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

bareMinerals Eyecolor, $13

I just bought the Heroes Super Color Collection from Bare Escentuals. Since there's so much to review in the collection, I thought I'd give each product their own separate entry. The set includes a Buxom gloss, which is awesome (check out Mirna's review here).

Today I'll review their bareMinerals eyecolor (loose eyeshadow) in Fearless and Freedom.

(Fearless and Freedom)

Fearless is a super dark forest green/gray/black with multicolored shimmer. Oh my, is it gorgeous! I was surprised at how pretty it really is, in that dark and dangerous kind of way. The picture on the website really doesn't do it justice.

The shadow is intense and highly pigmented. It is crazy dramatic as a shadow. It could be used as a liner, to add some depth to your crease, or blended with other colors.

Freedom is a sweet light blue with a hint of green (less green when applied, see photo below), decorated with tiny silver shimmers. It reminds me of a really clear summer day, when the sun bleaches out the sky.

The color is also really pigmented but is much more subtle. It would look really nice with blue or brown eyes, and coordinates nicely with Fearless.

(click on pic to enlarge)The versatility of these eyeshadows really impressed me. The top line is Freedom, shown (left to right) over Urban Decay primer, dry, and applied with a wet brush. The bottom line is Fearless, shown (left to right) over Urban Decay primer, dry, and applied with a wet brush. As you can see, these shadows can have quite different looks! With primer the colors are bright and clear. Worn dry they are more subtle and easily blended, for a nice day look. When applied with a wet brush they become intense and really shimmery. I love having options!

Final verdict
Cost: $13 each. Right now these particular colors are only available in the Heroes collection for a limited time. ($40 for a lot of awesome products, get it while you can!) I found Fearless on Amazon, so as always check there, too (and eBay).
Color: These colors are amazing! They have so much life and depth, and are unlike any other eyeshadows I have. I personally prefer Fearless because of the richness and drama, but Freedom is sweet and pretty as well.
Versatility: The colors look different whether they're worn dry, over primer, or applied wet. You can create a lot of distinct looks with just one color.
Repeat offender: Totally! I would definitely buy their eyeshadow again, as well as other products. Stay tuned for reviews of the other products in this collection.

Hey! Did you enter our giveaway? Remember, it ends Friday at 11:59pm!

-T

Buxom Lips Lipgloss, Betty, $18

So I think I may have found a lipgloss that could quite possibly change your life. This lip gloss isn't sticky, the color saturates into your lips, and even promises a plump--and it definitely delivers all of the above. I got this Buxom Lips lipgloss by Bare Escentuals in the shade Betty from Sephora as a sample. This lipgloss is different than other lipglosses--sounds like I'm talking about a boy right hahah--but really it is!


Here is why this lipgloss is different: It doesn't feel sticky at all! It goes on in one or two coats and does not feel thick like other glosses. The fact that it isn't sticky doesn't make it less glossy though because the shine is definitely still there. Another reason why it rules--the colors actually goes on and stays on! Some lipglosses come in a color but actually just show up clear. This shade is called Betty and it adds a splash of red to my lips without being overly red. If you have always wanted to try wearing red lipstick but feel a little intimidated this might be your first baby step! This gloss also promises some plumping. Like other plumping glosses this also has a minty feel on your lips. It tingles a little but doesn't quite burn like other lip plumping glosses. I like the minty feeling that the gloss leaves on my lips and I think it adds a little bit of a plump. It doesn't make you look like you just got collagen implants in your lips, obviously if a product does make you look like that you should probably never use it ever again!


Final verdict:
Cost: $18 for a full tube from Sephora. The tube pictured is sample size, the full tube is about twice the size of this.
Does the color show up?: Yes ladies! The color shows up (in Betty at least)! It isn't as deep as it looks in the tube but you still get the sheer effect of it, almost like a lip stain. You should check out the site because it comes in many different shades.
Repeat offender?: I am definitely getting a full size tube of another shade! I think this is a really awesome lipgloss and one that I wouldn't mind wearing all day.
-M