End of the Month Lemmings, May

As this month was my birthday, I haven't had as many lemmings this month, since I got some as presents (yays!).  Well, I didn't get one thing...

1) Warmer weather.
Now, some of you may be having the same problem that we have been having here on the Northern California coast, but it is still cold.  Yeah yeah, maybe not Colorado in the winter cold, but seriously, we are having tons of rain, septic systems are failing because of the water intake is way above normal for this time of year, and heaters and fireplaces are still being used all day because we are 20 degrees below average.  (Right now it's only 54, when it should be 74+).  I'm not asking for much, I just want it to get back to normal temperatures.  (Yes, I do know that this sort of thing happens every 11 years or so, but it's still annoying).

2) New phone.
My husband and I qualify for new phones next month, and are thinking about getting smart phones for the first time.  We are thinking about getting Google phones, like the Motorola Droid, or the HTC Droid Incredible, since we have Verizon.  So far, the Droid Incredible might be winning out, but rumor has it that it might have either a faulty signal strength meter, or the antenna is not very good.  Hopefully I'll be able to find enough research one way or the other, before we buy the phones.  (More research update, it's a combination, but the majority of the problem lies in non-standardized strength bars, with Motorola showing 5 when HTC shows 3.  Combine with a slightly (very slightly) weaker antenna, and you get the results people have been complaining about).

3) The rest of my packages to arrive.
Yeah, a strange one, but true.  I have many packages that I ordered around my birthday (self birthday presents, and a couple birthday presents from money that people gave me, since it was cheaper shipping), and some of them have /still/ not gotten here.  *Sigh*  Ah well, at least I have stuff to look forward to ^_^.

4) Guerlain Fall 2010 Palettes
Yeah, months away, but still, just look at those and tell me you don't want them?  One of the few times I'm okay with being told months ahead of time about a release, because at least I can save up the money to get one (or two).

5) To pass my upcoming test.
Don't want to bore people, but I have a hard test coming up for a certificate, and I really hope to pass it.  Study study study.

Yeah, pretty boring, non-makeup lemming list.  At least it shows that makeup isn't the only thing I think about, hehe.

Julie Hewett Sale!

From now until May 31st, Julie Hewett is having a sale of 40% off with coupon code MEM40.

I know this code is good, because I just used it myself.

Happy shopping!  Her lipsticks are wonderful, and 40% off of them is a hard deal to pass up.  Also, try her Omit concealer pencil, good for the waterline and reverse lining, and her Cheekies, which are like Bobbi Brown pots.

She has matching lip liners for her lipsticks, if you are interesting in that.  Personally, I find that cheap lipliners would just as well for me, so I would say pass on that, unless you want to have a perfect match for your new red lipstick.

Few words of warning: juliehewett.net and https://cart.juliehewett.net/ actually have different pages, with the same products, and the code works on both of them, same cart, etc.  The difference is the page layout, and how much is said on each page.  Also, Scarlet, the Icon of Beauty Lipstick is not available right now.  It will lead you to a blank page on the juliehewett.net site, and the cart.juliehewett.net site doesn't even list it.  Also, Vampie Cheekie is only available through the cart.juliehewett.net site, the other doesn't list it.  I purchased this, and will update if they suddenly tell me it is out of stock, or discontinued.

Good luck ^_^.

Hype Theatre: Lancome Juicy Tubes Smoothie

image from sephora.com

Good evening (or morning, whatever).  Welcome to Hype Theatre, where we examine the most hyped about products, and see whether they are worth the hype surrounding them, are just average, or are downright crap.

Today we will be examining Lancome Juicy Tubes Smoothie, the lipgloss that many women claim is their HG, the best of the best, and worth its weight in gold.

I originally received these as samples and gifts with purchase (and gifted gifts with purchase.  Thanks mom!).  While I did not receive full tubes of this product, I do have enough to make at least 3 full sized tubes, so this product has been thoroughly tested.  This product currently sells for $18 for .5oz (14.6g).

The color that I am mainly reviewing today is Coral Rush, what I would call a more coral watermelon flesh color, with subtle gold sparkle.  This particular shade shows as a light pink with a slight orange pull on my lips, very nice, and goes well with warmer weather, though it should work well in fall/winter.

The gloss squeezes out of the tube with no problem, and is not runny (think Bonnie Bell here).  Juicy Tubes gloss is more thick, and while more difficult to apply than many, is not impossible.  The color is sheer, but does show up, so a thick layer to see the color is not necessary.

