Currently Coveting: Pops of Neon

Maybe it was Madonna’s halftime performance at the Super Bowl, but I gotta confess: I am currently coveting a serious 80’s trend.

Neon!

A pop of neon mixed into an everyday outfit is a fun and flirty fashion do. Yes, even in 2012! I’m not asking for a head-to-toe neon getup that you (and Madonna) used to wear in 1988. Just throw on one brightly colored accessory. Here are a few ideas on how to have fun with neon.

 

Zip top clutch
$45 – asos.com

Portfolio clutch
$36 – asos.com

Plastic watch
$36 – asos.com

Cuff bangle
$4.80 – forever21.com

Is it spring yet? ring
$9.99 – modcloth.com

Heart charm wristband
$8.95 – asos.com

Faux patent leather belt
$15 – thelimited.com

Stila lip enamel in giggle hot pink
$22 – stilacosmetics.com

Birchbox: Beauty Samples at Your Door

Sure, we may live in a digital world, but I still love receiving good, old-fashioned snail mail. Peeking into the mailbox and seeing a People mag or wedding invitation inside is a lovely little pick-me-up at the end of the day. But the most exciting day of the month is when my monthly Birchbox arrives!

Makeup in my mailbox!! Yeehaw!

Have you ladies heard of this fantastic company? For $10 a month, Birchbox sends it’s members 4-5 beauty samples from luxury brands. Mascara, shampoo, perfume, nail polish, lip balm, the list goes on. Every month it’s a different mix of samples. And every month, I squeal like a little girl when I open the package.

You can fill out a beauty profile online to specify what products you like and work well for your skin/hair. Birchbox assembles your samples and ships them out in a cute, hot pink box. It’s an easy way to try new and different brands (you can buy full-size products on their web site). And if you’re cheap like me, it’s easy to stretch out the lifespan of a sample. I’m still using my Blinc tube mascara from October’s box!

Two huge thumbs up to Birchbox. Hint: this would make an awesome present for a friend! Subscriptions are available in 3, 6 and 12-month plans. Click to sign up!

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The Buzz on Burt’s Tinted Lip Balm
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The Buzz on Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm

Is it a lipstick? Lip gloss? Chapstick? Lip chap? Lip balm?

Who knows and who cares! Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm is $6.99 and a lovely little treat for your lips.

Packaging
I must admit, the cute packaging of this product is what first caught my eye. I know I’m not supposed to be “judging a book by its cover” on most things in life but that rule never seems to apply to makeup! The prettier the packaging, the more likely I am to buy it. I just can’t help myself! Burt’s Tinted Lip Balm comes in a cardboard recyclable package and a chapstick tube is hidden inside. It’s cute, it’s eco-friendly, and it’s now in my shopping cart.

Color
This lip balm comes in 6 different perfectly girly shades. I picked up the Hibiscus color because it seemed to be the most middle-of-the-road: not too red, not too pink. I’m pleased to report that the color displayed on the package is actually a pretty spot-on representation of the actual color once it’s on your lips (I feel like that rarely happens!) so that’s a nice little tidbit to keep in mind if you decide to try one.

Coverage
Since this is a tinted lip balm — not say, a liptstick — the coverage is sheer. There is just enough color to enhance your features but in a very subtle, natural way (think of it like blush!). My lips were a little rosier and I can put this on without a mirror. This is a low maintenance lip product. Perfect for a thrifty girl on the go.

Feel
The feel is smooth, moisturizing, and light. If you are a daily chapstick wearer, then you’ll love this. Feels like any old chapstick, but the added color makes a whole different ballgame. Mmmm and the taste is nice, too.  Slightly fruity but nothing near the overpowering taste of say, Lip Smackers.

Overall Verdict?
Believe the buzz, this lip balm is worth trying!