Lipsense Bella Review & Lipsense Mulled Wine Tips and Tricks - Press sample
If you haven't heard about Lipsense yet you might be living under a rock, or maybe you just aren't that into lipstick. After months of videos showing people trying to wipe off their Lipsense I was intrigued by its staying power. That said, the $25/tube price tag was off-putting, so I wrote the idea off entirely. Well, that is until my dear friend Shelby reached out to me to do a review.
Just a little side note, Lipsense Ooops Remover and Lipsense Glossy Gloss can look quite similar at quick glance. The tubes have a white and a blue label respectively, but are both filled with clear product. Whatever you do, take an extra moment to read the tube so you don't mix them up. One tube seals the Lipsense color into your lips while the other removes the product.
To apply Lipsense you start with clean, dry lips and apply the color in one direction while keeping your lips stretched and apart. It's important that you do not touch them together or go over the color again while it is wet. Both actions will remove the product. Once your first coat dries you can repeat the steps so that you have three layers of color. After 30 seconds to a minute of dry time you can apply your gloss to seal in the color.
Pictured above is a no makeup selfie just after applying Lipsense Bella. This was my first attempt with this color, and I was quite happy with how it applied. In addition to the three coats of product I made sure to go over my waterline and lip line to make sure everything was symmetrical and covered.
Pictured above is me post coffee, street tacos, gym, and blood donation. I look a little wild/exhausted but my Lipsense Bella is still intact! Aside from the minor waterline touch up post taco, all I did throughout the day was apply Lipsense Glossy Gloss as needed. You'll know when it's needed because your lips start to feel like they are a little tacky.
If you haven't heard about Lipsense yet you might be living under a rock, or maybe you just aren't that into lipstick. After months of videos showing people trying to wipe off their Lipsense I was intrigued by its staying power. That said, the $25/tube price tag was off-putting, so I wrote the idea off entirely. Well, that is until my dear friend Shelby reached out to me to do a review.
I'm a big fan of dark, vampy shades so I initially picked out Lipsense in Mulled Wine to try out. It turns out that Mulled Wine is a super tricky color, so I ended up using Bella for my first wear. We'll get back to Mulled Wine in a bit, but I would like to focus on Bella for the majority of this post since it's the shade I've worn the most.
Just a little side note, Lipsense Ooops Remover and Lipsense Glossy Gloss can look quite similar at quick glance. The tubes have a white and a blue label respectively, but are both filled with clear product. Whatever you do, take an extra moment to read the tube so you don't mix them up. One tube seals the Lipsense color into your lips while the other removes the product.
To apply Lipsense you start with clean, dry lips and apply the color in one direction while keeping your lips stretched and apart. It's important that you do not touch them together or go over the color again while it is wet. Both actions will remove the product. Once your first coat dries you can repeat the steps so that you have three layers of color. After 30 seconds to a minute of dry time you can apply your gloss to seal in the color.
Pictured above is a no makeup selfie just after applying Lipsense Bella. This was my first attempt with this color, and I was quite happy with how it applied. In addition to the three coats of product I made sure to go over my waterline and lip line to make sure everything was symmetrical and covered.
Lipsense boasts a 4-18hr wear time which seemed insane to me. To put things into perspective, my first selfie was taken some time between 9-10am. After drinking coffee for a few hours I notice a little bit of flaking. I documented what I saw with the coffee cup photo above. It's fairly minor and entirely beats lipstick all over the cup.
After the coffee I ate some homemade "street" tacos (super greasy and delicious) and found that I needed to touch up my waterline after eating. Aside from that, everything seemed to be ok. The rest of the day involved hitting the gym for around 2.5hrs of powerlifting, and then I went straight over to the American Red Cross for my first blood donation.
Pictured above is me post coffee, street tacos, gym, and blood donation. I look a little wild/exhausted but my Lipsense Bella is still intact! Aside from the minor waterline touch up post taco, all I did throughout the day was apply Lipsense Glossy Gloss as needed. You'll know when it's needed because your lips start to feel like they are a little tacky.
If you want to get really close and personal here is what Lipsense Bella looked like when I got home around 8:30. There is a little bit of visible flaking but that's it. I got somewhere between 9.5-11.5 hours of wear time. I've worn Lipsense Bella several times since my first wear and have seen even longer wear times. Wear time depends on how well you apply the product, what you eat, your body pH/chemistry, and if you are good about keeping up with applying gloss.
