Pink Gloss Comparisons: Burberry, Dior & Jouer

Over the weekend, I posted about a few items from Dior's Spring 2014 collection. I snapped up the Dior Addict Lip Gloss in Exquise, and then realized I should compare it to a few other pink glosses in my stash! So much pink! <3 

Swatches Top to Bottom: Burberry Lip Glow in Pink Sweet Pea, Dior Addict Lip Gloss in Exquise, Jouer Moisturizing Lip Gloss in Malibu

It turns out that Burberry Lip Glow in Pink Sweet Pea is remarkably similar to Dior Addict Lip Gloss in Exquise! While Burberry Pink Sweet Pea has a purply iridescence to it, I still think that Dior Exquise is really very similar based on swatches. On my lips though, I find that the blue/purple undertones of Burberry Pink Sweet Pea come out, and the shade is slightly more opaque than Dior Exquise. 

Lastly, I just wanted to show you guys Dior Exquise compared to Jouer Moisturizing Lip Gloss in Malibu. In the tube, it looks very similar, but the difference in formula is very apparent once you see the swatch. Jouer's gloss is very sheer in comparison! 

All three formulas are not drying - potentially hydrating for those of you without dry lip issues - and only Burberry's is scented. Burberry Pink Sweet Pea was a limited edition release last spring, but I think Dior Exquise is a great option too. I think i may actually prefer Dior! What do you think about these three pink glosses? Which would you pick? I'd love to know! 

♥ African Botanics Marula Firming Botanical Body Oil ♥

This past fall, Space NK sent me a lovely bundle of goodies and I was thrilled to see a product from African Botanics, a brand that I have seriously been loving. (See my previous posts on the brand here.) 

*PR Sample, Affiliate Link

From Space NK:  Dry oil blend: fast absorbing, omega & nutrient rich formula, antioxidant defense, can be used pre- or - post sun exposure to prevent and reverse dehydration from UV exposure. This unique botanical body oil restores flacid, dry, photo-damaged and lackluster skin to youthful firmness, tone, elasticity and softness. Loaded with skin-saving essential fatty acids, rich in plant collagen, high in antioxidants & linoleic acid that are very beneficial for promoting healthy skin & cell membranes.

While I can't speak to the firming claims, I do think that this oil works brilliantly on my dry skin that is veering towards eczema in this winter weather. Slather some on, and my itchy skin is calmed! Seriously, that is such a miracle for me, as I am seriously just ITCHY right now. Plus, I love how this oil (and other items from the line!) have such a lovely, light fruity scent. 

I haven't yet tested this on Mr. Bunny's eczema flare ups (yes, I'm hoarding this and keeping it to myself haha) but I imagine it would do well for eczema too. I didn't even realize that it is meant to help with UV exposure, so I can't wait to use this in the summertime too.

All in all, I am totally loving this for winter! African Botanics Firming Botanical Body Oil is available at Space NK, and they currently have this lovely set of products including this and my favorite Intensive Skin Repair Body Balm in the sale section for $37.50! 

What do you think of African Botanics Marula Firming Botanical Body Oil? Is this something that you'd like to try? What body oils are you loving? I'd love to know!

Project Make-a-Dent: Makeup, #1

Last fall, Lola's Secret Beauty Blog started her Project Make a Dent, and over the course of a few months, she did actually make a sizable dent in most of the items that she selected. (See her original posts here and here.) I had been thinking about doing this ever since her original post, and while I committed to using up some minis in this post in October, I really wanted to give it a go with some full sizes in my stash as well. 

So, when Gummy and I started talking about this again, we decided it was time to really do this! Check out Gummy's post and all the goodies she picked here. The real intent of this project is to use these up completely, but I'm also allowing myself to get rid of these by tossing them or giving them away. (Hey, it is all about editing the stash as much as possible!)

I had a hard time picking things to focus on, but in the end I decided to pick things I have had a while and toss in a few items that I don't frequently reach for. 

I chose 3 lip colors that I don't frequently use - Fresh Sugar Coral Lip Treatment, Revlon Lip Butter in Raspberry Pie, and Lancome Color Design in Wannabe. I really have no thoughts on these formulas but can't seem to let go of them, so I figured this would be the perfect time to either use it or lose it! 

I've also had this Sephora Concealer Palette for quite some time, and the Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Liner is fast approaching the 2 year mark in age. (It has a crack in the product on one side, but it is still going strong and has a good dent going!) I don't even know how long I"ve had the Estee Lauder Pure Color Eyeshadow in Tempting Mocha, but it definitely is a pretty shade. 

Last but not least, I chose one of my favorite foundations, Koh Gen Do Moisture Foundation, which is the oldest foundation (almost a year old!) in my stash of winter appropriate shades. I've already started using some of these in the last week or so before taking this picture, so I hope I can keep up and make a dent in them! 

What do you think of Project Make-a-Dent? Will you be joining in? I'd love to know! :)

My Picks From Dior Spring 2014

I'm all for pinks in springtime, so I was thrilled to see some fun releases in the Dior Spring collection. I can't resist a hot pink gloss, so i picked up the Addict Gloss in 772 Exquise and the Fusion Matte Mono Eyeshadow in 761 Mirage. 

When it comes to the gloss, I can't believe I hadn't tried these before. I love the scent-free, non-drying formula, and this pink shade is pink without being so in your face. It is entirely wearable, and I am happy to report that the color doesn't horrify me when it transfers! 

The eyeshadow, on the other hand, is a bit confusing to me. The name of the product says it is matte, but there is actually shimmer in this one. A very fine shimmer that I find pretty, but it is definitely not matte. Having never tried these eyeshadows before (they all seemed too shimmery for me before!), I really quite like the soft, almost spongy texture of these shadows. Sadly, this doesn't wear too well on me without primer - it fades and creases a bit with some shimmer migrating by lunchtime. With primer, this eyeshadow is a great everyday color, either by itself or for blending with other shades. I'm just a little depressed that I have to wear primer with it, and I'm not sure how to feel about that... 

Here's how these look on me. What do you think? Sorry I had to resort to this photo - I can't seem to catch the sun at all lately! And my skin is not so cute but I'm too lazy to put on concealer haha!

In the end, I think I've decided to return the eyeshadow. If I don't entirely love it, I think there's no point in keeping it! I also plan to do a comparison post of a few pink glosses later in the week. :)

Have you picked up anything from the Dior Spring 2014 collection? I'd love to know what you got and how they worked out for you!