My Favorite Lip Balms For Kissable Lips

It is February my lovely Sparklers.

Hallmark seems to have declared all of February (and most of January) to be Valentines Day.   Therefore, I thought I'd do a bunch of appropriately themed posts.  In the spirit of this the love and heart shaped month, I will be doing a bunch of appropriately themed posts.  This week I'm going to share my favorite lip balms for soft and kissable lips.

I admit to being a lip balm junkie.  I buy (and lose) a lot of lip balm.  I like to apply it before bed.  I like to apply it under lipsticks, I'll even apply it to rough patches of skin on my elbows or knees in emergencies.  This means that I've tried a lot of different products because who wants to lose the same thing over and over again?  For the sake of this post, I have stuck to just plain/un-tinted balms.  Many of these brands also have tinted products, so if you would like to get one with color, you often can.

If my lips are feeling rough and like they need to be exfoliated, I start off by using a lip scrub.  You can buy lip scrubs, you can just use your toothbrush with toothpaste, or you can use my DIY lemon-sugar lip scrub which I will post and link here very soon.  Stay tuned for that!  Then I apply one of my favorite lip balms.

I picked my top 3 lip balms (which I purchase again if I lose them).  They are all color-less (so they are great mini gifts for men as well).  They are also in 3 price ranges to fit anyone's budget.

#1:  Sugar Lip Treatment by Fresh-$22.50USD for 0.15oz

The Company Says: Sugar Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF 15 moisturizes, protects, and smoothes the lips with an exclusive blend of moisture-preserving sugar, nourishing precious oils, antioxidant-rich polyphenols, and essential SPF protection. Fresh’s best-seller, Sugar Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF 15 is proven to provide 6 hours of significant moisture for soft, supple lips. Its sublime texture and addictive citrus flavor make it positively irresistible.

Ms. Sparkles Says: If you are good at keeping track of your lip balms (and not losing them to the same gnomes/elves that steal just one of my socks) I think this lip balm is well worth the splurge.  The texture and effectiveness is simply fantastic. I dare even the driest of lips to not be helped by this stuff.  I like the citrus scent of it as well.  I have been loyal to this for years.  I love that the cap of the packaging screws into the base of the tube part.  It means that it is extra secure and will not get lost in your purse.  That doesn't stop me from losing the whole product, but at least I don't lose the cap.  The packaging is also made of a good quality, scratch and finger print resistant metal, so it never looks ratty.

#2: Smith's Rosebud Salve Tin by Rosebud Perfume Co.- $6.00USD for 0.8oz

The Company Says: A miracle in a can! Our world famous Rosebud Salve has been a family favorite since 1892. Celebrities love the consistency and emollient texture of this #1 selling lip balm and all purpose salve.

Ms. Sparkles Says:  This is an amazing deal! You get almost 1oz of product for only $6! I'm putting it as midrange because you still only get one tub of salve, meaning it is just as easy to lose as any other product. This is great because you can use it for lip balm, or rough patches of skin.  I have also used it on my nail cuticles with great results.  Men, never fear about the smell or color.  It goes on clear and does not have a feminine smell.  It smell faintly like roses, but in a gender-neutral/not overpowering way.  Lets just say I have secretly used it on my man and he approved of it and didn't notice anything about smell or color. This is my go-to lip balm to use right before bed.  I always wake up with soft lips when I use it.  My only problem is that the packing--while cute and made of good quality metal--can be hard to open if you have anything slippery (like lotion) on your hands.  That being said, you don't have to worry at all about the top coming off in your purse.  It is stuck on there I promise!

#3:  Beeswax Lipbalm with Vitamin E and Peppermint by Burt's Bees- $3.30USD for 0.15oz

The Company Says: The original. The best. And still your favorite. Our must-have balms have been playing in purses and pockets since 1991. Beeswax conditions skin, while antioxidant Vitamin E moisturizes. A final hint of Peppermint Oil provides that one-of-a-kind refreshing tingle. The result? Smooth, supple lips everyone will be buzzing about.

Ms. Sparkles Says: Cheap, available everywhere and absolutely amazing.  If you buy this in a multi-pack or on sale you can get these lip balms for way less than $3.30USD, this is just the suggested retail price.  This is your classic chap-stick packaging so it's nothing to write home about.  That being said, it product inside is really effective.  It provides a minty tingle and great hydration to the lips.  If you tend to lose a lot of lip balms, I would highly suggest buying a bunch of these so you always are able to find one when you need it.  They are cheap enough that you can have one in every purse if you want to.  I also love that this product is 100% natural.



