I feel like I've probably talked about most of mine - Benetint, Dandelion blush, The Colossal mascara, Primer Potion, etc., but I have a few that I feel deserve a bit of praise.
Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Hour Wear Foundation
Marianne and I have reviewed this before, but I am still consistently impressed with the awesomeness of this foundation. On the weekends I use Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer but for the weekdays I always use Smashbox because it JUST STAYS PUT. I don't have to touch up much during the day and it doesn't transfer on my clothes or oxidize. Good stuff. Solid. Worth the money.
Urban Decay Good Karma Optical Blurring Brush
When I first bought this I wasn't terribly impressed with it but in retrospect I think what I was actually not impressed with was the Urban Decay Naked foundation it's meant to be paired with. When used with the Smashbox foundation it's pretty freaking good. I usually apply foundation with my fingers and then used this brush to blend it all out. It's not sparkles and magic, but it does give a really nice finish.
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Brush
This brush is so good, you guys. I've had one for years and I totally take it for granted. It's just the perfect size for dotting just the right amount of concealer on a zit or dark spot. It's available for $26 on it's own but it COMES WITH the Flawless Face kit (along with another good brush) which is pretty much the deal of the century.
Fresh Sugar Plum Lip Tint
Ha ha, just kidding. I used to love this but my last one went rancid in less than six months and I am OVER IT. It's too expensive and makes me so mad. So this is my request - can anyone recommend a decent replacement? Basically, a berry or plum tinted lip balm in a tube that I can apply in the car without a mirror. Ideas?
This is my go-to lip balm, and I LOVE Fresh: http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod2960003&skuId=2225134&cmpid=PS_Non!google!Product_Listing_Ads&cagpspn=pla&CAWELAID=1436341660&gclid=CN3pj5GztsACFWho7AodVTwAnw#
ReplyDeleteThat's terrible about the Fresh Lip Tint - I hope you took it back! I have had one for years and it is still fine, maybe they changed the formula? I really like the Pacifica tinted lip balm, and they taste even better than Fresh, although not as over-the-top moisturizing. http://www.target.com/p/pacifica-color-quench-mineral-lip-tint/-/A-14404955#prodSlot=medium_1_1&term=pacifica+lip. I love the blood orange most but bought the sugared fig on a Target clearance and that one is yummy too.
ReplyDeleteI've been using Maybelline baby lips lately--not too bad, especially for the price. Burt's Bees makes a pomegranate lip balm that has a nice color to it, although I think the formula is a little on the dry side.
ReplyDeleteI love Burts Bees lip shimmer in the watermelon color. There's enough tint that it looks sort of like lipstick, but not so much that I need a mirror to apply it. It's also slender enough that it's easy to tuck into the side of my wallet and carry just my wallet around with me (instead of a big freaking purse).
ReplyDeleteI second Maybelline Baby Lips. It's great. My workhorse is also the Urban Decay primer potion. It's the one product I purchase over and over again.
ReplyDeleteThe Burt's Bees lip shimmers are good, but the Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey is awesome lips-but-better too. It's not technically a balm, but it feels great and gets the job done and you can apply it driving with no mirror without hazard. Looks good on everyone!
ReplyDelete"Medieval" by Lipstick Queen is a pretty good substitute (though it's on the expensive side).
ReplyDeleteClinique's chubby stick in Richer Raisin. And it's the best for traveling- you don't need to look while applying- and it smells really good.
ReplyDeleteBurts Bees lip shimmer in Fig!
ReplyDeleteClinique's Black Honey comes in a tube version (might only be available via Sephora). I also like Cynthis Rowley's lip stain but not sure if it's berry-ish enough: http://www.cynthiarowley.com/exclusives-collaborations/lip-stain.html
ReplyDeleteThanks for the suggestions, all! To those of you who recommended Black Honey, thank you! I already have it and love it and probably should've included it on this list. Whee.
ReplyDeleteLove black honey but have you ever looked into the Bite Beauty? I love their lipsticks and pencils, and they have a balm that looks really good too that might be up your alley.
ReplyDeleteWhat about the neutrogena chubby sticks? I've heard great things about them from some of my favorite you tubers.
ReplyDeleteRevlon balm stain in Smitten.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reminding me that the secret camo brush is awesome. I used it this morning and it's so much better than I recall.
ReplyDelete