If you follow me on Instagram (@polishandpout) you’ve probably seen the play by play of the beauty products I’ve been picking up lately…I wanted to follow up on some lippys I’ve purchased and give a full review. I’ve found some really amazing products this summer at the drugstore! These lipsticks are all gonna cost you around $5 or less, proving that good things do come in small (inexpensive) packages…

 

Lasting Finish by Kate for Rimmel #12: LOVE LOVE LOVE! This baby is long wearing, feels smooth and not drying at all, and this particular shade is to die for! Not red, but not too orange, it’s the perfect combination of both! This lippy has been a staple in my Summer look! Under $5

 

Maybelline #515 Coral Crush: Another beautifully packaged $5 lippy! Love how this looks and feels. Love the color. Feels super smooth. If your someone who’s lips get dried out by lipsticks this would be a great formula for you! I would not classify it as long wearing (hence why its so creamy). But I still love it! Pair with a liner to avoid frequent touch-ups!

Wet’n’Wild #966 Don’t Blink Pink: Wow, BEST $2 I ever spent! So I snagged this little gem on night while buying shampoo and I am SO glad I gave it a chance! This has so much color payoff, super vibrant and literally lasts all day without making my lips look cracked and dry. Did you hear me?! ALL DAY!!!!! I literally can eat a salad, sip coffee, brave the heat and not need to touch up! The only thing I will say is that apparently the black packaging is actually paint and after about 2 months of being in my purse and being used a lot the paint is starting to rub off on my hands. I dont care though, it’s that good, plus even if it bothered me that much it wouldn’t break the bank to go buy another. Mind you, I have used this at last 3 times a week for 2 months, so it’s had a rough life!

L’Oreal Colour Riche Balm in #418 Caring Coral: I’m obsessed with this packaging! Consider this Chaptick’s older more refined sister. When I opened it the appearance of the balm gave the impression that there would be more pigment in it than it actually has. I haven’t tried any other shades yet so I’m not sure if the others in the line would qualify as a tinted lipblam, but this shade definitely does not. Don’t get this if you’re wanting color. But if you are looking for a nice balm this one is great! Smells and feels good, SPF 15. $5

What are your latest lippy faves?

Cheers to Summer, Lips, and Good things Coming in Small Packages,

It is something so many are guilty of: Wearing the wrong shade of foundation and/or improper blending.  Something I hear all the time is that “it’s not quite right” or “my foundation is OK buuut…” or “my face looks so white in a photo!” Do yourself a favor and once and for all find a foundation that matches you perfectly in a formula your crazy about!

A great complexion makes everything easier and if you get that right, it will make your overall makeup look great, boost confidence, improve how you look in pics, and can even knock years off of your face!

http://www.grandeurphotography.com/

So get to a makeup counter, get professionally matched, and don’t be afraid to spend a few dollars more than normal…it’ll be SO worth it! If you have to match yourself and cannot go to a department store, then make sure you match the shade to your chest NOT your face or neck (those places are usually much lighter than the rest of you and you the point is for your face to match your body!), and purchase from a store with a good return policy. If they cannot provide you with someone to match you, then it’s only fair that you can swap it for one that works!

 http://www.grandeurphotography.com/

Some favs of mine, higher end first, more affordable listed second:

Full coverage matte finish…Dior’s Forever foundation OR Neutrogena’s Skin Clearing Oil-Free Makeup

Moderate to buildable coverage,more natural finish…Makeup Forever’s HD foundation OR TruMatch by L’Oreal

Natural coverage, dewy finish: Skin by Bobbi Brown OR Maybelline’s FitMe foundation

So make it happen this month! Fall in love with your foundation…your face will thank you!

 

Cheers to skin, to foundation, and to breaking bad habits,

 

I was so excited to try this back when it first hit the US market (finally)!  It had so much hulabaloo over how amazing it was…and while I thought “oh it can’t be THAT good”…my curiosity was still piqued…

It’s the Elnett Satin Hairspray from L’Oreal Paris

So here is my complete opinion on it…

The hairspray claims that it provides excellent hold but that it is so fine it disappears at the stroke of a brush…well…this is…TOTALLY TRUE! Yup, you heard me, true story.  It definitely holds hair in place…but as I experienced first hand at several photoshoots I styled hair at, I was able to change the models style without having to wrestle with her hair…it brushes right out and I was able to restyle in a flash! LOVE this product for that touchable look we all want (while still maintaining the look) and also for situations where you might need to change styles in a jiffy!

(Me…styling hair for a wedding)

Anywhoo…the only drawback I could tell you is the smell…now don’t get me wrong…it kinda smells a little old-lady-ish to me but I don’t mind it one bit.  BUT my lovingly darling, always tactful husband told me that the smell was unbearable, that it gave him a headache, and that I should never use it in the house if I didn’t want him to throw up! Yikes! Overly sensitive man-nose?  I am not sure…but thought I’d mention it in case any of you are sensitive in that department…It wasn’t my favorite scent, but just smelled like product to me!  I still love it!!

Buuuut…I do only use it for shoots now or occasion where I am not getting ready at home, out of courtesy for my husband 😉

Here’s a how-to on a quick-chic hairstyle you can try (and you can can use the hairspray too while you’re at it!)

Cheers to hair-styling, to product, and to olfactory-opinioned husbands,