Black Radiance Radiant Lip Gloss in Golden Sand

These lip balms used to be my favorite back in the day. I've reviewed a ton and plan on trying out more. Lip Gloss is one of those makeup items that I feel you definitely don't have to go high end to get nice ones. In fact, most of the time I try more expensive ones I am left disappointed with a few exceptions. I used to really like the Fashion Fair ones back in the day. Anyway, I saw these awhile back in Walmart and decided to try the Golden one.

Black Radiance claims:

Radiant Lip Gloss is a color-intense gloss that shimmers with diamond like sparkles. Wear these superb colors alone or over a favorite lip liner pencil for longer wear. Your lips will be the center of attention with their shimmering and oh-so-kissable finish. 

I've had this one for awhile now. Probably longer than you are supposed to keep a gloss, but as long as it still smells good, I keep it. This one smells like Kool Aide powder. I like the scent. It's not very overpowering, just nice!

It's  a little sticky- and I find it lasts decently. Pretty much as long as whatever I put underneath it does. I don't use it alone, usually I put it over lipsticks that I want to amp the shine up on. Tends to be matte lipsticks or the OCC Lip Tars. The gold shimmers don't stand out as much as if you just put it on by itself, but it seems to add a certain vibrance to the lip colors. Especially unusual ones. 

It has a brush applicator. I like the brushes more than the doe foot applicator. So it's all good with me. Most times I tend to use another brush to apply it so it doesn't pick up my lip color.

The price is great. They are only three bucks! And still my favorite lip glosses. 

It comes in four other colors. I've tried the Radiant Red,  and Blackberry Ice both of which are excellent glosses. But those I use alone instead of on top of gloss.

I love it and would recommend these to anyone! Check them out!

I used it today over a mix of MAC Candy Yum Yum and MAC Heroine.

And I used it awhile ago over a color I created with my OCC Lip Tars. 

Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss in Pout

I feel as if I have been reviewing a lot of Smashbox products lately. But this one should be the last one for awhile. I got this a little over a year ago in one of their holiday sets. They have actually discontinued these glosses but I still see them sold in some Cosmetic Company outlets so I figured I would just do the review for it. This is the last one in the set and my least favorite of the bunch- although I can't say I liked any of the other glosses.

Smashbox claims:

What it is:A sheer, ultra-moisturizing lip gloss.What it does:Drench your lips in luminous color and shine with this ultra-moisturizing formula that keeps lips soft and smooth for hours. Available in a variety of long-wearing shades and three advanced color formulas for a range of dazzling looks that enhance your lips like never before.What else you need to know:Sheer Color: Full of shiny polymers and pearls with a hint of glistening color for three-dimensional shine. The brush applicator wand flawlessly coats lips.True Color: Vitamin E and sunflower seed oil nourish with a touch of creamy color. The doe-foot applicator wand perfectly contours lips.Full Color: Saturate lips with brilliant color. Vitamin E moisturizes and the high-pigment shine goes on smooth and lasts for hours. The doe-foot applicator wand ensures color precision and control.

I really hate this color. 

It's the type of color that a lot of skin tones should be careful with .Especially deeper skin tones. This looks like glossy ash on my skin tone. It's not flattering AT ALL. Unfortunately I see a lot of women my skin tones that will rock this type of color.

This is probably the face I make when I see it.

 It almost always looks UGLY. Especially in photos. It's basically a light milky lilac-y pink. 

It's not hard to make it wearable though. All you have to do it use it over a pink lipstick or pencil. I find it's best if I just dab a little in the center. Then it doesn't look so offensive. But as a $20 lip gloss I expect more than just a pale pink topper. I paid around five but I would have been pretty mad if I paid more. There are plenty of drugstore shades that are similar to this at a better price.

The texture is pretty thick which is what I hated most about these glosses from Smashbox. 

The scent is not like the others in the set though. The others smelled of Vanilla which was pleasant. This smells like cinnamon. And while I like the scent of cinnamon this doesn't smell good at all. It's a very off cinnamon. Like cinnamon baby wipes.

I'm not a fan. I will finish it up (hopefully!). Not a shade I would recommend though.

Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss in Radiance

These were discontinued a very long time ago...but I still see them being sold in Cosmetic Company Outlets (CCO) so I figure I'll do a review anyway! 