The overall texture is not as sticky as, say, MAC Lipglass, but it is by no means non-sticky, like many claims want you to believe.  This is definitely in the category of "tie your hair back if it is windy, and you are wearing this gloss."  Like I stated, it is not as sticky as a lipglass, so there is less need to worry when, say, drinking tea, but there is transfer.  My lips do not stick together unattractively, and there is none of that tell-tale gloss threads when talking (you know what I'm talking about, they look kinda like spider-silk).  The stickier texture allows this gloss to stay on for a longer amount of time than it otherwise would, but it doesn't appear to have very long staying power, fading at about the 2-3 hour mark, depending on how much talking, eating, and drinking actually took place.

While there is no creeping into fine lines for me, there is a little migration that happens towards the outside of my lips.  Also, this gloss does not fade gracefully, getting stickier and more blotchy as time passes, until eventually it needs to be removed.  I cannot layer new gloss on top of old, and removal required something stronger than a paper tissue, and perhaps more elbow grease than I an comfortable exposing my lips to multiple times in a single day.

Overall, this is not worth the hype, and I would claim this is an average product.  The price is pretty reasonable compared to others in the same market (like MAC Lipglass at $14 for .17oz, Shiseido The Makeup Lip Gloss at $21 for .15oz), but compared to others in a tube (like philosophy at $10 for .5oz, Sephora Super Shimmer Lip Gloss $10 for .5 oz, Urban Decay XXX Shine Lip Gloss $16 for .4oz), it is a little high for what you are actually getting.  Those are just mid-high end glosses, as well; drugstore makeup, which I would consider to be of similar quality, is much cheaper.

Hype Theatre deems this:
Product: Not worth the hype, just average.
Price: Complete crap.

Wanna Get to Know You

Saw this on Fuzkittie's blog, and thought it would be fun.

1. What time did you get up this morning? Noon, because I wasn't feeling well.

2. How do you like your steak? Medium rare, Filet Mignon with Bacon on the outside.

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Iron Man 2

4. What is your favorite TV show? South Park

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? Japan, since I love the food.

6. What did you have for breakfast? Nothing (noon, remember?)

7. What is your favorite cuisine? Japanese and Indian

8. What foods do you dislike? Peas

9. Favorite place to eat? Hana

10. Favorite dressing? Ranch, because I can use it on other food.  On salad, lemon juice.

11. What kind of vehicle do you drive? Honda Civic

12. What are your favorite clothes? Jeans and T-shirts.

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance? Don't know.  Anywhere.

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? Half empty.

15. Where would you want to retire? *shrug*  Where I live?

16. Favorite time of day? Twilight.  Love the colors, the smells, the sounds, and the temperature.

17. Where were you born? Texas

18. What is your favorite sport to watch? Soccer/Football

19. Who do you think will not tag you back? I'm tagging someone?

20. Person you expect to tag you back first? This is nonsense.

21. Who are you most curious about their responses to this? Anyone.  I like reading about people (real people, not celebrities).

22. Bird watcher? Not in the book sense, but I like watching nature.

23. Are you a morning person or a night person? Night.

24. Do you have any pets? Currently two cats.

25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? Might be traveling to Texas to visit family this summer.

26. What did you want to be when you were little? Archaeologist

27. What is your best childhood memory? Ummm... don't know, hehe.  Getting my first pet snake?

28. Are you a cat or dog person? Cat.

29. Are you married? Yes.

30. Always wear your seat belt? Always.

31. Been in a car accident? Twice, neither my fault (thank goodness).

32. Any pet peeves? People not washing their hands after using the bathroom.

33. Favorite Pizza Toppings? Pineapple, basil, pesto, sundried tomatoes, mushrooms, olives (not on the same pizza, hehe).

34. Favorite Flower? Roses, since they are so easy to take care of.

35. Favorite ice cream? Chocolate mint, or chocolate peanut butter.

36. Favorite fast food restaurant? Don't usually eat fast food, but Jack 'n the Box or Arby's, since they have curly fries.

37. How many times did you fail your driver's test? 0.

38. From whom did you get your last email? A fellow student in my class.

39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Nordstrom.

40. Do anything spontaneous lately? Bought a lot of mini chip bags, since I don't eat chips fast enough for large bags, and hate stale chips.

