Best Lip Balms

I don’t know about you, but my lips are already crazy chapped. Cold temperatures, wind, and indoor heat suck all the moisture out of your lips, causing painful chapping that hurts constantly, and absolutely kills when you eat anything acidic. Wearing lip balm creates a barrier against the elements, so your lips are protected and less likely to chap. Did you know that those tiny cracks in your lips caused by chapping can be an entry point into your body for bacteria, which can cause infection? All the more reason to slather on the balm. Here are some of the best options.

eos Lip Balm ($3): Partly because it’s round & cute, mostly because it works like nothing else. Feels like you’re wearing nothing at all–no greasy, sticky feeling. And the flavors actually taste good! (Image via Target)

Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm ($7): These natural balms provide heaps of hydration, with a sheer finish and a light tint to give your lips some color. I really like them for those times when your lips are so chapped & sore that putting anything on them feels painful because you don’t need another product (lipstick or gloss) on top of it to give you a little color. Available in Pink Blossom (pictured), Rose, Honeysuckle, Hibiscus, Red Dahlia, & Tiger Lily. (Image via drugstore.com)

VS Pro Smooth FX Lip Scrub & Balm ($16): Since lipstick looks horrible on flaky, cracked skin, you need to get rid of the dead skin on your lips. This double-duty scrub and balm will help you slough away dead, flaky skin and hydrate your freshly-exfoliated smoocher. (Image via Victoria’s Secret)

Aquaphor Lip Repair & Protect ($5): The real deal, this super-thick, jelly-like ointment & balm seeps deep into cracks and fissures on the lips, providing a barrier against the elements (wind, sun, cold temps) that make chapping worse. It helps you heal faster because it protects the vulnerable, thin skin of your lips. (Image via drugstore.com)

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF15 ($22.50): One of the priciest lip balms on the market–and one of the best. No, you don’t need to spend the money on this, but if you do, you’ll be amazed at how good it makes your lips feel. It’s almost like a lightweight, non-sticky glaze (that you forget you’re wearing) for lips that delivers tons of moisture and smells faintly of bright lemon. (Image via Sephora)

Alba Organics Coconut Cream Lip Balm ($3): It tastes like coconut cream pie (who wouldn’t love that?), and is organic. A great combo. (Image via drugstore.com)

Too Faced La Creme Color-Drenched Lip Cream

I am a lip product hoarder. The amount of lip glosses and lipsticks I have in my apartment is embarrassing, and I take a good chunk of that collection with me when I’m on-the-go.  I’m the kind of girl who carries around a giant bag every day, loaded up with stuff I don’t need and hardly use. In my bag, there are always a minimum of 8 lip glosses/lipsticks floating around on the bottom, lost in the sea of other junk that’s stuffed in my purse. I rarely use these lipsticks, partly because I can never find them.

But, one lipstick has lately taken up residence in a coveted spot in my purse: the side pocket. When I stash my latest-favorite lip product in the side pocket, I always know right where it is, and I can always find it. I do this because I actually use it. One quick reach inside my cavernous bag, and my lipstick is in hand. Right now, that side pocket ‘stick is Too Faced La Creme Color Drenched Lip Cream in Marshmallow Bunny, a blue-based light pink.($21). This little beauty looks like a lipstick in the tube, feels like a balm on lips, and wears like a lovely pigmented gloss-balm hybrid. No wonder I’m obsessed.

Beach Bag Beauty

Heading to the shore this weekend? Toss these products into your beach bag for effortless beauty that endures the harshest elements of summer: sun, saltwater, chlorine, and humidity…and let you get fresh after soaking up the summer.

1. Kate Somerville Somerville 360 Tanning Towelettes ($45): One towel coats your whole bod in streak-free, even color. Sephora also sells these towelettes individually for $5 a pop. They’re in the mini beauty section by the registers; test-drive these by picking up one of those first!
2. Secret Outlast Anti-perspirant & Deodorant Invisible Solid ($4.79): This goes the distance, and helps you freshen up if you’re heading out after lounging on the sand. An essential for any beach bag.
3. Becca Beach Tint ($25): This lip & cheek stain is waterproof, kiss-proof, and so pretty. Dab it on your cheeks for a little flush of color, or onto your lips for an indelible pout that will last for hours. Each shade is scented like its name. (Pictured in Watermelon. Also available in Strawberry, Grapefruit, Raspberry, Guava, Fig, & Peach.)
4. Labello Sun Protect Lip Balm ($7): Because after spending a few hours in the sun, your lips inevitably feel dry. This keeps them moist and hydrated, while also protecting them from the sun’s rays with SPF30.
5. Fekkai Beach Waves ($25): To turn your tousled tresses into sexy, beachy waves for a dining/cocktailing al fresco post-beach.
6. Victoria’s Secret Bombshell The Summer Edition Body Mist ($25): Refresh yourself after basking in the sun with this amazing-smelling mist.
7. Ouidad Sun Shield Sun & Sport Leave-In Conditioner ($20): Spritz on your tresses to protect color and ward off damaging rays.
8. Marc by Marc Jacobs Cat Eye Sunglasses ($98)
9. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF45 ($8.55)
10. Kate Spade “Dive In” Beach Towel ($78)
11. A head scarf. It protects your tresses from sun damage, and makes for an instantly chic style that fixes any bad hair day. (Image via Hair Romance)
12. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes, Travel Size – 7 cloths ($2.29): Wipes away smeared makeup that you sweat or swam off during the day and gives you a clean canvas to apply fresh makeup.

