Revlon Cherish and Charm Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains Review, Photos and Swatches!

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains ($8.99) is a lip balm infused with a lightweight stain in a convenient retractable crayon.

These have been pretty popular in the beauty blogosphere over the past few months, and although I admittedly don't like giving into products that seem to be fads of the moment, I've read nothing but good things, so I had to give them a try.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains are available in (12) shades: Honey, Crush, Darling, Cherish, Lovesick, Sweetheart, Smitten, Charm, Rendevous, Romantic, Precious and Adore.

I have two shades: Cherish, a light, cool-toned pink. The cool blue/purple undertones are so strong that when built, it looks rather purple on my lips. With a light wash, it's a pretty natural pink. The other color is Charm, a light, warm peachy nude.

The balms are very firm/waxy and keep their shape well. Even after several uses, they haven't placed much of a dent in the tip.

I would have never expected these balms to be moisturizing - you never really think of a product labeled as a "stain" to be anything but drying, but these are shockingly moisturizing on my chronic dry lips. I wouldn't use it to replace an actual lip balm, but they keep my lips moist and don't dry them out.

The pigmentation is very good. They are sheer, but very buildable. After the color has been on my lips a while, Cherish stays just about the same color and brightens just slightly. Charm darkens a little bit from a light nude to a light coral. If I wipe my lips off, Charm leaves an orange-red stain behind, which is something I really don't like about it. It's not exactly the look you want if you're going for a nude lip. Cherish leaves a bright pinkish-red stain behind.

After exfoliating my lips, I applied Charm and it seems to magnify every piece of dryness on my lips, that I didn't know existed. It gets much worse when the color is built as the color just looks uneven and it settles a bit odd on my lips. Cherish also doesn't apply as even as I'd like it to, but it's not as noticeable as Charm.

I don't see Cherish to be a shade I'll get much wear from. To me, it looks a bit cheap on my lips, and I'll most likely never wear it alone (maybe for mixing). I really like the way one layer of Cherish looks with a few coats of Charm on top. It creates a light, peach-pink shade that's perfect for every day.

After reading some reviews, I think I picked a couple of the most problematic shades from the range. I've heard much better things with the brighter pinks and red shades.

I love the fact that the balms are retractable - thank goodness! No need to hunt down a gigantic pencil sharpener.

Revlon Cherish

The stain Revlon Cherish leaves on my lips

Revlon Charm

The stain Charm leaves on my lips

One layer of Cherish with Charm on top

They have a slight mint scent that reminds me of Altoids or mint dental floss, but I don't mind. The lasting power is pretty average. I don't find it particularly long lasting, but the stain from Cherish lingers around a bit.

The packaging is really cute. Revlon does pretty well with the aesthetic nature of their products, and these little sticks are probably as chic as a lip pencil could get. The sturdy plastic tubes are colored to match the color of the balm, and the silver part at the bottom twists the product up and down. I never understood retractable products that only twist up, so if you twist too much, you're just crap out of luck.

For a good comparison of the often correlated Clinique Chubby Stick and the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain, check out The Sunday Girl.

Overall, I'm not all that impressed with these, but like I said, I most likely picked the worse performing shades from the range. I might give one of the bright pinks a try and then call it quits.

What do you think of these?

The Round-Up
Pros:

• Easy to use
• Moisturizing - feel great on the lips
• Retractable, no sharpener needed
• Provides nice shiny color to the lips and a leaves a light stain behind

Cons:

• Both shades applied uneven
• Charm gives the appearance that it will be the perfect nude, but it morphs into a coral shade, so it's not ideal if you want the muted lip look.
• Charm leaves an orange stain on the lips, which I'm not too crazy about.

Price: $8.99, at your local drugstore. Prices will differ based on location (they are typically cheaper at Walmart and Target.) Look in your Sunday paper for $1 off coupon for Revlon lip products. Right now CVS has a sale going on that if you purchase (2) Revlon Lip products, you get $7 Extrabucks. If you have that $1 off coupon, you're on the road to good savings!