Hope you enjoyed this Valentines Day inspired post!  Let me know through social media or the comments below if you have ever actually FINISHED a lip balm before you lost it...or it got melted in the clothes dryer...

As always,

Shine & Sparkle


*I am not paid or contacted by any of the companies mentioned in this post.  These are my honest feelings and opinions. Also, like all my images, I'll gladly give someone credit for their image used in this post or take it down if someone throws a hissy fit.

Top 10 Beautifying Essentials For Your Trip To Maui, Hawaii!

Aloha My Lovely Shine and Sparklers,

Those who follow my Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook know (look in the side bar if you are interested in looking or even *gasp* following me), I have recently taken a vacation to Maui, Hawaii!  I wanted to give you a quick glace at my vacation if you didn't get to see it on social media.  I also wanted to give you my top 10 Beautifying Essentials I realized I wish someone had stressed to me before I went!  Unfortunately I didn't get to fly first class (like I did in this United Airlines First Class Review post).  But I still loveeeeeed my trip.

First, here are a few awesome pictures from my Maui Trip:

Top 10 Beautifying Essentials to bring to Maui, Hawaii:
Reminder: Make sure any large liquids or aerosol containers are in your checked luggage! Don't want to have TSA take your beauty essentials away from you!  Also, a lot of these tips work no matter what your gender is, so I'm adding to my list of "For Him" posts.

1. Water Proof Sunscreen.  By far my #1!  Buy it on sale at home and bring it with you.  Hawaii knows that if you will pay more for sunscreen there so they make the prices higher than I know I want to pay.   Bring your own is economical and necessary to prevent skin damage from the sun.  Vacation is no fun with sun burns.  I suggest going higher in SPF than you normally go, since there is so much sun in Hawaii.
2. Lip Balm with SPF.  Your lips burn can burn just like the rest of your skin.  And honestly, you want to be relaxing and playing in the water.  Not worrying if your lipstick is smudging.  If you really need some color, get a tinted lip balm with SPF of apply a lip stain before your normal SPF lip balm. It's Maui, no need to dark vampy lipsticks here.
3. Very Waterproof eyeliner.  Mascara and eyeshadows probably aren't going to stand up to all day on the beach and in the pool.  But I have been quite successful with the eye liners I detail in my Best Long Wearing Eyeliner for Monolids/Hooded Eyes post.  These barely budged after all day lounging in the chlorinated pool.  Waterslide and all! And nothing helps me feel more confidant in my bikini than a little eye liner. 
4. Swimsuit(s).  I want to mention this because I believe no matter who you are, what size, color, gender, or alien race you are--you should be free to enjoy the water on vacation!  No sitting on the sidelines in your normal clothes because you don't want people to see you. You are amazing and beautiful just the way you are! Nobody is perfect and like every other non-perfect person at the beach/pool, you should enjoy your beach vacation.  Swim away in whatever swimwear you desire little Shine and Sparklers.  It's your vacation, you'll do what you want!  I do suggest bringing more than one, since it takes longer for them to dry in the humidity. Nothing grosser than putting on a damp swim suit in the morning...
5. Sun glasses. Again with the sun protection, I know.  But really, you want to be able to read your book or look at things without hissing like a vampire caught in the sun.  It's really sunny folks.  I'm not kidding.
6. Hair Ties.  If you have long hair, you will really want these to keep your hair from becoming knotted and tangled in the pool.  For medium-long hair, pony tails and if you can do braids/buns work great.  If you have really long hair like me, buns and braids are a must! 
7. Deep Conditioning Hair Masque: All that time in the sun and water can really stress out your hair.  I highly suggest bringing along your favorite deep conditioning hair masque.  It will make life much nicer for your hair.
8. One "Going Out" Outfit: Ok, so not something tight and clubbing-style like you would in Vegas, but maybe a casual pair of heels and a nice flowing dress or skirt top combination.  Just in case you decide to go to a nice Luau or upscale dinner.  Nothing in Maui is super over the top, but it's nice to have an option that isn't a bikini and shorts if you know what I mean.  
9. Nail Polish Refresh Kit: If you are addicted to having your nails colored (like yours truly) bringing the tools to refresh your nails is a must.  All the water will chip your nails faster than a knife fight in a phone booth.  I suggest keeping it really simple with just a nail file, nail polish remover pads (like these pads from E.L.F*), and the polish.  I normally preach about the benefits of base coat and top coat (like in my "How to Get Salon Perfect Nails at Home" post), but for a refresh in the middle of your vacation, you don't want to be spending all that time.  Also, the humidity means nail polish dries much slower. 
10. Intention to Unplug:  My last essential is NOT bringing your media everywhere!  Unplug for the day, everything can wait until you get back to your hotel room at least!  The day of surfing, swimming, and lounging don't need to be bothered by a constant barrage of media from life back home. Really take this time to escape, relax, and center yourself.  If you are on the vacation with others, enjoy your time with them in the moment.  Don't worry about if the rest of the world knows you are enjoying the moment.  Why do you think I missed a blog post *GASP*.    If you HAVE to bring your phone with you to take pictures, I really suggest putting it in airplane mode, to encourage you to avoid the addition to social media and really concentrate on the lovely vacation you are having.

