Stained in Love

Tarte cheek stains.
They're happenin.

I tried the TIPSY color during the summer and didn't love it!
The coral color was fun and fresh and I love the scent,
but it had glitter in it (and I don't believe glitter belongs on your cheeks) and it was really sticky.
And cheeks should not be sticky.

Maybe it was just that color, or the fact that it was summer..? I'm not sure.

But I was at Ulta the other day and was lured back over to these babies.
I love the idea and the color selection, and the fact that they're like a push-up pop!
I swatched a few colors, only the more sheer pinks that felt non-glittery, and noticed they were applying smoothly and not stickily.

So I picked up True Love and...
I'm in love.

I've only worn it twice and gotten a multitude of compliments on how healthy and pretty I look!
True Love is like a natural, long-lasting flush.  Perfect for this season!

I swipe it along my cheek bones once I've applied powder,
smudge with an egg sponge, and I'm done.  it takes 10 seconds and lasts 10 hours.
Yes, it looks a bit bright and scary in the tube, but it applies very sheer and natural and is easy to buff in.  And that is good news because you only need a teensy bit, so it will last a loooooooong time.

Looks best with natural skin (not too much foundation and crap), a nice layering of mascara, and glossy pink lips.

Happy Autumn Flushing!

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.