Review - Smashbox Limitless Lip Stain & Color Seal Balm

It’s a lip revelation! On one side of this innovative, two-in-one product: a feather-resistant stain that won’t budge for 8 hours. On the other: a very emollient balm that can be worn alone or over the stain for a lustrous touch. The vibrant tint of color is designed to mimic the look of photo gels on set in our studios. $23

I LOVE Smashbox! I am so glad they made a lip stain! In case you didn't know, lip stains are huge right now. I am all about trends and this is one trend I am loving. I have this in Sangria. A deep, rich burgundy color that makes your lips pop. This color is what I call classic. Everyone should have a shade like this for sexy nights out on the town.

Let me tell you, the staying power on this stuff is no joke. It stayed on practically all day. This is a product that set out to do something and delivered.

As you can see, one end of the product is the stain and the other is the matching balm. This is the first of all lip stains that I have seen with the balm being the same color. I absolutely love it.

Apply the color, let it dry and then apply the balm as necessary throughout the day. You will find that you don't need too many touch ups.

PS the Sangria is out of stock right now -Its THAT popular! And ladies, the price is a bit steep but with Smashbox you are paying for quality cosmetics that will last a long time. I would definitely spend money on this!

Trish says: There are some Smashbox products that go above and beyond and this Limitless Lip Stain & Color Seal does it for me. I tried it in "Nude," which is odd because if I want a lip stain why would I want it in Nude? Well, all I can say is that the Nude tint looked so soft and natural on and you're basically wearing something almost all day long without looking like you're trying! Pretty chic for the make-under, I'm gorgeous au naturel look. However, as I am not, I also used it under and over my everyday lipstick (because I do like color) and my lips looked so much better than ever. Whether or not it was the intended, this lipstain sure does work and is overall pleasing that now I'm totally hooked on another Smashbox product I'm sure I will buy again and again. Even if it's in the Nude!

Melissa says: I tried the lipstain in cinnamon and I think I found my color! It goes on easy and is truly a rich shade. It fits with my complexion and gives a nice, sophisticated look. I'm usually on the fence with lipstains, but I'm thrilled with this because it looks good and feels nice on too. I've been wearing it for a few hours, and my lips have maintained the color. I've also had a drink and a cupcake too so this is impressive! As I transition into deeper looks for Fall, this is something I will incorporate for certain.

Review - Sally Hansen Brush On In Shower Hair Remover

Sally Knows you want the easiest, fastest path to bare. Thanks to our patented Fresh Scent Technology, the leader in virtually odor-free hair removal has come up with another way to get bare. This brush-on, water resistant formula glides on and works while you shower. So simple, so Sally

I almost keeled over when I saw this! This is the first time I've seen a hair remover with a built in brush! Now, I use hair remover at least twice per week. Mostly on my eyebrows because they are tattooed and I don't keep any hair on them.

I will say, the brush serves no purpose for your eyebrows unless you dont care how sloppy you put it on. I just used my fingers for that area. But for my arms, underarms and legs, this stuff went on like a charm!!! I was so ecstatic that I didn't have the remover all over my hands.

This did the job it was supposed to, and more. Just be careful if you have sensitive skin. Do the suggested area test on the directions. I left this on a little too long and it burned a bit.

Review - Sally Hansen Crackle Overcoat

Sally knows that having options is important. For the ultimate in mixing and matching, Crackle Overcoat comes in 8 different shades which can be paired with any nail color. From bold blue to mature metallics, you can create a unique mosaic design that’s modern and sophisticated.

I can never express how much I love Sally Hansen products. It has to be in the top 5 of my fav drug store brands! So the newest nail polishes people are raving about, having this "crackle" effect. You basically pick a shade for the bottom and then put another shade of the crackle over it. Its designed so you can see the shade beneath peeking through.

I have the Cherry Smash color which is a really bright red. I used it with a flesh tone underneath. I love this not only because of the crackle effect, but also because it dries really fast. It comes in an array of shades so you can have one for every outfit!

Thanks for doing it again Sally!

NYC Smooch Proof 16Hr Lip Stain

NYC New York Color Smooch Proof 16HR Lip Stain stays put, providing a sheer to intense flush of color that sticks around longer than most guys in the City. This is no on-again, off-again relationship. Color stays faithful for up to 16 hours. Looking for happily ever after for a very happy price? Let your lips do the charming!

I suppose a true test of something called "smooch proof" is to smooch someone for a while to see if it really stays on. I don't have anyone handy to test this theory, but I can definitely tell you that it did not uphold the 16-hour promise even with zero smooches. I put it on before I left my house - and because it's a stain, my lips looked a bit dry, so I used a gloss over top as well - and by the time I was enjoying my customary 10am iced coffee, it needed a touch-up. More than a touch-up, really. It ended up making my lips look flaky and weird, like I'd eaten something berry-colored about 3 hours prior and then forgot to wash my face. No me gusta. NYC has some great products, but unfortunately this isn't one of them, for me at least.

Sultana says: I tried this in a color called Freesia. On the outside, it looks like a pinkish-purplish mix. However, when it goes on the lips its more of a berry color. Its very pretty. I am going to have to agree with my fellow blogger above that it doesn't last long. I did all my normal everyday activities with this on. including, chewing gum and drinking coffee. The color faded in less than an hour. I will say that the price is spectacular and there are a variety of shades. So if you have to apply an extra couple of times a day, you really dont lose that much. Make sure you apply on clean, dry lips for the best results!

