If you have any plans to start your holiday shopping early, girlfriend, I’m going to support that 100%! I’m currently on a kick where I do things hella early, as in waaaay before they’re due, and I flat-out love it (more on this in a few).
Going back to the holiday shopping… May I suggest you start with this lovely little number from Ilia for your friends and fellow makeup lovers? I love it so much I’ve given it as a birthday present twice, and I already intend to put it in a Christmas stocking or two.
Balmy Tint Hydrating Lip Balm in Runaway ($28) is a neutral rosy nude with a creamy finish and subtle shine. It’s more pigmented than most lip balms but less intense than a typical lipstick, and you know what? It’s absolutely fabulous and just so easy to wear. I’ve worn it in pretty much all of my work meetings over the last couple days… Have there been four? Or was it five? Seriously, I’ve lost count. I forgot that working with other people means a whole lotta meetings. Thankfully, this lip balm looks great on camera and in real life, and I’ve been wearing it a ton!
It’s lightweight yet moisturizing, so my lips feel good when I’m wearing it, and I also like the light vanilla flavor and scent. The whole vibe is very comfy, like stretchy pants, except for…your lips.
And the color? Now, this might sound gross, but for some reason I really like lip colors that are the same color as my gums! Weird, I know, but “gummy pinks” light up my face. It’s very my-lips-but-better, and I suspect that this particular shade will work across a wide range of skin tones.
Fittingly, it’s called a lip balm, which I think makes it sound a little less intimidating and more approachable than a full-on lipstick. Sure, it’s less intense than something full-coverage like Stila Beso, but when all I want is a quick touchup, I’ll grab Runaway over Beso any day of the week because it requires less precision.
I purchased Runaway at Sephora because I wanted the option to return it, but next time I think I’ll go to the Ilia website instead. I heard they had a Black Friday Sale last year with 20% off everything. If they do that again, I’ll be there.
OK, so, back to doing stuff and showing up early…it’s my new favorite thing in the whole wide world! Lately, I’ve been showing up to appointments 15-20 minutes early — from dropping Connor off at school, to going to meetings, to arriving to school-related events — and my world is forever changed. Parking has been easier, I’m not stressed out about showing up late, and it just feels great being one of the first to arrive. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but if I’m there early, I’m a happy camper! 😊
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Happy first day of fall! 🍂
I love this because it has a very Black Honey vibe to me in the pics! People walking by my office probably think I’m off my rocker or practicing to be a horse, since I am checking out my gums in a hand mirror. They look the same color as my lips. Is that a thing?
PS I always prefer to arrive on the early side for things. It’s been almost impossible for 18 years, but I’m back on track now. Be thankful you have Connor and not boys who have no concept of time and just cannot get out the door, even with an hour of pestering. HAHA!
I came here to say it reminded me of black honey!
Black Honey apparently is having a major moment now because Tik Tok “discovered” it. LOL!
Omg! I know. I see them all acting like it’s a new holy grail item. 🙄
Cracks me up. Still, I’m glad others have “discovered” the magic. It’s a Clinique classic.
I love being early, can’t stand being rushed, and in these mobile phone days I always have something to keep me occupied while waiting – practicing my French or just chatting with other people, which is also easier when there are only a few present.