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About lifewithlilred

Just your average gal blogging an average blog!

Get Ready With Me: Valentine’s Day Edition

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Get Ready With Me: Valentine’s Day Edition

Hello everyone! Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, which means we definitely need to talk makeup. Of course, the outfit is important too. But, bringing that girly sweetness to your face will tie the whole look together for a romantic date night with your significant other. There are a few key things that make for a successful Valentine’s Day makeup and I am going to share them with all of you today. Check it out:

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Accessories:

When I think of a perfect date night look, the first thing that comes to mind is a sassy pout, huge eyelashes, and glowing skin. These are the three things that we will be covering so let’s get to it:

Sassy Pout:

Now, normally, I say wear whatever shade of lipstick that you want. However, we are talking Valentine’s Day and it is all about the red and pink. Nothing screams girly sweet more than a pretty pink lipstick in seashell, salmon, or a shocking hot hue. And nothing screams edgy classic more than a bold red lip.

Whichever shade you choose, tie it into your outfit somehow. For example, the skirt that I plan on wearing has red hearts and lipstick kisses on it, which matches my lippie perfectly. Rocking pink pearls or jewelry? Slick on a similar hue for a look that is oh so cohesive and oh so cute!

Huge Eyelashes:

I don’t know about all of you, but I still flirt so hard with my boyfriend as if it were our first date. And, perhaps the most flirty makeup staple of all is huge eyelashes. Don’t go too overboard with the rest of your eye makeup and opt for longer than life lashes that you can bat to your beau across the dinner table.

I prefer Too Faced’s Better Than Sex mascara myself, because just one application gives you five times more length than any drugstore brand I’ve ever used. But, whatever your mascara preference is, apply liberally and be sure to comb through your lashes after each use to avoid clumping. Nothing ruins flirtatiously looking up through your lashes like huge clumps!

Glowing Skin:

As far as blush goes, I am wearing a few different shades of pink blended together in the pictures above. I would suggest going this route for an added touch of baby doll adorable. But, for the ultimate glowing skin, we need a highlighter! Whether you’re eating dinner by candlelight or sipping on cocktails in a lounge, when the soft lighting hits the highlighter on your face, magic happens.

I absolutely love Sephora’s Golden Hour highlighter in Dusk. At first glance, it just looks light pink. But, it has golden sparkle mixed into it for a shimmer straight out of a fairy tale. Hello, glowing skin! Everyone has their own techniques for where to apply highlighter and I always hit the following areas when completing my MOTD:

  • From the hairline to the end of my nose
  • The apples of my cheeks
  • My chin
  • From the top of my cheeks downwards
  • From the far corners of my eyes arching over my brows

When applied in the places above, no lighting is bad lighting for me because every angle has been covered. Dust on as little or as much as you want depending on how bold you feel like going. I usually just put one application on each area but it will call for more or less depending on where you’re going for your date night!

So, there you have it! I had such fun taking these pictures and concocting the perfect tips and tricks to beat your face like a pro this Valentine’s Day. Now, get out there and celebrate your love! 😀

PS: Don’t forget these must haves in your purse for your big Valentine’s Day date!

Valentine’s Day Purse Essentials:

You’re probably only going to be carrying a small purse on Valentine’s Day, so you need to make the most of it. Your cell, coin purse, and keys are obvious essentials. If you’ve put on your make up properly, you shouldn’t need to reapply it during the evening. This means you should be able to get away with just taking along a lipstick.

You can get lipstick cases with mirrors in them. This can be handy for topping up without either having to carry an extra mirror or use up the battery on your phone. If you’re planning on taking a lot of photos with your phone, think about carrying an external battery. You can get ones small enough to pop into a clutch. You can also get selfie lights to put on your phone. These can give you lots of light where you need it without using up your phone battery and they’re nicer to use than a regular camera flash.

If your purse is big enough, you can pop in some folding slippers in case you want to lose the shoes later. If it’s not, at least put in a couple of invisible blister plasters, just to be on the safe side. On that note, if you’re looking for love but don’t have a regular date, make sure you have some condoms. You don’t want to spoil the romance by having to order STD testing.

How are you celebrating Valentine’s Day? Do you have an outfit or makeup look in mind? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

L’Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick In British Red Swatch

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L’Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick In British Red Swatch

Howdy! My big sister always hooks me up with the best makeup hand me downs. But, sometimes, my hand me ups to her end up back in my possession. For example, the shade we’re going to discuss today called British Red by L’Oreal used to be my signature. I used to apply it almost every day when I worked at PacSun and would blow dry my lips for the ultimate matte finish.