E.L.F. Studio Lip Exfoliator Review!

E.L.F. Studio Lip Exfoliator

E.L.F. Studio Lip Exfoliator ($3) is a stick made up of sugar, vitamin E, shea butter, avocado, grape, jojoba oil and waxes that together work to remove dry and chapped skin as well as smooth and condition the lips.

Directions: Apply to clean, damp lips and massage the lips in circular motions. Use a moistened cotton pad with water to gently wipe away the scrub (or just simply rinse with water). *It's important that the lips are damp so the skin will remove easier.

As a part of my morning routine after I brush my teeth, I always use the E.L.F. Studio Lip Exfoliator.

What I love most of all is the convenience of this product. I have very dry lips 24/7 and I need a good daily scrub for my lips, but I rarely ever do it. Between managing my crazy hair, plucking the hairs on my face till my hands cramp up, exfoliating, cleaning and moisturizing my face - I try to get away with the least steps possible. Most often my lips are neglected.

The stick takes a few uses before it reaches the grit, and because there are some large pieces of grit it can sometimes feel a little scratchy, but overall it feels really good. What surprises me every time is how soft and supple my lips feel right after. I apply some lip balm on my lips to keep them from drying out, and I'm done in less than a minute. It's not at all messy so I can use it without disturbing the makeup around my lips if I'm using it mid-day or on my way out the door.

This product is so effective, and so cheap! It's only $3 on the E.L.F. website, and they often have 50% off Studio products, so I only paid $1.50. The code I used last month still works for 50% all studio products. Use code: ECD2.

If you suffer from dry lips and want a way to simplify for routine, check this product out!

Ingredients: Sugar, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Ceresin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Tocopherol, Aspartame, Fragrance.

The Round-Up

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Convenient - quick with no mess
• Removes dry skin 
• Makes lips feel soft and full
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• None!

Price: $3, E.L.F. 

Lots of Makeup on Clearance at Walgreens!

If you're a regular at your local Walgreens, be sure to stop by the Cosmetic aisle and take a look at the products marked with a bright orange sticker. Many products are marked from 50-75% off. I didn't want to go crazy and purchase on impulse, but I picked up a couple of things at a ridiculously low price.

I can't remember everything, but I recall seeing Rimmel Clean Finish Foundation, L'Oreal Eyeshadow Quads, Maybelline High Shine Color Sensational Lipsticks, L'Oreal Magic Souffle Foundation, Covergirl Nature Luxe Foundation, Revlon Cream Eyeshadow Quads, certain shades of assorted Revlon Foundations and lots more!!

I have no clue how the system works, and if the products are only being removed from Walgreens or if the products are being discontinued everywhere. If anyone has any insight on this, let me know! I went to CVS last night and none of the items I saw at Walgreens were on clearance. I'm wondering if they're making room for new products that brands typically launch at the end of the year and start of the new year.

Also, I went to two different Walgreens locations and some products were marked clearance that weren't marked at the other location. Locations can differ, so if you're planning on picking up something that you know should be marked, try having a cashier scan it at the register. Some stores are just behind on marking things.

If you stop by, let me know what you found!

Berry Lips on a Budget - A Wallet-friendly List of Vampy Lip Colors!

Berry Lips on a Budget

If you want to experiment with dark, vampy lip colors this Fall and don't want to break the bank, I compiled a small list of some wallet-friendly options for you to give a try.

Speaking for myself, the only lipsticks I ever reach the end of are my every day shades, so when it comes to rocking trendy colors - such as hot pink, red, orange and deep-dark shades, realistically I'll never finish a full tube before they'll eventually get tossed. There's nothing wrong with splurging if you can fit it in your budget, but for something like a statement lip color that you probably won't get much wear from, you might want to look into the less expensive options to really get your money's worth. And, there are so many options at the drugstore!

