Fresh for Spring: The New Pixi Pretties Collection

*PR Product/Affiliate links

If you were to ask me what beauty brand exudes springtime, I don't think anyone could top Pixi. From their pastel green packaging, to their glow inducing, rose-infused skincare, to their soft, ethereal makeup, Pixi's products are basically the cosmetic equivalent of frolicking in a field of flowers. Sweet, feminine, and effortless, Pixi Beauty is the perfect brand for more minimal makeup lovers, and is one of my go-tos whenever I'm craving a lighter look.

As we're FINALLY starting to see the signs of Spring here in New England, the timing is perfect to start playing with some fresh, new makeup. Earlier this year, Pixi released a new range of products to their Influencer-created Pixi Pretties collection. Last year's offerings, such as the It'sEyeTime Palette and Double Cleanse, were some of my most treasured products of 2017, so I was incredibly excited to see what new collaborations Pixi had in store for us.

Falling In Love All Over Again: New Launches From BareMinerals

*PR Samples/Affiliate Links

If I was to ask myself which makeup brand I've had the longest relationship with, nothing even comes close to BareMinerals. Their Original Loose Powder Foundation was the first high-end product I ever remember owning, and I treasured that jar like it was filled with powdered gold. The obsession only continued - from warmth and mineral veil, to blushes, eyeshadows, and even brow powder. At one point I'm pretty sure my entire makeup routine (with the exception of mascara and lipstick, perhaps) consisted entirely of BareMinerals loose powders.

Fast forward 15 years (...seriously though, how has it been that long?) and BareMinerals products are still some of my everyday go-tos. Of course, a lot of things have changed since high school. With the addition of skincare and pressed powders, the BareMinerals lineup is way more comprehensive than it was in the early 2000s. And while some brands miss the mark while trying to be trendy or keep up with the times, I feel like BareMinerals has always managed to find that sweet spot of creating classic, effortless, everyday products that can work for women of any age.

All that being said, you can imagine my excitement over having the opportunity to go to New York City for an event promoting the launch of the new BarePro 16 Hour Full Coverage Concealer. I have been obsessed with the BarePro Performance Wear Powder Foundation, which provides beautiful, matte coverage while being incredibly convenient and easy to apply. In addition to the concealer, I also got to take home a few other new goodies from BareMinerals to test and try out for you guys. So let's jump in and take a closer look at the latest additions to the family!

A Lesson in Luxury from Emile Cordon

*PR Sample

As someone that grew up in a coupon-clipping, sale-shopping, extra-frugal household, my relationship with the idea of luxury has been a complicated one. Purchases were all about practicality and purpose. As long as it got the job done, spending any more than the bare minimum was unnecessary. That being said, your girl has also always had expensive tastes. My father used to joke that if you took all the price tags off everything in a store, and asked me to pick one thing to buy, it would still end up being the priciest thing they had to offer.

What can I say? I've got an eye for quality.

It's never been about status or appearances, or wanting to impress people with designer labels. I'm just an incredibly sensory person, and have a strong appreciation for the experience of something. Catching a whiff of a beautiful perfume, indulging in the velvety texture of a lotion, being mesmerized by the sparkle of a glittery shadow. That to me is what luxury is really about.

And of course, a luxurious experience or product doesn't necessarily have to be ridiculously priced. I've found my fair share of budget-friendly indulgences over the years. But when you've always felt a pang of guilt when it comes to treating yourself, or never allowed yourself to believe that spending a little more on a certain product is worth it, there is a certain power in giving yourself permission to just enjoy something seemingly frivolous every once in a while.

That perspective is exactly what has lead me to a place of appreciation for the Emile Cordon Cashmere-On Lip Pots. 10 years ago I would have never been able to conceive how a $42 lip balm could possibly be worth it. And while I still wouldn't call something like this a necessity, I have way less judgment around the idea of wanting to pamper yourself with such a luxurious product. If these magical little pots have the potential to bring a moment of joy and self-care to your day, then maybe they're worth the splurge.

Major Deal Alert! Sephora Favorites Selfie Kit

*Affiliate links used

Friends, I've got a nostalgic place in my heart for these Sephora Favorites kits. When I first started out blogging and couldn't afford to drop hundreds of dollars on new makeup to review, they were one of my favorite ways to explore the beauty scene on a budget. From glowy essentials, to the latest in nude lips, Sephora does a great job of curating fun and trendy collections of products to sample.

Admittedly, since those early days my beauty collection has grown to a healthy size, and I find myself being a lot more discerning about whether or not I really need another sampler set. This Selfie Kit, though. This was a deal too good for me to pass up.

