Cult of Pretty

If you like owls and all natural, handcrafted balms of all kinds from a brand you’ve (probably) never heard of, please visit my post on Gloss Daily!

I’m happy to announce I’m a new contributor there, where you can find treasures from my Cult Cabinet once a month.

Image via: Twin Mag

So I got a little bit of grief on a post last week with regards to product claims, which reminded me to do a post on a lip “stain” pencil I’ve been loving - not just because the color is beautiful but also … bonus! my eyes are in the best shape of their lives on account of the rolling.

This post is not to criticize - in fact, this is my go-to lip product right now - I just want to share the role that copy and claims play in my feeling about a product.

And that is pretty much … NONE. I’ve been writing copy for my whole career in beauty, so when I see it on products I don’t think WOW what a claim! I think WOW who wrote that gem?? You might feel the same way about stuff in your profession … ex. if you’re a photographer you’re thinking Meh I wouldn’t have used that lighting set up … etc.

Tarte Lipsurgence Natural Lip Stain is a great product - the Amused shade is a perfect sheer bright pink that looks amazing with a tan - but here are some of the copy points:

• “For a natural flush that will stay all day.” - This is just not true in my experience, which is fine, I don’t mind reapplying because it feels like lip balm and the color is pretty foolproof if you don’t have a mirror.
• “LipSurgence™ technology … is clinically proven to increase moisture content by an astonishing 6000%.” - Ok, clinically proven means someone (Tarte or the ingredient manufacturer) spent money to ensure this is technically true, so believe it, however … Vaseline and many other products will boost the moisture level of your skin/lips/desk by beaucoup percent too and the bottom line is who cares??  Once you get into quadruple digits it’s just silly. But - it does moisturize well and feels great going on.
• “The result is naturally fuller, healthier lips without any irritation or stinging.” The fuller part is true due to plumping, and no irritation or stinging for me, but as for the healthier part … define health?

The bottom line? If you like a product and it works for you, I think that’s really all that matters (unless we’re talking about false claims about animal testing or unsafe ingredients).

Does this: Perfect pop of pink in a moisturizing, plumping balm stick … there’s also a MATTE version
Is this: Tarte Lipsurgence Natural Lip Stain
Get this: Above
Price: $24.00

What’s your feeling about beauty product claims?  Do you pay attention or ignore?

Image: Jason Levesque/Stuntkid

Fashion Week Survival Part 1 - The Kit!  This really applies to any hectic runaround period of your life.

Some of this is over on Holier than Now … but, here’s the beauty lowdown:

1. YSL Glossy Stain in Brun Cachmire ($32) | 2. Benefit Hello Flawless OxygenWOW - their amazing new sheer foundation ($34) | 3. Real Techniques Buffing Brush (in the Core Collection Set - $18) … I use this to blend in foundation and for cream blush.  It creates such a dewy, natural finish. | 4. Josie Maran Magic Marker Lip & Cheek Stain in Waltz ($19) | 5. Anastasia Highlighting Duo in St. Tropez ($26) … This is a super easy liquid highlighter and pan cream blush pair.  I just brush the buffing brush along the pan and then apply.  I use my fingers for the highlighter, along the top of cheekbones or inner eye corner. | 6. Benefit BADgal Mascara ($19) … I’m really loving this formula lately, it’s very dry - I know that sounds odd but it doesn’t clump and it’s very buildable. | 7. Benefit Stay Don’t Stray ($26) - like I’ve said before, life changing concealer and primer | 8.  YSL Volupté Sheer Candy Balm in Juicy Grapefruit ($30) | 9. False Lashes … trimmed to build corners only (there are a couple stuck side by side here).  I use an array of brands, Ardell is one ($3.49). | 10. Rohto Cool Redness Relief Eye Drops ($6.79) … Refreshing when your eyes are burning from too much good fashion. | 11. Bag behind is Stephanie Johnson, similar on sale on Yoox ($12).

