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Chapstick Lip Butter Review

October 29, 2016

When I was offered the chance to try the new lip butters from Chapstick, I jumped on it! I’ve always kept at least one form of balm in my purse, on my bedside table, in my car, etc. My lips get so incredibly dry, especially in the colder months, and I can’t be without something super moisturizing or I start biting them, even to the point of making them bleed (Yikes!)
I received three Chapstick Lip Butters to test out – Green Tea, Sweet Papaya, and Pink Grapefruit. The Sweet Papaya definitely spoke to me first, as I was craving at the time something fruity but not too citrusy. It has a fairly subtle scent that is slightly sweet and a bit tropical. The Pink Grapefruit is definitely a lot brighter and almost like grapefruit rind versus the fruit itself, but still quite pleasant. The Green Tea is the most subdued scent, just a touch floral and barely there.
The texture is a very luxurious, rich balm that glides on. I especially like it for wearing over stains, my fall-favorite lip product. It hydrates without blurring or smudging the color, which I have often experienced using a lip gloss. It also works great as a prepping product. I’ll put on a bit to soften my lips and plump up the little lines in them before brushing on a perfectly on-trend deep plum or burgundy shade. One thing that really detracts from a dark pout is dry, cracked lips! If you’re interested in trying the new Chapstick Lip Butters, they’re available for just a couple bucks at your local CVS or any other drugstore.

Shot by Holli Zenko Photography.
Items in this post were provided to me by Chapstick and Influenster for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

FabFitFun Fall Reveal

October 19, 2016

A new season has arrived, and with it, the FabFitFun fall reveal!
I was definitely looking forward to this box, because I knew it would be full of pretty little things to make the best of the cooler weather. I’ve broken down all of the contents of this subscription box into a couple of categories, because there was just so much jam-packed in to it! Read all the way to the bottom for a $10 off discount code 😉

Coloring book & coloring pencils – FabFitFun
I was stoked to receive another coloring book and new pencils! I thoroughly enjoy the one I already have, which is of underwater creatures, but was in need of a more beginner-level version. This one is full of flowers and other pretty things and each page can be completed in a night, as opposed to a week for the larger, more detailed designs. I also think it’s fantastic that when purchasing add-ons, I was given the option to donate to Pencils of Promise, a global community that’s focused on increasing access of quality education for children in developing countries.

Now for the makeup, always one of my favorite categories!
I’ve held off on getting any of the Naked palettes, for one reason or another, and it must have been because I knew that this Nude Collection palette from Pure Cosmetics ($50) was coming my way. I’ve found the pigments to be true, long-wearing, and I love that this palette can take your eye look from natural to super-smoky depending on the shades you use.
The Cargo lip gloss quad was an add-on purchase for $9 (down from $20). I’ve been a longtime fan of Cargo and the classic tin packaging is definitely nostalgic for me, as I used to collect them about a decade ago!
Always in search of the perfect brow products, I generally prefer a tinted gel, because I think they look more natural and add a bit of pigment to brows. This water-resistant version from The Browgal is clear, but I do like that it holds brows in place through working out and a night of dancing.

The Purlisse sunscreen ($9) was an add-on, and a product I already know that I love. It’s a perfect combination of moisturizer and sunscreen and does a great job at both.
The Skin Laundry Restoring Night Serum ($50) I have only remembered to use a couple of times, to be honest, because washing my face is the last thing I do before going to sleep and most nights I’m so tired, I simply forget! I have noticed my skin nice and smooth when I wake up, and I’m definitely going to take it with me when I travel.
I’ve never been a fan of body oils, because I feel that they are always so messy! They get all over the bottle, the counter, and anything you touch after using them. I can’t say that this French Lavender mini version from Mullein & Sparrow ($18) is any different, because pouring oil out of a glass bottle is decidedly not the cleanest method of dispensing it, but I do feel that it left my skin moisturized and I loved the delicate lavender scent.

(That’s what I get for wearing a hot pink shirt while using a reflector haha!)
I added on this Cucio Somatology Yoga Essentials Kit for $19 and I’ve already made great use of it. The Mat Spray leaves a gorgeous fresh scent on something that rarely smells gorgeous or fresh. I also love the balancing lotion and oil for giving me a sense of calm if I’m feeling a little stressed out.
I already own another pair of toeless foot socks, but these from Toesox ($18) will definitely come in handy once those get worn out. They’re a great addition to your Pilates or yoga practice.

Last but not least, the fun stuff!
The Ban.do greeting card set ($10) was a great find. The cheeky sayings and cute pictures will brighten up the day of my friends and family when I send them off.
I really wanted the coffee cup that said “good morning, gorgeous!” because that’s what Mark says to me every morning, but instead I got the “joy comes in the morning” saying. I’ve only used this cup once and I was not impressed. My tea that was boiling hot at home was room temp by the time I got to work. It also made a whistling noise when I sipped from the cup. Not my favorite.
Another kind of odd item is the Spongelle Bulgarian Rose Body Wash Infused Buffer ($16). It smells divine, first and foremost, but it’s not very practical. You could never travel with it, I can’t imagine it drying out properly between uses, and I can’t imagine it’s going to last enough uses to make it worth the retail price tag.
Who couldn’t use another plaid scarf for fall?! Again, I was hoping for a different version, but I guess that’s why it makes it more ideal to purchase the year of FabFitFun boxes in advance. That way, you get to have options and choose the version you like best. I’ll still gets tons of use out of this black and white Loch and Key blanket scarf from Modcloth ($35).

All in all, this box was DEFINITELY worth the price of admission. It contains over $250 worth of items for $49.99. If you’re interested in signing up for the FabFitFun Fall box (they’re still available!) or the upcoming winter box, feel free to use my link here and code “FALL20” when checking out for $10 off your first box, making it only $39.99!

