Thursday, July 19, 2012

Cute and Coral

Here's what I think of when I think of Coral:

Florida
Sunshine
Bright Colors
Blue Sky

Hence when I look for a Coral lipstick, I picture what could sum up all of those adjectives in one beautiful, bright lipstick!

Many brands have beautiful coral shades. Not every shade looks best on every skin tone. It's important to find the one that best fits YOUR skin. The one that makes you feel beautiful inside and out. Confident and Stunning! That's what your coral shade should bring out in you.

I found a really nice coral lipstick at CVS a few days ago. I have never found a coral I loved on me. But lately I've been wearing more and more of this color, and I decided I was going to try again. I picked up Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Tutti Frutti and I LOVE IT! (If you read my last blog post on nudes, you will know I'm a new fan of these Revlon Lip Butters.)

                                               

One coat of Tutti Frutti

2 Coats of Tutti Frutti




Amelia's Pros and Cons:

Pros:
* beautiful color
*Very pigmented
* very moisturizing
*lasts hours

Cons:
*Cheap Packaging


But I love it!! I will wear it all summer long! I highly recommend any Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter if you are looking for an affordable lipstick, or if you are on the run and you need to grab a tube quick!

Enjoy your Coral Coolness!

As Always,

Stay Beautiful,

Amelia St. John

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Do you have the Perfect Nude Lipstick?

If any of you are like me, you have had trouble finding the perfect nude shade. Some days you want it to be a contrasting nude, for example; if you are rocking a smokey, sultry eye look and you want your lips to take a backseat to the awesome shadow you are showing. But other times, you want it to be soft yet still bold. It's even hard to describe in a blog, but you all know what you look for in a nude lip!  Everyone wants something different.

 I heard about a particular drug store nude lipstick while on Pinterest the other day. (I'm not going to say which one because I didn't end up getting it so I can't comment on it's quality) But  I decided I was going to have to try some drug store finds, because I wanted to see what all is out there for the masses.

Let me tell you all. I was pleasantly surprised! 

First, on Sunday while shopping at The Grove, I stopped in M.A.C to buy what I thought was just a few things. Now of course, I ended up with over $120 worth of products, but since I get 40% off, it totally was worth it! I grabbed a few of the new M.A.C Pro Longwear Lipcreme colors. One was a shimmery pink-ish color, the other was a nude/pink tint called You're Perfect Already.


                                                   
       Here it is as a swatch on my arm

                                             

 Here it is on my lips (no gloss added):


What the M.A.C Website has to say:

"Lightweight texture, creamy finish and comfortable longwear combine in this has-it-all pro-class lip colour. Slick in use, applies without need of a top coat- and still lasts up to 12 hours. Won’t feather or transfer, and the colour stays true. Helps lips stay soft and hydrated."

My Pros and Cons

Pros:
* The Color is beautiful. It's a soft matte pink that is more of a natural lipcolor.
* It has a "Balm" texture, which is reminscent of a chapstick.
*Light Stain on the lips
*Goes on easy and smooth
* Photographs AMAZING!( My favorite Photo of the bunch is of this color)
*If you love reapplying your lipstick (some girls just like doing it!), this is a great choice for you!

Cons
*Pricey- retails at $17.00
*Drying after it sets in. Works best with a gloss on top

Today, I went in to my local CVS and got a few more nudes to try that are in the drugstore range.

The one I decided to go with was the Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in the color Creme Brulee.



