First Look: L'Oreal Bronze Gone Brazen Collection

Summertime is just around the corner, and you know what that means... summer makeup collections! It isn't even June yet, but I've been spotting them everywhere I look.

While several drugstore lines are trying to grab your attention with their new bronze-happy products, one brand in particular has caught my eye in the aisles this year.

The new L'Oreal Bronze Gone Brazen Collection offers several fantastic and exciting shades that will be perfect for the upcoming season on any skin tone. Glosses, shadows, polishes, and bronzers - L'Oreal has all the essentials in summer's hottest colors. Warm, bronze hues are paired with shimmering golds, beautiful browns, and fiery reds.

Here is what the collection includes:

Glam Bronze Radiant Bronzing Duo ($12.99)
Available in three shades

Wear Infinite Eyeshadow Quad ($12.99)
Available in two varieties

Nail Polish ($4.99)
Available in four shades

Colour Riche Lip Gloss ($8.99)
Available in two shades

Check your local drugstore or mass cosmetics retailer for the new L'Oreal Bronze Gone Brazen collection, on shelves now!

First Look: High-End Highlights

As a beauty blogger, I'm constantly trying to find ways to liven up and reinvent my content. This means, of course, keeping an open mind about new products and brands and making new discoveries.

Although Bare Budget Beauty has been and always will be dedicated to finding the best in budget cosmetics, skincare, and more, I've decided to begin a new feature that will spotlight a few very special high-end products and brands that have caught my attention. While I've been meaning to start one for a long time, I was a little worried about what kind of reaction such a feature would receive.

In the past year, though, I've realized that many excellent high-end products exist, and that my readers might like to know about them. The new feature will focus only on the quality of the product being presented, not the price or value - I'll leave that for you to decide.

Don't worry, though; I'll never abandon my bargain-hunting roots! I'm still going to inform you about the best sales, deals, and low-cost cosmetics I can find. But if you're feeling a little less frugal, I also want to point you in the direction of a quality, high-end product as well.

As always, you can provide feedback on this and anything else by either e-mailing me (see the text links in the side bar) or leaving a comment.

Keep an eye out for the first installment of High-End Highlights this weekend!

First Look: L'Oreal HIP Color Presso

L'Oreal HIP, one of my favorite cosmetics lines, has a few brand new products lined up that will soon be widely available everywhere! Today I'll tell you about just one of the exciting new discoveries - L'Oreal HIP Color Presso!

The Color Presso series is a collection of lip glosses that come in pairs and can be mixed together or worn alone. Each set includes two shiny, shimmery shades that are meant to be complementary and blendable. And, like all L'Oreal HIP glosses, they have a delicious, light vanilla scent and no-stick finish!

Simply squeeze one tube to use one shade at a time, or squeeze both to mix the two colors together and create your own "custom" shade!

The price will be a bit steep for some, but considering that you are getting two lip glosses in one, the deal isn't bad. These gorgeous lip gloss pairs retail for about $11-13 each, depending on where you find them. Keep an eye out at your local drugstore or mass retailer, and be sure to check them out when they're on sale!

First Look: 2008 Holiday Gift Guide

With the holidays quickly approaching, and the state of the economy showing no sign of improvement, it will prove to be a worrisome and stressful time of year - especially for those of us who are tight on money. Of course you want to give great gifts, but how can you keep it affordable and stylish? I'm here to help!

In my Holiday Gift Guide, I'll show you some beautiful gifts for $25 and under and $50 and under, perfect for women on a budget - no matter how much or how little you want to spend. I'll also point you in the direction of some great stocking stuffers and gifts you can get for the guy in your life - on any budget!

Stay tuned throughout the next few weeks as we kick off the holiday season at Bare Budget Beauty!

First Look: New ecoTOOLS Brushes

As previously mentioned, while on my weekend getaway in California last month, I had the opportunity to visit a few Rite-Aid stores - which we don't have in my state. I was totally excited to finally get my hands on the new ecoTOOLS brushes I've been wanting for weeks, but are nearly impossible to find!

The new collection, which I have only seen in select Rite-Aid stores in California and nowhere else at this point (not even online), consists of some fantastic brushes that are of the same quality we've come to expect from ecoTOOLS.

