Tarte "Lucky" LipSurgence Matte Lip Tint Review + Swatch

 I was beyond thrilled when I saw this product in my latest Birchbox. Click here to see everything I got in my Birchbox. I have been looking at Tarte lip tints in Sephora for the past year or so but I couldn't convince myself that twenty-four dollars for one lip stain was justifiable. But despite my logical side, I still looked. I'm a sucker for beauty products. I can't stop looking.

  

The product comes in a twistable tube which is extremely convenient. No sharpeners needed. The color that Birchbox sent was a lovely light pink color. Very wearable. I have no complaints about the color. I was a little uncertain about matte formulation and when I first applied it, the product made my lips appear dry and cracked. I added a bit of lip balm and it helped with the dryness. This product is not moisturizing as far as I could tell. But it did add a beautiful swash of color.

  

The lip tint has a strong scent of peppermint. I didn't notice it on the first application but I smelled it as I was wearing it. It is a little bit strong but not enough to steer me away from the product. Sephora sells this in five other shades. Would I purchase another one with my own money?  Probably not. I would be more likely to try one of the original LipSurgences. I perfer a more glossy finish. Just because I don't like a matte finish does not mean that I won't use this product, a quick swipe of lipgloss or lipbalm and this is fantastic! I'm also really interested in some of the deeper or brighter colors. I'm curious about their lasting power.

  

Have you ever tried these? Please tell me in the comments below! Also if you have any suggestions for other lip stains or lip tints I would be grateful.

March 2012 Birchbox: Teen Vogue Beauty Picks

 This month Birchbox collaborated with Teen Vogue. And, in my humble opinion, this has been the best box since I joined in December. I received TWO full sized products this month from brands that I either love or s about for months. Okay, enough of this silly introduction. Onto the products I received!

 

An overview shot of all the products in my box.

1. Essie polish "Set in Stone"

I'm a big fan of Essie polishes. They've got great formulation and their pastel colors are superb. The color that they sent me is part of the new luxeffects line that they've been promoting heavily for the past couple months. Essie describes this polish as "disco mirror ball chaos" and I would have to agree. The polish itself does not have a name on it and I'm a little curious why not but that would be my only complaint at the moment.

2. Kate Spade "Twirl" perfume sample

I feel that perfume samples in Birchboxes are...eh. I could easily go to my counter and receive a perfume I'm actually interested in for free. It seems pointless to me to pay for a sample. But because the products this month were so fantastic, I'm okay with it. My thoughts on the perfume. It is very sweet. I don't hate it but I don't think I would buy it either.

3. Kerastase Elixir Ultimate

I don't know what to say about this product. I'm not a hair person. I normally throw it up in a bun or braid it. But even though I'm not a huge hair person, even I want hydrate, smooth, and sleeky hair. I will report back on this one.

4. Twistband hair tie

I think this was another filler sample like the perfume. I like the idea--it's tied by you so you can decide the length and it won't break. I don't know if you can tell in the picture above but the twistband they sent has metallic reflex in it. So pretty. I think it's a bit expensive when bought in singles but in packs [12 for $18] I think the price is very reasonable.

5. Tarte LipSurgance Matte Lip Tint

 I saved the best for last! This was the sample that blew me away. I've have been wanting a Tarte lip tint for ages! Ages! And to get a full-sized tint in my Birchbox that only cost ten dollars? I was so impressed.

In conclusion, I was very happy with this Birchbox. I love this subscription service because once every month it feels like Christmas. For those who are thinking about scribing I would warn that some months are fantastic with great full sized products and others are a bit more blah. Do you get Birchboxes? What do you think of this program? Tell me in the comments below!