Lime Crime Coquette lipstick: review, swatches, + comparisons

I ordered Lime Crime's new Coquette lipstick on the day of its release (March 15), and while it didn't get to me until the 30th (which in my opinion is too long a wait for something being sent within the same country...), I think it was worth the wait! It's a gorgeous nude along the lines of some of my all-time favorite shades.

Lime Crime Coquette lipstick - love the sparkle-tastic unicorn <3

light swatch on left, heavily swatched on right

Revlon Soft Nude, MAC Viva Glam Gaga 2, Lime Crime Coquette, Boots Natural Collection Apple Blossom

on my lips...

And pardon the post-work makeup (grease lightning!), but I thought you might like more of an idea of how it looks on! :)

Coquette is not my first Lime Crime lipstick - I also own Airborne Unicorn, D'Lilac, Great Pink Planet, and No She Didn't (which is blue! If you haven't seen it, you should Google it) - but it's absolutely the most wearable.  The formulation is similar to MAC's Satin finish, I think - creamy and matte (and similarly vanilla-scented also). It's a bit dry but not too bad.  If you're a fan of nudes, I definitely think this would be up your alley!

The only downside, like I said, was the wait! Hopefully they get it together soon - 15 days just isn't fast enough for "I need it now!" beauty addicts. ;)

Thanks for reading - love you guys! And thanks for all the kind words about my new hair color - I really like it, too. :D

xoxo,

<3 Jess

bye bye blonde!

Hello lovelies! I just wanted to do a quick post to show you my new hair color.  I was getting bored of blonde! I'm naturally dark blonde, but I regularly color it lighter. Hope you like it! If not, no worries - you can't please everyone! ;)

Pretty sure I used the Urban Decay Naked palette for the eyes, NARS Douceur blush, and NARS Little Darling lipstick for this look, if you're curious!

While I'm here, I might as well throw in two other pics I took for the blog this weekend.

Nails: Essie Topless & Barefoot

Lips: Bobbi Brown Rich Lip Color in Bikini Pink

Cheeks: YSL Creme de Blush #2 + MAC Oh So Fair beauty powder

worst fitting room lighting EVER!!

Dress: ASOS

Leggings, sweater, bag: Target

Boots: RSVP 

Necklace: Aldo

See you guys soon! My next post will be about a fab swap package I received in the mail last week, and then a haul post of course. ;)

Thanks for reading!

xoxo,

<3 Jess

Something special...

Hi guys!

I just wanted to do a really quick post to let you know that I'm being featured over at Will Work for Makeup, which is run by the fabulous Tiffany (who also happens to be my Twitter BFF). If you're not following her blog already, you're missing out! She just celebrated her first bloggy birthday - I know, so much awesome in just a year? How is this possible?? I also highly recommend following on Twitter, too, of course. ;)

Thanks again to Tiffany for the opportunity to take part in such a fun new feature! I'm really excited to read other bloggers' responses, too. If you're interested in taking part, just let her know - I'm pretty sure she's still looking for guinea pigs for future posts. ;)

Thanks for reading!

xoxo,
<3 Jess

collective haul w/reviews, swatches: sephora, ulta, target, etc.

First off, I wanted to say thanks for all the lovely comments on my last post.  I'm doing loads better and I'm actually in a pretty happy place right now. :)

Anyways, it's been ages since I've posted a haul, so let me share what I've purchased in the past month or so.

Tokyomilk Dark lip balms in Salted Caramel and Coco Noir, Essie Topless & Barefoot nail polish, MAC Viva Glam Gaga II lipstick, Stila Prime Pot in Taffy, ring from Target, Adele 21, NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Tokyo, Bobbi Brown Rich Lip Color in Bikini Pink

The Tokyomilk lip balms are really delicious! They remind me of Rosebud Salve but much less greasy, and better tasting/smelling. On that note, they are very richy scented, so if you don't like foody scents, I'd steer clear.

Bobbi Brown Bikini Pink is a gorgeous natural pink that's great for everyday - definitely work-safe.  My favorite thing about it is the consistency - super-creamy without feeling too thick.  Nice!

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Tokyo is a nice pale pink shade, which I always have difficulty resisting.  I'd call this a "nice to have" but definitely not a must.  I'm not a fan of the mousse-like texture.  It feels like it will slip right off my lips. :P

No need to discuss Adele's album - it's just brilliant. :)

Stila's Prime Pot in Taffy is a beautiful neutral shade that reminds me quite a bit of MAC's Painterly paint pot, but I think I actually like this more! It's been my go-to base for matte shadows since I got it (UDPP in Sin is my fave for everything else).

MAC's Viva Glam Gaga II lipstick is something I thought I'd absolutely be skipping, but when I swatched it I was really won over.  My guy even commented on how much he liked my lipstick when I was wearing it - shocked! It's surprisingly wearable, but can go a little brown/grey if I'm not careful! I really love amplified cream lipsticks from MAC, which this one is.

