Rouge Bunny Rouge Dazzling Sip Tinted Luxe Balm from the Euphony of Lace Collection for Spring 2016

The moment I saw the e-mail announcing the new Rouge Bunny Rouge Dazzling Sip Tinted Luxe Balms ($31), I asked about them. There are no lipsticks that delight me more than those that are sheer and shimmery. Totally unexpectedly, Rouge Bunny Rouge offered to send them to me, making me one of the most grateful bloggers on Earth. They arrived on a sunny day. I knew I could get photos if I hurried. I think my hands were trembling as I opened the box. It's a wonder I didn't cut myself. I left Charlie playing with the pretty RBR tissue paper as I dashed outside to try them and take photos. I've been wearing them ever since.

These beautiful new lip colors are part of Rouge Bunny Rouge's Euphony of Lace Collection for Spring 2016. The beautiful model is wearing the new Spring Harmony eye shadow palette, the Foundation Essence I featured in January, and the darkest of the Tinted Lip Balms, Specs of Cerise. To see how she got the look shown above, pop over to the Web site, where you will find step-by-step directions.

The three shades are shown directly above. From left to right, they are:

• Pinch of Nude, a juicy and transparent juicy beige, nude that adds shimmer with little color for your casual days;
• Sip of Pink, a transparent and luminous soft raspberry-pink with light peach undertones; and
• Specs of Cerise, a transparent and luminous red - like crimson-red cherries.

The balms offer dazzling, sheer treatment colors with anti-aging, intensely moisturizing, and repairing properties. They have a delicate scent that dissipates quickly, leaving behind all of the hydration and shine. They feel light and creamy on the lips. As we age, our lips lose color, elasticity, and volume; the unique Tinted Luxe Balm formula is exclusively aimed at making a difference. The shimmer will make your lips look plump. It doesn't get better!

Rouge Bunny Rouge says that Tinted Luxe Balm is based on a powerful active complex designed to bring back the original volume of our lips within four weeks of daily use, all while smoothing fine lines, nourishing, and brightening the lips. An Ecocert-approved, patented active complex derived from natural sunflower oil intensely hydrates and softens (clinically approved). I haven't had them for four weeks to testify to this effect, so I'll have to get back to you later. In the meantime, I'm enjoying them for their sheer, shiny look.

Adding to the glamour of Rouge Bunny Rouge color, there is a story, of course. This sybaritic balm is inspired by the Dragon-guarded Fountains of Indulgence in the Enchanted Garden.

It's a soothing yet scintillating mélange of exuberance and healing that quenches your lips with richness while glinting them with a light veil of precious pearls. This sumptuously luxuriant balm melts creamily, dispelling cold and fatigue, making your lips as soft to the touch as the unopened buds of spring, while also polishing them with a dewy gleam. Your shining smile will sweep everyone around you into the heart of the Water Faeries’ abode, where you can swim unabashed in your own bubble of contentment.

Luxury care, with a reflection of pearls. An innovative lip balm that nourishes, restores, and protects with a Triglyceride-packed formula. With specially selected actives: an emollient complex, rice bran oil and vitamin E for antioxidant and emollient properties. Aloe adds moisture and promotes natural healing. A structured, full-bodied cream glides on smoothly and melts onto the lips. The immediate results are healthy lips with a brilliant veil of precious pearls.

The transparent shimmer at the top of my arm is Pinch of Nude (#091). The middle shade is Sip of Pink (#092). The shade at the bottom is Specs of Cerise (#093). I applied all three shades directly to my arm (one pass) from the tubes and took my photos in late-afternoon sun. I love them all. I would have purchased all three.

You can purchase Dazzling Sip Tinted Luxe Balms from Rouge Bunny Rouge and Beautyhabit. Rouge Bunny Rouge was offering a buy two, get one free offer in February, but I don't think it's still valid. Beautyhabit has a special offer on their page. With your $85 or more Rouge Bunny Rouge purchase, you will receive a Succulence of Dew Sheer Lipstick in Tongue Tickles - a beautiful shiny pale carnation pink with a white shimmer (a $29 value) Use the code LACE. The offer expires March 25, 2016 or as long as supplies last.