Boy, am I glad I glowed up since then!

Haha, since I have discovered my favorite matte lippie compliments of NYX, I scoff at the fact that I used to literally blow dry my mouth. But, hey, desperate times! Despite this silly memory, British Red will always hold a special place in my heart so take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

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Back in the day when I was sporting British Red, my hair was a lot less vibrant than it is now. Don’t get me wrong, I was still Lil Red, but it just didn’t pop as much as my current shade of Vidal Sassoon’s Runway Red. So, it probably makes more sense why I was into a shade that is actually quite orangey now that I’m looking at it again with the seasoned eyes of a woman who is very picky about her red lipstick!

After revisiting this lipstick, I can confidently say that I would not use it again because it definitely would not be flattering on me now. The vibrant orange undertones in my hair mixed with the red/orange of the lippie would be enough to get me shipped off to Clown School. BUT, that doesn’t mean that the color doesn’t slap because it is actually really pretty.

The ultra rich pigments in this lipstick make for a perfect pout and I have fond memories of feeling my damn self when wearing it. I am just not a fan of glossy lipstick and around seven or eight years ago, the matte revolution of lipstick hadn’t happened. Hence, why I blow dried it!

Although you won’t spot me rocking British Red any time soon, L’Oreal makes a good lipstick. I never had problems with it smearing or smudging during an eight hour day of talking nonstop and shotgunning Starbucks when working in the mall. This is definitely a brand that you could wear confidently during a long day of work without the fear of it ending up all over your pearly whites!

How has your lipstick style evolved over time? What are some of your hacks for a smudge free pout? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Groovy Movies: 1917 Edition

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Groovy Movies: 1917 Edition

Hi! I have always loved going to the movies. To me, there is nothing better than catching a flick on the big screen with your family, SO, or by yourself. And, other than everything, my favorite part of having a boyfriend is having someone to go on movie dates with! Johnny and I have fairly different tastes in movies. While we both never say no to a comedy or horror picture, he is a history buff and loves war movies while I am a huge fan of thrillers and foreign films.

This contrast works out nicely because it exposes us both to movies we might not have watched before. I have seen more than my fair share of war movies now, which was normally not my cup of tea. However, I find myself enjoying them despite the intense anxiety I feel throughout each one!

This past week, we went on a date to see 1917 thanks to a Fandango gift card from my brother and it was just fantastic. So, without giving any spoilers away, let’s discuss:

^^^ And, as always, I have no rights to this video.

1917 tells the tale of two British Lance Corporals, Schofield and Blake, who must cross into enemy territory to deliver an urgent message during World War I. This message would call off an attack that would ultimately put the British soldiers into a trap by the Germans. If successful, the two corporals on a race against time could save up to 1,600 of their troops – including Blake’s brother.

From beginning to end, 1917 created a sense of tension that could be cut with a knife. It was filmed as one continuous shot, which really made you feel like you were on this quest with the soldiers. And, because it was one continuous shot, having a less tense “break” during the film was impossible. There was constant movement as the men pushed forward into enemy lines, which left me holding my breath for booby traps the entire time.

I liked how the plot of 1917 was simple. It was a journey set to the pace of a race and it made me so committed to the main characters because all I wanted was for them to make it safely. Running at just under two hours, I was exhausted by the end of the film from all of the emotional blows. Surprise attacks, devastating losses, and the potential for saving so many lives kept me on the edge of my seat bracing myself for the next metaphorical punch in the gut.

Not only was the film shot brilliantly (It almost made me feel like I was in a first person shooter game.), but the actors were sublime. I never once stopped rooting for Schofield and Blake and surprise cameos by Colin Firth and Benedict Cumberbatch made the viewing even more exciting by putting familiar faces into the mix. No part was unimportant which made each scene powerful, especially when it showcased the brotherhood amongst the soldiers.

I would highly recommend 1917 and easily grant it the coveted ten out of ten stars. Because this film was more of a journey than intense battle sequences the whole time, it is sure to be a hit – even with those who don’t care for war movies. I absolutely loved it and the Golden Globe for Best Picture and Best Director don’t lie!

