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. 

Hello professional life!

Fashion Internship Interview Attire at Erika Peña by desiree-velazquez-rodriguez featuring aldo bags

Diane von Fürstenberg bodice dress, $498
Forever21 jacket, $28
ALDO peep toe high heels, $80
Aldo bag, $60
Forever21 spiked necklace, $5.80
Forever21 fish hook earrings, $1.50
Milani Liquif'Eye Metallic Eyeliner Pencil | Walgreens, $6.49
Pocket Rocket Lip Gloss by Urban Decay (Official Site), $20

Hey guys! Guess what? I interviewed today for a fashion internship at Erika Peña and I got it! I start on Wednesday! I'm so excited! Why am I so excited? Well, I'm definitely not excited for my agenda. Poor thing! With my job at Forever 21, this internship, my sewing classes, my gallery expo and the boyfriend... I don't know how I'll have any time for myself anymore! I am excited though because I will get to work behind the scenes in a fashion company, so I'll get to learn how the industry works, what's going on behind the glitz and glamour and what it takes to move along a flourishing business. So, I scrunched up this Polyvore set to show you guys what I wore today. Lately a lot of my friends have come to me for interview suggestions, so I thought I'd make this idea board and share my personal tips and pointers so you can get an idea of what to do and how dress for an interview. I also had a professor in college that was like a mentor to me in all that is personal presentation in the job industry (¡Gracias, Millán!).

OK. The first thing you've got to think of when choosing your outfit for the interview is what kind of company or employer would you potentially be working for. Is it a very reserved and formal company? A more creative one or a very hip and stylish one? That could pretty much set the breaking point for the entire outfit. In this case, I was interviewing for a designer so I had to show that I am indeed very much interested in the latest trends and my personal appearance. Erika Peña's company aesthetic circles around the colors black and gold (a combination which I am very keen on lately) so I decided I should somewhat incorporate that color scheme into my look to catch her eye a bit. I used my go-to little black faux leather sheath dress from BCBG Max Azria (not shown there because I couldn't find it on Polyvore, but check it out here. It's the first one shown. I actually got it on sale for $100 a few months back for my graduation.), and I layered over it a creme colored blazer from Forever 21 that I actually got on sale for $21. I decided to give my look a kick with my Aldo leopard pumps and accessorize with a gold statement necklace and little pyramid stud earrings. The clincher: my new Aldo satchel purse in black and gold which I actually got on sale for $45. Most of these pieces I had laying around in my closet for the longest. I've had those pumps for a good five years already! Classy, timeless, and on a budget.

Based on the type of company you'll dress for, you also have to remember to always give your attire a little personal twist. I did this with my jewelry. Studs and spikes are my thing but I did it in a very classy and toned down way. I also did so with my makeup. When you do your makeup, keep in mind that it can certainly make or break you. Since I was interviewing for a creative and fashionable company, I decided to do my trademark cat eye but give the look a twist with a red lip. I used NYX Matte lipstick in Merlot ( It's not shown there. It's a darker red than the one posted above.) and let me tell you, these lipsticks are TO DIE FOR. They are eternal on your lips, they don't bleed and their color will stay as pungent 4 hours later as they did when you first applied it. I used my new Urban Decay Pocket Rocket lipgloss in Jesse and Milani's Liquifeye Liner in black which is my go-to liner. 

So, here's the run down:

• Stick to classic color palettes and neutrals with a personal twist on your outfit for any type of interview. If you're going for prints, make sure they're a bit muted and simple. Crazy prints can scream... well, crazy (regardless if you aren't).
• You can add touches of color with your accessories or one piece of your outfit. Maybe add a bright sleek scarf, a  color block blouse underneath your blazer or a bold color detail on your purse.
• Keep your makeup clean and simple. Neutral shadows or barely there makeup is the right way to go. Don't experiment with your makeup for these things that day. Stick to what you know and keep those lips classic! Same thing with nails: no neon greens or crazy attachments on your nails, please!  Also, make sure the nail color isn't chipped. That could say you're forgetful and don't pay attention to detail. If it's easier, just keep them in a skin tone color or no color at all. A clear, glossy coat should do.
• If you're going to go sleeveless, don't use spaghetti straps or expose too much skin. Always make sure it is a wide strap and take any piece that you can use for covering up your shoulders just in case. Blazers are a great way to go. It kind of gives your potential employer a look into ~the future~. A nice, structured cardigan might work too. You never know who'll be interviewing you and their take on style.
• If you're going to use a dress like I did, make sure it is a reasonable length. A few inches above the knee is fine. If you wear a shorter skirt, a dark stocking could do the job. The trick is to balance your top half with your bottom half or vice versa.
• Under any circumstance, DO NOT wear jeans to ANY interview. It doesn't matter if it's Saks, Zara, Express or even Panda Express! Jeans scream lazy, tacky and clueless. It doesn't even matter if they're dark wash or black. JUST DON'T. You want to show that you clean up nicely and can manage a polished look. That can be a real deal breaker a lot of times. A nice, clean trouser, skinny or straight legged pant should give you that professional look. You can look like a million dollars with little money! You just have to plan out your attire and be on the look out for great deals. 
• Another NO-NO: open shoes. I don't think anybody wants to see your feet exposed (eek!). Closed shoes are spot on. A classic pump looks great. The only exception would be a peep toe pump. It's barely showing anything. Keep those piggies well tucked! If you don't want to risk the pain, some flats will do you good. You can play with color with your shoes too!
• In terms of the actual interview, always practice potential Q&A's before hand. 
• Always ask the interviewer if it is necessary for you to bring any additional documentation with you. 
• Research a bit about the company you'll be interviewing with before hand. You never know if any surprise questions related to that might pop up in the interview!
• Confirm your interview the day before just in case the interviewer has had a change of plans. It also show's you're looking forward to it.
• Always show up 15 minutes before your interview. It demonstrates that you're incredibly interested, you're punctual, and it could help you out in advance like it has done for me. I've interviewed many times before others and before my appointment because I've arrived earlier, thus helping me snag the job. Don't make a photo-finish entrance on an interview. Don't go ahead and show up an hour early either, just with a few minutes in advance so both you and your interviewer settle in and prepare. 
• Take a deep breath, relax and go!

I hope those pointers help you guys out in your endeavors for the right job. I know these tips have helped me loads when it comes to job hunting!