Exude Lipstick

It's safe to say that although I've tried nearly every sort of lipstick available these days, I've never tried one like Exude.  Everything about it from the formula to the applicator is a brand new innovation.  Rather than a traditional molded lipstick, Exude is a cream-liquid hybrid formula encased in a plastic tube applicator that resembles a classic lipstick.  This means no more melted lipsticks, no more messy breakages, and the angled tip never wears down!

There was a bit of a learning curve to use it, though.  At first I couldn't figure out which way to twist the tube to make the lipstick come out of the applicator.  And the formula took a little getting used to; it's way more glossy than what I normally wear, and it can get a little smeary if you apply too much.  But...

Once I overcame these minor hurdles (it didn't take long!), I fell in love with Exude.  It's available in nine different shades, but of course I tried Red, and I adore the color.  It's a perfect true red that flatters almost any skintone, and it's slightly mint flavored!  The color payoff is amazing.  And the glossiness is a great change that will be especially appreciated when lips start chapping this winter.  The white tube packaging is another elegant plus.  If you're a fan of lip gloss, definitely try this!  If you love lipstick, try it too!  It's become one of my go-to lipsticks for sure.

 

Full disclosure: Although this lipstick was sent to me gratis by Exude's very nice PR department, the opinions are, of course, my own.  And I'd never recommend a product I wouldn't pay for myself.

Hamarikyu Gardens Solid Perfume Pencil

Do you guys like solid perfumes?  I've never been a big fan; there's an "ick" factor for me in applying certain products with my fingers, and solid perfumes just happen to be one of them.  That disappears, however, with these lovely solid perfume pencils from Anthropologie.  Each of the six fragrances in the A Rather Novel Collection is inspired by a different flavor of tea found around the world.  There's 1856 Darjeeling, Silk Road Caravan, Cape of Good Hope, Taverns & The Hague, 5 O'Clock at Belvoir Castle, and the one I picked up, Hamarikyu Gardens.

Each scent smelled amazing and as exotic as the locales that inspired them, but Hamarikyu Gardens appealed to me the most.  I have no idea why; I don't usually go for "fresh" scents and I don't care for green tea, but something about it was incredibly familiar and almost comforting.  It's a bright fragrance with notes of lemon and bergamot zest, verbena, and amber for warmth and to counteract all those citrus and tea notes.  I love it.

And I love the pencil applicator!  When the perfume wears down, you just tug the strings to tear the paper and it comes off in a nice twirl that's scented enough to use as a sachet for my car or purse.  Plus the perfume pencils are ridiculously affordable at only $10!  A word of caution, though: it may be tempting to tote this around in your purse, but DON'T.  Mine broke.  Don't let this happen to you!  It's still holding together by the paper coating, but of course I'd much rather it be intact.  Lesson learned.

Have you tried these solid perfumes?  Which is your favorite?  Do you like solid perfumes in general? 

Interview: Natalie Irish

Norma Jean

I am completely obsessed with Natalie Irish's art. She creates incredible paintings of culture icons like Marilyn Monroe and Jimi Hendrix by applying lipstick and kissing the canvas!  Check out this video of her working, it's really amazing to watch.





I know I want every single print I can get my hands on! (you can buy them here)  It's the perfect combination of subject and medium...I love Marilyn and Jimi and I love lipstick.  Sold!  The whole concept intrigued me, and Natalie was kind enough to answer a few questions I had for her!  Read on for fascinating insider details from the artist herself on how these unique paintings are created.


What is a "typical day" like for you?

I wish I had some romantic tale of how I get up and devote all day to creating art, but the truth of it is that my husband and I run the show all by ourselves. Ok, so I do spend most of my time painting, but I have to make time for answering email, interviews, shipping artwork, petting the cats and dog, etc. Even if I'm out running errands, I always have a sketchbook and other supplies with me. You never know where inspiration will strike, or when that next exciting idea will hit! We also make sure and take time for just talking. A lot of my inspiration comes from conversations we have about things like art, music, life...

What gave you the inspiration to use lipstick in your art? How long have you been creating these paintings? 

When I was in high school I learned about the technique of making portraits with thumbprints. In 2001 I was putting on makeup to go out one night and see a band. I blotted my lips on a bit of tissue and got the idea of using lips in the same way as the thumbprints, in the spirit of pointillism. Marilyn Monroe was of course the perfect candidate.

Who/what are your favorite subjects?  Who would you like to paint next? 

Portraits definitely lend themselves to the technique. I am working on integrating the kiss technique with other painting techniques. I also love the general theme of taking an everyday item and using it in a way it was not intended. Mixing materials that have very different properties is always exciting. I'm working on some new textile and crochet pieces using things like recycled t-shirts, wire, plastics, and even used ropes from some old cowboy friends.

How many lipsticks does it take to finish a painting? Do you use any particular brands or formulas for your art?

It depends on the lipstick. "Norma" was created with Rimmel in a dark red shade with a lot of pigment and only took about half a tube. "Influence" was with Urban Decay "Confession", which is a more sheer purple, and took almost 3 tubes.

Do you wear lipstick in your daily life, or just for your paintings?

I don't wear a lot of makeup.

If so, what lipsticks do you like to wear most? 

benefit, benetint lip stain

Any other favorite makeup products? 

lip moisturizer!!!

Influence

I can't thank Natalie enough!  Don't forget to check out her shop and pick up a print of your own!