Smashbox claims:

• ull of shiny polymers and pearls with a hint of glistening color for three-dimensional shine. Brush wand flawlessly coats lips.
• Vitamin E and sunflower seed oil nourish with a touch of creamy color. The velour wand perfectly contours lips.
• Saturate lips with brilliant color. Vitamin E moisturizes and the high-pigment shine goes on smooth and lasts for hours. The velour wand ensures color precision and control.
• 
  

I bought these in a holiday set last Christmas. It was one of five very mediocre glosses. I'm not the biggest fan of gloss anyway-unless they are full color glosses and super cheap. I can see spending money on a lipstick but not a gloss.  There are so many drugstore options that are priced better and do the exact same job.

But I bought these because I thought maybe Smashbox could change my mind.

And they didn't. Not at all.

This looks really pretty in the bottle. A nice mauve pink with tons of pretty glitters but when you put it on it just looks clear. I can't even see the glitters. 

So basically this is just a topper for your lipsticks or your lip pencils. It looks decent on top of stuff. Nothing worth the price tag these retail for. I got it for five dollars and have found glosses around the 2-3 dollar range that did more for me.

I especially hate the way these wear. They are really thick and no matter how thinly I try to apply it ends up outside my lip line.

I have on a lip pencil underneath in the photo.

It's not especially long wearing nor is it especially moisturizing (nor is it drying). 

I'm just not a fan and can see why they were discontinued. Sorry Smashbox!!

Random: I opened my Teavana Chocolate Bananas Foster tea....sounds amazing but definitely didn't taste as amazing as it sounded. It tasted like a mild apple tea with other fruity flavors...hint of bananas and can't say I noticed the chocolate. 

MAC Rihanna Viva Glam 2 + Possible Dupe

I have always wanted a Viva Glam lipstick. I love it when companies have products where they donate proceeds to a (great) cause. I think that is amazing-and if you want to learn more about the campaign click here.  

So purchasing a Viva Glam Lipstick already makes you feel great about buying it.

When I first saw this color I thought it looked amazing in the promo pic. Rihanna is ROCKING that green hair and that lipstick. But when I saw swatches it looked like it might be a little too...light grey/beige. But the more I looked the more I wanted it...mostly because it was so unique and the packaging is so pretty.

One day I was minding my own business when I saw the little gift set pop up on Nordie's (Nordstrom). I wish they did the set with the gloss and the lipstick but they paired it with Rihanna Viva Glam 1 instead. Oddly enough it was the bag that sold me. I really wanted the bag.  Which to be honest-it feels kinda cheap but still looks nice. 

So I ordered it. 

When I got it...I didn't waste any time putting it on. Thought it was..... interesting. Then my mom saw it...and she was like EWWWWWW...That's ugly. No lie. Ten minutes later she said "Well,it looks kinda nice on you." Now for my mom that's saying a lot, she basically only likes the same shade of red/burgundy and buys it over and over again in different brands. 

So I've tried it on a couple times and now I LOVE it. 

One of the reasons I held off on buying it was because I thought I had a similar color in my Black Radiance gloss in Blackberry Ice. Which is a gorgeous color at a bargain price- less than three dollars.

I took a swatch and they are pretty different honestly, BUT it's the closest I could find in the drugstore.

It is kind of similar-but Black Radiance is more purple, more shimmer, and in my opinion is a little less intimidating to wear. 

I actually ordered the gloss and am waiting on it to come in (more money to a great cause!).

So I took a few pics. The first one I have on is Rihanna Viva Glam 2.

And here is Blackberry Ice.

Excuse the dark circles under my eyes. I haven't been sleeping too well!

The only thing is I had a hard time figuring out what to do with the rest of my face. I couldn't pick a blush so I loaded up on bronzer and on my eyes I used my Naked Palette (Hustle,Creep, and Naked).

Can't wait to get my gloss!

So what do you think? Is this a shade you would rock or not?

Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss in Tease

I feel like making waffles. But I can't find the waffle iron for the life of me. Actually I've been craving waffles for awhile, so much  so that the last time I was in the store I bought Eggos. Ew. I used to eat them all the time when I was little. I think the box they come in may actually taste better than the things inside they are passing off as waffles. Maybe I'll go to Waffle House. Hmm.

In the meantime, I'll go ahead and review this gloss. That should have been written last year but you know...I'm a busy girl. 

