fab find: Milani Lipstick in Berry Rich

In my quest to find the perfect plummy red lipstick i came across this Milani lipstick in #32 - Berry Rich.  While it's not the perfect plum i was looking for, it is a lovely red.  A little bit bright but definitely wearable. I also snagged it for $1.69 at my local Duane Reade, so it definitely was well worth the risk.  The application was nice, and the formula is surprisingly smooth for a drugstore lipstick.  It's also quite long lasting.  I've worn it for 5+ hours with coffee drinking, lunch, and to my delight it's only suffered minimal color reduction.  I can't speak for the rest of the Milani line, but this one was definitely a win for me. They're definitely worth a try! 

Sorry about the grainy pictures, find better swatches at Temptalia!

I definitely give Milani points for the adorable gold packaging,

it looks a lot more expensive than it actually is,

you can find the lipstick at Milani Cosmetics for $2.99!

have you found any drugstore hits?

xoxo,

Bella

currently craving: YSL Rouge Volupte #12

i went into sephora yesterday to kill some time 

and saw this. 

YSL Rouge Volupte #12 - Forbidden Burgundy 

via Sephora

i don't usually gravitate towards burgundy or plum colors but this is so beautiful on that i'm considering picking it up. and it lasts FOREVER (and by forever i mean 5 hours without fading). 

i'm also a sucker for YSL lip products, i've had such fantastic experiences with them.

what do you guys think?

xoxo,

Bella

Quick Lip Fix.

I've recently become a big fan of Smashbox Cosmetics:
a) the quality is amazing.
b) there is free shipping on the site.
c) they are very generous with the free samples.
d) free gift during "lunch hours" on tuesdays and thursdays.
Being a student and relatively broke, I bought my stuff on a Thursday, and received a full sized eyeshadow in Pronto, which is a lovely, shimmery, taupe shade.  I also received Smashbox Lash DNA Mascara in Jet Black, along with a sample of the PhotoFinish Primer (which I got in a full size after trying the stuff) and PhotoFinish Primer Light; the latter of the two is nice but the texture just isn't the same as the original.

This whole lip fix is though, is centered on my initial purchase.

Smashbox Lipstick in Eden

It comes in very chic packaging 

and the color payoff is AMAZING.

The lipstick is super creamy and a little bit goes a long way, the color is a beautiful pinkish plum.  It's also moisturizing and looks great alone or with a clear gloss.

To get the quick lip fix:

1. Apply a lip balm, any will do.  This is just to prep your lips and leave long lasting results.

2. Apply the lipstick with a lip brush, which will guarentee better control over color, or straight from the tube.  

3. Apply a clear gloss over for a more glam look, the color is very bright so it just accentuates whats already there.  I used C.O. Bigelow Ultra Mentha Lip Shine, which has a great cooling sensation on top of a gloss.

Thats all there is too it.  

Enjoy those kissable pouts.  

fun reads,

bella

p.s: here's some persian hotness to keep your toasty all night long ;) 

Claudia Lynx. damn.