Espresso Exposed, which the colors y'all will read about in the in-depth review post. The second time around, I purchased showing Stormy Sahara, Untainted Spice, Truffle Tease, and Touchable Taupe. 

Truffle Tease and Untainted Spice (L-R)

Stormy Sahara and Touchable Taupe (L-R)

Touchable Taupe (taupe-beige, but surprisingly equally gray, but more brown version of Sin-a-Mon) 

Truffle Tease (medium nude, i.e., corpse look for olive/beige skin-tones) 

Stormy Sahara (peachy nude)

Untainted Spice (deep rosy pink with a brown undertone)

Updated Review / Brief Overview

I think my two favorite shade out of the four shades above are Stormy Sahara and Truffle Tease. I really like Sin-a-Mon (see Part 1), so I think I should not have purchased Touchable Taupe as well. The two shades are quite similar, but I like Sin-a-Mon more. Sin-a-Mon is a milkier version of Touchable Taupe, with less brown and equal amount of gray. Sin-a-Mon seems trendier and more unique. 

I definitely did not need Untainted Spice. It is a better version of my natural lip color. Surprisingly, Untainted Spice is also the sheer shade of the bunch because as y'all can see in the picture above, it looks like it has a sheen and is not fully opaque. Unfortunately, I don't see myself reaching out for Untainted Spice at all, so I might return it. 

"The Buffs" is my favorite collection of the Maybelline Color Sensational lipsticks. I am now tempted to try the red-orange shade from "The Vivids" collection. Perhaps, I will exchange Untainted Spice for it. 

I have a tendency to shop for nail polishes in the drug-stores and lip products at more high-end stores, like Sephora, ULTA, and select department stores.    My brain automatically shuts out high-end nail polishes and I really don't know why and vise versa for lip products. Overall, I am a proponent of high-end lip products, unless a drug-store one seems like it deserves a second look. I would much rather buy one lip product I love and cannot stray away from rather than a few for the same price that I like, but can let go of. However, writing a beauty blog focused mainly on reviews has made me more experimental and as a result I have come across a few treasurable lip products at the drugstore. So, what makes "The Buffs"standout to me? 

What do I appreciate about these lipsticks? I appreciate that these nude shades apply so uniformly and opaque on my medium-pigmented lips in two or three swipes. These nude shades have deep brown and gray undertones, which creates a balance between warm and cool tones, making these nudes flattering for warmer, deeper, tanned, olive, and beige skin-tones. 

These lipsticks are creamy, but semi-matte.  I recommend using a dab of gloss to add shine to these shades, but only if you want the sheen effect (except for Untainted Spice). Personally, I would not use a gloss because I think the high-sheen effect would take away from the original charm of these nude shades. 

These lipsticks glide on smoothly, feel creamy on the lips, and are not dehydrating, but do not expect these to add hydration or moisturize your lips. After testing these lipsticks out for about a month now, I have observed that after the product has been on your lips for some time, reapplication might be necessary (per personal preference) for the lipstick to appear creamy again because the product tends to set in place like a semi-matte stain (without the staining power of course as this is not a stain). I am planning to wear a lip balm with these lipsticks because I prefer a creamy semi-matte appearance instead of fully matte nude lips. 

The mild cosmetic scent (i.e., mixture of candy and plastic) of these lipsticks are not bother me. I don't even notice a scent unless I intentionally sniff the tube. The scent is not as overpowering as the scent of the Cover Girl Lip Perfection and Milani Color Statement lipsticks. 

Lastly, I think the staying power of these lipsticks is quite good. Of course eating and drinking will cause color to transfer and wear off. 

Well, this synopsis is not brief at all as I had aimed it to be when I began writing this post, but please do take a look at the Part 1 post as well. Thanks! 

Please support StrawberryHeartsChocolateDarts @

FACEBOOK

TWITTER
INSTAGRAM
BLOGLOVIN'

GOOGLE+

SHESAIDBEAUTY

Your friendly comments are much appreciated. 

Thanks!

BITE BEAUTY AGAVE LIP MASK

Hey y'all!

Today, I want to share my review of the Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask. Bite Beauty is one of my favorite brands. Dare I say it is my most favorite brand for lip products. I have tried Bite Beauty creme lipsticks, creamy matte lip pencils, and a cashmere lip cream.  I am especially fond of the brand's use of natural and fruit-based ingredients. 

Although I have a beauty blog, I am a simple winged eyeliner and lip color sort of gal. Sometimes I like a pop of color on the cheeks, but everything else (i.e., eye makeup) is tucked away in my drawer for special (rare) occasions. I don't own a foundation, primer, concealer, powder, highlighter, or anything of the like. 

