The Infamous Chelsea Blow Dry- BIG hair is in (again)

Oh well, well well. Been gone for a while, but I really want to blog about something that's been on my mind for a while now (I always say this about everything, actually, so don't take this into consideration). 

What I wanna 'discuss today' is the famous Chelsea blow dry, or the 'hairdo' that's en vogue nowadays, since, apparently, the duchess of Cambridge (lovely Kate ex-Middleton) 'patented' it, managing to forever crucify tacky extensions, damaged hair and ugly tight curls. Go Kate.

I was reading an article today, about how to achieve your own salon experience in your home, with the help of some famous celebrity stylist's tips. The article depicted the 'painful' process of combing your hair, brushing it vigorously, then putting it on rollers and waiting, then some more brushing, then some hair products, etc etc. And ta-daaa, you've got yourself the Chelsea blow dry at home, for almost nothing! The funniest thing was that the stylist said about himself that he's got 'good arms' for the procedure :) well...kinda!

So, here's the thing. I'm not an expert, never been to cosmetology school, or hairdresser's school, or whatever it is that they call it. I've never worked in the field, so I can't say that my opinions espouse the absolute truth and the aforementioned guy was talking a lot of crap. However, my point is that he 'forgot' some important 'details' that I'd like to discuss in this post, since I've been doing my hair Kate-like for about 6 years or more (basically, since I've been wearing it long). 

That's the famous hairdo, in case you weren't familiar with it: 

Her hair looks beautiful, no comment. However, to do this is quite simple....here are some other examples of such beautiful hair:

And my absolute favorite, the hairdo Latin American actress Barbara Mori used to sport:

Her hair is just stunning. Lots of volume, healthy locks, really bouncy and shiny, looks so hydrated and nourished. The problem with this hairdo is that you'll never get it if you do the brush-rollers-brushing some more-blowdryer-brushing combo. It will ruin the hair, make it break like crazy and destroy it. So, I thought of sharing my own 'recipe' for this look. However, there are some things I want to point out. Again, I'm not experienced in the field, but I've visited plenty of salons during my 'heyday' and I know how to work this out because I have long, thick hair. If you dislike or disagree with what I have to say- by all means. However, I guess some points will make sense :)

First off, you need thick hair. Unless you have wavy or straight hair, this look is going to be a pain in the butt for everyone willing to sport such a shiny mane. It's difficult and literally painful if you need to straighten, brush your hair several times before getting it in any shape, especially for the ladies who relax their hair. That's also unhealthy. I think all hair types are beautiful, but for this look, you need to double your efforts if you're not 'lucky' enough. Also, again- if your hair is not thick by nature, it's going to be very hard to get the look without extensions or industrial quantities of volumizing products. The whole 'beauty' of the look resides in the fact that it emphasizes the shine, the bounce and the volume of the hair, which is kinda impossible to achieve with hairspray, volume powder or anything 'heavy' or too strong- it must look natural, this being the most important issue. 

Secondly, you might need some layers. My hair isn't layered so I always end up with something that looks like, or sometimes strives to look like this:

I am more than absolutely sure Lauren Conrad is wearing extensions, because without those, her hair usually looks like this:

Is not a bad look either, but a far cry from the glamorous and voluminous mane extensions give her. 

Third, you can use a hair curler without having to stress with hair rollers. I've always had this problem, my hair being too long for rollers, or getting tangled, or the curls appearing too tight and small. If you have the same 'problem', you can do something really easy. It does take a little time, but well. So in case I haven't already said it sixty times, this is what I do.

I dampen my hair with the towel and apply Wellaflex volume mousse (the best after Tresemme's) at the roots, massaging very firmly to diffuse the product. You have to apply a little bit because this mousse, unlike the Tresemme one, will feel like 'it burdens' your hair and you might actually think you have residues. They're not visible, but you can feel them on the hair shafts as you run your hand through your locks. The hair gets just a little coarse, which is how it manages to stay 'poofed', but it isn't such a big deal after all, especially since it doesn't look coated in anything and I have never gotten dandruff from it. It might get oilier sooner than usual, this being the downside. 

Afterwards, I blowdry my hair 'freestyle', on medium heat (with protective spray on top. No need for serums, it will weigh your hair down), until it's about 65% dry. Then I brush it (I know...but I have to!), and bend downwards so I'd blowdry it with my hair down, for a little volume. As I blowdry it I pass the brush especially at the roots, making sure those areas get a little more attention than the rest of the hair. I use a boar bristle brush, which is gentle enough, doesn't rip my hair out, doesn't break it, and it works beautifully. 