Lancome Summer ’12: Pink Safari

Lancome‘s summer 2012 collection, Pink Safari, is a seasonally-appropriate mishmash of pink and bronze colors. While I like the way this collection has shaped up, I don’t think it’s groundbreaking; in fact, many of the items seem similar to summer collections of years past. Aside from a few standout items (like the lipstick/gloss/balm hybrid), I can take it or leave it. However, if you’re in the market for some new summer makeup, any of these items would be a solid choice.

Pink Safari Star Bronzer Bamboo Bronzer in Spice Island ($46, LE): This shimmery all-over bronzer combines light tan, bronzer, copper, and pink tones for a believable glow that’s sun-safe. Embossed onto the powder’s surface is a limited-edition bamboo texture. Swirl a fluffy brush over this for a flush that flatters every skintone.

Star Bronzer Aqua Stick in Solaris ($39, LE): This cream-gel stick gets you toasty-looking and glowing in mere minutes. It can be used as a foundation, bronzer, or luminizer. To apply it as a foundation, dab it onto your skin with a foundation sponge. To use as a bronzer, dab it onto the high points of your face (cheeks, nose, forehead, chin) with your fingers or a foundation sponge, and blend thoroughly. And, for a luminizer, skim it across your cheekbones and apply just a dab above your Cupid’s bow. If you need an extra hit of bronze on your legs or decollete, it works on the body, too.

Color Design Hydra Balm SPF15 ($22, LE): These lipstick-balm hybrids are the perfect complement to sun-kissed skin. The balms glide on smoothly and hydrate lips while giving you a pop of fresh, sheer color. These particular shades were practically made for a (faux) tan! From left: Lotus Blossom, Cactus Coral, Desert Primrose.

Easter Goodies

Who needs a basket filled with chocolate bunnies and eggs when you can have pastels for your body? Even if you don’t celebrate Easter (or aren’t into bunnies), you can still be a hot chick if you rock these pretty pastel hues. Tuck these into a basket for someone special, or treat yourself to these delightful, cheerful products.

1. Essie polishes in Turquoise & Caicos, Lovey Dovey & Tart Deco ($8 each): Because nails this colorful will rival the dyed eggs at the egg hunt. (Images via Essie)

2. Tarte Maracuja Divine Shine Lip Gloss in Amused, Dollface, & Tipsy ($21 each): I dare you to find a prettier pink for your pout! (Image via Musings of a Muse)

3. Lush Immaculate Eggception ($12.95): Inside this fizzy bath bomb shaped like an Easter egg lies a surprise: a bunny or chick that you can also toss into your tub for a sumptuous bubble bath. You’ll have to crack the egg to get it, but that’s half the fun! (Image via Lush)

4. L’Oreal Colour Riche Balm in Pink Satin ($8): A gorgeous pink that cushions lips in buttery balm. (Image via drugstore.com)

5. Maybelline EyeStudio Color Tattoo 24Hour Cream Gel Shadow in Edgy Emerald ($): (Image via drugstore.com)

6. NYX Stick Blush in Magnolia or Orchid ($6 each): Because pink or peach cheeks never go out of style. (Image via NYX)

Pucker Up: Fresh Sugar Kisses Mini Lip Duo

Tuesday was my birthday, and when I popped into Sephora to replenish my stock of this, the cashier gave me my Beauty Insider birthday gift. I was so psyched to see it was a mini duo of Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment and Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment. Beauty editors and regular girls alike have been raving about the Fresh balms for years; I’ve always wanted to try them, but the $22.50 pricetag (for the full-size version) put me off.

Over the weekend, my lips got painfully dry, chapped, and swollen, and for some reason, it’s still sticking with me. So these little lovelies could not have come at a better time; my lips were dying for them! They glide on as smooth as butter, and were instant relief for my sensitive lips. Both balms hydrate with restorative waxes and sugar, which helps draw moisture into the lips. The sticks also contain antioxidant grapeseed polyphenols, black currant oil, and vitamins A, C, and E. Another bonus: they also coat your lips in SPF15, so when you’re battling the elements, you won’t have to worry about the sun stressing out your smoocher. Oh, and they smell faintly lemony, with a bright, citrusy scent that’s not overkill.

