Agave Kisses Set by Bite Beauty

I have heard such good things about the Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask, so decided to get this set to try the mask, lip balm, and sugar lip scrub.  I really like two out of the three, which did a great job of  keeping my lips moisturized and happy during the cold snaps we had in Mobile in January/February. 

The Agave Lip Mask is quite thick and was somewhat difficult to squeeze out of the tube. I had to apply so much force that I was afraid the tube might split, but it didn't. This lip salve was deeply hydrating and became my night time lip balm, replacing the Smith's Rosebud salve which I've been using for years. Layering the mask over the stick lip balm resulted in lips that were soft and hydrated in the morning, with lingering product still protecting my lips.

The stick balm is a harder, more waxy texture that wears for a long time. It's not one of those balms that you continually have to reapply, no doubt because it is a thicker consistency. I ran out of the balm before the mask, and considered repurchasing it but decided the mask was the true star of the show for me and where I wanted to spend my money. Cause these aren't cheap at $26 for the lip mask and $18 for the balm. Ultimately, I did repurchase the lip mask but chose the Champagne version for a bit of shimmer this time. Hopefully the formula is the same.

Now for the item that was sub par IMO - the sugar lip scrub. I don't think there is enough sugar in the mix to make it an effective scrub.  I could be biased as I do like the Fresh Sugar lip scrub, which is much more dense and less soupy than this one. It's not so bad that I'm going to trash it, but it's not a formula I'm sold on. Maybe I should add more sugar to it and see if that helps, although the only sugar I have on hand is brown sugar I use to top my oatmeal.

I don't see this set on Sephora at the moment, and I'm not sure if it's something they bring out periodically or if it's gone for good. The Agave lip mask has become something I don't want to be without though, so I guess this sampler served it's purpose :-)

Plumberry Pop of Passion Lip Oil-Balm by bareMinerals

Disclaimer:  This was a GWP.

Wow, Plumberry Pop gives a nice shot of vibrant berry color! I think I was expecting something more sheer based on the "oil-balm" formula, but Plumberry makes quite the impact.  I'm also loving how it feels on my lips, which are feeling the effects of what passes for dryer air here in Mobile.  I swear, I must really thrive in a humid climate because anything below 70% humidity and my lips/sinuses start getting parched.

The oils in this Pop of Passion oil-balm formula are Passion Fruit, jojoba, and sunflower, which makes for a very lip nourishing formula that feels and looks great on.  An added bonus is the slight stain left behind. Mine is a deluxe sample from Sephora but the full-sized version goes for $16 and there are 8 shades available.  I've got my eye on the coral red Punch Pop, which would make a great spring color.

I'm really enjoying the Pop of Passion products I've tried, including the cream blush formula in Natural Passion (review here).  Good stuff!

Loving Your Unloved v3: Revlon Colorbust Lip Butters in Raspberry Pie, Creamsicle, Sweet Tart & Candy Apple

Disclaimer:  I purchased these.

If you were reading beauty blogs when the Revlon Colorburst Lip Butters were first released in 2011, you know the sensation they created.  And for good reason, as the formula is quite nice at a reasonable price point.  I've collected a dozen+ of them now, and yet only one is even close to being finished.

So, I've pulled four of the colors that have seen minimal usage and will be focusing on them for the month of July.  Since I shudder at the thought of being restricted to just one shade and the goal of this series is not to punish myself, but rather to rediscover my love for languishing products, my Lip Butter choices for July are:

• Raspberry Pie:  medium-dark raspberry pink 
• Creamsicle (discontinued):  creamy vanilla peach
• Sweet Tart:  bubblegum pink
• Candy Apple:  orange red

When looking through my Colorburst Lip Butter collection, it was immediately obvious that Peach Parfait has received lots of love and is the closest to being finished.  I was tempted to include it just to finish it off, but considering the series focuses on the unloved, it doesn't really fit.

I'm looking forward to seeing the progress I make with these neglected Lip Butters!

BY TERRY Baume de Rose Color Collection: Rare Edition

This delightful splurge ($89) was prompted by a "we miss you " 25% discount code from Beauty.com.  I mean, if you're going to indulge in lip balm that normally retails for $56 a pot, you might as well get a gift set with 5 travel sized tinted balms at discount, right?

