Lipsense Review

I'm sure you've heard of LipSense, it's pretty much all over Facebook and several of my girlfriends use it. I was first introduced to LipSense at my friends Gabby and Price's wedding. I wasn't in the wedding, but I was kind of like mini assistant to everyone; touching up their hair and makeup, making sure Gabby had everything she needed. It was honestly so much fun! In the midst of all the makeup madness, one of the bridesmaids had on the prettiest pink-nude lip color. She told me it was LipSense and she'd try it on me if I wanted. I ended up loving the color, but because I had lipstick on already, it didn't get applied correctly and cracked on my lips. But I kid you not after a night full of eating and drinking, celebrating the lovebirds, the color was still on my lips the next day.

I honestly forgot about LipSense until a few months later, my good friend Keely asked me if I wanted to try it out. I got the color "Lexie Bear-y", a really pretty wine color, to give it a second shot--this time applied correctly!

I've got to say, I was skeptical what the results would be since it cracked last time, but once I read the instructions I understood why!

"LipSense is not a stain, it doesn't penetrate the skin and go into the bloodstream. LipSense is a patented molecular bond, meaning it sticks to your skin and that is why you have to have clean and dry lips, so that the pigment can stick to them with patented technology.

The formula uses SD40 alcohol. It is thinner than water and after you apply the product, the SD40 alcohol dissipates quickly, only leaving the color in place.  If you experience burning or tingling, it means your lips are dehydrated; the skin is damaged leaving nerve endings exposed.

The patent is in the color, it would stay on without the gloss, but the gloss is the moisture. There is no  moisture value in the color. It is a system that works together."

So hopefully knowing this info helps you understand a bit about the product before use.

How To Apply:
1. Apply to clean, dry lips (Witch Hazel is what they suggest to clean your lips)
2. Shake tube thoroughly
3. Wipe off excess products
4. With parted lips, place applicator on the corner of bottom lip
5. In sweeping motion, apply a thing layer with a light hand to the other corner of your mouth
6. Repeat on upper lip
7. Let first layer dry (VERY IMPORTANT) Complete steps two more times (for a total of three coats)
8. Let third layer dry; then apply your gloss
*Any other gloss or product will break down the color*
9. Rub lips together and enjoy the magic
10. Gloss throughout the day as needed

Some additional tips that I learned through trial and error. It's very important you let you use a light hand. Applying too much per layer will result in it gooping up. Remember, you're putting on a total of three layers of color, you don't need to get it super thick the first coat. Kind of like nail polish. It's also very important that you let it dry completely between each layer. When you buy the starter kit you get one color, the gloss, and the Oops! Remover. The Oops is great if you mess up on a corner or go outside the lines, lol! You can see where I did in my picture. It's more noticeable with the darker shades too. I did experience burning with mine when I applied it. As said above, this means my lips are damaged.

One of the things LipSense warns is that using wax products is bad for your lips. Basically the wax just builds up on your skin, rather than actually healing your lips. I haven't been able to wean myself off of other lip products yet though!

Now for the important part, does it work?? YEP. *When applied correctly* I tested this out at home Saturday. With zero makeup  (so excuse my pictures haha) on other than my Lexie Bear-y LipSense, my boyfriend thought I was insane lol! I put it on that morning and went about my normal day. Eating, drinking, brush my teeth, etc. It didn't come off at all. I could give our puppy kisses without worrying about branding him. I also got the color I loved from my friend wedding, Bravo. I also got First Love. One of the cool things about LipSense is you can mix any colors to form new colors.

I definitely want to try more colors. A the matte gloss too! Let me know what you think in the comments or if you have questions!

XXXX

Lindsey

Bath and Body Works Holiday Candles Review

I have a serious candle problem. I. Want. Them. All. And this Black Friday My mom and I took full advantage of the buy three get three free deal at Bath and Body Works. I wanted to tell you my thoughts on my favorite holiday scents as well as new ones that I am loving! I highly suggest subscribing to Bath and Body Works' email list because they have some sort of deal almost daily or will send out a coupon! Today their Wallflowers are only $3.50 so that is a great opportunity to stock up on some refills or stocking stuffers. I just got the Teakwood Mahogany and my bathroom smells amazing. Also today, get 20% off your order with the code SLEIGHBELL. These candles make great gifts for anyone since they have so many different scents. Some of these are no longer online but can be found in stores still!

Holly Berry Balsam- I was set on getting the Fresh Balsam because it smells just like a Christmas tree and actually found Holly Berry Balsam during checkout and switched them out. The Holly Berry Balsam smells like Christmas tree but mixed with a sweet fragrance. It is so yummy, I could not stop sniffing it!

Flannel- Flannel has been out since fall but I think this is a great candle for year round. It is definitely more of a cologne type smell and I was unsure how I felt about it just by smelling the candle. Once I burned it though I really liked it!

Winter-The best way I can describe this one is if you combined Fresh Balsam and Fresh Sparkling Snow. This candle is hard to categorize but it definitely smells like winter, as the label says! And how cute is the packaging on this one?

Marshmallow Fireside- One of my classic favorites! If you love the smell of a  bonfire this is your new favorite candle. It has the perfect balance of smokey and sweet. I espeically love this candle since I am used to having a fireplace back at my parent's house.

Hot Cocoa & Cream- I honestly thought this one was overly sweet and awful when I smelled  the candle, but after burning it I love it. It literally smells like a freshly made cup of hot chocolate and I think I need to go buy some Swiss Miss and mini marshmallows now.

Champagne Toast- My friends just introduced me to Champagne Toast. They kept raving about how amazing it smells so I knew I had to get it. This candle smells exactly like a Mimosa! I don't really think it is a fall or winter scent, but it is absolutely a keeper. This is good for those who like sweet but fresh scents.

Not Pictured: 
Mahogany Teakwood- This is another new scent for me that I immediately loved. I also purchased a wallflower refill in this scent. It is a masculine, heavy smell, but soooo good.

Sparkling Woods- If you like Mahogany Teakwood but it is a little too overpowering for you, Sparkling Woods would be perfect. It is similar but on the sweeter side.

Frosted Cranberry- This candle is for sweet scent lovers. This is the perfect candle for your kitchen and is absolutely mouthwatering.

Fresh Sparkling Snow- I don't have this candle but I do have the creamy body wash. I didn't pick up the candle because it just didn't seem to be very strong to me, but now I really want to try burning it or getting it in a wallflower because the body wash smells SO good. If you are a fan of Dove's body washes I highly recommend B&BW's new creamy body wash in this scent. It is the same consistency as Dove but the pretty smell stays on my skin so much longer.


That's all for now! What are your favorite holiday candles or fragrances from Bath and Body Works? What other brand candles do you love? Don't forget to subscribe and thanks for reading!

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Lindsey