Lip Balm

Best Lip Stain – Reviews and Tips

March 29, 2010 By The Fashionable Housewife

I searched high and low for the best lip stains and I have compiled a list below. I know a lot of you complain that lip stains either don’t last long enough, are too dry or don’t come in good colors, so I’ve made a point to list the pros and cons with each product so you can make the best possible decision the next time you pick up a new lip stain.

Best Lip Stains

Tarte Natural Lip Stain with LipSurgence™ Technology

In Short: A natural lip stain that is clinically proven to increase lips’ moisture content by 6000%. This proprietary blend effectively increases skin’s water content for a ‘plumped up’ appearance leaving lips defined, smoothed, and hydrated. The result is naturally fuller, healthier lips without any irritation or stinging. Comes in 6 natural looking shades and convenient crayon-like “gel” application.

PROS: Not drying at ALL. Goes on smooth, feels silky, doesn’t dry out and lasts several hours or more. Natural and cruelty-free!

CONS: Doesn’t last all day. Only comes in 6 shades. Little bit expensive.

Price: $24.00

Purchase: Sephora.com

Tarte Rise & Shine Plumping Lip Stain Nectar

In Short: Tarte Rise & Shine Stain And Lip Enhancing Gloss is a gel-based tint for lips with a natural rosy glow that stays all day. The lip-enhancing gloss gives the appearance of fuller lips, for a pout that’s pretty and polished. Which means even after gloss wears away the lip tint remains.

PROS: Long lasting color that stays all day long. Stain is non-drippy, precise application, and nice plumping gloss. Great 2-in-1 product. Natural and cruelty-free!

CONS: Only 4 colors to choose from. Can dry lips out if you don’t keep something on top like lip gloss.

Price: $21.00

Purchase: Sephora.com

Good Lip Stains

CoverGirl Outlast Lipstain Lip Color

In Short: An innovative new lipstick that delivers precision application and color that lasts, without the sticky, heavy film layer of many traditional lipsticks. Lips feel bare, look beautiful – what more could a woman want from her lipcolor?

PROS: Excellent application, pleasant scent, lasts several hours or more, acceptable number of color choices to choose from and the price!

CONS: Dries out lips if you don’t moisturize first. Don’t use in the winter!

Price: $8.00

Purchase: Drugstore.com and Wal Mart

Benefit Cosmetics Benetint

In Short: Benefit Benetint is a kiss-proof and waterproof, indelibly sheer tint that can be used on lips and cheeks.

PROS: Double duty, can be used on cheeks or lips. Two colors to choose from that are universally flattering.

CONS: The price. It’s also so sheer it’s almost unnoticeable. Brush application leaves a lot to be desired. Dries lips out if you don’t moisturize beforehand and wear lip gloss on top.

Price: $28

Purchase: Sephora

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Filed Under: Lip Stain, Makeup Tagged With: Exfoliate, Lip Balm, Lip Stain, lip treatment, Lipstain

Beauty Products for Valentine’s Day – All for under $7

February 8, 2010 By The Fashionable Housewife

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and research shows that the #1 gift this year is actually the simplest gesture that speaks volumes. It’s a kiss, according to the new NIVEA “American Mood Monitor” conducted by one of the world’s leading consumer research companies, Iconoculture.

So what is American saying and what do they really want for Valentine’s Day? Here are the results from the research:

It’s an “Appreciation Economy”: Keep the pricey gifts at bay! It’s simplicity that speaks volumes actually. Consumers are keyed in on authentic everyday occurrences that demonstrate love, thoughtfulness and appreciation. Letting loved ones feel understood and cared for are impactful ways to keep romance alive and couples connected.

Making virtual connections: Consumers tweet, blog, talk and read on forums, so online openness and sharing of public information is on the uptick.

NIVEA’s XOXO Chain lets consumers share virtual hugs and kisses. The online program runs through Valentine’s Day and all are invited to share, and show, the love at NIVEAusa.com/xoxochain by uploading their own photos and videos to the site. Nothing mushy here — $1 from each XO will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters organization.

Make that kiss memorable: Simple, heartfelt gestures are the best way to offer the gift of love. In fact, the most desired gift this Valentine’s Day is a kiss. Luckily, NIVEA Lip Care offers a wide variety of products to perfect that pucker so you’re irresistibly kissable.

Enriched with natural Beeswax and Shea Butter, Nivea Lip Care A Kiss Of Moisture, Nivea Lip Care A Kiss Of Shimmer and Nivea Lip Care A Kiss Of Flavor range (cherry, passion fruit, pearly shimmer) will hydrate and offer long-lasting protection for soft, yummy kissable lips — Price: $2.99.

Enriched with natural Shea Butter and Vitamin E, NIVEA’s Glossy Lip Care range (Natural, Pink, Red) of squeezable tubes leaves smooth lips with a sheer, glossy shine and a hint of color – Price: $3.29

And NIVEA’s got you covered when it comes to hugs too. Two-thirds of participants in the NIVEA American Mood Monitor research self-identify as huggers, so warm, lingering embraces are just as vital when showing affection. NIVEA offers both a hydrating body wash and lotion for smooth, huggable skin.

