Here's the Skitch: Rose pout

Scold me again as I fell for the Photoshop crash fandango again. This time my computer battery died on me while I walked away from my computer for a few minutes while I was sketching a Zoe Bradley illustration for tonight's post. Guess who hadn't saved her work. So...

Sephora's Hot Hues Lip Balm in Crazy Coral
Instagram: LilaLane

It's time for another beauty post!!! *cheers*

For this occasion, I wanted to share with you guys my favorite picks for lip tints, balms and glosses. With the exception of one, I've been using these products for at least six months or more so you know firsthand that they're way more than tested, approved and loved. I have been sporting some vibrant lip colors lately but if there's something I always have on hand, it's a rose tinted lip color. Well, not exactly rose but something that looks natural and gives my pale lips a bit of umph~. Also, since my skin is extra dry I always want extra nourishment. 

Here's the roster of swatches: 

                       warm-------------------------------------neutral-----------------------------------cool

From left to right we have Urban Decay's Pocket Rocket Lip Gloss in Jesse, Clinique Almost Lipstick in Chic Honey, Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey, Avène Cold Cream Lip Balm, Korres Wild Rose Lip Butter , Sephora Hot Hues Lip Balm in Crazy Coral.

Urban Decay Pocket Rocket Lip Gloss in Jesse

Price: $19.00 on the Urban Decay site

 $13.00 on Amazon

Amount of product: .27 oz. (8 ml)

Tint: Sheer burgundy with light sparkle

Definitely wanted to start off with this one! Well, these glosses have a long list of atributes. First of all, they're very lasting, they blend extremely well, they're not goopy and they have a fantastic scent (each Pocket Rocket has a different pheromone scent). They also wear out nicely and very little bleeding occurs (at least in my case). Since this goes on quite sheer, it looks pretty nice over any kind of nude lip color so it turns into a pretty pinkish tone. I absolutely love it over my go to lipstick, Clinique's Blushing Nude. Jesse in particular smells of crème brulée, which so happens to be my favorite dessert. In terms of price, I think $19 is kinda steep for a lip gloss, but we are talking of UD and I have to say, these things really are top notch quality. If you are lucky like me, you can get you own Pocket Rocket like I did. Five dollars, Haute Look. Yes, $5. Seeing as I found it for that price and I don't see it anywhere in the UD website, I believe it is discontinued but I did find it at Amazon so there must be a few lying around. 

These glosses have a quite humorous concept to them. The "pheromones" in them entice you to them, just as it happens when you're attracted to someone else. Of course, the holographic guy posing in the brush holder is sexy enough and then realize what a Pocket Rocket really is... don't get any ideas, ladies! This is a clean blog. *wink, wink*. That might explain the packaging! Just have fun swishing the tube around and seeing him undress. Each Pocket Rocket has its own backstory. Jesse Just so happens to own a dead-end bar and has many, many tattoos. Mmmm, sexy. 

Clinique Almost Lipstick in Chic Honey and Black Honey

Price: $15.00

Amount of Product: .07 oz

Color: Sheer auburn and burgundy

Black Honey

If there's any makeup product I've been die-hard loyal to, it's Clinique's Almost Lipstick. Have you ever experienced that moment when you try a beauty product for the first time and your life was completely changed, that you literally walked out of the door all giggly and starry eyed, that four years later you still feel the same way every day when you chuck it into your makeup bag? When I first tried on Black Honey it was the beginning of a deep relationship. I'd finally found the tint my pale lips craved with the longevity I needed without being overpowered and obvious. These "almost lipsticks" are nicely pigmented but the cool thing about these is that they let your natural lip color show through by adjusting to it so they kind of make your own personalized lip color. When these first appeared on the market back in the 90's, only Black Honey was available and it was a sensation.

Chic Honey

When you use a product by Clinique, you know it is dermatologist tested and recommended and it is 100% allergy free. These lip colors glide on easily, they're very emollient, comfortable, non-scented and non-sticky. They're so smooth, they're a blend between a lipstick, a lip balm and a lip gloss because they do give your lips a bit of shine. They've been recently re-launched so there's a wider range of color selection that varies from pinks to peaches. Black Honey is the brightest of the range being a deep burgundy color. Chic Honey is more opaque, auburn-ish tan and it has a bit of sparkle to it. The packaging is sleek and durable in the trademark metal tube Clinique is known for. Since this product is a "little goes a long way" type, that tube will last you forever. I know I've been using my Chic honey for ages and I still have plenty left. As far as the success of Black Honey, you can also get it in combo with a lip gloss of the same shade but I personally don't think that's necessary.

Avène Cold Cream Lip Balm

Price: $9.00

Amount of product: 0.14 oz.

Color: Sheer with slight shimmer

I stumbled upon Avène products in a freezing Paris (during the summer!) of 2007. By then my dermatitis was starting to manifest itself on my skin for the first time and my entire body was just literally cracking open with the coldest weather I've ever endured. My mother and I rushed into a local pharmacie for the first time in search of soothing products for my skin and lips. The look on the gentleman's face at the counter was priceless when he saw our lost and astonished faces as french pharmacies are quite different from what we know here in America. After the pharmacist reviewed my condition he gifted us tons of mini samples from companies like La Roche-Posay, Vichy and of course Avène. He recommended this lip balm above anything else. I've tried decent lip balms after this one, but this one still tops my list.

