Pretty Pretty Pretty

Taste like me - for super cheap! May 13, 2008

I love me some shiny smelly lip gloss, so awhile ago, I bought a set of three Lancome Juicy Tubes on StrawberrryNet. They were cheap then, but now they’re even cheaper, like crazily so. Of course, by “cheap” I do still mean $15 a tube (and you don’t get to pick your shades), but they’re Lancome, so you’re paying for the brand. But still, the same pack is $66 on the (horrible-named) Man-Trap, and in stores, individual tubes cost around $36 each.

So, my suggestion (and I hope that this doesn’t make you think that we’re paid by StrawberryNet) is that if you think you’re in the market for some fairly subtle glosses, head down to a department store or upmarket chemist and try on the tubes in Melon (pale-ish apricotty pink), Fraise (almost magenta in the tube, but not so much on your lips) and Cerise (my favourite, I wear it like someone who was able to wear red lipstick might, except you know, it’s clear and easy to apply, and only a red tint), and if you dig them, you should place an order. If you want to, that is. Otherwise stick around for my Maybelline Shinylicious review, because if it’s good enough for Martha, it should be good enough for you…

Plump it up May 6, 2008

I first noticed ‘plumping lip glosses’ a few years ago, and tried the old formula of the Innoxa plumping lip creme. It was pretty inexpensive, so worth a try, but this lip creme required commitment - it promised plumper lips but only if you used it many ties a day for ages. i just couldn’t be bothered so lived with my unplumped gob.

Then a year ago, i once again noticed the plumping lip glosses appearing at different cosmetic counters. I gave them another try and it seems they’ve come a long way. Too faced lip injection is awesome it does noticeably plump up lips instantly but has two drawbacks: (1) i don’t think you can buy this brand in NZ (i bought mine in the UK); and (2) it hurts like buggery.

Seriously, it stings like anything. It’s not just me being a girl’s blouse either - i trialled this product at the PPP launch party and all the gals winced and whined seconds after application. The pain does dull after a few minutes.

Personally, i can bear the pain for a plumper pout, but it’s not for the faint of heart.

I also happened upon the cute mini lip plumping glosses (pictured) at the pharmacy. They are super-cheap Sally Hansen lip plumpers. The don’t sting nearly so much - the gals reported a mere tingling or smarting. But lips don’t feel as full as with the Too Faced stuff.

Once again ladies - no pain, no gain.