Once you've got the 'mane' going, you can do the following (for a little 'emergency volume'): take a very thick ribbon, or sash, whatever you have around (just make sure isn't too tight, so it won't leave marks, or make sure the marks won't be obvious) and gather your hair in a ponytail, as close as possible to the crown. You'll look silly, I know, but well. 

Then, take strands (not small, not too thick, medium-to-thick) and curl them with your hair curler. The larger the barrel, the smaller the strand. You can pin them up if you have time, I never do it because I think it creates weird 'curls', but if you have unruly hair that's a good option. After you're done, release them and spray them with a flexible hold, volumizing hairspray. 

The quality of the products you're using (the mousse and the hairspray) is crucial because you need something that won't weigh your hair, won't make it sticky (the absolute worst), gives volume and looks as natural as possible. To me, the best hairspray ever is Wellaflex (beats L'Oreal Elnett's ass)- smells really good, is very powerful yet the hair looks and feels flexible and 'thick', not sticky or wet. 

The first thing this hairspray does is fix your hair and it does look like ordinary 'hairspray'- the hair is visibly shiny and crunchy. However, after a maximum of 15 minutes, the hairspray would have penetrated the hair shaft and at that moment it does begin to show its full potential. It's important to let it dry, and not touch it until it has done its job. 

Brush your locks vigorously, until you're left with waves. Apply some more hairspray, then allow to dry, then brush a little bit more and 'personalize' your waves as you please. It will last like this the whole day, even the day after (no wonder the mousse is called '2nd Day Volume'..), trust me. And my hair is very thick, the hair shaft is so stubborn, it doesn't hold with too many products/techniques. This is the way I've been doing my hair since...well, several years now, and I've always had people ask me if I'm wearing extensions or what salon do I go to. 

If you want defined, bouncy curls like Kate's, try getting a little bit of layers. The look will differ depending on the length of your hair- you can get tighter, more defined curly ends, like Barbara Mori's, or something smoother, '70's-style, like Lauren's or these ones:

As you can tell, the common denominators of these styles are shine, health, thickness, slightly wavy hair with a bit of curl and tons of volume towards the ends. It looks nicer, more natural and 'preppy' than the typical 'supermodel hair':

So, you can try my tips if you want to preserve all your hair and not break it in pieces during 'brushing'. Brushing won't do squat as long as, of course, your hair isn't tangled and it has been properly blow dried 

(that's why the hairdo is called 'the Chelsea Blowdry', I guess...). 

HAIR. Mine.

Didn't quite know how to spin this- hair care? products? it's nothing spectacular, since I'm definitely not a hair freak, no new avant-garde products to talk about, just current stuff I am using, why am I happy with it, the hair trimming ritual and how to get over (or not) the innate fear of the overzealous hairdresser. 

In my humble opinion, the perfect hair looks like this:

It's not too big, not too flat, looks healthy, the color isn't too light or too dark, hence increased color-wise manageability (easy to darken/lighten), the texture is wonderful, looks glossy without appearing too fake or oily, and the waves are just delicious. 

I have that hair. Long, thick, naturally shiny, and a tad longer at its present state. However, my biggest problem comes from two sources, one, that I've been coloring it for years and I'm currently engaged in the tantalizing process of 'waiting' for my hair to grow 'out', since I truly want to go back to my natural color (which would look amazing with some highlights....), and second, the shape. I have 'long' hair, quite shapeless...and since I'm not Cheryl Cole, I can't afford a stylist to take care of it on a daily basis and give it that wonderful shape that can be molded into a thousand new looks. So I have to do it myself. Which is quite a chore. 

I've recently embarked into a 'save my hair' routine that I intend to stick to, and find myself quite comfortable with. 

Shampoo:

Dove Intense Repair (Damage Therapy) Micro Serum Shampoo

A ton of reviews on Makeup Alley. Some of them will deem this shampoo controversial, since it apparently caused hair loss (!!) and changes of color (???). I have absolutely no idea if those claims are simply bamboozled or they actually happened, however, I tend to go with hail Dove every time I purchase one of their products. I have always trusted their stuff for several reasons- they don't engage in glossy, over the top advertising, because they don't need to. Their 'real women' campaign isn't the brightest out there, I have to admit, but the overall quality of their products is legendary, at least in my case. I first fell in love with Dove when I started using their classic soap, in both solid and liquid form. The stuff is simply the best soap out there and I feel more comfortable using it on my face than any other specifically created 'miracle' gel/wash/lotion out there. I also find it extremely delicate and much less harsher than baby washes, soaps and gels. Enough with the soap already. 

