Awful To Say It's Awful?

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

As we all hopefully know, this blog is a place for honesty and positivity. I like to talk about happy or uplifting things in life and combine that with honest reviews of beauty products I have tried and tested. Sometimes though, I come across a bit of a sticky wicket. If I try something and it is poopsicles, I want to tell you so. However by saying something is below par, that's pretty negative. And negative is not positive. See the issue I have?

To combat this dilemma, I decided to throw all the poopyness into one pot (eurgh) and make a video on lip products that I know I won't be replacing and try not to be a miseryguts about it. 

I uploaded it to my YouTube Channel (do feel free to subscribe, it's free y'anno) a couple of days ago and I was really pleased with it's reception. In case you haven't seen it, I have embedded it here too. 

I would be really interested to hear if you think Beauty Bloggers/Vloggers should tell you if they thought something was downright rubbish, or if we should just leave those products out and talk about the good things? I will never say something is great if it isn't, but I must say, I was quite worried about making this video in case you all came at me with pitchforks for not being really super 'love, love, LOVE' if that makes sense?!

I think I've rambled on long enough, please do leave your thoughts in the comment section and please do be sure to read other people's, there's a lot that goes on beneath these little wordy things I string into sentences and it's worth clicking down to look!

Toodlepip!

This month my Ultimate Advertiser is Lady of Vintage. If you would like to know more about advertising on Sprinkle of Glitter, check out my 'Sponsor' page up at the top! 

Lou's Reviews || Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Another day, another review- I'm on a roll eh?!

I bought these Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains a few days ago from Superdrug for £5.99 each (an introductory offer as soon they will be £7.99) and already LOVE them. 

I was pleased as punch with the Revlon Lip Butters (I now own even more and will be featuring my new ones soon), so I had quite a lot of faith in Revlon bringing out another great lip product. 

I have heard many liken these nourishing little pencils of colour to the Clinique Chubby Sticks, but as I haven't tried them, I can't really compare. What I can say though is that I have tried other 'balm sticks' of a similiar ilk and never really got excited by them. This was either because they lacked pigmentation OR dried my lips.

Well, these are the opposite- hoo-ray. They have fabulous colour payoff (so much so that when I was on Skype to ZoeChummy and wearing 'Lovesick', she thought I was wearing one of my MAC Lipsticks) and leave my lips feeling soft and juicy and not at all flakey dry.

I'm not usually one for lip swatches because it's weird to see my own mouth in such detail (so please don't point and laugh), but I felt like 'mouth shots' would do this product a lot more justice than regular skin swipes. 

The staying power of these are great. This is probably where the 'stain' part comes in and I'm really happy about this. I had reservations that something so nourishing and hydrating would wear off very quickly. My Lip Butters are gorgeous but I do have to reapply fairly regularly, unlike these.

The packaging is just right for me and reflects the price point well. Not crazy flashy, but pretty and something I'm confident to pull out of my handbag. Also, you won't need to sharpen these, as you simply twist the silver bottom and more product twirls up.

There are 7 colours of these available in the UK (but more for our lucky American friends) and whilst I am in town tomorrow I may just pick up a couple more (so that spending ban went well!).

Do these Balm Stains entice you as much as they do me? Have my up close lips scared you off Sprinkle of Glitter?!

Toodlepip!

xx

Lou's Reviews :: Revlon ColorBurst Lipgloss

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

I don't know about you, but I have a serious lipgloss addiction. The rational, sane side of me knows I have every shade under the sun, but like a magpie to tinfoil, when I see them all lined up side by side, glinting like jewels under the light, I have to buy them. It's some sort of disease, but I'll gloss over it. Hehe, see what I did there?! I'm too cool.

I recently bought 3 of the Revlon ColorBurst glosses in Peony (coral with gold shimmer), Crystal Water (milky clear with blue and lilac shimmer) and Hot Pink (fuchsia with gold, silver and blue shimmer), for £7.99 each. When I made my purchase Boots were actually holding a 3 for 2 deal, so it only worked out at £5.33 for each one- I do love a good bargain!