What were your thoughts on 1917? What is your favorite war movie? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: IMDB

Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm In Striking Spectaculaire Swatch

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Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm In Striking Spectaculaire Swatch

Hello everyone and welcome to a swatch of the Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm in Striking Spectaculaire! I have actually used this product before and wasn’t too thrilled with it so I gave it to my sister. And, she definitely gave me back the exact same one in her hand me down haul to me! Don’t get me wrong, I love a balm style lip product just as much as the next gal. The Clinique Chubby Sticks, for example, speaks to me. But this one… Ehh, not so much. Take a look and let’s discuss:

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I used to use this lippie by Revlon as a quick fix for when I didn’t feel like applying a full red lip and it would always leave me wishing that I had applied a full red lip! When I think of matte lipstick, which is what I prefer, I think of a budge free finish to keep me worry free about the lippie ending up somewhere on my forehead halfway through the day.

I actually think this paranoia stemmed from the ColorBurst Matte Balm, because I vividly remember having it smear throughout my shift at work. Despite having a matte formula, this product felt and moved like a gloss once it was on my lips. The color also didn’t spread evenly and I can recall deeper lines on my lips having intense color while the more smooth areas had a very faint hue. Not a good look!

It really is too bad because the Striking Spectaculaire color isn’t awful, by any means. I actually quite like the dull but bright red. However, severe flaws in the formula left for a product that was not going to last you through lunch or merely even drinking from your coffee mug. Lil Red will just not stand for this and you shouldn’t, either! Unless you’re into reapplying your lippie constantly, that is. 😉

What is your favorite tinted balm? How do you add color to your lips? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

New Moon Who Dis? T-Shirt Dress

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New Moon Who Dis? T-Shirt Dress

Hi! My boyfriend and I were recently at Hot Topic in the mall so he could pick up some new jeans and I ended up with an adorable little number, myself. Was I expecting to find a new T-shirt dress that I am obsessed with for half off? No, absolutely not. Which made this find so much sweeter that it has left me saying “New me, who dis?” to everyone I come in contact with! Lol, check it out:

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Normally, I am not a huge fan of slogan T-shirts but this one was so cute I just couldn’t help myself. I love the funny phrase with all of the phases of the moon, the slouchy oversized fit, and the corset ties at the bottom. After trying it on, I knew that I was going to buy it but when it rang up for twelve dollars I wanted to buy ten more! 😀

I cannot wait for the weather to warm up so I can wear my new dress without tights on underneath because I already have my dream OOTD in mind. I’m thinking this dress, my black thigh high boots, a funky moto jacket, and bold gold jewelry for an All Black Everything ensemble sure to turn heads.

I like how this dress can be styled casually for running errands but I am particularly fond of the urban edge that it invokes with the right accessories. I always have loved the look of a little dress with super tall boots and an oversized tote bag. It creates sexy legs for days, perfect for cat walking to all of your destinations!

How would you style this T-Shirt dress? How do you get “New me, who dis?” level confidence? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Estee Lauder Pure Color Lipstick Swatch In Fig

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Estee Lauder Pure Color Lipstick Swatch In Fig

Hello! We have been swatching many a shade from a makeup hand me down haul from my sister and so far I have been less than impressed. Yes, the lipsticks have been good. But, the colors have just done nothing for me. That slight disappointment got completely turned around when I gave an Estee Lauder lipstick in Fig a try, though! Take a look and let’s discuss:

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When it comes to darker colored lipsticks, I tend to shy away and immediately reach for a tube of my signature red. And that’s definitely how the last two lippie swatches on lifewithlilred left me feeling! Thankfully, one of these hand me downs was a knockout because this rosewood hue is simply charming.

From deep purple and brown undertones in previous posts, those shades were not the best for the Lil Red color palette. My skin tone responds best to true red or deep pink undertones, which is why this lipstick in Fig works so well for me. The burnt pink hue with the slightest touch of red blended in makes for a shade that doesn’t turn me into a washed out pale princess with blackberry stained lips.

Not only will this shade be lovely during the grey months of early spring and late fall but the application and quality of this lipstick is a ten. I liked how smoothly it applied without being too glossy while the color was rich but not too deep to be overpowering. I can see myself rocking this shade, for sure, and it is universal enough that it would look stunning on every skin tone.

How do you alter your makeup throughout the seasons? Who do you get your hand me downs from? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

January 2020 Finishes

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January 2020 Finishes

Hello everyone and welcome to the first Finishes post of 2020! Can you believe that we’re already one month into the new year? Crazy! January has been a very busy month for me and I, for one, am looking forward to things slowing down after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Thanks to many TJMaxx gift cards for Christmas, I completely restocked my skin care hoard. But, thanks to many agonizingly long days in January, I did not get to pamper myself as much as I would like – resulting in a minimal amount of empties. Check it out:

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Would I Use Again?

Why/Why Not?