The shampoo, well, does what it says it will. Cleans very gently and leaves hair incredibly soft. The scent is milky yet clean, the classic slightly powdered Dove scent. It lathers well, cleans very well, doesn't strip my hair of its natural moisture and even right after shampooing, before applying conditioner, when I usually have very coarse, dry hair waiting to be soaked in some form of nourishment, I just don't get this feeling. 

It's not expensive, the packaging is clean and neutral, easy to find in all drugstores and beauty supply shops, it feels like I'm washing my hair with a darn efficient conditioner. Highly recommended. 

Claims to improve overall hair elasticity and condition by actually repairing split ends and other damage, preventing new hairs from deteriorating and dramatically decrease hair breakage by guaranteeing five times less split ends. The version I use, purchased in Europe, is based on the Fibre Actives technology plus the Micro Moisture Serum. I think my hair actually deserves this pampering. Have used it twice only so far, with actual results. It didn't patch up my split ends (yet), but it did leave my hair softer and a tad easier to manage. No more massive tangling, which i guess is the main culprit for hair breakage. 

Hair conditioner/mask/treatment:

I don't condition anymore but use a hair treatment and a mask every time I was my hair. Decided it was time to do so after watching AllThatGlitters21's Youtube hair routine and noticed she's doing the same thing to prevent her new hair extensions from deteriorating. Very good idea, especially if your hair is coarse, relaxed, recently permed or damaged from chemical treatments and extensive dying. 

I am currently using, and have been, for about two months, Aussie's Take the Heat 3-Minute Miracle treatment, combined with L'Oreal's Elvive/Elseve Anti-Breakage hair mask. I sometimes use one of them only, alternating with each wash, or both at the same time. 

I have to say the Aussie treatment hasn't been as efficient as their classic 3 Minute Miracle; the 'take the heat' part must have implied a change in formulation that my hair doesn't necessarily benefit from. It does protect from heat, my hair remaining glossy even after using a hot iron/straightener, however it hasn't improved softness, strength or aspect in general.

I prefer L'Oreal's mask, as strange as it might seem, given the fact that it's a drugstore product that costs much less than the Aussie one (5 or 6 € as opposed to 17 €). I like that my hair feels instantly softer the moment I apply the mask, is less tangled, smells divinely (citrusy fresh, yet creamy, not overbearing at all) and is left considerably softer. The mask is also thicker than the Aussie treatment, which allows for more uses, though they are both 200 ml versions. 

Serum:

Alternating between L'Oreal Liss Ultime Reflexium Thermo Soothing Oil (for use with heated styling tools) and Biosilk Silk Therapy serum. I like them both, I actually have to favor L'Oreal once again. The texture is considerably lighter than the Silk Therapy one, less sticky and heavy, the scent is more pleasant (vanilla and flowers, as opposed to the old lady rose perfume Biosilk has), and the manageability of the hair is superior. Once again, I strongly believe the Biosilk serum is a treatment, and should be used as such, as opposed to the L'Oreal one which is designed for more frequent use. 

However, the best thing that's every worked for my hair, in the serum department, was a product from the Swedish brand Björn Axen. 

It worked as everything my hair needed, all rolled into one- heat protective serum, shine serum, smoothing and anti-frizz, color conditioner and, most important of all, reconstructor for damaged hair. I still haven't found something to replace it, given the fact that it was the second thing (after scissors) that really worked on getting me rid of damaged ends (I don't know how it worked, perhaps it contains silicone, or something else, I couldn't care less since it did much more than what it claimed). However, I am currently abroad with no chance of purchasing it, so I am going to use my current stash and then get my hands on it the moment I get back to Sweden. Highly, highly recommended. 

Hair tools:

Boar bristle brush- the best of the best. The natural boar bristles really untangle my long, thick hair without breaking it, they remove excess oil and distribute it along the entire length of my tresses, lifting any buildup while massaging the scalp. Easy to clean, gentle (stay away from metal bristle brushes....not to mention the plastic ones, those are the worst), a true miracle worker. I have two large brushes I use simultaneously; though it's common knowledge one mustn't brush wet hair since it's prone to breakage, I have to say on my wet hair, these brushes have worked more efficiently than the Tangle Teezer, with no hair damage at all. 

