Graduation from the Kiddie Pool--True Red Lipstick (but it's Green)

I wrote a post a few months ago about dipping my toe into the red lipstick pool by starting off with Ilia Tinted Lip Conditioner….then a month later, I decide to take the plunge and hang with the people in the grown-up pool by trying REAL red lipstick. I love it. Sounds sarcastic, but I'm being completely serious.

It started at Sephora. I only wanted to look at Bite Beauty because it's formulated without all the junk that I'm trying to avoid (parabens, phthalates, sulfates, synthetic dyes, synthetic fragrances and petrochemicals) and made with food grade ingredients that are supposedly edible. I think this is important because, let's face it--if you wear lipstick, you will inevitably eat a little bit of it. If that's the case, you may as well purchase one that's safe enough for consumption.

As I perused, their many shades of red, the saleswoman helped me decide on trying Bite Beauty's Lush Lip Tint in Cherry. I instantly liked it--it was the first time I found myself thinking I could actually pull off wearing a bold lip color. It's a bright, light red color that's surprisingly hydrating. It contains argan oil and fruit butters, but the best part is the white "B" in the center of the lip tint--it contains Resveratrol, the same antioxidant found in red wine.

Of course a few days later, I wanted a BOLDER red lip…maybe something a bit darker. Since I'm a bit tan, I knew I had to look for a red with a blue undertone (opposed to an orange one), as reds with a blue undertone tend to be flattering on any skin type (yep, found this out researching red lipstick). I found exactly what I was looking for in their High Pigment Pencil in Tannin, described as a "deep, poppy red." And when I combine the Tannin with the Cherry Lip Tint? A unicorn appears! It's the best color combination and it actually makes you feel more bold. I've gotten so many compliments on it from both men and women, it's been really difficult not to wear more often. Seriously, if a man notices and compliments a lip color, it's gotta be decent.

If you're hesitating on trying a bold red, I say DO IT--go to Sephora and take someone with you who will give you an honest opinion.

**I did want to mention one strange thing I noticed with wearing red lipstick--when combined with my Dr. Bronner's lip balm, I got a strange allergic reaction that resulted in incurable dry lips for a week. My lips felt like sandpaper yet felt very sensitive. I was initially depressed because I loved my new red lipsticks and thought I was just allergic to them. I decided to give it another go with a different lip balm by chance, and I was fine. Since I'm a glutton for punishment, I tried the red lipstick again with Dr. Bronner's lip balm and got the same allergic reaction. This may not happen to you, but user be ware.


Score Card from EWG Skin Deep (click on the name of the product to see the report):

Bite Beauty Lush Lip Tint in Cherry: 3

Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencil in Tannin: 3

My Natural Under Eye Concealer: Alima Powder Concealer Review

I've always had a love/hate relationship with under eye concealer. I know I have to use one, but it was tough finding an ideal one--many were too drying, cakey, didn't provide enough coverage or weren't the right color.

I sort of gave up trying to find a good concealer because everything I tried fell into one of the above categories. I tried tons of different concealers: true concealers, foundations as concealers, brightening luminizing pens, but I didn't love any of them. The only type of concealer I didn't try was a powder concealer, because I didn't think it could really do much for me. Then a few months ago during a trip to Toronto, I purchased a few Alima items at a boutique, including a powder concealer. I played around with this concealer to use on my under eyes and voila, new concealer found!

My under eye circles aren't the worst…it really depends on the day. They're not black, is all I'm saying. I don't need super heavy coverage, so you may need to add more powder or try something else that's a bit heavier if you have very dark under eye circles.

Here's how I use it:

1. Make sure your under eye is very hydrated by using a good eye cream. I use Aurelia's Probiotic Eye Duo (review here).
2. Take a soft concealer brush and lightly dip the brush in the powder.
3. Tap the powder into the lid of the concealer and swirl it into the brush (I bought mine in the color Amber).
4. Lightly brush the powder on the desired area.
5. Using your fourth/ring finger, lightly tap the powder into your under eye to soften and blend the powder.
6. Your under eyes are a little less racoon-y.

Pros:
-Scores a 1 on the EWG Skindeep website
-Provides coverage that is not cakey or drying
-$14
-Since you only use a little bit at a time, seems like it will last a long time

Cons:
-May need to layer up on coverage for those with very dark circles

Click here to review the EWG Skindeep report.