Trish says: I'm the kind of person who tries to make any beauty product work- even if it's the wrong shade or a strange consistency- I'll mix it up with something else just to try to keep it usable. I don't know about this lipstain though. The color lasted okay for me, I wasn't expecting too much (from reading the reviews here) maybe an hour tops...I also mixed it with my favorite lipstick hoping it would combine the best of both worlds, but not really...my lips felt tighter and drier and different for the duration and while there was some tint to it, I'm not sure if the end result justified the strange feeling. There may be some more creative ways to make this stain work, but as is, this is a tricky one for me.

NYC Show Time Volumizing Mascara

• Dual Power Complex strengthens and thickens lashes 
• Volumized lashes up to 8 times without clumping 
• High Control Brush separates and builds instant volume for a fabulous and all-out-drama look 
• Flake-proof and smudge-proof for an all-night-long glamorous look 
• Ophthalmologist tested 
• Suitable for sensitive eyes and lens wearers 

I feel like every New York Color (NYC) review goes about the same: "this product is way cheaper than it normally would be, and yet it's totally serviceable and fine." With that in mind, here's another one.

This mascara is a great everyday mascara. No clumping, a sturdy wand, and good coverage. I actually got it mixed up with a bunch of samples of different Sephora mascaras and used it thinking it was one of those, and when I realized it was the NYC, I was like "daaaaaaaang this is good." And it's like $4. Awesome.

Motives by Loren Ridinger Rich Formula Lipstick in Go Red

Get a gorgeous, sexy pout with Motives® by Loren Ridinger lip treatments, lipsticks, lip crayons, and shines. From our exfoliating Lip Pumice and Hydrating Lip Balm to our creamy Lip Crayons and Rich Formula Lipsticks you are sure to have beautiful, unforgettable lips.


Motives® is passionate about giving back. We are proud to be teaming with the American Heart Association to launch “Go Red” – a fabulous new lipstick that you can feel good about flaunting. 25% of “Go Red” proceeds for one full year will be donated to the American Heart Association Miami Chapter. Because doing good and looking good are always in fashion.

I'm not big on lip stuff. You wouldn't know it to look in my purse, which has a wide variety of glosses, balms, and color, but it just never became a thing I liked. I feel like I forget to reapply, and then I look more disheveled instead of less. However: this lipstick is so creamy and wonderful, with such high pigment, that I might be a convert. And the color? The color is amazing!

Okay, I just wanted to show off my new bangs

This is the Go Red color, which supports the American Heart Association Miami chapter as you read above. I love love love this color. It's a true, slightly cool red that's good for this pale-skinned brunette and would work well on others with blue or pink undertones (olive-skinned gals, I'm sure there's another color that would suit you). I put this on this morning and it stayed put and fresh-looking for hours (until I had to eat some brownies). At $14, it's not drugstore prices, but it's under what you'd pay at a department store and is really high quality. We'll see how deep my love of this runs when it comes time for me to replace it, but for now - I'm sold!

Sultana says: Anyone that has read my previous posts knows that I am all about lipstick/lipgloss/lip balm! I believe every woman, no matter what skin color; should have a signature red lipstick. This shade is just that for me. When I want a rich, silky, knock out red then I wear this lipstick. Let me elaborate on the price a bit. So its $14 but in this case you may not necessarily be paying for a name, but you are paying for quality and also a good cause. Ive found Motives cosmetics to be extremely good quality. You can just tell by the way the case is.

When you order from Motives thru MarketAmerica.com, you get cash back thats good towards other purchases. No, you dont have to sell anything! You just have to create an account!

If there is one thing you try from Motives, let this lipstick be it. You will love the color and you will feel good about spending a little extra to give back to a great cause.

Review- Whish Sugar Scrub

Renew and polish your skin with Three Whishes Sugar Scrub. A unique combination of brown sugar, raspberry seeds, bamboo powder, and organic sugar cane extract combine to create a very pleasant experience. This combination is extremely effective in removing dead skin cells while polishing and refining the new skin that is left showing. Your skin will glow and feel renewed after just one use!

Being that I'm not rolling around in the sand at the beach all summer, nor am I doing anything extra to get that perfect sun-kissed tan, this Whish Sugar Scrub is definitely making up for my lack of a glow! After just one use, I noticed right away that my skin looked so much brighter and clearer, and now I remember what my dull looking skin looked like before the scrub. I tried this all organic and natural sugar scrub in Lavender and the scent was absolutely swoon worthy! There's no skimping here on scent, quality or effectiveness. The consistency is really nice thick and rich, and the sugar granules contained aren't too fine nor too coarse, just the right amount exfoliation needed to get gorgeous glowing skin and fast. The best part to me is that the scrub holds up really well, it's not slippery nor drippy, but deeply moisturizing and makes my skin much silkier by far. I figure since we can't beat this heat, well, might as well join it and show some skin that looks and feels just as bright and glistening in this very hot summery heat. This Whish Sugar Scrub is a real go in my opinion!