My Top 3 Valentine's Day Beauty Must-Haves

Surprise! It's a bonus weekend post. 

I don't do this very often, usually only during challenge months, but I recently got an email from the Beauty Crop** announcing a special Valentine's Day sale starting today through the 4th! Everything on their website will be 30% off. Yes, everything. 

All the lipsticks I've recommended. All their brush sets. Everything. 

I wanted to share 3 of my favorite products from the Beauty Crop that will be perfect for Valentine's Day! Whether you're heading out with your honey or just want to treat yourself, these 3 pieces will be perfect: affordable, high-quality, and, most importantly, cruelty-free. 

1. Glow Milk Liquid Highlighter** 

The Beauty Crop's liquid highlighters (Glow Milk & Lighting Crew) are genuinely 2 of my favorite beauty products of all time because they are both dupes for the Cover FX droppers that everyone mixes into their foundation. (Ok, not everyone...) I love using both, but especially for Valentine's Day, the Glow Milk Liquid Highlighter is such a good option. Made from all-natural ingredients and in a beautiful, pale pink color, it's so much fun to use because of the cute packaging. Please just imagine how cute it will look in Instagram photos! It's regularly $19.50, but at 30% off, it will be less than $14! 

2. Fineapple Makeup Brush Set**

When people ask me what item they should definitely invest in when it comes to beauty, I always say brushes; a good brush set that you love will stay with you for years! I love this one from the Beauty Crop because it comes with such a nice case and the brushes are so cute. A stand out set of brushes that you love is something that you will revel in using every day--and these ones make me so happy! This set is normally $49, but with 30% off, it will be only $34.30! For 8 brushes and a case, that's an absolute steal. 

3. GRLPWR Liquid Lipstick in Piedaho**

I love the GRLPWR Liquid Lipstick formula; it's soft and comfortable, while still being super matte and full coverage. The color Piedaho is a deep, rich, burgundy; it's so pretty, especially for Valentine's Day. Whether you're vamping it up solo or heading out for dinner, it's the perfect color to wear with your favorite outfit (whether that's a dress or pajamas at home is up to you). Normally, Piedaho is $14.95, but with 30% off, it will be about $10.50! You can get 2 for that price! 

Whether you're looking for a little treat for yourself or to invest in a gift set (like the Brewtiful Face Gift set**, a personal favorite!), you don't want to miss this sale. 30% off everything ends on Sunday, February 4--to get shopping! 

Disclaimer: as noted in my disclosure policy (which you can read here), a double asterisk (**) indicates an affiliate links. An affiliate link means that for every sale, I make a small commission; affiliate links & posts like these help me keep the lights on at Writing Between Pauses. Thanks for supporting my blog & me by clicking these links, checking out these great products, and maybe making a purchase or 2! 

Beauty Series: My Favorite Pink Lipsticks

Welcome to my second installment of My Favorite Lipsticks series! You can read all my past posts here. 

This week, I want to talk about my favorite pink lipsticks. When it comes to lipstick, I tend to gravitate towards the pink family--specifically mauve pinks. In fact, I have a major problem with repeatedly buying essentially the same shade of lipstick over and over and over again. 

For that reason, it was really difficult to narrow down to 4 or 5 lipsticks that I consider my favorites! But I managed and I tried to pick a variety--instead of my usual pink-mauves. 

1. NYX Cosmetics Powder Puff Lippie in Puppy Love

NYX Cosmetics Powder Puff Lippie in Puppy Love

This is a new addition to my collection (it's the middle swatch on my arm). I would describe it as a fairly bright coral color--it's quite pretty, if a little bright (and therefore, intimidating). The finish of these is a "powder finish," which is exactly what it sounds like; it does transfer a bit, but otherwise stays in place most of the day. I really like it because it's fairly light and doesn't dry out my lips throughout the day! One of these will set up back $8.50 and are available here.