The term "berry" is so vague as berry can refer to a huge range of shades. The colors I picked are very Fall appropriate wine/plum/berry shades, some of which should work on most skin tones. I apologize in advance that some are very similar.

Revlon Red Velvet Colorburst Lip Butter ($7.49) is a medium-dark, neutral wine-red with a shiny finish. With one layer it gives a sheer, semi-shiny stain. With a few layers, the color is completely opaque. The formula is moisturizing and feels great on the lips. This is one of the few darker shades that I can get away with without using a lip brush. It's one of the easier shades to wear because it's a very balanced red toned wine and doesn't wash out the complexion. I think it's a universally flattering shade.

Revlon Red Velvet

Revlon Bordeaux Colorburst Lipgloss ($7.49) is a rose wine/darkened raspberry with very fine golden shimmer and a glossy finish. It's sheer but buildable to full coverage. The formula is creamy, lightweight and feels comfortable on the lips. It makes my lips look fuller and juicy. This is easily my favorite from the bunch as it has a very "mod" vibe and there's a brightness about it that makes my face look healthy and youthful. 

Revlon Bordeaux

Revlon Black Cherry Super Lustrous Lipstick ($7.99) is exactly as the name states - a ripened cherry plum with a semi-shiny finish. I find it to be a little dark for me, but I really like the way it looks when I pat it off with a tissue - it gives off a more wearable cranberry shade. This lipstick poses a few problems as it seems to apply a bit uneven, and when I rub my lips together, it causes the lipstick to look streaky. I also notice that when I apply the color heavily, it settles a bit in my lines. Although it has very favorable reviews and is a popular shade I wasn't too impressed with the formula. It looks best when it's applied in one layer, or when a gloss is added on top. (I showed what it looks like when patted off with a tissue and added a clear gloss on top.)

Revlon Black Cherry

Revlon Black Cherry blotted with a napkin + clear lipgloss on top

Wet n Wild Cherry Bomb Mega Last Matte Lipstick ($1.99) is a very vampy black cherry with a satin finish. Despite it being in the matte range, it doesn't look flat and it doesn't look or feel dry on my lips. The color applied fairly even, and the lasting power is super good. Since the actual shape of the lipstick has a flat top like a chapstick, it's a bit difficult to apply because it's such a dark, pigmented shade. You're best off using a lip brush for this one, unless you have full lips, you may not have much trouble. It's fairly similar to Revlon Black Cherry, but it's slightly redder, whereas Black Cherry is a bit more plum toned. 

Wet n Wild Cherry Bomb

Wet n Wild Vamp It Up Mega Last Matte Lipstick ($1.99) is a deep eggplant purple with a satin finish. It's super dark and pigmented and works best when applied with a lip brush otherwise it can look a little uneven. For lighter skintones it may be a difficult shade to pull off (it looks rather gothic), but for deep/dark skintones it looks gorgeous. It's also a great shade to use to deepen other shades. You can mix it with your red lipsticks to create a darker, purple toned red/berry. 

Wet n Wild Vamp It Up

Wet n Wild Black Orchid 508A Silk Finish Lipstick ($0.99) is a medium wine with subtle plummy undertones and a shiny finish. It's slightly sheer with one coat, but builds easily to full coverage. Unlike some of the others, it won't get super dark if you layer it, and it's one of the more wearable shades from the lipsticks mentioned in this post. It's smooth, applies evenly and feels moisturizing on the lips. Because this lipstick is really easy to work with, and because it's only one dollar, it's a great lipstick to experiment with. 

Wet n Wild Black Orchid

NYC Wine n Dine Liquid Lipshine Lipgloss ($2.49) is a medium rose-wine with a fine sparkly purple sheen and an ultra-glossy finish. It's almost identical to Revlon Bordeaux, and on the lips it's very difficult to tell the difference between the two. Perhaps the plum/purple tone is the slightest touch stronger in Bordeaux, but it's not really a notable difference. The formula is fantastic. It's slightly concentrated so it doesn't run if a few coats are applied, and it feels ultra smooth and moisturizing on the lips. Love this gloss and I'm now curious to see the other colors in this range. 