Photos courtesy of Rouge Bunny Rouge and by Best Things in Beauty

YSL VOLUPTÉ SHEER CANDY Glossy Balm Crystal Color - New Shades

I was thrilled when I saw at Sephora that YSL had introduced new shades of my favorite glossy tinted lip balm, YSL VOLUPTÉ SHEER CANDY Glossy Balm Crystal Color ($34). I ordered three instantly: Belle Cannelle (#14), Rose Candy (#15), and Fraise Ganache (#17). I don't know why I didn't order the fourth, Cherise Desir (#16). It must have been a moment of temporary insanity. I'll go back for it later today.

This balm dresses your lips in a sheer veil of brilliant color boosted with vitamin- and antioxidant-rich fruit extracts. Its ultralight, sensual texture leaves my lips feeling soft and hydrated, although not for up to eight hours, as YSL claims. It is ideal for year-round use, and I use my Sheer Candys in any season. I think I have all - if not close to all - shades. Look at how many I purchased the moment they were introduced in 2011.

Here are my three new shades, shown in numeric order from left to right. I was able to get some photographs during a 15-minute, late-afternoon break in an all-day conference call I struggled to hear via phone. It was actually nice to dash outside for a few minutes on a lovely day.

I swatched these shades in the same order, starting with Belle Canelle at the top of my arm, moving down with Rose Candy, and ending at the bottom with Fraise Ganache. I had to swatch quickly, and it was fairly late in the afternoon, so these aren't the best photos I could have taken.However, given the sheerness of the Sheer Candy Glossy Balms, it's possible more time wouldn't have allowed for better photos.

I love these hybrid lipsticks! They are sheer, but colorful enough to add a polished gleam to my lips. The Sheer Candy's do have a fruity taste. The mango fragrance doesn't bother me at all. However, if you don't like any fragrance on your lips, try before you buy.

Photo at top courtesy of Sephora; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Bobbi Brown Tinted Lip Balm from the Raw Sugar Collection

Bobbi Brown introduced four, limited-edition Tinted Lip Balm ($20) shades with the Raw Sugar Collection. She had me at Tinted Lip Balm - my kind of lip color. I blind-ordered from the Bobbi Brown Web site and forced myself to order only two. My selections were Pink Raspberry and Pink Popsicle. I am going to have to cover my eyes when I walk past the Bobbi Brown counter. I'm sure I am going to covet the other two shades, both browns, which I love.

Pink Popsicle is shown at left immediately above, and Pink Raspberry is shown at right. All of my photos were taken in full, mid-day sun.

This favorite lip formula from Bobbi Brown has returned in barely-there balm that offers deep moisturize and sheer color (that lasts longer than many sheers). Any woman who wants soft, smooth lips with a hint of fuss-free color for summer will love these Tinted Lip Balms. I still have my shades from Bobbi's earlier introduction. I think I purchased all of them, which means it would have been hard for this fickle blogger to use them all up before moving on to the next sheer sensation.

The color-true formula packs the perfect blend of emollients to comfort and moisturize the lips, while beeswax and candelilla wax help provide longer wear. Plus, vitamins C and E deliver nourishing antioxidant protection.

Because the Lip Balms have a flat top, my arm applications weren't as "neat" and rectangular as I would like. They apply easily to my lips, followed by a smack, but my bony arms were a different story. Pink Popsicle is shown at the top of my arm. It's described by Bobbi Brown as a sheer pinky-red. I'm not sure I'm buying that description. I'd call it a warm pink. I see no red in it. I think the color is gorgeous, despite its description.

Pink Raspberry, shown below on my arm, is described by Bobbi Brown as a sheer, bright red-pink. I can agree with that. The shade has a lot of red in it, but because it is sheer, it doesn't look red on my lips. It looks like I've kissed a popsicle. Too bad it wasn't named with the word "popsicle" because it reminds of of how kids look after they have eaten a berry delight.

The new Tinted Lip Balms are beautifully hydrating. They look good and feel good. The only thing that might have made them even better would have been a bit of SPF protection.