New at the Drugstore for Spring 2018: Physician's Formula's Latest Launches

While the temperatures in New England are still below freezing, it appears that Spring has arrived in the beauty world. Over the past couple of weeks, brands all over have been dropping the first of their 2018 launches, gearing up for what will surely be another epic year in beauty. While I'm currently on a no-buy for January, I did manage to pick up a few of Physician's Formula's latest releases to test out at the end of last year. The new Healthy range includes a foundation and a liquid lipstick, both with wider shade selections than any other product I've seen previously from the brand. They've also expanded their insanely popular Butter range with the addition of the Butter Highlighter - a cream-to-powder formula that sports the same heavenly tropic scent. After about a month of playing around with these products, I've got some thoughts to share. 

Ten Lip Products to Try for Fall

*Affiliate links used

As much as it pains me to say goodbye to the long, sunny days of summer, I think I'm finally ready to embrace all things fall. Yes, bring on the blanket scarves, the plaid shirts, and everything pumpkin spice. I'm a New Englander, and when the leaves start to turn its hard to not find yourself getting swept up in that autumnal spirit.

One of the first places I turn to welcome each new season is my everyday lip collection. While it's true that there are no rules in makeup, I personally find it fun to change up shades and textures at different times of the year. Which, for right now, means trading in my peaches, corals, and vibrant pinks for rich reds, warm nudes, bold berries, and rusty hues. After spending a good amount of time swatching and playing with a somewhat ridiculous number of lipsticks, I've got ten gorgeous shades to share with you. From your classic mattes to sheer glosses, I think there's a little something here for everyone!

Bloomingdale's Exclusive: Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Lips

*PR Samples/Affiliate links used

Guys, I am SO excited to finally have my hands on my very first Charlotte Tilbury products! As a makeup addict/lover of all things rose gold, Charlotte's line seriously speaks to my heart. Truly the only reason I haven't added her products to my collection is that they come with a luxury price tag, and given my current state of budgeting I've had to make some tough calls about what can and cannot be purchased off my wish list. However, the stars apparently aligned, and I was gifted two of her latest lip launches at a recent beauty event. I was over-the-moon thrilled to finally get to experience her makeup first hand, and to let you all know whether or not they are actually worth the splurge!

Maybelline Color Sensational Shaping Lip Liner Review

 *This post was sponsored by Maybelline. All opinions expressed are my own.

In the world of beauty, there are lots of myths and preconceived notions about certain products. Foundation does not, in fact, have to feel like a mask. Those with a natural flush to their cheeks can look beautiful wearing blush. And if the first image that pops into your head when you hear the word "lipliner" is that whole let's-rock-a-liner-10-shades-darker-than-my-lipstick trend, I am about to give you a whole new perspective.

As a self-proclaimed Lazy Girl it's true that applying a liner under my lipstick is not always something I make the time for. However, ever since Maybelline sent me their new range of  Color Sensational Shaping Lip Liners to review, I've been reminded how worth it that extra step can be. A great lipliner will not only give your lip look extra precision and wear time, but it can also open up a ton of artistic possibilities. Whether you want to create a custom lip cocktail, or a perfect ombre illusion, the world of lipliner is your oyster.

Spring Fling: Glossy Lip Colors to Love

*This post contains affiliate links

I am SO READY to embrace all things spring. Give me sunshine. Give me flowers. And please for the love of all things good take my winter coat and bury it in the back of the closet. For me, this time of year is all about lightening up. Lightening up my clothes, lightening up my mood, and in the case of today's post, lightening up my lipstick. While I don't think the matte liquid lip trend is going anywhere anytime soon, I personally am in desperate need of a change. From sheer glosses, to creamy lipsticks I've been embracing a more cheerful, comfortable kind of lip product as per late. So if you're also craving a little springtime inspiration, here are a few of favorite lip products for channeling those vibes!

New in: Glo Minerals' Latest Launches

I am an odd duck. Or at least, that's how I feel some days. I'm a total introvert and definitely need a lot of time to myself to charge up my emotional batteries, but I also LOVE meeting people and making new friends. There's something so fun about the process of getting to know a person and seeing your relationship change from being strangers to something more. It's the same with beauty. Every time I discover or am contacted by a brand I've never tried I feel that same fluttery excitement as I anticipate what our first encounter will be like.

Recently I was contacted by Glo Minerals and asked if I would be interested in trying a few of their newest product launches. At that point Glo was a brand I knew by name only, so I checked out their website to get a better understanding of what they're all about. As it turns out, Glo Minerals is the makeup line of Glo Professional, a brand designed for use by skincare professionals (dermatologists, estheticians, and the like). They're passionate about producing high-quality, cruelty-free cosmetics that will not only be safe and gentle for your skin, but also help protect it from UV and environmental damage. Their products are free of talc, non-comedogenic, and designed for use on sensitive skin.

