Look TANtalizingly bronze with Lorac TANtalizer

We've established by now that I'm pale.  Really pale.  (I kinda pride myself on it, actually.)  However, bronzer can be a girl's (or guy's) best friend!  Not only can you contour your face with it, but it can give you a healthy, safe glow year round.  One of my picks is the Lorac TANtalizer Baked Bronzer.

This product is the smaller travel size that doesn't have a brush compartment.  This one is 0.13 oz and I think I paid about $8 - $10 for it.  The larger size comes with a brush, contains 0.367 oz, and costs $32.  

I love how it swivels open!  I'm a sucker for cool packaging!

Here's a picture of the bigger version from Lorac's website:

I really love the texture on this product.  It's a lovely color that isn't too crazy and works even on my pale skin.  Be sure to use a light hand and not too much product.  

This product does have a fair amount of shimmer, so it can be bad about accentuating pores.  If you have big pores, be careful!  

I think this is plenty of product and I wouldn't purchase the bigger one.  Use a light hand and this will last you forever!

You can pick it up from Lorac's website HERE for $32.  

XOXO

-K

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All items were purchased by Orange Lipstick for personal use and review purposes.

Reader Question: Covering Dark Circles

Today I have another reader question!  These are seriously my favorite posts to write.  (I have another reader question sitting in my inbox that I swear I'm going to answer soon.  I just want to make sure I have plenty of pictures and diagrams for that one.)

Here's what reader A.M. asked me:

"I have really terribly chronic dark undereye circles (totally unrelated to how much I sleep, which is a lot).  I'm pretty over it.  I put concealer on them but it really only tones it down just a little.  What is the best way/makeup for covering that up/what creams etc have you heard recommended on other blogs or wherever for minimizing them in general?"

Great question!  I have dark circles occasionally, too.  Today they aren't so bad, but I decided to do a walk-through on some of the products I use to cover up mine.  I haven't reviewed ANY of these products, but I will eventually.  First, let's look at my bare eye:

You can see I have some darkness at the inner corner.  Like I said, it's not too terrible, but still something I'd like to try to cover.

First, I put on some moisturizer with SPF.  Then, I put on my Skin 79 Super+ Beblesh Balm BB Cream VIP Gold as my foundation and spread some under my eyes.  You can see that the reduced some of the darkness, but not all.  (You can purchase Skin 79 Gold HERE for $8.79 + $4.49 shipping.)  

Next, I added some Too Faced Absolutely Flawless Flexible Coverage Concealer in Vanilla.  

(You can purchase this concealer on Too Faced's website HERE for $20.)  The key is to use just a small amount and blend it in.  You can always build it up more, but adding too much at the beginning will make your eyes look cakey.    

To finish the concealing, I patted on some Wet n Wild Natural Blend Pressed Powder.  The compact comes with a small sponge that's very great for application.

You can buy Wet n Wild Natural Blend Pressed Powder on Walgreen's website HERE for $4.99.

Another option for even heavier-duty coverage would be Missha Signature Extreme Cover Concealer with SPF 30 or Benefit Erase Paste.  The Erase Paste is very pigmented but didn't work for me because it was just a little too oily for my oily skin.

 Here's some other tips that you probably already know:  get lots of sleep (although you said that isn't a problem), drink your recommended water intake, and keep your under-eye area moisturized.  

I hope that helps!  Let me know how it goes for you!

XOXO

-K

Email me at orangelipstickblog@gmail.com

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All items were purchased by Orange Lipstick for personal use and review purposes.   

Wet n Wild Mega Liner is a major let-down

I'm just going to admit that sometimes I have a sick pleasure in reading negative reviews.  When I see that Christine from Temptalia has given a product a F rating, I feel a little twinge of glee.  When A.O. Scott (my favorite movie critic) tears apart a new movie, I smile a little bit.  

So, if you're like me, you're going to love my review of Wet n Wild Mega Liner Liquid Eyeliner because I'm here to trash it.  

Trust me - I wanted to love this product.  $2.99 for a quality, eggplant color, liquid liner would be phenomenal.  Unfortunately, this one isn't it.  

I picked up #864 in Plum.  Unfortunately, this product is far too runny and not anywhere opaque.  In the swatches below, the top line is one pass, second line is two passes, and third line is three passes.    