I hope this "Top 10" list helped you out!  I thought it was kind of fun.  Generally speaking I get a bit annoyed with blogs that are always making "Top -insert arbitrary number here-" lists as a way to get people to click on things.  But I thought it might be a fun format for this post.  

Let me know in the comments or other social media if you also get annoyed with the whole "Top 24 Thing-a-ma-bobs For Picking A Wombat-Puppy Hybrid Pet or Your Nose" internet article trend.  And as always,

Shine & Sparkle!

*I am not paid or contacted by any of the companies mentioned in this post.  These are my honest feelings and opinions.  

Emergency/DIY Deodorant

Hi Shine and Sparkle Report Readers!

I just wanted to give you a quick tip in case you find yourself without deodorant for some reason.  Let's face it, sometimes you need to stop smelling but don't have any real deodorant with you.  So what are your emergency options?

1) Anti-bacterial hand Sanitizer.  In a pinch, put some of this under your arms.  The alcohol will help kill the bacteria that cause underarm odor.  It's not a very long lasting solution, but in a pinch, it will serve you well.  If you don't carry hand sanitizer, lots of places have free hand sanitizer these days (grocery stores, drug stores, pet stores etc...)  so hunt around and you might just find some near by.

2) Lemon.  Starting to smell at the restaurant?  Grab a lemon slice from the bar or your ice-tea and sneak it into the bathroom.  Rub the lemon under your arms.  The juice will naturally cleanse and deodorize.  Plus, you will smell lemony fresh! I have never tried this with limes, but I assume it would work as well.

3) Alcohol.  So you might not have any lemons, you might not have any hand sanitizer.  Maybe you have vodka?  Or rubbing alcohol.  Either of these items should work to combat smelly arm pits.

4) Facial Toner.  Last but not least, if you use a toner in your skin care routine, it could also be used in a pinch as deodorant.  You also may be surprised to see how much your general smelly-ness level can decrease if you periodically use facial toner on your under arms after you get out of the shower.

Why do these emergency deodorant solutions work?  Did you know sweat is generally odorless? However, body odor results from bacteria that gather in specific types of sweat called "fatty" sweat that is found in areas such as your underarms.  When naturally occurring bacteria from your body starts breaking down the sweat, it produces body odor.  Anti-antiperspirants in deodorant stop you from sweating so that there is nothing for the bacteria to break down and produce smell. My emergency options pretty much combat any surface bacteria that is present at the time of application and dry up/remove existing sweat.  Because my options don't stop you from sweating all together, they are more emergency solutions rather than long lasting solutions.        

As Always,

Shine & Sparkle!

A Luxury Shower Product Make-Over!

Fancy Seeing You Again Shine and Sparkles Report Readers!

Today I have a special make-over edition post!  Maybe this will help you if you decide to do a luxury make-over of your own shower products.

This make over is of a  wonderful friend of mine--Robert.  He is smart, funny, extremely tall, and loves luxury products.  We bonded over a love of Louis Vuitton and I envy his apartment's expert interior decorating. During his Kickstarter launch party, I happened to wander into his restroom.  Not that I was being that nosy, but I politely commented that I could totally make his bathroom products and experience match his plethora of Louis Vuitton blankets and Versace pillows.  We got talking about collaborating his photography with my beauty prowess to make over his shower.  Here on the Shine and Sparkle report, I know we are used to adorable paint-drawings and guinea pigs, but this episode has some real visual class. OooohAhhhh.

 So as with any make-over story, here is the before picture:

As you can see, this is a classic "guys" shower.  Irish Spring, Head and Shoulders, and Axe.  Now, to be clear, there is nothing horrible about these products (other than some of the chemical ingredients and the flash back to teenage boy smells).  But for my posh friend RP, I envisioned so much more.  Plus, lets not get into the unwieldy loofa. I'm not even sure how one is to use such a large dried gourd.  Yes, this is a large dried gord, similar to a okra on steroids.  Again, nothing terrible about it, just...not consistent with the RP I know.  He would argue I left his restroom with a look of horror.  I'd just say I left with a mission. 