I have been using these for a good few weeks now and have really enjoyed them. They are sheeny-shiny rather than gunky-sticky and add a wash of colour to the the lip. Alternatively, they add oomph if applied over your lipstick of choice. They have decent lasting power and an easy to use sponge applicator. 

I must say, these are nice, but not 'wow'. You know how some things make you want to shout and cheer for them and some things make you want to stamp on and smash and then sooommee things are good/nice/pleasant enough? That's these.

I don't think I will be running to the Revlon counter to buy more, but if I saw a particularly pretty shade, I would feel happy and confident in my purchase.

Oooffff that was a weird review today wasn't it?! Haha! Normally I only talk about products that I love, love, love, but I thought it might make a change to give you a different opinion because you just can't love everything, can you?

Have you tried Revlon ColorBurst? What did you think?

Toodlepip!

xx

This month my Ultimate Advertiser is Laura from Secret Diary of a Fashion Journalist. If you would like to know more about advertising on Sprinkle of Glitter, check out my 'Sponsor' page up at the top!  

How To :: Vixen Red Lips

Aloha Bloggerinos,

For many a moon I was scared. Fearful of bright lipsticks and vivid shades that I thought would make me look garish and overbearing. I shied away from reds and magentas and stuck to softer pinks and coral glosses. Until now!

In the last few months I have discovered that in actual fact, the 'Red Lip' look, is a lot easier than I thought, and once I had given it a chance, actually looks very fetching...even if I do say so myself!

I've been wearing ruby red lipstick in a lot of my YouTube Videos and quite a few lovely YouTuberinos have commented saying it looks nice- thanking you kindly. I thought I would share my little lip routine with you and maybe help some of you out. I appreciate that some of you Bloggerinos may be very old hat at the vixen red lips, but if, like I once was, you are a tad apprehensive, this might be of use. I took this routine from the makeover I had at the MAC Blogger Even, so I take it on high authority indeed!

Step One

Prime the lips. I use a Boots own brand lipbalm which smells beautiful I might add, and my toothbrush to exfoliate off dead skin cells and encourage blood circulation. I used to use the Lush lip exfoliater but found it a bit messy so gave it a miss. It's quite important to have you lips in good condition (no flakes, well nourished) if you are going to make them such a focal point.

Step Two

Line the lips. I use a MAC lip liner in cherry. It's smooth, creamy and easy to blend- all you want in a lip liner. I tend to colour in my lips as well, just to give the lipstick a bit more base to cling to and hopefully last longer because of it.

Step Three

Apply the lipstick. I use a MAC prowear lipstick in prolong. Apply your lipstick evenly and all the way to the corners of your smile. When you have finished, put your finger in your mouth as if you are licking chocolate off of it and then pull it out, you will see a lipstick on your finger but not on your teeth- woop woop!

Step Four

Gloss yourself (sounds snazzy). Once you have your vixen red lips, apply a think layer of clear gloss to create that shexy vinyl effect. I find it better to gently dab on the gloss rather than heavily 'wipe' it as this can smudge the lipstick.

Step Five

SMILE

And here's one I made earlier. Sorry it's a bit tit-tastic, I wanted you to see the cocktail- it's in a real life carved out pineapple!!! Also, at the time I thought wearing the little brollies in my hair all night was a good idea. Clearly this was the cocktail talking.

Looking a modicum more classy but still struggling to keep those post pregnancy puppies on board. NB- For all of you that will be horrified that I'm drinking and have a young baby- I'm not breastfeeding and she was happily tucked up in bed being looked after by my Husband :)

Lip Tips

Carefully apply a little concealer around the edges of your mouth with a brush, to prevent the lipstick feathering.

Choose a red lipstick with undertones of blue as this will help combat the oh-so-un-sexy yellow teeth look some reds can give you.