Essie Topless & Barefoot is GORGEOUS, possibly my favorite nude polish I own. It's also a great base shade for "experimental" nail looks, like the one I did below w/a black Sally Hansen nail art pen:

Essie's Topless & Barefoot w/Sally Hansen black nail art pen

Stila Convertible Color in Gerbera, MAC Supremely Confident sheen supreme lipstick

Stila Convertible Color in Gerbera, MAC Supremely Confident sheen supreme lipstick

John Frieda Sheer Blonde Color Renew shampoo, Batiste dry shampoo in Blush, Clean & Clear Finishes Mattifying cleanser, Formula 10.0.6 Seriously Shine Free Mattifying Oil-Free Moisturizer w/aloe vera & bamboo (that's a mouthful!!), Formula 10.0.6 In the T Zone mattifying cloth masks w/zinc & marshmallow, Philosophy Sugar Chick 3-in-1

John Frieda Sheer Blonde Color Renew - not sold on this one. Even though I got it with coupons, I'm wishing I'd passed.  I haven't noticed any difference whatsoever and I'm not a fan of the way it leaves my hair feeling or the standard drugstore (read: chemically?) shampoo scent. 

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Blush - Like this one a lot.  I'm mostly a daily hair-washer, but on days I'm in a rush, this is great.  It's also nice for a volume boost midday. I've noticed some people have commented that they don't like the scent, but I kind of like it, but don't find that it lasts anyways.

Like the Clean & Clear cleanser, but it's not a must-have.

I lovelovelovelove Formula 10.0.6's Deep Down Detox mud mask, and when I saw my Ulta had several other products by the brand, I couldn't resist giving them a try.  I haven't tried the cloth masks yet, but I LOVE the moisturizer so far.  It doesn't break me out which is a HUGE selling point for me because so many moisturizers do! It doesn't contain any silicones, fragrance, or anything else that usually irritates my skin. It doesn't leave my skin at all oily (it is mattifying, after all) but doesn't dry it out either.  I like how quickly it absorbs.  Only downside is that it smells not so amazing... but I wear makeup over my moisturizer anyways, so who cares??

The Philosophy Sugar Chick shower gel smells so delicious! It's like a creamy lemon cake, and it's full of shimmery sparkle, too (no worries, it doesn't stick and turn you into a walking glow-worm...). Definitely one of my favorite scents Philosophy's come out with, and I'm a big fan of Philosophy 3-in-1s, so that's saying something.

Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser with Amazonian White Clay, Mountain Ocean Skin Trip Coconut body lotion (I've used LOADS of this already!)

The Kiehl's cleanser is exfoliating but very gentle.  It claims to be safe for everyday use, but I use it only a few times a week or else it seems to dry me out a bit.  Love it, though!

The Mountain Ocean Coconut lotion is no in-your-face sunscreen coconut scent, it's a very light scent and absorbs very quickly.  I find it really convenient to slather this on post-shower.  I've already used up at least a third of the bottle!  I bought mine at Whole Foods (for about $10 or $11, I think), but they are several online retailers that sell it as well.

Sonia Kashuk brushes, Pixi Succulent Lip Twin in Nude Lily

I really, really love Sonia Kashuk makeup brushes.  I think MAC arguably makes the best brushes on the market, but if they're out of your price range (I only have a select few myself!), Sonia Kashuk makes amazing quality, soft brushes for very reasonable prices.  I LOVE the design on these two brushes. There's also an eyeshadow brush with this design, but I passed on that one for now. Can't wait to try these out!

The Pixi Succulent Lip Twin in Nude Lily is kind of a strange product.  It's supposedly multi-purpose, with the balm in the cap serving as a tinted balm for lips and cheeks, and the tube portion contains a lip gloss.  I just feel weird about applying something directly to my lips and then to my cheeks.  So far I've only used it as a tinted lip balm.  The gloss part also has a crap applicator, as in none - it's a squeeze tube which dispenses too much product each time I try to use it. I love the the color the balm gives my lips and find it to be pretty moisturizing as well.  The downside though is that is smells/tastes HORRIBLE, plastic-y and cheap (similar to the NARS lip gloss/lip lacquer taste - yuck), and it doesn't fade. I still want to use it, because the color is so nice, but UGH! :\ Also, the price is ridiculous. $18? Really?

Pixi Succulent Lip Twin in Nude Lily: balm for lips/cheeks (cap), lip gloss (tube)

Pixi Succulent Lip Twin in Nude Lily on lips (balm only)

Merona coral dress, Jovovich-Hawk for Target dress

I wanted the Jovovich-Hawk for Target dress years ago when it first was released, but couldn't afford it at the time.  I was thrilled to see it again and couldn't resist this time!

