LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 4

Maybelline / Burt's Bees / Yes To Carrots

Today's post is just a quick tinted lip balm roundup, featuring the ones mentioned earlier, which you may or may not be familiar with. (Personally, I'd previously never heard of the one by Yes To Carrots!) As you may know, (if you've been reading along), I am particularly fond of tinted lip balms for everyday wear, as the provide a good dose of hydration, along with a hint of tint - something low maintenance that is 'just enough but not too much'. Keep reading to see a little summary of each...

1. Maybelline Baby Lips in Pink Glow

Opacity: This one comes out clear, then develops into a sheer pinky shade that is supposedly unique for each wearer, depending on their lip colour. On me, it ranges from a muted rosy colour, to a pink that's actually surprisingly bright (see Day 2 for reference). It's not very pigmented, but there is a slight wash of colour.

Hydration: It glides on with ease and is rather moisturising. It can leave my lips feeling dry if I don't reapply after eating and drinking.

Longevity: Because it is so hydrating, it doesn't stand up to eating and drinking very well (which isn't unexpected, anyway). It lasts for around an hour or two without eating/drinking.

Price: $3.95 for 4g

Other notes: This one has a pleasant, fruity scent. Also, I tried to swatch this, but it didn't show up at all on my skin.


2. Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Rose

Opacity: This one is the most pigmented out of the three. In terms of opacity it's closer to Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butters than a regular tinted lip balm, though it's not quite as pigmented, and on the balmier side.

Hydration: This one is quite hydrating, and provides lasting moisture over a decent period of time (it keeps my lips happy during work in an air-conditioned environment).

Longevity: It lasts surprisingly well through my shift (4-8 hours), even through eating and drinking if I'm careful.

Price: $15 for 4.25g

Other notes: It has a slight scent about it that is kind of difficult to describe - most probably due to the natural ingredients it contains - it's not quite a chemically scent, but it's not really distinguishable and it doesn't bother me, though it might bother some people. It can also get a bit 'melty' in warmer weather, which makes it a good pick for the cooler months. This one swatches better than the other two, which didn't show up at all.


3. Yes To Carrots Color Balm in Soft Plum

Opacity: This one also provides a sheer hint of colour that's very natural and barely perceptible (I could tell the different, but my mother couldn't!) It's slightly pigmented, but not more than your average tinted lip balm.

Hydration: It has a creamy consistency that has less slip than Baby Lips, and it does glide on with more resistance than the other two mentioned above. The oils in it can take longer to melt into lips especially in colder weather, and it makes my lips feel a little dry if I don't reapply frequently, or after eating and drinking.

Longevity: It lasts about an hour or so until my lips feel dry and I need to reapply.

Price: $6 for 3.3g

Other notes: It has the same 'natural ingredient-y' scent as Burt's Bees, which doesn't really bother me. As it is of a more solid consistency, it'd probably be a good choice for warmer weather, or you may need to stick it in your pocket to warm it up a little before application. I tried swatching this, and it didn't show up very well on my skin, either.


Overall, I think Burt's Bees is hands down my favourite, if not for the ridiculous price tag, compared to the other two. It ticks all the other boxes - Yes To Carrots doesn't quite compare, though it is a more affordable option. Maybelline is quite a good option, too, especially considering what you pay for. I've also got an unopened tube of the tinted version, Maybelline Baby Lips Loves Colour, that I've yet to try - perhaps that'll bridge the gap, but I guess we'll have to wait and see...


Have you tried any of these tinted lip balms?
Do you have a favourite? Please share! x

LIPTEMBER CHALLENGE // DAY 2

Maybelline Baby Lips in Pink Glow

#FOTD

Today is a relatively chill day-off, so I'm just wearing Maybelline's Baby Lips in Pink Glow, which provides a sheer layer of colour and a good measure of hydration. It applies clear-ish, then develops into a pinky tone - a colour which is supposedly unique for each wearer. It lasts pretty well until I eat or drink, but that's not unexpected for a balm. Perfect for relaxed catch-ups with friends - nothing too garish or over the top, but it still looks like I kind of made an effort ;)

The other stuff I used:

*I actually didn't put anything on my cheeks, other than In a Good Light, so I'm not sure why it looks a little pink. #datnaturalglow ;)

WHAT'S IN MY HANDBAG? //

For all you nosy rascals, I'm happy to oblige.

It's a well known fact that women carry the contents of their entire lives in their handbags. Stumbling across this interesting article, I thought I'd clear out my own handbag and take a look. I'd say that the contents of my handbag are pretty standard, though!

The handbag in question: Elms + King Lexington bag, which is roomier than I'm used to, and allows me to carry more junk than I need. On the plus side, it fits a one litre drink bottle upright rather comfortably, which constantly amazes me.

The contents of my handbag...revealed!

The goods (clockwise-ish from top left):
Fossil Tate Clutch Wallet
Ray-Ban Catty Clubmaster Sunglasses - for the last vestiges of sun on those rare 24 degree days that we've been experiencing lately.
GAP leather pouch - for random bits and pieces, such as a mirror and pocket tissues.
Muesli bar - a snack for when I'm on-the-go.
Black pens - always black for me.
iPhone - yup, a 3GS and still going strong. Impressive, right? Well done, Apple, well done.
Spotty pouch - girly stuff. We'll leave it at that.
Natio hand cream
Planner - such a good size, making it practical and portable.
Dettol hand sanitiser
Keys
Lip prodz: Maybelline Baby Lips in Anti-Oxidant Berry, Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Rose, Burt's Bees Lip Gloss in Spring Splendor and Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Balm with sunscreen - one balm, one tinted, one lipgloss...and another balm. (Um, backup?)
Handbag hook - which I've carried around for ages, but have yet put into use (largely due to the fact that I forget I've got it with me...)