This is absolutely the longest lasting product I've ever tried. The company promises up to 8 hours of wear. I wouldn't exactly say 8, but it's damn close. This product is formulated for dry and very dry skin types (right up my alley) so it's a given that this will be extremely hydrating. The extra rich formula takes care of that. It's hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic (doesn't block your pores), it provides anti-oxidant protection and it's made with Avène's eau thermale for insured hydration. It has a slight scent but it's nothing too strong. It's pleasant. I use this balm as a base for my lips when I do my priming process before makeup. It sets a soft tone to my lips. The thing with these is that they have an expiration date. Well, mine is long since passed but it still works as fine as it did on day 1 and I STILL have plenty left. The good thing is that the Avène range is now at my local Walgreens so I can go get another whenever I want. 

Korres Wild Rose Lip Butter

Price: $12.00

Amount of product: 0.21 oz.

Color: Sheer deep alizarin crimson

I can't say my experience with the Korres was the same as it was with the Clinique Almost Lipstick but it was similar. I was looking for something similar to the CAL but a little bit more bright and colorful. Also, I was on a very tight student budget. Venturing into my local Sephora and running around forever, I found this! Korres products are known for the use of natural ingredients. This one is made up of natural oils that soothe the driest lips. The formula is incredibly creamy, hydrating, glossy and the wear is just lovely. After the balm has worn off, it leaves a nice pink tone behind until it completely vanishes from your lips. Since the color on this one is quite strong, you only need a bit to make your pucker pop. It has a soft scent of wild rose (my fave!). I personally am not a huge fan of the packaging as mine did break with a bit of use but it's still all in there. This product is petrolatum free and it comes in a very wide variety of colors ranging from Guava creme to Plum dark. 

Sephora's Hot Hues Lip Balm in Crazy Coral

Price: $10.00 (on sale for $3.00 *limited edition*)

Amount of product: 0.1 oz.

Color: Sheer neon coral-pink

This one is the only one I haven't really used for that long, about a week maybe. But I just had to include it! This is way too exciting not to post and rave about! I went the other day to my local Sephora and I always love to check out the sales bins. There were so many pretty lipsticks on sale and waaaaay at the bottom of the bin were three of these lip balms but just one coral colored. I've been meaning to try out corals on my lips for summer so I gave it a shot and since it was a balm and it said neon, even better. The price tag was a definite winner too. Little did I know the surprise I was going to get when I purchased it and opened the tube...

*gasp!!!*

Another one!

THIS THING IS ACTUALLY NEON! It was crazy! What a lovely product! I couldn't wait to get home and take pictures to actually swatch it. The surprises didn't end when the color payoff wasn't actually coral but more like a hot pink. Really hot pink! I didn't mind it because the color was just so cool. It's quite natural looking instead of the expected neon. It looks so pretty over pale lips. I can't really say much about this product other than the basics: it's got a tangerine-like smell to it, the packaging is sleek, the color payoff is nice and it moisturizes OK. It has a few set backs like it does have kind of a strange taste to it. I wish it went away but it does linger. It also isn't long lasting. More like 1 hour... tops. Also, it does stain a bit. Not bothersome on the lips but getting the swatch off was a bugger. Anyways, I only paid $3 for it so I don't really mind. This was kind of an impulsive buy. I'm really glad I got it though because it really is fun to wear. 

What are your favorite lip products? I'd love to hear your opinions and your favorites to try out new things. Leave a comment below. Don't forget to Like on Facebook, follow on Twitter, Tumblr and on Instagram. I'm LilaLane. 

Last Minute Gifts for Mom under $50!

My beautiful mom and I

If you're like me, you probably spend weeks and weeks thinking about the perfect gift for Mom and don't come up with anything special enough until the last minute. It's not easy finding a gift that matches the amazingness of Mom and of course, Mother's Day should be every day of the year but it's nice to get her a little something special that one day too. Usually I do a mix of something I create with a little bought treat.

I always prefer gifts that my mom could really enjoy, things she can love accordingly to her taste. This year, I've got a few things rounded up for my Mother's day gift but I wont point them out here because my mom reads my blog so my lips are sealed!

Here are my picks for last minute gift ideas under $50.00 (for those who run a tight budget like me) and they're just a one stop trip to the store being as Mother's Day is this weekend. What's better? A few DIY ideas that will be even cheaper and easier to get because you made them yourself!

Estée Lauder Mad Men® Collection Limited Edition Crème Rouge in Evening Rose

$40.00

My mom is a huge Estée Lauder fan. She's been using it ever since I can remember. What I love about Estée Lauder's products is the quality and elegance. This blush is a lovely neutral rose toned pink that suits many skin tones. They slide on the skin so smoothly and a little goes a long way. I know my mom would use a color like this every day! The design is vintage inspired so every time she pulls out that compact, it's a beautiful thing. You can get this compact at your local Estée Lauder counter.