If you see me in the store with my eyes averted from the Bobbi Brown counter, you will know I'm trying not to "see" the brown shades. Wish me luck!

Photo at top courtesy of Bobbi Brown; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

M·A·C Mineralize Tinted Lip Balm from the Après Chic Collection

I light up when I see new mineralize products from M·A·C - although always powder formulas. When the Après Chic Collection was launched, I decided to try a Mineralize Tinted Lip Balm ($19.50). There was a shade that appealed to me, Rosy Romance, so I ordered it with the rest of my order. Note: I am still waiting for the Mineralize Blush in General to ship. It's backordered, so it may never ship.

A liquid lip balm that adds moisture while providing the right pop of color and mirror-like shine. Enriched with a special, nourishing 77 Mineral-Rich Complex. Can be worn alone or over other lip products.

I love the color. The rose is perfect for any time of year. The lip balm is extremely hydrating - a definite plus. I have read that some find it tacky, but I don't. It's heavier than some tinted balms, like the new Maybelline Color Whisper, but that gives it staying power.  While it's very shiny on application, the shine wears off relatively quickly, so you must reapply if you want to keep shiny lips. Or top it with another gloss.

I took my swatch photos in full sun, which provided the shine a glassy reflection. I think it's a nice introduction to the M·A·C Mineralize Tinted Lip Balms. I don't think I need to rush out to purchase more, but I'll enjoy this one.

You can purchase items from the Après Chic Collection online or at any M·A·C counter or boutique. Just don't wait long. You know how M·A·C collections sell out in a heartbeat, making way for the next week's extravaganza.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

YSL Beauté's Rouge Volupté Sheer Candy Glossy Lip Balm from the Spring 2013 Makeup Collection

There are two new YSL Beauté Rouge Volupté Sheer Candy Glossy Lip Balms ($30) for Spring 2013: Framboise Craquante (#12) and Moka Griotte (#13). When they arrived at Saks, without the rest of the collection, I grilled the YSL rep to make sure they really were brand new shades. I have purchased every other Sheer Candy Glossy Lip Balm, and I wanted to make sure I didn't have these shades.

It seems a little odd to be featuring spring today. It's cold and grey outside. So far this morning, we had sleet, rain, freezing rain, and snow. Hopefully, it will switch over to all rain very soon. It's a good thing I got photos a few days ago.

I fell in love with YSL's Rouge Volupté Sheer Candy Glossy Balm when it was introduced. The glossy, tinted balm dresses the lips in a sheer veil of brilliant transparent color boosted with vitamin-laden and antioxidant-rich fruit extracts. Its ultra-light texture leaves my lips feeling soft and hydrated and looking shiny - just the way I like them. The juicy, sheer color is perfect for any time of year; its soothing, moisturizing texture feels sublime.

Framboise Craquante (#12) is the pink shown at left above; Moka Griotte (#13) is on the right. I swatched with  #12 at the top of my arm and #13 below.

You can see they are very sheer. These tinted lip balms provide just enough color, while making my lips feel spoiled. I can wear every shade because they are sheer - even the corals!

Moka Griotte looks particularly stunning when combined with the rose pigment in my lips. I wore it yesterday. I love these tinted balms so much, I'm wondering if I should start to hoard them. You know how companies discontinue your favorite everythings? My bras, for example.

What's totally unfair to U.S. shoppers is that there is a third, surprising shade that is exclusive to Selfridges. Selfridges is not anywhere near my shopping haunts. It's called Frosted Mint (#11), and it's light turquoise blue. You can see it at MakeUp4All. I really want it.

I found my Rouge Volupté Sheer Candy Glossy Lip Balm from the Spring 2013 Makeup Collection at Saks Fifth Avenue at Chevy Chase. I see that Nordstrom has them too, so I suspect they are arriving at counters everywhere.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

IT Cosmetics Vitality Lip Flush

IT Cosmetics' Vitality Lip Flush 4-in-1 Natural Anti-Aging Lipstick Stains take the place of four products; your lipstick, anti-aging conditioning lip balm, ultra-hydrating lip gloss, and lip stain all in one.