You shouldn't have to go over liquid liner three times to make it work.  Plus, it doesn't translate well on eyes, where it refuses to dry down.  Plus, this made my eyes watery.

This product gets a big, huge NO from me.  0 stars.  A grade of F.  Bummer.

If you want, you can purchase at almost any drugstore or online at Walgreens.com HERE. 

XOXO

-K

Email me at orangelipstickblog@gmail.com

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All items were purchased by Orange Lipstick for personal use and review purposes.

This BB cream is just peachy!

Today I have another Korean BB cream to share with y'all!  This gem is Holika Holika Peach Girl BB Cream with SPF 37.  (37?  What?!)

  

Anyway, odd SPF number aside, this BB cream is really fantastic.  

The formula is a nice liquid - not thicky and creamy like a lot of BB creams I've tried.  This one feels more like liquid foundation, but I really like it.

The color sinks nicely into my skin and stays put all day.  I really love how long BB creams stick around and this one doesn't disappoint.  The best application method is the pat, pat, pat into your skin.

And what's this?!  A cream blush in the lid?  With a mirror?  As RuPaul would say:  SICKENING!

I've never used cream blushes but I was happy to try this one out.  Just dab a little on your cheeks and spread out with a finger.

Unfortunately, I feel like you need quite a few layers to really make the blush pop.  

One last thing - maybe it's all in my mind but I really think the foundation smells a little like peaches!  

You can purchase this BB cream on Amazon HERE for $13.99 + $6.99 shipping.  I think that's a pretty high markup from retail but unless you have a Korean friend, it may be difficult to get.  All in all, I really like this; however, I don't feel like I can recommend it due to the pretty high markup from retail.  If you can get this from someone in Korea, go for it.  If not, save your ~$21 for something else.  

XOXO

-K

Email me at orangelipstickblog@gmail.com

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All items were purchased by Orange Lipstick for personal use and review purposes.

A favorite polish on a favorite friend

I've mentioned Amy on this blog quite a few times but that's because she's pretty awesome.  She's the one who hauled back a bunch of goodies from South Korea for me.  I've been friends with Amy for about nine years, which is probably why she consented to letting me play manicurist!

Amy is rocking OPI New York Red in this pictures and I think it looks great on her beautiful nails.  (Seriously - they're really strong and healthy.  I'm jeally.)

I forgot to get a picture of my bottle so here's a picture from Amazon.com.

You have to remember that I'm not a professional!  Nevertheless, New York Red is probably my favorite polish that I own.  YES - it's that good!

The formula is thin and applies flawlessly.  No goops, no pooling, no bubbling.  I can't find a fault with this product at all.  Not only is this a fantastic "classic red" but also it's incredible quality. 

I find myself reaching for this polish more than any other bottle in my stash.  If you don't have a bottle, you seriously need to get one.  This is a classic!

You can buy OPI New York Red on Amazon HERE for $5.34.

Do you already have a "perfect red?'  What is it?  Aren't red nails just so effortlessly glamorous?!

XOXO

-K

Email me at orangelipstickblog@gmail.com

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All items were purchased by Orange Lipstick for personal use and review purposes.

Reader Question: Budget Blushes

Today I have a reader question that came from my sister!  She sent me a text with a picture of her Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes tube saying that she had picked it up (on my recommendation) and was loving both the mascara and the Baby Lips.  Sweet!  Then she sent me a follow up text:

“I need a recommendation for a good, reasonably priced blush, please :) ”

Sure thing, sis!  Now, I’m going to admit that I haven’t tried any of these out yet myself BUT I do read a lot of beauty blogs and these blushes pop up all over.  Blush is one of the few things that I’ve always stuck to high-end for, but I’m getting interested in some of these budget options!  So, here are my picks for budget blushes!  

Jordana Color Tint Blush Stick - $2.99 (Buy here)

Photo taken from Jordana's website

Stick blushes are all the rage right now.  You simply swipe them on and blend them out with your fingertips.  (Of course, be careful if you also use powder.  You’ll want to put these on before powder application.)  These are a STEAL at $2.99.  I’m actually about to order almost all of them!  You can only get them on Jordana’s website but let’s all pray to the makeup gods that they’ll be available in drugstores soon, mmkay?!    

