Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Stick, $18

I love lipstick--in theory. I think it makes a woman look so put-together and fabulous. But, to be honest, lipstick kind of scares me. Plus, everything I've read says you have to use lip liner, so that just adds another level of complexity. That doesn't stop me from wanting to try it, though. I bought Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Stick because it's lip liner, lipstick, and plumper in one. I figured this was a good first step.


The Buxom Lip Stick is basically shaped like a fat lip liner. The bottom end is a built-in sharpener to keep the point. The color I chose is Bombay--a natural rose shade, not dramatic but definitely adds a lot of color to your face.

The shape is great because it lets me have a lot of control (especially useful for a novice like me). The lipstick itself is really creamy and soft--the color goes on really easily as a lip liner and as a lipstick. The first time I used it I kind of just colored in my lips like it was a marker. This time, though, I dabbed it on gently in little strokes. I found this to make it last longer, I guess because I didn't put on too much. When you first put it on, you can feel a slightly cool tingle. I'm not sure how much this actually plumps because lipstick makes your lips look bigger anyway, but it's pleasant.

I found it to last pretty well, especially with a little primer (I used Urban Decay's). It lasts longer than other lipsticks I've tried (though you will still have to touch it up every so often). It does get a little dry though, so I recommend using a lip gloss over it if that bothers you.

(Looks nice with just mascara)
(Or with a simple line of black on top)
(A little darker in warmer lighting)

Final verdict
Cost: $18, but you're getting lip liner and lipstick in one. Plus, it is a pretty good size.
Color: The color I got, Bombay, is really natural, pretty, and flattering. They have 12 shades to choose from, so I'm sure you could find one that works for you.
Texture: Really creamy and soft. It gets a little dry after a couple hours, but I think some lip gloss could help with that.
Repeat offender: This is really the only lipstick I've been able to use with any success. All in all I'm really happy with it. It's much easier to use than a typical lipstick and it works as a liner too, so one less thing to worry about! I'm not sure how much it plumps, but that's not so important to me. It lasts longer than other lipsticks I've tried, and the color is great. I'll definitely try it in other shades.

-T

Revlon Colorstay Soft & Smooth Lipstick, Smooth Nude, $7-10

I mentioned last week about Ulta having a sale on certain "drugstore" makeup brands like Maybelline and Revlon, well I couldn't resist my own tip so I swung in there Friday night and picked up a couple of things. A lot of readers have requested that we do more drugstore brand makeup reviews so I got a few things that might satisfy that. This Revlon Colorstay Soft & Smooth lipstick in Smooth Nude was part of my loot.


I've explained before that I'm new to the lipstick game so each lipstick I buy is a new experiment. I definitely like this color a lot, it is something good for every day wear. It has a slightly matte look to it, but a lot of nude colors do. On my lips it gets a little dry after a while, a friend of mine suggested that I should use lip liner in a similar tone and line my lips, then draw in my lips with that color (as a base) so the lipstick stays on longer. I haven't tried this yet but I trust this friend because she can rock red lipstick like nobody's business.


Tip:I have a soft spot for nude colored lips, there is just something super feminine and sexy about a nude lip, and it is kind of weird because "nude" isn't even really a color! Although some people might be worried about looking washed out or alien-like with a nude lip there are a few tricks around it. I suggest to pair nude lips with a dark smokey eye, this balances two dramatic looks perfectly. Another way around this is to apply a clear gloss over the nude, that way, even if you have light eye makeup you can still balance with a shiny nude lip, not just a bare palette.

Final verdict:
Cost: You can find it on Amazon for around $7.99, or Ulta for $9.99 (they currently have a buy 2 get 1 free promotion going on). I suggest waiting for a sale, or grabbing a Revlon coupon for your local drugstore. Paying full price for this would be silly since Revlon seems to always be on sale.
How often do you have to reapply?: I had to reapply a few times throughout the day. It stays on, but it also flakes. This could be my dryish lips or my lack of lip liner but reapplication was necessary. But lets be real, does anyone know a lipstick that DOESN'T need reapplying throughout the day?
Is it worth it?: I got mine for about $4, and I will continue to use it regularly, even if I have to reapply so yes it was worth what I paid.
Repeat offender?: If another color really appealed to me I would definitely try it again. Lipstick can be expensive so having some cheaper brands mixed in your collection would be nice for the wallet.

MAC Viva Glam Gaga Lustre Lipstick, $14.00

Wearing lipstick has not really been a step in my beauty routine ever, but recently I have been experimenting with it more often. When I saw this pink tube of perfection I knew it was something that would work for me and definitely had to have it. This limited edition lipstick is part of MAC’s VIVA GLAM campaign where every cent of a VIVA GLAM purchase goes to those living with HIV and AIDS.


Not only does this lipstick's profits go to a great cause, but the color was chosen and is being endorsed by Lady Gaga (I’m definitely a fan). You know this has to be fabulous and crazy if Gaga’s name is on it. I love this pink shade because you can wear it lightly and it can come off very natural or you can add a few coats for a nice thick pink lip. This pink compliments my skin tone and hair color by adding just a pop of sweet color. I must admit I feel a little Barbie-like but there is no shimmer, glitter, or an unfortunate “icy/frosty” look circa 1994—this lipstick is just a pretty pink. If you aren’t sure about it go to your nearest MAC counter and ask them to disinfect a sample tube and try it on for yourself! If you don’t like this particular color, MAC has tons of different colors and I am definitely a big fan of their lipsticks.

(Pink is probably not for everyone but I think it works with my skin tone)
Final verdict: I love love love this color so much.
Cost: $14.00, the price might be high but the quality is so great and by purchasing a VIVA GLAM product you are giving each and every cent to a really great cause.
Repeat offender: My experience with MAC lipstick has always been positive. I’ll probably be reviewing more shades in the future!
-M