NYC Wine n Dine

Swatches from left to right: Revlon Black Cherry, Wet n Wild Cherry Bomb, Wet n Wild Black Orchid, Revlon Red Velvet, Wet n Wild Vamp it Up, Revlon Bordeaux and NYC Wine n Dine.

Easiest to wear - NYC Wine n Dine, Revlon Bordeaux, Revlon Red Velvet and Wet n Wild Black Orchid. These are the lighter/sheerer shades that won't get super dark when layered and the shades that I found the most flattering on my skin tone. The lip glosses are the best choices if you're very intimidated by color since they are the least concentrated.

Most difficult to wear - Wet n Wild Vamp it up; which I'm sure isn't a surprise, Wet n Wild Cherry Bomb and Revlon Black Cherry. These are the darkest shades of the batch, and when layered, all three of these shades get darker and darker.

Just for fun...

I applied Wet n Wild Black Orchid Lipstick to my lips, then applied Revlon Red Velvet in the center of my lips for a pop of red. Then, I outlined and darkened each end of my lips with Wet n Wild Vamp it up and applied NYC Wine n Dine on top.

Would you wear any of these shades? What are some of your favorite vampy lip colors?

NYX Stella Lipstick Review, Photos, Swatches and Comparisons!

NYX Stella Round Lipstick

NYX Stella Lipstick ($4) is a soft, yet vibrant watermelon pink. Although not hugely noticeable, it contains some fine silver shimmer. On the lips, you can see small flecks of glitter here and there, but it's not a shimmery shade overall.

Because of my warm skintone, I'm very partial to watermelon (or sometimes I call them flamingo) pinks - basically meaning a pink with yellow (warm) undertones.

In my experience, NYX Round Lipsticks are creamy, pigmented and are very lightweight on the lips. They have almost a slippery texture due to the creamy, yet very lightweight texture. Stella is actually a bit different than the typical Round Lipstick I'm use to. Unless I happened to fall upon a dud, it's slightly drier in texture and has a semi-matte finish. The pigmentation is light with one swipe, but buildable to opaque when layered.

It has a very striking resemblance to MAC Viva Glam Nicki. Nicki is more pigmented with one layer, but when applied sheer, they look almost the same. When built, the differences are barely detectable - Nicki is slightly darker and pinker in tone and Stella is the slightest bit warmer. Illamasqua Fable Lipstick is somewhat similar, but lighter (more pastel) in tone. Comparisons at the end of this post.

NYX Round Lipsticks are a great buy as they are cheap, perform well and come in a huge variety of shades. How "huge" do you ask? Well, as of right now there are 144 shades in the line. Yes, you read that correctly. There is a shade for everyone, and if you ever dreamt of certain shade, you'll most likely find it in the NYX Round Lipstick range.

NYX Stella Lipstick on my lips.

You can see the shimmer better in this photo. 

Comparisons:

Swatches from left to right: NYX Stella Round Lipstick, MAC Viva Glam Nicki, NYX Hippie Chic Matte Lipstick, MAC Blossom Culture Sheen Supreme Lipstick and Illamasqua Fable Lipstick.

Overall, I love the color of this lipstick, but I'm almost positive I purchased a dud (bad batch). I own several Round Lipsticks and they all have the same feel, but this one was noticeably drier and doesn't have the shiny finish most of the NYX Round Lipsticks have. Temptalia also has this lipstick reviewed, and on her lips, it has a shiny finish. It's nearly matte on my lips. 

The Round-Up

Pros:

• A cheaper alternative to the popular MAC Viva Glam Nicki
• Pigmented
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• It looks dry on my lips, but nothing a little lip gloss can't fix.
• This particular shade seems to just sit on top of my lips like a film (never experienced this with other shades)

Repurchase: I won't be re-purchasing only because I own other similar shades and most likely won't wear it enough to finish the tube. I love the color, but don't love the formula. If it was creamier with a glossy finish, I could see myself using it more.