The Merona dress was a steal at $20, and I'm sure I'll get loads of wear out of it in the brutal summer months.  Love the color, too. :)

navy top from Gap

Last but not least, a basic navy top from Gap.  Loved the fit and the price ($20ish, I believe?), and I'm sure I'll wear this one a lot as well.

Hope you all enjoying this big ol' rambly haul! Love you guys!

xoxo,

<3 Jess

my (22?!) favorite lipsticks + a ramble

I've just had one of the worst nights I've ever had.  Adele's 21 album is like the story of my life right now. About twenty minutes ago I was hysterically crying, convulsing, listening to "Set Fire to the Rain" and "Someone Like You" on repeat. I know it'll get better and my heart will mend with time, but for now I'm just feeling sorry for myself.

Anyways, I thought I'd try to distract myself (since there's no chance in hell I'll be able to get to sleep feeling like this) by doing this post, which I've been wanting to do for AGES - my favorite lipsticks! Ha, it feels so trivial tonight, but that's exactly what's so great about it. :) Lipstick is my favorite beauty product and I own WAY too many - it was quite a challenge even narrowing it down for this post! And after digging through them all, I realize I should do a post on awful lipsticks that don't suit me at all, too...

Hope you enjoy - and of course, if you'd like arm swatches or lip swatches, I'm always happy to oblige, just ask! :)

NUDES:

YSL Rouge Pur Couture #06 Rose Bergamasque (this is my 2nd tube, and I have another backup!)

YSL Rouge Pur Couture  #24 Blond Ingenu

YSL Rouge Pur #148 Tea Rose (discontinued - gutted! This is my 2nd tube and it's almost gone...)

Tom Ford Blush Nude

I wanted to include YSL Rouge Pur Couture #10 Beige Tribute here as well, but I couldn't find my tube ANYWHERE at the time (of course, I found it the next day.. typical). Also forgot to include YSL Rouge Volupte #1 Nude Beige and #2 Sensual Silk.  Can you guess what cosmetic brand is my go-to for lipsticks? ;)

MORE NUDES:

MAC Fleshpot (too nude to wear alone, but I like it as a base for brighter shades!)

MAC The Faerie Glen

Revlon Soft Nude

Boots Natural Collection: Apple Blossom

I'm always looking for great nude lipsticks - I can't get enough!  Basically, if it has "peachy pink, nude, pale" etc. in the description, I'm interested. Right now I'm eyeing Lime Crime's new Coquette lipstick and MAC's Playing Koi (which will be released with the Quite Cute collection in April).

PINKS:

YSL Rouge Pur Shine #93 Pink Lychee (this is almost a balm as it's very sheer and lightweight, and the lasting power sucks! The color is gorgeous, though, as is the packaging)

YSL Rouge Volupte #19 Frivolous Pink

MAC Viva Glam Gaga (probably my all-time fave - this is my 2nd tube)

Illamasqua Filth

Illamasqua Obey

Illamasqua Fable

Bobbi Brown Bikini Pink

I've also been loving Rouge D'Armani 508, but I don't know if it's a favorite yet! Another great one I forgot to include is Revlon Primrose - I'd call it a universally flattering lavender pink.  

CORALS:

Chanel Rouge Allure Genial

NYX India (this was tricky because it's not really a coral, pink, or nude - it's a mix of all three! I just stuck it in this group because it was so small otherwise!

MAC Jazzed (2nd tube - I wore this almost daily until YSL came out with the Rouge Pur Couture line...)

YSL Rouge Volupte #27 Rose Paris (this is a truly unique shade, a bright coral-y pink with a touch of red - in my top 10 of all time for sure, and great for summer!)

I thought of including MAC's Cut a Caper, but really Jazzed is quite similar and I wore it to DEATH, so I thought, why bother? Lancome's Chris & Tell is another great coral shade in my collection, but I hate the taste/scent of Lancome lipsticks so much I almost can't stand to wear it!

REDS:

MAC Ruby Woo (perfect for a retro red lip)

MAC Lady Danger (bright orange red - great on its own, but I really love it dabbed in the center of the lipswhen wearing Ruby Woo)

MAC Jungle Red (dark and dramatic)

I'm not a fan of berry shades. Go bold or go home! Actually, go bold or go nude. ;) (Hey, I'm talking about lipsticks, pervs!) I've always wanted MAC's Russian Red but have yet to try it, which is why that one's not on here, if you were wondering. :)  I did two posts about red lips a few months back, so if you missed those and are interested in reading, click here and/or here. :)

I hope you enjoyed reading this - it was really therapeutic for me to write it! I'm already feeling a bit better, less "woe is me" and more "I can get through this."

Remember ladies (and gents), don't ever let anyone make you feel like you aren't beautiful and fabulous. Because you are.

As always, thanks for reading. 

xoxo,

<3 Jess

By the way, I'm sorry I've been a bad blogger the past few weeks!  I've really missed you and hopefully I won't let us be apart so long ever again!