So, most of my energy and passion for beauty products is focused on lip products. This means I am a beauty snob and have high standards when it comes to liking lip products. 

Bite Beauty lip products have not yet to seized to impress me. I'm consistently checking Sephora's website every now and then, hoping to find more colors and newer products from Bite Beauty. Honestly, if all of the shades in the creme lipsticks, creamy matte lip pencils, and cashmere lip creams collections suited my skin-tone, I would buy them all.

Writing this review is going to be difficult for me because as y'all can see I adore Bite Beauty.

Availability / Price 

Bite Beauty products are sold exclusively at Sephora and cost $26. Unfortunately, not all Sephora stores carry the complete collection of Bite Beauty products. Fortunately, I have moved back and forth between three States within the last few years for law school and internship purposes, so some of the stores located near me as well as the store in my hometown have sold the complete range of Bite Beauty products. 

Packaging 

The packaging on this lip mask reminds me of a medicated ointment tube. The dent in the picture is where I pressed to squeeze out the product. I have to use a little bit of muscle to squeeze out the product. The packaging is made out of a tough material, probably a tougher plastic, but it does not feel as squeezable as one would imagine plastic to be. 

I was well aware of the appearance of the tube before I purchased this lip mask and knew that this tube would not stay as smooth as it comes. The more I will use this product, the packaging will look more bent-out-of-shape and crinkled as did the tester that I had seen in Sephora. 

However, the packaging did not stray me away from purchasing this product. 

Formula / Texture / Scent 

This lip mask feels like a very thick jelly. The stickiness and thickness reminds me of honey. This lip mask tastes delicious and sweet. The scent is pleasant, warm, fruity and nutty sweet, sort of like a coconut-vanilla desert with a hint of orange. 

Application 

I feel slightly uneasy when I first apply this mask. The thickness of this product seals (locks) in my lips and my lip area becomes warm. I feel a tingling sensation, but it is not a cool-tingling or cool-prickly sensation; it is warm. 

I apply this product with my index finger. The warmth of my finger makes the product softer and easier to spread across the lips. The product is thick and emollient, but not a buttery soft. 

The lip mask looks like a clear gloss with a yellow tint.  If you look at the pictures below carefully, then you will notice the yellowish tint on my hand, but it is not as apparent on the lips. 

This lip mask can be worn during the day or at night, but I would suggest not wearing this lip mask, while exposed to sunlight. The skin surrounding the lip area is very thin and sensitive. It can get sunburned easily with only slight sun exposure. A few years ago I watched a documentary on skin cancer and the dermatologists in this documentary warned against wearing lip gloss in daylight because of its reflective properties. A lip gloss with sunscreen is essentially counterproductive. 

I would recommend wearing this product at nighttime before going to sleep, which is exactly how I use it. 

Can you wear this lip mask under lip color? Yes, but depends on personal preference. In the picture below, I selected the most dry lip product I own (Flower Beauty Velvet Lip Pencil). The lip mask is so thick and glossy that it trasnformed a richly pigmented matte lip color into a sheer wash of color. I want to point out the difference between the lip mask and a lip balm. The Fresh Sugar is a fairly thicker lip balm in comparison to others. 

(Lip Mask + Lip Color)

(Flower Beauty Velvet Lip Pencil + Fresh Sugar Lip Balm in Rose / No Lip Mask)

(Natural Lips / No Lip Mask)

(With Lip Mask)

Results / Overall 

Would I repurchase this product? Unfortunately, no I will not. I think it is more of a luxury (extra) item in my collection and not a staple or necessity. My lips have been dry lately (more than the normal, i.e., minimal dehydration) and I have been using this product for two weeks with no long-term improvement. This product only gave temporary comfort, but did not treat the dryness. I tested a bunch of lip colors last Friday night, hopping from ULTA to Dillard's Dior to Kohl's Beauty Dept., and my lips were burning, plump, irritated, and very dry that night. I am so upset with myself for doing that to my lips. I felt so guilty that night and still do, so I am going to be more careful now onwards. I don't want to get lip wrinkles because I kept applying and removing lip colors with dry coarse tissue. I was hoping that this lip mask would come to my rescue. 

It does feel pleasant in the moment, but it did not really help me. It does not have sunscreen and is too glossy to be worn as a balm with sunscreen, which is what I need. My lip area gets sunburned very easily, which is a bigger problem for me than chapped lips. The Bite Beauty Lip Mask is like a dashingly handsome man that can say the rights things and make you feel ou la la, but it is not like the humble gentleman who will walk miles in the snow to see you because he does not have a car and take his skimpy jacket off for you so you are not feeling cold. 