If, like mine, your budget doesn't always stretch to MAC, MUA have some rather lovely lipsticks that are creamy and non drying and best of all, only £1!! What a bargain!

Will you be sporting vixen red lips any time soon? What are your top tips? I'd love to know.

Toodlepip!

xx

Lou's Reviews :: Topshop Sandstorm Collection

Aloha Bloggerinos,

Oh me oh my have you seen the TopShop Sandstorm makeup collection? I luurrvveee it!!

I have a few gorgeous bits here and will be sharing the love and giving you my glittery little thoughts on them. I'm not planning on opening a couple of bits though as I want to keep them fresh for an April Giveaway (it's my Birthday Month, so I'm planning a few special things for you lovely Bloggerinos).

These are by far my most favourite things from the collection- I luurvvvee them! They are the Eyeshadow Mousse in Tundra (rrp £8), The Gloss Stick in Glisten (rrp £8) and the Eye Crayon in Equinox (rrp £.8.50) and below are swatches.

(I'm so glad you can actually see the sparkle in the 'Tundra' eye product because when I was showing it in my YouTube video, I had less luck than a walking under a ladder, whilst carrying a black cat and shouting the number 13, ie, NONE!)

I absolutely adore the fresh, girly, summery colours, they really make me feel ready for brightness and happiness and they are all vivid without being vulgar.

The eye crayon in 'Equinox' looks set to be my best friend this Spring (especially now I'll be pushed for time with a tiny baby), as you can use it as an inner corner/eyebrow bone highlighter, for a full wash or colour, for played down eyeliner or you can even apply a little to the cheeks for a golden glow. It blends like a dream and is lovely and soft, so no skin snagging :)

The little 'Eyes' paint point in 'Tundra'  is also very jolly. I love that it is made of glass, a rarity in packaging these days and the frosted effect adds a little bit of class I feel. The product is a dirty grey cream shadow with flecks of sparkle in for the glitter lover in you. I love the colour but still haven't worked out the best way to apply this- fingers, sponge tip, brush, but will let you know if I ever do! A slight problem for me with this product is the scent. It smells VERY chemically and I find this somewhat off putting, but this could be because pregnancy has made me ultra fragrance sensitive, so do have a whiff in store yourself!

My most favourite of the entire collection though is the Gloss Stick in 'Glisten'. Despite being called a gloss, I don't get this effect but do LOVE the colour with my darker hair and if I want a really juicy look, I have been adding a bit of Soap & Glory MotherPucker in 'BabyDoll'. It looks sensuous and yummy but not too mental/whorey (always best not to look a whore hahaha). The longevity is average, packaging is something I am happy to whip out in public and my lips don't feel parched after using- win, win, win.

I have actually made a YouTube video on these lovelies, which you can watch HERE, or alternatively, you can have a looksie on the official website below: 

TopShop Sandstorm Collection

Have you tried or will you be trying this range?

Toodlepip!

xx

FOTD- MAC at London Fashion Week

Aloha Bloggerinos,

Yesterday I was one VERY lucky lady. I was invited to an event hosted by MAC Cosmetics at London Fashion Week at Somerset House and had the most exciting day ever!

I'm going to talk about it in 2-3 posts because I want to tell you EVERYTHING so you feel like you were there too, but this one is just a quickie because I'm more tired than a sloth on sleeping pills.

At one point during the day, we were given the chance to have our makeup done by one of the makeup artists, in any look we wanted- yabbadabbadooo! Now, seeing as I have been in a bit of a rut lately, doing the same looks over and over, I asked the artist (Natasha from the Dublin store- a cosmetic genius) to do strong red lips, as this is something I have never had the nerve to do myself.

I seem to be totally incapable of taking decent pictures of my own face, so here are my shoddy attempts and at the bottom I'll tell you what Natasha used.