In the palm of my hand so you can see the size.

I haven’t yet tried the tinted Sugar Rose, but it’s all the protection as the original treatment with a sheer berry tint.

Thanks, Sephora, for a truly useful birthday gift!

 

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter: A Valentine for Your Pout

Lips this time of year are the worst: dry, cracked, bleeding (yuck), and peeling. Indoor heating, cold weather, and wind do a number on your kisser, so now’s the perfect time to give it a little TLC. Unfortunately, most lip balms are not cute, and some are downright medicinal. Revlon has changed all that with their new Colorburst Lip Butters ($7.50), which blend the comfort of a balm with the color of a lipstick.

This lipstick-balm hybrid is a treat for parched lips. The consistency is smooth, silky, and creamy–kind of like what lipstick should be. Coconut, mango, and shea butters are infused into the gel formula to give your lips a huge dose of moisture. According to Revlon, this stick increases hydration by up to 156%. Think of it as big drink for your lips; something to perfectly quench your pucker. And on top of that, it delivers sheer color with just a hint of shimmer — perfect for those times when you don’t want a fully “done” lip.

Read more about this wonder balm…

Pretty Ways To Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Image via Estee Lauder

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Although we’ve come so far in battling this ugly disease, it’s disheartening and discouraging to see so many women still affected by it. But there’s always hope: as of 2010, there were more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. alone. You can help that number increase by purchasing these beauty products. During the month of October, a portion of the proceeds from their sales will be donated to breast cancer research and awareness foundations.

Before I delve into all the great products you can buy to support this cause, a word about the photo above. Estee Lauder is one of the most active companies in contributing to breast cancer research and crusading for awareness. Their first campaign launched in 1992, and they have worked tirelessly year-round ever since to get the word out about early detection and prevention, which can greatly improve survival rates. This year, they’re launching a new campaign concept: “TOGETHER. Connect. Communicate. Conquer. For A Future Free of Breast Cancer.” Their campaign promotes the importance of life-saving early detection and regular screenings.

And now, onto the products.

Image via Addicted To All Things Pretty

OPI Pink Shatter: Pink of Hearts ($8.50) is a crackly vibrant pink topcoat that benefits Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Tweezerman Limited Edition Breast Cancer Awareness Tweezers ($20) are 2011’s answer to picture-perfect brow maintenance. The white Precision in Pink tweezers feature a Swarovski crystal pink ribbon, and are just as exacting as Tweezerman’s other excellent hair-removal tools. Proceeds go to various organizations devoted to finding a cure for breast cancer.

Image via Beautyblender

Beautyblender Travel Kit ($23.95) includes the iconic reusable pink foundation sponge and a mini squirt bottle of their blendercleanser to clean it with. 15% of all proceeds from this product go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Neutrogena Naturals Fresh Cleansing + Makeup Remover

I’m getting really into organic and more natural products lately. Skincare brands are leading the revolution on the eco-beauty front, with so many natural ingredients going into their creams, lotions, and cleansers. Neutrogena Naturals Fresh Cleansing + Makeup Remover ($8) is a great mass-market pick at a pretty price.

The cleanser is formulated with out the big bad chemicals: sulfates, parabens, dyes, petrochemicals, and phthalates. It does have Peruvian Tara seed,  South American seed rich vitamins C & B. It works with your skin to hydrate without drying, and strengthen your skin’s nautral moisture barriers. When you press the pump, a creamy, pearlized formula is dispensed. It’s low-lathering, but deep-cleaning.

The reason I like it: it gets my skin squeaky-clean in 1 step. Not only is my face free of dirt & oil post-wash, but all traces of makeup are totally gone. Very few other cleansers do this while still being gentle on your delicate skin. It’s earned a permanent spot in my shower caddy.

The line also includes Purifying Facial Cleanser (a clear formula), Purifying Pore Scrub, Face & Body Bar (soap), and a lip balm.

Shine On In Korres Lip Butter Glaze

The words “butter glaze,” for me, inevitably conjure up images of food. I’ve learned to kiss those thoughts goodbye with Korres Lip Butter Glaze ($14). The famed Greek all-natural cosmetics line unleashed its wildly popular Lip Butter to consumer acclaim…and who could resist it? It was creamy, whipped perfection in a tiny pot. Now they’ve transformed the tried-and-true formula into  a smoother, shinier, glossier, more color-packed version. Slick it on lips for a tinted, pucker-worthy pout. It smells delicious and comes in mouth-watering flavors like pomegranate, raspberry, and quince. Well…guess not all thoughts of food are gone by the wayside.