Make Your Lipstick Matte!

Matte has definitely made a comeback this year! From matte nail polish to matte lips, it's hard to turn away from this trend and I'm loving it!

I found a great way to make some of my favorite lipsticks matte without having to buy a matte version of that lipstick:
After applying your lipstick just dab a bit of MAKE UP FOR EVER's HD Microfinish Powder. A little goes a long way and your lipstick stays in place all day!

This product retails for about $30 at Sephora and is a multi-purpose setting powder.

MAC Petals & Peacocks (amplified), NYX Strawberry Milk

The swatches on the right are straight out of the tube colors, while the ones to the left are with the MUFE powder. I put a little more powder in the center of the swatches so you can see what happens when you use too much of the powder...(unless that's the look you're going for).

-♥ Ariana

Lipstick Ready Lips!

Tsk tsk! I've been such a horrible blogger! Luckily my schedule is opening up and I will be able to blog more often. Yay! I have soo many things I want to share with you all and I will start with a few ways and products I have used to exfoliate my lips.

I like to exfoliate my lips at night to get rid of the dead skin that accumulated throughout the day and so that my lips are ready for application the next day.

The Toothbrush Method

(image from google search)
This is my least favorite way to exfoliate my lips. I feel like I have to scrub really hard to see results. The more often you use the toothbrush the easier it will be to use since the bristles will soften up...I just don't have the patience. :o/


The Sugar Method(image from google search)
When I run out of my regular scrub I dab some vaseline on my lips and use sugar to scrub my lips until they are smooth. This is probably the most affordable way to do it if you don't feel like spending more money on a smaller amount of product.


LUSH Mint Julips Lip Scrub(image from www.lushusa.com)
This is the first LUSH Lip Scrub I've tried. I think the amount of product you get for the price is great and the smell is amazing (a combo between peppermint & chocolate)...but to be honest I think the Sugar Method works the same.


Bath & Body Works Mentha Lip Buffer(image from www.bathandbodyworks.com)

And finally my favorite lip scrub. I used to use this a lot in high school and then decided to try new products, but I am glad that I am using it again because it works the best for me! I have a lot of control over how much product I use and the formula is wonderful.

I'm really interested in knowing what products/methods you use to exfoliate your lips. (: Hope everyone is having a great summer! Stay tuned for my E.L.F. Haul/Review!

-♥ Ariana