2. L'Oreal Colour Riche Shine in Burnished Blush 

L'Oreal Colour Riche Shine in Burnished Blush

I reviewed these lipsticks last week here, and really debated about including Burnished Blush here. But I decided in the end, it is one of my favorite pinks because it's a unique finish; I've worn it quite a bit since I received these from Influenster in December! As I said in my review, these are not long-lasting lipsticks, but they are very moisturizing--so if you're struggling with dry lips this winter, it's a great option!

3. Wet'n'Wild Liquid Catsuit in Rebel Rose

Wet'n'Wild Liquid Catsuit in Rebel Rose

This, should anyone ever ask, is my favorite of this list of favorites. I wear this lipstick so much that it actually lives in my purse. When I first heard rave reviews about Wet'n'Wild Liquid Catsuit lipsticks, I was hesitant; Wet'n'Wild was that super cheap drugstore brand that didn't have good make up, right? That was what I thought of Wet'n'Wild at least! But I was set to rights by these lipsticks and, truly, Wet'n'Wild is not the same brand it was 10 years ago. 

This color is my favorite dusty rose mauve color; I wear it probably every other day, if not every day. (It's the swatch to the right of the NYX Powder Puff!) It can look quite dark at first, but dries to a lovely mauve color. The best part about Wet'n'Wild Liquid Catsuit in Rebel Rose? It lasts all day! I have a few shades (Goth Topic, Coral Corruption, and a few others) and this is the one that stays the longest. It's lovely. It's perfect. It's $4.99 (and you can often find them on sale, they're $2.99 at Target right now!) and available here.

4. Kat Von D Studded Kiss in Lolita

Kat Von D Studded Kiss in Lolita

This is my only high-end lipstick selection for this list and I have to confess: I bought this at TJ Maxx for $6.99. (That's my tip for finding high end lipsticks, honestly: check your local TJ Maxx and Marshall's!) Lolita is described as a satin-matte "chestnut rose" and that's a fairly accurate description. (Lolita is the swatch to the far right in my photo.) 

Lolita is one of those holy grail shades. I quite like this lipstick as a break from mattes (have you noticed a theme? Mattes really destroy my lips!) and the color is just a bonus; it's a slightly pinker version of Rebel Rose, so it makes a nice complimentary color if I need to switch halfway through the day. Typically, Studded Kiss lipsticks cost $19 each and are available here. 

 

5. The Beauty Crop GRLPWR in Tickled Pink**

The Beauty Crop GRLPWR in Tickled Pink**

When I first received this lipstick from the Beauty Crop, I didn't expect to like it: it's so pink. It's almost bubblegum. (It's the fair right swatch in my photo.) However, it's a gorgeous color, so I decided to give it a try. And I'm glad I did; this is another one of my tried-and-trues. In fact, I wear it so much that I'm almost out already! This lipstick also lasts all day and wears pretty comfortably; unlike other mattes that leave me feeling parched halfway through the day, I can wear this one all day and not feel like my lips are about to fall off. 

These lipsticks cost $14.95 and, right now, Beauty Crop is offering a buy 3, get 1 free deal! You can take advantage by clicking here**. I recommend Date Night, Imma Bawse, Tickled Pink (of course!), and Frose. 

**Note that a double asterisk next to a link indicates that it is an affiliate link. If you purchase through these links, I make a small commission--but that doesn't sway this being one of my favorite lipsticks! For more about my disclosure policy, click here.  

Beauty Review: The Beauty Crop*

Earlier this month, I got the opportunity to test out some products from The Beauty Crop**. I was really excited because I'd heard great things about them from many of my beauty groups on Facebook; as well, a few people I know swear by their mascara**. 

I wanted to share short reviews for each product I received. Believe me when I say, I genuinely loved all of these products for different reasons!

I want to talk about the Beauty Crop first, however, and share a little bit about their company. The reason why I decided to explore becoming an affiliate, and testing out some products, was because they are dedicated to being cruelty-free. This is incredibly important to me as a consumer; I try to only purchase from certified CF brands. Here's what the Beauty Crop says on their website: 

“We are a brand inspired by healthy living and creating products enhanced with nutrition derived from natural ingredients. We avoid complex formulas and unnecessary additives, which allows us to create unique cosmetic recipes that include natural oils and plant-based extracts for products that will nurture your skin whilst delivering intense colour technology.

