LORAC Mod Goddess Alter Ego Lip Gloss Set I

I've alluded to these sets in my prior reviews of the Alter Ego Lipstick Sets I & II (Set III coming soon), but this is the first of three LORAC Mod Goddess Alter Ego Lip Gloss sets released for Holiday 2017.

These sets don't directly correspond with the lipstick sets, but contain a mix of LE and permanent collection items in pink packaging. These are the same size as the regular releases, and at $17 each normally you can see how the $26 price tag for six glosses is a real steal.

There's a nice rage of shades in this particular kit, which can be found at Ulta or Lorac.com.

In general, these are thick, hydrating, opaque glosses. I'm not wearing liner in any of these photos. With the exception of the lightest shades, these can be substituted for the lipsticks.

Let's jump in.

First up is Angel.

According to the brand, this is "nude with a gold shimmer."

I have to concur. This is the weakest shade in the group in terms of opacity, but when you're dealing with a nude gloss that's not necessarily a bad thing.

My pigmented lips do peek through.

Ick up close, but this is a nice topper.

Next up in the kit is Heroine.

According to the brand, this is "pink mauve."

This is such a lovely, wearable pink.

It's fully pigmented and covers my lips:

I like it despite the gold glitter.


The third gloss in the kit is Duchess.

This is described as "rosey nude."  I do already like it in the lipstick.

I find these colors to remain true, whether they're lipsticks or glosses.

This is an easygoing neutral shade that's great at the office. I've thrown this in my bag more than once.

Fourth up is Calypso.

This deeper shade is described as "berry violet."

It's a perfect Fall gloss, which I appreciate.

And it does look great on the lips.

Next up is Prom Queen.

This is described as "soft burgundy."

This deep red screams fall to me, how about you?

And it does look amazing on the lips:

The final shade in this set is Athena.

This is described as "true red."

It's slightly coral red, in my opinion.

Doesn't this look like the holidays?

That pigmentation is real.


I think this has a really nice shade range.

And a group swatch to remind you of the range:

Overall, I do enjoy these glosses. With glossy lips back on trend, this would make a great addition to your makeup collection, or a fab gift. Consider this QBB approved.

Hourglass Confession Refillable Lipstick Set for Holiday 2017

I'm not sure why it is that I've been dragging my feet on doing this particular review, because this is one of my happiest discoveries. I picked up the Hourglass Confession Refillable Lipstick Set for Holiday 2017 ($54) during the Sephora F& F set and have honestly struggled to test the the rest of the LORAC sets I should've been wearing because I fell for the formula.

I want them all.

Hourglass introduced the Confession refillable lipsticks earlier this year, and I scoffed at the small size. The stylo, with cartridge,retails for $34. Each refill retails for $22. Perhaps it's a good thing that I didn't fall earlier- I'd have 10 of them by now otherwise.

This set comes with one body and three lipsticks- all new and limited edition.

They're not hard to swap. Just pull off the Hourglass lid to expose the lipstick, then pull that small end off- that's what you snap into the body of the stylo. I'll probably purchase a mixture of stylos and refills, since I don't like having to continually swap but it's also a lot cheaper to get some refills. There's less lipstick in each of these (.03oz/.9g)- for comparison, a regular MAC lipstick is more than 3 times the size at 0.1oz/3g. So yes, they're expensive.

But they're worth every single penny. Because how many times do we finish a full lipstick?

Here's a quick look at the gorgeous stylo:

It feels elegant to use- but it's also ergonomic. It's so easy to be precise and I love this.

The refills don't photograph well, but here's what they look like:

Let's talk about the three shades.

True Love Means is the lightest shade- it's a peachy nude.

Hourglass calls this "pink nude." I don't see pink- I see peach. Sorry!

It can be slightly patchy- but just line carefully and you'll be fine.


My One Desire is the type of shade that I used to gravitate towards.


According to Hourglass, this is a "dusty mauve." I call it a blue-based, mid-toned, cool pink. AKA what I used to live in.

This photo has some seriously blue lighting, but there was no sun the day that I had to take an extra photo of this- sorry. I'm going to contemplate my lighting this winter, but to be honest- I have other things that matter more to purchase (like a washer/dryer!).

This is the type of shade I reach for when I just want something classic and pink.

The final shade in the set is You Are My.  Hourglass calls this "medium rose brown."

