Review - 21 Genius Lipstick Hacks Every Woman Needs To Know

What would life be like without Lipstick?  Obviously less colourful, and probably less fun.

Let's see if these 21 tips found on MSN Lifestyle are truly genius, and if we really need to know them all.

1 - This is a similar concept to using a toothbrush, which is the best method I've tried so far.  Another option is a lip scrub, which is popular right now, but the ones I tried didn't work for me.

2 - Great tip but then you have to clean your finger after. I prefer to use this method and toss the tissue in the garbage when I'm done. 

3 & 4 - Most makeup products are multi-use products, despite what is specified on the label.  You don't have to wait until your eye-shadow is broken though, I surely don't.

5 - Using a lip brush or the lipstick directly has the same effect.  All you have to do is take your time and apply it as many times as necessary to get the look that you want.  

6 - For a stained look you just need to apply a small amount of lipstick and spread it lightly. 

7 - Has anyone tried this? I honestly never remember to do it because I'm always rushing (read about my dilemma here).  I just default to auto-pilot and do the basics, I don't have time for anything more. 

8 - You can also try this if your lips are hyperpigmented to provide an evenly coloured base for applying your lip product.  How dark or pale your lips are will also alter how the colour looks on you e.g the more pigmented the lip product, the better for darker skin tones, otherwise you hardly see any colour.

9 - You should try to make your lips look larger if they are NOT naturally large, but any lip size can fill in their lips with lip pencil etc.

10 - Has this worked for anyone?  I always promise to try this but that's a promise I can't seem to keep - I wasn't kidding when I said that I am always rushing.

Source: www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/beauty

11 - Too much to remember? Here's a simple guide -  nude lipstick is not visible or it's barely visible on your lips.

12 - This is a good starting point for finding a red lipstick. Personally, once I test the lipstick and I like how it looks on me, consider it bought. 

13 - Be careful not to draw the "X" too wide or too narrow; otherwise you will create a bow - just not cupid's.  If you blend your lip liner with your lipstick there should be no tell-tale line.

14 - Use the correct shade of concealer for your skin-tone, keep the line as thin as possible and blend it in.

15 - Or you can pack a lipstick or lipgloss that can wear with every outfit - that's what I do.

16 - You can also keep the broken lipstick in a container and apply it with a lipbrush.

17 - I wonder if this will affect how smoothly the lipstick glides across your lips.  You may have to wait until it's at room temperature before using.  None of mine have ever melted but some have sweated.

18 - Don't forget to blend the colours where they meet.

19 - If this works the days of lip stick ruined items will be numbered.

20 - You can also use a smudge brush.  BONUS - this will work with your eyeliner too.

21 -  This should work depending on how bad the wrinkles are. Click here to find out what Primer does.

These are some excellent tips, easy to follow and helpful.  I hope you found tips that you can use or share them with someone.

"...because your make-up should always enhance." - Nakita Squires

Review - E.O.S Lip Balm

I remember when E.O.S Lip Balms first burst onto the beauty scene.  The stir that this product created with its novel packaging and shape is still fresh in my mind.

Image Source http://evolutionofsmooth.com/

Image Source http://evolutionofsmooth.com/

All of the fuss surrounding this lip balm and the rave reviews caught my attention.  Besides it's unique package; what else did this product have to offer?

It was quite pricey here in Barbados; so I bought one on my next trip overseas.  I was so excited!!!!!  I didn't delay.

I opened the package, took note of it's mild yet pleasant scent, applied the lip balm and waited for the magic to happen.  I was expecting fireworks, something...anything.  Sadly, I got nothing.  My lips didn't look different,  my lips didn't feel different, was I missing something?

 I visited the product website hoping to find some answers.   The first thing I saw was that they were also available in stick form (which I prefer).  I was a bit surprised because I had not seen the Smooth Sticks in any of the ads nor the reviews.  The sphere shape is too big and clumsy for me, I prefer something sleek.  

Image Source http://evolutionofsmooth.com/

Image Source http://evolutionofsmooth.com/

I also saw that this product is 99% natural, petrolatum-free, paraben-free, gluten-free and phthalate-free. *Translation* it's better for your skin than the majority of lip balms out there.  That alone would normally be reason enough to buy it, but after all the hype I was expecting something more.

Don't get me wrong, if you want to try it go right ahead.  I'm just letting you know that it didn't do anything for me.  I was neither wowed nor 'blown away'.

*Blog Love* -You can also read Moden Makeup's review of the E.O.S Lip Balms here.

"...because your make-up should always enhance." - Nakita Squires

Review - Coolway True Smooth Hair Spray

When I read Beauty Stat's post about Coolway True Smooth Spray it caught my attention, it sounded too good to be true.

