Review, swatches: Maybelline Color Elixir Liquid Color Balms

Hello again!

I just picked up two of the new Maybelline Color Elixir Liquid Color Balms at CVS and had to blog about them ASAP.

Lately, I feel like there are so many new, intriguing drugstore products (especially lippies), so I've been good about buying only 2 shades at most (at least initially).

In this case, I picked up the shades Blush Essence (pink-nude) and Fuchsia Flourish.

There was a surprising 30% off each item (don't know why but can't complain!) and I had CVS Extra Bucks and a coupon... so I only paid $4 total for both of them!

At CVS, they usually retail for $8.99, which I think is too much for a drugstore lip product. But I recommend snagging one of these with a coupon if at all possible.

With that said, oh myyyy. This is one of the BEST lip products I've ever tried.

The scent is slightly sweet but not overpowering. I seriously can't put my finger on it, but it reminds me of something from my childhood. It's driving me crazy.

As for the formula -- WOW. It is not sticky at all. As soon as I put my lips together, I thought, "Yep. I love this."

It really does feel "cushiony soft" like Maybelline claims.

Blush Essence is a nice everyday shade. It's not evident on my lips at all, really. I wish it was a little more pink, but that's OK. I know this will still be a makeup bag staple.

Fuchsia Flourish is VERY pigmented and bright. It's stunning in person, but I don't see myself wearing this often. It may be a fun color to play up at night when going out with friends or a party.

Please don't mind my asymmetrical lips!

Anyway, both of these shades made my lips look really healthy and smooth, even if they've been a bit dry lately. They also felt hydrated and comfortable.

Overall, I'm floored. With a balm formula like this, I'd think deeper the shade, the better because you'll get way more color payoff. But I cannot wait to try other shades nonetheless.

Have you tried them? What do you think? Let me know!

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Fall 2013 nail color idea: OPI Wooden Shoe Like to Know

Hi there! More fall nail picks... I've been looking for a great milk chocolate brown polish for fall.

OPI's Wooden Shoe Like to Know ($9) is a nice brown, but it's not what I've been searching for. It's more of a dark chocolate with a purple tone.

Either way, it's still pretty so I wanted to blog about it.

It has very, VERY subtle gold shimmer. It's not really evident on my nails, actually.

Wooden Shoe Like to Know went opaque in 2 coats, and it wasn't streaky at all.

I topped it off with Seche Vite.

Ulta has a 2 for $15 sale this week for OPI, so I may try out a couple more.

Please let me know what polish you're loving lately. I'd love some recommendations. Thanks for reading!

For more beauty and lifestyle posts, please subscribe or "follow by email" on the top right hand corner of the page. I'm also on Instagram @erisaxo.

Fall 2013 nail color idea: OPI's Berlin There Done That

Welcome to Fall Nail Picks 2013!

I took a week-long break from polish to give my nails a breather.

So to get back into fall nail color picks (my last one was OPI's Lost on Lombard), I have to go with OPI's Berlin There Done That ($9).

It's a lovely taupe from OPI's Germany Collection with slightly purple undertones in natural light.

It's a beautiful everyday "nude" for fall, instead of my lighter go-to nude nails in the summer, such as OPI's Bubble Bath.

The formula for Berlin There Done That is a bit watery, but it wasn't streaky at all.

There are no shimmers - just a beautiful, creamy finish.

It took two coats to get it opaque, and I topped it off with Seche Vite, my ultimate top coat.

Sorry my hand looks so red in the indoor photo - don't know why!

Anyway, I'll post more fall nail colors in the coming weeks.

Let me know in the comments what sort of polishes you love in the fall. Thanks for reading!

For more beauty and lifestyle posts, please subscribe or "follow by email" on the top right hand corner of the page. I'm also on Instagram @erisaxo.