B&BW Shower Gel: I absolutely LOVE the shower gel from Bath & Body Works. They always smell delicious, they lather well, and a little of it goes a long way. It took me over one month to finish one bottle and you can’t beat that. The Fresh Sparkling Snow scent was so crisp and invigorating that it felt like you were breathing in a gust of winter air every time you popped the lid. This scent is a perfect example of a holiday fragrance that isn’t overpowering and I wish I had more of it!

SkinLab Serum: At twenty-five years old, I figure that it is high time to start a skin care regimen that emphasizes lifting and firming. So, the Lift & Firm Treatment Serum by SkinLab was an obvious choice! I use this serum along with the moisturizer and eye cream from the same line and I have definitely noticed a difference in the tightness of my skin during the past month.

My only qualm with this product is the fact that it runs thicker than the serums that I am used to using. Normally, it takes me over a month to finish one bottle of serum and this SkinLab one was finished in about three weeks. I am not thrilled about that because I like getting the most bang for my buck. However, I have two more bottles to get through and am going to try and ration them better this time around.

SkinLab Eye Cream: The Hydrate & Replenish Eye Cream by SkinLab rocks! I love hydra gel formulas and this cream was perfect for the sensitive skin around your eyes. Despite being in a tiny jar, it took me at least three months to finish it up. It sat so well under makeup and it really did leave the exposed skin around my peepers feeling completely nourished. I would use this eye cream again in a heartbeat.

Although I didn’t have many empties in January, all of them were ones that I was pleased with and would recommend. Now, here’s to a less busy February so I can work in a bit more pampering!

Which products did you finish up this month? What is your skin care regimen like? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

NYX Butter Lipstick Swatch In Lifeguard

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NYX Butter Lipstick Swatch In Lifeguard

Howdy! Today we are going to be swatching a lipstick shade called “Lifeguard” from my personal favorite brand, NYX. This lippie is from their “Butter” collection and I’ve gotta tell you – it really was as smooth as buttah in its application! This lipstick is another hand me down from my sister and, similar to yesterday’s post, I don’t hate it but don’t love it either. Take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

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Despite being a lover of all things dark and disturbing, dark lipstick is just something I can’t get down with. I have my signature shade of Pure Red by NYX, I like nude lips, and I enjoy some shades of light pink. All of these colors compliment my hair, complexion, and personal makeup style without going overboard.

Believe you me, I am interested in trying different shades but I also know myself well enough to know which colors work and which don’t. And, through extensive trial and error, I have found that dark lipstick looks like BUTT on me. It’s just too overwhelming against so much brightness around my face from my hair, pale skin, and five nose piercings. The look always ends up too vampy or out of place and I crawl back to my go to shades with my tail between my legs.

Am I mad about this? No. All colors can’t look good on everyone! But, do I wish that I could pull off a darker lip? YES. I actually really like the shade being swatched today! The rich scarlet color is so pretty and glam and it would be the perfect shade to spice up a date night with.

And, we can’t forget how easily this lipstick applied as well as removed once I was through. It definitely lives up to its namesake of the “Butter” collection because it glided on and off like a dream and it felt SO smooth and creamy. This is especially nice in the winter time when chapped lips are upon us and a matte lipstick can feel so heavy on already dry skin.

Like yesterday’s lippie, I loved the idea of it – just not the color. But that’s okay! I got to try something new FO FREE and I know that if I find a shade that I like in the Butter collection that I would purchase it in a heartbeat!

How do you keep your lips hydrated during the winter? What is your favorite dark shade of lipstick? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Ciate London Glitter Flip Liquid Lipstick Swatch In Infamous

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Ciate London Glitter Flip Liquid Lipstick Swatch In Infamous

Hello everyone! Am I a huge makeup girl? Yes and no. Don’t get me wrong, I love my go to shades and I enjoy wearing makeup. However, I am not the most adventurous when it comes to purchasing new colors or products for myself. My sister, Kristen, is the total opposite. She loves experimenting with different hues and always seems to be able to find a use from most of the goods that she receives in her monthly subscription box.

But, all of them can’t be winners, which is where her blogger little sister comes in. Kristen is kind enough to bestow her hand me downs onto me for swatching purposes on lifewithlilred. And, sometimes, I even end up with a new lippie or eyeshadow that I love but would never have purchased for myself otherwise. It’s a great working relationship!

Today, we are going to be looking at Ciate London’s Glitter Flip Liquid Lipstick in a shade called “Infamous”:

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When you’re a blogger, you have to make things work. For example, my apartment is probably the worst place possible to photograph makeup. The lighting absolutely SUCKS at chez moi, which is not the best for taking pics of swatches because the color never ends up accurate in photos beneath the yellow lighting. So, I had to improvise.

