Lip Prep

 LIP PREP

Initially, I was very hesitant to invest in cosmetics for lip preparation. I've always been able to wear lip stick/lip gloss and have it last up till I wanted to wipe it off.
However, after using these three products, I wouldn't go back!!

The products I use are not only awesome, they are also cruelty free! This is a trend that you are likely to see in my future posts (I'm sure I will expand on this is future entries).

My lip prep process uses three products, they are: LUSH Cosmetics Lip Scrub (specifically "The Kiss"), LUSH Cosmetics Lip Service Lip Balm & e.l.f. Lip Primer and Plumper.

Firstly, the lip scrub. LUSH has a few of these little beauties that are for sale all year round (Bubblegum, Popcorn and Mint Julips), however 'The Kiss' was a limited edition Valentines day item. Full of salt and sugar, you apply a small amount of the scrub to your lips and then get down to work. You can use your fingers, rub your lips together or a mixture of the two. This scrub is sweet and salty, and tastes like a mixture of the bubblegum and popcorn versions. Oh yea, that's right. It's completely edible! So when you're finished, you can simply lick it off. This scrub is a little different to the others as it comes with a dash of sprinkles and tiny candy hearts! This stuff leaves your lips feeling seriously smooth. However, don't use this if you lips are sore, sunburn or severely chapped, trust me. Scrubbing your lips when they're in one of the previously mentioned state isn't a great idea. Give your lips a chance to recover.



Secondly, I apply the LUSH Lip Service Lip Balm. Available all year round, this lip balm is on par with the EOS lip balms (http://beautyonabudgetnz.blogspot.co.nz/2015/07/eos-lip-balm-x4-review.html Review here!). It can feel a little greasy/oily, but that is a side effect of it being so nourishing. Full of beeswax, olive oil and tangerine oil, it's a smooth and delightful balm that really compliments the scrubbing and smoothing effects of "the kiss".


Finally, the e.l.f. Lip Primer and Plumper. This double duty duo make for an awesome addition to my make up bag. Originally bought this for it's prospective pluming abilities, however, I have found that the primer really makes my lipstick stand out and last longer. I always apply the primer last, however, I apply the plumper before the lip balm, as I feel that the balm can stop some of the plumping effects from occurring. The first thing I noticed when I took it out of it's packaging was the smell of cinnamon! The active ingredient in the plumper is cinnamon, so much so that it smells exactly like Big Red gum. The first time I used it, it did feel a little tingly, however, I am definitely used to it now. I have read other reviews of this product and a few people have had negative reactions to the cinnamon, but also noted that they had quite sensitive skin - so please keep that in mind.
The primer isn't overly easy to apply as it isn't creamy like a lipstick. I suggest applying it to the middle of your lips and using a small lip brush or your fingers, spreading it out to cover your lips. It may look your lips look a little dry, but after you apply your lipstick/lip gloss, it is no longer noticeable. 

Considering the amount of time I have had these products, their advantages/disadvantages and how much I have left, I feel like each of their prices (NZD) is reasonable. I believe the srub was around $12, lip balm - $11 (however, I got on sale) and plumper/primer - $10. If you wear lipstick a lot or for long periods of time, I would consider investing in these or similar products.

I will link to the sites where I got my items from (although the exact lip scrub I talked about wont be available) and where the images were from.

LUSH Cosmetics Lip Scrubs and Lip Balms - https://www.lushnz.com/shop/product/category/path/1021_165/lip-balms-and-scrubs
e.l.f. products for the NZ store I bought from - http://beautybliss.co.nz/shop/e-l-f-lip-primer-plumper/


Images retrieved from:
http://www.beautyscene.nl/lichaamhaarreviews/158234/lush-valentijnscollectie-met-eenhoorn-bubble-bar
http://luxelist.me/tag/lush-lip-service/
http://www.target.com/p/e-l-f-lip-primer-plumper-clear-natural/-/A-13958839