Tag: BEAUTY ESSENTIALS

THE PERFECT TRAVEL MAKEUP BAG FOR YOUR VACATION — YOU CAN THANK US LATER

Published on by Lee1 Comment

When a makeup lover goes on a trip, even if it’s just for a weekend, she puts a lot of careful thought into what gets packed. Between storing all of the tools necessary for completing a full face beat, to squeezing in a few multi-use, all-in-one palettes just in case, there’s a lot of precious (read: valuable) cargo in tow. Luckily, shopping for the best travel makeup bag can actually be really fun, especially when they’re as cute as this.

Calpak Travel Vanity Case

Consider your products protected in this hard shell cosmetic case from Calpak. It comes complete with three internal pockets for easy organization, a shoulder strap, a luggage trolley sleeve and to top it all off, is available in nine chic colorways. 

Livana Perfect Temp Leather Cosmetic Case

The trait you didn’t even know you needed in a makeup bag: temperature control. Anyone who’s ever opened their cosmetic case after a long flight or car ride to find a melted lipstick knows the struggle. This leather traveling case uses renewable energy (no batteries) to keep your products safe and at a stable temperature during your journey. 

The Daily Edited Clear Travel Case Set

What better way to ensure your makeup doesn’t get mixed up with anyone else than to monogram your initials on the case? This customizable clear travel case holds all of the essentials for an extended weekend away and makes a great gift. 

Caraa Nimbus Cosmetic Case 

This waterproof nylon carrier is the ultimate travel companion. Not only is your makeup safe in the cloud-like case, but it features an easy-to-clean lining and is ultra-lightweight — perfect for your carry on. 

Madewell Large Crystalline Travel Bag 

Say goodbye to digging around in your bag to find that one missing lipstick that’s lodged itself way at the bottom. This clear vinyl travel bag is large enough to hold a fair share of makeup and best of all, is easy to clean. 

Tartan and Twine Oro Sheen Deluxe Weekender

Are you a brush finatic? Same. This weekend makeup bag contains removable center panels with an organizer for all of your tools and multiple zipper pockets to hold everything you need.

What is your all time favorite travel makeup bag?

Makeup

Tinsel Lids Are the Ultimate Holiday Glam Moment

Create the ultimate holiday glow with tinsel lids. Discover step-by-step tips for shimmering gold and champagne eyeshadow, subtle sparkle, and festive eye makeup that’s elegant, wearable, and perfect for holiday parties.

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Ways to Make Your LIPS LOOK FULLER (NATURALLY)

Published on by LeeLeave a comment

Societal standards of beauty are ever-changing and have come a long, interesting way from the ideals of ghostly white powdered skin, strong Roman noses, and tiny, pinched pouts of ladies painted with love and lust in Renaissance imagery. The past several decades have shifted toward ample lips that practically beg to be kissed.

We tend to think of beauty as an ownable entity, and that everyone’s unique look is what makes the beauty spectrum subjective and exciting. Besides, confidence outshines and outlasts any societal beauty expectations, so we say start there. The root of feeling confident starts with a healthy dose of self-love, and your lips’ fullness potential comes from a little TLC—so treat your kisser to a little extra care.

Exfoliate.

A dry, pale, shriveled lip is no canvas for lip color, nor exactly a beckoning call for a smooch. Exfoliation will rid your lips of any dry, scaly flakes and bring circulation to the area. This extra blood flow naturally fills a few cracks for an instant plump, and brings a flushed and rosy tint to your natural lips for a little color on their own. A lip scrub is perfect for the task, and most of them on the market are sugar-based, so if a little gets in your mouth (and it will), it’s perfectly safe and probably a little sweet. Try our DIY lip scrub recipe here.

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Strategically line.

And, never forget a plump pout’s best friend, lip liner. Not only does this help keep your lip color contained in the right perimeters (aka not bleed out for a Joker-style grin), but it also lends you a little creativity about where you want to define your lip line. We definitely suggest that subtlety is key here—going too far outside your lips toes the line of drag or even clown makeup. Both of which have their time and place, though it might not be at your office job or out on a casual date.