That's a rare natural light photo. Even the lower resolution of my iPhone doesn't hide the beauty of this shade.

I normally don't like browns, but I get so many compliments every time I wear this- and this is the the default living in the stylo. I wish it wasn't limited edition because it's my perfect dark nude. Heck, I was even stopped by a Sephora employee to ask what color I was wearing on my lips while wearing it. It's a showstopper. It just goes with everything.

Here's a swatch of all three:

Honestly, this is now my favorite lipstick formula. Everything about it wows me. It's so easy to use and to be precise even without a lipliner. They're moisturizing but don't migrate. I am running out of superlatives here to describe how I feel about this formula. I have a long list of shades to purchase now. I actually regret purchasing all of the LORAC kits because that money could've been invested in this line. And I like the LORAC kits!  That's how much this formula has blown my mind.

If this is still in stock near you, get it. It's a top pick for me for the VIB sale now. I just keep grabbing these over and over because they're low maintenance and beautiful. As I said, these are now my favorite ever. Sorry for sleeping on this, Hourglass.

Bite Agave Kisses Set for Holiday 2017

Today, I have one of the smaller sets for Holiday 2017 to share with you.  Say hello to the Bite Agave Kisses Set ($20) for Holiday 2017.

I've bought some of the Bite sets before, but this was my first time really experiencing (other than card samples) these products.

Just like all of the others I've tried, this comes in a reusable tin with the Bite logo.

This set is three steps to lip treatment: Balm, Scrub, Mask.

There are three products in this set, so let's break this down.

First, you receive a mini Agave Lip Balm.

This is 0.05oz/1.3g; the full size contains 0.15oz and retails for $18. I've nearly picked this up a number of times. I'm glad I hadn't.

I'm starting this review on a negative note- this let me down on only the fourth day of use. Since this is a soft formula, I did take care. Unfortunately, it shifted and started breaking almost immediately. It's moderately hydrating, but not worth the extra care.

Next up, the Agave Lip Scrub.

The deluxe sample in this set weighs in at 0.18oz/5g. The full size contains 0.26oz/7.39g and retails for $18- making this the most generously sized sample in here.

I already love their Whipped Cherry Scrub, so it was fun to try out the Agave version. I like it a lot, but it takes me so long to go through scrubs that I won't be purchasing a full size any time soon. I think it's a more effective scrub than the other one that I own.

Lastly, the Agave Lip Mask.

I've tried just a little card sample of this before, but I suspected that this would be a better test. I was correct. In this kit, you receive 0.18oz/5g of product; the full size retails for $26 and contains 0.52oz/15g of product.

This is by far and away my favorite product of the trio; I'll be purchasing a full-size during the upcoming sale. My lips are prone to chapping and cracking; this quenched their needs all night long. I know I'm late to the party on this, but it's a great product.

Now that I've tried the set for about 10 days, I really recommend it either for personal use or for a holiday gift. I might just pick up one for my mother, and a second to keep in reserve as a "just in case" gift. It's that good. I've stuck to the mini lipsticks in the past, but this is my favorite set that I've tried from the brand.

L'Oreal Infallible Paints Metallics Chrome Cherries & Paints Matte Metallics Brick Metal

For a second, short post today I wanted to share two more of the L'Oreal Infallible Paints that I've picked up. In my earlier posts, I mentioned wanting to try more shades- these are the two shades that I selected.

First up, the L'Oreal Infallible Paints Metallics #338 Chrome Cherries.

This is a true red chrome, and one of the more wearable shades in the range. I believe it's an Ulta-exclusive shade.

I find metallic reds to be flattering for some reason. I reach for these mostly around the holidays, so it's nice to have a glossy version.

It's lovely, but it's not a M-F daytime shade for me.

I also picked up the L'Oreal Infallible Paints Metallics Matte in 378 Brick Metal.

I think I actually prefer this formula because it's drier- and easier to control.

Brick Metal is a gorgeous coppery red- it looks downright orange next to Chrome Cherries.

See how rich and pigmented that is? It looks even better on the lips.

This is the easier-to-wear version of matte metallic liquid lips. And I prefer it so much.

Bottom Line: I think I actually prefer the matte version, which is crazy for me. I find these to be one of the best drugstore lip products, but I think I'm done with collecting any additional shades.