This product is actually discontinued and I can't find a description. Forgive me.

Moving right along. This came in the wonder vision set from last Christmas. I got five glosses for twenty dollars. Which is a good deal because they are normally 19 a piece. Which is ridiculous if you ask me.

First off let's talk about scent. It smells very similar to the MAC lip products with the vanilla scent. I really do like the scent.

Now the color looks like a pretty berry shade. It looks nice in the tube. What I didn't realize when I bought this was that it is sheer and I'm not a fan of sheer glosses. I like full color gloss. It has a nice sheen to it and I guess it would be good topped on a similar shade but personally for me, sheer glosses are kind of a waste of money.

Another problem I have with it, it's thick. And refuses to stay where I put it. A couple minutes after I apply it's already outside my lip line. Not cute. 

The wear time is decent. And I don't find it drying so those are pluses.

But on the whole I was quite underwhelmed. If you spot these, definitely give it a pass. There are much better glosses out there.

Have you tried any of the new Smashbox glosses? Would you recommend them?

Only two more of these to review!!

Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss in Ruby

I bought this around Christmas Time in one of the Holiday sets Smashbox releases...so I paid around five dollars for it-which is a great thing because I don't think they are worth any more than that. I can't imagine paying the full $16 or $17 retail price.

It looks amazing in the tube-a brilliant red that looks like it should be opaque.

Then I applied it- and got a red berry color that was very sheer. Definitely misleading. 

The actually gloss is a little thick and a wee bit sticky. It last ok as long you aren't eating or drinking. It doesn't leave any sort of stain on the lips.

I almost forgot to mention-this gloss applies pretty unevenly and love to travel outside my hipline which is super annoying. You can kind of see it in the picture.

The smell is nice- a vanilla that reminds me of the scent MAC uses.

As far as moisture- I don't feel like they offer much. Once they wear off my lips feel like they could use a little extra moisture.

I'm not very impressed. Honestly you could find something similar in the drugstore. I think the line of these glosses have been discontinued but you may run across the set in a discount store so I figured I would do the review anyway.

Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss in Luster

I just realized these glosses are discontinued but figured I would do the review anyway. I bought this in one of the holiday sets that had five glosses for $20 versus $20 for just one. I haven't had man high end glosses because I find the ones in the drugstore work just fine...but I find it hard to pass up on a good deal.

So I'll start of with scent. They smell like vanilla...very similar if not identical to the MAC lip glosses. Since I love Vanilla it's quite alright with me.

As for color..it looks very pretty in the tube. A clear gloss with pink/whitish shimmer.It photographed kind of gold. 

On the lips...looks like any other clear gloss you can get from any brand.

It wears OK. Not particularly long wearing but I don't mind reapplying gloss. I do wish it was a little more moisturizing though because when it wears off my lips they feel kinda dry.

It's great to apply over any lipstick that you want to make more glossy.

It's a little on the thick side and just a tad sticky which I suppose makes it last longer. 

Overall, it's OK...but I wouldn't recommend nor buy again. Five dollars is a fair price but if you pay any more than that I think it is rip off. I had a Cover girl lip gloss years ago that I paid $2.99 for that is very similar to this.

N.Y.C Lippin' Large Lip Plumper in Plum Tart

I have very large lips naturally. So I would never buy this product. I got it as a gift for my birthday from my mom. Boy was I puzzled, apparently she thinks I need plumper lips.

NYC claims:

Maximize your assets with NYC New York Color Lippin' Large Lip Plumper. It gives you noticeably fuller-looking, plumper lips – plus a sheer wash of color and shine help to further enhance lip shape and fullness. The warm tingly sensation feels just like the rush of a major gain in your stock portfolio! Lips look and feel fuller, plumper and kissable. At a price even Wall St. would envy, things are really looking up!

I'm pretty disappointed with the color. It is very very sheer. So much so that I forget I put it on, then go to drink something and leave this imprinted on the glass. It looks kinda like dirt too. Not a good look.

As for the plumping effect, I don't think it works. Which for me is a good thing. It just kinda tingles. I think that's because it has peppermint oil it it. 

It smells like peppermint oil too. I'm glad about that because some of NYC lip products don't smell to pleasant.

Another thing I noticed is that this stuff is actually pretty moisturizing and when it wears off I'm left with super soft lips.

