February Favorites & Fails - Beauty, Clothing, Books & TV Shows

[@ceciliagovea]

I am so shocked that you like the rephr sponge! I literally HATE it so much, it absorbed my products entirely. Goes to show that everything works different for everybody. Also, the KJH highlighter is so intriguing to me, it looks so gorgeous and youthful!

[@thelipstickgal]

The KJH hyper shine kit is amazing. I can't stop using it. I just wish it wasn't as expensive, and you could purchase the items individually. I don't know how much product my rephr sponge is soaking up, but I really like the texture. 🤷‍♀️

[@BrendaBostonGirl]

I finished “All the light we cannot see” and loved it. Hubs and I started watching Mr and Mrs Smith on Amazon and it’s really good, not what you expect and every episode surprises us. More about a marriage where they happen to be spies/assassins. I was sick for much of February so less makeup but started exploring scents for spring. Got travel sizes of Kate Spade New York (fresh strawberry smell!) and beautiful magnolia from Estée Lauder

[@thelipstickgal]

I haven't read or watched All The Light We Cannot See yet. I haven't decided if I'm going to read it or watch it. My husband is enjoying Mr. and Mrs. Smith with my kids. I always seem to be in the bath when they're watching on the weekends. I hope you're feeling better. I LOVE that Kate Spade scent. My oldest wears it, and loves it. It's been a while since I've picked up an Estee Lauder fragrance, but I might have to swing by the counter and sniff a few the next time I'm at Macys.

[@classicswithaquirk]

I really like Valentino's coral fantasy! I got a few samples a while ago and for several weeks I was reaching for it almost every day. Have you heard of By Rosie Jane? Dulce is also a sweet (not floral, less fruity, more gourmand) scent that has become one of my favorites.

[@lisekrieger3468]

My curly headed daughters use Ouidad products on their hair. They have a botanical light conditioning spray for next day fluffing. Also, Ouidad does stylist training and we have found their haircuts far superior to stylists that haven't received the training. Def worth checking out.

[@thelipstickgal]

Thanks so much for the recommendation. My stylist specializes in cutting curly hair. (and has curly hair herself) I feel like I'm in good hands. I'll have to check for the Ouidad conditioning spray next time I'm at Ulta. THanks!

[@yvonneadrian734]

I have the Patrick Ta medium brown eyebrow pencil and it's very fine. So far my absolute favorite!

[@thelipstickgal]

I'm going to have to check that out. I didn't know his brow pencil was at tiny. Thanks!

[@pinksparkle258]

Lol...Jeff Daniels character is simply called "The Dude" 😎 No real faves or flops for February as I'm on a low/no buy til the Ulta 21 days of beauty sale in March or the Sephora VIB sale in April. Just got a book on Valentine's Day called "Eyeliner: A Cultural History" by Zahra Hankir...very interesting so far!! Love your retro hand mirror...I use a 1930's bakelite hand mirror myself 😊 Hey have you tried the About Face Cherry Pick lip butters yet? They're amazing but no one ever talks about them...I think they're better than the Tarte ones 💋❤️🍒

[@thelipstickgal]

My husband is astounded I've never seen The Big Lebowski. : ) Stay strong on your low buy. I'm trying to convince myself that current collection doesn't need anything else. I've been picking up so many things recently that I've been a bit overwhelmed. A low/no buy would be good for my soul right about now. I love my vintage bakelite mirror. It was a total steal. I picked it up for $7 at a antique store 5 years ago, and I've been in love ever since. I have one of the AF lip butters. Kiwi Fuzz. It's so much more pigmented than the Tarte ones. I know Tarte just launched new, more pigmented Juicy lipsticks, but I don't want to pay the $26 when I can grab one of the AF ones. Thanks for watching today.

[@lindabarnhill1522]

I listened to The Covenant of Water on my audible, and ended up purchasing a hard copy so that I could annotate!! Loved this piece! I just finished The Lion Women of Tehran - I think you would enjoy this one!!

[@thelipstickgal]

@@lindabarnhill1522 ooh, I love a good b book recommendation. Thanks! I really enjoyed The Covenant of Water. Such a moving book. Thanks for watching today.