Price: $4, NYX, Ulta, Cherry Culture. Note that ULTA only carries a fraction of the shades.

E.L.F. Studio Mascara Primer Review!

E.L.F. Studio Mascara Primer

E.L.F. Studio Mascara Primer ($3) is a nourishing mascara primer that will add length and volume when applied to your lashes prior to your mascara. Boost the performance of any of your favorite mascaras and you'll be hooked! Pro-Vitamin B5, Hydrolyzed Wheat and Soy Protein-enriched condition your lashes, which will make them stronger over time.

Mascara Primer is a MUST for me, and I rarely ever go without it. It's something I've been hooked on for the past couple of years and when I don't use one, it makes me think that every mascara on the market is mediocre.

I have yet to find a mascara primer that works well and is affordable, so when I saw that E.L.F. now has a mascara primer with very high reviews, I was excited to give it a try.

I always make sure to curl my lashes really well before ever applying a base. I use a Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, which has been my favorite curler for years.

After curling my lashes, I apply the base as I would a regular mascara, by brushing my lashes from base to end several times until my lashes are evenly coated in product. Then I like to wait a minute or so, and with the very tip of the brush, run it along the ends of my lashes to extend my lashes out, making them look a little longer. Then, I let my lashes completely dry for one minute. (**I've found that if I don't wait for the base to fully dry, it will completely wipe off when I apply my mascara.)

After my lashes are dry, I gently apply my mascara. I noticed that a standard wire bristle mascara wand tends to work better because it doesn't disturb the base. With a rubber/plastic wand, you have to be careful not to comb through your lashes, essentially removing the product off your lashes.

I find that I don't need to apply as much mascara to get my desired look when using this base, and with the first coat of mascara, my lashes look longer than they normally would. The base also helps keep my lashes separated, and my lashes hold a curl all day when wearing the base - otherwise, my curl would drop within a couple of hours.

I used the primer on my right (your left) eye only. I used IT Cosmetics Hello Lashes Mascara. 

I'm not crazy about the packaging - The tube is small and the actual wand is mega-long. I'm also not that crazy about the actual brush, but it works fine (personal preference of course).

I'm actually impressed with this base and I'm going to continue using it and I will repurchase in the future. I won't be tossing my Shiseido Nourishing Mascara Base anytime soon, but I'm happy I'll be able to save a few bucks by using the E.L.F. primer between uses. E.L.F. requires a bit more time because you have to wait for it to dry, whereas I can apply my mascara while my Shiseido primer is still wet with fabulous results. I also find that the Shiseido base gives better volume, while E.L.F. works well at length and defining. 

If you're curious about trying a mascara base, E.L.F. Studio Mascara Primer is a great place to start!

The Round-Up

Pros:

• Makes my lashes look longer
• Helps keep my lashes separated
• Keeps my lashes curled

Cons:

• You have to wait for your lashes to fully dry before applying mascara, so your lashes will be a little stiff when you're applying your mascara. It's not something I'm crazy about, but since it gives good results I don't mind.
• Tube design isn't that great, but it's not a big deal since it's only $3 ($1.50 with a coupon - who's complaining?)

Repurchase: Yes!

Price: $3, E.L.F.

NYX Irish Coffee Jumbo Lip Pencil Review, Photos and Swatches!

NYX Irish Coffee Jumbo Lip Pencil

NYX Irish Coffee Jumbo Lip Pencil ($4.50) is a peachy-pink nude lip liner and lipstick all-in-one. It's the consistency of a creamy lipstick, but because of the small tip, you can apply it precisely to the edges of your lips without ending up with a smeary pout. This is particularly helpful with the darker shades that are more noticeable.