Ingredients:

Polybutene/Octylodeecanol/Petrolatum/Tridecyl Trimelitate/Bis-Diglceryl Polyacyladipate-2/Silica Silicate/C18-36 Acid Triglyceride/Ozerkerite/Flavor/Tocopheryl Acetate/Ethyhexyl Palmitate/Tribehenin/Sorbitan Isostreanate/Pamlitoyl Oligopeptide/Cinnamonium Zeylancium Bark Oil/Zingiber Officinate(Ginger)Root Oil/Menthol Piperita(Peppermint)Leaf Oil/Menthone Glycerin Actetal/Butyrospermum/Parkii (Shea Butter)/Menthoxprobanediol Vanillyl Butyl Ether/ Benzophenrione-3/Phenoxyethanol/Methylparaben/Ethylparaben/Propylparaben/Butylparaben/Isobutylparaben. May Also Contain Calcium Aluminum/Borosilicate/Silica/Tin Oxide/May Contain Titanium Dioxide/Mica/Iron Oxides/Red 6 Lake/Red 7 Lake/Yellow 5 Lake/Blue 1 Lake/Carmine

What's scary is the ingredient list. I can't even say most of that stuff.  But the cinnamon oil. peppermint oil and the Shea Butter are nice. Even if they are in extremely small quantities.

For me, no reccomendation. I'll be using the rest of it as a base before I apply lipstick.

Sorry, N.Y.C

Black Radiance Radiant LipGloss in Blackberry Ice

It's been a minute since I've reviewed a gloss from Black Radiance but here it is. My last one unless I order them on Ebay because they don't sell them around here. Luckily, Ebay has good prices. Anywho, I paid around $2.99 for it at Walmart.

Black Radiance claims:

A color-intense gloss that shimmers with sparkles of diamonds. Wear these superb colors alone or over
a favorite lipliner pencil for longer wear. Your lips will be the center of attention with their shimmering
and oh-so-kissable finish.

The radiant formula that Black Radiance makes is my favorite. This is only my second one, the first being Radiant Red. The glitter in these are absolutely gorgeous.

I wasn't sure I would like this color but I actually do. It takes some getting used to. It's a very dark purple-brown with very fine gold glitters. I can't believe it only cost $2.99. I haven't found the courage to wear it out the house. As soon as I can figure out what to wear with it, I will!!

It's smells reminiscent of cherry kool-aide. Like the red did. 

It has a little brush applicator (which sometimes splays) that I like a lot better than the doe-foot applicator!!

Overall, gorgeous color and a great price. Definitely pick this one up!!

Black Radiance Liquid Lip Color in Whisper Pink

I've had a very busy weekend...but before I start let me tell you about my NARS make over. I just so happened to walk in while they were demonstrating NARS products on customers and one of the makeup artist matched me to the RIGHT color. Before when I got matched the lady just slapped on the three darkest shade and none of them matched. And I got to try on the Taj Mahal blush and some blue liner! It was nice. But anyway, that's all off topic. Today I'm going to review Black Radiance Whisper Pink. I bought this in Wally world before I left the states for $2.99. Usually I love their glosses but...this   one I could do without. 

Black Radiance claims:

Applies like a gloss providing sheer color and shine. Moisturizing formula conditions and softens lips

So this one is different than the others I have tried because it is a lip color instead of gloss. The packaging is round instead of square. And the applicator is a doe foot instead of a brush. (I like the brushes better!)

So..the reason I don't like this is the color. If I apply alone...it's this pale ashy pink thats a no-no on darker skin tones such as mine. If you are lighter, this should look great on you no problem. 

The only way I could wear it is to put it over a pink lipstick. (I don't own any) So instead I usually use it in the house when I'm not going anywhere.

In my opinion, Black Radiance has other glosses I'd rather repurchase than to buy this.... Oh well, I tried.

Black Radiance Radiant Lip Gloss in Radiant Red

Without knowing it I had finished all the Illusions Lip Gloss. And now it's time for the Radiant line!! So how do I like it?

 Black Radiance claims:
A color-intense gloss that shimmers with sparkles of diamonds. Wear these superb colors alone or over 
a favorite lipliner pencil for longer wear. Your lips will be the center of attention with their shimmering and oh-so-kissable finish. Radiance claims:


Scent:
My lip glosses must smell good. And usually black radiance lip glosses can smell pretty funky. But not this one. It smells like artificial cherries. In a good way. In the past I've had some of their glosses go funky after a while so make sure to use it in a timely manner.

