Easy glistening lips

I have discovered the perfect autumn lip!
It is the in-between of summer's moist, full on glossiness, and winter's dry and sophisticated matte lipsticks.
It is....the color stick.
Which isn't a brand or a product really, but a notion that has struck several brands that each have their own versions.
Clinique has the adorable Chubby Sticks....

Revlon has the affordable Kissable Balm Stains (see my earlier review here)...

And Tarte, the centerpiece of my post today, has the wonderful Lipsurgence line!

These gems from Tarte have won multiple beauty awards for their color, stay-power, and moisturizing properties. Naturally, I couldn't resist the candy-like selection...

And there are multiple options for the lip look you desire: tint, matte, and shine.

Already possessing enough tints and matte lipsticks, and desiring a sweet mix for autumn of color and not in-your-face shine, I went for the latter.

Giving a few testers a whirl, I ended on the lip luster in "GLISTEN,"

a muted golden baby doll pink.

I am loving the texture of it! It smooths over a prime lip color, or just bare smoochers, and really does provide some nice moisture that lasts even after it wears off.

It has subtle shine that looks different in varied lighting/angles--the kind of lippy that makes people stare at your kisser in interest without even realizing that they are doing it.

It is peachy, effective, and gorgeous.

Now if only I could afford all of the shades..they'll run you about $24 each, but considering the amount of product you get and their staying power, that's remotely acceptable.

Revlon's version is considerably cheaper, but doesn't have the same dewy sheen as these babies.

The best part: you don't need a mirror to apply.  And they're kissable.

In a pinch: sexy highlighter

Not everyone keeps a highlighter on hand.
Which is a shame, considering how flattering they can be, and how much they can spice up your face without being obvious or ugly-chunky-sparkly.

So, if you catch yourself at a quiet dinner date that turns into a night-at-the-club, and you're unprepared... how about turning a nude, shimmering eyeshadow into a highlighter to accentuate your cheekbones and browbones?

That happened to me the other evening--an unexpected "we're going out right here right now!" moment and all I had on me was some cheap shimmer stick and my lipstick.
I smeared some of that lipstick on my cheeks and smudged it out to a sexy glow, dabbing a bit on my lips at the same time, and used the shimmer shadow as a highlighter! Perfecto!
I even got compliments on my dazzling look.

Have you seen these? They're super cheap.  I picked up one at Ulta on a whim (and a sale) for about $2.

My color is 

and it is luscious. Kind of goes along with that rose gold trend that I adore.

I smudged some on my upper cheeks, my brow bones, the center of my eyelids, and my cupid's bow (that little divit above your lips), smudged away, and....sexy, glowing perfection.

And the best part is how easily blendable and un-chunky it is. I hate that crappy 1990s glitter stuff, and this is the antithesis of that--a powdery sheen that looks delightful year round.