A very impactful difference can be made by penciling in just barely outside your lip line, mostly at the center edges of your lip and coming in closer to your true, natural lip at the corners of your mouth. Exaggerating just the cupid’s bow can make a world of change in the shape of your final look. It’s doll-like with reds, deep pinks, and berry hues, or sultry with a spectrum of nude shades.

Add a gloss.

The same way that exfoliation smooths things out, a gloss will help your lips reflect light for a larger look, too. If glossy isn’t really your thing, try just applying it to the center of your lips, so the shine is contained but creates a serious highlight.

Subtle contour.

A little bit of bronzer at the bottom part of your lower lip—right where a natural shadow occurs—can help. Use an eyeshadow brush to create a thin line just at the center point beneath your lower lip to exaggerate the shadow and make your lip appear more voluminous.

Try a stimulating balm.

If you prefer to go completely natural and want your full plump potential sans lip color or makeup, a stimulating ingredient in a balm or lip oil can help bring that coveted circulation back to your lips for easy reapplication all day. Peppermint and cinnamon are both incredibly stimulating—you can even feel the tingle. Look for products that already have them in the formula, or simply add a drop of the essential oil to your favorite lip balm. If you’re not sure of any sensitivities you may have to either oil, test on a small patch of skin on your arm, first.

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8 CHEAP BEAUTY GIFTS YOU CAN BUY AT THE DRUGSTORE

Published on by LeeLeave a comment

If year-after-year you find yourself taking part in the last-minute shopping scramble (guilty!), we’re happy to report that scooping up amazing beauty gifts on a time crunch — and on a budget — is easier than ever. Enter, the drugstore, an around-the-corner destination with a well-stocked beauty section to boot. So, stop panicking and check out our favorite, affordable holiday gift sets below.   

NYX Professional Makeup Holiday Love Lust Disco Suede Matte Lipstick

Red lips and the holidays go together like milk and cookies — it’s an automatic crowd-pleaser. Take it from us, this lipstick and liner duo is a guaranteed win for just about anyone. Plus, the gold packaging is so festive, you can even skip the wrapping paper. The combo is available in Munchies, a soft gray; Spicy, a true red; and Cherry Skies, a deep berry. All the shades are perfect for a holiday party beat or warm, winter makeup look. 

Essie Gel Couture Holiday Set Diamond in the Cuff 

Give the gift of a long-lasting manicure with this Essie polish set. The bundle comes with Essie Daring Damsel, a gold champagne shade, and the Essie long wear Top Coat. Metallic nails are definitely having a moment, so whoever receives this gift will be turning heads through the new year. 

Maybelline New York Winter Wonder Glam Total Look Kit 

If you’re anything like us, over packing for holiday travels is a hallmark of your personality. Who doesn’t pack three bags for a weekend trip? To help scale back the baggage, throw in this all-in-one gift set that has everything you need for a holiday-approved face beat. It includes the Color Sensational Made for All, a universal red lipstick, Master Precise All Day Liquid Liner, Lash Sensational Mascara and Lasting Fix Setting Spray. 

E.l.f. Cosmetics Eye Candy Eyeshadow Duo Set 

E.l.f.’s candy-themed holiday collection has us drooling  — literally and figuratively. We’re especially loving this eyeshadow set and not just because of the creative play-on-words. With three different eyeshadow duos, this gift has it all to create a festive holiday eye or muted, natural everyday look. Not to mention, they’re super-pigmented shades and easy to blend. 

L’Oréal Paradise Lash Paradise Gift Set 

There may be snow on the ground (depending on where you live, of course), but this Lash Paradise mascara set will transport anyone to happy thoughts of warmer weather. Scoop up the iconic mascara and primer at your drugstore for a quick, save-the-day present. Whether you’re treating yourself to holiday glam or gifting this iconic duo, you can’t go wrong. A quick swipe and you’ll have crazy long lashes. 

