RETAIL THERAPY: Essie, Revlon, and theBalm

First thing's first: I need to stop buying things.  Second: that's never going to happen. Now that we have that out of the way, let's get on with the haul!

Revlon Colorstay Overtime Mascara in 'Blackest Black'

I am a huge fan of drugstore mascaras.  I really think that drugstore formulas are quite good and comparable to a lot of more expensive mascaras.  I have fairly straight and droopy lashes so I try to focus on lengthening and trying to hold curl.  Waterproof mascaras usually are the best with holding curl for droopy lashes.  I bought this mascara on a whim because I wanted to try out a new lengthening mascara and I am usually a big fan of Revlon products.  I think this is a really great mascara that holds curl for forever and does not flake at all.  The brush has normal bristles, which I prefer because I find that a lot of more plastic bristles to poke my eye and whatnot.  The brush is quite long, but the bristles are small so they catch every eyelash.  It definitely lengthens, but can get a little clumpy. 

Essie Nail Polish in 'A Crewed Interest'

I've been on a bit of a pastel kick lately, which probably has a lot to do with the weather and the seasons.  I've been eyeing this nail polish for a while, but never really thought it was worth it to buy.  But the other day...I just jumped the gun and did it.  It's a gorgeous pastel, milky peach shade that I think will look gorgeous with a tan.  I haven't tried it on my nails yet, so I am not sure how it will look on my skin, but typically peachy shades work well on me.  I will have Lacquer Lust posts coming soon with all of these polishes so keep an eye out for those!

Essie Nail Polish in 'Clambake'

I have a very love/hate relationship with red nail polishes.  I think they look gorgeous on everyone else...but me.  I think red on the nails can look really sexy and classic, but I just can't stand it on me.  On me, I feel like it looks very mom-like and old.  But, I recently realized my love for bright, orange-y reds and decided to give this shade a try.  It is a very bright red that definitely leans more to the orange side, so it is a fresh twist on the classic red nail.  I think my red nail problem was with blue-toned reds.  But now that I've found a shade that I like on me....it may spark a new obsession with red nails for me, who knows!

Essie Nail Polish in 'Fiji'

I've seen and heard of this nail polish for years and years and years.  Many of my girl friends from home swear by this shade.  And recently, I've noticed that ViviannaDoesMakeup on youtube has been raving about this nail polish.  However, I never thought I would like it on me.  I hate blue-toned shades on me..especially when it's pink.  I don't know what came over me the other day, but I just decided to get it.  I immediately painted my nails and I fell in love.  It's a gorgeous milky, baby pink shade that makes me look super tan and doesn't clash with my yellow undertones.  I totally succumb to the hype, I admit it.

theBalm 'Mary-Lou Manizer' Highlighting Powder 

I have a crazy love for highlighters.  I think they look beautiful on everyone and just make every make up look fresher and more radiant.  I own a few highlighters, but definitely crave more.  I know that Hautelook regularly has theBalm sales, but I never really bought anything from them.  I watched a haul a couple months ago that featured this product and instantly was like, "I need this in my life."  So, as soon as I realized Hautelook was going to have a theBalm sale...I jumped at this highlighter.  I waited about two weeks for it, basically forgetting that I bought it and as soon as it got in the mail, I freaked out.  It's a beautiful champagne, gold shade that could definitely be multipurpose as an eyeshadow as well as a highligher.  It looks amazing on the cheekbones and definitely looks glowy instead of glittery like a lot of other highlighters.  It's got a lot of product in the pan, which is great because I feel like I will never run out.  The best part about this product?  I got it for $8.  Eight. Dollars. STEAL!

xx,

Jordana

BEAUTY RAVE: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain

Top to bottom: 'Adore', 'Sweetheart', 'Rendezvous', 'Honey', 'Charm'

Left to right: 'Adore', 'Sweetheart', 'Rendezvous', 'Honey', 'Charm'

Left to right: 'Adore', 'Sweetheart', 'Rendezvous', 'Honey', 'Charm'

Recently, I've been seeing a little bit of buzz over these Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains and I was really excited to see that they were available at my local Rite Aid.  I used this opportunity to scoop up a few, five to be exact, and give them a try.  And let me tell you, they are definitely worthy of the hype!

First off, the color selection is amazing. There are 12 shades ranging from dark berries to light nudes.  I purchased 'Adore', a red, berry shade, 'Sweetheart', a bright bluish pink, 'Rendezvous', a bright orange, 'Honey', a dusty mauve, and 'Charm', a light peach nude.  

The color pay off is quite nice.  They are more glossy and sheer, but the color definitely is pigmented on the lips.  I was actually surprised and impressed with the pigmentation. Comparing them to the Clinique Chubby Sticks, which are quite glossy and sheer, these definitely have a less glossy finish, but are much more pigmented. 

One of my favorite things about the Kissable Balm Stains is that they are actually a stain.  They last forever.  After I did these swatches, I tried to wipe them off my arm and was left with a stain of color on my arm that...is still there. 'Sweetheart' and 'Adore' are particularly long lasting. 

I find these to be quite moisturizing and smooth on the lips.  They definitely live up to the 'balm' name.   I applied them to my lips without any sort of chapstick or other lip balm underneath and they glided on easily and did not seem to highlight any dryness I had on my lips.  The crayon like applicator made it really easy to apply, as well as apply precisely.

Lastly, possibly the best thing about the product is...they smell minty.  They smell really minty and fresh when you apply them and you can definitely smell the mint when you apply it too.  It makes it really enjoyable to apply and refreshing.  I think I've said a million times that I love things that smell good...and these win on that part.

Overall, I think that this is yet another great Revlon product that has come out within the last few months.  I feel like Revlon has really stepped up their game in terms of their products, especially their lip products.  Revlon has easily become on one of my favorite drug store lines, if not my favorite.  This product is a great value at their $8 price point, especially when there is an offer on Revlon products.  They definitely will become a staple in my make up collection, especially during the spring and summer.  

xx,

Jordana