Plump it Up!!

Unfortunately, I wasn't blessed with some fat Angelina Jolie lips so anytime I see a lip plumper, I have to check it out.  I think at first I was expecting to slap some gloss on, and have instant success and see a huge difference.  That's not what happens with lip plumpers.  What they do though is plump out the lines in your lips, giving the appearance of bigger lips.  Some of them tingle, some actually sting, and some just feel minty.  Also, some have "enhancers" in them, like extra shimmer, which can give the "illusion" of plumper lips. Regardless, I do feel like my lips look a bit bigger in some of them, so that's good enough for me.  And also, most lip plumpers come in lighter colors.....light = bigger, where as dark colors make your lips appear smaller then what they are.  All lip plumpers should be applied on dry bare lips, or you won't get the full effect.  If you want the effect, but want to wear a lipstick and not the gloss, put the plumper on while you apply your other makeup, then wipe it off and apply the lipstick.  Here is a short run-down of the ones I have tried:

Buxom Lip Creme:  This one is my favorite.  It has a slight tingle, nothing at all uncomfortable. Comes in a variety of colors and runs about $18.  It has a nice feel to it, moisturizing and just feels good on.  You can purchase this online, at Sephora or Ulta.

Lip Fusion:  I think this one works also, and it's moisturizing for my lips.  This one is a little more tingly then the Buxom and uses marine collagen microspheres to plump the lips.  Comes in a variety of shades, and also comes in an XL version (which means extra strength, not extra large).  This one is quite expensive, $38.  Purchase online, or at Ulta.

The Balm, Plump Pout Pucker:  I found this one in a kit of 3 at Marshalls.  I think it was around $20 bucks, which is a great deal.  I like this one also, not tingly at all on me.  You can find them at Marshalls, TJ Maxx or The Balm website.

Hard Candy:  This runs about $8 which is a great price.  I have two of these, and I really enjoy them.  I like the colors I have, this light pink one really helps with the illusion factor.  No tingle, and can be purchased at Walmart or where ever Hard Candy is sold.

Duwop Lip Venum:  This stuff is pretty darn tingly, and I don't really like the consistency too much, it's a bit thick, and it has a brush instead of a doe foot applicator.  I don't like lip products that use brushes.  I don't think they apply evenly.  I honestly don't think this one does much for me.  Pretty expensive also, at $16 considering how tiny the bottle is!

Studio M:  This one I got at Meijer.  I believe it's one of their brands, doesn't do anything and has an off putting smell.  I think it was about $7.

I have one more from NYX (not pictured), called plump it up lip plumber.  This one is the most tingly, some people may even say it stings.  It is pretty potent, but I really like it, it does the job and lasts a long time on the lips.  I think it may be a bit drying though, so be careful.  This one runs about $ 

April Favorites (Make up version)

I haven't ventured into the world of YouTube yet, so I can't post my "April Favorites" out there like hundreds of other make up gurus do, so photos and a quick review of the products will have to do......These are the products I tended to gravitate towards during April:

I sometimes use a primer before I put on my foundation, but usually I just use this Clean & Clear Finishes Pore Perfecting Moisturizer.  It says it "softens the appearance of pores with light diffusing minerals".  I don't know if it does that or not, but I like the way it feels and my foundation goes on smoothly so it's a keeper.

YSL Multi-Action Concealer in the color "3".  What you see in the picture is all I have left, which is unfortunate, because it's expensive ($35 on Amazon) so I probably won't be repurchasing any time soon.  Although I did just buy Benefit Boiing which is $18.  I apparently have a lot to conceal....

Clinique "Even Better" Foundation, 03 Ivory.  This stuff works great, it is a full coverage foundation, and doesn't turn to that ugly orangy color some foundations do by the end of the day.  I'm about out of this one too, I purchased a matte foundation from Rimmel....we'll see how that one does.

Bella Bamba blush by Benefit.  Very pretty coral color, with a little bit of shimmer.  Very much like the famous Nars Orgasm (which I also have....go figure).  Nice color for spring.

Lorac eyeshadows in Enlighten, Bronze, and Dark Brown.  I've been using these almost every day.  Love them, they are easy to blend, great texture, and have good color payoff. 

Palladio Rice Powder in Translucent.  I absolutely LOVE this stuff.  It makes the texture of my face seem flawless.  I only put it on in the morning, (I touch up during the day with MAC Blot Powder).  It's finely milled and doesn't look "powder-ry".  Definitely will repurchase this one. 

Maybelline Ultra-Brow Brush on color in Light Brown.  This has probably been around since my mom first started using makeup, but it works well and it's cheap so it's a keeper.

NYX Goddess of the Night lipgloss in Sunshine; Hard Candy Plumping Serum in Girl Next Door.  As most of you know, I love my lip products, I think I have about 18 of them in my purse right now, but I've been using these almost every day.  My lips are pretty pigmented so just a quick swipe of one of these and I'm good to go.  Both are under $8 so that's a plus!

 

Cover Girl Volume Exact in Black.  I am extremely picky when it comes to mascara.  As I get older, my lashes get skimpier, so when I find something I like, I stick with it.  This mascara is great for adding volume, not so much for length.  My next big purchase is RapidLash (to help my lashes grow), but it costs $59 so let's keep that one a secret from my bf...shhhhhsh!  (on a side note, I use Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliner in Whiskey, or Bourbon (something alcoholic lol) but forgot to photograph that...)

So there you have it, my favorites for April.  I would love it if you would leave me a comment with your favorites, I love to try new things :-)  I think my favorites for May will be of the food/snack variety....shake things up a bit (I know, I'm all kinds of wild and crazy :-).