Please support StrawberryHeartsChocolateDarts @

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

BLOGLOVIN'

GOOGLE+

SHESAIDBEAUTY

Your friendly comments are much appreciated. 

Thanks!

COVERGIRL Lip Perfection Lip Color in Ravish (Bombshell Collection)

Hey y'all!!! 

Today, I am sharing with y'all a new Lip Perfection Lip Color from the COVERGIRL Bombshell Collection. The collection comes with four new shades. So far I purchased the shade Ravish and plan to get Tantalize as well. 

The only reason I have not picked up Tantalize yet is because when I looked at the bottom colored demo part of the packaging, I saw shimmer and am assumed that the shade will have shimmer and not be a pure creme. I have been searching endlessly for swatches on these new Bombshell lip colors, but have found none for Ravish or Tantalize. I was not drawn by the two other shades: Seduce (red) and Bombshell (hot fuchsia pink). 

Some beauty bloggers have implied (unknowingly) that Delicious, Honeyed, and Creme lip colors are also from this Bombshell collection, but they are instead from a second new collection for Spring 2014 called Pastelicious. The displays are different for the two collections. I have also heard that these shades will become permanent as some found them displayed along with other permanent lipsticks, so don't fret if some of you have not come across the Bombshell or Pastelicious displays. 

I will be posting a review on Delicious soon as well! 

Availability / Price 

I purchased Ravish at Target for $5.69. It was marked down from $5.99. I have spotted the Bombshell displays at most stores by now: Walmart, Meijer, ULTA, and Walgreens. However, I haven't seen it at my local CVS yet. 

Packaging 

The packaging is decent. I do like the squared shape more than the rounded shape because the lipstick can stand or sit properly without rolling away. I may have mentioned in the past that I like rounded lipstick tubes more than squared. I would like either as long as the tube is slender, lightweight, stable, finger-print resistant (hmm... tech-y I know!), and a fun color or with a festive design. 

I think I really like the rosy chrome packaging with the color demo bottom. I might like this packaging more than any other drugstore lipstick (considering only lipstick, not liquid lipsticks / glosses) packaging with the exception of the Maybelline "Buffs" Color Sensational lipsticks. 

Color

Based on the arm swatch, I would describe this shade as a medium raspberry reddish pink. On my lips it does not look as red toned. I am loving this color. It is another unique addition to my collection. I own a lot deep reds, warm neutrals, and pinky-mauves, but nothing like this. I am becoming pretty adventurous with my lip color shades lately. Yay! 

This definitely does not have yellow or warm undertones. This is a neutral to slightly blue toned, but not so blue toned that it is cool toned. I say neutral because it is neither warm nor cool toned in my opinion, meaning I think this shade would look flattering on girls with a variety of complexions from fair to medium to tan. 

Personally, I would not recommend this shade to my friends with deep to dark skin-tones, but it does not matter what I think as long as you feel that it will look nice on you. Fortunately, COVERGIRL carries a wide range of colors, including the Queen collection, which includes a variety of shades for women of color.  One of my best friends has ebony skin-tone and I know she would not like this color for herself. I would recommend a brighter version of this shade for her. I am certainly not a certified makeup artist, so my recommendations are solely based on learning experiences. Once I am done with law school, I would definitely like to take a short course and learn about shades - what works, what does not, and how to make them work. 

Being a beauty blogger forces me to experiment with a wide range of colors and shades. However, certain colors are simply not ideal/flattering for my complexion, skin-tone, and/or natural teeth color. I love bright shades that are so trendy at the moment, but I love them on others, not on me. 

Formula / Texture / Application 

The formula is creme, but I appreciate that the lipstick does not feel thick. The lipstick feels nice when I am applying it. It glides on smoothly and one layer packs on a lot of pigment. Although the lipstick glides on smoothly and feels lightweight, my lips look very slightly dry. So, on my lips this shade look like a semi-creme/semi-matte hybrid. My lips are not chapped or dry, but have natural lip lines and look a bit parched, which water and lip balm takes care of momentarily. 

Longevity 

This lipstick has good staying power. Above I mentioned that the formula of this lipstick is creamy matte, so even if it wears off a bit after I eat, it leaves behind a natural reddish pink tint. Don't worry ladies this one does not completely wear off on the coffee mug or is not entirely consumed with a meal. 

Please support StrawberryHeartsChocolateDarts @

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

BLOGLOVIN'

GOOGLE+

SHESAIDBEAUTY

Your friendly comments are much appreciated. 

Thanks!