For those not familiar with BY TERRY Baume de Rose, the original colorless version was released in 2003 and quickly became a cult classic.  Composed of a plumping and soothing blend of rose flower essential wax , pastel oil, shea butter, ceramides and vitamin E  (amongst others), 5 tinted versions have now joined the Baume de Rose family.  This set includes 4 tinted balms along with the original.

I admit I was a bit skeptical before I got these, but now I get it.  They feel soooo good on and they wear really well for a lip balm.   They provide sheer color, which works fine for me, but you can also wear them over lip stains or lipstick for more impact.  The original can also be used as a cuticle balm, although I'd be loathe to do that given how expensive they are.  Heck, it pained me somewhat to do the arm swatches!

Rosy Babe

Cherry Bomb

Fig Fiction

Toffee Cream

The only color I'm missing is Mandarin Pulp, which I'm sure I would LOVE.  Something to aspire to:-)

Fiery Red & Bold Blush Colour Riche Pop Balms by L'Oreal

I've got two of the four new Colour Riche Pop Balms that L'oreal released not long ago - Fiery Red and Bold Blush.  This are supposed to be a moisturizing lip balm that provides sheer color, and they deliver on both counts!

Bold Blush, Fiery Red

Bold Blush is a medium cool leaning bubble gum pink.  The formula applies smoothly and color can be built up, although balm is the operative word here.  These do no irritate my lips like some balm formulas do, and I find them moisturizing with about a 3 hour wear time.

Fiery Red is a bit of misnomer, as I find the color more of a soft strawberry.  It's a very wearable red for me, and I like the translucent gel like quality to it.  It's less pigmented than say, the Revlon Colorburst Lip Butters in Candy Apple or Cherry Tart, with more of a balm like texture.

Fiery Red

The Colour Riche Pop Balms are about $7-$8 depending on location, and I got mine from Ulta during a 40% off sale.  Très like! 

Dont forget to enter the Clinique GWP set giveaway!

Amaryllis Lip Chic by Chantecaille Beaute

Disclaimer:  I purchased this.

The Lip Chic line by Chantecaille Beaute is described as the "perfect combination of gloss and lipstick", and it does indeed have a lovely glossy finish.  I'd say it's more sheer than most lipsticks, however, although you are still getting plenty of color. 

Amaryllis is a rosy red that would probably look good on most complexions.  It's one of those easy to carry off colors, and the sheer gloss makes it one of those that you can toss in your bag and apply at will, no mirror necessary.  Really, a great summer accessory :-)

The formula is light but I still get a good 3-4 hours of wear.  My lips are comfortable (no irritation, which is hit or miss for me as I seem to react to an unknown ingredient in some lip formulations), and feel nicely moisturized for the duration of wear.  Added collagen is supposed to provide a lip plumping boost, and there are no parabens in the mix.

Chantecaille Beaute is a high end brand, and these baby's are $35, although I've got to say the products have not left me wanting.  This is a very nice treat that I can see myself reaching for often!

Smoked Salt Lip Elixir by TokyoMilk

My fascination with the products and scents available from TokyoMilk continues, so I picked up one of the lip elixirs to try out.  I chose Smoked Salt, as that seemed such a strange combination for a lip balm.  The flavor notes listed are  smoked sea salt, burnt sugar, molasses, and vanilla bean.

Danish Viking Smoked Sea Salt

"Sweet temptation is beckoning.  Remarkably uncommon essences infused in to a smooth, luscious balm.  Elicit a kiss with lips tamed by a lush, silky blend of sweet Jasmine & Bee Balm laced with crushed extracts of hydrating Aloe Leaf & Vitamin E.  Femme fatale incarnate.  A supple seduction.  Not for the faint of heart:  An unexpected mixture of fragrance & flavor.  A remarkable lip elixir for a remarkably uncommon experience. (Source:  TokyoMilk)

Fortunately, I like how it both smells and tastes!  There is indeed a slight smokiness in the fragrance, along of the lines of a smoked ham with a sugar glaze as opposed to a wood fire smoke.  Apparently, smoked sea salts get their distinctive flavoring from different hard woods in a fire that  infuses the sea salt with a sappy smokiness.   I've seen reviews that compared the smell of Smoked Salt to a Lapsang Souchong tea, and another said they found it to be a comforting scent.