Ok. That was long-winded but we are finally back to Lipsense Mulled Wine. This shade is kind of a demon if I'm being totally honest. It's entirely different than applying Lipsense Bella. Bella is forgiving and easy peasy. Mulled Wine is anything but. I'm not going to explain the general Lipsense application process here but you can find all of that info in Shelby's Lipsense group.
I was able to get twelve hours of wear out of Mulled Wine with a couple of waterline touch ups throughout the day. For best results I've complied a list of tips.
Here are my Mulled Wine Tips:
- Don't pick this as your first Lipsense color. The formula is nothing like most of the products available.
- Wipe off all excess product from the applicator before applying. When in doubt, wipe some more.
- Use the long side of the doe foot applicator. The goal is to apply product to all of the lip in one go.
- Go slow and focus on control and the path you want the applicator to take.
- Touch up any light areas after your second layer has dried.
- You are aiming for four ultra thin layers with Mulled Wine (unlike the usual three). I did a touch up after my second and fourth layer.
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| M = Mulled Wine B= Bella. These were layered in the order listed. |
One of the other huge Lipsense claims is that you can get eight shades out of two colors just by layering. I decided to test this out by using Lipsense Bella and Mulled Wine. The layering is listed next to the color with an initial for each layer. I really only see maybe four shades max including Bella and Mulled Wine individually. This may work with other Lipsense shades, but I think the coverage of Mulled Wine is generally too thin for layering.
Final Thoughts
This is one massive post that deserves a concise conclusion regarding my thoughts. Would I purchase Lipsense? Yes, absolutely. While Mulled Wine was off-putting, Shelby was great about taking care of me and trying to resolve the color. Mulled Wine isn't a great example of how Lipsense applies. Not all brands are going to have perfect formulas for everything, and it's really important to understand that. As for Lipsense Bella, this is a gem that I wear all the time. It's easy to apply and wears well. The price tag still seems a tad expensive for my budget, but that just means I will pick a couple colors instead of buying all of my favorites. With such a long wear time it is certainly worth the $25/tube.
Both colors were provided by Shelby of Shelby Lou Loves Lips. Be sure to check her out and join her group. She's been nothing but helpful through my entire Lipsense adventure.
31dc2017 - Galaxy Nails feat. Bohemian Polish Howard's Rock - Press sample
It's been a hot minute since I've done some galaxy nail art. I'm really thankful that the #31dc2017 included this prompt because it gave me the opportunity to play with some of the upcoming shades from Bohemian Polish Clemson Memories collection. I'll have swatches of the entire collection for you soon, but in the meantime here's the galaxy I created with a handful of them.
I've never done a yellow/green/blue galaxy before, so I'm really enjoying this color combo. Bohemian Polish Clemson Memories collection has everything I needed for this look. I'm quite fond of how you can see the holo of Howard's Rock through some of the galaxy art.
It's been a hot minute since I've done some galaxy nail art. I'm really thankful that the #31dc2017 included this prompt because it gave me the opportunity to play with some of the upcoming shades from Bohemian Polish Clemson Memories collection. I'll have swatches of the entire collection for you soon, but in the meantime here's the galaxy I created with a handful of them.
I've never done a yellow/green/blue galaxy before, so I'm really enjoying this color combo. Bohemian Polish Clemson Memories collection has everything I needed for this look. I'm quite fond of how you can see the holo of Howard's Rock through some of the galaxy art.
Products used
- Bohemian Polish - Anna's Lace, Gameday Sky, Hartwell Moon, Howard's Rock
If you enjoyed this post you might like Bohemian Polish Polish Con Chicago 2017 LE and 31dc2017 - Delicate Damask feat. Bohemian Polish Comin' Home Again.
Bohemian Polish Polish Con Chicago 2017 LE - Press sample
My level of excitement is unreal right now. Polish Con Chicago is just around the corner and there are a ton of amazing shades being previewed right now. Today's post features the Bohemian Polish Polish Con LE shades. There are four colors in total and I honestly couldn't imagine missing out on a single one.
My level of excitement is unreal right now. Polish Con Chicago is just around the corner and there are a ton of amazing shades being previewed right now. Today's post features the Bohemian Polish Polish Con LE shades. There are four colors in total and I honestly couldn't imagine missing out on a single one.
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| L-r: Comin' Home Again, Pulaski At Night, City By The Lake, Rock On Chicago |
Comin' Home Again
Formula: Nice consistency
Finish: Gray polish with purple and orange UCC flakies
Coverage: 3 coats
Price: $9
Notes: Comin' Home Again officially takes the cake as my new favorite gray. The flakies add a nice splash of color against a perfect medium gray base.
