SOAP AND GLORY GLOSS STICKS

Recently in Boots I was browsing the Soap and Glory stand and noticed that there were no longer the full size Sexy Mother Pucker balms and in their place were these Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Sticks in mini sizes and new shades and of course I couldn't resist, especially on a buy one get one half price I'm surprised I'm not writing about the whole collection. I don't know whether it was just my particular store that didn't hold both the full and mini sizes or whether the bigger ones are gone for good, but I thought I'd draw up a comparison post nonetheless.

I picked up Nudist and Pinkaboo, and I already have Nudist from the original formula, however this one is definitely a different shade entirely and does stick to a more brown/neutral nude rather than the peachy hue the original has. Pinkaboo is a medium pink and although nothing stand out, something I thought would become a staple in my collection.

I think what I've noticed with these in comparison to the original formula is that they are a little less thick. I often found the original to be quite heavy feeling and although it still stands as one of my favourite lip products, I do like that these are slightly more lightweight, and a little bit closer to a 'gloss' formula. These are now £3.50, and although you don't get quite as much product, I'm near enough yet to finish any of the lip products I own, so not only is this perfect for handbag size it also helps me get through it a little better than other ones I'd pay more for.

Generally, although there isn't too much difference to the original, I really like the concept of these and I'll be taking them on holiday with me in my carry on as they are just the best size. I especially love wearing these with a matte strong lip liner just to give more of a youthful appearance to my look, and I kind of want to pick up the rest of the range, in particular Purple Rain as it draws closer to dark lip season.

WET N WILD LIP PRODUCTS

If there's one thing I have way too many of, make it lipsticks. In a recent trip to Florida I took advantage of the non-UK products and got myself a quartet from Wet n Wild, the majority of which I love.

I'll start with the one I don't wear very much, which is Think Pink (3rd Clockwise). It's too pale for me and just washes me out and looks too barbie, but it is a stunning colour for those who can pull it off.

Starting back from the top is my absolute favourite of them all, Purty Persimmon. A punchy orange red that I never would have guessed would suit me, but boy does it. This has quicky become my favourite bright lipstick and I often even reach for it more often than my nudes at the weekends - it really is a 'feel good' colour for me.

Another nice one from the same line is Mauve Outta Here, a subtle pink purple that appears slightly more plummy on the lips, but still everyday, neither too bright or dark. I really like the formula of these too, they are really thick and almost matte, and although it takes some work for application, the finish and lasting time as well as gorgeous colour wins me over time and time again.

From the Fergie Centre Stage collection is Ferguson Crest Cabernet. It has a more eccentric packaging and a glossier finish to the actual lipstick. This is a deep purple, reminding me slightly of MAC Rebel but a little lighter in colour (although it does show a little darker if layered on the lips) and I'm coming to terms with this one slowly but surely.

If you live in the US and want some budget friendly lipsticks, definitely go and check out the Wet n Wild stand, and have a browse among the endless colours.

GETTING INTO GLOSSES

I have never been a gloss kind of girl, I prefer lipsticks all the way. But, recently layering a gloss on top of a matte lipstick, or even alone is becoming my new thing and I am loving it, and apparently the ones I have been liking come in pairs in my collection.

The first duo are from the Tanya Burr Lips and Nails collection which is really exciting. I have Afternoon Tea* and Champagne Toast*, a bubblegum pink and an orange-y shimmery nude. For me, none of these two colours suit me alone, but I have realised that putting them both on makes for the perfect shade.

I also have been really enjoying the Revlon ColourBurst Lip Glosses, in Crystal Water and Bellini. Crystal Water is a clear gloss with almost duo-chome shimmer particles that sometimes look blue, other times purple. Over a fuchsia pink lipstick this looks awesome. Bellini is a milky peach gloss, which over my MAC Faux Lipstick looks lush.

I also have been enjoying the GOSH Volume Shine offerings, in 04 and 07. 04 is the red, which I like to wear alone on the lips as a muted red with a slight orange tint to it in some lights. 07 is a brownish plum, which when in the tube I didn't think I would like, but on the lips (especially over nudes) it is a really nice colour.

What are your current gloss favourites?

Gosh Soft 'n' Shine Lip Balms - My Collection and Review

Hi guys! GOSH is a really incredible brand in the drugstore, I love their nail polishes (I have a very large stash of them- collection post will be coming soon!), and they also have some great other products makeup-wise. The soft and shine balms are very highly pigmented vanilla/sweet scented tinted lip balms/stains. The colour payoff is incredible, they moiturise pretty well, and the colour lasts a fair amount of time. So, I am going to show you the ones I have now, and you will also see a swatch or two!

The 7 Balms I own.

These are discontinued I think, as they were in a GOSH clearance bin at the end of season, on sale for 99p each. I couldn't resist and I bought 7. Some were a gamble as I didn't know what the colours were, but me and Megan were trying to search for open ones in the bottom to find the colours, which worked quite well.

The Colours of the Balms. I think I chose a pretty good selection of colours!

Left to right for the above and below pictures: Barbie, Passion Pink, Scarlet, Perfect Plum, Aubergine, Sweetheart, Irony.

Barbie, Passion Pink, Scarlet, Perfect Plum, Aubergine, Sweetheart, Irony

I think the colour selection is incredible with these balms, and I know there was about 5 other shades or more, which I wish I had picked up, but oh well! My favourites are perfect plum and scarlet, as they are just simple nude/wearable colours for day to day, and the others are also great for when you want a bright glossy colour on your lips! :)

Thanks for reading guys, let me know in the comments if you picked up anything in a clearance bin in Superdrug recently! :)

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Bye! Lauren x