Image Source - www.coolwayhair.com

There are times when I am unable to visit the salon to have my hair professionally styled.  This means that I have to do it myself and let's just say that I don't always get results that I can be proud of. If Coolway True Smooth Spray really did all the things that it promised, my hair woes would become a thing of the past.  I seized the opportunity to review this product and waited anxiously for it to arrive in the mail.  

The Sunday after I received the Coolway True Smooth Spray, I washed my hair and sprayed the product on my wet hair as recommended.  I also used some moisturizer and wrap lotion which is my normal routine.

Before -  Here I am dreading sitting under that hot dryer.

I then wrapped my hair, sat under my hood dryer and hoped for the best.  When my hair had dried, I just combed it out and I could not believe my eyes. Even though the product did not cut down on on drying time, it gave me smooth results and my hair looked salon worthy.   This is no easy feat because I have coarse, relaxed hair that has a mind  of its own.

After - Free at last and loving how my hair looks.

This style lasted the entire week, which is a first.  All I had to do was wrap it before going to sleep, apply a little moisturizer and comb it out when I was ready to leave home.  I usually have to use a curling iron every two days to maintain this style.  






Coolway True Smooth Spray is an amazing product, I am very impressed.

Use code BeautyStat14 to receive a 10% discount on all °Coolway 
purchases at www.coolwayhair.com (not including shipping revenue and 
taxes).

This item was provided for review courtesy of BeautyStat.com.

Click here to see how my hair looked on Day 6, 8 and 11.

"...because your make-up should always enhance." - Nakita Squires

Review - Avon Total Radiance Solutions A.M./P.M. Dual Cleanser

When my sister gave me a two-in-one bottle of Avon Total Radiance Solutions A.M./P.M. Dual Cleanser I was so excited!!!  

From the first time I saw this type of packaging at the Avon display booths at various sales events it caught my attention because it is so unique.  It is true that our skin has different  needs first thing in the morning vs last thing at night, so I could not wait to use the Refreshing Day Cleanser and Makeup Removing Night Cleanser.

I don't usually purchase Avon skincare products because it's easier for me to just buy something from the beauty supply store.  The opportunity to test this product was not going to pass me by.

The first time I used it I realised that I was not fond of the smell, it reminded me of those hand-soaps that have a plastic, artificial smell. which I dislike immensely. I held my breath as much as possible, and tried to ignore the smell when I had to breathe. 

After washing my face it felt stiff and looked dry.  Interestingly enough, by the time I applied my make-up my skin was glowing and dewy.  This all seemed a bit strange to me, I could not believe that it was the same skin.  

I would hate to think that the cleanser intentionally dries out the skin which will result in the production of excess oils to compensate for the initial dryness.  That cannot be good for the skin, plus I prefer a matte finish.  I used it for one week to monitor the results and they were consistent during that period.  

What a shocker.  I really did not expect it to turn out like this.  The whole experience left me feeling very disappointed,  I had such high hopes in the beginning.  This one was a definite miss for me. 

"...because your make-up should always enhance." - Nakita Squires

NYX Pecan Blush Y U No...?

Image Source http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/p-24-powder-blush.aspx

I'm not happy with my NYX Pecan Blush; at least not yet.

I love to see a cheek highlight, it makes me feel all warm and tingly inside.  I bought NYX Pecan Blush to create that effect, but so far no good.

After applying multiple layers before it shows on my skin tone, I then have to brush, and brush, AND BRUSH because it does not blend into my skin - it just sits there sticking out like a sore thumb.  All of that brushing makes it look a bit better, but I still do not get the desired effect.  It is so unlike my Sleek Blush By 3 Pink Sprint which applies like a dream.

I've used my angled blush brush, and lately I've been using my Eco Tools Custom Coverage Buffing Brush but the results are the same.

I am now in 'Make-up Problem Solver Mode' and my mind is working overtime trying to find a solution.  A few options have popped into my thoughts and I plan to try them all because I refuse to let my money and product go to waste.

I shall not rest until I get my NYX Pecan Blush to work the way it is supposed to.  Stay tuned...

"...because your make-up should always BE (Blend and Enhance)." - Nakita Squires

Swatch Me - Meta OCC Lip Tar Stained Gloss

At first glance I thought that this 'neon-red' was too bright for me and that I would never be able to wear it.  I'm happy to say that I was wrong and I actually like it.

Meta is a fun, playful colour and that is exactly how I feel when I wear it.  It isn't opaque like the Lip Tars nor as thick.  The colour is still very lovely and the name isn't bad either.

Wondering what a 'Swatch-Cloth' is?  It's how I affectionately refer to the evidence of my swatching.  I included it to give a behind the scenes peek - there is alot of wiping off and reapplying (to say the least).