Ok, so I look a bit mental here but I was having a 'bleaugh moment' and forgot to smile/use my face at all hahaha. This was taken in the mirror of the MAC media booth (which by the way, was heaven. Actual heaven).

This is Natasha the Makeup Goddess. She gave me so many brilliant tips that I would never have thought of and I really feel excited about trying some new things out.

So, what did Natasha use to create this look?

Lips

Lip Pencil in Cherry

Lipstick in Red Russian

Clear Lipglass

I need to buy all of these the moment I have some mula! They are wonder products for sure!

Face

NW25 Pro Long Wear Concealer

Medium Care Blend (not entirely sure what this is)

Fling Brow Pencil

Eyeliner- which I think was Fluidline but obviously I had my eyes shut! ahaha

Anndd I already had my own mascara on.

It was so fun having my makeup done by a professional and I'm looking forward to telling you all more about the day.

What do you think? Would you sport a red pout?

Toodlepip!

xx

Wedding Lipgloss - Dior

Aloha Bloggerinos,

I have been assessing what makeup I will be wearing on my wedding day in a few weeks (eeeee!!) as I will be doing my own. I had a couple of makeup trials with artists but decided that being as I know my own face and what works best, that I will be doing my own. I'll also be doing the bridesmaids- busy busy!

As I already have an obscene amount of makeup, I won't reeeaaallly be buying anything new. However, on my hen weekend a few weeks back, I picked up the little beauty and am saving her for the big day! Ooooh!

I think the packaging is gorgeous and very bridal! Not sure about the shorty short short lip brush applicator though- don't be so scimpy Mr Dior!!

The Dior gloss set me back a whopping £19.99 which I will not be paying again, but have justified it as a wedding treat to myself. It reminds me A LOT of the MAC Dazzleglass glosses which are £5 cheaper and a bit more exciting. I'm going to wear this on my bare lips for the ceremony and then for the reception I will wear it over hot pink lipstick!

More wedding makeup posts to come! Woop!

Toodlepip!

xx

Lou's Reviews :: MUA Lipstick

Aloha Bloggerinos,

On hearing that Superdrug had launched a new brand called MUA (MakeUp Academy) with everything priced at £1, I thought I ought to check it out.

Whilst the eyeshadows and glitter liners looked appealing, I decided on a lipstick, since I seem to be a little obsessed with them at the moment.

Rather disappointingly, the MUA range doesn't have pretty names for its colours, and this little gem is beautifully named "Shade 7", mmmmmm appealing.

Shade 7 is a lovely coral colour with peach undertones and is surprisingly moisturising. It's lasting power is average, but for £1, you can't complain. It is fairly scentless which I like as I'm not one for strong smells unless it's shower gel or perfume, so this is a brucey bonus.

I think for a pound I'd pick up a few more cheap and cheerful lipsticks to wear under lipglosses, but it's not like the jazzy Rimmel number that I'm proud to take out of my bag!

Product- Average

Price- Wowee!!

Packaging- Poor

Have you tried any of these lippies? What did you think dear Bloggerinos?

Prestige reviews coming soon, when I've had a good go of them.

Toodlepip!

xx

Lou's Reviews- Soap & Glory Sexy MotherPucker Trio Pack

Aloha Bloggerinos!

If you have been reading my bloggypops for a while, you will know that I do enjoy a bit of Soap & Glory now and again. However, with six million wedding things to pay for, I tend to wait for Boots to do a special offer before I treat myself.

Well lo and behold Boots had one such offer on last week (1/3 off) so I snapped up a little treat. I just had a looksie on the boots site and I'm afraid the offer is no longer. I bought this pack for around the £11 mark, but it is back up to £17.50 today. I figured that being as each single one is usually £8, £11 for three was an absolute steal!

Having tried Mother Pucker in Peachy Keen and XL Plump, I thought I would take advantage of the trio pack of colours that haven't graced my lips yet. Woop. So here we have it:

As always with S&G, the packaging is fabulously fun and eye catching. I like the envelopey/flappy feature- a good way to display info dontchya think?