I hope you've enjoyed having a snoop. I suppose the four lip products may be viewed as excessive, but for me it's considered 'not-too-outrageous' and completely justified. A girl needs options, right? (Sneaky confession: usually I'd have a bright lippie or two thrown in there as well.)

What strange things do you carry around in your handbag? Hopefully nothing so odd as the ones mentioned in the article above...

DEPARTURE // GOODBYE (BUT NOT FOREVER)

This will be my last post for this month, as I'll be overseas for three weeks, returning at the end of April. I never really know what to take overseas - I feel like there's an art to it, and I'm not one who has packing down to a science! I used to be far more organised - in fact, I'd be the kid who'd start planning for months before the actual trip, writing and rewriting; collating lists of things I'd need, 'the essentials'; what I could potentially buy, etc. Now, the definition of 'packing' is the equivalent of me throwing things haphazardly into a suitcase, hoping that some of it might come in handy, and that I won't have forgotten something I really need.

My makeup bag is no exception:

The breakdown:
Real Techniques Buffing Brush and Stippling Brush
ModelsPrefer Airbrush
EcoTools Deluxe Concealer Brush
B Collection by Bloom Cream Blush for Lips and Cheeks in Barossa Valley
Nivea Daily Face Veil SPF 30
Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Liner Pencil in Black
Neways Barrier Cream
Tweezerman tweezers
Clinique Chubby Stick in Super Strawberry
Rimmel Stay Matte Translucent Powder
Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Candy Apple
Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronze Universel
Maybelline Baby Lips in Anti-Oxidant Berry
MAC Select Cover Up Concealer in NC30
Agnès B. makeup pouch
Natio gwp makeup pouch

The verdict:
Do I really need four brushes? Probably.
Can I really do without a base? If I can get away with it, yes!
Only four lip products? (Am I going to survive?) Oh, don't worry, I'm sure that total will have doubled by the time I return...

See you soon! x

WEEK IN REVIEW // 5

A week of largely crappy weather, last-minute things-to-do, and a revisiting of old (old-ish) favourites.

Clarks boots - These have long been a favourite of mine since I bought them last year. With the rainfall this week I had the excuse to pull them out again.

Glassons knit sweater - I love the colour of this jumper (which goes perfectly with Revlon's ColorBurst Lip Butter in Raspberry Pie, btw), and had the chance to wear it with the cooler weather.

Packing for HK - I'm leaving for an overseas trip to the motherland in 5 days' time! I should probably start actually packing...

Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronze Universel - With the dreary weather I've been reminiscing of Summer, which has made me pull this bronzing beauty out, in the desperate hope to retain (or at least fake my way to) my Summer tan.

Nivea Light Feel Daily Face Veil SPF 30 sunscreen - The last few days were surprisingly sunny, so I've loved layering this under MAC Face and Body, or wearing it on its own with concealer and a touch of cream blush for a no-fuss weekend face.

Maybelline Baby Lips Glow tinted lip balm - I've been using the untainted version for the past couple of weeks, but recently fished this one out of the depths of my makeup bag - perfect for days when I want a slight hint of colour and something that doesn't require precision in application.

Elizabeth Arden Pretty EDP - I've loved this perfume for years now, and have only recently gone back to using it, after switching over to her Pretty Hot sister.

WEEK IN REVIEW // 3

A week of even crazier weather, sickness and sleepiness, a little indulgence, and a bit of good ol' exercise.

Pattison's Patisserie - My first creme brûlée. Ever. And it was delicious. To escape from the storm outside, Dad and I made a quick detour into Pattison's Patisserie, where we enjoyed a few treats. It took all of my weak self-control to not walk out with boxes of macarons. Maybe next time...

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 - This temperamental weather is wreaking havoc on my sensitive skin, so I grabbed this with the hope that it would be able to soothe and hydrate stubborn rashes and dry patches. Within the first couple of days I saw great results; the rashes and dry patches were subdued within a few hours of application, but now I'm not so sure, as the rashes are just as bad as they were before...

Maybelline Baby Lips Anti-Oxidant Berry - Now that my favourite Natio lip balm is nearly finished, I've switched back to this cult fave, though I'm not sure it still makes the cut. Though they're both very similar, I think I still prefer the limited edition Maybelline Baby Lips in Protecting Berry.

Wheat heat pack - This has been my bff this past week, to calm stomach aches and muscle soreness.

Kathmandu Exercise Mat - I've taken to stretching the day after ballet/exercise, which I'd previously not been doing (whoops), and have definitely seen the benefits. While I'd previously written it off as too time consuming, or had just plain forgotten - despite walking around with aching limbs - I think I'll be feeling a whole lot less sore if I manage to keep it up.

ECCO Touch Bow ballet flats - Super comfy, and in a no-nonsense style. A bit of an impulsive purchase, to replace my Seed ballet flats which are currently dying. (I blame it on the spontaneous 5km trek. And my brother, whose brilliant idea it was. Don't do it in a pair of flats - you've been warned!)

What was the highlight of your week? (: