LipMonthly Review

I think it's pretty obvious that I'm obsessed with lipgloss, based solely off of the name of my site. I love trying new lip balms, glosses and lipsticks, and I'm always reading about the latest and greatest in lip products.  I recently learned about LipMonthly, which is a new monthly subscription service for lip products. How perfect does this sound?!?

For $10 a month, you'll get a curated box of lip balms, stains, lipsticks, and/or glosses. In my first box, I received the following:
- Stila lip liner in Fuchsia
- GlamNatural gloss in Poco Loco 
- Hard Candy Lip Tattoo lip gloss
- Lipology gloss 
- Ultraflesh mascara - this was a surprise!

The entire box was worth way more than $10! And each month there will be a surprise product, that may or may not be a lip product, that is included. LipMonthly will include a wide variety of brands, both popular and smaller niche brands, to bring the best assortment each month. 

If you're interested in trying it out, visit their site! They are currently running a promotion to get $5 off your first box! 

I LOVE monthly subscriptions because it allows you to try new brands that you may have never heard of before, and potentially fall in love with! Are you currently signed up for any other monthly subscription box? If so, which ones?

LAQA & Co. Fat Lip Pencil Review

I love finding new makeup brands. It's like finding a hidden gem! I was recently introduced to LAQA & Co. by Gloss48. They are a New York based cosmetic company that sets the bar high for their products. They focus on convenience for their products, which I can definitely appreciate it!

I was able to try out their Fat Lip Pencils, which are glossy lip pencils in a handy jumbo pencil. You may cringe when thinking of a lip pencil, usually dry, and always seem to need sharpening, but these are different. Fat Lip Pencils are super glossy and no sharpener needed. They twist up when they get low. 

I was able to try out Wolfman, which is a creamy soft pink, and Fairyblood, which is a shimmery peach. Wolfman is my new go-to gloss. I'm a pink girl, and I can wear this during the day and out at night. And no extra gloss needed, these are pretty shiny!

Fun fact about the packaging: LAQA & Co. uses young artists looking to get their work seen by lots of people to design their packaging. The artists also get a cut of the profit from every product purchased...so cool!

For 2 more days, Gloss48 is having a sale on a set of two LAQA & Co. Lil' Lips, which are two mini size Fat Lip Pencils. Normally $16, these are on sale for $12.

LAQA & Co Fat Lip Pencils Giveaway

Happy New Year and Happy Monday! Most of you are probably back to work, or, if you're in a wintery state like me (Michigan), you may have a snow day. Either way, I'm excited to bring in the New Year with a fun giveaway!

I've teamed up with Gloss48 to give away a set of 4 LAQA & Co. Fat Lip Pencils in Fairy Blood, Lambchop, Bossy Boots, and Wolfman. These fun lip pencils super stylish and come in fun packaging designed by emerging artists. 

Visit this link to enter the giveaway. Earn multiple entries for each friend who enters using your link and for each Twitter post! The contest ends January 13, 2014 so starting sharing today!

A little bit about Gloss 48....you're going to want to bookmark this site.  "Gloss48 offers beauty junkies a daily dose of the best, must-have niche beauty products to discover, shop, and share. Uncover every gem." Check out their latest sales, shop around and check out Gloss TV. Oh, and don't forget to check out their blog - you may see someone you recognize today!

MAC Heroine Lipstick

Fierce is back! MAC Heroine Lipstick is back! Just in time for Pantone's color of the year, Radiant Orchid, to take play. This vibrant matte is just the pop of color you need this season.

Heroine Lipstick has pre-launched online at www.maccosmetics.com. It will be in stores January 2, 2014. #MACHeroine 

NARS Bold Lip Tutorial

Want to rock a bold lip this Fall? Check out this video tutorial by NARS head makeup artist, Cindy Rodriquez. All products used are inspired by Guy Bourdin's Holiday collection. Details on the collection coming soon!

Sponsored Post: Maybelline Color Whisper

I’m a lipgloss girl, hence the name of my site, but I do enjoy lipsticks with a hint of color and moisture. Maybelline Color Whisper is a unique gel lipstick that has both a hint of color and moisture to keep lips looking healthy. This formula doesn’t contain wax, so it doesn’t dry out lips like some lipsticks do. 

