What's in My Beauty Bag?: Lips

I feel like one of life’s greatest mysteries is finding the perfect shade of lipstick.  It has been extremely difficult for me, especially since my skin tone changes pretty frequently throughout the seasons, but I thought I’d share some of my favorite products with y’all.

My favorite shades are MAC Russian Red Matte and NARS Fire Down Below Semi-Matte.

These lipsticks are pretty awesome, even for the heftier price tag.

However, I’ve used some pretty great imitations before, like:

Revlon in Wine Not Matte

- This one has actually been discontinued, which makes me want to cry, because it’s such a good shade. RIP~

I also love Wet N' Wild MegaLast matte lipstick in Cherry Bomb.

And Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede collection in Backstage, which is a semi-matte wine shade that lasts all day.  It has more of a purpley hue, as opposed to the brick-red undertone of Fire Down Below and Wine Not.

This is one of the best shades of red I've ever found with a cheaper brand.

NYX Matte Lipstick in Perfect Red.

I've also become obsessed with these two shades:

Sephora Luster Matte gloss color in Cranberry

And Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids in Neon Red.

It goes on like more of a scarlet red-orange.

Like this!

Some other products I like to use are the Requisite Red Lip Marker stain from Urban Outfitters, the NYX retractable wax liner (I have a few different colors), and the NYX soft matte lipgloss.  I use the dark red color on the left!  I think it's called Monte Carlo.

I also use the e.l.f. Lip Lock Pencil.  It's a lifesaver for wearing an ultra saturated lip color that needs to stay in place.  It's a clear wax that I use on the very outer edges of my lips, before I use lip liner.

I also love the lip plumper by e.l.f.  There's a primer on the other end of the stick, but it honestly looks kinda awful.  But the plumper is really intense and tingly if you're into that.

I've also been using the new Burt's Bees lip crayon in Napa Vineyard (left).  It's such a great wine color.  It doesn't last long, since it's pretty shiny/glossy, but it's a good color to put on when I'm running out the door.

 As far as lip care goes, I love the C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Buffer from Bath & Body Works.  It's a minty, sugary exfoliator that also moisturizes. Also: Smith's Rose Salve is a godsend in more ways than one, plus I'm obsessed with the smell.  And the best balm I've used in my life thus far has to be Maybelline's Baby Lips Dr. Rescue.  I use clear.  It's healed and moisturized my lips many many times, and I use it multiple times a day! I'm addicted, can't help it.