The color reminds me a little bit of NYX Orange Soda or similar peachy-pink, light cream shades. Since it's such a light shade, I find it works best when applied in a few light layers over a moisturizing lip balm or in conjunction with a clear or sheer gloss to sheer out the color and help it sit better on the lips. I wouldn't wear this alone, as when there isn't anything else on my lips, it accentuates dryness and can look uneven (unless I apply one sheer layer).

It's comfortable on the lips, and is similar in texture to the NYX Round Lipsticks. They are thin and have a glossy feel to them and a similar shiny finish. I don't find them particularly drying.

The tip doesn't wear down too quick, which is a good thing. I've had some lip pencils that wear down very quickly, and it's a pain having to sharpen all of the time.

Swatch of NYX Irish Coffee Jumbo Lip Pencil

NYX Irish Coffee on my lips (I applied a layer of clear lip gloss first, so it's a bit shinier than usual)

The lasting power is pretty standard - maybe a couple of hours on it's own, a bit longer when mixed with a gloss (I like using MAC Clear Lipglass).

Overall, not bad. I'd be willing to try other shades if I come across any that are appealing. There are thirty shades in total, so there should be something for everyone. ;) 

Have you tried these? What'd you think?

The Round-Up
Pros:

• Easy to apply
• Pigmented color
• Lightweight and comfortable on the lips
• Shiny finish
• Inexpensive
• Cruelty-free

Cons:

• This shade in particular accentuates dryness and can look uneven on the lips.
• Isn't retractable, so you'll have to invest in a pencil sharpener for large pencils.
• Due to it's glossy texture, the packaging can get messy (which is no big deal, but it's not very pretty.)

Price: $4.50, NYX, Ulta and Cherry Culture.

E.L.F. Studio Maximum Coverage Concealer Review, Photos and Swatches!

E.L.F. Studio Maximum Coverage Concealer

E.L.F. Studio Maximum Coverage Concealer ($3) is a buildable coverage concealer that can be used on the face and body. It's oil-free, highly pigmented and long-lasting. Suitable for covering blemishes and scars, and even claims to cover tattoos and birthmarks.

E.L.F. Studio Maximum Coverage Concealer is available in (5) shades: Porcelain, Sand, Nude, Beige, Tan and Almond.

I purchased Sand, which is ideal for fair to light skin tones with a neutral balance of yellow and pink undertones, and Nude, which is ideal for light skin tones with yellow undertones.

Nude and Sand swatched on my MAC NC25-27 skin

It comes in a fairly large (large for a concealer) squeeze tube that contains 0.7 fl oz/20 ml of product. Most concealers contain around 0.5 fl oz or less of product, so you get a really good amount for the price.

The consistency is creamy and dense, and when you blend it, it has a emollient mousse texture. It's almost comparable to the creamy texture of MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation or Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Makeup.

It blends effortlessly into the skin with the help of my fingertips. I usually apply it with my fingertips, by a light tap-and-drag motion until it's thoroughly blended. If necessary, I'll build a second layer for additional coverage.

(E.L.F. Maximum Coverage Concealer in Nude before and after)

Even with layers, it doesn't feel or look heavy, and it doesn't settle in my fine lines, which I think is due to the moisturizing texture. It really sinks into the skin making my under-eyes look healthy, radiant and moisturized. It has a dewy finish that never really dries/sets though, so applying a good helping of setting powder is a must. I usually take a powder puff and lightly press-and-roll the powder into my skin, making it completely budge-proof (much more effective than dusting the powder under my eyes with a brush).

As for the coverage, I wouldn't say it's full - I think Hard Candy Glamoflauge has more of an opaque coverage. I'd consider it to be medium coverage and will work great for those with normal under-eye darkness. It covers minor blemishes, but I couldn't really see it covering tattoos completely because I tested it on one of my dark freckles and it didn't cover it.

Often I like layering different concealers, and sometimes I use this in conjunction with MAC Pro Longwear or Moisturecover Concealer and I really like the results.