Nivea Body Wash Touch of Sparkle Cream Oil with white calla scent and diamond powder leaves skin soft and shimmering (Price $6.49 for 16.9 OZ.).

Nivea Body Smooth Sensation (Price $4.99 for 8.4 oz, $6.99 for 13.5 oz.) Body Lotion is infused with Shea Butter and Vitamin E to hydrate dry skin. The fast absorbing lotion nourishes skin to keep it super soft and hug-ready!

NIVEA Body Tip: Apply after your shower while skin is still damp to lock in moisture. For more information on NIVEA, visit NIVEAusa.com.

Kiss and be kissed…touch and be touched.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Filed Under: Body, Hands & Feet, Lip Balm / Treatment, Makeup, Skin Care Tagged With: beeswax, Lip Balm, Lip Gloss, lip shimmer, Lotion, Moisturizer, NIVEA, Shea Butter, Valentine's Day

Keep Lips Soft and Supple for Valentine’s Day

January 27, 2010 By The Fashionable Housewife

LypSyl is a premium lip care line created over 100 years ago in Sweden. Formulated from all-natural, pure Swedish beeswax, LypSyl products combine natural and therapeutic ingredients like organic Shea butter, coconut oil, Vitamin E and Vitamin A, providing unsurpassed moisture and lip protection.

Swedish beeswax is used as the main ingredient for all LypSyl products because of its ability to spread evenly and allow the formula to penetrate deeply into the lips. Offered in several formulas, Lypsyl Original Formula; LypMoisturizer (HoneyBerry SPF), Lypsyl Eucalyptus Lip Balm; LypRadiance, Extreme Cold Sore Relief and Lypsyl Lypsensitivity with Aloevera.

I personally had the opportunity to try Lypsyl Original Formula for myself and was pleasantly surprised with the results. If you like the leading popular beeswax lip balm, then you’ll love Lypsyl. It has a smoother texture, longer lasting container, and convenient application.

LypSyl products can be found at Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS, Duane Reade, Shop-Rite, select Wal-Mart locations and drugstore.com for a starting suggested retail price of $2.99. LypSyl is not tested on animals. Please visit www.LypSylhome.com.

Find out how Celebrities combat chapped lips… [Read more...]

Filed Under: Lip Balm / Treatment, Reviews Tagged With: beeswax, beeswax lip balm, Chapped Lips, chapstick, Lip Balm, Lip Gloss, LypSyl, Shea Butter, Swedish Beeswax

Erno Laszlo pHormula No. 3-9 Moisture Repair Lip Balm SPF 15

August 21, 2009 By The Fashionable Housewife

Erno Laszlo’s pHormula 3-9 Lip Balm SPF 15 protects against damaging UVA/UVB rays and heals super-dry, cracked lips. A breakthrough treatment loaded with essential fatty acids, moisture-absorbing marine spheres, healing tamanu oil and nourishing shea butter. It is a “health dome” for your lips, a healing wonder.

I haven’t tried this one yet, but it sounds wonderful. I have several Erno Laszlo products and I love all of them. My favorite is the Hydra-Therapy Bodyskin Cream.

Erno Laszlo’s pHormula 3-9 Lip Balm SPF 15 retails for $34.00 and you can get it on ErnoLaszlo.com and Dillards.com

Got chapped lips? Is this lip balm something you’d invest in?

Filed Under: Beauty Tagged With: Chapped Lips, Erno Laszlo, Hydra-Therapy Bodyskin Cream, Lip Balm, Lips, pHormula 3-9 Lip Balm, SPF 15

Shea Terra Organics Organic Shea Lip Butters Help Fight Violence and Poverty in Uganda

April 22, 2009 By The Fashionable Housewife

When Shea Terra Organics CEO and skin care formulator, Tammie Umbel, searches for ingredients for her next hottest product, she doesn’t reach out to cosmetic ingredient suppliers. She instead goes on the hunt for exotic ingredients produced from self-empowering projects throughout Africa.

In hard economic times, those most affected are women and children already living below the poverty line. With diminishing charity arriving from wealthier countries, self-empowering projects are needed more than ever. The company has worked with cooperatives throughout Africa to utilize their sustainable ingredients for over a decade, so when time came to reformulate its famous Organic Shea Lip Butters, akin to lips such as Shea Terra Organics’ fan Angelina Jolie, Tammie knew just where to begin.

Shea Terra Organics new 100% natural Organic Shea Lip Butters support grassroots efforts to cull Ugandan violence and provide economic stability through apiary training, which teaches beekeeping skills to natives. The project also donates hives to its students so they may start their own venture. The fragrant honey and golden beeswax collected from this effort forms the core of these extra smooth and healing lip treatments.

The Organic Shea Lip Butters also contain wild plum and tsamma melon oils — these oils are sourced from a Namibian project that supports over four thousand gatherers and farmers, while helping families send their children to school. Sustainable African herbs including African potato and roobios, are combined with 25% certified organic shea butter and organic virgin coconut cream oil to condition lips and provide hours of protection. Shea Terra Organics’ Organic Shea Butters do not contain parabens, or artificial fragrances and colors so they are safe for your kids to use too.

