the glossarie

burt’s bees lip color3

POSTED ON Posted on February 10, 2014 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

burt’s bees’ lip options have come so far from the days where the best among their ranks was this little gem. the line has expanded to include every formula that any natural-loving product girl could ever ask for. from gloss to shimmer and from tinted balms to beautiful shine, burt’s bees lip collection has things covered for whatever lip look you like to portray. here are my favorite shades from each of their four formulas and how i use each one to get a pair of good lookin’ lips.lip gloss in spring splendor, $9
these give beautiful color, lots of shine, and comfortable non-sticky wear. rather than drying out my lips, the formula actually leaves them better off than i started, bringing in moisture. spring splendor is a subtle and flattering pink that i love to layer over drying stains and matte’ish lipsticks.

lip shimmer in rhubarb, $5
perhaps my favorite of the bunch, these skinny little lip slicks are simply gorgeous and bring a nourishing touch to full-coverage pigment. color truly pops and the addition of slight shimmer and a minty taste makes them next level. rhubarb is a deep fuchsia that can be worn year-round, all on its own.

lip shine in pucker, $7
looking for a luxe and lightweight lip sheer to layer over your favorite color? then, look no further. these are great on their own for a no-makeup dewy shine or can be a perfect topper for the lip shimmers. i’m a fan of putting pucker, a natural red, over my favorite stain for a look that provides much more punch than a clear balm.

tinted lip balm in sweet violet, $7
the perfect combination of sheer color and hydration, these can be applied without a mirror and i love the way my lips blossom with the right touch of tint. sweet violet is an unexpected cool, natural purple. it’s just enough to bring a wash of color and buttery hydration to needy, nude lips.

perhaps the very best thing about this lineup? you can invest in one of each for about the same (or less!) than what it would cost you to invest in one prestige lip. if you’re yet to explore this collection and you’re not sure where to start, burt’s bees has this handy little lip shade finder to help you out. (not being able to test products is one of my biggest pet peeves about drugstore shopping, but this solves the issue!)

judging by your #lipbombs, most of you are already familiar with burt’s bees many lip options, but i’d love to know if there are shades out there that my current wardrobe is missing!

this post was sponsored by burt’s bees through their partnership with POPSUGAR. while I was compensated by POPSUGAR to write a post about burt’s bees, all opinions are my own.

Posted in editorial sample, lips | Tagged burt's bees | 3 Comments

bite agave lip mask7

POSTED ON Posted on February 8, 2014 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

this time of year, i cannot survive without this overnight mask. it sinks into skin, replenishing moisture lost to freezing temperatures and best of all, it does not need to be washed off. it’s a lifesaver to say the least, but i have often felt that my lips are a bit left out in the cold – until now.

this past week in nyc, i popped into the bite lip lab to see what the fuss is all about.** to say that i am a huge fan of this brand would be an understatement. they only do lips and they do them damn well, with a run of colors and formulas to suit every pair of lips on the planet.

at my visit, i walked away with bite’s newest product release, their agave lip mask. the manager, melissa, told me to put it on before bed and leave it on overnight for soft lips that will last all day – and that’s exactly what happened. the beauty of this mask is that it eliminates the dead skin that can make your lip color look terrible and it plumps up fine lines so that things wear smoother, and longer. out of the tube it’s extra thick, but it melts onto lips (with a simple and sweet taste) and feels very hydrating. for a boost, try applying this after you’ve applied a lip scrub. you’ll find yourself using less lip balm on the following day since it helps lips to stay moisturized. amazing! this product is innovative and luxurious, and so necessary while we weather this wicked winter.

bite beauty agave lip mask, $26 >

**note: the fuss is underplayed! this place allows you to create a custom lipstick, from designing the perfect shade to layering in your favorite scent, then watching it be poured, molded, and packaged into a one-of-a-kind lip just for you. i’m hoping to review this process for you soon!