So on a lovely Monday after work, RP and I journeyed around the city of San Francisco.  Hitting Peninsula Beauty, Nordstrom, and The Body Shop.  In keeping with the make-over format, here are RP's amazing after pictures:

This picture is copyright of "RP".  Please contact me if you would like to use it.  Why? Because it's polite.

Shampoos*:
Paul Mitchell--Lavender Sage
Paul Mitchell--Tea Tree Special
Macadamia Natural Oil--Macadamia Rejuvenating Shampoo
Joico--Smooth Cure (Sulfate-Free)
(Now RP has great shampoos to combat any type of hair day!)

Body:
Jo Malone--English Pear
Jo Malone--Pomegranate Noir
Jo Malone-- Lime Basil & Mandarin
The Body Shop-Plastic Body Poof
(Jo Malone's fragrances are luxury product at it's finest.  Some of the highest quality scents available.  Picking these was so much fun.  I might have even grabbed one for myself.  If you see my tweets, I posted a picture of the box.  I will be doing a detailed review of my Jo Malone Body Wash soon!  If you read it, you will see what scent I got as well.  Also, RP's loofa from The Body Shop  is so much better than an okra.  The plastic rinses clean and doesn't breed bacteria! Huzah.)

Not Pictured:
Jo Malone Candle
GlamGlow--"Youthmud" Anti-Aging Mud Mask
The Body Shop--Tea-Tree Facial Cleanser
The Body Shop--Lip Butter
(Even though I have written a Post About The Body Shop Ionic Clay Mask as an affordable dupe for the GlamGlow, nothing says "luxury like GlamGlow!  Also, Body Shop lip butters are heavenly...mmmm.)

I'm quite proud to say, after the shopping trip, RP said that he had the most amazing shower once he upgraded.  I'm so glad he likes them!

 As always,

Shine & Sparkle!

 *I am not paid or contacted by any of the companies mentioned in this post.  These are my honest feelings and opinions.  Also the pictures are copyright of Robert.  Please contact me if you would like to use it.  Why? Because it's polite.

Grooming [Zombie Apocalypse] Survival Kit--Man Friendly

Hi S+SR Readers!

I realized I haven't made a post for the men who read my blog (I know there are some of you!) in quite some time.  This post is definitely relevant to all genders.  This post was inspired by the fact that I have been watching an insane amount of "The Walking Dead".  While watching, I realize that given the zombie apocalypse scenario, it is very unlikely that the cast would look half as sexy as they do.  Yeah they might look at bit dirty and rugged...but nothing like if there was an actual apocalypse (everyone still has nice hair days...)

As usual, like my last image, I'll gladly give someone credit for their image or take it down if whoever owns it throws a hissy fit.  Otherwise, please enjoy Squiggles taking out a zombie.

So lets pretend there is an apocalypse, and you have made it into a secure grocery store.  Your backpack already has clothes, food, and water.   The following are the items I think that every man (an woman) should have in their 10 item grooming/cleanliness survival kit.  Now, since there is no (current) sign that we are heading towards apocalypse, these items are still relevant for your  camping outfit, trunk of your car, or as part of a disaster emergency kit (where I live, we have earthquakes so everyone has earthquake kits outside their houses).  I think people think of clothes, food, water, and first-aid (understandably), but these small creature comforts can make all the difference.

The 10 Item Grooming Survival Kit:

1. Hand Sanitizer: You never know when you might have to take care of business in a bush.  Or pick up something gross.  Or maybe you just don't want to waste water washing your hands before eating.  Eitherway, hand sanitizer is a must.
2. Mouthwash and/or "Wisps":  You wont miss clean breath until it's not an option.  These two items are stable for long periods of time.  You do not need to use water to rinse.  Just instantly fresh breath.  You never know if they use garlic in those MREs.
3. Cleansing Wipes: It can be baby wipes, wet-ones, my favorite "Yes to Cucumbers Facial Wipes", or my newest obsession "Skyn Iceland Glacial Cleansing Cloths"(while somewhat pricey, I have never met a more effective wipe and there is a lot of product per-wipe--each wipe could clean almost your whole body!).  No matter what wipe you choose, when showering isn't an option, wipes are perfect.
4. Deodorant:  Do I really have to explain this?
5. Nail Clipper with built-in file:  Have you ever tried to trim your nails without one.  Alternatively, you could have a very awesome swiss army knife that includes a nail trimmer...that would probably be even better.
6. Scissors:  Not only are scissors infinitely useful for all kinds of things (like cutting rope to make your tent), you can use them to trim your inevitably shaggy mountain man hair and beard.  Or your girlfriend's hair (until you sacrifice her to the zombies to save your own skin).  If you are more hard core, you could use a knife...or maybe there is a scissor in your awesome Swiss army knife.  Either way, sharp implement is good.
7. Petroleum Jelly: Very stable product for long periods of time.  This has a lot of great grooming uses if you are in a pinch.  It can be used as a moisturizer for rough patches, lip balm, heal wind burn, prevent blisters on your feet, chafing/diaper rash, lipstick stain remover....so many uses.
8. Dry Shampoo: You could also use cornstarch or baby powder.  Either way, it absorbs the oil in your hair without water. Hooray. 
9. Brush/Mirror Combo: You don't miss these things until you don't have them.  And a little mirror/brush (like this one from the container store) will be very useful to bush out your dry shampoo and gaze at how great you look despite having just killed several zombies.
10. SUNSCREEN: No matter why you are out in the elements, you need sunscreen.  Preferably 30SPF or higher. Sunglasses and a hat are never a bad idea either.