I’m excited to say I’m partnering with Uber to get around for Fashion Week. You can read all about it on Holier, and sign up with promo code HOLIER for $10 off your first ride.  They operate in NYC, San Fran, Boston, Chicago, D.C., Seattle, Toronto and Paris.

2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11 c/o the brands

You want to talk about cult beauty products?  Let’s.

When I moved back to America from the U.K. at 17, I walked into a CVS and practically fell to my knees weeping.  There’s nothing in the world like a U.S. drugstore.  Boots has its charms, and the apothecaries of Rome, les drugs de Paris etc. buuuut ….

I pretty much put my right hand over my heart and sing about purple mountain travesties majesties so I can keep buying this:

I’m really serious - this is my favorite “tinted lip balm,” if we must.  What’s not to like?  It tastes amazing, it’s really moisturizing, and it gives the perfect hint of color without making you look like a clown ‘round 6pm when you’ve unwittingly applied 16 layers sitting in front of your computer all day.  It’s cheap, so when you lose 5 of them - which you will - no biggie. 

If you think you’re too old or not kitsch enough to shop the Bonne Bell section, just rethink everything, OK?  I use this everyday and it always looks perfect. This may have something to do with the $45 Tom Ford Lip Brush* I use to painstakingly apply it.

Does this: Best tinted balm at the drugstore
Is this: Dr. Pepper Lip Smacker Lip Balm
Get this: Above
Price: $1.99

*not really about the lip brush come on now. Image via.

I’m going do everything I can not to write the word p*nties which is my least favorite word in the universe in this Aerie beauty and gift card GIVEAWAY.

CONTEST OVER THANKS FOR PLAYING!

Do you guys know this brand?  It’s the pretty little things section under the American Eagle Outfitters brand. I’m a big fan of their … underthings.  The styling is always a nice balance between plain and pretty, without being grotesquely sexy or girlie.

I went to a private sale there and discovered they also have some cute beauty essentials like this Laughing Lips balm and ikat cosmetic bag I’m a sucker for ikat anything, where’s the ikat undies folks??  Anyway, they gave me gift cards so I sort of made my own gift set for you guys (above) and saved $50 of gift cards for you (also, bought underwear - for myself though - TMI but it’s shown up top).

To win this $82.50 value gift and go on your own undie spree (or clothes, beauty, jewelry, whatever you like, they have lots of cute stuff) enter below!

TO ENTER YOU MUST COMPLETE BOTH OF THESE STEPS …

1. Do ONE of the following…. reblog this post OR follow Cult of Pretty on Bloglovin’ OR follow Cult of Pretty on tumblr OR subscribe via email.

2. Leave a DISQUS comment below and tell me WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WORD IN THE UNIVERSE?  FOR SOME INSPIRATION MY FAVORITE WORD RIGHT NOW IS OBLIQUE. (ps this had been least favorite word but I couldn’t take it anymore, I agreed w all your horrible words though!  Let’s go back to the bright side shall we) Don’t comment in “Ask Me Anything.” 

Contest ends next Friday November 18th, 2011 at 11.59pm Eastern.  If you subscribe or follow to enter, you must be subscribed or following at the time of the drawing.  XO

My most ecstatic congratulations and high fives to the QUEEN OF ALL LIP BALMS on the Allure Best of Beauty award.

For many reasons I could not be happier for this team.  If you haven’t tried this product you are missing out on balm nirvana.

Does this: 100% natural, 95% organic lip balm in the best packaging maybe ever
Is this: eos Smooth Sphere Lip Balm (comes in a bunch o’ great flavors)
Get this: Above or at your local store
Price: ~$3.49

Image via

At the Makeup Show in Chicago, I was persuaded to purchase the new sibling of the YSL cult beauty classic Touche Eclat, the Touche Express “Wake Up Eyecare” stick, and what is essentially a really fancy-ass lip balm, the Volupté Sheer Candy in No. 3 Juicy Grapefruit.

The 20% discount at pro artist tradeshows helped : ) But actually the website has FRIENDS & FAMILY 20% off and free shipping for orders over $75 now so … go crazy.