First up is the new five-piece brush set, which is ideal for traveling and those who use mineral makeup. It includes the following:

Eyeshadow Brush

Concealer Brush

Baby Kabuki Brush

Face Powder Brush

Travel Case

In addition, the exciting retractable Kabuki brush is also available! This dense, soft Kabuki is retractable and compact, making it perfect for on-the-go touch-ups. Made from recycled aluminum and other materials, it too is environmentally friendly, of course. Now you can feel even better about applying your mineral makeup!

If you're lucky enough to spot these in stores, I highly recommend snagging them for yourself! That goes double if you're an avid user of MMU. Hopefully, the new brushes will be widely available soon. Until then... good luck!

First Look: Bonne Bell 2008 Cosmetics Collections

While Bonne Bell might not be the first brand that comes to mind when thinking makeup, this name is filled with fun products that are great for young girls and women who are on a budget or just starting with cosmetics. What has the maker of the famous Lip Smackers been up to lately? Creating cute new cosmetics collections that make perfect gifts for the holidays!

Four new sets are now available in stores, each including 3 beauty products in a convenient matching carrying bag:


Pretty Pinks

VitaGloss20 Sponge-On - Strawberry SpritzerEye Style

Eye Style Shadow Box - Girlie Pinks

VitaGloss20 Moisture Stick - Watermelon Wellness


Glamorous Neutrals

VitaGloss20 Sponge-On - Watermelon Kiwi Slicks

Eye Style Shadow Box - Hip Hop Charcoals

VitaGloss20 Moisture Stick - Simply Strawberry



Fresh Pinks

Lip Lites - Cream Pop

Eye Style Shadow Box - Big City Pinks

Lip Lites Glossy Tints - Watermelon Sorbet


Natural Neutrals

Lip Lites - Cappuccino

Eye Style Shadow Box - Café Classics

Lip Lites Glossy Tints - Vanilla

These cosmetics collections are available online at Color and Flavor Shop and at the store for $8.95 each! A great bargain for a coordinated and stylish gift. Personally, I love the Eye Style Shadow Boxes, which are super-soft and pigmented, but Bonne Bell is also well-known for its great lip products.

First Look: J.Lynne Cosmetics

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of speaking to the sweet founder of J.Lynne Cosmetics, who was kind and gracious enough to send me a boatload of mineral makeup samples on the company's behalf. Since Jessica and I ended up living in the same state, I received the samples almost immediately. And while I really loved the products themselves, the company and its founder were what really impressed me the most.

This amazing mineral makeup collection started three years ago by the hands of Jessica Lynne Miller, also the brand's namesake and founder. Dedicated to bringing you the purest makeup possible, her products' ingredient lists are free of chemicals, synthetics, fragrances, and dyes. You also won't find any traces of bismuth oxychloride, carmine, cornstarch, talc, or preservatives. Did I mention they're vegan-friendly and cruelty-free?

The product selection is incredible, including foundations, shadows, liners, lip glosses, blushes, and more. Other stand-out offerings are an oil-controlling primer powder, product primers, eyeliner sealant, and their own line of mineral makeup brushes and tools.

But the best part, of course, is the price! Samples are provided for the majority of the products, and prices are affordable in comparison to brands like Bare Escentuals - a generously portioned foundation will run you around $18, while eyeshadows run for about $8. In addition, the website offers weekly promotions in which certain products are marked 15-25% off.

Another note worth mentioning is the great customer service I've both received and heard others rave about. Jess was great when approaching and speaking to me about her products, not pushy in the least, and instantly made me feel valued. She promptly shipped my package, the contents of which were adorably and meticulously wrapped. I had a great impression of Jess and her company before even trying anything!

One last thing - if you join the Birthday Club, you'll receive a $5 gift certificate on your birthday. How cool is that?

A huge thanks to J.Lynne Cosmetics for giving me the opportunity to try their products. Keep an eye out all week for individual reviews!



Images: jylnnecosmetics.com

First Look: Ellen Degeneres for CoverGirl

It's official - Ellen DeGeneres is the new face of CoverGirl! She's already confirmed the rumors on her show, and her campaign will begin in January. From the official website:

"This funny lady embodies the true nature of being a CoverGirl - smarts, confidence and beauty that flows from the inside out."

