Fall Beauty Favorites | Lipsticks + Glosses

Do you ladies switch up your beauty routines and essentials as the seasons change? Though I keep things the same in the spring and summer months, I love swapping products in my beauty arsenal when fall hits. There's something about those beautiful nudes, browns, plums, and rose shades that just scream "fall is here" to me. And since you guys are well aware of my lippie obsession, I decided I would share some of my current lipstick and lipgloss picks for the season here on the blog. 

NYX Round Lipstick in Thalia (top, left)- This is my go-to nude lippie of the fall season. It's a pretty mauve shade of nude that I believe compliments many complexions.

Wet n Wild Megalast Lipstick in Mochalicious (top, right)- This is my throwback 90's shade for the fall. It's highly pigmented, long-lasting, and very affordable. I feel like I'm channeling Kima, Keisha, and Pam when I'm rocking this lippie!

MAC Lipstick in Creme de la Femme (bottom, left)- This is my second pick nude lippie for the fall. Unlike Thalia, it has a frost finish, so I use it for more of a soft night look. 

Clinique Chubby Moisturizing Lip Balm in Roomiest Rose (bottom, right)- I received this beauty from my cousin Tresa and instantly fell in love with it. For my divas that aren't really big on rocking lipstick, this balm gives you color without the commitment. This balm is creamy, moisturizing, and has a great color payoff. 

NYX Lipgloss in African Queen (top, left)- This is my all-time favorite NYX lipgloss. It's a shimmery violet shade that's sure to turn heads. And it looks gorgeous on women of color! Every time I wear it, someone stops me to ask me what I'm wearing on my lips. 

Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Shameless (top, right)- For my ladies that have MAC Heroine on their wishlist but don't want to commit to the price, this lippie is perfect for you! I have them both and they are nearly identical. It applies soft and moisturizing, but dries into a beautiful matte. 

Wet n Wild Fergie Lipstain in Throwing Shade (bottom, left)- To be honest, I grabbed up this lippie for the name. How could you go wrong with a lipgloss called Throwing Shade anyways? Though it's actually a lipstain, it's pretty moisturizing. If you don't have this one in your collection, you might want to grab it up!

Wet n Wild Megalast Lipstick in Ravin' Raisin (bottom, right)- This is one of my fall favorites simply because I've never owned a color that compares to this lipstick at all. It's a vampy shade of purple that has mauve undertones. Out of all the lipsticks on this list, I would say this one is definitely my wildcard. 

WHAT LIPSTICKS AND GLOSSES ARE YOU WEARING THIS SEASON?

Favorite Summer Lipsticks 2014

One thing I love about the spring and summer months is the abundance of bright beautiful colors in the atmosphere! Along with warm and vibrant weather, folks can be seen rocking some of the most fiercest, shades of pinks, plums, and oranges. And what better way to bring color to your world than in my personal favorite way---by applying a shocking shade of lipstick?

Today I want to share with you the six lipstick colors I've been reaching for most this summer and will probably be wearing even more as the season progresses. Each shade is beautiful in its own right, and if you own any of these, I'm sure you will agree. I chose six shades from two of my favorite lipstick brands: MAC Cosmetics and Wet 'n' Wild Beauty. If you're familiar here on the blog, you know I swoon for the texture and vanilla scent of a MAC lippie, but love the intense pigment and affordable price of the Wet 'n' Wild MegaLast lippies. 

The three MAC Lipsticks playing the back, from left to right are:

-Amplified Creme Lipstick in Shy Girl

-Satin Lipstick in Pink Nouveau

-Retro Matte in Flat Out Fabulous

And the three Wet 'n' Wild MegaLast Lipsticks in the front (l-r) are:

-Cherry Picking 

-Wine Room

-24 Carrot Gold

Check out the swatches below. In natural light, Shy Girl barely shows up!

And these are the swatches on my lips. Shy Girl, which is on the left, is a go-to nude for me. I love how smooth and creamy this lipstick is. I usually pair a mauve liner or chestnut colored liner with this lippie. Pink Nouveau (top right) is one of my favorite pink lipsticks. This lipstick is a must-have for us bubblegum-pink lovers and is very long-lasting. I recently grabbed up Flat Out Fabulous (bottom right) a couple of months ago and fell in love. If you are a fan of the retro matte finishes (like Ruby Woo), this baby is a must-have as well. Each of these lipsticks can be purchased at www.maccosmetics.com and retail for $16.