While originally snapping a pic of the swatch on my wooden kitchen table, I noticed that it was reflecting the overhead light making for a blurry picture. Especially considering that this lipstick has glitter in it. I began trying to take a picture in multiple different locations but the color just wasn’t being captured how I wanted.

That’s when I had the brain blast to photograph the swatch while placing my hand over my boyfriend’s black faux leather jacket. The inky hue absorbed the light instead of bouncing off the lipstick heart and it finally showed up in pictures how I was actually seeing it.

I thought this was a fun little tip to share because, as bloggers, the lighting in our pictures is what makes them. And, when your only option is poor lighting, it’s crucial to come up with hacks that work – including one that I made up off the top of my head!

Now, let’s actually talk about Infamous by Ciate London. Do I love this color? Not necessarily. The deep berry is just too harsh against my pale skin. I also have really pink undertones and, along with my red hair, it’s all a bit much. But, that’s not to say that this color wouldn’t look good on other people and there’s a lot that I did like about this lippie.

If you notice the last picture, the swatch looks faded. I actually just took that pic after washing my hands and that was the remnants. It also stayed on my hand all throughout the night and I can still see some of the color after my morning shower. Talk about long lasting!

And, who doesn’t love a little glitter?! When it comes to makeup, I love the pixie sparkle as much as the next one. But, I don’t like when it goes overboard and you end up looking like you had a craft aisle mishap. Infamous has the perfect light dusting of glitter which gives you a subtle amount of sparkle without blinding everyone you smile at.

I don’t think that I would wear this shade BUT I am not turned off to the brand and wouldn’t mind trying it in a hue that is more flattering for me. I’m still glad I got to share it with all of you, though, as well as a little blogging photography hack!

Which lipstick shades look best on you? How about a shade that you avoid? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Planning The Ultimate Game Night With Your Friends

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Planning The Ultimate Game Night With Your Friends

Hi! The weather in Akron, Ohio is currently snowy and freezing which ultimately makes going out a real drag. Believe me, I love nothing more than being out and about with my boyfriend and friends. However, it’s a hard pass when I need thirteen layers on to stay warm! This cold existence has left all of us stranded in our homes, riddled with the desire to still do something while remaining on the couch the whole time.

Cue: A game night

This past month, I have participated in so many game nights, I have lost track. Am I mad about it? No! Quite the opposite, actually. You know why? Because I prefer something like this to going to the bar any day of the week. In this post, we’re going to discuss the makings of a perfect game night for you and your friends to enjoy:

Location:

The host of the game night should reside in a good central location from all of the guests if they have enough room for such tom foolery. You might not want to be Keeper Of The Games in your studio apartment! Make sure there is enough space for everyone to spread out comfortably and I do mean comfortably because no one wants to sit on a threadbare couch! If your place is small, you might not have the room for a full on casino experience if you are planning a poker or blackjack night. That’s okay! Websites like mawinbet offer games like slot machines or sports themed experiences that can be played right from your phone. No trip to the casino or squeezing oversized card tables into your living room required!

Snacks:

Snacks are a crucial part of the game night and the responsibility can be divided up pretty evenly among your group. Everyone could throw in money for pizza, share a snack of their own, or a potluck style meal could be what suits you guys best. Either way, it shouldn’t be up to one person to provide all of the snacks for your evening.

Drinks:

Does your group of friends enjoy drinking? Great. Everyone can bring some beer or a bottle of wine. Does your group of friends not enjoy drinking? Great. Everyone can bring some pop, juice, or you can make mocktails. All I know is, you can’t be snacking on salty treats without something to wash it down with!

Games:

The games for the event is definitely something that should be discussed beforehand amongst your group. Is it a video gaming night? Classic board games? How about a murder mystery night? You could even play games that pay cash so you can fund your next get together! This is all important to know ahead of time so everyone knows what to bring or how they should dress.

Normally, my game nights include a little bit of everything from video games and cards to trivial pursuit and dice. You might even include some Spinni Casino in there if you want to make that part of the experience. You can stick with a theme and alternate weekly or draw different games from a hat. Just make sure that everyone who has a game that they would like to play gets that opportunity at some point.

Game nights are an amazing way to spend time with your friends while saving money that would otherwise be spent at the bar or restaurant. Make your events a weekly or monthly thing and watch your friend group grow even more tight-knit through the bond of good old fashioned fun!

What are your favorite games to play? What are some of your tips for the ultimate game night? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah