Review: CoverGirl Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balm

Over the weekend I picked up two of CoverGirl’s new Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balms. I purchased the colors ballet twist (a soft muted pink) and coral twist (true coral). I am a big fan of the lip pencil trend and was excited to try these out. 

The pencils are twist-up (as the color names imply), so there’s no sharpening or mess. The product goes on smoothly and provides a hint of shine, though the shine doesn’t last for very long. I’d liken them to a more moisturizing form of a lip liner—the color can be quite saturated depending on how much you apply and it’s pretty long-lasting. One of the downsides of the pencils is that after initially applying, the product can become a little bit dry. 

All-in-all, I like these pencils but am not totally crazy about them. I think there are plenty of other jumbo lip pencils on the market that do a better job of providing even richer color and more moisturizing. (Tarte LipSurgence or Clinique pencils are great.)

The gloss balms are available in 16 colors for $8.99 each at Ulta. (I scored mine on a buy one get one 50% off discount.) Have you tried CoverGirl’s Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balms? Are you a fan of jumbo lip pencils? 

Review: OCC Lip Tar

If you follow trends in the beauty world, you’ve likely heard of Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics (OCC) and their revolutionary Lip Tar. I admit, it’s a product I’ve been lusting after for quite a while. I finally got my hands on one of their 40 colors. Believe me, it was no easy feat to pick out just one. 

OCC Lip Tars are designed to be lipstick in a squeeze tube. The product combines all the best parts of a lipstick and gloss—the longevity and saturation of a lipstick and the creamy smooth texture of a gloss. Each Lip Tar comes in a cute little zip package with a miniature precision lip brush to apply the product. Super convenient!

The product is made with hemp and peppermint oils and vitamin E. Another great thing is that it’s vegan AND cruelty-free. 

I purchased my lip tar in the color Femme, which is described as a true baby pink. The instructions say to “apply the tiniest bead of Lip Tar.” They aren’t kidding. The first time I tried the product on I used way too much (even though I didn’t think I was using that much) and my lips looked like they were an opaque electric pink! I’ve now learned that really all you need is a drop about the size of a pinhead. No joke. Once I figured out exactly how much to use, I was really happy with how the Lip Tar looked on me. 

(Left: blended, Right: not blended)

Though the Lip Tar is thick and creamy, it doesn’t look or feel heavy. It provides a nice moisturizing look to the lips. The only negative I found is that the product seems to settle into lip lines. But, that’s easily remedied by putting a clear gloss over the top. In fact, OCC does make a clear gloss that I might have to check out. 

When I purchased the product I thought $16 was a little steep for the amount you get in the tube, but I now know that this tube would last months and months even if I used it every day. I’m really looking forward to trying out some of the other colors in the line.

Have you tried any of the OCC Lip Tars yet? What’d you think? 

How To Get the Perfect Pout

Not sure the best way to get a long-lasting look on your lips? Here’s how:

Start by putting on some lip balm at least five to 10 minutes before you plan to put on your lip liner, gloss and/or lipstick. I used a balm by Yes to Carrots.

Before you begin to put on your lip products, wipe off most of the lip balm. You want the balm to soften your lips, but not get in the way of your product sticking to your lips.

Start with lip liner to give your product something to stick to.

To line your lips, use short strokes to trace around the border of your lips. I usually start from the center and work outward.

When you’ve finished outlining the border of your lips, fill in your whole lip with the pencil.

Next, add your lipstick and/or lip gloss. Press your lips together as you go.

Use a cotton bud or bit of toilet paper to clean up any goofs.

All done!

For this look I used a Stila Lip Glaze, but you could always apply a lipstick then gloss over the top. If you apply a lipstick, try out this powder trick I posted about last year to help it last longer.

Enjoy your perfect pout!

Review: Jouer Essential Lip Enhancer

If you’re looking for a great way to keep your lips moisturized and soft this winter, check out the Jouer Essential Lip Enhancer.

According to the Jouer website, the Essential Lip Enhancer is made with botanical ingredients like vitamin E, shea butter and jojoba oil. It’s designed to hydrate and volumize lips and Jouer claims that it will help decrease fine lines. They recommend applying it three times a day for 29 days.

The lip enhancer goes on just like a non-sticky lip gloss. It’s very soft and creamy and has a very subtle hint of pink. It also gives a nice shine to the lips. The first time I tried it, I realized that the product had a very familiar scent that I couldn’t place—turns out that it smells just like Pond’s Cold Cream. Never tried it? I don’t blame you—it was one of those things I borrowed from my mom’s beauty collection when I was a kid.

I’ve been using the lip enhancer in the morning and just before bed for over a month and have been very happy with the results. It’s excellent as a night treatment and every morning I wake up and my lips feel very soft and hydrated. Even with the cold weather setting in, my lips don’t feel dry or chapped even after the lip enhancer has worn off.

I’ve noticed that after I’ve applied the lip enhancer, it seems that any fine lines on or around my lips are much less noticeable; however, I haven’t noticed any lasting effects beyond when actually wearing the product.

Overall, I would definitely recommend the Jouer Essential Lip Enhancer if you’re looking for a way to keep your lips hydrated this winter!