Clinique's Cult Favorite: Black Honey

Sometimes a cosmetic line creates a product that is so popular, and has been around for so long, that it makes "cult" status.  That's exactly what happened to the color Black Honey by Clinique.

For those that have never heard of it, first run out and by the Almost Lipstick in Black Honey as soon as you can.  Black Honey is one of those colors that looks FAB on absolutely everyone that wears it.  It's also sheer enough to pair with any type of eye makeup and also makes you feel very old school glamorous without trying too hard.

In addition to me repurchasing this amazing shade, I also got the matching shadow palette called A Black Honey Affair, which features the majority of the colors that match the lip shade perfectly.

Check out these colors!  From left to right, the palette contains Sugar Cane, Hazy, Black Honey, Lucky Penny, Untitled Color, Purple Pumps, Lavender Out Loud and Graphite.

The palette is gorgeous but the lip shade is out of this world.  Super classy, nice and light but colored enough to feel like you have something on your lips.  I love it!

What are your thoughts on the cult favorite, Black Honey?  Have you tried the color before?

    

Red Lip Gloss' Blog Sale - First Ever!

*********Blog Sale is now finished!***********

I have way too much makeup.

As Allan and I have been cleaning out our bedrooms in preparation of painting and new carpets, I realize just how much I truly have.  Hence the need for a blog sale!!!

Before I show you all the goodies, here are a few instructions I have to get out of the way...
       1) This is open to all Canadian residents only
       2) Shipping costs (if applicable) will be added to your invoice
       3) You must pay your invoice in full by email transfer within 24 hours of receiving the invoice
       4) Email me with the items you'd like to purchase (cmwolthers@gmail.com)
       5) Once I've received your order, I will provide you with your invoice via email
       6) All sales are final once purchased
       7) If you need to see additional photos, send me an email and I will send to you personally

Whew, all the nitty-gritty is now out of the way, so get ready to shop to your heart's content!!

Matrix Total Results Sleek Shampoo, Conditioner and Serum (new) - $16
Dream Waves Conditioner and Lotion (new) - $7
Skin Envy Sugar Wax Strips and Spray Lotion (new) - $7

Christian Dior Velvet Eyes (like new) - $11

Bobbi Brown Denim and Rose Palette (new) - $17 SOLD

Biotherm Blue Therapy Moisturizer and Serum (new) - $12 SOLD

Younique Glorious Face Primer (used twice) - $10

Sleek Makeup i-Divine in Storm (new) - $5

Eos Rachel Roy Lip Trio (new) - $6
Dior Addict Gloss x 3 Colors (like new) - $10
Smashbox Lip Palette (slightly used) - $3

Bobbi Brown Crystal Eye Palette (new) - $11 SOLD

Bobbi Brown Brightening Finishing Powder (new) -$13 SOLD

Clinique Pretty in Prints Palette (like new) - $9 SOLD

Sephora Color Palette (new) - $11

Clinique Grab-Bag filled with lots of perfect travel items (new) - $8

Pixi Energy Blush in Golden Energy (new) - $4
ELF Studio Stipple Brush (new) - $1 SOLD
Sephora and Pantone Universe Blush (new) - $6
Annabelle Custom Quad Shadows (new) - $3

Marcelle Anti-Aging BB Cream (like new) - $7
Clinique Super City Block (new) - $7 SOLD

Sal and Jo's Mini Gloss Collection (new) - $6 SOLD
Badger Classic Lip Balm Sticks (new) - $3
Avon Eye Shadow Trio (like new) - $1
Mark Custom Eye Shadow Duo (new) - $1

Bobbi Brown Sheer Lip Color in Pink Gold (new) - $8 SOLD
Smashbox Lipstick in Rasberry Kreme (new) - $6
Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Natural in N52 (new) - $6
MAC Lipstick in Creme Cup (Kim Kardashianès FAVORITE nude color - like new) - $4 SOLD
Victoria Secret Perfect Lipstick (new) - $3
Avon Lipstick (new) - $1

Happy shopping, ladies, and thanks for your purchases and support!!!

   

How To: The Green Concealer

Recently (and by recently I mean the last year and a half) I began using green concealer.  There was a brief period of time when my face was completely clear or all things red however, this grace period disappeared and I am now back to using a green concealer daily to cover any, and all, red imperfections.  After using this green stick for the past year, I can honestly say I have no idea how I lived without it.