Maybelline New York Countdown Holiday Mini Mascara Kit 

TBH we don’t know why, but for some reason travel-sized beauty products are just so adorable, right? This Maybelline mascara sampler is an automatic add to cart because how cute? The set contains Total Temptation, Lash Sensational, The Colossal and Great Lash in mini-versions. We love this gift set for the friend that’s always on-the-go because the minis are great to toss in a carry-on bag.  

Kristin Ess Style Reviving Dry Shampoo and Pin

We’d prefer if greasy hair didn’t make an appearance at our family holiday reunion, please and thanks. So, if you’re stuck at the office and need a little refresh before running to an after-hours party, look no further than this dry shampoo and accessory set. There’s no need for a blowout, just spray a little dry shampoo, fasten the rose gold pin in the front of your hair and voilà, a total hair makeover. 

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Makeup Remover 

Whether you broke out a new red lip or a sparkly eye, chances are you may be wearing more makeup than usual this time of year. Make sure your face is makeup-free post-party with the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Makeup Remover Set. It has cleansing water (in full-size and travel-size) and on-the-go makeup removing wipes. 

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MOISTURIZING LIP BALMS THAT WILL SAVE YOUR DRY, WINTER LIPS

Published on by Lee2 Comments

Admittedly, if you went through our purses right now, you’d probably find a pile of half-used lip balms loosely floating around at the bottom. As far as we’re concerned, it’s seemingly impossible to have too many lip balms during any time of year, but when the weather turns cold, we double down. Come winter, we cling to the most moisturizing lip balms we can find in the hopes of alleviating our dehydrated, dry or chapped lips. Ahead, you’ll find a list of our favorite hydrating lip balms guaranteed to give your winter lips the extra love and moisture they deserve. 

Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1
Shield your lips from the drying effects of wind and cold weather with this Kiehl’s fan-favorite lip balm. Made with hydrating aloe vera, antioxidants like vitamin E and replenishing squalane, this nourishing formula provides the ultimate lip care. 

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IT Cosmetics Je Ne Sais Quoi Hydrating Lip Balm Treatment
For those that can’t resist a little color on their pout, reach for this innovative lip-reviving balm. Not only will it provide intense hydration thanks to its essential butters and oils, but the Vitality Lip Flush Technology will even react with the warmth of your lips to provide a perfect flush of pink that lasts all day. 

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Maybelline New York Baby Lips Moisturizing Lip Balm
It’s called Baby Lips for a reason and that’s because, well, you know where we’re going with this — it offers hydrating benefits that last for up to eight hours. Available for a humble $4.49, we won’t judge you if you buy one in every color. 

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Mario Badescu Lip Balm
Give your lips a kiss of hydration with the Mario Badescu Lip Balm. Formulated with cocoa butter, shea butter, coconut oil and almond oil, this ultra-rich balm is a great choice to replenish and renew your lips all winter long. 

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Lano The Original 101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm
Cold temperatures mean dry lips, hands, elbows and so much more. This Lano Super-balm will save you during those desperate dry times where you need a quick fix of hydration everywhere, including your pout. 

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YSL Volupté Tint-in-Balm
This lipstick-lip-balm hybrid will care for your lips while giving you a glowing, sheer touch of color. The macadamia and apricot butter formula will keep your lips hydrated, protected and looking amazing with each use. It’s definitely a bit of a splurge, but trust us when we say it’s worth every penny. 

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Lancôme Absolue Precious Cells Nourishing Lip Balm
Treat your lips to the luxuriously rich and nourishing salve that is the Lancôme Absolue Precious Cells Nourishing Lip Balm. The formula will keep your lips moisturized and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the lip area. Not to mention, the inclusion of acacia honey, beeswax and rosehip seed oil will leave your pout feeling soft, supple and plump.

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