Friday Faves Vol. 24

This adorable floral embroidery!

This The Craft-inspired coffee mug!

This genius backpack purse with swappable cat ears, bunny ears & bat wings!

2018 Ulta Birthday Gift

If you're paying attention, you might've noticed that I love a birthday freebie. Okay, I love pretty much any freebie, but all the better if that freebie is a useful beauty product. Much like Sephora, Ulta Beauty offers an annual birthday gift for rewards members (free to join and worth it if you shop there with any frequency). The 2018 Ulta birthday gift is a lip kit including the following:

• Ulta Beauty Juice Infused Lip Oil in Cranberry + Pomegranate {.15 fl. oz.}

• Ulta Beauty Lip Mask in Cranberry + Pomegranate

Friday Faves Vol. 20

These cute cat socks & pink heels!

This super simple bagel recipe that can be made in minutes!

This natural light-filled, colorful living room!

You Need to Make This Super Moisturizing 3-Ingredient DIY Lip Balm

Any other lip balm addicts in the house? You'd never find me without at least one balm within grabbing distance, as I like to apply whenever the mood strikes. Once I'm aware I need/want to slick it on, I can't focus on anything but the lip balm until I get it. I've chosen to not think of this as a problem, and instead think of it as being highly moisturized at all times. I like to be smooth!

As a certified fanatic, I've tested and tried make balms. My simple, go-to choice to keep in my purse is the classic Burt's Bees variety (no other iterations, please!). My slather-on-before-bed bestie is Nivea Lip Butter. At times I'll pop on a Vaseline Lip Therapy to really seal in that sweet, sweet moisture all night. I've done my research; I know my lips.

Once on a whim, I grabbed this locally-made, small batch lip balm at a little variety store. Just to see, you know? A true student of the game is never done learning.

Turns out it was the best lip balm of my damn life.

That should be great news, but reality struck when I realized it was not available online and was not stocked in any stores near me, as I'd picked it up on a vacation. The universe can be so cruel.

Fast forward to this balm running reeeeeal low, and me scrambling to try to DIY my own replica based on the ingredients listed on the package. I've finally found a formula that, while not an exact duplicate, is great enough to satisfy my lip balm addiction and keep me from weeping over what could have been.

Wanna try it too? Read on!

How to Make DIY Lip Balm

The three ingredients I used in my lip balm were:

Shea Butter
Cocoa Butter
Sweet Almond Oil

I also used an empty tin from an old Nivea Lip Butter that I cleaned out. You can buy empty tubes and tins for lip balm pretty cheaply online, but why not use what you have?

Okay, here's where we get into it! I ended up with a simple 3-2-1 measuring method:


3 Parts Sweet Almond Oil (I used 3 teaspoons)
2 Parts Cocoa Butter (2t)
1 Part Shea Butter (1t)

Bring an inch or two of water to a gentle boil in a small saucepan. Place your ingredients in a heat-resistant glass measuring cup inside the saucepan until all ingredients melt to a liquid.

Melting, melting, melting...

When you've got all liquid, pour the mixture into your tin or container and let it cool.

Once cooled, you'll have a soft, but solid lip balm full of natural and moisturizing ingredients. 
It looks pretty plain, but it gets the job done spectacularly.

Once it warms up it might be too soft or hard for your preference, but you can easily repeat the melting process to add more almond oil (to soften) or more cocoa butter or even skin safe beeswax (to harden). It comes together so quickly, it's really no problem to adjust as you'd like. Even pop it in the freezer to speed up the solidifying process!

Your lips will thank you. 😀 💋

What's your ride-or-die lip balm? Have you ever made your own?

Friday Faves Vol. 3

Here's what's been catching my eye lately:

This super fun collection of novelty purses

This amazing pastel rainbow hair

This interesting and atmospheric moon light

These adorable little snail and caterpillar snacks!

This insanely cute "newborn" photo shoot of this kitten!

This slideshow of the ideal lips throughout history from the Ming Dynasty to Kim Kardashian is a great reminder that beauty standards are just as subjective as they are ever-changing, so do whatever you want literally all the time.☺

This sleek midcentury modern coffee table would be a great pop of color!

These kitschy vintage sewing patterns for junk food pillows

This retro Orla Kiely floral canister needs to be in my kitchen ASAP, plz

These custom pet photo pillows would make an amazing gift!

What fun stuff have you seen lately?

Top 10 Red Lipsticks for Valentine's Day

...or any day, really, because red lipstick is appropriate for any situation. You might be thinking 'who needs ten red lipsticks?' and I'll tell you right away that your instincts are correct - you actually need way more than ten. Kidding! Kind of. Judging from this selection, I obviously have some kind of lipstick-shaped hole in my soul that I'm trying to fill, but you might find yourself with just one classic, made-for-you red in your collection, and that's totally cool too. Also, what's self restraint like? 

From lightest to darkest, here are my top 10 red lipsticks for Valentine's Day!