Straightener- I am using a common, (white) ceramic hair straightener purchased online from a British company; I think it has a 'girly' name, however it was embossed on the box and not on the tool itself; it's of medium width, which I find to be perfect for my hair, and it can also be used for curling since it has rounded edges. Not planning on buying a new one anytime soon. 

Hair curler- my good ol' Remington. Planning on getting a new one since the barrel isn't as large as I'd like, nowadays I'm in the mood for large romantic curls. However, I'm kinda undecided since my hair texture prevents defined curls to stay intact no matter how much hairspray I use. 

Blow drying- Currently, none. Given the warm weather I usually prefer to let my hair dry naturally during summers, which makes a difference. I was surprised (should say appalled) when I noticed blow drying my hair didn't cause dryness or split ends as it happens with the majority; instead, it made my hair frail and contributed to minor hair loss. Ever since I stopped using the blow dryer my hair isn't smoother, or un-frizzed (though has less volume and good shape than after a good blowdry job)  but doesn't fall as much as it used to. Holey moley. I am planning on keeping up with this good habit for as long as I can- I remember that two summers ago, it helped my hair grow faster, thicker, a massive amount of baby hairs sprouting everywhere, and it improved the overall resistance. 

Plant pomades/tinctures

Oh yes. That's the 'special' thing I wanted to talk about.

Having massively thick hair, and not being a fan of the dry shampoo (too expensive for the one-day lifespan I can get away with, matte effect, staining 'qualities'), plant tinctures are the best thing that works for me whenever I experience oily hair and don't want to shampoo. 

Tinctures are solutions one can easily prepare by themselves by macerating (soaking in liquid for a while, in order to soften the material and extract the substances it contains) plants into alcohol. Some recipes (or just informative material)- here. 

I don't prepare them myself but buy them from my favorite 'holistic' drugstore. The best hair 'potion' (tincture) for hair is the one with stinging nettle. 

Stinging nettle contains an amazing array of nutrients, such as iron, vitamin A, C, D, E, F, K and vitamin P, calcium, magnesium and zinc. It fortifies the root, freshens up the scalp, removes buildup and dead skin cells and improves microcirculation at root level. 

The hair is nourished by capillaries, extremely thin blood vessels. In time, and due to extensive 'work' done to the hair (brushing, washing, coloring, blow drying, curling, pulling, etc) the root gets 'aggressed' and needs special care one can provide through both inner nourishment (a healthy diet, rich in fatty acids and vitamins) and also through external care. 

Back to the tinctures- these alcohol-based potions are a miracle for oily to extremely oily hair, being indicated even for dry/normal hair if it hasn't been washed for several days, just enough for it to get naturally coated with sebum. The alcohol in the tincture could have a slightly drying effect if applied on a clean scalp. 

I like to soak my fingers in the tincture or directly apply it, if it comes in a bottle with a dripper. Given the thickness of my hair, I usually have to vigorously massage my scalp to make sure the buildup is being removed by the tincture and the lotion is being properly absorbed. DO NOT do this if you have sensitive skin/scalp, suffer from allergies or have lesions/moles/birth marks on your scalp!!!

I find it a 100% natural and effective way to clean my hair without having to shampoo it while also helping it absorb all the nutrients contained in the plant (chamomile, nettle, sage, etc). In time, it strengthens the roots and prevents/helps cure hair loss.


THE Haircut

That's something everybody must get yet we all fear it like the devil. I've had my share of negative experiences so I know what it feels like to have to wait for your hair to grow out and pray for the best the next time you knock on a parlor's door...tips for avoiding disasters:

-don't try a stylist if you haven't seen previous work or glowing recommendations. As with clothes and makeup, don't be shy and ask away if someone is sporting a beautiful coif and you're dying to know who the stylist was.

-if you only need a bit of a trim to remove split ends, then you might as well trust yourself or a friend. The longer the hair, the better, since you won't have a shape to ruin and it's quite easy to grab and chop even by yourself.

-I suggest going to the hair salon with clean, straightened hair so the stylist knows exactly what your shape is; even if you're going to have it changed, or cut shorter, dramatically improved, it's always a good thing to let the hairdresser have an idea of what your hair really looks like (particularly for wavy or curly hair). If you're only popping in for a trim, it's nice to save a couple of $ on hair wash and styling since you obviously don't need that. Having clean, workable hair is also polite for the stylist- you don't want someone to feel uncomfortable touching unwashed hair.