Pimples suck right? I know, silly question.  However, what sucks more than having a pimple is not knowing how to conceal it properly.  It doesn't matter how expensive the concealer, foundation or powder you use if it doesn't conceal imperfections well.  Plus, to hide a red mark you must use a green based concealer.  A yellow based product will never hide a blemish the way it's color counterpart can.  It's as simple as that.

There are 3 items I swear by when concealing pimples: green concealer, a concealer brush and a fantastic loose powder.  (Now, since I only ever use a powder foundation I also incorporate a great powder foundation and a makeup sponge.  If you are only trying to cover a blemish and don't like a lot of makeup, then you only need the first three items.)  The three items I use daily to cover all blemishes are Physician's Formula Gentle Cover Concealer in Cover Green, E.L.F. Professional Concealer Brush and my trusty Youngblood Loose Foundation in Pearl.

  Step 1: The Green Concealer

Swipe the brush back and forth in the concealer a few times to ensure the brush has a light coating of concealer.

Step 2: Apply Concealer to Blemish

Apply green concealer-coated brush directly to blemish.  (PS - I would never normally use this much concealer on a spot but wanted to show you what the color looked like against my skin.)  Once applied, pat the product into the pimple using your middle finger (or which ever finger you feel comfortable using.)  Don't be alarmed if the spot is still slightly visible through the concealer.

Step 3: The Loose Powder

Perhaps my favorite step of all.  Take the same concealer brush you used to apply the green concealer and place in some loose powder.  Put enough on the brush to cover the pimple you'd applied the green concealer on.

Step 4: Applying the Loose Powder

Apply the loose powder directly to the blemish.  No need to be fancy as all the excess with be blended in momentarily.

Step 5: Blending

I always use my middle finger to blend but should you want to use something else, a makeup sponge does come in handy here.  Blend until all the loose powder is firmly in the skin and the blemish is covered.  

Now, for the ladies that like to wear less makeup then by all means stop here.  However, I like to finish my whole face off with a fabulous pressed powder (Clinique's Perfectly Real Compact Makeup and a makeup sponge).   I find that this not only sets the concealer but my face appears flawless and feels much smoother.

Hope this makeup trick helps ladies.  Do you usually use a green concealer?  If so, which is your favorite brand?

The Beauty Tips I'd Tell My Younger Self...

If only our wrinkles could be as cute as these...

In two months I'm going to be 30.

Wow, just writing that number makes me slightly nauseous.  Please don't think I'm one of those oh-man-I-hate-birthdays-and-want-to-permanently-stay-25 kinda gals because I'm honestly not (though being 25 forever sounds awesome.)  What's freaking me out about being 30 can be summed up in one word: wrinkles.  It's isn't that I have a lot, I don't, but we all know that as you age, you face ages too.  This is why I am worried.  (Which adds to wrinkles, I know, but I can't stop.)

However, what I would LOVE to be able to do is go back in time to chat with my 17 year old self and explain all the little things one should never do in their teens and early twenties....

1.  Never EVER go to sleep with your makeup on

This, my friends, is a classic no-no that I perfected while in my twenties.  Oh, who's fooling, I still do this after an extremely late night.  (Bad Christina.)  We all know the repercussions of being lazy but, unfortunately, this lack of cleansing leaves your skin dry, dirty, oily and clogs your pores to no end.  If you find yourself in this predicament, keep a container of Oil of Olay Daily Facial Wet Cloths (my favorite) on your bedside table and wipe as you're falling in to bed.  Trust me, you skin will thank you!!

2.  It's NEVER to early to start using an eye cream

I give props to my mom for starting me on an eye cream at a very early age (16) but I also curse myself for not using it as often as I should.  I always say this till I'm blue in the face but, seriously, if you begin a regimen that includes anti-aging early on, you're less likely to have a face load of wrinkles.  Some, yes but a face load, no.  My favorite eye cream is Clinique's All About Eyes.  It's the one I use myself every morning and evening.

3.  Water really does prevent blemishes

I grew up in a household where we ate well-balanced, healthy meals and junk food was almost never allowed through the front door.  When I moved out at 17 and began living on my own (and eating things like pop tarts for breakfast), I thought I'd disprove the theory that problem skin was directly related to junk food.  As it turns out, your skin does not like things like fried food, pop, sugar and tons of coffee.  Though having the odd bad-for-you meal out isn't going to affect your skin, a steady diet of these items will.  This is why it's important to eat a lot of fruit and vegetables AND drink 8 glasses of water a day.  The water flushes out the toxins in your body and your skin will be extra hydrated.  Plus, you'll have a natural glow.