I couldn't agree more. Besides, look at her - can you believe she's 50 already? She looks years younger! Perhaps laughter really is the best cosmetic, because Ellen has plenty of it. I'm sure she will also be inspiring women everywhere to feel more beautiful and confident than ever, especially for those 50+ like she is! I have a feeling this will be a great partnership, and Ellen has stated that she is very excited about it as well.

What do you think of CoverGirl's pick? Personally, I'm a big fan and can't wait for her campaign to launch! To be notified, click here to sign up. Or, get all the extra deets here.

First Look: AquaCurrent Science

What's all the buzz about at Procter & Gamble Beauty lately?

It's called AquaCurrent Science, a breakthrough in moisture retention which is being incorporated into many of P&G's products from CoverGirl, Pantene, Olay, and Secret. This breakthrough is a new approach to moisturization that consists of maximizing water movement across the skin and hair through several key ingredients such as niacinamide, glycerin, petrolatum, silicones, and others. It may sound fancy, but basically means that moisture is efficiently delivered where you need it, when you need it.

One such product that uses AquaCurrent Science is CoverGirl CG Smoothers AquaSmooth Compact Foundation ($9), a hydrating makeup product that changes from solid to liquid when pressure is applied, then dries from liquid to powder as it is applied to the skin. Along with the new technology that pulls moisture to the skin, it provides the benefits of ingredients such as vitamins B and E, as well as an SPF of 15. Here is what CoverGirl has to say about the product on its website:

"Designed with AquaCurrent Science, this vitamin-enriched formula directs moisture to your skin's surface to improve its condition over time, while giving smooth, even coverage that makes imperfections virtually vanish before your eyes. This solid makeup transforms into a liquid during application, then dries to an even, powder-light finish."

Other items invented with AquaCurrent Science include Olay Regenerist, Quench, and Ribbons Body Wash products, the Pantene Beautiful Lengths Collection, and Secret Flawless Touch with Olay products.

Look for these products newly released and redesigned with AquaCurrent Science, available now in stores everywhere, or stay tuned here for more updates!

For a limited time, you can also receive free shipping on $15 of AquaCurrent Science products at drugstore.com.

Read the entire article from Women's Wear Daily here, and visit the AquaCurrent Science website to learn more.


Image: aquacurrentscience.com, covergirl.com

First Look: New Sunblock from Aveeno

Aveeno, famous for their beauty products with natural and good-for-your-skin ingredients, has recently unveiled two new sunscreens to their excellent line of effective sun care products. Here's a quick peek at the new offerings!


Aveeno Continuous Protection Sunblock Lotion with SPF 55 provides you with the sun protection you need - stronger and more efficient with their "patented photobarrier complex" - while giving the added bonus of being rich in natural soy proteins and antioxidants, to further aid in shielding your skin from the environment. Antioxidants and SPF are both vital to preventing anti-aging, so any product that provides both is worth considering!


The Aveeno Continuous Protection Sunblock Spray with SPF 45 provides the same great protection with vitamins A, C and E as its sister lotion, but with a slightly lower SPF in a great spray-on formula! While the spray is also available in SPF 70 for days of heavy sun activity, this product is much more suited for everyday sun protection. The one-touch spray allows you to spray at any angle - meaning hard-to-reach places are made simple. Less mess and hassle means a much more pleasant sunblock experience, don't you think?

Both products run for about $9.99 - pretty decent for high-protection sunscreen. Be sure to check out the other products in Aveeno's sun care line, including sunblock gentle enough for your baby's skincare needs.

First Look: L'Oreal HiP Jelly Balms and Metallic Shadow Duos

Continuing my series on new summer releases, L'Oreal HiP has finally released some exciting new additions to the already amazing lineup of intensely pigmented products. And if you enjoy MAC Tendertones and high-shimmer shadows, you're going to love these!

L'Oreal HiP's answer to Tendertones is the new collection of Jelly Balms. Similarly packaged in their own tubs, these balms pack sheer, juicy color, and ingredients to soothe and condition. High-intensity shine paired with a hint of tint on your lips... yummy! Six delicious shades, ranging from soft pink to dark plum, are currently available for $8.99 each.


Also newly released are the Metallic Shadow Duos. These shadows take shimmer to the next level with a high-pearl finish. One color is for shading, while the other is meant for lining - but who's to say you can't mix and match? Five gorgeous duos are hitting stores now for $6.99 each.