Milani Baked Bronzer - $7.99 (Buy here)

Photo taken from Milani's website

Oh, Milani.  I love your lipsticks and your nail polishes – I can’t tell you how much you tempt me with these baked bronzers.  (You say bronzers…but let’s just admit that you are a blush!)  These remind me so much of the super-expensive blushes that just came out in the MAC Heavenly Creatures collection.  I just couldn’t make myself spring for those, but I think I may have to have one of these to satisfy the craving!  

Milani Baked Blush in Fantastico

Photo taken from Milani's website

Look at that purple-y color!  Wowza!  

Milani Powder Mosaics Bronzer and Brightener - $7.99 (Buy here)

Photo taken from Milani's website

Another pretty from Milani.  These are lovely, but they don’t excite me as much as the Baked Bronzers.  These are another blush option that won’t break the bank.

L’Oreal Paris Project Runway Blush - $8.57 (Buy here)

Photo taken from Walmart's website

The Muse (from Musings of a Muse) raves about the Project Runway Blushes.  They are part of the Fall offerings coming up so keep your eye peeled for them at Wal-Mart and other drugstore-type places.  I know this link only shows you one blush, but I promise that there are new and exciting ones coming out for Fall.  I’ve seen pictures on other blogs but can’t seem to find any promotional images.  I’ll update y’all if I find something.

e.l.f. Studio Blush - $3 (Buy here)

Photo taken from e.l.f.'s website

Blush for $3?  I’ll take it.  The great thing about having a cheap blush is that you can afford to keep one at home and take one in your purse.  That way you can do touch-ups on the road.  I’ve heard good things about these babies and I like the color selection!  {EDIT:  My sister ordered three of these!}  

The Balm Frat Boy - $21 (Buy here or find it on sale for dirt cheap at T.J. MAXX)

Photo taken from The Balm's website

Here’s my final pick.  I know you’re looking at the price tag going, “Girl, you said BUDGET blushes!”  Well, let me tell you that I’ve seen The Balm products at T.J. Maxx for much cheaper!  So, if you have a T.J. Maxx nearby, you should definitely cruise the makeup aisle to see what’s hiding there.  I have wanted to buy The Balm products there so many times but always make myself resist.  However, Frat Boy is just so beautiful and I love the packaging!  If I saw it there, I’d nab it. 

I hope that helps and gets you thinking about some budget options for your stash!  What blush colors do you tend to like?  Baby pink?  Fuchsia?  Coral?  Red?  Do tell!

XOXO

-K

Email me at orangelipstickblog@gmail.com
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All items were purchased by Orange Lipstick for personal use and review purposes.

Is whitening for your skin? It is for mine!

You see all kinds of buzzwords on cosmetics in America:  anti-aging, minimizes pores, controls shine, firming.  One word you never really see?  Whitening.  However, that word is HUGE in the world of Asian cosmetics.  

Why?  Well, I think the prevailing idea is that whiter skin is somehow deemed more desirable.  Rubbish!  All skin tones are beautiful and I mean that with complete sincerity.

But where there's a demand, there are sure to be products to fill it.  Enter Skinfood Omija Whitening Cream.  This cute little pot holds 50 grams.  I think the detailing is lovely.  It's hard to see in these pictures but the pot has a gradient from rose pink to cream.  Very cute!

"Why would you want to whiten your skin, Paleface?!" is what you're probably thinking.  Well...this baby brightens more than it whitens.  My face literally GLOWS.  I put it on at night as my moisturizer and wake up with glowy, lit-from-within skin.    
  

Of course, this benefits from continued use; however, I think I do see some changes in some of my darker marks.  Seriously, I can't find a flaw with this product.  Want moisturized skin that makes your face look brighter, younger, and fresher?  WHO DOESN'T?!

I don't usually get this passionate but I'm going to say that you NEED this product.  You have to have it.  Don't let the word "whitening" scare you.  I promise that you'll get glowing skin! 

(Also, I have oily skin but this great cream hasn't broken me out at all.  Score!) 

You can purchase on Amazon.com HERE for $22 (+$4.49 shipping).  I got mine from a haul Amy brought back for me, so I'm not sure exactly how much mine cost.

XOXO

-K

P.S.

I've gotten compliments on my skin from a stranger and my auntie since I started using this product.  Of course, Auntie has to say those things! :-P  

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All items were purchased by Orange Lipstick for personal use and review purposes.