Pulaski At Night
Formula: Nice consistency
Finish: Deep navy with color shifting glitter
Coverage: 2 coats
Price: $9
Notes: Pulaski At Night is like the navy version of Rockets Red Glare and Shell Yeah. Spoiler alert! I love this one just as much as the other two. I would love it if Jen would release a whole rainbow of these.
City By The Lake
Formula: Nice consistency
Finish: Gray holo with strong blue flash
Coverage: 3 coats
Price: $9
Notes: City By The Lake is a pretty, cool toned gray. The blue flash really makes this shade for me.
Rock On Chicago
Formula: Nice consistency
Finish: Red holo with holo micro glitter
Coverage: 2 coats
Price: $9
Notes: If you aren't just delighted by Rock On Chicago we probably can't be friends. Just kidding... maybe. This speaks to my crimson loving heart.
The four shades featured in this post will be available at the Bohemian Polish table at Polish Con Chicago. Overpours will be listed on the website on 9/26.
The four shades featured in this post will be available at the Bohemian Polish table at Polish Con Chicago. Overpours will be listed on the website on 9/26.
If you enjoyed this post you might like Bohemian Polish Baltimore Rainbow & Candied Cuticle Oils and Bohemian Polish Road To Polish Con & Brooklyn Beauties.
31dc2017 - Holographic Half Moons feat. Bohemian Polish Rock On Chicago
Indie Polish September 18, 2017
31dc2017 - Holographic Half Moons feat. Bohemian Polish Rock On Chicago - Press sample
I'm back with another preview of some upcoming Bohemian Polish shades. I'm hoping to have the Polish Con LE's ready to share with you later today. In the meantime, I have today's #31dc2017 half moon mani look.
These are possibly the most imperfect, perfect half moons you will ever see for a half moon mani. They are imperfect because I shockingly do not own half moon vinyls. That said, I'm so delighted with the color combo that I don't mind the freehand imperfections.
I'm back with another preview of some upcoming Bohemian Polish shades. I'm hoping to have the Polish Con LE's ready to share with you later today. In the meantime, I have today's #31dc2017 half moon mani look.
These are possibly the most imperfect, perfect half moons you will ever see for a half moon mani. They are imperfect because I shockingly do not own half moon vinyls. That said, I'm so delighted with the color combo that I don't mind the freehand imperfections.
Products used
- Bohemian Polish - Howard's Rock, Rock On Chicago
If you enjoyed this post you might like 31dc2017 - Delicate Damask feat. Bohemian Polish Comin' Home Again and 31dc2017 - Bat Glitter feat. Bohemian Polish Pulaski At Night.
31dc2017 - Bat Glitter feat. Bohemian Polish Pulaski At Night - Press sample
Today's #31dc2017 post could have been obnoxious and sparkly, but I'm currently enjoying the transition into fall so I thought I would take a more modest approach.
If you enjoyed this post you might like 31dc2017 - Delicate Damask feat. Bohemian Polish Comin' Home Again and Great Lakes Lacquer Polish Con Chicago 2017 LE.
Today's #31dc2017 post could have been obnoxious and sparkly, but I'm currently enjoying the transition into fall so I thought I would take a more modest approach.
For this look I used Bohemian Polish Pulaski At Night as my base. I topped it off with a matte top coat, and then added cute bat glitter from KBShimmer. It's simple, but enough to let the world know how excited I am for the changing seasons.
Products used
- B Polished - Make It Matte
- Bohemian Polish - Pulaski At Night
- KBShimmer - Bat Sh*t Crazy glitter
If you enjoyed this post you might like 31dc2017 - Delicate Damask feat. Bohemian Polish Comin' Home Again and Great Lakes Lacquer Polish Con Chicago 2017 LE.
Zoya Sophisticates | Fall 2017 Pt 2 - Press sample
As promised I am back with the second half of the Zoya Sophisticates collection. This half is made up of pinks, purples, and nudes. If you missed the first half of the collection be sure to check out Zoya Sophisticates | Fall 2017 Pt 1.
If you enjoyed this post you might like 31dc2017 - Brick Gradient feat. Polished Vino & Zoya and 31dc2017 Cream Cat Nail Art featuring Zoya Tabitha.
As promised I am back with the second half of the Zoya Sophisticates collection. This half is made up of pinks, purples, and nudes. If you missed the first half of the collection be sure to check out Zoya Sophisticates | Fall 2017 Pt 1.
Joni
Formula: Nice consistency
Finish: deep dusty plum creme
Coverage: 2 coats
Price: $10
Notes: I am all about the dusty cremes, and Joni is no exception. It's such a pretty, cooler toned plum.
