What It Is: Clarins Gloss Prodige in Grenadine and Papaya

Why This Should Be in Your Bag:

Another Clarins Spring addition, Gloss Prodige promises a “lip-plumping formula [that] delivers intense colour, mirror-like shine and long-lasting hold. Leaves lips soft, smooth and fuller looking.“

Lip gloss is the perfect Spring/Summer handbag essential. Lighter and brighter than lipstick, it gives you an effortless, airy look. I definitely switch over to mainly gloss in the summertime and hopefully this new gloss fits my needs. I tried out two very different shades, Grenadine and Papaya!

(Papaya, Grenadine)

How To Use It:

These glosses come with a foam-tip applicator that allows for easy application. The applicator wasn’t tapered or doe-foot, just cylindrical like the wand, but I liked it. It was on the larger side, which made precise application impossible, but the colors are sheer enough that you don’t need to be super careful. I wore both of these on their own and found them to be quite pigmented and lovely, but I imagine they would look great over a lipstick of a similar shade.

(Papaya)

(Grenadine)

CC Rating: A

I really don’t understand how Clarins keeps hitting it out of the park! These glosses are amazing– moisturizing, not too sticky and come in a gorgeous array of colors.

I would have given the Clarins Gloss Prodige an A+, except they claim to be plumping, and I really didn’t find ANY plumping or tingling at all. I am quite happy about this, as I don’t like plumping glosses or the sensations that usually come along with them, but if you read the description, you would think you’re getting a plumping gloss.

Please don’t be put off by the less-than-perfect score. If you’re looking for an amazing new lipgloss, don’t hesitate over this! The Gloss Prodige line is A+ in my heart. You can pick them up on the Clarins site for $20 a pop.

[Need some new makeup but not sure what to buy? Check out Alex's other beauty reviews here.]

Valentine’s Day has a truly obnoxious reputation. In its most popular form, I find it a totally worthless and empty affair. Couples are expected to fall over themselves to celebrate this totally arbitrary day in February because that’s what’s expected. There’s all of this make-or-break pressure that is usually put on the guys to make it the most romantic day ever, and us ladies are supposed to be shrieking, superficial harpies desperate for blood diamonds, overpriced chocolate, flowers that will die in two seconds and a dinner that breaks the bank. Heaven forbid you’re single, then you are expected to be utterly miserable because your life obviously has no meaning. It’s a mess.

Therefore, I’m totally up for reclaiming this day and making it about sexy self-indulgence. That’s definitely something our society doesn’t value nearly as much as it should; and I mean, who isn’t in love with feeling sexy and sensual, whether it’s for a partner or for yourself?  I was given the incredible opportunity to review an array of sexy products. While a few of them are couple-centric, the vast majority are totally appropriate if you’re riding solo.

initiating the gallery...

In accordance with FTC guidelines, I must disclose that I was given these products free exchange in exchange for my honest assessment. 

[Lead image via Zametalov/Shutterstock]

What It Is:

Burberry Lip Glow in Ruby and Bright Plum

Why This Should Be in Your Bag:

Any regular reader knows that I love my lip products! Bright, punchy colors are a great way to spice up an everyday makeup look, even if you are only running errands or heading to class.

Burberry is a luxury brand that launched their own cosmetics line within the last couple years. The products are definitely high-priced, but the quality is also rumored to be superb. I decided to take two Lip Glows (their lip glosses) from their Holiday collection for a spin! They claim “light reflecting Natural Lip Gloss adds a hint of colour for a fresh and moisturised glow that enhances the lip’s natural radiance.”

How To Use It:
The Burberry Lip Glow Applicator is a doe-foot one, so application is simple. You can wear these over a lip pencil for longer wear or a lipstick to amp up the pigmentation. Or, wear them on their own for a nice, glossy wash of color!

(L-R: Ruby, Bright Plum)

(Bright Plum on bare lips)

CC Rating: A-

The Burberry Lip Glows are super pigmented, have a refreshing (although somewhat perfumey) scent and remind me more of a liquid lipstick than a gloss. They are surprisingly moisturizing for a lipgloss, which is a nice surprise. If you’ve ever tried the Korres Raspberry Liquid Lipsticks, they are extremely similar in texture, although the Burberry Lip Glows are more tacky. They wear extremely well and last much longer than your average lipgloss. Of course, I can’t speak for the less-pigmented shades, but Ruby and Bright Plum lasted until I ate or drank (usually 3-4 hours). Also, a little goes a long way with these Lip Glows, ensuring that you don’t waste any precious product. The packaging is totally luxurious and I feel spoiled everytime I whip one out of my handbag. The heavy metal lid is embossed with the signature Burberry check and makes it that much more elegant.