Cherry Picking (top left) is a beautiful shade of magenta and packs a punch of color! Though these lippies are matte, I put a touch of lipgloss on before applying them because my lips were dry. If you don't apply a lip balm first, the MegaLast Lip Color can be pretty drying. Wine Room (bottom left) is more of an everyday lippie for me than the others (except Shy Girl). It's a soft, feminine pink that isn't too overpowering. Now 24 Carrot Gold (right) on the other hand, can be a shocking lipstick shade if you aren't used to wearing orange lipstick. I toned mine down with a bit of gloss and paired it with NYX lipliner in Espresso. I'd say this is a safe way to wear orange lips since they are really on trend this season. I usually grab these lippies from my local Walgreens, where they are currently on sale for $1.49!

Since I shared my favorites with you guys, now I would like to know your favorite lipsticks of the summer. Do you have any recommendations of others I should check out? I would like to know in the comments! And if you have a fierce picture of you rocking your favorite lippie(s) be sure to share it with me on Facebook or tag me on Instagram! I wanna see!

February Beauty Favorites

Hello loves! It's been too long since I've posted my monthly beauty favorites here on the blog. So I decided today would be the perfect time. Lately, I've been obsessed with a few products, some new and a couple that I shopped my stash for. I just wanted to take a moment to share some off the goodies I've been reaching for the most. Perhaps you're looking to try these beauty products yourself or you have tried them and could share more about them with me. Check them out below and be sure to tell me your thoughts in the comments!

Rimmel HD Union Jack Palette in Purple Reign- If you follow me on Instagram, you saw that I picked up this eyeshadow palette (along with True Union Jack) from Walgreens several weeks back for only $1.59! I wasn't familiar with the Rimmel HD Union Jack Palettes, but I believe these palettes had been out for quite some time. As a lover of purple shadows, I was elated to add this palette to my collection. The eyeshadows are rich and pigmented, and with primer, they are quite long-lasting. Have you seen this palette at your local drugstore? Have you tried it?

I've been using these three products on my eyes almost every day for the last month. Purchasing Wet n Wild Mega Impact Mascara has been a pleasant surprise! I got this mascara for around $3, as I searched for a quick-fix mascara that wouldn't break the bank. It gives my lashes just enough volume with one application and doesn't clump if I use two applications. I decided to try Rimmel Scandal Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner in Nude some weeks back after Lisa raved about it. I use it on the waterline above my lower lashes and it doesn't budge! It gives my eyes a bright, awakened look when I venture out in the mornings, whether I'm fully alert or not. Rimmel Glam'Eyes Precise Design Liquid Eyeliner in Black Glamour is totally holding things down as far as my liquid eyeliners go. The applicator is precise and the application lasts until I remove it!

Rimmel Stay Matte Primer may be my favorite beauty product out of the bunch. I came across this item in passing recently when I was out looking for a new primer. On the hunt to find an affordable primer that would give my foundation a long-lasting matte finish, I scoured the shelves of my local drugstores. There was a display at Walgreens for Rimmel Stay Matte Primer along with a $1 off coupon. When I got to the register, the primer rang up for $1.99 with the coupon, making it the cheapest primer I've ever purchased. I won't say it's the best yet, as I haven't had the chance to wear it on warmer days. But it has kept my makeup matte and fresh lately. I'm in love! If you would like to see a more in-depth review of this product on the blog, let me know in the comments!

I've been using the Makeup Forever HD Kabuki Brush I got in the MUFE HD Complexion Starter Kit for some time now. I've been grabbing it more often here lately because it's so multi-purposeful! I've used it to apply my MUFE HD Microfinish Powder, e.l.f. HD Powder, and MAC Mineralized Skinfinish powders. I've used it to blend in blushes, highlighters, and to buff in powder foundations. The synthetic bristles of the brush are so soft and feel like luxury when smoothed around the face. It's small so it travels well in your purse or makeup bag while you're out and about too, unlike my other makeup brushes.