41. Like your job? Kinda.

42. Broccoli? Yes please.

43. What was your favorite vacation? Going to Japan in college.

44. Last person you went out to dinner with? My husband.

45. What are you listening to right now? Indica - Linnansa Vanki, Týr - Tróndur í Gøtu

46. What is your favorite color? Teal

47. How many tattoos do you have? 0, but I want to get two (still planning them).

48. How many are you tagging for this quiz? Anyone who wants to take it.

49. What time did you finish this quiz? 3:59 PM Pacific

50. Coffee drinker? Nope.

Yep, that was kinda fun.  Though that whole tagging section...

So what are your answers?

Korres Lip Butter Plum

Price: $10 for .21oz

What they say:
"Ultimate lip treatment with intensely hydrating formulas, packed with a juicy pop of color
• Shea Butter’s anti-inflammatory and potent moisturising benefits cushion the skin and help to restructure it
• Rice Wax helps to seal in hydration, leaving the lips smooth all day "

What I say:
This is nice, but I think the best part about it is the smell (yum!).  It smells like plums, but a little more fake than that.  Maybe more like plum candy.  I like the smell, but I can see how others might think it is a little strong.  Anyway...

Let's start with the packaging.  This comes in a tub, as you can see in the picture, and I happen to fall in the "prefer tube" category.  This isn't a deal breaker for me, but I don't like sticking un-clean fingers into my makeup, so this product becomes an "only if my hands are clean" item.  I don't like those for travel, since I can't guarantee when I will be able to reapply.  That said, the tub is well made, lightweight, and doesn't open accidentally.  There is a plastic cover over the product, like what comes with many face products in tubs, which I think is a nice touch, since it makes it harder for the product to dry out.

The texture is lightweight, and feels moisturizing.  This butter is not moisturizing like a lip treatment, but it is moisturizing enough to keep your lips comfortable during the day.  I would have liked it being more moisturizing, but it wasn't drying, so that's good.  It feels kinda soft when you put your fingers into it, like a facial mask, or maybe more like room temperature butter, or body butter.  When placed on my lips, it is more creamy, and spreads easily.  It layers without problems, and doesn't settle into fine lines, or creep out onto the outside and corners of my mouth.

A little goes a long way with this particular color.  It is sheer when a thin layer is applied, but it can look a bit much if I apply a lot of it, since I am more pale, and this contrasts with that.  Still, the color is nice, and I would say it might lean more towards the cool side than warm, but not too much that anyone can't pull this color off.

According to Korres, lip butters can also double as cheek colors, making this a multi-use product like Stila's Convertibles.  Personally, I think the texture of this, while great for spreading and blending, is a little too greasy for my combination skin.  I haven't noticed breakouts, but without a powder, it looks a little... fake?  I guess that's the right word.  On more dry skin, this might sink in more, looking a little less dewy.

Overall, this is a good product, especially considering the price.  For $10 you get a respectable amount of balm (compare to MAC tendertones, that were $14.50 for .2oz back in 2008).  Korres also has sets, where you can get 3 of their lip butters for $19.50 (or $6.50 each).  Like I said before, I would like to see these in a tube instead of a tub, and would like to have them be more moisturizing, but these are little things, overall, for a product that does deliver.

4/5

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid Daily Sunblock, SPF 70

image from drugstore.com

Price: $13 for 1.4 fl oz.

What they say:

"New Neutrogena Ultra Sheer® Liquid Sunblock delivers powerful protection in a breakthrough lightweight liquid for daily protection from the sun. This water-light texture spreads easily over skin, absorbing instantly for an invisible, weightless feel. It also provides an even, non-shiny finish that works beautifully alone or under makeup and moisturizers.

This product features Helioplex®, a breadth of stabilized sunscreen technologies that delivers superior protection from the sun.

    * Helioplex®
    * Waterproof, sweatproof
    * Non-comedogenic (won't clog pores)
    * Oil-free, PABA free
    * 1.4 fl. oz. bottle"

What I say:

I really like this, and am so glad that I purchased it.  If you recall in my April Lemming's post, I mentioned that other countries have a more runny sunscreen than we do, and it was nice to see a company bring a liquid/lotion sunscreen to this country that was easy to obtain, and didn't cost an arm and a leg.

