review: jack black lip balm

i've tried a lot of lip balms. and i've written about a few, too.

do you ever feel like seriously betrayed by this crap? honestly, i just want a miracle on my lips, ok? i just want it to stay for hours and not dry my lips out worse than before (i'm looking at you, burt's bees). i just want something truly moisturizing that doesn't feel like tar or smell like hot garbage.

ok, ok, so clearly, this is serious for me. i mean come on. i've stepped my moisturizing game up in a big way in recent months, and i need lip balms to follow suit. so i heard about jack black, a men's skincare brand, and the only product i found people screaming about was the lip balm. of course i had to try it.

at $7.50 a tube, the jack black intense therapy lip balm is similar to lip balm's of christmas past for me, in that it isn't a "run-to-walgreens" type purchase. but, as you've seen from my desperate whining about lip products, i'm willing to dish if the goods are good. the lip balm comes in a few scents: black tea + blackberry, mint, shea, grapefruit + ginger & lemon + chamomile. i chose the classic mint, but the other scents smelled delicious.

honestly? so far i'm impressed. i apply this during the day, and at night before i go to bed. i wake up, & it's still on my lips. it's actually not drying like other lip balms. i much prefer the petroleum based consistency to waxy alternatives. while i can't see any visual difference in my lips, this lip balm lasts forever and feels great, which is more than i can say about so many others.

what's your favorite lip balm?

lush mini haul + review

the other week when i was in atlanta, i stopped by lush in lenox square and picked up some goodies! i don't get to go to lush as often as i'd like (uh, why don't we have one in birmingham yet?!) so i always stop by one when i can.

i got three products i've never used before. i tried to break out of my butterball/sex bomb/honey i washed the kids routine. i love those products, buuuut it was time for something new. i got 2 bath bombs, phoneix rising & fizzbanger. i also picked up the cupcake facial mask.

of course, everything smells amazing. so far, i've used the cupcake facial mask. it smells vaguely chocolately and rich, but more herby and fragrant with sandalwood than you'd expect. it feels so refreshing to put on if you use it right when you take it out of the fridge. i let mine on for 15 minutes, and the entire time, all i could think about was how i was going to get the chunky brown stuff off my face. the mask is thick, very much like the consistency of cake batter!

i was pleasantly surprised that with some warm water, the mask came off super easily - no mess! it made my skin feel really soft, refreshed and clean. the next day, i noticed some redness i had had subsided, and my skin felt great. this is the first facial mask from lush i've used, and i think i'm in love. i'm going to use it again tonight.

i can't wait to use my bath bombs to relax after i'm done traveling this month!

review: nyx's dream catcher palette

ok, i do love my naked palette. and i've used the hell out of it. it's a little embarrassing how dirty and busted up it is. i've even gone out and purchased singles of some of the colors. needless to say, i love me some neutral shadows, so this palette caught my eye in ulta when i was perusing for a a shimmery champagne shade after my single pot of 'sin' ran out.

nyx's dream catcher palette comes in 3 varities - golden horizons, dusk til dawn and stormy eyes. originally, i was set on the golden horizons palette. when i got to ulta, it was sold out! i was really drawn to the dusk til dawn palette and ended up picking that one up instead.

for $14.99, it's definitely more affordable than the naked palette. this week it was on sale on ulta.com for $8.99! i wanted to see the colors in person though, just to be sure. so far, the pigmentation on colors is a hit or miss - some are far more pigmented that others. these shadows are also slightly more chalky than i anticipated, and it feels like there's lots of product going on and not enough color payoff. however, as i said, this is differing from shade to shade so far. using a primer is a must.

it's a good buy for the number of colors you get. however, if you've got the money to spend and you're looking for a neutral palette, you're better off with naked or a too faced palette. i'm going to continue playing with the colors here as i do enjoy the shimmery shades for basic lid colors, but will i repurchase this? probably not. nyx is a wonderful brand for the price point, but this palette only looks gorgeous - the actual color payoff and shadow texture falls just a bit short.

overall rating: 3 of 5 stars.

review: urban decay's b6 prep spray

there is an array of beauty products available that fall into the "mist", "setting spray" or just plain ole "refreshing spray" category. and honestly, they're a little silly. yet in all my makeup conscious years so far, i've had one of these lying around.

do they actually do anything? i'm still trying to get this question answered. i feel as if anything that happens on your skin could almost certainly be attributed to something aside from the few spritzes of fancy water you're putting on there (because that's what it is, y'all, fancy water!).

