I’m ready for this polar vortex to be over. I thought I knew cold, being a native ‘sconnie and all, but this is on a whole new level. I’m balm-ing like a mad woman to prevent dry skin. Face, body, lips — everything! I even put some argan oil balm on Betty’s paws because they were getting a little rough.
I’m over on The Naked Canvas today talking lip care with the adorable and stylish Stephanie. Naturally, there’s all sorts of balm chatter! From my favorite budget buys and luxe balms to the tinted varietals. Check it out here! Stay warm and cozy, guys.
The pretties are packed and I’m ready for a vacation! Seriously ready. I’ve hardly taken any time off this year. A glaring reminder is the fact that I still have 14 vacation days stowed away for the rest of the year. I’m ready to burn a few with a long weekend to DC. Since I moved back to the Midwest from DC in 2009, I’ve hardly been back. Can’t wait to catch up with friends and visit some of my fav places. Though, I’m not too happy about all of this rain heading up the coast from Hurricane Karen. I’m determined to make the best of the dreary days.
The makeup I’m bringing for this trip is a lesson in self-control. Two blushes is editing for me, guys. And please do congratulate me on bringing a single eyeliner. Cream blushes are my jam right now so I couldn’t possibly choose between Butter LONDON Naughty Biscuit and Illamasqua Velvet Blusher in Peaked. The BECCA Radiant Skin Satin Finish Foundation is like a tinted moisturizer with a little more oomph. Wears beautifully all day, so I like to travel with that one. I always over pack eye makeup, so I’m keeping it simple with Benefit Nude Swings, an always perfect with everything rose gold, and the option to go smoky with Chanel Enigma. That one eyeliner I can survive on for four days? Smashbox Always Sharp Waterproof Kohl in Penny Lane. When you twist the cap, it sharpens itself! Since I know there’s probably a handful of lipsticks buried in my purse, I’m only packing two in my makeup bag. Burt’s Bees Sunny Day and MAC Retro Matte in Flat Out Fabulous. If I can’t actually get a sunny day, may as well channel good vibes through makeup!
I’m prone to spontaneous drugstore beauty sprees. That is what lunch hours are for right? Otherwise there wouldn’t be a CVS on every other city block. I’ve recently gone on a bit of a Burt’s Bees bender. It started with one tube of the new Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Lip Gloss and quickly escalated from there. I’ve been a long-time fan of Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm — Rose is a MUST — and I couldn’t resist indulging in the brand’s new formulations, which also includes a brand new Lip Shine.
Honestly, my Burt’s binge could have gotten really out of control because the colors are all so pretty. The four new shades of the Tinted Lip Balms are soft and springy. I fixated on Sweet Violet right away — it’s a cool medium pink that looks very fresh on the lips. At $6.99, these are such a steal! I decided on the peachy Sunny Day Lip Gloss. It has a pearly copper hue and when the sun hits your lips, the color really stands out! The honeycomb on the packaging wand is the cutest touch, no? The Lip Shines, available in the prettiest variety of neturals, pinks and plums, are decidedly different than the Natural Lip Gloss. They have a soft fruity scent, versus the vanilla aroma, and look very glassy and wet on the lips. Wink is the perfect girly pink. They are a sheerer formula so layer really well over lipstick.
For a natural formula, these are on par with something much more spendy. I fully endorse a Burt’s Bees spree. Please binge and report back. (Read: tell me what shade to try next!)