[@marybarlow5353]

I am also reading the Covenant of Water! It's amazing! I was WAITING for this book as I LOVED his previous book - Cutting for Stone - if you are looking for another Verghese to read, Cutting for Stone is your next book! You wont be disappointed! :)

[@thelipstickgal]

You're the second person to recommend it. I'll put it on my list. Thanks so much for the recommendation. I appreciate it.

[@Christine-uf3oj]

Thanks for the idea about the spray bottle! I have been loving my cashmere from Quince and Anthropologie and my my wool cardigans from Boden, too. This winter I have only wanted to wear wool and cashmere, and I'm into the cardigans, too. A Hulu series I have loved and I REALLY want them to make a season 2 is The Artful Dodger. Its a sequel to Oliver Twist and its sooo good, from the story to the gorgeous costumes the female characters wear to the witticisms and funny quips!

[@thelipstickgal]

Ooh, what a great sounding show. I put my Hulu account on hold for the moment. I had too many streaming services, and my husband made me "play favorites" and cancel a few. Sadly Hulu had to go. I might swap out Disney Plus for Hulu this summer. 🤷‍♀️ I can't stop wearing my cardigans. My kids say I look like a old man. 🤭 I don't care, they're just so comfy. I'm really loving natural fibers this winter. I have a lovely stash of cashmere, but they're mostly pull overs. The cadris have been fantastic as an additional layer. The spray bottle made all the difference in my hair prep routine. I love it. That, and my Denman brush.

[@tedoymisojos]

Im def checking out Tokyo Vice. This month I really enjoyed the Lys Lash Confidence Clean Mascara. Reminds me of Bite Beauty Upswing, a mascara I've been trying to replace with zero luck. It wears really well, doesn't irritate my eyes, makes my lashes look twice as long (in just a few zigzag passes), and the volume it adds doesn't look messy. I like that if I do too many passes (I use zigzag motions) it starts looking like false lashes, which is what I need if I'm doing smokey eyes. Its not quite the same as Bite, but its close and I'm super happy about it. I also loved the Moira waterproof lip liner in Discreet, and the Wet n Wild breakup Proof Waterproof liquid liner (what a little gem). 🥰

[@thelipstickgal]

I didn't have good luck with the gel liner from WnW, so I didn't even try the liquid liner. Maybe I need to. Thanks for the recommendation. I'll also put the LYS mascara on my list of things to try. I'm all about more lashes with less effort, and I know my short/straight/downward pointing lashes need as much help as they can get. I do like the Moira lip liners, but I prefer the colors I have from About Face right now for the lipsticks I'm reaching for. I need to find better online swatches of the Moira ones. I love the formula, but the 2 shades I have aren't my perfect go to shades. One is too pink, and the other is too brown. That's ok, I'll pick up a few more next time I place an order. I hope you like Tokyo Vice, I'm so excited that there's a new episode tomorrow.

[@jmdagger10]

Such a fun video! I read a Wally lamb book this month and while it was devastating it was also amazing. It was called “we are water” and I highly recommend it. I have also been doing strength training twice a week and been getting stronger which has been a big goal of mine for 2024! Thanks for the video and here is to spring!

[@thelipstickgal]

I still have a bone to pick with Wally Lamb. I read She's Come Undone in the late 90s, and HATED it. I don't even remember what it was about, but it's the one book I remember how much I disliked it. 🤭🤣 I will check out We Are Water and see if it catches my interest. I'm due to spend some time at the library this weekend, so I'll flip through it if it's on the shelf. Thanks for the recommendation. I need to start doing something for my personal health. Maybe yoga or Pilates. I'm starting to feel "old." 🫤

[@jmdagger10]

@@thelipstickgal oh wow! That is one of my favorite books! Ha! Anyway I still strongly recommend the We Are Water book.

[@thelipstickgal]

@@jmdagger10 ok.

[@Kbaltrush]

I just tried the Heimish curling mascara for the first time and was sooooooo impressed! Much, much more drama than I was expecting and the lift lasts all day. Not one smudge! I have the volume version waiting in the wings (bought them as a two-pack) and can’t wait to try that one too! Thanks for recommending it!

[@thelipstickgal]

I'm so pleased you like it. It's my favorite tubing mascara. I really rely on it for long days with a minimal eye look. I don't always wear a ton of makeup, so on the single shadow and mascara kind of days, it's my favorite!

