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

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

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



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

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

False Advertising?

I recently got posed a question that was suggested I turn it into a blog post. The question was

"Are the lashes in Cosmetic Mascara Ads real or fake? How can they get away with that sort of advertising?"

Many of you have seen this and know what I am talking about. See below for the following images: 

Maybelline Volume Express The Falsies Mascara

Penelope Cruz Advertisement for L'Oreal Paris Telescopic mascara

Eva Longoria for L'Oreal Volume Millions De Cils

M.A.C Plush Lash Mascara

How many of you have bought mascara because it promised that you could get lashes like these models/celebrities? Maybe that wasn't your ONLY reason you bought it, but most of the time the advertisements have a lot to do with your decision. You want a black, lengthening, volumizing, water proof mascara and you think " well I love M.A.C products and the artist in the store look amazing all the time, if I buy this mascara, I can look like them too." 

Or something along those lines. I bet none of you truly believe everything you hear. 

But how can they get away with this blatant false advertising. In everyone of these ads, you can tell the model is wearing false lashes. Who on earth has 1.5" long and perfectly curled upward lashes? (I've met a few girls actually who have. But they are rare. Also weird, I have met SO many men who have infinitely longer and more curled lashes than most women. It's so not fair!) The companies can get away with this by just instructing the MUA (makeup artist) to use a small amount of the actual product, and then they can use whatever they feel like to get the look the client wants. So they can just do one coat of The Falsies mascara on the model, and then use their Diorshow, Lancome Hypnose, or whatever expensive mascara they have to finish the eyelashes. Then the add either individual or strip false lashes as close to the waterline as possible so as to insinuate that the mascara created that look. 

So TECHNICALLY, yes, the advertised product was used. But most of us know that isn't what created that look. Fake lashes did. 

Now many of these cosmetic companies have gotten into trouble. According to the Daily Mail (UK) dated June 1st of last year:

The print commercial for LashBlast Volume promises a false lash effect. However a small print disclaimer running alongside the image states that lash inserts were applied to Miss Fox's eyes before the product was applied. 

The disclaimer is at complete odds with the copy in the ad, which reads: Is your volume true? Or false? LastBlast gives you true volume.

Disclaimer states: 'If your mascara promises volume but delivers clumps - that's false! True volume comes from our big brush, not from big clumps. Try LastBlast Volume for yourself. You may never go "false" again.'

 

The small print, however, which is barely visible in the bottom left-hand side on the model's neck, reads: 'Lash inserts were applied to both of Nicole’s lashes to add lash count before applying mascara.'

(Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1392461/CoverGirl-admits-using-false-lashes-ad-false-lash-effect-mascara.html#ixzz1z1L2o0eY)

 

 

To the bottom left corner of left page, there is a small amount of writing. That is their disclaimer. It's SO big, I'm surprised you missed it.  Again it states, " 'Lash inserts were applied to both of Nicole’s lashes to add lash count before applying mascara.'" 

 

These companies can be held responsible by the FTC and the National Advertising Division of the Council of Business Bureaus. Another example is of the Taylor Swift Covergirl (again!)  NatureLuxe Mousse Mascara. 

You can read the whole article here:  http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/business/2011/12/procter-gamble-pulls-photoshopped-taylor-swift-mascara-ad/ 

Basically, Covergirl got busted.  AGAIN!

But, there are great mascaras out there. I'm not bashing any of these mascaras by any means. I'm just saying don't expect to turn into Taylor Swift, Eva Longoria, or Penelope Cruz just by using the mascara they endorsed. They got paid big bucks to endorse it.

What do you all think about this? Have you ever been so misled by a product's advertisement that you were extremely disappointed when you got home? Or vice versa? A product that did exactly what it said it would? I'd love to hear which products you love and which disappoint you!

That's it for today class. Hope you took notes. There will be a quiz. 

Just kidding! 

XOXO,

Amelia St. John

Dry, Overprocessed, Damaged, Thin Hair?

If any of those adjectives in the title apply to you, then this blog is for you!

I have colored my hair one way or another since I was 12 or 13 years old. When I was younger, Mommy used to pay for my hair to get done. As I got older, I have found that it's expensive to always go to a great hairstylist. The last year or two I have spent dying my own hair at home.