Beth
Formula: Nice consistency. Smell was a bit strong upon opening the bottle.
Finish: soft sandy champagne metallic
Coverage: 3 coats
Price: $10
Notes: Beth is quite an interesting shade. It has a light coppery shimmer that I just love. The formula can be streaky if you are inexperienced with metallics, but it's easily managed if you limit your brush strokes.
Padma
Formula: Nice consistency
Finish: deep, vermilion red creme
Coverage: 3 coats
Price: $10
Notes: Padma is described as a vermilion red creme, but I honestly don't see that. What I get is a rich, berry creme. Whatever color you want to call it, I think it's safe to call it pretty.
Mckenna
Formula: Nice consistency
Finish: refined pearl in soft almond
Coverage: 2 coats
Price: $10
Notes: Mckenna is quite possibly the trickiest shade I've ever photographed. It has a slight pearl finish that is hard to capture on camera. It's most noticeable in some of the highlighted areas.
Presley
Formula: Nice consistency
Finish: smokey, mauve taupe creme
Coverage: 2 coats
Price: $10
Notes: Presley is another one of those dusty/smokey shades that I just can't resist. If you told me I could only wear this shade for a year that would be a-ok with me.
Hera
Formula: Nice consistency
Finish: muted red mauve cream
Coverage: 2 coats
Price: $10
Notes: Hera is said to be a red mauve creme, but I'm not really seeing the red in this one. I think "muted mauve" describes it best. While Hera may look close to Padma, I assure you they are quite different. It's easiest to compare the differences by referencing the bottle shot at the beginning of this post.
The Zoya Sophisticates Fall 2017 collection is currently available for purchase. Check out the links below for more info.
The Zoya Sophisticates Fall 2017 collection is currently available for purchase. Check out the links below for more info.
If you enjoyed this post you might like 31dc2017 - Brick Gradient feat. Polished Vino & Zoya and 31dc2017 Cream Cat Nail Art featuring Zoya Tabitha.
Zoya Sophisticates | Fall 2017 Pt 1 - Press sample
I'm sure you've seen hints of the Zoya Sophisticates collection scattered throughout my nail art over the last few weeks. I decided it was finally time to share some swatches! As always, I've split the twelve piece collection into two posts so that you aren't waiting forever for photos to load. This is Zoya Sophisticates part one.
I'm sure you've seen hints of the Zoya Sophisticates collection scattered throughout my nail art over the last few weeks. I decided it was finally time to share some swatches! As always, I've split the twelve piece collection into two posts so that you aren't waiting forever for photos to load. This is Zoya Sophisticates part one.
Mona
Formula: Nice consistency
Finish: Deep burgundy plum creme
Coverage: 2 coats
Price: $10
Notes: Mona is a delightful plum creme. It's ultra lush and gorgeous on everyone who wears it.
Gal
Formula: Nice consistency. Smell was a bit strong upon opening the bottle.
Finish: smokey, iridescent, peridot gold metallic
Coverage: 3 coats
Price: $10
Notes: Gal is one of those shades I really didn't think I would enjoy until I wore it. It's just the right shade of gold and not at all streaky.
Tabitha
Formula: Nice consistency
Finish: refined pearl deep hunter green
Coverage: 2 coats
Price: $10
Notes: You may recognize Tabitha from my cat themed nail art a few weeks ago. Tabitha made me think of tabby cats and inspiration was born! I love greens, so it should be no surprise that I enjoyed this shade.
Hadley
Formula: Nice consistency
Finish: smokey midnight blue creme
Coverage: 2 coats
Price: $10
Notes: Hadley is a nice, mellow, cool-toned blue. This occasionally leans gray in the right lighting.
Elaine
Formula: Nice consistency
Finish: dark umber brown creme
Coverage: 2 coats
Price: $10
Notes: Elaine is a cool toned brown that leans ever so slightly toward a dusty purple. It's a curious creme, and I really like it for that reason.
Yvonne
Formula: Nice consistency
Finish: rich bordeaux red creme
Coverage: 2 coats
Price: $10
Notes: Yvonne is a bright, happy bordeaux creme. I like that it's red, but still atypical for what I would expect.
The Zoya Sophisticates Fall 2017 collection is currently available for purchase. Check out the links below for more info.
The Zoya Sophisticates Fall 2017 collection is currently available for purchase. Check out the links below for more info.
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If you enjoyed this post you might like Zoya Naturel 3 Collection and Zoya Enchanted Winter 2016.