4.  Sleep isn't for lame-o's 

It's called beauty sleep for a reason.  Your body needs downtime to revive and refresh itself for another strenuous day.  Now, being the odd sleeper I am, 7 hours is a good sleep for me but you should really be aiming for 8 hours, no more and no less.  They say that any more than 8 hours can actually make your body more tired.  So, aim for 8 hours and your skin will thank you.

5.  Picking pimples will make them scar

I never believed my mom when she used to say this to me.  I actually thought that by ridding my skin of the "white goo" I was doing myself a favor.  Ummm, this is really not the case.  Picking a pimple with your fingers can cause the blemishes to spread, will make the pimple area bright red and make the blemish the worse since your fingers carry germs of their own.  IF you need to be rid of a whitehead, grab a tissue and place it in between your fingers.  Cover your fingers with the tissue prior to placing them around the pimple and slowly press on either side.  Once the whitehead is gone, wipe the area with the tissue and STOP PICKING.  It may seem like there is more to pick at, but there actually isn't.  If you follow this rule, you skin shouldn't be as red, if at all.

Whew, so many tips for my younger self.  Are any of these tips you were doing when you were younger?

Clinique's 2011 Holiday Blockbuster: A Season's Worth of Pretty

I know I've told you this before but my mom is a Clinique rep.  Typically if I want to order anything Clinique-related, she's my hook-up.  However, this time around, I actually purchased a very special Clinique piece all on my lonesome (and just like a big girl!!).

A Season's Worth of Pretty is Clinique's Limited Edition Holiday Palette.  As soon as I saw it, I knew it HAD to be mine so I quickly ordered it from Macy's, along with a new mascara, and secretly shipped it to my mailbox in the states.  (I say secretly because every one knows that you shouldn't be buying anything for yourself around Christmas time AND also because Allan would kill me if he knew I bought another palette.)  All of those things aside, I am so happy with my purchase!

Left-hand side of palette - Lips

Middle portion of palette - Eyes

Right-hand side of palette - Cheeks

The palette is divided into three parts: Lips (left-hand side), Eyes (middle) and Cheeks (right-hand side.)  The lip collection has 5 colors: Crushed Grape, Pink Goddess, Parisian Red, Adore U and Ambrosia.  The eye collection has 5 colors as well: Like Mink Duo, Polar Blue Quad, Pink Chocolate Quad, Pure Cocoa and Plum Potion Duo.  The last portion (cheeks) has three colors: Pink Love (one of my favorite colors!!), Precious Posy and Sunset Glow.

Despite not needing another palette (for probably the next three years) I am so excited about this purchase.  The palette is clean looking, filled with gorgeous colors that I'll actually use and is extremely inexpensive.  Can you believe this was only $32.50 USD (with any other purchase of a Clinique product)???

Check this palette out ladies before they disappear.  Oh, one more thing, have you checked out my easy entry facebook giveaway yet?  If not, enter HERE!

The 5 Best Toners For Under $20

During my strange bought of dry skin a few months ago, I stopped using toner/astringent.  For some reason, I thought by axing toner, my skin would all of a sudden become normal again.  But, I was wrong.  As soon as I incorporated a sensitive skin toner AND a new moisturizer, my skin was like new again.  Which, of course, got me thinking...What makes for an effective toner?

L to R: Garnier, Dickinson's, Nivea, Burt's Bees and Clinique

For those that are new to the term "toner", it refers to a lotion, wash or liquid designed to cleanse the skin of impurities and reduce the appearance of pores.  They can be applied many different ways (from a cotton pad to a spray bottle and even through a face wash) but the effect is all the same: noticeably clean feeling and radiant skin.  Here are my top 5 toners that cost under $20.

#1 Nivea Visage Gentle Toner for Dry to Sensitive Skin - $8

I bought this on a whim one day because I'd never tried anything by Nivea and thought I should.  I was instantly drawn in by the scent, which is advertised as Almond & Calendula Oil but smells like roses to me.  (I should probably mention that any toner with rose is PERFECT for sensitive skin.)  I've been using a dime size amount both in the morning and at night for the past three weeks and my skin feels exceptionally supple.