[@phylliswiggins3438]

Have you seen the Guerlain cherry blossom lipstick case? It is so pretty. Looks hand painted.

[@thelipstickgal]

Yes, it's lovely. I'm trying to remind myself that I already have enough Guerlain lipsticks right now. It's hard.

[@lindabarnhill1522]

What other powders do you like that sits nicely under the eye? Enjoy your day! :)!

[@thelipstickgal]

Here are my favorite powders for all over, and especially under the eye. 1. Givenchy - Prisme Libre Loose Powder - 03 Voile Rose 2. Beauty Pie - One Powder Wonder - Uberlucent Universal 3. Hourglass - Ambient Lighting Powder - Diffused Light 4. EM Cosmetics - Portrait Mode 5. Pat McGrath - Under Eye Setting Powder

[@melindadean5855]

Definitely read Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese. Highly, highly recommend!

[@thelipstickgal]

Ooh, thanks so much. I'll put it on my list.

[@lisasmith7]

I got the 1 oz of Born in Roma around Christmas. Luv it. I want to pick up Sand from Ellis Brooklyn. It sounds like it is right up my alley. I am trying the new Denessa Myricks water to powder drops. I have an oily tzone. I like it. When it gets warmer and more humid, I will know more. I tried the Tarte tubing mascara, I didn't hate it. I have been watching Podcasts. Mostly true crime. I need to read a good book. I started watching Survivor tonight. Have a wonderful week ❌️ ⭕️

[@thelipstickgal]

I really like the Valentino fragrance. So pretty, and easy to wear. I also like the Ellis Brooklyn. Maybe it's time to investigate what other scents they have. I've been curious about the DM powder serum. I might have to pick those up during the sephora sale. I've tried the Tarte tubing mascara, and it flakes on me. It's one of the few tubing formulas that flake off, and I don't like that about it. I prefer other ones, but I know every mascara is different for everyone. Thanks so much for watching today!

[@lisasmith7]

@thelipstickgal I picked up a purse size of Salt and I really like it. I didn't have any problems with the Tarte. Take care.

[@minazohradalagerjensen]

The Nars Climax mascara is great in the normal size but horrible dry and flaky in the small ones😅 have no idea why but I’m happy I tried the normal size😊🎉

[@thelipstickgal]

Ooh, that's good to know. I was so disappointed. I might pick up a full size the next time I'm shopping for nars products.

[@QuinceyG]

Enjoying your video as usual at my early morning prep for work. I get to my office at about 5/6AM and I just love watching your videos while I prep for the day.😂 As funny as this sounds, as a curly haired girl as well, that water bottle of something I need ASAP😂 I’ve been wanting to get a water bottle like that for years and I just never seem to get one . I use my old one and I have a feeling that the mist is really gonna make a huge difference. I really want to try the Moira single shadows they look beautiful. And I like you have been doing one and done looks, and enjoying them so much. Have to dive into the persona liners as well 😊

[@thelipstickgal]

Keep the cap on the persona liners. That can dry out of they're not tightly on. I haven't had problems with mine, but I'm very persnickety. I LOVE the water bottle. It's a silly thing to start my video with, but something that's made such a huge difference in my daily hair prep. I love it. If my kids didn't use it, I'd mix in a bit of conditioner with the water for a hydrating refresh mist. One and done eye looks have been my go to when I'm busy or focusing on lipstick. I've been up to my eyeballs in lipstick this entire month.

[@tanhome7]

The brown Thrive mascara is nice. I accidentally ordered it and glad I did. Great watching you this morning while getting ready as always 😊

[@thelipstickgal]

Oh, thanks for making me part of your morning routine. I'm about to get another thrive mascara, and I might pick up the brown one. (I need more mascara like I need another hole in my head, but . . . )

[@tanhome7]

@@thelipstickgal it’s the best mascara! (That and the one from YSL but that wand is made more for volume). I really enjoy watching you in the mornings while I’m getting ready so it works out for us both. 😊❤️

[@carolynpritchard9827]

I too like the Nars foundation..couldn't find exavt match but got one close. Loving Charlotte Tilbury 90s pink new lipstick. Just finished True Detective Night Country..enjoyed it. Did you see the movie Nyad? Another good one with Annette Bening and Jodie Foster.