in the past, i've used mac's fix+. this spray is marketed as a "makeup setting spray". and while it smells lovely and feel refreshing on the skin, i didn't feel it provided any makeup setting qualities.

urban decay's b6 vitamin-infused complexion prep spray carries a hefty price tag of $33 for the full size - more than mac's fix+, which retails at $21. i originally received a sample of this product after buying urban decay's primer potion (which i love) at ulta. i tried the spray & used the entire sample - then felt compelled to purchase it. while it's not a product that provides results you can immediately see, i felt like my skin loved it. after 2 weeks of use, my skin just felt better - brighter, less redness & a more even tone. i sprayed it in the morning before my makeup, and at night after washing my face.

i'm almost done with this bottle, and will i repurchase it? i'm not sure. these sprays could very well be providing a darn good placebo effect. this was the only spray i feel i've gotten actual results with.

have you ever used a cosmetic spray similar to this? what are your thoughts?

budget vino: 3 favorites under $10

happy wine wednesday! while splurging a little can yield some fantastic wine experiences, great bottles under $10 exist - and they're my favorites!

i actually happen to have one of these bottles prior to writing this post (true testament that it's my favorite, ok?) but i picked up some to photograph. poor me, right? all my favorite wines are just laying around my house now... life's tough.

this isn't wine spectator. i'm not going to talk about the notes or hints of honey/chocolate/baby's breath and how you should cleanse your palette. my tastes are relatively tame, and i find myself sticking more to whites than reds lately. maybe it's a phase? i am constantly trying new wines, but the following are the ones i find myself returning to over and over. prices are based upon my selection here in alabama. enjoy!

01. conosur pinot noir - $9 - this, my friends, is my all-time favorite pinot noir. well-rounded, simple, just barely sweet. if you're new to red wine, give this a try. it's a milder wine. #1 favorite.

02. cupcake prosecco - $10 - this prosecco is divine! delectably tart, slightly sweet, and oh so cheap. it's not too dry, and mixes perfectly for mimosas or other cocktails. i truly enjoy it alone, too! i've tried countless champagnes/proseccos, and this is, without a doubt, the best for the price.

03. beringer moscato - $6 - it doesn't get cheaper than this. moscato is the wine you start with, and it holds many fond memories for me. and even though it's akin to drinking apple juice, a chilled glass of moscato on a summer evening is refreshing and nostalgic. beringer's moscato is balanced - not too sweet, not to tart, but just right. at $6, does it really matter anyway?

review: kate spade andee tote

did you check out the kate spade 75% off sale? i sure did, and scored a great deal on this bag i had been eyeing for quite a while. this tote is simple, practical and perfect now that i'm carrying a few more things around than i used to.

the bag is heavy, make no mistake about it. it's heavier than i thought it would be. the leather is thick, but not structured. the bag will slouch when empty or when not filled adequately, which according to other reviews online, was a disappointment for some. but it doesn't bother me, especially since i fill it enough that it doesn't slouch too much. instead of a zipper, the bag features a magnetic closure. so technically, your bag isn't completely sealed up.

i like this tote because it's definitely large enough to fit books, an ipad, water bottles, etc. in addition to my regular items. i can throw things in here and go. it's not a black hole of a bag either - the striped lining does make it simple to find things inside, and i find that the shape of the bag sort of keeps my things in place. in addition, the bag features two zippers on the side that allow for some extra room to be created this. if i unzip both, i can fit a laptop in this bag. though i wouldn't recommend it solely as a laptop bag because it's so heavy already.

i'm looking forward to using this bag because it's very versatile and easy. i guess i'm bag lazy, these days? don't get me wrong, i love a good top handle, but there's something so much more pleasant about slinging something on your shoulder and being done with it. this bag is practical and perfect for just that.

review: too faced milk chocolate soleil bronzer

i sort of feel like i'm writing about food, because i do in fact know what this product tastes like. don't ask. i'm lying, ask away.

but i'll get to that later. to sum it up, too faced's milk chocolate soleil bronzer is the light, shimmer-free bronzer. as someone who is not a fan of glitter face, this is perfect. the powder is fine and light, but very pigmented and easy to blend. it's very buildable. in addition, i find it lasts all day - it's the only bronzer i've sampled that i haven't had to reapply. for those with lighter skin tones, i highly recommend this. don't let the word "bronzer" intimidate you - it is natural, forgiving and easy to blend. oh, and the packaging is gorgeous!