Finally, check the new HiP product displays to discover even more new eyeshadow duo varieties! I'll be looking for sales at ULTA and local drugstores so that I can stock up on these great new items!


Images: lorealparisusa.com

First Look: Sally Hansen Salsa Beat

If you've been loving the Sally Hansen Salon Nail Lacquer collections as much as I have lately - especially the unique limited edition releases - you'll probably dig the hot new summer collection, too.

Salsa Beat, which will be hitting stores soon, is a set of seven fresh and vibrant nail lacquers that "entice and take hold of the senses." Shades of pink, purple, and peach are the main highlights, with all but one having a creme finish (the exception is the peach frost).

Here's a peek at the shades that will be available:

(A Taste of Honey, Gloss Peach, Fever Pink, Sweet Milk, Flora, Shy Lilac, Violet Kiss)

The Salsa Beat polishes will be retailing at around $5.99 each. And, as always, Sally Hansen polishes are free of DBP, toluene or free formaldehyde. Beautiful! I'll let you know when the collection becomes available in stores.


Images: sallyhansen.com

First Look: Hot Summer Buys from Neutrogena

As I step outside in the 110-degree weather today and feel myself begin to bake from the outside in, it hits me: summer is here. Time for afternoons by the pool and fun in the sun!

But what about summer beauty needs? You already know that every brand out there has their own sunscreen - your local drugstore has put every single one on display for you to see the moment you step foot in the store. But is there anything new this summer? Of course... you see where I'm going with this. ;)

During the month of June, I'll be giving you a peek at some of the hottest new summer buys from favorite budget and drugstore brands, just in time for vacation. Today's featured brand: Neutrogena!

Neutrogena already makes some of the best and well-recognized sunscreens widely available in America, but this summer, they're throwing a few new goodies into the mix.

The new Neutrogena Color Boosting Sunblock SPF 30 is a moisturizer, gradual sunless tanner, and sunscreen all in one! Finally, you can have it all - protection, moisture, and color. It contains their breakthrough formula with Helioplex, and is oil- and paraben-free and noncomedogenic, so it won't clog pores. This sounds like a great buy for summer because it allows you to get one simple, easy-to-use product when you'd normally need to purchase two or three. Smart, right? It retails for about $8.99.

Next is a fun twist on sunless tanners - the Neutrogena Sun Fresh Sunless Lotion or Foam. This lightweight, hydrating formula "infuses" skin with radiant, natural-looking color. The best part is that the products are scented with grapefruit and nectarine... meaning no nasty self-tanner smell! The only cons to this line is that the lotions don't contain an SPF, and they only come in two varieties; one for fair/medium skin, and one for medium/deep skin. A larger selection of shades might be more beneficial, and I hope they consider adding an SPF soon!

From what I tested, the smell is a little fruity and fades fast, and the product absorbs instantly. So there's no awful smells AND no sticky mess! This product is available for about $8.99 as well.

Stay tuned for more great summer buys on a budget!

First Look: Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Cosmetics, Part 2

Welcome back to my first look at the Sally Hansen Natural Cosmetics line, inspired by Carmindy! Here is part 2, as promised, showcasing the nice eye and lip products to be offered. Inexpensive eyeshadow primer, anyone? :)

You can take a look at Part 1 here.

Enjoy!


Fast Fix Eyeshadow Base - $7.99
This may be a good "fix" for those who love Urban Decay Primer Potion or Too Faced Shadow Insurance, but can't afford the price tag. A creamy nude base that prevents creasing and fading, and helps shadows to last all day. It contains similar ingredients to other eye and facial primers, meaning it could easily work just as well as its more expensive counterparts.


Instant Definition Eye Shadow Palette - $7.99
These shadow palettes include three different colors - lid, crease, and highlighter - in a compact with an applicator brush. No wild colors to be seen; only very natural, earthy tones and neutrals to complement your skin. Available in eight varieties.


Always Perfect Liquid Eyeliner - $7.99
I love a good liquid eyeliner, and this one could be promising. It's only offered in "black onyx" right now, but the claims of a "petite, tapered brush" catch my eye. Any girl knows that the brush that comes with the eyeliner is just as important as the formula itself! So if it applies well, it's noteworthy in my book. Maybe they'll consider a waterproof formula as well, and additional colors.


Lift and Define Mascara - $7.99
Offered in black and brown, this mascara also features a small, tapered brush. The formula is self-building for a customized look - choose how natural or dramatic you want your lashes to be.