My lips felt super soft after I applied Color Whisper and I didn’t feel the need to put a balm on before application. I tried Color Whisper in Lust for Blush, which is a soft pink color. It’s described as ‘sheer’ on the site and the color swatch is super light, but I love the hue of color it shows up with on my lips. One coat on my lips is pretty light, but if I apply it a few times, it develops into a creamy pink with a hint of shine. This color is going to look great in the summer with a little bit of bronzer to make it pop more on my skin.  

I love keeping this type of lipstick on me at all times. It’s a great staple for a travel bag or purse. Since the colors are sheer and soft, the shades will go with pretty much any outfit you wear. You can also add a glitter gloss to dress it up for night or wear it alone for during the day.

If you're looking for a new lipstick or lipgloss to try, I would highly recommend checking the available colors out at your nearest drugstore. There are 20 shades in the line. Definitely one for every skin tone. My favorites are Lust for Blush, Pink Possibilities, Oh La Lilac, & Go Nude. You can check out all of the shades on Maybelline.com, but remember, they always look very different depending on skin tones.

Check out the Maybelline Color Whisper website to participate in the ‘Dare to Whisper’ sweepstakes. You can select any color and share your whisper for a chance to win all 20 shades. For example, if you select Lust for Blush, you have to fill in the following phrase ‘I blush every time…’ It’s fun, and don’t worry, Maybelline won’t share your secrets! You can also select the Coral Ambition shade and fill in the blank for a chance to win $5000! Don't wait to enter - there are two chances to win!

Maybelline New York’s Color Whisper™ by Color Sensational® empowers you to make a statement in soft, sexy sheer color. Because sometimes a whisper says more than a shout. Dare to whisper for a chance to win fab prizes: http://www.maybelline.com/colorwhisper.aspx

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Maybelline via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Maybelline.

Collection Inspired by HBO's True Blood

HBO has announced the launch of Forsaken, a unique collection of beauty products inspired by its Emmy^® and Golden Globe^® winning hit series True Blood. The collection will launch exclusively on HSN on August 9^th.

As a fan of True Blood, I'm really looking forward to this line launching!

Forsaken by True Blood

Forsaken Eau de Parfum 50 mL, 1.7 oz.

HSN Price: $59.50

Available on HSN/HSN.com on August 9, 2012

Forsaken by True Blood

Shimmering Body Veil With Poof

HSN Price: $31.00

Available on HSN/HSN.com on August 9, 2012

Forsaken by True Blood

Body Cream

HSN Price: $42.00

Available on HSN/HSN.com on August 9, 2012

Forsaken by True Blood

Fairy Dust and Human Nature Nail Polish

HSN Price: $25.00

Available on HSN/HSN.com on August 9, 2012

Forsaken by True Blood

Let It Bleed Nail Polish and Bite Me Lip Color

HSN Price: $28.00

Available on HSN/HSN.com on August 9, 2012

Forsaken by True Blood

Bad Blood, Strange Love and New Flesh Nail Polish

HSN Price: $25.00

Available on HSN/HSN.com on August 9, 2012

Forsaken by True Blood

Candle With Fang Lid

HSN Price: $58.00

Available on HSN/HSN.com on August 9, 2012

Forsaken by True Blood

Diffuser/Candle Set

HSN Price: $48.00

Available on HSN/HSN.com on August 9, 2012

Forsaken by True Blood

Diffuser

HSN Price: $48.00

Available on HSN/HSN.com on August 9, 2012

Total Beauty Post - Spring's Best New Lip Products

Spring's Best New Lip Products

These balms, lipsticks and exfoliators do much more than add a little color to your face

This is a TotalBeauty.com lip makeup article Have you noticed that the birds are chirping again? You know what that means … spring is nearly here. That's why we're offering up a must-buy list of the season's best lip products that will exfoliate, soothe and add color for the warmer, cheery days ahead. See new products

Bobbi Brown Rich Lip Color SPF 12

“What makes these lipsticks so modern is a formula that combines pigments with a colorless lipstick base. The result is crisp, clear color and full coverage without a heavy feeling”
-Bobbi Brown

Bobbi’s new lightweight, color-saturated formula for lips. Created with colorless base, Rich Lip Color showcases the true color of pigments – so what you see is what you get.
This creamy and emollient lipstick also moisturizes and conditions lips as it protects with SPF 12.

Available in 12 pale to deep shades:
Bikini Pink, Soft Coral, Bare Pink, Heather Pink, Mod Pink, Plum Rose,
Rose Blossom, Guava, Sweet Nectar, Cosmic Raspberry, Old Hollywood, Crimson

Available February 2011 from Bobbi Brown counters and www.bobbibrown.com.
Price: $22.00

Lip Color Soul Mate

Take this quiz to see which lip color is ideal for your unique skin tone

This is a TotalBeauty.com lip makeup article We picked the brains of expert makeup artists to help you find your best lip color. Ever. Take quiz

Mother's Day Gift Ideas Part 2

Eco-friendly Mom? Check out NVEY Eco Lip Lustre Lipgloss or Organic Lipstick. They are 98% organic (the other 2% is purified water). Available at www.econveybeauty.com.



For the Outdoorsy Mom
If your mom loves outdoor activities and being active then the Smart Girls Who Surf Grab-N-Go Kit is perfect for her! This kit contains a travel size Sunblock, After Sun Soothing Lotion, Leave in Conditioner, Lip Balm and even a Glycerin Soap for moms who surf and love the ocean! ($24 at www.smartgirlswhosurf.com.For the Lux-Loving Mom
The Lolita Giraffe Robe is perfect when you want to give your mom a fashionable gift with a touch of luxury. Let mom relax and pamper herself while wrapped in this robe. ($45 at www.designsbylolita.com).

Avon Ultra Color Rich Mega Impact Lipstick

Avon's Ultra Color Rich Mega Impact Lipstick fits right in with my makeup selection for this spring. The vibrant colors and long-lasting shades are aligned with the latest lip color trends. Bonus - it contains SPF 15, which is why this will be a staple in my purse this Spring/Summer.

Blending chromatic pigments with color-match magnifiers, each shade is amplified by highlighting and reflecting its true hue.

Mega Impact lipstick goes on really smooth and is long lasting. I was able to try this out in Never so Nude and loved light bronze shimmer. This lipstick has a lot of color to it, and goes on bold (not like some lipsticks you have to put 3 layers of on), but not too bold where I feel like I need a liner or anything. I wore this shade by itself and it didn't dry out my lips like some other brands. No top gloss needed, these colors are really vibrant on their own.


Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.

Lancome Color Design Lip Matte

Lancome's latest lip news: Color Design Matte Lipstick! This new formula is soft and creamy, glides effortlessly and comes in eight dreamy colors. The credit goes to the new formula; its mattifying agent isn't a dull powder but a light-diffusing gel. High pigment levels ensure that it wears for hours, while soft waxes and emollients deliver modern slip.

Makeup artist Daniel Martin used the Bronze Show shade at the Chris Benz Fall 2010 presentation for the perfect update on the 90's lipstick. Celebrity makeup artists are already in love with the formula, too. Read what makeup artist Fiona Stiles had to say to Teen Vogue about the Corset shade!

Color Design Matte is a Macy's exclusive and will be on both the Macy's website this week and on lancome-usa.com next week. Color Design Lip Matte retails at $22.

VDay Lipstick Tips from AJ Crimson

Beauty expert AJ Crimson has a few makeup tips to share: 'How to find the perfect red lipstick for your skin tone' and 'How to make your lipstick last longer,' for your Valentine's Day night out. Check out his tips!

How To Find The Perfect Red Lipstick For Your Skin Tone:

"If you think you can't wear red lipstick, think again. Anyone can pull off a red lip including an extra special one for Valentine's Day.

But first thing first, what's your right shade? Lets break it all down, we have to start off by figuring out what works well with your complexion. It's all about choosing the right shade. If you're of a lighter or pale skin tone, you should stick with tones such as scarlet red or rose tones. If you have a medium complexion, try to go a little brighter with a torch red, or even a ruby red lipstick. For a darker skin tone, you might want to go with a more medium tone because you can pull off darker reds. You should stay in the range of brick reds and burgundy tones, as well as cranberry."