As someone that totally nerds out over reading labels and likes to be conscious of the chemicals I'm putting on my face every day, I knew Glo Minerals was a brand that I would totally jive with. They ever so graciously sent me four of their newest product launches to play with, and I'm happy to report back and give you all the full scoop!

Sephora Favorites: Give Me Some Nude Lip Kit Review

If you guys saw my lip product declutter last week, you're probably well aware that I have a bit of a weak spot when it comes to all things lip related. With all of the variety in shades and textures and finishes, its easy to get carried away. Now, if you can live your life with a sole lipstick, more power to you. But I just can't help myself. I like to have options.

Which brings us to today's post. If you want to give me the judge-y one-eyebrow-raise for going out and buying MORE lip products, I understand. But when I saw this kit at Sephora I just knew I needed to swatch and review it for you guys. Crazy as it may be I will probably never tire of trying new lippies, nor will I ever stop being excited to clue you in to a great deal. And this one guys, is a pretty excellent deal. The Sephora Favorites Give Me Some Nude Lip Kit ($28) is the perfect way to sample some of the newest lip releases in flattering neutral shades AND with a retail value of $88, you're definitely getting some serious bang for your buck. Sounds too good to be true, am I right? But I promise, it's as true as true can be.

Score This Deal: LORAC Lip & Cheek Set

Hey friends! I've got a serious savings alert coming your way. I stumbled upon this sweet little LORAC set while perusing the Ulta website, and wanted to clue you in to its existence. LORAC is one of those makeup brands that I don't think gets enough hype in the beauty-sphere. Known best for their amazing eyeshadow palettes (you can see my full review of the Pro 3 Palette here), I feel like the rest of their line has mostly slipped under the radar. I too am guilty of not taking the time to explore more from the brand, so when I had a few Ulta points to cash in on, I decided this set was a perfect investment! For only $30 you get a full sized blush, lipstick, and lipliner in coordinating shades. Purchased individually these same products would cost you $56, which is adds up to an almost 50% discount. I don't know about you, but that sounded pretty darn good to me!

New in: Hourglass GIRL Lip Stylo

Friends, it's time for a #realgirl moment. As many of you know, blogging is not my full time gig. Even though I would love to devote 8 hours of my day to all things beauty, I've got to be somewhat realistic about things like not defaulting on my mortgage. For now that means working full time and blogging in whatever other hours I can find. Most days I get up at 6 am, cram in an hour of blog work whilst chugging a cup of coffee, throw myself into the shower, and slap some makeup on before I hurriedly leave the house at 7:30. Sure I manage to make myself look presentable, but it's because I have an arsenal of products that I could probably apply with my eyes closed. On a weekday morning I am all about effortless, easy makeup. Which means that as much as I love a good matte liquid lip, ain't nobody got time for that.

At the same time, that doesn't mean I need to sacrifice luxury or feeling like a classy lady. At Generation Beauty LA I was able to take home a few shades of the latest lip launch from Hourglass, and I knew immediately we would be makeup besties. The Hourglass GIRL Lip Stylo is a hydrating, buildable lip color that reigns supreme in my no-fuss everyday makeup bag. With the perfect combination of sophistication and practicality, it's basically got #girlboss written all over it.

NYX Lip Lustre Try-On and Review

Fellow beauty junkies, let me know if you understand this struggle. Life lately has been kind of bananas. After being in Iceland for a week and spending last weekend at Gen Beauty, I feel pretty behind on life stuff and have had tons of errands and such to run. Needless to say, the giant bag of beauty loot I took home with me last Sunday (or should I say, bags) has been sitting neglected in my bedroom, waiting patiently for me to come and play. It reminds me of when I was a kid, and my parents made my brother and I wait until AFTER church AND breakfast to open our presents on Christmas morning.

Ugh, TORTURE.

Thankfully though, I finally got some time this weekend to stay home and dive full-on into all things blog related. One of the things I was most excited about was sitting down to film a lip swatch video of the new NYX Cosmetics Lip Lustre Glossy Lip Tints ($7). I've never done something like this before on my channel, but it actually ended up being a lot of fun! So if you want to see what the deal is with this fun new launch, just keep reading!

Save or Splurge? Another Drugstore and High-End Beauty Showdown

*This post contains affiliate links.

Anyone who's been around these parts for a while knows that when it comes to beauty products, I appreciate having a healthy mix of high-end and drugstore options. Sometimes the quality of a product merits the extra cash, sometimes the budget friendly option performs better. It's one of the things I love about beauty blogging. The more I try and review, the better able I am to compare and contrast so you guys can reap the benefits!

I know I'm not the only one who loves searching for a good dupe. It looks like my original Save or Splurge post has been getting a lot of attention lately, which made me think it's about time I did a follow up! Over the past 7 or 8 months I've been keeping an eye out for potential pairings, and I think I've now rounded up a nice little selection of products to share with you guys.

