happy friday y'all!

1. My week was off to a rough start thanks to a night out with my old roomie and bff Kayla. 

Sunday was so rough that the most movement I did was bed to couch, then back to bed. 

2. It was time for the seasonal closet cleaning this week. The things I realize haven't been worn more than once is crazy. Like this bling bling NYE dress from circa 2009. Sexy ain't it? 

3. No Doubt is back. And I'm loving it... in a creepy obsessive way. I watched their E! special, their two appearances on Ellen, and broke out the Tragic Kingdom CD. Please tell me I'm not the only super-fan! 

4. The sun is setting earlier and earlier around here. Luckily I caught this one right before our walk around the lake. 

5. Is anyone else deathly afraid of haircuts? I've been seeing my stylist for 7 years, but I'm so attached to my hair it's ridiculous. Luckily, Meg can always read my mind and knows what I want without me having a clue.

See more H54F posts on Lauren's blog! 

Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!  

lip stains: tarte vs. revlon

I'm not much of a lip stain girl. The bold lip stains that I have tried made me look like Edward Cullen just took a bite of Bella for dinner. Point is- after cringing at myself in the mirror after two different attempts of trying lip stains, I've kinda given up on this product. 

Some things just weren't made for everyone, right?

My personal preference are lip balms, tinted lip balms, and lipstick.  Only problem is, I often always forget to re-apply throughout the day, thus just looking plain jane. Then I started becoming really interested in these crayon-shaped "lip balm stains" popping up everywhere that claim to be a moisturizing lip stain offering a glossy finish, increased moisture, and long-lasting color. First by Clinique and Tarte, and now Revlon. 

The Tarte LipSurgence Natural Lip Stains have been around for a while. They claim to provide hours of moisture and lasting color on your lips and they "naturally increase the skin's water content for a 'plumped up' appearance." Ingredients include Jojoba oil, Vitamins C and E, and Peppermint oil. And as with any Tarte product, they are formulated without parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, and sulfate. 

Tarte LipSurgence retails for $24.00 and there are seven shades to choose from. 

This year, Revlon released the Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains, an obvious attempt at putting a similar product to out-do the Tarte version for a third of the cost.

These can cost $7.00 - $9.00 and they come in twelve shades. 

What is really great about both products is the packaging. 

Both have a retractable crayon, so a sharpener is not needed.

[L to R: Tarte Amused, Revlon Sweetheart, Revlon Cherish]

How They Apply

Tarte Amused is a darker coral/red that applies more sheer than you would expect. The label says "natural lip stain" so the fact that it applies more sheer makes sense. This glides on so smoothly. It really feels moisturizing and has a strong mint scent.

The Revlon stains apply more true to color. I find that the Sweetheart applies very opaque and Cherish is a little more sheer, but both are "what you see is what you get." These also have a strong minty scent. They apply a little less smooth than the one by Tarte. 

[Tarte Amused, Revlon Sweetheart, Revlon Cherish]

Which one lasts longer and is a truly a stain?

I find that the Revlon outlasts the Tarte. 

So which is worth the purchase?

It depends on your preference. 

If you prefer a more "natural" lip stain, with very moisturizing ingredients, and have a little more money to spend, I would go with Tarte. 

If you are looking for a long-lasting "stain" with a wide range of colors to choose from and don't want to spend that much, go with Revlon. 

They are both great! For me, it comes down to price. I would have to choose Revlon! 

Do you own these? 

Which do you think you prefer? 

Have you ever tried the Clinique version (chubby sticks)? 

I'm curious! 

theBalm Nude 'Tude Palette Review

If there is one staple makeup product to have, a neutral eye palette is what I would recommend. A good neutral palette should be able to give you a full look with just the shadows in the palette. 

What I look for in a neutral palette include: shimmery white or bright pink shade for highlighting, light pinks, shimmery gold, matte or semi-frosty taupe, and a matte black shade. 

This Nude 'Tude palette by theBalm palette offers just that.... and more great options! 

Don't get me wrong, I love my Urban Decay Naked palettes, but those can run you about $50 each. And this palette is not a "dupe" by any means, but it offers some similar everyday neutral shades that are just as great of quality as the UD palettes. There's also some great dark shades that can easily be used for any smokey eye if you prefer a more dramatic look.

Not to mention, any packaging by theBalm is super cute! 

Swatches

Sassy is a frosty white.

Stubborn is a pale shimmering pink.

Selfish is a metallic taupe.

Sophisticated is a shimmery bronzed taupe.

Sexy is matte mahogany/burgundy.

 Serious is a true matte black.

All of these shades above are very pigmented.

Snobby is a light yellow-gold.

Stand-Offish is a metallic pinky-champagne.

Sultry is a matte medium brown.

Seductive soft shimmery bronze.

Silly is a rich brown with gold shimmer.

Sleek is a dark matte brown.

Do you own this palette?

What are you favorite shades?

Happy Friday, Y'all!

Another work week down. Happy Friday, y'all! 

1. New ottoman from Overstock came in. Other than wall art and bedding, my bedroom is almost complete. 

Now on to bigger projects-- like (re)painting the living room and constructing a fireplace mantel. Halp!

2. Dropped Ben off at the airport. He's in St. Louis for two weeks on a work trip. 

Miss him a lot, but can't wait to see him next Friday! 

3. Shoutout to an avid Pastels and Mascara reader and one of my dearest friends, Danielle! She got a new job and I couldn't be happier for her! I love it when good things happen to good people. I love her to death. Hey Dani!

4. Got to squeeze in two walks around the LSU lakes this week with the roomie. The weather here has been so fall, and I'm loving it. 

5. What would a post be without including some new beauty goodies? You'll notice two things from my Fall Wish List. You've already seen my review on the Maybelline quad, so look for upcoming posts about the nail polish and mascara.

See more H54F posts on Lauren's blog!

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september birchbox

My September Birchbox just arrived yesterday. Probably the latest I've ever received one. However, a little surprised at how many things came in this month's box.

Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel

I'm pretty picky about the face washes I use. But this seems like it would work well with my Clarisonic. It's also a nice size sample that I'll be able to use to see if I really like it or not. 

Dr. Jart BB Cream

I still haven't tried the BB cream that I received in July. I'm trying to finish my Smashbox one. But, now that I have two more to try, might do a review comparing all three. I've heard good things about the Dr. Jart, so definitely excited about this one.

Color Club Polish in "Put a Pin in It"

I took a sneak peak at what was coming this month, and knew that everyone was getting a Color Club nail polish. Birchbox and Color Club created an "exclusive collection" with four shades. The only shade I was wanting from the four is the one I got-- woohoo! And it's a metallic rose gold shade. We'll see how it compares to Orly Rage.

LA Fresh Instant Body Soother

Not crazy about these. You're supposed to use these on your neck and shoulders when feeling stressed. Who knows, I might get a wild hair bored and try it out. 

The Brush Guard (Set of 4)

These are kinda cool. Supposed to use these on your brushes when putting them in your makeup bag to keep the dirt and excess makeup from spreading. Should be nice for traveling.

Twistband Emijay Hair Tie

I like emijays, and I like that I've never had to buy a pack since I've received a few from Birchbox.

Birchbox also included a "fall lookbook" mini magazine full of makeup tips and looks. 

There is also a $25 gift card coupon to Madewell. I have really been curious about this store so I may check it out! 

Interested in Birchbox? Sign up here!

What did you get this month?