How To Make Your Lipstick Last Longer:

"Ok, now here's where the real fun begins! It's time for the lipstick application. A great tip on applying red lipstick and making it last, as well as creates a pouty lip, is to exfoliate your lips prior to applying the lipstick and using a good lip conditioner. An easy way to exfoliate is to use a sugar scrub, which you can actually make yourself. The reason for exfoliating is because dry cracked lips are a definite "DONT" for Valentine's Day. After exfoliating, apply a moisturizing lip balm. Then you want to apply a concealer to the lip to even out the skin tone and to create a base. This also helps to insure that the intensity of the lipstick will be even on the top and bottom lips. You should then apply a lip liner, similar to the shade of lipstick you are using, this will give off the illusion of a plumper pouty lip. The liner will also prevent the lipstick from feathering or smearing. Lastly, apply the lipstick using a lip brush. This will help you smooth over any creases in the lip while using less product."

"Stick with these tips and you'll have that perfect kissable lip you were looking for on Valentine's Day!" - AJ Crimson

Lipstick Break - Avon Ultra Color Rich Extra Plump Lipstick

It's been ages since I've used Avon cosmetics. My aunt use to sell it back in the day and I use to love their tinted lip balms when I was in middle school. Well, I've graduated from the tinted lip balms and have moved on to lipsticks.

I recently tried the Ultra Color Rich Extra Plump Lipstick and absolutely love the way it feels and looks on. It has a 'magic' center core, which is packed with plumping power and hydrating moisturizers. It tingles once its on to let you know it's working. This lipstick has so much moisture I don't feel the need to put lip balm on before it. Using the Vita-Plump Complex, it's formulated to boost collagen. It doesn't tingle like most plumpers and it does make my lips look a bit fuller.

I tried this lipstick in Pink Sunset and loved it. It's a shimmery pink and is so shiny it looks like I have a gloss on over it.

Ultra Color Rich Extra Plump Lipstick is available in the following 10 shades:
Apricot Shimmer
Blond Ambition
Caramel Mauve
Coco Plump
Deep Blush
Pink Sunset
Plump Pink
Rosewood
Starlet Red
Deep Blush
Winerose

This lipstick retails for $8 and can be purchased through Avon Representatives nationwide. To find a Representative, call 800-For-Avon or visit www.avon.com.

Lipstick Break - Marina Cosmetics Review

Marina Cosmetics had all of their bases covered when they formulated their new lipstick and lipgloss. They included the finest ingredients to offer the best in lip protection. Marina Cosmetics addresses the fact that we are all exposed to sun, pollution, stress, fatigue and bad eating habits. This leads to vitamin and mineral deficiencies that when left untreated, can result in broken capillaries, lost of firmness and dryness. This is why they use Seaweed, yes Seaweed, in their products. Seaweed is packed with easy to absorb proteins, vitamins, minerals and lipids, which protect against environmental factors and ward off aging by nourishing and moisturizing the skin.

Marina Cosmetic products also include:

ANTILEUKIN 6, ECOCERT
- Decreases wrinkle depth
- Prevents sun damage from sun exposure
- Boosts hydration
- Promotes firmness and smoothness

ORGANIC SEA KELP
- Essentials vitamins and minerals

BURITI OIL
- Has the highest natural occurrence of Vitamin A
- Soothes, hydrates, softens lips

ORGANIC JOJOBA OIL
- Restores, conditions and softens lips

ORGANIC SUNFLOWER OIL
- Promotes retention of moisture to hydrate lips

VITAMIN C & E
- Anti-oxidants that promotes collagen synthesis and aid in cell protection

I'm usually more of a lipgloss girl, but their lipstick is so soft and hydrating, that I wear it all the time underneath my gloss (Coconut is my favorite). Their 5 color palettes are inspired by the colors of a sea-washed shore, ranging from cool neutrals to warm corals and pinks.

Marina Cosmetics are hypo-allergenic, dermatologist tested and paraban free. You can find Marina Cosmetics online at www.marinacosmetics.com.