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Morocco

Mmmm, I love a Soft Matte Lip Cream! Smells like a vanilla cupcake dream, goes on smooth and opaque, and wears light as a feather. This is a perfect warm toned red with a great orange tint that's super bold, but still easy to wear.

Colourpop Ultra Matte Lip in Succulent

This shade is a perfect coral-red that manages to be both bright and muted at the same time. You get a true matte finish (and the dryness to match) and the wear is pretty good too. The color is the best part, though, and I've yet to find something else quite the same as this unique shade.

Wet n Wild Lipstick in Purty Persimmon

Wet n Wild Meglast lipsticks are the old faithfuls of the drugstore - they're less than two bucks, super comfortable to wear, come in a large range of great colors and stay put for hours. Purty Persimmon is a lovely orange-red shade that I always get excited to pop on. This is the lipstick that showed me I like warm toned reds too!

Revlon Lipstick in Fire & Ice

A serious classic! This shade is from the olden days of lipstick, basically, and there's a reason it has stood the test of time - it's gorgeous! Such a lovely color that tends to skew warm toned, but somehow seems to work on everyone I've ever seen wear it? You need this.

Rimmel Provocalips in Kiss Me You Fool

I don't know how many more ways I can say this: I'M IN LOVE WITH RIMMEL PROVOCALIPS. Sorry for shouting, but if you still haven't tried these, I don't know what I can do with you. They're the best, last forever, the end. This is the bright cherry red from the range, and I'm telling you - if you need an all day red lip that you can eat pizza and, like, brush your teeth in, this is that red.

MAC Lipstick in Russian Red

There's just something about a smooth tube of MAC lipstick! This is my favorite red from the brand, but I know that's a hot button issue. Are you a Ruby Woo gal? Okay, let's take this outside! JK, don't hit me plz. The cool toned Russian Red has my heart (bringing in this theme nicely!) but honestly all MAC reds are iconic for a reason!

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella

I didn't know this would change my red lipstick life, but it kinda did! Among literally every red I wear, this is the one that, when I slip it on, looks the smoothest, prettiest and just all around Photoshopped-on-my-lips-est. It's matte, but not too matte and I never even feel it on my lips. It's a great neutral to cool-leaning red that applies like a dream and treats your lips right.

Revlon Matte Balm in Standout

This one is a sleeper hit! It's very similar to MAC Russian Red, with a cool toned hue and matte finish, but it also has a moisturizing quality, complete with minty zing, that you're not going to find in most other lipsticks. I struggle getting a crisp line with it, but it applies so easily and feels so comfortable it's kinda worth it.

Rimmel Provocalips in Play With Fire

See above, and approximately 1,009,342 other blog posts to see how much I love Provocalips. This is a deeper, more cool toned red from the range and I love it just as much as the other red shade. I tend to pull this out for a more dramatic look, but you'd be good with whichever red you like more. Let Provocalips change your life!

Maybelline Lipstick in Smoking Red

Yass, a deep red that goes on opaque in one swipe! You've really done it, Maybelline. I can't tell you how many times in my life I've bought and tossed so called 'black cherry' lipsticks when they go on patchy and pathetic. This is a bit lighter than those shades, but it does the job of coloring my lips evenly. Luckily, it also feels comfortable and lasts, keeping me coming back swipe after swipe.

Red Lipstick Swatches

See? Duh, they're all v. different, thank you.

What's your favorite red lip color? Have you tried any of these? Wanna fight me over the top MAC red lipstick?

BEAUTY: 10 Purple Lipsticks Under $10

You know what's the best? Fun lipstick. Even better? Fun cheap lipstick. I mean, I love those over the top, gilded designer tubes that are really more decor than makeup just as much as the next lipstick wearer, but I tend to just admire those from afar...really afar. Like, pinteresting-lipstick-pics-from-the-comfort-of-my-own-couch afar. If you choose to drop $50 on a lipstick, that's amazing for you! (I mean it! You probably have the best throw blankets ever and smell like some kind of exotic vanilla at all times. Let's hang.) 

I mostly do the drugstore thing when it comes to makeup, and while it can be hard to find "fun" colors there, purple lipstick has become so insanely popular that there are a bunch of budget options to choose from. Purple: the color of royalty, bruises, and my mother's birthstone. Plus, it looks rad on your face! Yes, you! Literally everyone can wear some shade of purple on their lips because purple lipstick is magic. You should definitely fall under its spell.

Left to Right:

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Brazen Berry
The PERFECT cool toned, medium purple, which I'm convinced looks amazing on everyone.

Milani Color Statement Lipstick in Sangria
A deep wine shade that manages to be creamy and NOT patchy - a feat for these kinds of colors!

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Vintage Pink
Don't let the name fool you - this is a pale purple-pink, which makes a great "nude" for those of us with cool toned lips.

Blackheart Beauty Lipstick in Violet
A beautiful basic purple shade that compliments many skin tones.