But I'm not a professional hair stylist. And over the last few times I've colored my hair, I have noticed significantly more hair loss each time. Resulting in what used to be a full, lucisous head of fine hair, to a thin head of fine hair. And it's been FREAKING ME OUT! (Please use me as a perfect example of why one SHOULD go to a professional. To prevent this from happening to you!)

I am much too young to be losing my hair. That's for when I get older. My ends are split, my hair is dry, my hairbrush is full of hair every time I brush it out, and when I pull my hair in a pony tail I notice my scalp shows much more than previously. So needless to say, I've been freaking out. And NO, I am not going to post of picture of that. I have too much pride :)

I have been trying to get my hair healthier. I have cut back DRASTICALLY on heat products, in fact I rarely use them anymore. Most days my hair is up in some sort of updo. Today in fact, my hair is in a low side braided bun.

I decided to do some research online to find affordable yet effective deep conditioners and hair masques. I decided I am willing to fork out some dough on a few different products if it'll mean my hair can return to a healthier way of life. I picked up almost $60 worth of products yesterday and decided last night to try Miracle 7 Deep Conditioner and Miracle 7 Leave In Mist.

The Deep Conditioner retails at Sally's Beauty Supply for 13.29.

 Leave in Conditioner Details

"Miracle 7 Deep Conditioner instantly detangles and defrizzes all types of hair."

• Smoothes and adds shine
• Improves color vibrancy
• Defrizzes

"Miracle 7 Deep Conditioner instantly detangles & defrizzes all types of hair. Can be used as a daily or weekly conditioner. Best used after shampooing and conditioning with our color products by Miracle 7."


Usage Tips: After shampooing with our color protect shampoo and conditioner, work into hair 1-3 minutes and rinse. For a deeper conditioning, work in hair 5-15 minutes and then rinse. 



What I did: I jumped in the shower and quickly washed my hair. I have been told by many stylists that if you want to save money on a product, buy a cheaper shampoo. It's only in your hair a few seconds and then you rinse it out. But I was told spend the big $$ on conditioners. So I then put a buttload of conditioner in my hair. I don't think that was necessary but I was desperate. I decided to leave it on for 30 mins, because I wanted to see what kind of effects it would give. So I got out of the shower and after 30 mins, I rinsed it out of my hair. I then towel dried it and sprayed the Leave In Mist.




                                  
Leave In Mist Details:  Retails $13.29 at Sally's Beauty Supply

• Repairs dry damaged hair
• Seals & protects color
• Stops hair breakage
• Prevents split ends
• Controls frizz
• Adds shine
• Detangles

"Miracle 7 Leave-in Mist detangles and adds shine while enhancing your hair's natural body. Stops hair breakage and prevents split ends. Controls frizz and creates heavenly silky hair."

Usage: "Use Miracle 7 Leave-in Mist for curly looks to enhance natural curl and control frizz or use to straighten hair with blow dryer and brush or flat iron."

Package Instructions: " Easy to use! Shampoo and condition hair. Towel dry. Spray Miracle 7 Leave-in Mist all over hair and comb through. Blow dry or style as desired."

Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Propylene Glycol, Cyclomethicone, Fragrance/ Parfum, Panthenol, Silk Amino Acids, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf, xtract, Quaternium-80, Ascorbic Acid, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinon


After air drying for a while, I really couldn't tell any effects other than it felt soft. But the true test comes when the hair is dry. So I braided up my hair and hit the sack.

The Next Morning: OH. MY. GOSH. My hair felt so soft and smooth!!! It was kinky from the braid but did not feel dry or damaged in any way. I didn't want to ruin it by using heating products, so I just braided it up into a bun and added some hair spray. 

Now, I have to give it a few more tries, maybe even a month to really determine if it's working. I don't want to do too much of a good thing, so I will alternate between the deep conditioner and my Rusk Thickening conditioner. All the while I will try and refrain from using heat on my hair.

But if we are comparing Miracle 7 with It's A 10 leave in conditioners, I feel like they do the exact same thing. Except It's A 10 is triple the price of Miracle 7. So in my opinion, go get the cheaper version and buy yourself something nice with the extra money you are going to save.

It's A 10 Leave In Product

 I welcome anyone who has ever used this product to tell me how you like it. Or if anyone out there tries it after this blog, please let me know how it is working for you!

Can't wait to see if my hair gets it's groove back!

XOXO,

Amelia St. John

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