Today I've got four of my favorite high-end beauty products to talk about: a cult favorite liquid lipstick, an iconic brow pencil, the perfect summer blush tint, and the super glue of eyeshadow primers. Are they worth the splurge? Or should you save your money and opt for these budget friendly drugstore options instead? Let's take a look!

New-In from Nudestix: Gel Color Lip + Cheek Balm

So you guys already are probably aware my love for Nudestix is strong. Their products are hella cute, super convenient, and never slouch on performance. It all started with the Lip + Cheek Pencil in Ripe (which I've been reaching for a ton this spring) and has only taken off since then. About a month or two ago I was perusing the "Just Arrived" section of the Sephora website (cause really, when am I not?) and was thrilled to discover a new Nudestix product had launched. From the second I laid eyes on them, I knew the Gel Color Lip + Cheek Balm was going to be boss, and I also knew I needed to have them in my life.

Now, full disclosure, because you guys know I'm all about honesty in these parts. My genuine enthusiasm for Nudestix landed me on their PR list, which means that from time to time they'll send me their products for free. I'm never asked to write a review, nor say anything positive about whatever I'm sent on social media or otherwise. Basically they're just trusting that their products are great, and if people like them, they'll want to share them with their audiences. Nudestix is in no way compensating me for talking about their products, however I AM a Sephora affiliate, which means if you go out and buy these lovely pencils using one of the links from this post, I can earn a small commission from your purchase. So if that's something you aren't cool with, I totally respect that.

Phew, all right, now that we've gotten the formalities out of the way, let's get back to talking makeup. These pencils looked pretty legit, and I was incredibly thrilled to be sent three to try. Want to know more? Yeah you do!

Milk Makeup Have a Good Trip Set

Is it just me, or does it feel like there are constantly new makeup brands popping up at Sephora and Ulta? I love to peruse both sites on the regular to see what has recently been added, and I feel like my to-try list just keeps growing longer and longer. In particular, I've heard a lot of hype around Milk Makeup, a youthful new line that's available at Sephora and in the Birchbox shop. One of my favorite ways to explore a new brand is to pick up one of their travel sets. For the cost of usually only one or two full-sized items you get to try a variety of products and develop a better sense for what the brand is about. So of course, when I was considering what I wanted to spend my hoarded Birchbox Points on, the Milk Makeup Have a Good Trip Set was at the top of the list.

Orange Crush

As a warning, this post may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I seriously CANNOT get enough of orange colored lips. There's something so fierce and energetic about a firey pout that it basically gives me an instant boost of self confidence every time I rock one. Plus, orange just screams summertime. Spicy lips, bronzed skin, beachy waves...what's not to love?

Today I wanted to share five of my favorite lip products for channelling my inner sexy salsa dancer. If orange seems way outside your comfort zone, I challenge you to take the plunge and give it a try! It's an extremely flattering color on light and deep skintones alike, but much like its oh-so-basic cousin pink, it's all a matter of finding a shade that works right for you.

Tarte Double-Duty Beauty 101 Discovery Kit

All right, friends. I've got a major value alert coming your way. About a month ago I decided to pick up the new Tarte Double Duty Beauty 101 Discovery Kit ($36) and put it to the test. The Double Duty Beauty Collection just launched for Spring and is exclusive to Ulta stores. Designed with the busy girl-on-the-go in mind, every product is aimed towards slimming down your beauty routine and making some space in that cosmetics bag. You can shop the entire collection here, which contains some super cute palettes and innovative new foundation formulas in addition to the products in this set. With four full-sized products valued at almost $100, the Beauty 101 Discovery Kit is a steal for only $36. I also thought it'd be a great way to get a feel for the new collection and see if it was worth checking out.

New In: Drugstore Lip Loves & Loathes

In true Lauren fashion, I've added way more lip products to my collection recently than is probably necessary for anyone ever. In my defense, the drugstore basically exploded with new products in the past three months, and as your resident beauty expert I feel compelled to stay on the up-and-up for you guys. Fortunately I'm all about that coupon life and was able to snag all of these products at a crazy discount as a result. Seriously. If there is one thing I want you to take away from reading my blog, it's that you don't need to spend a small fortune on beauty products. Part of the reason I love writing reviews is because it affords me the opportunity to take some of the guess work out of the shopping process for others. I want you all to shop smart. To have your cake and eat it too (or in this case, have your lipstick, plus another lipstick, and still have money for your morning coffee run).

So let's chat a little bit about what's new and good in the world of drugstore lip products. L'Oreal, Maybelline, Revlon, and Burt's Bees all had some promising launches that I've put to the test for you. Spoiler alert, some are pretty great, some are all right, and at least one is kind of awful. Have some guesses as to what's what? Let's see if you've got some beauty mind reading powers.