Valentine's Day Glam with Drugstore Makeup Picks

Roses are pink, violets are purple.

I used to think that you have to spend a lot in order to have a good time and look glamorous for Valentine's Day. My recent visit at Walgreens had me at these few new and affordable drugstore products that may suit perfectly for a dolly romantic look. I decided to focus on a soft look, with lighter colors like pink and purple this time. And though I've never tried these shades before (as browns and darks are usually my style) I think it'd be nice to change my makeup look for a more (gl)amorous feel this weekend. ;) Cue song: Glamorous - Fergie ft. Ludacris

After testing out the products, I could quickly tell which items were my favorite and which ones weren't. My new favorite rave for lip products would have to be the L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Extraordinaire Liquid Lip. They go so well for any look, day or night. And unlike lipsticks or lip glosses, this liquid lip product feels so light and hydrating.

As for L'Oréal Paris' new Voluminous Butterfly Mascara, the unique 'winged' brush and the silver packaging was most intriguing. However, because of its asymmetrical shape and my being right handed, I found it easier to apply to one eye and more difficult to apply to the other eye (unless you can twist your hand around and still maintain control OR simply be ambidextrous).

Last but not least, the Revlon ColoyStay Shadow Links were a surprise. Revlon has always been a go-to favorite line of makeup for me, but this time I'm not too impressed with their new eyeshadow links. What really sold me was their novel idea to connect single eyeshadow cases together. Other than that, the product itself is just 'okay' quality. (See review summary in PROs/CONs list at bottom)

Overall, it turned out better than I expected! I'm glad I got to try out my recent curiosities with pink and purple shadows (see photo below - obviously feeling extra girly and flirty with this look). It's fun to step out of your comfort zone with makeup once in a while, especially for a holiday! Valentine's Day is a day we celebrate love--the love for your family, friends, significant other, and most importantly, the love for who you are as you are.

So whether you're planning to get fancied up for a date/party, or chilling out solo -
Celebrate you.

love yourself

PRODUCT REVIEW SUMMARY, PROs/CONs LIST:

EYESHADOW
Revlon ColorStay Shadow Links in Candy (pink shimmer), and in Purple (matte) - $3 each

pros - Good range of colors from mattes to shimmers. Decent pigmentation. Designed for 'mix-n-match' / build your own set by sliding cases together. Nice for travel.

cons - Texture is medium (not too hard not too soft), and causes some fallout. Cases don't stay on too tight.

MASCARA
L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Butterfly Waterproof in Blackest Black - $9

pros - Unique wand design has a winged flare that reaches corners of outer lashes well. Thickens lashes while holding up the curl pretty well. Best for 'demi' style lashes. 

cons - Asymmetrical wand shape is difficult to apply same way for both eyes. Short tiny bristles does not comb out and separate lashes enough. Still see clumping. Formula takes longer to remove/wash off.

LIP COLOR
L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Extraordinaire Liquid Lip in Blushing Harmony (103), and in Nude Ballet (601) - $9

pros -  Luxurious and compact packaging. Smooth long-lasting formula. Sweet fruity smell. Great color payoff without looking too opaque. Good shine and feels hydrating, not sticky. 

cons - Sponge tip is flat and triangular but wish it could be pointier at the tip to precisely reach outer lip corners.

Happy Valentine's Day, my loves!

Lipstain: The perfect alternative for winter dry lips

My lips get really dry and chapped especially now that winter is here. The weather has been so dry and cold lately. Chapsticks and other lip balms keep my lip hydrated well, but I've been wanting play more with lip colors. Maybe it's the holiday season spirits that have been calling my interest.

Normal lipsticks seem to be easier to control during application since you're applying the color directly to your lips. But matte colored lipsticks tend to dry my lips very easily, and shiny colors can smudge off quickly. I felt like lipstick colors can require high-maintenance, especially when you're going for reds or darker plum colors that will show mistakes more apparently.

As an alternative, I recently tried a lipstain for the first time, and it worked out so well! At first, I thought this would be too difficult to apply and control. I'm not applying the color directly on my lips as I would with a lipstick, but instead use the thin applicator brush cap. I purchased the creamy lip stain from the Sephora collection in 'Strawberry Kiss' for $13, which is actually a such good price for its impressive quality (as compared to the popular Stila lipstain at $24).

Sephora's creamy lipstain in Strawberry Kiss, $13 at Sephora

As always, you should have some lip balm on before adding any lip color. This lipstain color will appear glossy at first, but will dry matte if you have a matte color. I find it easier to use a matching lipliner to outline your shape first and then applying a thin layer on the lips. I will also blot my lips onto a facial tissue to get any excess lipcolor off. Once it dries, you can also build on another thin layer if you want it to look more opaque on your lips, but I think the color already looks amazing with one coat.

Why I like this product:

• highly pigmented, color payoff is accurate
• creamy, hydrating, does not dry and crumble or flake off
• long lasting
• affordable for its impressive quality, more 'bang for your buck'
• variety of shimmer and matte colors - pinks, reds, and plums

see jtennisfer on Instagram

It's definitely a bolder look for me. Because this one is in a matte color, the color will show so well in photos. I must say that it's not entirely smudge-proof. I've found that some color may be transferred upon contact, but it's very ideal for a party or big event. I'm happy with how this product has turned out for me, especially since the upcoming winter holiday celebrations will be perfect opportunities to add more glam and color to my makeup looks. I'm looking forward to trying out other colors!