Into the Gloss

Being a girl, lip gloss is like a rite of passage. Starting with hoarding Lip Smackers in fourth grade and stealing swipes from our mother's tubes, lip gloss is an institution for any woman. Through my many year's of trying to be beautiful but realizing that I literally have no idea what I'm doing and am way to lazy to learn, I have picked up my fair share of drugstore lip balms, sticks, glosses, tints, pencils, and stains. Here is a list I composed of a few of my favorites (aka the best cheap lip glosses I've bought that I can remember).

Rosebud Salve

Rosebud Salve has saved my lips time and time again. I probably bought the tin five years ago, and I still have tons left. A Vaseline-like petroleum jelly salve that can also be used on fingernails, small spots of dry skin, and to heal small cuts or blemishes. American Apparel sells Rosebud Salve in bulk supply so there's probably tons of other tints or flavors to buy versus my boring original. 

  elf Glossy Gloss

My hoochie-mama pale pink lip gloss that accentuates any other color. I put on a quick swipe over colorless Chapstick or even over a darker lipstick. Every girl needs her own pale pink lip gloss to wear by itself in the summer or add a touch of glamour to a boring day.

NARS Plum Lipstick

The boldest, darkest color of lipstick I've ever owned but love so, so much. Given as a gift, I was hesitant to try it but I now believe a dark lip elevates any formal outfit. Still not a big believer of wearing a dark lip on the daily, but I definitely like it for going out at night to fancier events.

Covergirl Outlast Lip Stain

THIS STUFF IS LITERALLY THE BEST THING EVER! I use this more than anything. This Covergirl Lip Stain comes in an easy to use marker like tube, you seriously just drag it over your lips like coloring inside the lines. My color isn't so obvious, it just brightens up my boring mouth. I use this at night and in the day- if you're in the market for a new lip color, think no further, buy this!

Buxom Lip Gloss

This lip gloss is such a fun, classic color but I love it even more because of it's minty flavor. When applying it, there's a slight mint bite that makes me feel like I'm doing something good for my mouth while making my pout look cute and kissable.

--My favorite lip products can be found at local drug stores (my favorite hobbie is raiding the makeup aisle at my town's RiteAid) or at official cosmetic stores (i.e. NARS, etc...).

Haute Holidays

It's the best time of the year (or second best, let's be real, nothing beats the summer's weather and freedom). But the holiday festivities are approaching, and with them the eager promises of holiday parties and winter soirees. The latest in fashion and beauty boast some interesting new trends to follow this season, but trends definitely worth trying out, no doubt.

#1. The Dark Lip
A little vampiric? Sure. Possibly sexy, mysterious, and totally trending right now? Definitely. A subdued- yet still brilliantly bold- color to pull together a whole look rests in the hands, or lips, of a dark lipstick. Think purples, plums, aubergines, maroons, burgundies, and mauve's. Disclaimer: warning to those daring to pull off the dark lips; think wisely about your whole face. If you're sporting a Gothic pout, don't go overboard on your eyes. Keep the focus on one area of your face versus going crazy and ending up looking like a drag queen. (Unless you're into the drag queen look, to each his own, dude.)

Not a supporter of Jennifer Lawrence's new haircut in replace of those long, golden locks... but she is definitely pulling off the dark lip. And hair or no hair, she still looks chic as shit.

#2. Velvet

This isn't so much a trend as it is a holiday MUST. The plush, warm fabric could be dressed up and down- the versatility oh so appealing, and can only be dragged out from the closet for these few festive months. (Yeah, I know hipsters of America and Free People are telling you differently but honestly, do you REALLY think velvet in July is a good idea?) My personal favorite holiday dress in my closet is a navy, vintage slight peplum velvet dress tied back with a large, navy satin bow. I've worn it to cotillions with open toed sling backs or also with black tights and chunky, dark heels. That is the beauty of velvet. 

PS- check out Free People's Velvet section for an array of wearable velvet confections. 

#3. The Up-Do

Perfectly coiffed and twisted up-do's are difficult to pull off, but simple solutions make elegant do's much easier and fun to try. Up-do's are very chic this season, try out your own experimental up-do on your own. (Many fashion label's blogs usually have a "hair/beauty" section or a "how to" area for further tips and tricks.) 

Kate Bosworth shows off her amazing earrings by double-braiding it.

#4. Holiday Gifts

The dreaded gift shopping that we all inevitably have to face... and pay for. As difficult as it is to find gifts that inspire and excite, small trinkets and tokens of appreciation go a long way. Holiday fall backs? Think pine-tree scented candles, cozy blankets, homemade Christmas playlists, hot coco mugs, YOU NAME IT! Included are a few creative gift ideas- all under $20!!!- to browse through and spark your festive flair.

Whip out your dark lipstick, throw on some velvet, twist your hair and betches, let's get gifting. Because after all, it's the most wonderful time of the year.