This sunscreen lives up to my expectations, which I am very happy about.  It is indeed a liquid/lotion, not that thick cream sunscreen that many companies try to pass off as being easy to spread, and fast absorbing.  The tip of the bottle looks a lot like an eyedropper, which allows the sunscreen to come out at just the right rate.  Believe me, you don't want a large opening on a liquid like this.  I actually like to take the bottle and run it across the area that I want to add sunscreen to, leaving a trail behind that I then rub into my skin.

This stuff spreads really easily, and doesn't leave behind a film once rubbed in.  I have to say, that besides BullFrog, this is the fastest absorbing sunscreen that I have ever seen.  Once you rub it in, it is gone, and you can barely feel it on your skin.  I can't say you can't feel it at all, but to me it feels about the same as a layer of lotion, so it is easy to ignore.  Honestly, after a few minutes, I don't even notice it at all.

The best part of a lotion type sunscreen like this is truly its ability to be layered on top of makeup, in my opinion.  Since the liquid is easy to spread, and has extremely fast absorption, you can spread a little on your hands, and then pat it onto skin.  Depending on your makeup and application, it may or may not disturb your makeup, but to even have the option is better than the majority of brands out there.  I have heard some people say that oilier skin can get away with this instead of moisturizer and sunscreen.  While I cannot say if I personally could, since I have oily dehydrated, I didn't notice any drying of my skin, so it might be possible.

I have noticed no slipping or greasiness because of this sunscreen, even when I exercised with this under makeup (for science!).  There is also no whitish cast to my face and body (I like to use the same sunscreen for both, since I travel a lot), but I do have fair skin.  I would guess that this sunscreen would leave no cast on other skintones, mainly because it disappears into skin so quickly and readily.  It claims to be waterproof and sweatproof.  From what I saw when exercising with this product on, it seems to be true.  I haven't swam with it on, since it's too cold here right now, but I would guess that it would hold up.  Just remember that all waterproof sunscreens still need to be touched up.

If there is anything I would say I didn't like about this product it would be the price per unit.  While still cheaper than most sunscreens on the market in the USA with this consistancy, it is still far more expensive than other drugstore sunscreens that are a different formula.  While this doesn't put me off too much, since I am willing to pay more for a superior product, and it often goes on sale, it would be nice if they lowered the price from, say, $13 not on sale to $10.  Maybe, depending on the market, they might, like Revlon did with PhotoReady.

Overall, I highly recommend this product.  It absorbs like a dream, layers well, spreads easily, is small enough for travel, doesn't cause breakouts, and can be used on both face and body.  Really, what more can one ask for from a product, let alone one that you can get at a drugstore?

5/5, highly recommended, possible HG.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Gel

Price: $9.00 for .08 fl oz

What they say:
"How it works:
    * Lemon tea tree and Community Trade tea tree oil from Kenya contain properties that help fight blemishes and prevent new ones from forming.
    * Tamanu oil from Madagascar has a soothing effect and helps to calm irritation and redness.
    * Community Trade organic honey to soothe the skin."


What I say:
This is a good blemish fighter, but it isn't the strongest.

I got this because of a sale that The Body Shop was having, and since I needed a new blemish stick, I thought I would give this one a try.  The ingredients, while not being the most natural, are more natural than most, so that was a bonus.

Tea tree oil, an antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral ingredient, is the star of this particular gel.  Because it kills bacteria, which is often the cause of acne, it makes sense that this ingredient would be used for as long as it has.

The gel is completely clear, and is similar in consistency to a really light lipgloss, but without any stickiness.  It dries quickly, and I have not had any problems putting makeup on top of it.  Since this blemish gel is mild, you can use it multiple times a day, but it's not going to just get rid of the blemish overnight.  It does help with reducing the redness and inflamation, but, again, it is not a miracle worker.

The tube, as you can see, has a doe foot applicator at the end.  While normally I would say that this is not the most hygenic, since the key ingredients would kill anything that you put in there, and you are normally using this right after washing your face, it doesn't actually seem that bad.  Also, since you are not touching the product with your hands, it might actually be a little cleaner than normal.  The applicator itself does a good job of placing the gel where you want, and it doesn't get too much on the end of it, so you don't need to worry about waste.

The gel does not have a really strong tea tree oil scent, which is good for those of you who are sensitive to that smell.  Personally, it makes me think that it has very little of the key ingredient, but they might have just figured out a way to diminish the smell.

Overall, I think this is a nice product.  I wish it was a little stronger, but given what it is, and the fact that it is using more natural ingredients to do it, it works well.

3.5/5 (seems a little low, but 4/5 seemed too high)