Available flavors:

Shea Propolis Organic Shea Lip Butter

Menthe Orange Organic Shea Lip Butter

My personal favorite is the Menthe Orange. It’s performance far exceeds that of more expensive brands. It is definitely one of my favorite lip balms and I highly recommend it. Plus, they only cost $4.00!

Shea Terra Organics is available in select boutiques and spas and at www.SheaTerraOrganics.com.

Filed Under: Beauty, Makeup, Organic or Eco-Friendly, Recommended, Reviews Tagged With: Africa, Chaptick, Eco-Friendly, Lip Balm, Lip Butter, Natural, Organic, Shea Butter, Shea Terra

Earth Day Special: Get 20% Off Fresh’s Natural Beauty Products

April 21, 2009 By The Fashionable Housewife

Tomorrow, Fresh is sharing the beauty with the Get More, Give More Earth Day special.

Fresh® has always been committed to using natural ingredients. They are an integral part of the efficacy of their fabulous products. Natural ingredients connect us all to time-honored beauty rituals of the past, and they keep us at the forefront of innovation.

In honor of Earth Day, Fresh is creating awareness around five of their most iconic, natural ingredients: meadowfoam seed oil, rose, soy, sugar, and Umbrian Clay. For the first time, each of their fifteen retail stores will feature ingredient bars at which people can smell, touch, and feel these ingredients in their purest forms while learning about their beneficial properties and origins. Customers can also enjoy a 20% discount on select best-selling items that contain these iconic, natural ingredients.

Additionally, Fresh® is donating 10% of the day’s in-store and online proceeds to The Climate Group, an international, non-profit organization that creates eco-conscious
initiatives to ensure a low-carbon, prosperous future. So the more people get, the more they are able to give back!!

Fresh believes that even small gestures can have a big impact, so they are also encouraging people to put their purchased items in their purse or perhaps in a shopping bag they’ve already received at a previous store. (Or put your items in your reusable bags!) Even this small act will reduce their carbon foot print on this planet.

Spread the word and help Fresh® share the beauty!

My favorite Fresh product is Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment with SPF 15. I have it with me at all times, and must admit that I kinda like it better than Burt’s Bees Lip Balm! It’s so smooth and it actually stays on my lips longer than anything else. It’s really pricey, but I think it’s worth it.

Filed Under: Beauty, Makeup, Organic or Eco-Friendly Tagged With: Beauty, Eco-Friendly, Fresh, Lip Balm, Makeup, Natural, Organic, Sugar

What’s New In My Makeup Bag?

March 25, 2009 By The Fashionable Housewife

I’m on obsessive shopper… so when I realized I just didn’t have much more room for shoes or clothing in my enormous walk-in closet that is filled to the ceiling, I decided I needed to find a new obsession. Turns out, beauty products take up a lot less room!

One of the new beauty products that I impulsively decided to try is Laura Geller Lip Strip Cooling Sugar Scrub.

I have trouble with dry lips, even with the best lip balm at my fingertips. It seems my lips are just bound and determine to be dry and flaky.

So I was bopping around on Sephora looking for something that might help when I found Laura Geller Lip Strip Cooling Sugar Scrub.

It said…

“The innovative formula will give you the beautiful, smooth lips that make lipstick and gloss go on smoother, last longer and look fabulous. Lip Strip gently buffs dry lips to renewed smoothness.”

Pretty convincing, right? I was further impressed by the dozens of positive reviews. The one that really sold me was, “This is amazing! It tastes great – completely exfoliates and hydrates your lips – it makes them feel like a million bucks!!! I will buy this and use it forever – really really amazing product!!!”

So I’m like, okay, I’m sold! And I bought it, along with Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15 and the fabulous Benefit Cosmetics Silky-Finish Lipstick in “I Do I Do I Do” for afterwards when my lips would hopefully look fabulous!

My shipment arrived quickly, as usual, and I was excited to see if any of these products would help my poor, dry little lips. I’ve been lusting after big, moist lips all winter and they just seem to be out of reach…

The Laura Geller Lip Strip Cooling Sugar Scrub was kinda difficult to use… I don’t know if it takes a while to get the hang of it, or maybe my lips are shaped weird… I had a hard time getting the cystals to stay on my lips long enough to actually scrub them. The sugar crystals just seemed to slip off my lips too quickly. I did find that once I had it on my lips that I got a little better results scrubbing it on with a dry washcloth, as oppose to using my fingers.

lipsss The scrub itself is amazing. It smells heavenly, tastes equally as sweet, and does leave my lips smoother and moister than they would normally be. And this did make it easier to apply lipstick, especially long wearing lipsticks that tend to dry your lips out anyway. But for $16, I expected a little more from the product. I would still recommend it, but i don’t know if I would personally buy it again. I get better results from gently buffing my lips with a damp pumice stone.