Revlon Colorburst Matte & Lacquer Balms

So it seems every blogger has been raving about these matte balms for the past few months now, and while I'm currently going through another lip crayon phase I thought I'd give them ago.

I was hoping that Boots or Superdrug might have had a 3 for 2 on but no such luck! The best I found was Boots had them at 2 for £10. Which is still a bargain. Whilst I am currently 9 months pregnant about to pop I've been a recluse so I've not been able to get out and swatch these babies for myself. I've had to rely on online swatches which isn't the best.

I got one of each line, there are currently 10 shades of each available which is a great choice! But for me alot of the colours in the matte balms don't appeal as they all look rather bright and loud. I opted for the following -

205 Elusive - Matte (left swatch)
105 Demure - Lacquer (right swatch)

My initial thought was urgh Elusive looks like a darker pink than I expected, as it had been described as a 'everyday pink' and 'my lips but better'. As you can see from the swatch though it is very pigmented and not something I would feel comfortable in for work, as it is not a nude pink lip in anyway shape or form.

I love the packaging, as from a distance you can tell which is matte and which is lacquer due to the finish of the tube. The packaging feels sturdy and well made compared to my Rimmel Colour Rush Balms which are more plasticy and cheap looking.

Both products have a mint scent and tingle when applied. It smells like strong chewing gum. I'm not a fan but it wouldn't stop me buying the product.

Lacquer Balm - Verdict
I love these as this is my favourite finish of the two. They glide on the lip easy and the colour can be built up. The colour payoff does not stain nor does it last long but these are only meant to be a balm. They feel more nourishing on the lips compared to the Rimmel Colour Rush Balms.
I love how glossy and non sticky the formula is.
My colour choice Demure is a nice pinky nude. Yes it has glitter in it so stay away if you don't like that but I am really happy with this. I now want colours Provacateur and Teese.

Matte Balm - Verdict
These give great colour payoff with just one swipe across the lips, the pigmentation is amazing and can be built up for full colour. The staying power isn't very good a couple of hours at most.
I don't find the mattes as nourishing as the lacquers I also feel like it shows any dry patches on my lips and makes them look worse. I don't like the colour choices as I feel they are all too bold for my liking and un-natural looking. I won't be buying anymore from this range.

Have you tried any balms from either range and which did you prefer?

New Cat Print Vans Authentics

So you may already know that I work in a skate/bmx shop and I am lucky enough to help with the upcoming seasons buying and I have to say Vans is usually my favourite appointment. As the rep is so lovely and is sometimes kind enough to throw me the odd free sample or two but most of all I love seeing the new seasons prints and here are my favourites for this Spring/Summer. I had to pre order these about 6 months ago and they have just arrived through our shop doors today. Sadly we are not selling these for you to buy as my bosses were optimistic that they would sell well so they just ordered the one pair for me but I'm sure that you can pick them up at your local Vans store or Schuh.
As a crazy cat lady these are my ultimate pair of Vans and they are available in the best selling Authentic style! They also do a matching backpack and snap back cap. These are classed as unisex and are available in sizes uk3 and up. They are in collaboration with the ASPCA charity to raise awareness of cruelty against animals. They also have some products with dogs on. You can buy these shoes directly from Vans here

Urban Decay Mother Lode 68 Eyeshadow Set

Wow this new release for Holiday 2013 looks beyond amazing but at $595 from Sephora a lot of us will be priced out of the market. This is for serious make up junkies and make up artists only.

It had 68 of Urban Decays best selling shadows and it will be available from Sephora soon. As well as all the shadows you get a empty 4 pan palette to put your favourits in how cute. 

There is no word if it will be released in the UK or not yet.

I'm excited to see what other products they have up their sleeve for Holiday 2013 (Naked 3 anyone?) but for now I will just stare at this is awe.

Jodie x

A antiperspirant that actually works wow!

This isn't my most glamorous purchase this month but it is by far the most useful. This is the first antiperspirant that I've tried that actually works!
I've tried most of the supermarket sprays, sticks or roll on types over the years but I've never found one that works until now.

I've seen this on a few blogs recently and knew that I needed to try it. At £5.50 it is pricey for a antiperspirant but now I know it works I will definitely be repurchasing.

I won't go into too much detail but in my job I can find myself running up and down stairs a lot and carrying heavy things which can break me out in a sweat. I was always conscious of sweat patches and would nip to my locker a couple of times a day for a quick squirt of deodorant. Now this is not necessary and for the first time I am always completely dry under my arms. With this antiperspirant you just apply a small amount before bed and again in the morning and that's it.

I am so amazed by this and I can't recommend it enough. There is a Dove version which I haven't and won't try now I've found this Sure one.

Have you tried this yet and if so what did you think?
Jodie x