Posted in editorial sample, lips | Tagged bite beauty | 7 Comments

philosophy loveswept2

POSTED ON Posted on February 3, 2014 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

it should come as no surprise that when girls come over, things inevitably turn to beauty. this past week, two friends were quite literally sniffing around my vanity, rolling and spritzing various scents when they both saw the gorgeous philosophy bottle sitting on my dresser. one spray and they were hooked on its fresh, girly, and surprisingly energizing aroma – not that i can blame them.

loveswept is a brand new launch for philosophy and i was smitten by its wearable, feminine romance long before my friends started oohing and ahhing. the combination of soft florals (pink jasmine, lotus blossom, and purple passion fruit) combine with bergamot and citrus for a bit of a spark. things finish off with a warm musk and creamy amber that linger on the skin. the complete picture isn’t powdery or overpowering – this scent is downright delicious.

i have enjoyed philosophy products since the very early days of this blog and i think i’m so taken with loveswept because it is a beautifully happy fragrance that encapsulates everything that i love about the line. the combination of ingredients is unexpected, sure to get noticed and perfect for the everyday. to cap it all off, philosophy is giving away a romantic getaway for two to paris! you can find all of the details and enter the sweepstakes here.

if you need to give your valentine a nudge (as this would make a gorgeous gift!), just send them this link why don’t you, and i’ll take it from there.

philosophy loveswept spray fragrance ($16 – $46) >

this post was sponsored by philosophy through their partnership with POPSUGAR. while i was compensated by POPSUGAR to write a post about philosophy, all opinions are my own.

Posted in editorial sample, fragrance | Tagged philosophy | 2 Comments

bubblegum tips13

POSTED ON Posted on February 3, 2014 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

katy perry wore the sweetest candy pink manicure to the grammys and i haven’t been able to get it out of my head. rumor has it that her nail artist layered covergirl outlast natural blush over forever fawn to do the job. i fell in love with its understated elegance that went perfectly with her frothy valentino music gown.

i recreated the look (correction: the fine people at mani nails on w 37th in nyc recreated the look) with a bit more punch using essie chastity. i struggled to find the right pink, but once i landed on chastity’s pure cotton candy goodness, i knew it was the right call.

my pink katy perry-inspired nails are making me so happy this morning, even as it dumps snow on all of new york, and even after i had to break my cardinal rule of not entering macy’s herald square under any circumstances last night (to buy snow boots – ugh).

wishing you a fab monday, beauties! also – just for fun – what’s on your nails?

Posted in nails | Tagged covergirl, essie | 13 Comments

hey handsome3

POSTED ON Posted on February 2, 2014 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

looking for a sweet treat to surprise your valentine? i am obsessed with this dopp kit from owen & fred. it comes in three colors – gray (blue interior), navy (shown), and army green (orange interior) – and is a major upgrade on the ziplock bag (or in my husband’s case, the crown royal drawstring that comes on the outside of the bottle, i kid you not). this bag is generously sized and water-resistant in nylon, emblazoned with “hey handsome” on the inside which i absolutely adore. the leather handles add an element of detail that makes this one stand out from the rest and the secret message inside is sure to make him smile.

if you’re feeling extra generous, you can fill this bag with goodies from owen & fred’s amazing assortment of grooming gifts. the “you dirty dog” soap is kind of irresistible.

owen + fred hey handsome shaving kit bag, $60 >

Posted in bags | Tagged owen & fred | 3 Comments

beautiful blushes0

POSTED ON Posted on February 1, 2014 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

i was stuck in a blush rut for a long time, but lately the brands have been releasing a whole lot of pretty in the cheek department and i’m having a ball playing with all of it. i’m almost ashamed to tell you that i’ve narrowed it down to a select five (!) that are in constant rotation as of late. they’re each beautiful on their own and i’ve even discovered a few combinations that looks stunning when layered together. in short, these pops of color are helping me to survive the horrendous weather and to bring some much-needed brightness to my complexion.

bobbi brown uber pinks illuminating bronzer powder in pink peony, $38
bobbi’s illuminating bronzer powders have always been gorgeous. they are soft, sheer, and smooth and they add a touch of shimmer (but not too much) for a flattering glow. pink peony gives a natural pink flush and i love the “be bold” mantra tucked inside.

jane multi colored cheek powder in pink bouquet, $12
a silky blend of baby pinks, this powder has nourishing vitamin e in its formula. 90’s gals will surely remember this girl next door brand – and it’s back in a big way. this high-performing (petal-soft pinched cheeks!) affordably priced blush is just the beginning.