What's it look like?
Well, another surprise. This one has a brush instead of the usual doe foot applicator (is that what it's called). I like the new brush better.

Color:
It's nice and pigmented. It's definitely a darker shade of red, and not at all intimidating to wear out. I recommend it for those that maybe aren't ready for a full on red and want something a little subtle.

Would I recommend?

Yeah, it's not a bad buy and $2.99. I can't wait to get my hands on more.

MAC Lap of Luxury Lip Glass

My first Lip Glass from MAC!!!!

*jumps up and down.

I bought this from some discount makeup store for ten bucks. These usually are $14.50. I hear it's from the fabulous felines collection. It's described as a "dark eggplant with pearl".

MAC claims:
A unique lip gloss available in a wide variety of colours that can create a high gloss, glass-like finish or a subtle sheen. Designed to be worn on its own, over Lip Pencil or Lipstick, Tinted Lipglass is the perfect product for creating shine that lasts. It's pigmented, very shiny and can impart subtle or dramatic colour. It contains Jojoba Oil to help soften and condition the lips. Tinted Lipglass is packaged in a convenient bottle with a sponge tip applicator that provides a quick, smooth, even application.

First thing I noticed (and loved) was the vanilla scent. It smells good. And I like having vanilla scented lips.

It's kinda sticky but not in a bad way. I think thats what makes it last so long.

And I love the color. It's such a pretty shade of purple but on my it kinda looks like a pinky purple that is nowhere near as dark as it was in the container.

I recommend it. Just wish it were cheaper. I can't wait to get my hands on more!!!

Black Radiance Illusions Lip Gloss in Elegant Bronze

Surprise! Another Black Radiance Lip Gloss Review. I've tried quite a few colors and for the most part I really love these glosses. They cost about $2.99 which is pretty good. I really need to try some of their other products.

Black Radiance claims:
Captures all the light from a prism and applies it to your lips for a new-dimension elegance. Moisturize your
lips with one of these diva-tastic colors, making your lips irresistibly kissable with extra shine and shimmer.

Color:
It's called Elegant Bronze but honestly I wouldn't call it a bronze. It's more of a orangy-burgundy- red. If that makes sense. The color is beautiful, it kinda reminds me of the Rose Desire Gloss but this one has much more color pay-off and is richer.

Lasting Power:
About three hours then you have to reapply, I don't mind though.

Moisturzing:
A little bit. It's certainly not drying.

Texture:
I love the texture, it's smooth and always makes my lips feel smoother.

Do I Recommend? 
Heck yes. The color pay-off is nice and the color is a good one for your collection. I need to pick up more of these!! Have you tried anything from Black Radiance?

Black Radiance Illusions Lip Gloss in Marvelous Mocha

Now if you read my blog regularly you know I love my Black Radiance Lip Glosses. They came out with some new colors in the Illusions line and I picked up a color that I would probably never pick. A Mocha color. Welll....

Black Radiance says:

Make your lips irresistibly kissable with extra shine and shimmer! Black Radiance Illusions Lip Gloss captures all the light from a prism and applies it to your lips for a new-dimension elegance. Moisturize your lips with one of three diva-tastic colors.

• Applies a coat of shimmer and shine with an added touch of multi-illusion light sparkles
• Light-refracting, prismatic color
• For perfectly glossed, kissable lips
• Wear it solo for sheer shimmer or pair it up with Perfect Tone Lip Color to enhance your look.

It's not really Mocha. Well not in my opinion. It's like a frosty light purplish brown. At first I didn't like it. It was too...dark. But I've never played around with any brownsih shades so it takes some getting used to. It has grown on me now. If you want a dark neutral face this is perfect. But...only for night time. Day time use it looks like ash on me. Unless I mix it with something which it's perfect for..hae a color that's too light? Throw some of this on top or bottom and you have an instant fix. It would probably pair with a similar color lipstick nicely and add more dimension

As usual, I love the formula. Balck Radiance lip glosses are silky smooth with no "sticky feel". They last about average.

For the price they are great. Can't beat $2.99. I reccomend it. It's a perfect play color. I'm sure you will find some use for it!!