 Here is this beautiful Nude Swatched onto my arm:

                                                


                Here it is on my Lips                                  

What Revlon has to say about it on their website:
"It is a Buttery balm with beautiful shiny color to give you baby soft, healthy glowing lips 94% of women felt lips were softer, smoother, and instantly hydrated"

My Pros and Cons

Pros:
*Very Pigmented
*Beautiful rich nude, a slight tint of caramel
*Moisturizing
*Easy and smooth application
*Affordable at $7.49
*Can be worn alone which is slightly dryer to me. (But REMEMBER: I love a highly moisutrized lip. Think Carmex...)
*But can be worn with a lipgloss to bring some shine to your pout!
*Add a liner to enhance the exterior and make your color last longer

Cons
* Packaging is "cheaper" in my opinion -- could discourage my Brand Name girls out there. ( You know who you are)

Lastly, I grabbed a nude tinted lipgloss by L'Oreal. It is called L'Oreal Infallible 6 hr Neverfail Lipgloss in the color Suede.
                                             


                                                  Here it is on the left swatched on my arm

Here it is on my lips by itself

Here it is on my lips on top of Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Creme Brulee


What L'Oreal has to say on it's website:
"Infallible has an improved hydrating formula that leaves lips softer smoother more colorful and glossier for hours. The Patented Petit Coeur applicator contours lips precisely, giving you a smooth, even, flawless finish every time."

My Pros and Cons:

Pros
* Beautiful Color
* Cool different applicator than a typical sponge
*Unique Packaging
*Moisturizes
*High Shine
Cons
* Doesn't photograph as well as it looks in person
* Prob wouldn't recommend for brides/photoshoots/etc
*A tad sticky
* Price Tag for Gloss $8.49

The below picture is all three of them swatched on my arm for you all to compare and contrast. Which one do you like the best? Which one are you most eager to try?


I have another Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter product review coming. (*Hint Coral is SO in right now)

Stay Beautiful

XOXO,

Amelia St. John










Monday, July 9, 2012

Luscious Lipgloss Love

I was asked recently to do a blog finding the perfect lipgloss. There are many aspects about lipgloss that people like, and it's hard to find the "perfect" lipgloss for everyone. Everyone has something different that they like. But I was asked to find a lipgloss to fit these specifications:


* Staying Power

*Has Shine

*Has Color



Not too specific, and leaves a lot of room to work with. Now as many of my friends know, I am addicted to Carmex, especially after I finish brushing my teeth before bed. It's not that great for you, how can anything with the ingredient petroleum be good for you? But it's my casual lipgloss that has no color but shine and hydrates my lips. But it's not what I'd wear out at night, or to work, or to any event. It's my workout/ride my horse/lip balm for just casual time when I'm not trying to impress anyone.



I have so many lipglosses I can't even remember them all. So naturally it made perfect sense to go to Sephora and get a few more right? Makeup artists......we aren't always the most rational. We love an excuse to go buy more products to try out!

I had heard a ton of rave reviews about the new Anastasia of Beverly Hills Hydrafull Gloss. So I decided I was DEFINITELY going to check it out.

Here's what the box says:

" Clincically tested gloss proven to help maximize and maintain lip hydration and fullness. Paddie applicator smoothes product across lips."


This color is called "Sugar Pink" and I absolutely love it!

I swatched it on my arm here. On the left is the Sephora brand matte lipgloss and on the right is the HydraFull Lipgloss in Sugar Pink. Look how shiny!


Pros:
* Beautiful Color
* Hydrating
*Lasting
*Lasts even longer if you line it with a similar lip liner.
*Stays where you apply it
*Cool plastic applicator ( you get used to it if it's weird at first)

Cons:
*Expensive ($28 a tube)
*Minor stickiness

Grade: A

I cannot express how much I love this! I wear it fancy, I wear it casual. I use lipliner under it to make it last longer. I know it can seem pricey, but it is so worth it. It just makes you lips look luscious!





Here is what it looks like applied to my lips. I die for this color! It's so natural with a hint of pink.

I think this would look good on everyone!

Here is me with the Anastiasia HydraFull Lipgloss on my way to a party



As far as the additional gloss I bought; it was the Sephora Cream Lip Stain in 05 shade. Again here it is swatched:

On the left


Pros:
*Cheap at $8/tube
*Pretty darkish pink color
*Matte with staying power

Cons
*Drying
*No luster
*I was just kinda bored with it

Grade: B- (mainly because I don't like how dried my lips felt with the stain)

But if Matte Lipgloss is your thing, then this is a great choice. I just don't find that Matte works for what I like. As I stated above, for this Carmex-Addicted Makeup Artist, I need some hydration. I've condition my lips to CRAVE it.