-if you're doing it yourself, there are tons of ways to achieve it. Split ends removal-wise, all you need is a good pair of scissors (try getting the hair ones, not the paper ones), wet hair and a good brush/comb. Brush your hair downwards, in your usual way of styling (parted sideways, in the middle, etc) and just cut the ends at the length you desire. Don't worry, the more you cut, the faster it will grow- the little capillaries that nourish our hairs are so tiny yet must support a long hair throughout his life; you're making it easier for the nutrients to distribute along a shorter portion, you're removing old, dried up hair, making 'space' for new, healthier strands.

I have been cutting my own hair, or with help from friends, for about five or six years. It's time I went to the hair salon and got an actual shape. It's going to be trimming only, and a bit of a fringe. My hair doesn't need  complete reconstruction but just a bit of a spruce. Current plans- changing my hair color. I'm going lighter, possible blonde :) yay!

This is the color (highlights and lowlights, very natural) I am looking for:

I love Kate Moss' haircut....the color is not perfect, however the hairstyle is to die for....loves it!

Products of the Month

Deciding the stuff i've rediscovered in my hidden stash deserves a holla. Stuff i've loved and used over the years yet i somehow strayed..but they're definitely making a comback.

Estee Lauder Double Wear

Part of the 10 pan project since i've already gone through two bottles. While scratching my head and looking for a dupe i realized there is no such thing....hence the 3rd bottle. Unfortunately i had to purchase the same shade which doesn't quite suit me (Ivory Beige)...thanks to the understocked EL counter. Grrr. Anyways, the problem isn't a problem at all considering i love mixing this rather heavy foundation with moisturizer, face cream on colder days, Le Blanc de Chanel, for a lighter, glowy base, etc. The ways of this foundation seem to be endless indeed and i couldn't love it more. 

H&M Brow pencil & powder set

Why did i stray in the first place, i don't know...over the past two years i've gone through an endless amount of brow products and always ended up coming back to these ones 3-4 times a week on average...i guess they're my to-go products when i want something fast, easy and natural looking. The pencil is from their latest 'collection', an improved version of the old formulation, with a softer, longer brush and a wonderful pigmentation that's just a teeny tiny bit less gray than Clinique's Superfine Liner for Brows in 02 Light Brown. Lovely! 

Red Lips are making a comeback!!

As a neutral, pink lips person i found myself inexplicably attracted to more colorful shades...cherries, raspberries, even russian reds. Hmmm something's definitely coming. I am currently loving the Maybelline lipstick in Fatal Red, it's great for both a dramatic look as well as a paler, chapstick-looking lip. Had this lipstick in my drawer for a year now (almost) and probably used it twice or three times- hence the strong comeback. 

Max Factor bronzing powder

MF Bronzing Powder & The Body Shop concealer swatches

I cannot believe how natural looking and smooth this bronzer is. I'm also shaking my head at the enormous pile of bronzers i've accumulated so far...while being totally oblivious of this one.

Why did this happen in the first place?? well...most of my other beloved bronzers are amazing as well, different pigmentation tonalities, so i guess that explains it. However, given the age and dent of this bronzer i dare say its newly acquired status as product of the month will go on since i'm planning on finishing it up in combination with other bronzers. I like that it's very, very natural, more on the pink/fleshy side with no orange tones whatsoever (shame on you, Smashbox Bronze Lights!). It works perfectly with every brush, it doesn't stain or get muddy and it' very easy to blend. There are many beauty 'gurus' and bloggers who love this product- no wonder i wanna use it every day from now on. Perfect for contouring as well as for a bit of a sunkissed look. 

The Body Shop Concealer

The one shaped like a pencil. It's really a great find. I found this in my 'old makeup' box, have never used it before since i was the impression it was going to cake and crease, as every Body Shop concealer/foundation i ever tried. Wrong. It's a beautiful, natural looking concealer that i love using as a foundation as well because it's sheer enough, doesn't settle into pores or fine lines yet has a great coverage potential. Its newest job is to serve as an eyelid primer as well and it does work better than everything i ever tried before (except for Estee Lauder's Double Wear, that stuff works great as well). However, the packaging, while being cute and all, it's hard to maneuver...which translates in buying a jumbo size sharpener. From the Body Shop. Which is expensive. To use for the concealer only. Yep.

