LAURA MERCIER TINTED MOISTURIZER SPF 20 PORCELAIN REVIEW

I have a love-hate relationship with tinted moisturizers. I love them, because they work so well on my skin in the winter, but I hate them because they are the only thing that works on my skin in the winter. Couple that with the fact that I'm ghastly pale, it didn't bode well for this one at all. I had read all about it online, and so many people seemed to love it that I fell into the all-too-common blogger trap of hype.
My first issue was the woman that sold it to me. I went in there looking to buy blush and eyeliner and to inquire about the tinted moisturizer. I thought that it would be too dark on me, but the saleswoman assured me that it was perfect! And, truthfully, in the flattering light of the Nordstrom makeup area, it was. 
Unfortunately, it oxidizes like mad and becomes far more orange about ten minutes later. Also: you must set this with powder or you will become shine city. I have such dry skin that shiny skin has never been a problem for me. This stuff sits on top of your skin, and the only way to make it work is to powder the daylights out of it. 


My second issue, and the one that really ruined it for me, is the terrible packaging. It has leaked into the cap since day one. It didn't leave my makeup counter for its first month in my home, and was always left on its side, and yet every morning I opened it up to a mess. I typically try to keep my makeup clean. I feel like I have invested in it, and because I have invested in it, I really should take care of it. This product is so awkwardly watery and oily (like a cheap, low spf sunscreen) that no matter how well I clean it and close it, it manages to leak out again within twenty-four hours. 
It has now become my "post-gym" makeup: The stuff that I put on after I get out of the shower before I leave the gym. I hate to be there without at least a base on*, but I don't want to have anything super nice rattling around in my bag.

*I would love to work at the gym I go to in the near future, so I always try to look at least somewhat put together. I'm not crazy vain! Just trying to be professional :)

L'OREAL COLOUR RICHE BALM REVIEW (PINK SATIN)

I have been on the hunt for a good dupe for my beloved Dior Color Reviver Balm. I love it to pieces, it works really well for me, and I wear it probably three days a week. Unfortunately, it is roughly $30 a tube. I don't mind spending that much for a product that works so well, but if I can find a good dupe for cheap, I would be thrilled. 
Unfortunately, this is not that balm. It isn't anything like it, not even in consistency. 


However, we can start with the packaging. I really like the packaging! I feel like it is very simple and elegant — I wouldn't feel ashamed to whip this out in public. 



The downside of this is the formula. I wouldn't have minded the color being different, except for the fact that the formula is so mediocre. It is a hard balm, and difficult to apply. You have to rub it over your lips several times to warm it up enough to apply it, and it sits on top of your lips. It feel grainy, while on the lips, and smells terrible. I can't really describe the scent, except for a synthetic type of petroleum jelly. 
The color is nothing to write home about. It looks like a vibrant baby pink in the package, yet has no color on my lips. I have very, very pale lips. It doesn't take a lot to add color to them, and this one does nothing. 
I'm surprised, because L'oreal's lip products are usually pretty good. They did a limited edition red a few years back, and I am still trying to find more of it. I bought five tubes, and it was perfect in both scent and consistency, not to mention color.


This one is included strictly for the hilarity factor. 


*I did the face shots in the mirror to hide how dry my skin is. I started a new acne treatment, and it has dried me out. I didn't want to ick you out with a close up of my face!

Bobbi Brown Lip Balm SPF 15

My parents tell me that I am very difficult to buy for. I don't think that I am, but they let me pick out what I wanted and put it on their Nordstrom card.

I walked all through cosmetics, looked longingly at the Chanel foundations that I am far too pale for, and was waved down by the woman at Bobbi Brown.

I actually hadn't used Bobbi Brown before, and I sat there and let her do my makeup. I bought everything she put on, aside from the base moisturizers. (I plan on buying them eventually, but I'm trying to use up what I already have before moving on. I never use up anything, and I'm trying to work towards being less wasteful.)

I am going to post a review of everything, but on an individual basis because I don't want this to be a mile long post.

I have been wearing this balm daily for the past two weeks. I have worn it under lipstick, over lip pencil, and alone. I absolutely adore it. It is rather stiff and takes some time to warm up the first time, but becomes progressively softer/easy to apply time goes on.

It was $17, and while that seems expensive for a balm, it was completely worth it and I will definitely buy it again.

Pros:
Non-stick. My hair loves my lip products, and my windy area helps it out in its quest to ruin my makeup. This balm doesn't move, but doesn't feel or look dry.

Long lasting. I apply it on my way out of the house, and then again after lunch. It wears off some, but nowhere near as much as some other products I've tried.

Large pot. I have been using it daily for two weeks or so, and it looks nearly new. I have huge lips, this is no small feat.

Beautiful color. I am super pale, and this makes my normally-pale lips look healthy and alive.

Cons:
Comes in a pot. I'm a student and constantly around people who are sick. This has made me a bit germ phobic, and I hate having to haul out hand sanitizer and wash my hands every time I want to reapply my lip balm.


Overall, I'm in love.

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