now, on to the chocolate part. the chocolate scent is strong. i don't smell it on my face throughout the day - not that strong, thank goodness. but there is a scent as you're applying it. i will admit: some strange twist of fate allowed some of this product to get in my mouth at some point - and it tasted sweet. like, i didn't spit it out. i was just kind of like, "hmm. ok." but no, i wouldn't recommend eating it. just know that when they say chocolate, they really aren't kidding. if you can get past this, try it out!

in my opinion, a drugstore dupe for this product is nyc's 'sunny' bronzer - though the lasting power on 'sunny' is not as great as milk chocolate soleil's.

i've really enjoyed this product and will likely repurchase it if i don't get the curiosity to try out other bronzers. i'm a creature of habit!

review: jouer lip enhancer

years ago i received a sample of this product in a birchbox and i loved it. and on my quest for the perfect lip balm, i had totally forgotten about it! i reviewed dior's creme de rose, which is very similar to this product, but half the price.

at $14, essential lip enhancer still isn't a "run to the drugstore" lipbalm. but it's worth the extra effort! it's got a light rose scent - which is why i compare it to creme de rose - but features actual practical packaging, a tube, instead of a pot that can be easily contaminated and get icky after a while.

this product is thick on your lips, but i feel it actually makes a difference after some time compared to creme de rose. it doesn't fade away quickly like many lip balms or force you to feel the need to apply more after 30 minutes. this is going to be my go-to winter product, as it gets a little cooler in birmingham and i'm sure i'll need it!

review: mac's girl about town

i like to keep you on your toes here at floral frocks. one post i'm writing about my coming-of-age realizations about what i want to do with my life, and the next i'm reviewing lipstick. but hey - lipstick is an important part of life too. c'est la vie.

though the makeup world is full of reviews on this shade, i wanted to add my thoughts because i am not a lipstick person. i've always wanted to be. it has the ability to truly transform your face, wake it up and bring out different tones in your skin. my daily lip is usually chapstick or baby lips. reapplication, smudging, the dreaded lipstick teeth - gah, so many reasons i've stayed away. but i'm trying, i'm really trying. and this color is so fantastic that i have to say, its swaying me.

girl about town is, in my opinion, universally flattering. with the appropriate makeup to match, this shade looks amazing on all skin tones - even mine, and i'm kinda pale.

the wear on this lipstick is great. it stays where it's applied and the color payoff lasts for hours - i haven't had to reapply it yet after going out. i love wearing it with a neutral outfit and allowing it to be my 'pop' of color. seriously, don't be afraid of it. its bright, yes. but wear it with toned down makeup and you're creating a fantastic focal point for your look. you can even blot it a few times if you want something more subdued. i did this, and i found that the color remaining was stuck on my lips like a stain. so if you're looking for long-lasting, this is it.

i can't wait to wear girl about town well into winter, spring and beyond. new favorite! and at $15, its worth the splurge.

review: revlon colorstay foundation

i used to dread the thought of wearing liquid foundation daily. too thick, too heavy, just too much. for many years i was devoted to mac's mineralized skin finish natural. while its a great product, the price tag was becoming a burden. i searched for a drugstore alternative, and somehow ended up looking at things in the liquid category.

once i find something that works foundation wise, i stick with it. i don't like switching it up. i've been using revlon's colorstay for about a year now, and i've totally changed my mind on liquid foundations. if you're scared to use liquid and want something lightweight, give this a shot!

i wear shade 220, natural beige. mac's 187 is my absolute favorite foundation brush - first i stipple it on, then blend it out. and while a liquid foundation does require more frequent brush washing, this particular foundation gives such great results that i don't mind a bit.

price: at target, i paid $9.99. i've seen it both cheaper and more expensive at other drugstores.

package: nothing to complain about here. but it would be nice if it had a pump that came with it.

application/results: this foundation applies beautifully and quickly with my mac 187. it doesn't dry too fast, and a little goes a long way. i'd rank it at about a medium coverage, but its definitely buildable depending on your preferences. my favorite thing about this foundation is the fact that it isn't heavy, doesn't clog my pores and lasts all day, even without setting powder. as someone with oily skin, i appreciate the product being specified as a "oily skin formula", but i've found that i still have to blot after 6-8 hours. however, the coverage holds up great.

the bottom line: i've used colorstay for as long as i have because it feels great on my skin, is simple to apply, doesn't break me out and provides just the right amount of coverage for everyday. and until i find something better for the price, this is what i'll use for years to come!