Color Comfort Lip Color - $9.99
Soft, smooth, and moisturizing color that glides on and wears long. In 21 beautiful shades packed with emollients, ranging from light pinks and roses to neutrals and reds, all gorgeous.


Natural Shine Lipgloss - $7.99
Twelve colors offer a slight, never gaudy, shimmer to the lips with a silky-smooth formula and long-lasting shine without a sticky mess. No crazy sparkle here; just natural, flattering color.


That concludes my first look at this amazing line of natural beauty-enhancing cosmetics! If you have already tried, or plan on trying, any of these products, please be sure to let me know how you liked them! I'm very curious, and of course, will attempt to get my hands on at least a few of these items whenever budget (or super-sweet boyfriend ;) permits. Wherever you shop, keep an eye out for coupons to use!

Thanks for joining me today. See you next time!

Again: the Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Cosmetics Inspired by Carmindy line is now available at CVS, ULTA, Rite-Aid, and Longs Drugs. You can also check out a great review of some of these products at Beauty and Fashion Tech.


Images: ulta.com

First Look: Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Cosmetics, Part 1

Hi guys! You know I have to be really excited about something to take a huge study break and write about it... :)

Have you heard that Sally Hansen and Carmindy (make-up artist of "What Not to Wear" fame) have teamed up to create an incredible cosmetics line? It's true - and the great thing is that these products are intended to enhance a woman's natural beauty while remaining completely paraben-free.

Needless to say, I'm in love!

Here's a quote from the line, Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Cosmetics Inspired by Carmindy:

"The Natural Beauty products are formulated with minerals, natural extracts and active botanicals including soy, bamboo, papaya and mango. The line offers 106 skus in 16 product categories, ranging from foundation, powders and blush to lip products, eyeshadow palettes and mascara. Prices range from $7.95 to $12.95."

Unfortunately, I've been able to find a very minimal amount of information on this line; so for today, I'll only be able to provide some photos, prices, and short product descriptions.

Among the most exciting products are the foundation primer and eyeshadow base, but I've heard wonderful reviews about nearly everything in the collection so far. It also includes foundation, shadows, mascara, blush, bronzer, powder, lipstick... you name it. And of course, my favorite, lip gloss!

Now, before I go any further, let me say that yes, these products cost a little more than some drugstore cosmetics. However, I've heard the quality is fantastic, and quite comparable to higher-end brands. I can't support these claims myself yet, but I will definitely be trying many of these products in the future (and reporting my honest findings here, of course)!

Here's part one; part two will be posted tomorrow with more. Today is all about the face products. :)

Luminizing Face Primer - $9.99/.5 oz
A light, silky primer that doubles as a luminizer, for refining and preparing skin for foundation and extending the wear of makeup. Looks like a wonderful, affordable alternative to Smashbox Photo Finish primers! I can't wait to try and compare!


Your Skin Makeup - $12.99
Available in 12 shades, this liquid foundation is intended to give a natural finish with a weightless feel. Colors are a little limited for darker skin, but I'd like to see how this compares to my current HG foundation (my CoverGirl TruBlend, of course).


Fast Fix Concealer - $8.99
This blendable cream concealer comes in six shades with different purposes. Four colors - light, medium, medium deep, and dark - can be used for general concealing for your skin tone. Also available is a brightening concealer and the yellow-colored "all over neutralizer." I can't honestly tell how well these will match most skin tones, since they look both dark and very yellow-based, but I'd be willing to give them a try.


Luminous Matte Pressed Powder - $11.99
A pressed powder that gives a shine-free look, minimizes the appearance of fine lines and pores, and adds radiance to your complexion. Available in one neutralizer and five shades ranging from light to dark.


Truly Translucent Loose Powder - $12.99
Easy application and sheer, flawless coverage are boasted by this translucent loose powder - along with a no-hassle application. Comes in six shades and a neutralizer.


Sun Glow Powder Bronzer - $12.99
A fine, soft powder bronzer for a natural and long-lasting glow - in two shades, Spring (light) and Summer (dark). The three colors in the compact's design blend together for a natural finish.


Sheerest Cream Bronzer - $11.99
A "customizeable," creamy bronzer so you can add as much color as you want, where you need it, and build up your glow as much as you wish. In three shades - Havana Glow (light), Miami Glow (medium), and Rio Glow (dark).