Pros:

The small price tag

Available at any drugstore

The smell is divine

Completely alcohol-free

Reduces pore size

Minimizes fine lines

The squeeze container is very sanitary

Cons:

Bottle could be bigger

Not best for oily skin

#2 Burt's Bees Rosewater and Glycerin Toner - $15

This was my go-to toner for years and years.  I adore the smell (which, of course, has roses...ha) and it leaves my skin soft, reduces the appearance of blemishes and makes my skin glow.  Plus, Burt's Bees carries a pretty hefty 99.98% natural tag that strikes a major chord with me.  It's such a nice feeling when you know exactly what you're putting on your skin.

Pros:

Paraben-free

99.98% natural ingredients

Beautiful rose smell

Perfect for sensitive skin

Doesn't dry out your skin

Reduces the appearance of fine lines and blemishes

Cons:

Absolutely nothing!

#3 Dickinson's Pore Perfecting Toner 100% Natural - $6

So, I debated about having this as my #2 but, in the end, smell won!  I should mention that this one does not smell good, at all, but man does it ever work.  Because this product is made with 100% natural witch hazel (a flowering plant) it is absolutely perfect for people with acne or blemishes.  With Hazel actually refines pores, removes and controls oil, soothes irritation and lock in skin's natural moisture.  For all acne sufferers, this will become your go-to product.

Pros:

Great for all skin types

Soothes irritation

Reduces pore size

Actually does control oil throughout the day

Will not dry out your skin

Completely 100% natural

Paraben free

Cons:

The smell is not very nice at all

#4 Clinique's Clarifying Lotion 2 - $15

Yes, this was my tried and true toner for a loooonnng time.  Did it help that my mom was a Clinque rep (probably) and that she always had gallons around the house (absolutely).  But, there's a reason that the 3-Step System still remains on the top; it's because it works.  They reformulated the toners and they are much less abrassive now which is very nice for those people with sensitive skin.  The toner itself leaves skin feeling tingly, removes flakiness and refines pores to make your skin look oh-so clear.

Pros:

Trusted brand

Dermatologist recommended

One for every skin type

Leaves skin feeling tingly and clean

Reduces pore size

Curbs redness

Cons:

Can sometimes be a bit abrassive for extremely sensitive skin

Smells a bit alcohol-y

5.  Garnier Skin Naturals Fresh Vitamin-Enriched Toner - $11

I sometimes feel like I'm out of the loop when it comes to certain products.  Like, when did Garnier release a natural skin care line? Anyway, since I hadn't seen it before, I knew I had to get it.  This toner has a fantastic fresh scent, almost rivaling the Nivea one BUT this one is made with grapes instead.  This product brightens your complexion, rinses away dead skin and leaves skin extremely soft to the touch.

Pros:

Very inexpensive

Fantastic smell 

Works to brighten dull skin tones

Leaves skin very smooth 

Removes impurities 

Tightens pores

Cons:

Doesn't reduce redness

How's that for a great list!  I adore toners.  I honestly use them twice a day and have incorporated them into my skin care regime for many years.  Not only do they make your skin feel amazingly soft and supple but they give you skin that much needed moisture after cleansing.  If you haven't started using a toner, I highly recommend that you do.  Plus, how can you go wrong if they're under $20?

XO Christina

What's Your Face Worth?

As I was putting my makeup on this morning, I got to thinking about money. Now, this is a regular occurrence for me (as Allan and I have some big things coming up next year that we’re saving for) but for some reason today seemed like a great idea to find out my face’s worth. (Ha, that sounds funny.) So, here’s what I used to create my look today AND their prices…

                                  Dior DiorSkin Forever Extreme Wear Flawless Makeup
                                                           SPF 25 in Ivory - $55

Youngblood Ultimate Concealer in Light - $25

Clinique Superpowder Double Face Makeup in Matte Bisque - $25

Gosh Big Sun Powder Bronzer - $25

NARS Blush in Super Orgasm - $29

Avon 12-in-1 Eye Palette (Beige and Gold applied) - $17.99

SMASHBOX Cream Liner Palette - $24 (At the duty free)

Rimmel London Lash Accelerator Mascara - $9.99

Illamasqua Lipstick in Over - $22 (Bought in the USA)

So, all together, to purchase this look the total is $182.98. To be honest, I actually expected this to be quite a bit more SO I’m back to being a happy girl….Ha

I would love to see other posts like this if you care to partake. Let me know if you do!!

XO