Clinique Color in Bloom Set

$43.50 (a $73.00 value)

I get really excited when I see Clinique sets like this. I've been using Clinique since I was fifteen and I know this is excellent quality for your buck. This set includes a Colour Surge Eye Shadow Compact, a High Impact Mascara, a Blushwear Cream Stick, Long Last Glosswear SPF 15, and a Take The Day Off Makeup Remover. All of these fantastic products con in a really cute flower print cosmetic bag. This set has all the essentials for a great every day makeup look. The shadow compact has a beautiful selection of colors. Also, I'm a die hard fan of the High Impact Mascara. After 4 years, I always go back to it. You can get this set at your local Sephora.

Korres Rose Collection

$19.50

My mom and I share the same love for rose scents. When I saw this Korres Rose collection for that price, I squealed. This set includes one of my all time favorite lip products, the Wold Rose Lip Butter. It also includes a Rose Body Butter and a Rose Shower Gel. I cant testify for the quality of the body butter and shower gel because I haven't tried those personally but I cant attest to the amazingness that are Korres products so I think it's a good bet getting this set. As for the Wild Rose Lip Butter? I have nothing but the best things to say about it. It gives a beautiful sheer, pink tint to the lips, it smells divine and it's incredibly nourishing and hydrating. A must pick up item from your local Sephora.

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Fragrance Travel Duo

$30.00

Seriously, how more perfect can you get? This is one of my all time favorite fragrances and it just so happens to be Sephora's #2 top seller I believe. It consists of notes of Sambac Jasmine, Centifolia Rose, Cattleya Orchid, Ballerina Freesia and Patchouli. It's a delicate smelling fragrance, quite sweet and elegant. I promise it's a scent that will appeal to any nose. Everyone I've smelled it on has had fantastic results (due to everyone's corporal chemistry varying).

Swarovski Elements Harley Pierced Earrings

$45.00

This Swarovski solitaire set is just simple and very chic. It's an earring set that can go from everyday casual to special occasion. I actually got these for my Mom a few years back for Mother's day and she loved them. It's surprising the little treasures you can find at a Swarovski store that are within budget. You just have to really look to find them. They come with a certificate of authenticity. The plating is rhodium.

Erika Peña I Heart Rings

$28.00 (small)

$38.00 (medium)

$48.00 (large)

I think these rings are adorable. They'd be a really cute gesture to get one for your mom and one for yourself and keep them as mother/daughter rings. These are from the I Heart Collection. These gold and silver plated rings are adjustable and they pretty much just are the chicest accessory. You can order them online or visit the Erika Peña Boutique at Galería Suchville in Guaynabo, PR.

Deep Facial Cleansing, Thermal Gloves, Firming Neck Masque and a 20% Discount on L'Bel Products

$35.00 + tax (a $100.00 value!)

I'm always on the lookout for a good Gustazo. For Mother's day, they didn't disappoint. Mom needs some R&R every once in a while, so why not treat her to a relaxing session at L'Bel? The good thing about Gustazos is that you can purchase the Gustazo for yourself or you can gift it as well. They're redeemable up to a year but hurry, the opportunity to get your Gustazo is limited! It ends this Saturday. You can redeem it at L'Bel Boutique at Plaza las Américas, Hato Rey, PR.

Now, let's head on to the DIY ideas:

I Spy DIY: DIY Chain and Rhinestone Bracelet

I just recently discovered the magic that is I Spy DIY. *tsk tsk tsk!* I pretty much adore every DIY project Jenni Radosevich takes on. She's InStyle magazine's craft expert. Her DIY's are very simple to achieve and the best part is that her DIY's don't end up looking like DIY's (if you get my drift). They really look good. I thought this DIY was super fun and it's a simple gift that will be light on your pocket. You can make this with chains from old necklaces you have lying around!

Give Mom a Mani/Pedi!

Gilded Nails Skitch-I-Y

Animal Print Nails Skitch-I-Y

Tribal Nails (Skitch-I-Y coming soon!)

Striped Nails (Skitch-I-Y coming soon!)

Treat mom to a masterpiece of your creation by hitting your polish stash. You can give her a very easy mani/pedi with things you already have in your home. You can start off by soaking her feet in lavender oil infused water, exfoliating her hands and feet with homemade sugar scrubs, moisturize and work you mani/pedi magic! Let her pick out the colors she likes and let her sit back and relax.

Dinner, Dessert and a Movie!

Let mom sit back and you do the cooking. For desert, surprise mom with delicious macaroons or cake pops! Head on over to Bakerella.com (the creator of Cake Pops) to get inspired by her many ideas for recipes and decorations! You do all the cleaning and afterwards put on a movie of her choice. Stock up on her favorite movie treats for the show!

Well, those are just a few ideas off the top of my head. These are all definitely things I'd gravitate towards to show my mom how much she means to me. Give them a shot and surprise your mom on her special day! To all the mothers out there reading, I wish you a lovely Mother's Day filled with love and happiness! To my mom: Te amo, mami!