Natural Beauty Powder Blush - $10.99
"Jet-milled," blendable, light color is sheer perfection for cheeks. In Cherub, Ethereal, and Poppy, three gorgeous shades to give you that natural-looking flush.

Sheerest Cream Blush - $8.99
The cream version of the powder blush - the only info on colors I can find is that shades include Flush, Ginger, Rosy, and Ethereal - but it's supposedly also easily buildable, blendable, and sheer. Cream blushes are usually lovely products, though, and I'm sure these are no different.

Stay tuned for part two tomorrow! Don't worry, I already have it written up. :)

The Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Cosmetics Inspired by Carmindy line is now available at CVS, ULTA, Rite-Aid, and Longs Drugs. You can also check out a great review of some of these products at Beauty and Fashion Tech.


Images: ulta.com

First Look: ULTA Spring Color Collection

Remember when I mentioned the ULTA Spring Color Collection in my last entry? Well, I was really determined to get it for myself. :) I guess this also counts for my "splurge of the month," since I'm on such a tight budget now! Haha.

Anyway, today I'd like to show you everything it has to offer, because I really like what they've included (I think it's better than Sephora's Spring Collection, to be honest, and much cheaper). I can't say I'll be using everything, but the collection has me set with eye shadows for the entire season!

Here's a quick overview:
• 36 eye shadows
• 4 blushes
• 1 bronzer
• 15 lip colors
• 1 eye shadow base
• 2 full-size lipsticks
• 3 mini lip plumpers
• 1 lip liner
• 1 eyeliner
• 1 mirror
• 1 bronzer/blush brush, 2 lip brushes, 8 shadow brushes

First, we'll take a look at my favorite part of the box, the eye collection! Let me say it again: there are 36 shadows! There are four sections, and a shadow base in the center (which looks a little iffy to me because it's not sealed in any way), with eight brushes. All shadows appear to have a slight shimmer, and are well-coordinated for mixing and matching!

Colors are listed from top to bottom, left to right.

#1 - Browns
Truffle • Aztec Gold • Terracotta
Rose Dusk • Vanilla • Cafe Ole
Golden Olive • Cashmere • Chocolate

#2 - Purples and Grays
Platinum • Poolside • Lavender
Peacock • Iceland • Zephyr
Goddess • Wildflower • Galaxy

#3 - Blues and Greens
Sage • Radiant • Green
Key Lime • Silk • Lush
Sea Breeze • Turquoise • Fetish

#4 - Pinks and Purples
Pink • Sherbert • Amethyst
Chiffon • Cherry • Purple
Lilac Mist • Tempted • Vineyard

Next up are the bronzer and blushes. Since there is only one bronzer, not everyone will be able to use it. :( But there are four blush colors, which is a better range, at least. The two bottom colors look like they could actually be used as bronzers...

Bronzer
(It's a little light here because of camera flash.)

Blushes

Girlie • Afterglow
Tender • Sun Kissed

Now to the lip color section. This is the one I'll probably use the least, since I've never been a fan of lip palettes. But who knows, maybe I'll change my mind!

Top:
Frutti
Petal
Sugar
Princess
Passion
Pouty

Bottom:

Pink • Muberry Shimmer • Razzleberry
Goddess • Blush Coral • Dacquiri
Nude Shimmer • Iced Cappuccino • Romantic Red

Last but not least, the bottom tray pulls out to reveal more lip products! Included are three mini plumpers, two lipsticks, a lip liner pencil, and... an eyeliner pencil? I guess they had nowhere else to put it. ;)

Lipsticks
Flirty Pink • Sheer Pout

Lip Plumpers
Nude Glow • Glisten • Bella

I'm picky about my lip plumpers, so I'll probably just use these for the color - all three look like they have a nice, subtle shimmer - but I may use the lipsticks and liners.

Overall, there are some amazing colors and products in here. I know I'll be playing with this for quite a while, and am already having fun creating some pretty spring eye looks. :) I'll post any decent photos I can get, too.

Remember that the ULTA Spring Color Collection is only $14.99 with coupon through 4/19! After that, it's about $18 - still a steal. :)

Enjoy!

Want swatches of any of these products? Leave me a note!

