Applicator Allure

I started studying all the different types of applicators that my lipglosses have - short and long doe-foots, triangle doe-foots, short and long brushes, etc. How do these applicators effect the way our gloss looks? What is the best applicator and method? Here are a few that i've spotted so far:



tokidoki prisma lipgloss - Flexible Silicone Paddle Applicator








One of the newer applicators on the market, the paddle applicator is great for glosses that are very liquidy, like this prisma gloss. It's almost like a mini spatula for your lips. It feels smooth to the touch, and applies product evenly to the lips.



Benefit benetint pocketpal - Traditional Doe-Foot Applicator





Probably the most common lipgloss applicator, the doe-foot is a never fail. It's great, because you can apply almost any type of gloss with it easily. Some chicks even use it for certain lipsticks. It's been around forever, but the question remains - is it the best option? Or just the most common?





Tarina Tarantino Gem Gloss - Long Doe-Foot Applicator





A slight twist on the traditional doe-foot, this one is more flexible and holds more product. I like it because you have more control over where the gloss goes. The applicator curves with your lips and gives you a more even finish.



Lancome Color Fever Gloss - Triangle Doe-Foot





This applicator is unique to Lancome - they call it the "Lip-Magnify Applicator." It scoops up the product and allows for plentiful application.



Hourglass Lipgloss - Brush Applicator





Not sure how I feel about the brush applicator. With lighter colors it seems to work OK, but with darker shades it seems to streak and leave some lines. I usually end up fixing the lines with my finger tips to ensure I have a perfect pucker =)





Lip Fusion Infatuation - Short Brush Applicator





I've seen this shorter brush applicator in many new lipglosses lately. Unlike the traditional brush, the shorter one gives you more freedom to paint on your gloss and avoids the dreading streaking. It's been popping up everywhere, from Lip Fusion to YSL to LORAC. A new trend emerging, perhaps?





Do you ladies favor a certain type of applicator? Let us know! xoxo

Swatch Me Pretty

I'm a huge believer in "try before you buy." Let's be serious - if I learned that a long time ago, would I own THIS MUCH MAKEUP?!

Swatching is simply trying a small amount of product on your hand, lips, eyes, etc. This way, you can see how the color actually looks on you and feel out the texture of the product. This may seem like common sense to some, but often times we are so hyper and desperate for new makeup (i'm GUILTY) that we'll just buy something based on how it looks in the package or tube.

The color of the packaging itself can alter how the product looks in the tube. Then, probably the most awful thing that can happen, you get your new pink lipgloss home and try it out...and it's all WRONG. "Oh...I thought it would be pinker, sheerer, less glittery..." Below are some of my favorite pretty pink treats, and what they look like on paper.



Clockwise from top left:

*Dior Addict - Ultra Gloss Reflect 257
*Lip Fusion - Glow
*Lancome Juicy Tubes - Ultra Brilliant
*Too Faced - Girls Dig Pearls in Shell
*Revlon - Super Lustrous Gloss in Pink Afterglow
*MAC - Dazzleglass in Bare Necessity
*Urban Decay - Pocket Rocket in Doug
*Tarina Tarantino - Disco Nap

As you can see, some glosses have more glitter, more pigment and so on. Next time you are on the market for a new gloss, try a few colors next to each other on your hand or arm and compare them. What looks better on your skin tone? Which one is silkier, stickier, darker, etc. As my mother always says "If you're not in love with it, leave it."