The New Matte

There is no denying at this point that, by and large, Revlon does some of the best lip products at the drugstore. Lately though, I feel like I have been very underwhelmed by my budget lip buys... until now.

 

The new Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm are a lovely addition to my matte lip color obsession. The color selection, while very nice, is not exceptionally unique save for (in my opinion) the two colors shown above. ( T: Shameless B: Sultry) 

 

Shameless is a stunning cool purple berry shade that is a lovely, colorful take on a winter vampy lip. Sultry is the far more popular (read: wearable) shade that, swatched, looks like a "your lips but better" color but, in reality, is a soft muted berry tone that is a great daytime alternative to Shameless. You know, if you believe in that sort of thing.

 

A note on the formula here: It could very well be the best matte formula I've tried from a conventional drugstore. I've enjoyed Revlon's matte's in the past but this one is more in line with the bITE beauty and NYX matte lip colors that I love so much. It applies creamily, is light as a feather, and lasts for ages. It also comes equipped with a sweet mint smell that I find to be a lovely addition, although I know scented lip products can be a bit polarizing.

 

As far as the lacquer balms go, I gave them a pass for the time being. They just have SO MUCH shimmer in them and I am not feeling the glossier lip now that the cooler months have set in. Matte is just so much more low maintenance.

 

Have you guys tried these yet? Or have you found anything new at the drugstore lately?

 

Off the Cuff

So it begins. The seemingly sooner and never-ending holiday gift set parade. Don't get me wrong, value sets are my very best beauty friend, but guys we are barely into the double digits for October.

Rant Over.

Now I'm going to profess my love for the new, holiday gift edition, Tarte "Off the Cuff" Amazonian Clay Blush Palette. (Ugh! That name.)

 It gets its name from the little leather cuff with a gold bow charm that it comes packaged with.
I have already passed that on to a more loving home. I don't really do bows.

From Left to Right we have Crave, Dazzled, Darling, Dollface, and the Park Avenue Princess Bronzer. For those of you who missed out on NARS' Danmari palette (and are maybe looking for an alternative to the Nars x Guy Bourdain One Night Stand Palette) I think this is an excellent alternative. I would even go as far to say the Tarte formula is superior (blastphemy! I know) to the NARS. They are silky smooth, intensely pigmented, and while I've not tested the 12 hour claim they easily make it through my workday.

I personally also love the inclusion of a bronzer in the palette because it makes it easier for someone who's not too keen on the sunkissed look (like me) to mix it with the blush shades to manipulate their saturation and warmth.

 I am not, however, saying I won't get the NARS when it's released. Ooops.

Late to the Party

I think the reason I love the Fall so much is because you get a break in the weather (goodbye humidity and 100 degree days, I will not miss you) but you still get to keep all of the perceived "warmth" of summer. If anything the leaves and the sweaters just give me the fuzziest feelings that no summer can replicate.

If there is any product I've found that encapsulates that feeling (because that's normal...) it's the Kevin Aucoin Creamy Glow in Tansoliel.

 As you can see I couldn't wait to dip into this baby. It was a Hautelook purchase and it creates the most beautiful wash of warm, fresh, glowing color on the cheeks. If you are looking for a flattering easy to use quality cream blush I would wholeheartedly encourage you check out the Kevin Aucoin formula. Lovely.