[@thelipstickgal]

I haven't seen Nyad. I'll take a look for it. Love both of those ladies. I'm glad to hear you're enjoying the new Charlotte lipsticks. They look so pretty.

[@lvvl1005]

I have the Nars light reflecting (also in Mont Blanc) and I just have not been liking it. I’ve tried it with different primers and moisturizers but I feel like it just highlights any bit of texture or dryness I have. I’ve seen so many people loving it, but I’m struggling with it. I recently tried the Covergirl brow pencil based on your recommendation. Omg! I’m in love with it! I’ve been using Benefit for years and the covergirl is just as good, if not better. I really liked the White Queen and White Princess series. I didn’t know much about that period either but they were suggested after I finished watching the Spanish Princess. I need to get the books now. Season one and night country are my favorite True Detective seasons. If you haven’t seen them already, you might like The Serpent Queen and The Medici series.

[@marionallen2222]

I can’t put anything with the NARS LR foundation just sunscreen it doesn’t play well with others I was putting way too much moisture under it so it was making it look oily and too shiny but it’s one of my favorites for the way it plumps smooths meshes with my skin it’s incredible I wish they made that in a natural finish lol

[@thelipstickgal]

I love a historical drama, so I've already seen the serpent queen and Medici. They're so good. I'm always looking for series or movies like that. True Detective this season was so good! The cover girl pencil is a game changer for me. I love the price, and the amount of product you get (twice as much as benefit at half the price) I'm just starting to look into these tiny pencils, and I'm intrigued. Thanks so much for taking a risk with the cover girl. That pencil impresses me so much. I wish there were more nuanced shades, but I'm trying the darker one next time! I'm sorry the NARS isn't working for you. I normally only have a light serum and a hydrating sunscreen on to make sure my makeup suits well on my skin. I use ALL the products during my night time routine, but keep products to a minimum during the day.

[@lvvl1005]

@@marionallen2222 I have another skin tint that’s like that- I can’t wear it with anything underneath. But that one looks amazing on me and lasts all day so I don’t mind lol. I’ve tried using the nars with minimal stuff underneath (just my moisturizer) and that makes it a little better. But, it still seems to highlight all my dryness and pores. I’m going to try mixing it into another water based tinted moisturizer to see if I like that better. I feel like maybe it’s just a little too radiant/shimmery for my skin.

[@thelipstickgal]

I try and switch up my skincare or skin prep when I'm having issues with a foundation. Sometimes it's just that the formula doesn't work for me. I have an entire list of foundations that fall into that category. It makes me sad, but not everything works for everybody.

[@marybonome9279]

I love your channel and recommendations. Always look forward to faves/fails. I am going to pick up the HG mini😂😂😂.The powder has my interest. I will also go back to Quince..did a quickie run through and a couple of jackets and the wool coat (?)..I am not sure about sizing...either XS/S🤔😂Ty. Did you review the Prada Foundation ? Still not in store so I am in no rush!😂

[@thelipstickgal]

I haven't picked up the Prada foundation. I'm biding my time and trying to focus on all the foundations I already have in my collection. (there's so many) I really like the hourglass powder. It's totally worth it if you looking for subtle luminance and great setting. It looks like beautiful skin, and that's what I'm always looking for. I'm trying to stay off the quince site right now. I don't need any more clothes is jewelry, but they're releasing linen stuff. 🥰

[@hollyk2454]

Good Morning! It’s funny I’ve recently fallen in love with that NARS foundation too! I had it for a while but thought it was breaking me out so took a break…turns it the breakouts were from a Khiels moisturizer. Wow I’m def picking up my summer shade do the NARS during the spring sale! That Em cosmetics powder is so cute, def tempted to try 💖💄🌸

[@thelipstickgal]

I really like the NARS foundation. I'm glad it's working well for you. I hope that this summer my shade will be perfect! Thanks for watching today.

[@anneviscardi]

Ive been sitting on an order of make beauty eyeshadows in like 3 shades. Most of the swatches ive seen were from those that received PR so i can’t find more that one swatch really for one of the shades. I discovered i love a good shimmer single but i don’t like it in cream e/s stick format , I don’t know why i think it’s just not enough impact.