Essentials For My Male Readers

Howdy S+SR Readers!

 May 1st! Time for another blog post!  This is a request from a reader! Go me.

It has come to my attention that there are men out there who want to shine and sparkle too.  So to that effect I shall be working in "S+SR Men" reports.   This report is aimed at the guys, but many of these tips are great for you ladies to show your man, or are gender neutral.

Beauty for men is a bit simpler than for women, and often men just do not want to spend the amount of time that women do getting ready.  Thus, we are boiling it down to get the most benefit for the least amount of time.

In absence of pictures of specific products, please enjoy this stock photo of men touching their faces.  I'm not sure who made it but it isn't me.  I'll gladly give someone credit for their image or take it down if whoever owns it throws a hissy fit.

Moisture Rich Soap:  Wash your body with a deep moisturizing product. Many men think using a pink poof to apply floral scented body wash is girly (I wonder why....) But never the less, that classic bar of Irish Spring is VERY drying on skin.  Dry skin is more prone to damage and does not feel or look nice.  Whether you choose to smell like a tall-deep voiced-black man on a horse, or use a Dove Deep Moisture bar soap, please make sure you are getting clean.  

• Mini Tip: While we are on the subject of smelling good, please use deodorant.  Maybe you hate the chemically smell of deodorants--there are fragrance free ones.  Maybe you are an sustainability nut--they make eco-friendly ones.  Even if you are allergic to the aluminum they use for anti-antiperspirant--they make ones with out it.  No matter what--there is no excuse for smelling nasty.  Don't over do it though, tons of white paste in your pits is gross too.

Condition Your Hair:  I suggest a good 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner.  Since guys do typically have shorter hair (that gets cut more frequently), they do not need the same level of conditioning that comes from having a separate conditioner from shampoo.  Also, it's a one step process.  Many men think that just because their hair is short it doesn't need to be conditioned.  Well here is some news--hair is hair.    Now I know some guys out there have super long hair.  In this case, please read my post on Healthy Hair because it applies to all long hair.

Condition Your Skin: Lotion/Lip Balm is for everyone!  Maybe you are not disciplined enough to put lotion on your body after every shower but at least as much as you can remember, I highly suggest it.  It will help your skill maintain its elasticity which means less wrinkles in the future.

• Mini Tip: While we are talking about lotion/lip balm, always use one with SPF on any part of your skin that will touch the sun.  You will thank me when those 20-somethings are all over you when you are 50 because they think you are 30--this applies to you ladies too!

Nail Care:  While some men are into the mani/pedi scene, I can understand them not wanting to.  Thus, men really need to only do two things for their nails (1) Trim/Clean Under Them-because nasty long nails are not cute on anyone,  (2) Moisturize-because while "rough man hands/feet" sound good to other guys, I have never met a chick who liked a guy with ashy feet (feel free to use the lotion used for the rest of your skin or a specific product if you want).

Pick One Scent for The Day:  Only apply one strongly scented product.  Whether it is Old Spice deodorant, manly lumberjack smelling lotion, or your favorite cologne, just pick one to use per day. Have the rest of your product be lightly/non-scented.  This will prevent you from smelling like some strange chemical ball.

• Mini Tip:  While on the subject of fragrances, don't over do it.  A small amount on your pressure points ( pulse points on neck or center of chest) is good.  And please stay away from spraying Axe all over your chest and stomach unless you are going for the "teenage boy/douche bag/smell you before I see you" look.

Note: All of this blog post are my personal views and opinions. Take my advice at your own risk...that being said, I think it's great advice!

Shine & Sparkle!