clinique cheek pop in plum pop, $21
be still my beauty-addicted beating heart! these sweet and petite gerber daisy-shaped blushes from clinique are seriously too cute. the formula here is creamy and bright – and i promise you won’t be able to help but smile every time you reach for it.

revlon highlighting palette in rose glow, $9.59
fans of bobbi brown’s shimmer bricks will delight in this drugstore version from revlon. beautiful neutral tones highlight and brighten in all the right places, while more precise application will help to define and contour. this formula is lightweight and extra lovely.

physicians formula bombshell powder palette in brunette, $12.99
physicians formula is my favorite go-to brand for fun, multi-colored blushes and they have not disappointed with their most recent release. the combo of peach, coral, and pink is easy to blend with a pretty finish that is pigmented and glowy.

Posted in blush, cheeks, editorial sample | Tagged bobbi brown, clinique, jane, physicians formula, revlon | Leave a comment

clinique superdefense moisturizer1

POSTED ON Posted on January 30, 2014 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

i hate to complain about the cold, because really – what can you do? but, jeez louise it is cold. after the seventeenth day in a row of freezing my buns off running between appointments, errands, etc. it became clear to me that my skin was suffering. this is the kind of cold that sucks the life out of everything, and while it may be making us skinnier, it’s not doing our epidermis any favors.

so, imagine my delight, when in the timeliest of deliveries, this gorgeously thick and delicious moisturizer arrived on my doorstep from the good people at clinique. (note: i am using the “very dry to dry combination” formula.) normally i would take one look at a moisturizer made for “very dry” skin and run for the hills, assuming that it would cause breakouts galore – but these are desperate times.

i started slathering (and i do mean slathering) this stuff from hairline to bustline daily about a week ago and i am floored by how much better my skin looks and feels already. the angry winter breakouts i’ve been fighting are fading fast and the worsening redness that i’ve been experiencing has all but vanished. i was worried that a moisturizer this heavy would sit on my skin, but it soaks in quickly, leaving me grease-free, and my makeup glides easily over top of it. i can tell that my skin is balanced and happily hydrated all day long because there are no flakes, no dry patches, and no clogged pores. best of all, this moisturizer comes complete with spf 20 for protection from all of the elements.

i’m telling you that this is a moisturizer to adore, especially if your skin is not happy in this abnormally cruel winter weather. i appreciate clinique’s approach to skincare and love knowing that i’m putting top technology on my face each morning – and trust me when i say that the results are the proof in the pudding.

if you need to up your skincare game (again) for the polar vortex, give this one a go.

clinique superdefense daily defense moisturizer spf 20, $47 >

Posted in editorial sample, skin | Tagged clinique | 1 Comment

lorac POREfection foundation6

POSTED ON Posted on January 27, 2014 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

with foundations, it seems that i either run the risk of not getting enough coverage (thus looking washed out and sick) or wearing something so heavy and mask-like that it looks like stage makeup. aside from that, i can pretty much tell on contact how my skin will react to something and the last several that i’ve tested have broken me out like whoa. super frustrating.

so when i heard that lorac was releasing a new foundation that was ideal for those of us suffering from acne, redness, and sensitivity and who also want something anti-aging, i could not get my hands on it fast enough.

lorac POREfection foundation has a perfect combination of natural antioxidants (vitamins a and e, olive leaf, lemon and papaya fruit extracts) that work to fight aging, soothe, nourish, and rejuvenate skin. all of that goodness combines with the best of cosmetic science to create a makeup that performs impressively well.

the formula is fragrance and paraben free with spf 20 to protect. the texture reminds me a lot of make up for ever’s hd invisible cover, but without the dehydrating effects. a little goes a long way and it provides a medium, natural finish (note: not sheer) that isn’t dewy or matte and provides a nice, healthy glow. (so many foundations rob skin of its natural variation in pigmentation, i find that this keeps some of that in there so you don’t need to contour the heck out of things afterwards.) once you’re wearing it, this foundation looks better than if you had nothing on. it makes all of my flaws vanish, feels completely weightless, breathes easily and looks like skin.