This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission if you click on or purchase items through these links. This is what helps keep Dressed for Time going! All opinions stated are my own, and I will always give my honest thoughts on any items or subscription boxes I post about.

How to Get Your Legs Sexy for Summer

June 15, 2016

Hello, loves!
Let me start off by saying that I was not always a fan of my legs. As a matter of fact, I hid them whenever I could. It was a combination of my (horrendous) ex-boyfriend telling me he didn’t like my legs and that I shouldn’t show them in public, but also me not being able to accept that they were far from perfect. It took me some time to know that I’m not the only one in the world with cellulite, stretch marks and spider veins. That being said, just as I put makeup on my face to even my skin tone and blur imperfections, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with putting a little extra effort in to making my legs look as gorgeous as they can. Today, I wanted to share how to get your legs sexy for summer and the products I use on my own stems (Clueless reference!) Most of them are very budget-friendly and available at your local Target or Amazon.

Pre-shower, I definitely recommend dry exfoliating with a body brush. Fair warning, your first few times using a body brush are a little intense. You use it before a shower, before stepping in, against your bare skin. Use a circular motion, starting at your ankles and working your way up to your thighs. It’s gross/cool that you’ll literally see flakes of skin just float up and away. The intenseness that I mentioned isn’t exactly “pain” but more of a discomfort, sloughing away all of that dead skin can feel a little rough until you get used to it.
Another option for exfoliation is an in-shower scrub. I LOVE the Tree Hut brand sugar scrubs and purchase them frequently off Amazon. They all smell incredible, from the Mango to the Coconut Lime, I haven’t tried a single scent that I didn’t like. They’re also super cheap as add-on items with Amazon Prime, around $7 for a nice-sized tub.
A good razor is imperative, although I think it’s slightly ludicrous to suggest swapping out after only 3-5 shaves, I would end up spending the same each month as I do in gas! I personally swap out about every 3-4 weeks and don’t ever have an issue with it getting too dull. Truthfully, the only time I ever get irritation is when starting to use a brand new razor!
For shaving lotions, I love the EOS shave cream. It’s about $3-4 at any drugstore, is super smooth and you don’t need a lot to get a nice, clean shave. I’ve used several other pricey lotions (around $15-20) and none have really compared to this really inexpensive version.
Large toiletry bag, BohoCheri.

Moving on to after-shower items, the very first thing I do when I know that I’ll be applying self-tanner is to rub some lotion on my knees and around my ankles/heels and allow a few minutes for it to soak in. There are a few tanners that I adore, of varying price points. The Bath & Body Works Bronzing Self-Tanning Lotion is my out-and-out favorite. It’s a bit pricey, at $15 a tube, but it leaves the most gorgeous slightly shimmery, believable and streak-free glow. The Summer Color “Light/Medium” lotion from Banana Boat is also pretty great, but doesn’t leave the same sheen once it’s dried.
For any nicks that may have occurred while shaving, or if I feel any area is a little raw, I apply Bikini Zone cream to prevent/help with any ingrowns and soothe the area. It has lidocaine in it, so it temporarily numbs any irritation.
On a day-to-day basis, I try to keep consistent with Nivea’s Skin Firming & Toning Lotion. My absolute favorite product like this is from Clarins, their Body Lift Cellulite Control Cream, but I don’t know anyone who can afford to blow $70 every few weeks to keep up with that regimen. The Nivea one is quite effective as well, and SO much less expensive. Working out is of course great for toning, but something for your skin is helpful as well.
For a little fun-in-the-sun sheen, I adore Kopari’s Coconut Body Glow. It looks a little scary orange in the bottle, but it leaves this gorgeous sheen on legs, blurring imperfections and making them look a bit more toned. Any shimmer product will work, but I have a little rule. I prefer to look for more neutral/gold-toned shimmer products for daytime and being in the sun, and more silvery-toned shimmer products for nighttime and going out. The gold particles warm up your skin, while silvery ones can look really obvious and not as flattering, especially on paler skin tones in the harsh direct sunlight.
Large toiletry bag, BohoCheri.

I’d love to hear what products you use and how you get your legs summer-ready!
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Amuse Bouche by Bite Beauty

February 20, 2016

I didn’t quite know what to expect when I received a box of Amuse Bouche by Bite Beauty lipsticks last week, but new pretty things to play around with always makes for a good day for me! I’ve amassed a bevy of lipsticks at this point, but was truly impressed by the pigmentation and long-lasting qualities of this new line.
The range of shades is incredible, from a 90’s-tastic mauve to deep garnet and big, bold reds. I received three shades from the brand – Pepper, Beetroot and Gazpacho, all of which are actually pretty amazing on my coloring since I’ve transitioned back to blonde hair!

Here I am touching up the shade Pepper, which in all honestly, I have no idea why they would name a muted satiny mauve lipstick Pepper, unless it was in reference to the band that was mildly popular in the 90’s, an era that this lipstick evokes for me, and I’m totally OK with it.
The lipsticks have a slight citrusy scent when applying, but I couldn’t really detect anything after a little while. I did find the formula to be slightly drying after a few hours and felt the need to search for some balm to add back moisture, even though they boast containing “12 edible oils” and “lip-quenching nutrients.” All in all, I would buy these lipsticks again in the more bold shades, such as Sorbet (Juicy Watermelon), or Radish (Deep Magenta) due to their staying power, but $26 for an everyday lipstick would be at the high end for me. Available at Sephora in 34 shades.

Items contained in this post were sent to me for reviewing purposes as part of my participation in the Influenster program, courtesy of Bite Beauty. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
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