review: coach mini tanner

 y'all know i'm a bag person. it's just my thing. big bags, small bags, any bag - i love them all. after deciding i was interested in a new crossbody, i was briefly torn between the coach mini tanner and rebecca minkoff's mini mac. i wanted a smaller, versatile bag that was a little different than the bags i already owned. and while the mini mac is still a coveted favorite, something about the mini tanner was especially appealing - probably because it's incredibly roomy, feminine and slightly resembles beautiful celine bags with the expanding sections on the side. 

during the weekend i ventured to the coach counter in a local department store. online, the bag was backordered until july, but my curiosity drove me to just go & see if i liked it in person rather than wait. i checked out the beautiful poppy color, but my heart was kind of set on 'sand', the light, versatile brown. i'm kind of boring when it comes to bags. i like neutral tones, so they won't ever clash with an outfit. i really should invest in a bag that isn't brown, grey or black, i know... but i wasn't ready for that just yet. 'sand' is a beautiful, soft brown that is perfect for a summer wardrobe of florals - aka my clothes, hello!

what sold me on this bag was the roominess. as you can see, it easily fits my wallet, a makeup bag, keys and all the essentials. i tried to cram a larger makeup bag in there and it was a bit much, but thanks to the expanding sections on the side, if you really wanted to cram a bunch in there, you probably could. the bag features a zip compartment and a small phone pocket.

my only tiny, tiny issue with this bag is the zipper. as you can see, you have to manually re-attach the zipper together if its unzipped all the way. this doesn't bother me much because i honestly don't ever zip my bags. that's bad, i know. if you're looking for a quick zip, this might pose an issue.

as you can see, i don't carry too much - wallet, keys, glasses case and a makeup bag - so switching between shoulder bags and a crossbody usually isn't an issue. i'm very satisfied with this bag so far! i can't wait to use it this summer and forgo a shoulder bag for the time being.

what's your favorite summer bag?

dior's creme de rose review

i already recommended this product on instagram, but after having used it for a few weeks, i thought i'd write a more detailed synopsis of my thoughts. i love lip balm & i go through them like crazy because i lose them a lot, so i'm always picking up another tube. my tried & true drugstore favorites are burt's bees and soft lips, but the wonderful world of marketing did it's job & made me feel like i needed something better. that something turned out to be dior's creme de rose, which i received for christmas.

price: at $27, i don't see it as a "stop by the store because i need a lip balm" lip balm. it's kind of a weighty decision. am i really paying nearly $30 for a lip balm? well geez, it must be amazing, right? so maybe i need it, and maybe it will last for a long time.

package: to start off, the packaging is lovely. clean, simple, effortlessly dior. as far as functionality goes, pots of product are often labeled less hygienic. but i'll be honest... i don't truly care. use clean hands and throw it out if it smells/looks weird = my philosophy. so no points off for that.

scent: the scent is to die for. some aren't a fan of rose scents, but i really, really am. if you enjoy the scent of diorshow mascara, it's that same rich, velvety rose used here, but a little less chemically. i've had lipbalms that smelled dreadful, but i don't mind smelling this all day/night.

application/results: it applies like any other potted lip balm. it's quite smooth and not too oily, and feels very moisturizing on my lips. after doing a lot of reading about other people's experiences with this product, i had some big expectations. most used it as a treatment applied at night. i did this, and woke up to my lips feeling the same as they always do. after a few weeks of use, i haven't noticed any real difference.

the bottom line: it smells lovely, has cute packaging, but is no better than lip balms more than half the price. if you're looking to spend the money because you expect out of this world results, i wouldn't waste your time. but if you feel like dropping some cash & adore rose scents, go for it.

mini ulta haul + review

i stopped by ulta last week & picked up a few little things i've been wanting to try for a while now. trips to ulta get me so excited, & i love picking up goodies just because!

♥ opi's 'ski teal you drop' : 10/10 - no issues here, as i have a pretty consistent love affair with opi & their polishes never fail. i don't have many blues in my polish collection & i can't wait to wear this color all the time, its great for winter (although our "winter" has been 60 degrees so far).

♥ nyx's eyeshadow base : 5/10 - i was searching for a cheaper alternative to urban decay's primer potion, which i've used for years. after a few days of trial i can safely say it doesn't match udpp, but it will work in a pinch.

♥ philosophy's purity : 8/10 - this cleaner is incredible. i wanted to resist purchasing it because i knew i'd love it, & i was right. it smells divine, makes my face feel truly clean & makes my skin look great. going back to drugstore cleanser probably won't happen now. i'm turning into a philosophy junkie! the only reason i rated 8/10 is because i will have to see how it goes with my skin for long term use, but so far, i'm quite impressed.