This innovative, all-natural formula contains IT Cosmetics Hydra-Luxe Technology, which includes ingredients such as plum oil, cherry oil, shea butter, aloe, and jojoba - all working together to treat, hydrate, condition, and nourish your lips and minimize the appearance of lip lines and wrinkles. Plus Vitality Lip Flush is packed with anti-aging antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E; açaí; and green and white tea to protect the lips and ward off free radicals all day long.

I was the lucky recipient of two shades that IT sent me to try: Je Ne Sais Quoi and Love Story. Love Story is shown at the top of this feature.

When I first opened Je Ne Said Quoi, my first thought was, "Oh, nice lip balm in a pretty case (love the pink)." It looked colorless, so I was surprised to see that it actually carries a very slight pink color. I took my swatch photo in full sun, and you can definitely see the baby pink. I was surprised by how good it feels on my lips the moment I applied it.

Then I tried Love Story, shown at my house below. Love Story appeared to be a warm pink in the tube. It was later in the day (late-afternoon sunshine) when I photographed Love Story. Sorry about the shadows. That's when I learned that it's a brilliant medium pink with just a hint of warmth.

Love Story does carry much more pigment than Je Ne Sais Quoi, and the most amazing thing is that the color on my lips is amazingly long-lasting. I assume that's why it's called a stain. I would never have expected the long-lasting color from a product that looks and feels like balm.

I'm just as enamored with IT Cosmetics as I was when I tried Vitality Cheek Stain. I have a new dual-duty lip balm/lip color in my purse, and her name is Love Story.

As I mentioned last week, I'm always excited to discover a new-to-me brand - one that knocks me off my feet. IT Cosmetics did that. Even better, their Friends & Family sale runs through Monday, November 19. You can take 25% off your purchase. I'll be shopping. Right now, Vitality Lip Flush costs only $15.

Photo at top courtesy of IT Cosmetics; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm: Available in Eight New Shades

A year and a half ago, Clinique introduced Chubby Sticks Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm ($16). They were $15 at the time. Either success or inflation led to a price increase, but I love them no less. What's a dollar when a product is this perfect?

These super-nourishing tinted balms are loaded with mango and shea butters to make them smooth, creamy, and a luscious treat for the lips. My dry, delicate lips need to feel comfortable, and Chubby Sticks are perfect for me. Clinique apparently heard the call and added eight new shades, each with a subtle sheen.

The application is quick and easy. The creamy, thick pencil glides across my lips with no drag, leaving color and moisture behind. There is no taste, and there is no discernible fragrance - just a pretty, natural tint that's flattering - and looks like my own, no matter what the shade.

My new shades are Curvy Candy (#14), Pudgy Peony (#15), and Voluptuous Violet (#16). They are shown above in the same order, left to right. I also swatched them in that order, top to bottom, on my arm. I took my photos in full sun. The colors may appear to be washed out from the sun, but what you see below is the way they look on my arm.

You will find that they look more pigmented on the lips than they look on my arm. Your own lip pigmentation will determine how much color they provide. Pudgy Peony, shown in the middle of the three swatches, is the darkest on my lips. It actually shows a lot of color. Voluptuous Violet isn't as crazy purple as it looks in the pencil.

Chubby Sticks leave a gleam on my lips, but they aren't overtly shiny. Evey one of the shades is gorgeous, and because they are so sheer, you can wear colors you might not have expected to work with your skin tone. You can't lose. Pick a few and try them.

Clinique advises that for subtle definition you should outline your lips first, then fill in with natural-looking color. That's too much trouble for me. I swipe (well, maybe draw) and go, as you would with any tinted balm. They are so easy - and so nice - you can't go wrong. Want to create your own Chubby Stick mix? Clinique has a cute tool on its Web site.

Leave it to Clinique to give us more good-for-us beauties. You can find the new colors at Clinique's Web site, Sephora, and Clinique counters (or online sites) everywhere.

Photo at top courtesy of Clinique; other photos by Best Things in Beauty