Lip Service

Two beauty posts in one week? Pretty good! I'm on a roll it seems, and my favorite product to blog about is definitely pictured below. When it comes to excess, my handbags, nightstand, and vanity are filled to the brim with lipsticks, stains, balms, and glosses. Once only interested in nudes and baby pinks, these days I'm all about a bright bold lip.

Quick note: The tray is from Target. I actually keep it on a ledge between our kitchen and living room, and I change the decor out depending on my mood or the season. I love trays for displaying my lip treats though, and am thinking of getting another for my vanity. The random crystal button at the bottom? It went in the center of our wedding cake's bow :)

I grouped my new Spring lip colors according to color, and the bottom two are glosses. 

Right now, orange is my shade du jour. Yes it's trendy, all over the runways and magazines. But it's also surprisingly flattering! I never thought I'd be brave enough to pull off such a vibrant color, but I'm telling you that it works! I find that it lifts the complexion and brighten up the entire face. I like to go for more of a true mandarin shade, and avoid anything that's too peach or watered down. The M.A.C. lipstick shown was limited edition, but it's called Fashion Force if you're interested in locating it. However, the orange I highly recommend was actually one I saw on Ella and Carylee. It's the Revlon Lacquer Balm in Tease. Glossy and the perfect shade of orange, it's got just enough red in it to keep it classic, and it's what I've been wearing a lot lately. The Maybelline elixir gloss is in "Mandarin Rapture", and I like to dot just a bit on top of Tease for added shine. 

Of course, you can't think Spring without a bright pop of pink on the lips. My favorites are also by Revlon. The original Balm Stain in "Lovesick" is the best fuchsia ever (last worn here), and "Flirtatious" is equally gorgeous. I like the formula of the lacquer balms better because they offer some shine and they are much more moisturizing. My Chanel glossimer in "Glaze" is the perfect topping to any pink lip. 

I think I've covered all six, but if you have any questions feel free to ask!

What is your favorite lip shade?

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Camel & Cobalt

Wearing: Frenchi blazer (old) (similar here & here)

Loft sunwashed tee (must-have)

Loft jeans

J. Crew pumps (love these & dream option)

Nordstrom necklace (similar)

Stella & Dot bracelet

Revlon balm stain in "Lovesick"

If it's one thing I love, it's a great blazer. Truth be told, I don't like showing my arms very often because they aren't as toned as I'd like for them to be. I affectionately refer to them as my little sausages, a term that makes hubby roll his eyes and smirk, giving me that "what are you talking about" look. He probably doesn't know whether to laugh along or reassure me. But you know, even if I did have amazingly toned Madonna arms, I think I'd still prefer to cover them with a blazer! They instantly give you that polished look, and you can throw one on over anything for immediate chic. I decided to pair my neutral blazer with shades of blue for a fun date night look.

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New In Beauty

It's hard to believe that it's been at least a couple of months since I last wrote a beauty post. After all, this is partly a beauty blog! Sorry guys, not sure why there's been a lack of makeup blabbing around here! The start of a season always has me itching to replenish my arsenal with pretty new things, so I promise to fill you in on any new discoveries. And there have been some new discoveries...

We keep it real lotion hearts

My friend Raeleen has been a makeup artist for years. She is the one who did my makeup for my wedding, as well as my gorgeous bridesmaids. She lives and breathes beauty! Well now she has started a new venture, and I couldn't be more thrilled for her as she is extremely talented, kind, and knowledgeable. She started her own Etsy shop called we keep it real, and it's centered around natural, organic beauty products that are not only good for your body, but really lovely to keep in your bathroom or vanity as well.

Raeleen was sweet enough to send over two of her organic lotion hearts for me to try out. It is love, my friends! I have sensitive, dry skin and I've always struggled with peeling, cracking, and itching. Especially my legs! Our desert climate is not conducive to nourished skin, so I'm constantly battling it. Her lotion hearts smell like lavender, and they are packed with essential oils such as coconut and cacao. As soon as I get out of the bath or shower, I place one of the cute little hearts in the palm of my hand and using circular motions, I rub it onto my arms and legs. The feeling is almost like using argan or moroccan oil, but less greasy. The moisture is immediate, and it really lasts throughout the day. I highly recommend them! They would make adorable bridesmaid gifts as well :) Her passion for natural homemade products truly shows in everything she does, so please take a look at her new Etsy.

Rose De Chloe, Chloe

If you love roses, then you need this new fragrance by Chloe. Need. It's like wearing a bouquet, and although that may be too much for some, it's sheer heaven for those of us who obsess over flowers. I do also enjoy the original scent, with all of its elegance and sophistication. It's one of those scents that you can wear happily year-round, whether in the cold or in the sun. And there's something to be said for that, right? 

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Radiant Magenta & Dim Infusion

I must admit, I knew I wanted to try at least one Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush as soon as the hype started. I own the powder version in Dim, and absolutely love the finish it gives to my complexion. These blushes are gorgeous! Buttery, smooth, and blendable, they are also quite pigmented! Much more pigmented than they appear in the pan. My favorite of the two I have is Dim Infusion. It's the prettiest peachy coral that leaves such a glow to the cheeks. It's what I have on in my last few outfit pictures. Radiant Magenta is also very pretty, but I think I need a bit of a tan to pull it off the way I envision it and to really do it justice. It's extremely bright on my pale skin now, but I'm sure come Summer, that one will become my new favorite. All shades are swirled with a corresponding ambient lighting powder, so the effect is very dewy once applied. No glitter or shimmer either, just a soft sheen that's flattering on everyone. 

I'm so happy with all of my new beauty acquisitions, and I even have some more to share in the lip department. That post will have to wait until next week. See? I'm going to be a better beauty blogger again, promise. 

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