Yves Rocher Luminelle powder

Whilst not being a powder person at all, i could say, this stuff got me hooked because of the packaging. The lovely Plexiglas compact has thick, transparent bubbles on the lid and it looks like a fatty baby-powdercase :) just cute and sweet and adorable- had to have it. Quite intriguing since it also comes in one shade only, aimed at working as a powder with illuminating properties.

No shimmer, no 'light reflecting particles' (which is usually a decoy for glitter)..yet it does the job without caking. Pretty much like Max Factor's Creme Puff, only a lighter, much finer consistency in the sense that it feels as satiny but the product picks up less and looks less obvious on the skin. It's very cheap i believe, i got it on sale in Stockholm, and i've been using it with its retractable kabuki brush from Yves Rocher that i've been carrying around in my bag ever since.

Never before had actually CARRIED a powder case in my bag WITH a brush (a fluffy, powder one!). I might not be a powder person, or think i am not, but it does come in handy whenever my t-zone gets a bit shiny. I'm so out of the beauty planet-i just began taking makeup with me. Plain stupid not to do it on a regular basis, right? Oh well.

L'Oreal Elvital Hair Mask

An amazing product.

I am uber surprised with this- the shampoo worked beautifully for both my brushes and hair; this product comes in a 300 ml jar and i got it on sale...pretty good deal if you ask me. The thing is this is BETTER than anything L'Oreal i've tried before, even their Professional line (the champagne, silver and light yellow packaging). It smells very strongly but i don't dislike it since it's sweet and flowery and lingers on the hair long after you've washed and dried it (no more Crispy by French Fry for me).

The effects are fantastic for a drugstore product-it conditions and softens my hair without weighing it down or making it look greasy two days after, it also combats frizz (!), which means i no longer have to use anything for that, gives a healthy shine and overall, it does work wonders as a treatment. Add this to UV protection and intense moisture (no oils or silicone whatsoever) and you've got yourself a little wonder. Makeupalley seems to agree with me as well, this being one of L'Oreal's most voted non-professional hair products.

The Makeup Store Microshadow in Ghetto (matte)

....the perfect eye/brow shadow ever. Very pigmented. Great dupe for MAC's Espresso as well. Larger packaging and lower price. Very silky texture. Needs a light hand since it's VERY VERY pigmented. Loves it.

Isadora Blush in Coral Blossom

This blush is currently on a fast paced climb on the HG ladder. I love everything about it, the color, pigmentation, even the little brush it came with.

What i especially love about this is that it can be used as an overall blush-powder as well, whenever i feel like peaching up my complexion or even for slightly correcting mismatched/grayish foundations. To me it works pretty much like Benefit's Coralista plus the very intense pigmentation-a natural bristle brush + light hand advised. It's just lovely and i think this is the only blush i am actually able to gently sweep all over my face for a healthy, rosy complexion effect. I dab the brush on the pan, gently swirl it on my palm to remove any excess and with the little bit of product that's left, i go all over my face. Ta daaa! Really pretty and definitely worth the (kinda low) price. 

H&M Hello Kitty lip balm

My favorite lip balm of all times.

I hate that H&M comes up with new formulations of lip glosses/balms every two-three weeks and finding an 'old' product becomes virtually impossible. I used to be a die hard fan of their Raspberry Vanilla Hello Kitty balm, a creamy, double-shaded lip conditioner that came in a round little pot. They obviously discontinued that but came up with something even better ingredient-wise.

This lipbalm is great for me because, in comparison with other lip conditioners (Vaseline, Rosebud, etc), it isn't 99% petroleum jelly with some flavor in it. It contains aloe vera leaf extract, chamomile oil and beeswax apart from the usual vaseline-butene-polywhatever-ates (cheap) lip balms tend to be packed with. Another great thing about this is that *...drums...* i actually think it works as a bit of a lip plumper...to a certain extent.

I don't know if it's just me, but as soon as i apply it I can feel an intense (but pleasant) tingle and my lips get smooth-no more creases/lines. I've cheked and double checked and it isn't the effect of the product deposited on the lips-just plain old science! While i definitely can't say 'buy this, it will plump your lips' given the low price and no plumping effects advertised, i do think it makes a difference in my case. I use it on top of every lipstick, lipliner or just gloss, for a paler, more natural look, i like the aroma (sugary with a hint of bubblegum) and the price tag (under $3).