Wet n Wild MegaLast Lip Color in Sugar Plum Fairy
Dark and vampy, this plum shade goes on matte and stays put, and is a near dupe for MAC Rebel!

Left to Right:

Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm in Shameless
Gives the moisturizing (and minty!) benefits of a balm, and the deep, true purple can't be rivaled.

Rimmel Provocalips in Kiss Fatal
I've already professed my unwavering love for Provocalips and this shade is one of my favorites! Deep, almost berry purple with ALL day wear.

Wet n Wild Fergie Creme Lipstick in D-Vinely Chilled
When you want some sheen and shimmer grab this unique vino-inspired shade.

Jordana Modern Matte Lipstick in Matte It Girl
Matte, smooth and a perfect magenta-toned purple. Much more vibrant in person!

Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Color in Va Va Violet
For the violet devotees only; super deep, somewhat fussy, but totally royal.

Rimmel Vintage Pink, Blackheart Beauty Violet, Jordana Matte It Girl, Maybelline Brazen Berry, Wet n Wild Sugar Plum Fairy, Revlon Shameless, Rimmel Kiss Fatal, Wet n Wild D-Vinely Chilled, Milani Sangria, Revlon Va Va Violet

Sometimes I prefer lip swatches so here you go, but OH MAN is it weird to look at so many closeups of your own lips! I do it for you, America:

Left to Right, Top to Bottom:
Rimmel Vintage Pink, Blackheart Beauty Violet, Jordana Matte It Girl, Maybelline Brazen Berry, Wet n Wild Sugar Plum Fairy, Revlon Shameless, Rimmel Kiss Fatal, Wet n Wild D-Vinely Chilled, Milani Sangria, Revlon Va Va Violet

Do you love purple lipstick? What's your favorite shade, drugstore or not? What other interesting lip color shades are you digging lately?

BEAUTY: Rimmel Provocalips Review

I should’ve known what I was in for when the Walgreens’s cashier gave me a stern-faced warning at the register; Rimmel’s new Provocalips liquid lip colors are no joke. My cashier told me in no uncertain terms that she’d purchased a tube and had to sleep in her lipstick because she couldn’t get the color off her lips. I think she was trying to dissuade me from purchasing, but to me her words meant only one thing: impressive staying power.

Because I like a challenge, I immediately picked up 5 shades: 

I'll Call You - medium, cool-toned pink

Make Your Move - brown-leaning nude

Little Minx - bright fuchsia/raspberry

Play With Fire - deep, blue-based red

Kiss Fatal - dark, cool-toned purple

L to R: I'll Call You, Make Your Move, Little Minx, Play With Fire, Kiss Fatal {natural light}

L to R: I'll Call You, Make Your Move, Little Minx, Play With Fire, Kiss Fatal {with flash}

The full line contains 10 shades, including mainly reds, pinks and nudes. Each tube is double-ended, with lip color on one end and a clear gloss on the other. The gloss is not at all sticky - it’s super slick, and feels similar to the slip you’d get from a silicone face primer. Without the clear gloss, these lip colors can feel a little rubbery or sticky, but one dot of gloss and your lips are totally smooth.

In my excitement, I tried on Make Your Move right there in the drugstore parking lot, and found the coverage to be opaque and smooth. It dried in about a minute, so I topped it with the clear gloss and went on my way. Because the high of beauty buying is ever so fleeting, I forgot I was wearing the lip color until I got out of the shower that night. I’d luxuriated in a full shower, during which I’d even washed my face, but exited to find my lip color was somehow still fully in place.

I scrubbed and scrubbed, but the Provocalips would not come off.  I thought of my Walgreen's cashier's warning and a brief panic ensued, but then I remembered my favorite stubborn makeup remover: Pond’s Cold Cream. Rub a bit on your lips, wipe off with a tissue, and every trace is gone.

I was tentatively in love with this stuff, but wanted to see what challenges Provocalips could stand up to, you know, other than a shower. The bar had been set pretty high.

To test it, I applied the shade Little Minx around 10:00 AM and went about my day. I never found the product to feel heavy or tight on my lips, and any hint of dryness was remedied with a swipe of the attached gloss or another lip balm overtop. After lunch, I expected to reapply, but found it wasn’t necessary. Almost confused by its toughness, I decided that evening to whip out the big guns: the Pizza Test™. Being the true scientist that I am, I ordered pizza for dinner and chowed down carelessly. As everyone knows, pizza is the natural predator of lipstick, but this stuff stood tall. In the end, there was my lip color, unaffected! Yes really.

Is it legal to marry a lipstick?

This is the best long lasting lip color I’ve ever tried. It stays on through eating, drinking, kissing, face washing AND showering. I even brushed my teeth with it on one time - just because I could! Freedom, thy name is Provocalips.

Have you tried this lip color yet? What's your favorite long-wearing lip product? Which lipstick would you like to marry?