Special thanks to Lip Factory, Inc. for taking me out of my 'Colour Comfort Zone', I won Meta in one of their giveaways. Even though I always find a way to wear most make-up colours, and look great while doing it; I would never have given that colour a second glance.  

As the saying goes 'don't knock it until you try it' because you may find a lovely make-up treasure.

In case you missed them here are swatches of OCC Lip Tar Hoochie and OCC Lip Tar Stalker , who also make an appearance on the 'Swatch-Cloth'.

Thanks so much for visiting, see you next Wednesday.

"...because your make-up should always BE (Blend and Enhance)." - Nakita Squires

Swatch Me - Hoochie OCC Lip Tar

I remember my reaction when I first heard about OCC Lip Tars.  I was very confused as visions of lips covered in asphalt danced through my mind. Thankfully I was totally wrong.

If you are unfamiliar with this product; you can find out more about this breakthrough in the Make-Up Industry.

Presenting 'Hoochie' (I'm not a fan of the name)-

What do I love about it? - It is VERY pigmented and a little bit goes a long way.

What don't I like about it? - The product separates in the tube, but a quick shake solves this.



Depending on my outfit and the occasion, I sometimes wear a coloured gloss over it.

I bought the Lip Tars here in Barbados from Dee Blackett/Essential Trends.  (I also bought my Sleek BB Cream and Sleek Blush by 3 from her, see the swatch and review for them here) and  I won Meta in a Lip Factory Inc giveaway.

Next on the 'Swatch List' are OCC Lip Tar Stalker and OCC Lip Tar Stained Gloss in Meta.  See Stalker and meet Meta.


"...because your make-up should always BE (Blend and Enhance)." - Nakita Squires

Strip Eyelashes - Get the Wow Eyelashes You Crave!

This week has been all about eyelashes so far.  In case you missed it, click here for Monday's Facebook post  'Battle of the Maybelline Mascaras'.

Mascara is the traditional way of enhancing your natural eyelashes, but for those of you like me who have short natural eyelashes it may only make a subtle difference.

Today we are going to a whole new level with Strip Eyelashes.

Wow, what a noticeable difference! They give me the lovely lashes that I crave.

This is the Strip Eyelash that I used:

I only wear Strip Eyelashes for make-up contests but I have vowed to put them to the ultimate test someday and wear them for a special occasion.  I prefer Strip Eyelashes that look natural not the ones that look like thick, plastic doll lashes.

With enough practice Strip Eyelashes can be applied quickly and easily.  But if they don't form part of your regular make-up routine,  it  will require some time, effort and patience, but the end result makes it all worthwhile.

Have you ever worn Strip Eyelashes before, or any other type of Eyelash Extension?  What was your experience like?

"...because your make-up should always BE (Blend and Enhance)." - Nakita Squires

BMEX 2013 - Jolie Lipsticks and Lipgloss

I just learned first-hand that taking closeup lip photos is not as easy as it looks.

Applying the lip product was the easy part but capturing a decent shot can take awhile.  Especially since something that looks perfect to the human eye does not always look perfect on camera, and correcting those imperfections takes time also.  I started happily at 6 pm and it's now 8 pm, you can do the maths.

The good news is that here are the swatches of the three products that were bought from the Jolie Lipsticks booth at BMEX 2013.

As soon as I got home I tried it on my lips but the lipstick did not glide on smoothly because my lips are naturally dry.  I wiped it off, applied Lip Balm first and the lipstick went on like 'butter on a warm dinner roll'.

I love everything about my Matte Paprika Lipstick; from the elegant packaging to the vibrancy of it's colour.
I can tone it down for a day at the office or I can amp it up for a night on the town.  I can wear it matte or I can add some gloss because I'm a glossy lips girl.

Here's what my mother had to say about her Matte Burgandy Lipstick and Stiletto Lipgloss - " Both of the colours are lovely, but Stiletto is my favourite because that name is associated with class/style and I love it's glossy finish."

I guess that's where I get my love of gloss from, thanks mum.

My mother and I speak for the young and the young at heart; Jolie Lipsticks has a colour and a finish for everyone.  Some of the colours we wanted were sold out at BMEX, but we placed our orders and can't wait to get them.  As soon as they arrive we'll review those too.

This has been one of my favourite reviews so far.  Not only because of the excellent product but also because it allowed my mother and I to spend some quality time together, sharing in something that we both love.

Which type of lipstick do you prefer - matte or glossy, and which brands are your favourite?

Is there anyone that you share your love of make-up with?

"...because your make-up should always BE (Blend and Enhance)." - Nakita Squires