The Burberry Lip Glows only lose points in the price department. They run $27 US/$35 CAD for 0.2 oz, which is definitely up there. MAC Lipglasses run $14.50 US/$17.50 CAD for 0.17 oz, and while the two glosses are very different products, you would still be able to purchase almost 2 MAC Lipglasses for the price of 1 Burberry Lip Glow. Oh, the price of luxury.

However, if you’re okay with that price tag or looking to treat yourself to a little something-something in the lipgloss department, then look no further! The Burberry Lip Glows are absolutely fantastic and I don’t doubt I’ll be treating myself to some of the more neutral shades in the near future. You can get them from the Burberry website or Nordstrom.

[Need some new makeup but not sure what to buy? Check out Alex's other beauty reviews here.]

What It Is:
Lime Crime Carousel Gloss in Candy Apple, Cherry on Top and Kaleidoscope

Why This Should Be in Your Bag:

Lime Crime is a brand known for bright colors and bold looks. Their lipsticks are my go-to when I want to play up my lips and need long-lasting pigmentation. Seriously, they stain the NEXT day. Obviously, I was beyond excited when Lime Crime announced that they were putting out lip glosses! They promise “semi-opaque coverage combined with bursts of nebulesque sparkle that comes alive in indoor lighting.” Let’s see how they stood up to those claims!

How To Use It:
The applicator on Lime Crime Carousel Glosses is a teeny, tiny brush that allows for precision application. This is necessary because the glosses are packed with pigment and glitter, which could end up giving you “clown mouth” if you’re not careful. These definitely require a mirror for application or touch-ups, so don’t forget to bring one along!

Lime Crime is known for shades that aren’t exactly “every day” and this release is no different. I thought I might be able to sheer out the purple shade, Kaleidoscope, but with no luck! Cherry on Top is a pink-coral with rainbow glitters, some of which have an iridescence to them. Candy Apple is bright red, with red, almost-iridescent sparkles. Kaleidoscope is a deep purple with purple and blue sparkles and is obviously not for the faint of heart!

(L-R with flash: Cherry on Top, Candy Apple, Kaleidoscope)

(one coat of Cherry on Top)

CC Rating: B+

Lime Crime Carousel Glosses are super pigmented, shimmery and BOLD. As with all their other products, you are going to be noticed sporting these. Those of you who prefer a pinky-nude lip for day-to-day may despise these, but girls who enjoy a statement lip from time to time will love them! You can sheer them out to a degree, but I would still consider them bold glosses.

The scent is extremely sweet and similar to MAC Lipsticks and Glasses, which I’m fine with but know some don’t like. I find that after wearing the glosses for a few minutes, the scent significantly fades. A neat feature of these, considering that they are so pigmented, is that they aren’t sticky. They are tacky enough to cling to your lips, but virtually non-stick, which surprises me. I honestly expected a super goopy, sticky gloss packed with gritty sparkles.

As an bold, statement-making lip gloss, these should get an A. The slightly overwhelming scent isn’t the only thing holding them back. As a whole gloss range, I’m dropping them to B+ mainly because of the shade selection. Lime Crime has an awesome product here, but only producing it in five shades (two of which are truly wearable) is a waste. I would love to see nudes, peaches and pinks in this range, because I think loads of people would love the formula!

If bold glosses are for you, you can check out the Lime Crime Carousel Glosses at their website, where they are $17 each. For those of you who are interested, these glosses are also Vegan!

[Need some new makeup but not sure what to buy? Check out Alex's other beauty reviews here.]

What It Is:
Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tars in Pageant and Grandma

Why This Should Be in Your Bag:

I’ve sang the praises of lip products enough: they add color to your look, brighten your face and are just plain fun! I have a huge collection of lipstick and lipgloss, mostly because I can’t resist all the pretty pinks and corals lip products come in.

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics is a line created by David Klasfeld. I wondered about the strange brand name and easily found the answer on their website: “I did and the result is a line obsessively crafted from the finest ingredients possible, to celebrate the driving compulsions of makeup fanatics everywhere.” This entire line is also Vegan-friendly (I’ve received questions about this and will try to include it in future articles). OCC’s Lip Tars are their cult-status item and being a lip junkie, I had to test drive a few!

