Burt's Bees Lip Balms

It's not easy to keep lips soft and healthy when it's freezing outside. I'm one of those people who really can't stand dry and chapped lips. It drives me crazy and makes me bite my lips which is even worse. This is why I have to have lip balm with me at all times and I'm always on the lookout for something new to keep my lips smooth.

I bought my first Burt's Bees lip balm (in the little tin) more than a year ago but I don't use it that much anymore. I like the peppermint flavour and the tingling sensation, but as it fades it becomes a bit yucky-tasting. Also, a tin isn't ideal for when you're wearing gloves. About two months ago I decided to try the tube versions and today I want to share my thought on them with you. I picked up four different ones: the Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil, Honey Lip Balm, Rejuvenating Lip Balm with Açaí Berry and the Nourishing Lip Balm with Mango Butter. While all these balms have a similar composition, they do feel differently on the lips and do different things.

Let me start with the one I liked the least. You know I have very dry lips, so I need something that isn't going to fade away after five minutes. That's exactly what the balm with mango butter does for me. I love the flavour (fruity but not too sweet) and I love the texture (very light) but for me, it just doesn't work. It sinks in very quickly and I'm left with dry lips again. Definitely not enough for the colder months, but I'm going to give it another try in the summer.

The honey lip balm is definitely the thickest but will also protect your lips from the cold better than the other ones. Beeswax is the main ingredient here, which creates a protective layer on your lips. It also contains lanolin to prevent moisture loss and (as the name would suggest) honey. Honey is known for its healing properties, which of course is a big bonus when your lips are chapped and need some help. The only downside to this balm is the flavour. While I love honey, I really don't like the one they used in this balm. I got used to it after a while, but I didn't like it at all the first time I used it.

The third one I want to talk about, is the one with pomegranate oil. Pomegranate is known to be filled with antioxidants, which is always a good thing in my book. It has a very light, fruity flavour which resembles pomegranate and does a really good job at moisturizing the lips. All the men out there, beware, it is slightly tinted! Nothing like a lipstick and I wouldn't even call it a real tinted lip balm, but it does have some colour. However, it is very natural and just a little bit richer than my natural lip colour, so I can get away with putting loads on before anyone could ever notice the difference. Personally, I really like it because it makes my lips look healthier. I always have one of these with me.

The last one is definitely my favourite: the Rejuvenating Lip Balm with Açaí Berry. When I was reading the description on Burt's Bees website, it said it was a "super balm" and I can completely understand why. Açaí Berries are full of antioxidants and vitamins (A, C, D and E) which, as I said, is always more than welcome! I find this balm very moisturizing and protecting, not very thick and yet it doesn't fade away after five minutes. It has a pleasant sweet, fruity flavour but it's not offensive at all. I'm not a big fan of flavoured balms, but I have no problem with this one whatsoever. Also, the Burt's Bees balms are all made from natural ingredients so the flavours aren't something synthetic or potentially dangerous. I'm almost out of this one, so I'll have to get a new one as soon as the tube is empty.

Overall I'm really pleased with all four balms, but I have my favourites. The tube is really handy to carry around and I enjoy using the balms a lot. Going to put some more on once I'm done writing this review because I need to take my dog for a walk asap! ;) So, what are your favourite balms to survive the winter with smooth lips? Definitely let me know in the comments! -L.

NOTD - Inglot 222

Have you heard of Inglot? It's a polish make up brand, similar to MAC but much cheaper (at least where I live). Few days ago I went there to buy something special for New Years Eve and this is what I brought home with me!

Shade 222 is a part of the Noble Collection (or Metallic Mania, depending on the country) and it is a silver shade with a metallic finish. The nailpolish comes in a big bottle and contains 15 ml of product, which is quite a lot comparing to some other brands. I personally prefer smaller packaging for less money because it is impossible to finish a bottle of nailpolish and it would be nice if Inglot thought of some minature shades. As with most of metallic nailpolishes, brush streaks are clearly visible so you need to be really careful during application. However, I think such shades look best from afar and I really don't mind visible streaks in this case, but if you're OCD about it, you should look for something else. As usual, I applied two coats and it's enough to get full coverage. Can't really say anything about the quality yet but I've tested it for 2 days on my left hand and nothing bad happened so I guess it will be pretty decent.

natural light on the left, with lamp on the right

What's your nailpolish pick for New Years Eve? Hope you're all going to have a wonderful time!

A.

Update + Pai - Organic Skin Care Trial Pack

Hello everyone! Just a quick update to let you know what we've been up to in the last few weeks. We haven't been posting much lately, because we're both busy studying for exams. Also, my skin has been rather crazy the past few weeks, so I couldn't try any new skincare products. Luckily it's all calming down now! Oh, and I'm also done taking (Ro)Acutane so it's not a good idea to try out new products either. I have a very basic skincare routine at the moment, so I can easily see any changes.

However, I couldn't stop myself from buying a few new products now and then. I'll be giving them a try once I feel my skin is completely balanced again. One of the things I cannot wait to try is the Trial Pack from Pai! It was only €6 (+ shipping of course) so I couldn't resist.

The Trial Pack comes with six samples and a free muslin cloth (worth €5 alone). It contains 4 trial sizes of their different moisturizers (5ml), one cleanser (5ml) and one exfoliator (for some reason 4ml). All very simply but beautifully packaged. As you can see, there's something for everyone and since Pai is an organic skincare brand, the ingredients are all natural and harmless. You won't find anything harsh either, because Pai mainly focuses on sensitive skin and its needs. As you know, I'm a huge fan of such formulations!

The full-sized products can be rather expensive. Pai does use the best ingredients possible and they're not as expensive as many high-end brands, but for most people it still won't be easy to pay €40 (shipping included) for a 30ml moisturizer. This is why this Trial Pack is such a great idea! If you don't like a certain product, then it won't be as bad as purchasing the full size. And if you do like something, then you might consider buying the big bottle! :) Although I haven't tried the samples yet, I know there will be something I'll love, because the ingredients are simply amazing!

Should you want to read more about Pai and their products, have a look at their website. They're also on Twitter and are really friendly and helpful! (No, I'm not being paid for saying that! ;)) Should you have any favourites from Pai that you think I might like, then let me know in the comments! Take care, everyone! -L.

Weleda - Citrus Hydrating Body Lotion

I always use a few body lotions/oils in rotation and which one I choose, depends very often on my mood. I have a few expensive ones for when my skin needs some extra pampering and I have some less expensive ones that I use on a daily basis. The one I'm going to review today is on the less expensive side but it really delivers!

I bought this body lotion a few weeks ago when grocery shopping. I needed a simple yet effective lotion so I grabbed this Weleda Citrus Hydrating Body Lotion and didn't think much about it. Weleda uses many natural ingredients and their products have never let me down before, so why not give this one a try?

After taking a shower it was time to rub on some lotion. The first thing I noticed was that the product was rather runny and smelt very strongly of limes (which I love). At first I was a bit worried that it might not be as moisturizing as I had hoped for and that the smell would become overpowering after a few minutes, but I was so wrong! It spread out really easily and felt lovely on the skin. The smell faded after some time and I was left with very soft and hydrated skin. I really can't tell any difference between this lotion and some of the more expensive ones when it comes to results!

I am very happy I decided to give it a try because it's a product I'll definitely repurchase. I reach for it almost every day and my skin's always left feeling amazing. And, as a bonus, my wallet is happy too! :) I'm also very tempted to try Weleda's Wild Rose Pampering Body Lotion, because it has Rosehip seed oil as one of its ingredients and I bet it smells lovely too. Who knows, maybe the next time I'll go grocery shopping... ;) -L.