Our philosophy is that nutrition is as equally essential for your skin as it is for your body. Inspired by the healthy recipes we cook in the kitchen, we are passionate about creating colourful, fun and uber-hydrating cosmetics that include nutrition-rich superfood ingredients that promote health and wellbeing.

Our products are 100% cruelty-free. We do not test on animals, only on friends and family!”

That is really a message I can get behind. 

Without further ado, let's dive in and talk about the products I received. 

1. GRLPWR Liquid Lipstick** in Tickled Pink

I use a lot of liquid lipsticks (which dry down to matte). When I first used this one, I kept asking myself... is this really as comfortable as I think it is? I've worn it several days now and I have to say, it's easily one of the best liquid lips I've ever owned. Very matte, very pigmented, very little transfer, and super comfortable. The photo above was taken at the end of the day with no reapplications; it's a little worn, but really lovely still! As well, check out why they're called GRLPWR Liquid Lipsticks:

“Our new line of liquid lipsticks, GRLPWR, was designed to celebrate female empowerment and individuality. We are inspired to create a movement all about friendship, shunning girl-to-girl hostility, and creating a female support network encouraging self-expression.”

Again, what a cool message! These liquid lips are only $14.95 a piece, which is very affordable for such a high end feeling product. The packaging, I should mention, is really gorgeous, with a frosted tube and metallic lettering. 

2. PBJ Smoothie Stick** in Peach Please

This was probably the only product I received that I was a little so-so about. It's still a great lip; if you're someone who liked a light, smooth, glossy formula for their lip products, this is absolutely amazing. Very hydrating and pigmented. The color Peach Please is an incredibly pinky-nude shade that I think would be gorgeous on just about everyone. The reason I didn't absolutely love it was because I generally prefer a liquid lip with limited transfer; with a lip crayon, you need to reapply pretty frequently. That being said, it's a beautiful color and would look great with a more natural, everyday look. These crayons are only $14.95 a piece, which, again, is so affordable for a product that is so high end. (They remind me a lot of Clinique's Chubby Sticks, which aren't cruelty free!) You can also get a set of three for $39.95 here**. 

3. Blush Duo** in Mauve-ulous 

This is my absolute favorite product, I think! I have been obsessed with blushes lately; I used to be a "same blush every day" kind of girl, but recently, I've bought a lot of new ones. I was bouncing between my Tarte blush in Paaaarty and Wet'n'Wild blush in Mulled Wine... until I got this blush duo. It has one side powder, one side cream, both in a lovely, dark berry-mauve shade. I was genuinely worried these blushes would be way, way too dark on me, but with a little finessing, they are so winter-y and give that perfect "I was just outside in the snow" look. The cream side only requires a tiny bit for a nice, flushed look; the powder side blends so beautiful and has the faintest hint of shimmer that I love. 

I read recently that dark and purple-toned blushes, while scary, are actually the ideal blushes because we actually tend to flush blue-purple in the cold naturally, so it's a much more natural look than pink or peach. Who knew? Plus, these blush duos are only $8.50 right now, which is super affordable! 

4. Lighting Crew Highlighting Cream**

I am always a little hesitant about highlighting creams, because I find that they are often too stiff and disrupt my foundation, especially if I apply after powdering. However, this highlighting cream has truly changed my life! It is a lot looser than the average highlighting cream, but just as bright; a little goes a long way! I apply it using my Beauty Blender, then usually pat out with my finger to diffuse it just a little more. It is gorgeous though, with a slightly warm, gold shift. It had vitamin C as well. It's only $12 for a tube that will last a very long time! 

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*Disclaimer: I received the products in this post complimentary for the purposes of becoming an affiliate. However, all thoughts remain my own; I would never recommend something I didn't love! You can read more about my disclosure policy here. 

**These are affiliate links. If you do end up buying something from the Beauty Crop, I do receive a small percentage kickback. Doing so helps me keep Writing Between Pauses running!