The colours in this pack are (from left to right) Half Naked, Baby Doll and Plum Juice.

My favourite of course is Baby Doll but I do like the others too. They are very sheer so look great on bare lips for a subtle look, or you could have a layer over lipstick for a glamorous effect. I don't really think these glosses have a scent which I am pleased about because I am quite sensitive to smells and things like vanilla or lavender can leave me with headaches.

The texture is also very enjoyable, sheenyshiny but not tackysticky.

As with my Peachy Keen, they make my lips feel fizzy-tingly and all plump. It's not for everyone but I quite enjoy the sensation and would recommend you give it a whirl.

So all in all a good buy I believe and a welcome addition to my lipgloss stash.

Have you tried any of this range? What did you think?

Toodlepip!

xx

Lou's Reviews- Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss

Aloha Bloggerinos,

A few weeks ago for my birthday, Mattmoo kindly bought me two lovely lipglosses from Boots and I loved them both so much that I went back and bought another. They are Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Peach Petal (nude), Pink Pop (warm pink) and Coral Reef (orangey) and retail at £6.49 from Boots (according to the website there is a 3 for 2 offer currently running.

Now I will hold my hands up to being a lipgloss junkie, I love all of them from the cheapiecheapies to the high end wonders. Having tried them all (or at least lots and lots) I can safely say that despite the price, the quality of these glosses is FANTASTIC.

The packaging (which is always the first thing I notice, which is why it's usually the first thing I comment on) is very agreeable. I think it is demure and sturdy and I'm glad it has a doefoot applicator because I find these easiest to work with.

These lipglosses have a lovely silky texture that glides on easily and doesn't feel sticky or gloopy. You can apply one layer for a rather sheer look, or build up the coverage for a more opaque effect. Personally, I prefer the opaque look with these, especially pink pop which looks pretty with navy blue eyeshadow.

Peach Petal is a perfectly pretty nude. It has a peach milkyness to it and it is so far the only nude I can manage (I have GOSH Darling but I'm not getting on with it very well). It doesn't have any glitter or shimmer in it, just sheeny sheeny.

Pink Pop is my favourite by a million miles and I have been wearing it to work, to see friends and on nights out. It is a gorgeous Barbie-esque pink and gives a really cutsie look. It is a fairly blue toned pink too which is good because blue toned colours help teeth appear whiter and everyone wants a super smile.

Coral Reef, to its' credit, comes out the exact same colour as it look sin the tube. I try to apply this very lightly so that my natural lip colour shines through, otherwise it can look too orange. I know corals and oranges are in this summer but I think I would prefer this if it was more coral than orange. Hmmm, maybe I could mix them to make the perfect shade? I will definitely be wearing this more when I have a good tan (from a can! No skin damage for me thank you kindly) and it is a delightfully summery hue.

These lipglosses have a mediocre lasting power, but for a medium price, I am still really happy with this product and will use these as my summer staples.

In the last few weeks I have really taken to the Revlon range and am open to trying new things from them. Do you have any gems from Revlon? What are your recommendations?

Toodlepip!

xx

Lou's Reviews- Soap and Glory Sexy XL Extreme Plump Lipgloss

Aloha Bloggerinos,

As you will (I hope) have read, I have been on a Soap & Glory binge lately, because of the 1/3 off offer in Boots. Yay!

This is Soap and Glory's Sexy XL Extreme Plump Lipgloss, phewf, what a mouthfull! This retails at £10.00 but because of the spiffing deal, I picked it up for £6.67-woop woop! This is a tube of 10ml of gloss. Lovely.

Now, being an avid lover of the Sexy Mother Pucker glosses, this was bound to be a winner in my eyes. My only wish is that they would do more than just "clear" in the colour range.