How To Use It:
As far as shades go, Grandma is a very true coral color, while Pageant is a purpley pink. For having “tar” in the name, these are surprisingly runny, but super pigmented. I recommend squirting a bit on the back of your hand or a makeup palette and applying with a lip brush. You can also mix shades using this method! Go sparingly at first – you can layer for more intensity but it’s hard to take them off!

(L-R: Pageant, Grandma)

CC Rating: B-

The color selection and pigmentation of the Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tars is superb. There’s an assortment of nudes, pinks and corals, but also unusual shades like blue and black. Definitely geared towards the makeup artist community, but still consumer friendly. The $13 price tag is also a steal, considering it would take me YEARS to ever use one up!

Unfortunately, I wasn’t super impressed by the Lip Tars from OCC. Yes, they deliver on pigmentation and staying power, but I also found them to be quite drying and really clingy to patches of skin on my lips. Re-application was also tricky and I found myself carrying around a lip brush — super inconvenient. They don’t feel pleasant to wear and are, in fact, a bit irritating. Unless you slather them on, they dry on the more-matte side and I needed to add a clear gloss for some shine. I could see me using these for special nights out or costume parties, but not everyday.

You can find them at Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics!

[Need some new makeup but not sure what to buy? Check out Alex's other beauty reviews here.]

Lipsticks are more opaque, lip glosses are shiny (sometimes sticky), lip stains are like markers, and lip tints are like tinted moisturizers for your lips. But lip tints also have many other uses, which is why they’re oh so fabulous!

I love it when a product can multitask, especially if it’s expensive because it makes me feel better about using my grocery money for beauty products. (And no, I do not have a problem, OK?) Lip tints are the best multitasking beauty products out there; they’re great for travelers, awesome for those who aren’t into using a lot of products, and wonderful for makeup lovers like myself who just need something new in their beauty arsenal!

And that’s why I’m dedicating this video to them. So watch, learn and fall in love with lip tints.

Got something you want me to cover? Post it in the comments below. And don’t forget to check out my other videos right here!

After spending money on a lot of products that don’t live up to their promise, I can attest that the following four are definitely some of the best products on the market. If you know what’s good for you (and your kisser), get thee to the mall and stock up on these ASAP:

Lip Buffer: C.O. Bigelow’s Soothing Lip Buffer,  made with aloe extract and coco butter, will make your lips perfectly soft and smooth. If you apply the lip buffer onto your lips and take a warm wash cloth and rub the buffer in, you will not only exfoliate your lips, but you will rub in its relaxing peppermint extract. For $4.99 you can pick up a tube that will last you months and months. Although you can buy C.O. Bigelow products through their website, Bath & Body Works also carries them.

Lip Gloss: Nothing gets better than Yves Saint Laurent’s Golden Shimmering Gloss. This YSL lip gloss stays on for hours, and it actually protects the lips with natural oils instead of drying them out like most glosses do. Each tube of lip gloss has real 24-carat-gold flecks (baller!), which cause extra shine and luster on your lips. Although this lip gloss is expensive – $30 a tube – the quality and 31 different shades make it 100% worth every last cent. 

Lipstick: Every girl should find her color and own a fancy tube of lipstick. And if she’s smart, that tube will be one of the many shades of Chanel Hydrabase Creme Lipstick. Chanel is a timeless classic when it comes to lipstick and after trying it just once, it was easy to see why. The product actually makes your lips feel good and look amazing while making your teeth look whiter and your smile look brighter. (Yes, this stuff really does it all!) With a moisturizing finish to it, you are truly getting your $28.50′s worth.

Lip Balm: Lush, known for its handmade and organic products, has one of the best lip balm products around. For $6.95, you should indulge in the Whipstick Lip Balm. This product lasts like nothing else I’ve ever used. If you are looking for a product to put on before bed that will keep your lips moisturized all night long, this lip balm will do the job. Despite a full night of sleep (and drooling) it’s still on my lips when I wake up. And to top it off, the chocolatey-orange scent and taste is to die for.

So there you have it: the best of the best in lip wear.
Your lips are an important part of your life (from smiles to smooches) so give them the love and attention they deserve.

Is it just me or is there another “revolutionary” new makeup product introduced every freaking day?! Just walking into Ulta or Sephora (or even Walgreens!) sends many chicas into fits of hysteria, reaching for the nearest brown bag to regulate their breathing. It’s all so overwhelming.

So how can you know which product – among the sea of thousands – is the best? Which does what you need it to do? Which ones are worth the extra money? Let me help. I don’t know every beauty product out there, but I’ve tested a lot of them and I’ll let you know which are worth the money and which are not.