this behaves much differently from my beloved cc cream, but it’s a perfect solution for days when i need something to really perform. in my eyes, it’s got a leg up over urban decay’s naked and it is definitely my new favorite.

lorac POREfection foundation, $36 >

Posted in editorial sample, face, foundation | Tagged lorac | 6 Comments

la roche-posay giveaway!4

POSTED ON Posted on January 24, 2014 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

my beauty resolution for 2014 is to take a more serious approach to skincare – especially when it comes to sun protection and anti-aging. the very first product sending me on my journey to healthier, protected skin is la roche-posay’s anthelios 50 daily anti-aging primer with sunscreen.

(yes, you read that correctly. it’s an anti-aging primer sunscreen.)

this product is a true workhorse. not only does it deliver spf 50 to majorly up whatever sun protection game you’ve already got going, it also blurs imperfections (on me, that means hiding the odd large pore and camouflaging the fine lines around my eyes). it’s completely different from other primers that i’ve tried and i think that’s because it comes from a brand whose focus is skincare. not only does it correct and smooth, but it protects skin from damaging uva/uvb rays which can often make uneven skin texture so much worse. there is no sticky or tacky feeling and best of all, no resulting breakouts. i’ve used this primer under my go-to cc cream and a new favorite foundation (which i will share with you soon!) and i can tell you that it’s extremely comfortable to wear, with a smooth matte finish that sets the perfect stage for my makeup. i’m pretty confident that this oil-free,, fragrance-free, and paraben-free wonder will suit skins of all types, even the most sensitive.

if you’re looking for a hard-working primer that delivers impressive improvements in skincare, then you are in luck: the team from la roche-posay is giving one away. you can enter through the link below – your skin will thank you!

enter to win la roche-posay anthelios 50 daily anti-aging primer with sunscreen >

Posted in editorial sample, skin | Tagged la roche-posay | 4 Comments

tarte cosmetics4

POSTED ON Posted on January 22, 2014 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

tarte is one of those brands that just keeps getting better and better. they consistently put out a beautiful lineup of natural products that not only perform, but they’re pretty, too. the brand’s mastery of color cosmetics should not be news to anyone reading, but their latest releases are so good that I was compelled to highlight a few of my favorites – old and new.

collector’s edition maracuja c-brighter eye treatment, $38 – i kind of can’t believe that i never posted about this eye cream before now, because i use it all of the time. it’s a do-it-all formula that hydrates, firms, and brightens. it’s thick enough to moisturize but still very easy to apply. my eyes LOVE this stuff.

lipsurgence skintuitive lip tint, $24 – i am yet to meet a lipsurgence shade that i don’t adore, but this one is definitely my favorite. it’s a pink pop of color that wakes up my entire face. the glossy texture is sheer and stain-y, but the balm-like formula means that i can put it onto naked lips. pure perfection.

amazonian clay 12-hour blush in achiote, $26 – coral blush can be real tricky. select one teensy shade to pink or too orange for you skin tone and you could be in big trouble. tarte’s honeysuckle option is very user-friendly. it’s a silky, matte peachy coral loaded with pink. i find it fresh and youthful.

be MATTEnificent eye & cheek palette, $36 – whoa. what is NOT to love about this gorgeous collection of universally flattering shades? with two liner/shadows, and lid options ranging from sand, taupe and peach to plum and rose, i would take this set to a deserted island. plus, that packaging? to die for.

amazonian clay BB tinted moisturizer, $36 – soft and creamy, with SPF, this BB tinted moisturizer really ups the ante. ingredients like chamomile, vitamins A, C, and E work to nourish, moisturize, and calm my sensitive skin. the light-to-medium coverage is perfect for when my skin is behaving and i can’t get enough of the glow.

lights, camera, lashes inner rim brightener, $19 – let’s just say that i could not survive without this product’s wizardry. i use it on my lower inner rims the mornings after a few too many libations (or just not enough sleep) and the rest of the world is none the wiser. it zaps redness and fakes an awake’ness that i haven’t found elsewhere.

do you love tarte’s offerings as much as me? please share any favorites that i may have missed!