Just Lipstick, Please

Hey! It's been a while, I know. I hope the start of 2017 has treated you well, in spite of all the changes seen and events endured as of late!

I just wanted to share with you how much I love lippies. Of all the makeup products I own, the vast majority of them are some type of lip product: lipsticks, lip glosses, lip balms, lip liners, lip scrubs...you name it, I probably have it!

What I have come to realize is this: While it's fun to explore the latest beauty trends, including these hybrid lip products (i.e., liquid lipsticks) and various formulas (e.g., matte vs. satin), I will take a regular ole' tube of lipstick on any given day! Sometimes I don't want to fuss with an oddly-shaped applicator, and I certainly don't want to have to nurse the product on my lips all day...just give me a decent tube of lipstick, in a standard formula, with pretty packaging, that complements my skin tone. I will also take a sheer to moderately opaque gloss as a topper (and to soothe my lips midday). BareMinerals' Marvelous Moxies are perfect for this, but could also be worn alone if desired!

Not only have I recently observed a shift in my desire to wear just plain old lipstick, but also a transition in the shades I wear (most recently from browns and nudes to pinks and reds). Some of my favorite brands that meet the need for "just lipstick" include Wet 'n Wild, Maybelline, MAC and Nars. What are your favorite brands and shades? 

Nail Flavor of the Week: Mauve and Glitter + Teal & Cocoa Stars

Hey there! So I totally skipped posting last week because I've been busy at work, as is typical for me this time of year. I come home feeling a bit run down and often want to just kick up my feet and relax. I am thankful for the couple of snow days I got recently due to Snow Storm Jonas. Uhh, when did meteorologists start naming snow storms? Do we feel better about these weather events if we address them on a first name basis?

Anyway, here's a look at this week's nail design:

Milani in Mauving Forward; accent nail is Wet n' Wild/Fergie in Flossy Flossy

It is a simple yet elegant look. I like the party on my ring finger. Every time I admire it, I am reminded of a festive occasion, like a New Year's Eve party!

Here is a quick look at last week's design:

Base color: Sinful Colors in Rise and Shine; stamp color: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Cocoa A Go Go; used Pueen stamping plate #100 from the 24M - Make Your Day collection

For the record, Sinful Colors is one of my least favorite polish brands because I usually experience severe chipping and tip wear only after a day or two! I noticed, however, that the polish lasted longer this go-round...probably because I used two layers of top coat: before and after stamping my nails. I liked the color combination and the stamp design; however, I was not pleased with the outcome of the stamps. It's funny because the polishes I have been using for stamping have worked much better with the small stamping plate by Essence. I may need to order some polishes made specifically for stamping to see better results with the Pueen stamping plates. If you know of any other easily accessible brands beside Wet n' Wild and Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri that are supposedly pigmented enough for nail stamping, please share!