[@thelipstickgal]

I've been eyeing those new singles from Make. I decided to skip them because I saw a review where Lauren Mae Beauty says they can sometimes make her lids look dry and textured. She said it looks like scale. 😬 That was all it took for me decide I didn't need them. I understand wanting something with more impact. When that's what I want, I reach for a Sydney Grace pigment. Works perfectly for my more mature lid. I'm really enjoying the one and done shadows this month. I feel lazy, but I don't hate that. 🤭

[@anneviscardi]

oh interesting! il have to search her channel. i imagine its because there is so much pigment you'd need to apply a small amount. i love a matte shadow stick and then popping on LE liquid lurex or VB shadow. Im giving away my caramel? VB stick because its meh, i liked the matte formula but ended up buying a shade that was almost an exact dupe to a vieve one i already own. But yea gone are the days of several shadows ha. Even if i always add an inner corner or brow bone i don't count that @@thelipstickgal

[@anneviscardi]

thanks! i found the video. i saw some apply a light layer and then go over it with their finger just in the center but she only applied it with a brush to her lid, so hard to tell. I will say the pans are giant and then i look at VB and see those are 5g and never realized it had that much in it@@thelipstickgal

[@thelipstickgal]

@@anneviscardi Yes, I love how much product you get in the Make singles, but I'm looking for something that won't age my lids anymore than they already are.

[@anneviscardi]

@@thelipstickgali mean realistically i probably don’t either ha. I did give away VB chiffon because i got LE Cressida. And I’m sure honey is similar to dream dust. And maybe even quartz to dior beige mitzah. 😂🎉

[@dortheasselberghs6581]

I need a powder for touch ups in my purse... Your review makes me want to order the Em cosmetics portrait mode and pay the nearly 30euros in shipping and taxes to Belgium. My only questions, does it really fill in pores somewhat? And does it give flashback?

[@thelipstickgal]

I don't know that it's worth the extra 30 euros in shipping. There must be a good pressed powder you can get that won't cost almost twice the amount of the actual product. This is good, but if I was living in Europe, I'd find an alternative instead of paying the extra shipping/tariffs. It is a great powder. I don't know if it's blurring on my skin, but it is a weightless powder that I can use for setting and touch up. It's become my new favorite. I'm not sure about flashback. I haven't check that out. I normally don't use my flash.

[@dortheasselberghs6581]

Thank you for answering... Belgium is really a stupid country to love make up🤣 not as many brands available and if they are available often not in all shades (fdt and concealer wise)... hearing you rave about the brow products I would order those too. Rarely do brands have black brow products and the shape of the pencils sounds like what I am looking for too🤞🏻 I have am now down to my last backup from the kvd brow pencils with the same oval shape. I can not get used to the round tips🙈💕

[@thelipstickgal]

@@dortheasselberghs6581 I'm always happy to answer. That's what I'm here for. ☺️ If you're looking for a small pencil that's small, but not oval, I've repurchased the EM brow pencil so many times. I currently have 3 back ups and one in regular rotation. EM is one of my favorites brands. I have an EM playlist and there's a video ranking everything from the brand. There have been some new releases since I made that video, but I've really enjoyed the new blush formula and the new lip formula. If you decide to pick up several things from the brand at once , it might be worth the shipping and tariffs. I'm not trying to sway you, but thinking out loud.

[@marionallen2222]

🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍

[@soniasobaro9127]

I am not very interested in make up lately. This month I enjoyed a serie about Balenciaga's life story

[@thelipstickgal]

Ooh, sounds interesting. I've been watching The New Look in Apple TV. It's about Dior. It's pretty good. Is the series about Balenciaga easy to find? I'd be interested to watch it. Especially if it's in Spanish.

[@soniasobaro9127]

@@thelipstickgal I saw it in Disney + in Spanish (original version)

[@thelipstickgal]

@@soniasobaro9127 I'm going to go look for it right now. Thanks!

[@thelipstickgal]

I just checked Disney+ and it's not here in the US yet. I'll keep checking for it, because I just saw the promo on imbd, and it looks so good!

[@randig7503]

@@thelipstickgal I just started The New Look, it’s very interesting, I’m hooked 😊