The taste is slightly sweet, and I do see Stevia in the ingredient list.  Neither the smell nor the taste is overwhelmingly, although I can smell the balm after I put it on if I curl my lips up towards my nose.

The packaging reflects one of the things I like the most about TokyoMilk products - distinctiveness and flair.  The tin is slightly larger yet thinner than one of the Rosebud salve tins, and you get .7 oz for $7 vs. the .8 oz for $6 of the Rosebud salves.

This is a petrolatum based lip salve, although there are some other interesting ingredients in the blend.  The texture is what you would expect from a petrolatum based product, slightly thicker than Vaseline, smooth, and non-sticky.

The thing I do not like is that I find the tin difficult to open at times.  I've actually cut my finger on the edge of the tin before, which is problematic, to say the least.  I consider that to be a design flaw and it did make me reluctant to use Smoked Salt afterwards.  I may end up transferring the balm into another container so I can continue to enjoy it without having to fight with the container.

Disclaimer:  I purchased this.

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Creme Brulee

You know how those BOGO offers induce you to select something you wouldn't ordinarily?  Well, that's the story of me and Creme Brulee.  I wanted the new Colorburst lip butter called Sorbet, but I swear I don't remember deciding on Creme Brulee as well, although I must have!

I must have convinced myself I can rock a nude lip, although that really hasn't been the case thus far.  Fortunately, Creme Brulee is somewhat sheer, so it didn't render me corpse like.  It wasn't particularly glossy, although it did not feel dry. 

I'm just not sure I'll get much use out of this, as it's kind of 'ho-hum' to me.  Maybe as a layering alternative with other colors?  That's probably the way I'll go, as here it is layered with Sorbet.  A much better color for me, I think!

Disclaimer:  I purchased this.

My Top Lip Product Picks from 2012

Gosh, there were a lot of great lip products that were both released in 2012 or that I discovered in 2012.  Here are my top picks, in no particular order:

• Revlon Colorburst Lip Butters:  Why yes, yes I did buy a lot of these.  All the colors that I thought I could wear, which turned out to be nine.  So yes, yes I do like these!  I like that they do not dry out my lips and provide enough glossy color that I can get away with wearing these on their own and not feel like I'm missing anything.  I've done multiple posts on these, but here is Cherry Tart and Candy Apple.  I'm going to pick Tutti Frutti and Sweet Tart as my two favorite lip butter colors. 

•  Tarte Lipsurgence Lip Tints continue to be my favorite of the lip products released in the roll up pencil format.  I love the more natural ingredient list and how they do moisturize as well as provide subtle color.  The lids cracking were a major downside, but now that I'm aware of that problem, I make sure to replace them gently.

• My favorite balm stain is a discontinued product, unfortunately, but maybe you got to pick one up when they were on sale at Sephora.  Tokidoki's Gelato Lip Balm Stain in Mozzarella was a great shade of pink that really did leave behind a delicate stain yet didn't dry my lips out. 

• Another brand that was discontinued at Ulta was a favorite lip gloss of mine, Sula Beauty's Beautiful Stranger, to be precise.  It's the beige shimmer above and I used that tube right up, I liked it so much.  Figures I discover things only when they are steeply discounted because they are being phased out.  Oh well.

Memento

• I got my first Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetic Lip Tars in 2012 and I'm still fascinated with them.  So pigmented, opaque, and smooth.  I ended up buying both the warm and cool set from Beauty.com and have had lots of fun mixing these to make lip colors to match my FOTD's.  I believe these were my favorite lip find of 2012!

Crush

• Revlon's Just Bitten Kissable Lip Balm Stains were another fun favorite from 2012.  Good selection of colors, easy to wear, didn't dry out my lips, and did leave soft stains of color behind.  

•  Last, but not least, I found a red lipstick I will actually wear.  Color Design lipstick in Scarlet Blaze was part of the Lancome Sparkling Champagne holiday set.  I believe it's a special edition for the set, as I could not find it in their regular offerings.  

What were your favorite lip products of 2012? 

Disclosure:  I purchased these.