I recently had to opportunity to test out the new True Shimmer lip balm from Chapstick, and I wanted to let you know what I thought. There were some good qualities, and some not so good qualities. So here it is, Chapstick True Shimmer: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly!
The Good: Chapstick really really did a bang-up job on the flavors of these lip balms. I had the chance to try them in Botanical Berry and Tropical, and two new flavors that will be in stores later this summer: Blended Fruit Sherbert and Peppermint Rush. Blended Fruit Sherbert, Botanical Berry and Tropical were fruity and sweet without tasting fake or chemical-ly. They even smelled good. I also liked Peppermint Rush, but was surprised at how strong it was. There is definitely some peppermint oil in here, so beware. It's great though if you want a minty burst, like I sometimes do to pep me up.
The Bad: There is zero sun protection in these balms. For the life of me, I can't figure out why Chapstick can't release a flavored lip product with a decent SPF. With all that we know about skin cancer and sun protection, this really makes no sense. Boo for that!
The Ugly: The "shimmer" in True Shimmer is really not much more than some silver/white flecks, that look horribly ashy on pigmented lips. Because of this, I would NOT recommend True Shimmer to any person of color. I got a little carried away with Peppermint Rush (who I believe is the worst culprit of the bunch), and I ended up looking like Tyrone Biggums. Not a good look. Which was a shame because it was actually rather moisturizing.
Conclusion: If you're not worried about sun protection, then I would recommend Chapstick True Shimmer for its moisture factor. As far as the shimmer, I would only wear it in moderation or under something else.
So, what do you think? Would you give this a try?
Beauty Review: Chapstick True Shimmer
Best Brow Pencil Around, And It's Under $5!
Ok, so I got a little carried away plucking my eyebrows, and the ends are a little...sparse. It wasn't super obvious, but it was driving me crazy, so I dug into my beauty stash and came up with Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil in Dark Brown, $4. I bought it on a whim (and proceeded to throw it into my beauty closet), but I'm so glad I did because this little pencil is the TRUTH!
I usually prefer to use brow powders or waxes when dealing with my brows becuase most pencils are super fake looking. Not Rimmel. I just apply it in light strokes whereever my brows need a little color or shape, and I end up with really natural, perfect looking brows! Plus there's a mini brow brush to blend the color into your brow hairs.
I recommend Dark Brown becuase its a nice, soft, natural looking color. I lightened my brows and it still blending in! (Besides, Black is NEVER a good idea, I don't care how dark your brows are!).
A high quality brow pencil for under $5? Color me impressed!
Aww, Suki Suki Now!
You know how you get when you get a new hairdo, and you can't keep your hands out of your hair? Every time you pass a mirror you have to stop and admire it or play with it?
Well, that's how I am with beauty products, and my latest obsession is Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser, $30. I cannot keep my hands out of this jar! The first thing I noticed about it was its delicious smell. Like sweet lemon cake. I'm telling you, it's all you can do to keep from scooping it up with a spoon!
But what I really love is the cleansing action. I wasn't quite sure how this sugar scrub could also be a foaming cleanser but, miraculously, it is. You put a teeny bit of scrub in your palm and rub your hands together. Voila! It foams up before your very eyes! The sugar crystals give you a good scrub, but the fluffy foam keeps it from being too harsh. Plus, it took off all my makeup, and that gets a cleanser an A+ in my book!
Soft skin and a super clean face? That makes this a definite keeper!