Good or bad, it is what it is. So if I had to choose, I'd go with Anastasia of Beverly Hills Hydrafull Gloss in Sugar Pink.

To the one who asked me to review this: I'm sorry I didn't give you more options. I just fell in love with Anastasia of Beverly Hills Hydrafull Gloss and I had to post a rave review on it. I think you will love this though. I really do!


To everyone else: I hope you enjoyed this blog. I was not paid to give my opinion, nor was I paid to endorse this product. I purchased this gloss on my own and I hope you all enjoy the gloss. I welcome feedback and your own opinions as well.

Is there anything you would like me to try for you? I'm open to blog suggestions and I will try anything you recommend! I love being the guinea pig for you guys!

Stay Beautiful!

XOXO,

Amelia St. John




Thursday, July 5, 2012

What to do when you forget your Office/Work clothes

I had a total dumb moment today.

Not my first dumb moment this week. Just the biggest.

Here's what happened: Since I didn't have to work yesterday, it kind of felt like I had a Saturday in the middle of the day. So today then felt like Monday. Two Mondays, One week? UGH. I'm definitely a person who gets " a case of the mondays." So I wake up, do my typical get ready routine. (which usually just involves a shower and getting my horse clothes on. I don't do hair an makeup until I get to work, because it'll just get messed up at the barn.) Today I had to bring the vaccuum to work because we don't have one here. I also had to go to the barn extra early to ensure I had enough time to go to the 99 cent store, Office Depot and then get back and vacuum before clients came in. AND do my hair/makeup/accessorize.

So what's the problem, you ask? I was so organized that I left my entire outfit hanging on the hanger at home. I grabbed the bag with my motorcycle boots, accessories, makeup, curling wand and hair products. Grabbed my lunch bag and the vaccum and my purse.  But grab my clothes for the work day? HA. HA. NO.

Now that I realize I have forgotten this, which doesn't occur until I'm pulling up to work and unloading all this (pardon my french) CRAP, I have to add Target to my list of places to go to within a 60 minute time frame. Because now I need something to wear.

You are now thinking "haha funny story. What's the point? Why have I wasted my time reading this?"

The point is, I want to show you how to rock an outfit you can grab from Target for $20 (+$8 with leggings).

Dress by Xhileration for $19.99. BodyCon Dress in Ebony. Mossimo Leggings $8.00 Chanel bracelet- Gift from a friend  Ring - Can't remember where I got it. Necklace - Had so long can't remember where I got it  Earrings $5.99 from J.Dew accesorries. Hair- NuMe Curling wand $159.99



I don't have a "Before" picture. Just picture really dirty jeans, an old grey FDNY T-shirt, and dirty boots with spurs on 'em.

So if you are ever in a jam and need a new outfit pronto, head to Target! I've always been a fan, and I always will be.

XOXO,

Amelia St. John

PS Look for new blogs about Lipgloss and Birchbox coming soon!

PPS If you have any ideas for me, please message me

Find me on FB at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=6417833
Find me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/AmeliaStJohn
Find me on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/ameliastjohn


Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Tucker Time

I know this blog is mostly about makeup and beauty. But like my headline says, I'm also an animal lover. And anyone who knows me, knows this to be the truth. So I've got a video I think you might enjoy.

I'm thinking of starting up a YouTube Channel called Tucker Time. Basically hilarious videos about and regarding Tucker the Bulldog. I hear ALL THE TIME how Tucker needs his own facebook, twitter, etc. So before we go there, I figure let's all take a moment to remember how awesome this dog truly is.




So what do you think? Would you like to see short hilarious videos of this dog? Is he ready to go "viral"?

If you think so, please watch this video and spread it around.

As a gift, please enjoy one more video of Tucker Time. On the house.



XOXO,

Amelia St. John