(Disclaimer: This product was provided to me for review purposes)

What it is: Urban Decay Lip Junkie Lipgloss in Wallflower

Why this should be in your bag:

I truly don’t know any girl who doesn’t own some form of lip product. Whether it be the standard cherry Chapstick or a fancy MAC Lipglass, girls love to play up and take care of their lips. My collection of makeup is definitely most numerous in lip products so clearly I’m always up for trying something new.

Urban Decay describes their new Lip Junkie gloss as “A decadent lip gloss (with a delicious vanilla-mint flavor!) that allows you to get hooked on the shine, without the sticky hangover.” Sounds pretty great right? One of my biggest peeves with lipgloss is when it’s so sticky that my hair gets stuck in it (Lipglass, I’m looking at you!), so I was really intrigued by this no-stick claim. Thankfully, Urban Decay has pulled through! I’m truly loving their new Lip Junkie Lipgloss. The scent is just sweet enough and the stickiness is at the bare-minimum. With 11 shades, I’m sure everyone can find something they like.

(Swatch of Wallflower.)

How to use it:

Because this gloss doesn’t come with a wand, you need to use the plastic applicator tip. This doesn’t guarantee precision application, but if your shade isn’t too intense (like Wallflower) you shouldn’t need to do any touching up. Wallflower suited my lips perfectly and I find myself constantly reaching for it when I want a nice, neutral pink. Upon application, you feel a slight minty tingle caused by a plumping ingredient, Maxi-Lip. This tingle was totally negligible and didn’t burn like some glosses. As for staying power, well, this isn’t an all-day gloss; I found this definitely required a touch-up after eating or drinking.

(Wallflower on my lips.)

CC Rating: A

Urban Decay Lip Junkie may just be my new favorite lipgloss. Other than the applicator tip (as opposed to a wand), I don’t really have any complaints. In fact, that complaint may be rendered useless, as Urban Decay claims this applicator’s design is superior to many others. It is molded not crimped, which means that it won’t snap off, leaving a mess of goo in your purse.

The 11 shades in this range are super versatile and create a full compliment of lip colors. The tube itself has a gorgeous, sculpted cap and a slim design which means portability. The gloss itself delivers on its promises, although I’m unsure of the plumping power. The scent wasn’t overwhelming and the gloss was just the right amount of sticky. Overall, I was impressed and plan on purchasing this in Crush and Peroxide.

If you’re in the market for a new gloss, give Lip Junkie by Urban Decay a whirl!

[Looking to overhaul your makeup bag? Check out Alex's other beauty reviews here.]

Today marks the 140th birthday of our good and loyal friend, Vaseline.  Here is to all of those good times we’ve had when we’ve needed you most. I keep you by my bed, in my bag, and in the car. I pick you up, dip my finger in your gooey residue and primp and prime to my utmost pleasure. You’re cheap, you’re handy, and you’re my BFF.

Cheers.

Seriously, after finding out it was Vaseline’s 140th birthday today, I went to find my own container and rubbed that shiz all over my elbows in celebration. This stuff is the best and, like any cheap vodka, it’s a college girl’s BFF.

Why, you ask?  Let us list the ways.

1. It makes your eyelashes grow: As long as you aren’t shacking up with the cutie you’ve been studying with, lather Vaseline all over your purty eyelashes overnight and watch them thicken and grow like a Chia pet come morning!

2. To Soften your weines [pronounced: wee*niss]: Vaseline is a great pick-me-up for dry elbows.

3. To Pimp out your cuticles: Store a mini-Vaseline container in your purse and utilize for emergency dry cuticle moments. And if you just really want an excuse to not take notes in lecture.

4. For kissable, luscious lips: Fall is a beast for drying out summary, dewy lips. Vaseline is there for you and your irresistible pout. Muah! P.S. You can mix Vaseline with Kool-Aid powder and make a colored (and flavored) lip gloss.

5. To Help your scent stick: Softly rub Vaseline all over your perfume points (i.e. the cleav, behind the ear, neck, wrist) and your scent will last longer!

6. Take it from JWWOW: It is a misconception that Vaseline clogs pores, so smear it all over your face, neck and arms whenever some bitch gets up in your shiz. Let’s see her try to grab hold of you now!

7. Say See Ya Never, Lipstick Smudges: Spread a little Vaseline over your teeth and lipstick smudges be gone!

8. For a moonlight massage with your man: Umm, hellooo. Vaseline is slippery. It ain’t no mint scent Aveda lotion, but it’s cheap and gets the job done after a long day trucking that North Face backpack from the library and back. Warm it up for an extra soothing effect. Saucy.

