My latest Rent the Runway purchase included a sweet little gift bag with some free samples from their advertising partners, including a Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm in Fresh Plum. I must say this is a clever marketing strategy because I don't think I would have tried this lip balm otherwise! But I'm so glad I did, because it's become my new favorite.

What they say: Revitalizing Lip Balm SPF 20 ($8.99) helps make lips softer, rosier and healthier-looking, even after you take it off! This sheer tinted balm with exclusive ion2complex™ instantly moisturizes lips, leaving them looking fuller and more defined. In just one week, it helps improve lips' texture and restores the look of rosiness. SPF 20 helps protect lips and keeps them looking healthy.

What I thought: This is the perfect my-lips-only-better balm, subtly adding natural-looking color and lasting moisture. Fresh Plum reminds me of Clinique's Tenderheart shade, which I used to wear obsessively in high school, a neutral hue that deepens the natural color of your lips.

I love that the color is noticeable but not so deep that you can't apply this balm without using a mirror. You can also build the color up a bit for more impact, but nothing overpowering.

I like the all black packaging, too, and the oval shape - never seen that before. The balm has a pretty soft consistency and I'll probably use it up quickly but I'm not too concerned about that. It's not sticky and it won't "travel" into your mouth (yuck) like some glosses do.

The scent is super light and reminds me of strawberries.

In terms of staying power, you will need to reapply after meals. In my experience, glosses either keep your lips moisturized but come off easily, or they actually dry out my lips and come off easily. This balm falls into the first camp.

As far as the "revitalizing" features, I didn't necessarily find this to be the case, but my lips weren't in awful shape to begin with. Honestly I could do without the SPF, too (can it really be healthy to put octinoxate and oxybenzone on your lips every day? Wouldn't you consume small quantities? I dunno.)

The bottom line: A pleasant surprise, Neutrogena's Revitalizing Lip Balm is a great everyday balm that makes lips look prettier and naturally enhanced. I'll definitely be buying this lip balm and can't wait to try the other colors soon.

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The Tory Burch double wrap leather logo bracelet is $95 at shopbop.com. It comes in lots of colors and never really goes out of style. I have a similar style bracelet from Stella & Dot that I wear all the time; the leather makes it comfortable and the style goes with everything, day or night.

Tory burch Double Wrap Logo Bracelet

Get the look for less at Gap stores with their take on the double wrap bracelet. I don't remember the exact price but I'm pretty sure these were under $20 and come in fun spring colors like mint green, too. Check your nearest Gap store counter for these as I wasn't able to find them online.




Photo by me

Canadian-based fashion brand Joe Fresh was scheduled to launch its new line at JCPenney stores last Friday, March 15, so I headed to my nearest store to check it out - and lo and behold, there it was! A brightly lit, Joe Fresh store-within-a-store, fully stocked and ready to go. Quelle surprise!

Visually, everything looks great, a million times better than the rest of the outdated department store (which has been slowly getting revamped as well). And the styles are right on point, think classics pieces with a modern sensibility. Highlights include the colorful skinny jeans, gingham button downs, crochet shorts, tailored shorts in bright prints and casual day dresses.

I didn't feel up to trying things on what with my bump and all, although I'm sure some of the knit tops would have fit me just fine, so I can't speak to fit. But in terms of quality for the price, I think they're right on. Most items are under $39.

I had the whole shop to myself during my trip with the exception of one group of 3 ladies who came through to check it out and I overheard one say to another, "Hey these cardigans look nice! $16, not bad!" (direct quote LOL). So there's some anecdotal evidence that shoppers might be responding well. I've noticed a few items are sold out online, too. Joe Fresh for JCP is a breath of fresh air, no doubt about it, but will it be enough?

After perusing JCP, I ventured back into the mall and into the adjacent Forever 21, which has been newly renovated and now occupies two levels. I was greeted by high ceilings, bright chandeliers, and loud music. Eager shoppers shuffled around, deeply engrossed with rack upon rack of eye-candy. It was a stark contrast to JCP and made me wonder if the flailing chain can survive. Maybe they should start selling groceries and toilet paper? That's what gets me to Target...

Have you scoped out the new Joe Fresh for JCP collection? What did you think?

Last Call by Neiman Marcus is giving BB readers the chance to shop their Friends & Family discount event HOURS before the public! With a sale like this, getting a head-start on your fellow shoppers could mean the difference between scoring those shoes you've been coveting in your size and, well, not getting them!

Starting at 8 a.m. CT through 1 p.m. CT on Wednesday 3/20, use coupon code BLOGLUV at checkout at www.lastcall.com to get your exclusive 30% off discount.

The event continues for all from 3/20 at 2 p.m. online and on Thursday 3/21 both in stores and online. Save 30% off your entire purchase, including new spring styles.

Happy shopping!

I don't normally mix up my blush routine - I have a favorite and that's that - but when Pixi Beauty offered to let me sample one of their perfect-for-spring shades, I decided I had nothing to lose - and could possibly gain a new tool to help me combat my pale, winter skin.

What they say: Pixi Blush Beauty in No. 1 Healthiest Honey ($16) instantly offers a natural touch of color that won't require any touch up throughout the day

What I thought: Pixi is one of Target's high-end beauty lines so it's not cheap, but the quality is really impressive. First, there's the girly packaging - light mint green and gold fairy logo - just lovely.

Then, the product. This blush is super soft, has no noticeable odor (you know me and my aversion to fragrances) and goes on light and smooth. It didn't irritate or dry my skin at all. Just what a good blush should be!

The color itself is more of a soft bronze with just a kiss of pink, and it worked amazingly well with my complexion. When you're as pale as I am, many blush colors can be instantly overpowering and you run the risk of looking clownish, but Healthiest Honey is basically foolproof. It's so light that it might actually not provide enough color for those with darker complexions. You can build up the color but only to a point.

As for staying power, this blush definitely has it. My blush stayed put all day, without smudging or fading.

My only qualm is how powdery this blush gets in the container - a few swipes with my blush brush and there was blush dust all over. It's odd because the powder isn't dry whatsoever, it actually has the slightest creamy finish. I'm not sure what the technical term for this would be but I'd prefer something that adheres to my brush without "snowing" everywhere.

Oh. Also, the price. It's $16. Ouch. This is a toughie for me because as much as I enjoyed this product, I'm not sure I'd honestly fork over $16. But that doesn't mean it isn't worth it.

The bottom line: For a soft, sun-kissed glow you can wear year round, Pixi Blush Beauty delivers. I'd love to try some of the other shades, like Purest Peach or Perkiest Pink.

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