First Look: Sally Hansen Lip Lab

Sally Hansen has 10 new products out now, just for lips, from their Lip Lab Collection. These products look like an attempt to keep up with some higher-end companies with similar items,but for a much cheaper price. They address everything from aging to sun protection, plumping to repair. And there's even - get this - a primer and a custom-shade lip gloss! (Yes, just like Smashbox!)

Here's a look at the new products. I'll be sure to give a full review of anything I buy (I already own the Overnight Lip Recovery ;).



Volumizing Lip Shield
"Plumping Color + SPF 15 Protection"

Available in eight shades, this sheer-color formula is meant to hydrate, moisturize, and protect. It contains an SPF 15 to shield lips from the effects of the sun and help prevent signs of aging. Claims to have a "soft shine finish" with a hint of color.



Gentle Plumping Lip Treatment
"Gain Without the Pain!"

This gloss just sounds too good to be true! A yummy vanilla flavor, shiny reflective gloss, and "time-released hydrospheres" for plumping = perfect, pretty, pain-free volumizer. I wonder if it works? I definitely want to give this one a try!



Prep & Perfect Lipcare
"The Ultimate Base Coat for Lips"

I'm convinced this is one of the most exciting products to emerge from this company - a lip primer and conditioning treatment in one! It supposedly keeps color locked on and prevents fading and feathering while hydrating and treating lips to prevent dryness. With so many expensive lip primers out there right now, this is just what we need!



Lip Blush Plumping Balm
"Custom Color Complex adapts to your natural liptone for a look that's yours alone"

If you haven't heard of this concept yet, it's gaining some buzz in the beauty world: products that apply clear or white, and change to a "custom" color that complements or matches your skin tones, lip color, etc. The first product to use this technology for lips was Smashbox O-Gloss Intuitive Lip Gloss ($22), but it looks like Sally is also hopping on the bandwagon. Will these two products be comparable? At less than half the price of O-Gloss, Lip Blush is practically a steal! This balm also claims to plump and condition lips with ingredients like peptides and antioxidants. I'll definitely have to do a side-by-side experiment!


PM Lip Plumper
"Wake Up to Fuller, Plumper, Shapelier Lips"

A plumper for bedtime - apply before bed, and wake up to fuller, softer lips? What a fabulous concept. With retinol and a collagen-enhancing peptide complex, moisture is trapped and you get prettier lips while you sleep the night away! Easy!




Satin Effects Lip Gloss
"It's like Satin Lingerie for Lips!" - LOL, I totally did NOT make that up!

I already love most of SH's glosses, but this new satin effects gloss seems like it would look AND feel gorgeous! In ten beautiful shades, it leaves a shine and finish that's supposed to be reminiscent of satin. Hot! And isn't the bottle cute?

Lipnotic Gem Gloss
"Multi-dimensional reflectivity on lips"

I'll be the first to say this product looks a bit like a souped-up version of their Diamond Lip Treatment line. However, I think the shine with this gloss is meant to be different; more glassy and smooth, less... sparkly? I'm not entirely sure, but we'll see. :) It does look very pretty, at least.

Line Fix Lip Repair
"All Day Lip Care for Mature Lips"

This product looks like an upgrade of their Line Freeze and Peptide Line Treatment products, claiming to hydrate, renew, and repair lip aging and help fill lines and reduce their appearance.




Overnight Lip Recovery
"Revitalizes and Repairs Lips as you Sleep"

A super-moisturizing formula with vitamins and yuca treats lips while you sleep. Conditions with a lightweight barrier to keep moisture in. I love these kinds of treatments! Expect a full review later. :)




Complete Care Lip Therapy
"The Complete Recovery Treatment for Problem Lips"

The all-in-one product that treats, renews, and protects. Claims to reduce the appearance of aging, protect against moisture loss, and revitalize. Everything problem lips like mine are craving! I would've bought it already if I could find it in the store...




The product descriptions sound pretty neat, right? Well, if you're enticed, here's the sad part: you should probably wait until they go on sale. These new advanced treatments aren't exactly cheap, running about $10 for 0.5 ounces of product. Ouch! Still, a LOT more affordable than their high-end counterparts.

I'll be sure to keep an eye out for any Sally Hansen sales at the drugstores for you, though - that's what I'm here for, after all. ;)

UPDATE 3/06/08 - At CVS you can now purchase products from this line for $5.99!