Wet n Wild Fergie Shimmer Palette in Carnaval in Rio is one of the prettiest face products I've ever purchased. I just love the warm glow this product gives my complextion. I've been looking for a bronzer to give my skin a nice sun-kissed glow and I was quite satisfied in finding this highly-pigmented shimmer palette. It's rather huge, so there's plenty of product for the low price of $5.99. Many have compared these palettes to the MAC Mineralized Skinfinish powders, but these shimmer palettes are pressed (not baked) and are larger. Have you tried this product or any other products from Fergie's Wet n Wild lines?

I switch up lip products quite often. I love trying different shades, finishes, and lipsticks. But these last few weeks, I've used these two products quite frequently! Jordana Twist & Shine Moisturizing Balm Stain in Sweet Pink is a girly bubble-gum shade of pink that I'm loving so far. It applies as a smooth pigmented balm, and later fades into a stain. And I scored it for the low price of $2.99! I would recommend this balm stain to anyone who is a fan of the balm stains that have been circulating the beauty scene. This one is a steal as it is great quality for a low price. NARS Lipgloss in Orgasm is a reoccurring favorite of mine. Whenever I want to add a hint of shimmer and shine to any of my lippies, I apply a coat of this gloss over it. And who doesn't love adding a little shimmer to their life? I can't wait to add Turkish Delight to my collection. Have you tried either of these lippies?

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR CURRENT BEAUTY FAVORITES?

My Starting Five Lipsticks for Fall

Some of the most inspiring makeup looks I've seen for the fall season have incorporated beautiful plum-stained lips.  Being a fan of deep, statement making lip colors, I decided to trade in my summer lipsticks for some fall-favoring purples as well.  In this post, I will be sharing with you five lipsticks that I believe will translate nicely into fall.  These choices I consider to be my "starting five" as I will be grabbing for them the most this season.  They are all different brands with different finishes and price points.  Below, all of the lipsticks are pictured with flash.  The descriptions following are ordered from left to right.

1. Wet n Wild Megalast Lipcolor in Sugar Plum Fairy: You may remember this lipstick being featured on the blog this week here. This plum lipstick is the only one in the bunch with a matte finish.  It is very-long lasting & a definite must for those grown & sophisticated makeup looks you're going to wear this fall.  Sugar Plum Fairy retails for 2.99 at stores such as K-Mart, Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens. 

2. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Violet Frenzy:  This lipstick is a deep violet with hints of shimmer in it.  It has a pearl finish and goes on a bit sheer compared to the other lipsticks.  Violet Frenzy's even, sheer application make it the easiest shade to wear in the daytime.  It retails for $7.99 in various drugstores.

3. CoverGirl Lip Perfection Lipstick in Embrace: In the tubing, Embrace looks strikingly similar to Revlon's Violet Frenzy.  Embrace, however is much more pigmented. It retails for $6.99 and can be purchased at various drugstores as well.

*An added bonus to this lipstick is CoverGirl states that lips become noticeably smoother with 7 days of continuous use.  I haven't used any lipstick ever for 7 days straight, so I haven't tested this theory yet.  Have any of you?  If so, what were your results?

4. MAC Pro Longwear LipCreme in Seasoned Plum:  This lipstick is a favorite in my collection. Seasoned Plum has a lavender tint to it similar to that of MAC's Up the Amp, without the glossy application. While Seasoned Plum goes on creamy, it stays in place with a "settling" effect.  It doesn't transfer and is pretty long-lasting.  Seasoned Plum is a limited edition lipcreme from the Daphne Guiness Collection and has been discontinued.  MAC Pro Longwear LipCremes retail at $18.00 on the MAC website. 

* For a similar plum lipcreme, check out MAC's Goes and Goes

5: Makeup Forever Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick in Pearly Violet (#15):  This lipstick is a vibrant shade of purple with a beautiful pearl finish.  I shared about this lipstick before here.  It retails for $19.00 and can be purchased at Sephora or the Make Up Forever Website.

Stay tuned for makeup looks featuring these lipsticks!  

What lipsticks will you be wearing this season?