9.To remove last nights battlefield makeup: Apply some to a Q-tip and have a hay day.

10. Perfect for an eyeshadow/blush boost: Apply some under your eye shadow for a glossy affect. Apply on the apples of your cheeks for a dewy glow. Mix with lipstick for a cream blusher!

11. Lube: Whether you need it to get your friend’s engagement ring off your finger, or you want to ‘get it on’, Vaseline has you covered. And slippery.

12. It eases eyebrow plucking: Tame your eyebrows and lube up the under-skin so you can pluck with ease.

13. Prevent hair dye from seeping onto your forehead: Softly dab all over your hairline and keep that box hair dye from dying your forehead orange/brown/black/purple (we don’t judge).

14. To make your accessories look brand spankin’ new: New job interview? Scuff the crap-ol-la out of your patent leather heals thanks to pitcher night? Put a small dab on your shoes and shine away!

15. Hide Split Ends: Haven’t had a haircut since your mother made you go to Great Clips for a quickie? Hide damaged ends with the ‘V’ (what I’m now calling it).

16. Remove those stains on your clothes: And by stains, I mean makeup stains, sillies!

17. To Prevent spray-tan streaks: Rub all over the backs of your knees, ankles and hands to prevent seriously frightening spray tan lines. (You listening, Snooks?!)

18. To heal a new tat: No, Vaseline won’t undo that lame ass “I-have-star-tattoos-on-my-feet” situation a la Kristin Cavallari, but it can help the wound heal a little bit faster.

19. To get those O.P.I. nail polish bottles open: Is it just me or do I always try to get those babies open after I shower. Make it easier for next time and rub Vaseline under the cap. Then go ahead and do a D.I.Y manicure.

20. It’s your new exfoliating body wash: Mix with sea salt and come out of the shower feeling like Zac Efron’s face. Soft. And sexy.

Is it just me, or after reading this article, do your lips feel dry? Now go give your Vaseline some well deserved attention.

Is it just me or is there another “revolutionary” new makeup product introduced every freaking day?! Just walking into Ulta or Sephora (or even Walgreens!) sends many chicas into fits of hysteria, reaching for the nearest brown bag to regulate their breathing. It’s all so overwhelming.

So how can you know which product – among the sea of thousands – is the best? Which does what you need it to do? Which ones are worth the extra money? Let me help. I don’t know every beauty product out there, but I’ve tested a lot of them and I’ll let you know which are worth the money and which are not.

(Disclaimer: This product was provided to me for review purposes)

What it is: Too Faced Glamour Gloss in Flirt and Sex Pot

Why this should be in your bag: Lip gloss is an everyday necessity for most girls. It polishes off your look and really pulls everything together. Added bonuses found in some glosses these days are plumpers, which amplify your natural lips, and mint flavorings to give you fresher breath. Too Faced Glamour Gloss happens to be one of these plumping glosses, but it also imparts a cooling tingle and mint flavor that, when applied, lasts for a good while. I tested out Flirt, described as “pinky mocha” and Sex Pot, a “sheer lilac.” In the tube, Flirt and Sex Pot look very dark and intimidating, but they apply surprisingly sheer.

(L: Flirt, R: Sex Pot)

How to use it: Apply your regular makeup, right down to bronzer and finishing powder before applying lipgloss. If you plan on wearing a stain or lipstick to intensify the color, apply that first. Using the wand applicator (it picks up more product than the doe-foot applicator, so be aware!), swipe on Too Faced Glamour Gloss. I find it only takes one or two swipes to get full-coverage. The cooling, plumping sensation will set in almost immediately! Enjoy it, then re-apply throughout the day as needed, especially if your breath needs some assistance.

(Left: Sex Pot, Right: Flirt)

CC Rating: A

Too Faced Glamour Gloss is a good lipgloss and the added plumping power and mint definitely up the ante. The color-range is pretty impressive and there is a good variety of shimmery and opaque shades. I felt like my lips were plumped,  but the cooling sensation was much more comfortable than other plumping glosses I’ve tried. The minty scent was a nice touch too! I loved the packaging of these, especially the giant jewel on the top of the lid, along with the wand applicator. My only complaint would be that it is a bit sticky, which may turn some users off. If you’re a fan of MAC Lip Glass, the texture is very similar, so you would probably really enjoy Too Faced Glamour Glosses.