The idea of the lipgloss is that it contains nanovectors and visivolume, as well as natural oils and collagen extracts, which all work together to plump, smooth and fill. And WOWZAS, it does!

I put this on in office, I couldn't wait to get home, and within about 3 minutes my lips had gone all fizzy and tingly. For some people this might be a bit much but frankly, I LOVE IT. It's the best (err, well not THE best-ooer misses) sensation ever! Not only did it make my lips feel amazing, it actually did make them appear a lot fuller. I thought it was just me that thoughnt so, but quite a few people commented. To be sure (now I'm gonna sound like a total saddo), I made my chum Jamie take a picture of my bare lips and then after 10 minutes of the gloss on, take another picture, and yes, there WAS a difference.

This lipgloss is easy to apply with the little slanted plastic nozzle, although I think if you weren't careful, it could get cacky. It is pleasantly unsticky and looks sheeny rather than gloopy.

(Grr sorry for the blurry pic)

The packaging is another winner for Soap and Glory. The box is jazzy and looks lovely in their signature colours- pinks, neons and silvers. The actual lipgloss packaging itself is sleek and silver. Personally, I would have liked to have seen a bit of pink on it but you can't have it all, eh.

I'm pleased that I picked this up on offer, but think that when it runs out I would repurchase it at the full £10.00 because I just love the tingly feeling- it really is like none other.

Have you tried this tingletastic lipgloss? What were your thoughts?

Toodlepip! xx

Lou's Reviews- Bloom Lip Gloss

Aloha Bloggerinos!

I have been a little lax on the old reviewing frot lately, I blame working full time and being a bit pooped. Never the less, here I am rarring to go with my thoughts on a Lipgloss from the fairly new (in the last 18 months anyway) makeup brand, Bloom.

 

I first saw this brand when a lovely all-shades-of-pastels stand popped up in Superdrug about a year ago and I was lured in by all the pretty, girlie colours. I have always liked the look of everything and the innovative packaging ideas (have you seen the cream eyeshadows that come in little paint tubes? too cute!) but never actually taken the plunge and bought anything...until now.

A couple of weeks ago, I was feeling rather jolly and felt like breaking free of my pinks and clears and going for something a bit more summery and happy, despite the snow and cold! I was feeling adventurous so had a little gander at the Bloom counter and noticed the lovely rich colours of the glosses. The lipgloss I purchased (for £8) is Bloom Lipgloss in Tangerine. I hasten to add, it is not tangeriney orangey I-just-snogged-a-cheesy-nacho orange, but more of a fresh coral colour.

 

The gloss is a beautiful sheer colour that you can build up easily (well, to an extent because how much lipgloss can one really put on one's lips!ha) and it'd so un-sticky! I absolutely hate it when it feels like you have smeared jam all over your mouth and it goes all yakky, but this is lovely and smoothy and sheeny. Hmm the picture makes it look slightly more pinky than it is so please excuse this technical mis-hap!

For £8, you get 8ml of product and very pleasing packaging. The box claims that this lipgloss is packed with a blend of oils that will condition you lips, "leaving them soft, glossy and glam". Whilst my lips didn't feel baaadd, I can't say that they felt particularly moisturised either so the jury is out on that one. It does however, have a delightfully chocolatey scent to it which is a brucey bonus.

A little down fall is that, on first glance, I thought the applicator was a sponge doefoot style, but when you look at it and try to apply it, it is more of a cylindrical sponge wand, which is a bit odd. It isn't impossible to use but you would think that a mid-range company like this would provide better tools with their products! gr!

All in all, I think my Tangerine Bloom Lipgloss is a good product. I would think it was better if it was less mula, under the £5 mark, because I'm not sure quite what I'm getting for the £8. With MAC it's the brilliance of MAC and with something like Soap and Glory it is the zinging plumping feel, but this seems a bit run-of-the-mill to be £8.

Good product, bad price! Any of you Bloggerinos tried out the Bloom range? What are your thoughts?

Toodlepip! xx