I overall really enjoy this concealer and will definitely repurchase. If you're looking for a new affordable concealer, I think it's worth a try. I think it's the best concealer in the E.L.F. cosmetic line. 

The Round-Up

Pros:

• Great for dry skin
• Healthy, light reflecting finish
• Doesn't cake or settle in fine lines
• Covers well for those with average dark circles (those with severe darkness may benefit from layering concealers or use in conjunction with a corrector)
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• Doesn't really set or dry, so it must be set with a powder.
• Wouldn't consider it full coverage as it claims, but it's buildable to a heavy medium.
• The darkest shade isn't very dark at all, and would be too light for deep-dark skintones. 

Price: $3, E.L.F. Currently 50% off all Studio products with code: ECD2.

E.L.F. Studio HD Blushes Review, Photos and Swatches!

E.L.F. Studio HD Blushes

E.L.F. Studio HD Blushes ($3) are velvety soft cream blushes encased in a pump dispenser. The cream is lightweight, highly pigmented and long wearing.

E.L.F. Studio HD Blush is available in (5) shades: Headliner (natural pink), Superstar (coral), Diva (bright pink), Encore (vibrant rose) and Showstopper (plum raisin).

They look reminiscent of the Make Up Forever HD Blushes ($26), because they essentially have the same packaging and are both named "HD" blushes. They do share some other similarities in that they apply the same way, are both pigmented and long wearing, but the textures are slightly different. The E.L.F. Blush is almost like a creamy cheek stain. I actually find the E.L.F. Blushes easier to work with as the product itself isn't as concentrated as the MUFE Blushes, so it's a bit easier to blend out. They also don't set as quick as the MUFE blushes, so you have a little bit of time to work with them. They have a good amount of silicone in them (although it's not the first ingredient) so if you do well with silicone-based blushes, these blushes should be no exception.

Be warned that they are extremely pigmented. It took me a few tries at first because every time I tried, I applied too much product (which didn't seem like a lot at all). You literally only need a tiny dot for both cheeks. It's a little tricky - you have to be careful not to dispense too much product. I like applying a tiny dot of product on a clean surface, or the back of my hand (sometimes I sanitize the lid of one of my compacts and pump the product directly on the lid) and smooth it out with my fingers and then take a stippling brush and lightly tap the ends of the bristles into the product and then go cheek to cheek applying the blush in circular, buffing motions until blended. Some cream blushes are touchy and can only be stippled on, but these blushes don't deem to disrupt my foundation or make my cheeks look blotchy. I've also applied a dot on each cheek and used a stippling brush to blend with equally good results.

The finish on the skin is very natural, soft and matte.

Swatches from left to right: Headliner, Superstar, Diva, Encore and Showstopper. (please excuse my goosebumps... it was freezing today!)

These blushes also double as lip stains - I don't necessarily find them drying, but they are pretty dry, so applying a lip balm prior is a good idea. I love the way Showstopper looks on my lips. I've been wanting to purchase a berry lip shade for the Fall and I've had my eyes on MAC Rebel Lipstick, but I'm going to hold off for now. (I'll post a photo later)

I've tested them all on my cheeks, and I love them all. I've worn Headliner and Diva for a full day, and both colors held up all day. Impressive! I found Showstopper to be the most difficult shade to get to work on my cheeks because it's so pigmented and deep. I'm still going to play around with it though.

Swatches from left to right: Headliner, Superstar, Diva, Encore and Showstopper.

If you're planning on placing an order with E.L.F. any time soon, these blushes are a must-try! For the price, you really can't beat them! I'm crossing my fingers that they will release additional shades.

The Round-Up

Pros:

• Very pigmented color
• Easy to work with
• Very soft and pretty on the cheeks
• Long-lasting
• Lightweight and sanitary packaging
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• Almost too pigmented? You have to be very careful not to apply too much.
• The pump can dispense too much product if you aren't careful.
• There aren't any "natural" shades other than Headliner.

Price: $3 each, E.L.F. Currently 50% off all Studio products with code: ECD2.