Is Revlon's Pink Pout a Dupe for MAC's Snob Lipstick?

I've been seeing a drugstore dupes list pop up on my Pinterest time and time again. I've seen Revlon's Pink Pout listed as a dupe for MAC's Snob a few times and thought I'd do a comparison post, seeing as I have both. I do love finding a good dupe. One of my most popular posts (11k+ views!) is where I swatched Wet 'n Wild's Brulee with MAC's Brule. Those eyeshadows are pretty darn close. Unfortunately, the pictures stopped responding. Never fear, as I updated that post with new ones!

Now let's see how Snob compares to Pink Pout!

Don't mind the state of my Pink Pout, it's a summer favorite and it's been shown a lot of love. While in the tubes, they look similar. Both are cool-toned pinks with no shimmer. One difference right off the bat is that Snob is a satin finish and Pink Pout is a matte. You can see that difference pretty clearly in the swatches below.

Snob is slightly cooler in tone. I think if you're attracted to Snob but it pulls a little too cool for you, then Pink Pout might be a suitable substitute. I don't find them to be dupes of each other, just a shade or two apart. Similar? Yes. Dupe? No. I adore both, but I reach for Pink Pout more often. It's easier for daily wear, in my opinion.

^ MAC Snob on left in swatches, Revlon Pink Pout on right in swatches.

Arbonne Smoothed Over Lipstick in Willow

I am quickly becoming a fan of the Arbonne Smoothed Over Lipstick formula. They are very smooth, creamy, and moisturizing. And I love the fruity smell. I want to say strawberry, but I can't quite put my finger on it. I find myself taking the lids off just to smell them, though. I try not to do it in public, but I make no promises.

Willow retails for $34 CA / $28 US. Like I said above, I love how creamy the formula is. It goes on like a dream. You do have to watch out for breakage with these, though. I've heard about the bullets breaking right off. I have not personally had that happen, but I'm extra careful with mine after hearing about it. Just don't wind it up too far and you should be alright.

Willow is a nude with mauve undertones. I've never met a nude or mauve I didn't like, so I love the color and find it flattering on my skintone. It goes on a bit sheer, but it is easily buildable. I see this as a shade suitable for everyday. Smoke up your eye makeup a little and it takes you straight from the office to a night out. If you're not into sporting red or pink lips on Valentine's Day, I think a nude like this one fits the bill!

You can also see my other Arbonne reviews on Aster, Iris, Berry, and the Lip Treatment.

**This was sent to me for reviewing purposes. There are no affilate links in this post. All pictures and thoughts are my own.

Home Decor: Vanity Area Inspiration

This year will mark two years that we've been in our new space. I can't believe it has already been that long! While I am happy with how far our place has come, there's still lots to do. After suffering my tibial plateau fracture last summer, I put most of my plans on hold when it came to home improvements and decorating. But that's ok, I'm not sure you ever get your home perfect so there's no real timeline!

I love saving inspiration pictures and getting ideas from them. I did a post on kitchens and bathrooms I love, as well. One of the spots that I really want to get organized and pretty is my vanity area. It's nowhere near what I want it to be, as a matter of fact the room it is in is still referred to as the "junk room". That tells you something! It ain't pretty, folks. But the pictures below are vanity table goals!

via Cara Loren

via Design Sponge

via Interiors by Stacey Cohen

You can follow my home design Tumblr, Pinterest, or Houzz boards to see more of my inspiration pictures.

Let Gosling's ChopSaver Save Your Chops!

I've played flute and piccolo for almost 21 years now. That's an insane amount of my life that I have dedicated to this one specific thing. The very thing that gave me many years and memories of concert band and marching band, most of my closest friends, and the first thing to get such long-term love and commitment from me.

When ninth grade came, I had to choose between chorus and band because they were during the same class period. It was the hardest decision to make due to my love of everything music, but I chose band. I figured that I can sing anywhere and anytime, but band was my special escape. It got me away from all of my stressors and problems. It gave me a safe place to be myself and around like-minded people. It gave me once in a lifetime experiences like marching in Disney World parades and winning trophies at competitions. Music brings me out of my shell. It did then and it still does today.

If there's one thing I remember about band besides being super hot in those uniforms on the trips to Florida, it would be freezing at late football games and competitions. Both extremes (plus the constant practicing) did not do my lips any favors. It's too bad something like ChopSaver did not exist then, but we are lucky it exists now!

ChopSaver is made by a trumpet player to help not only musicians, but also anyone dealing with lip issues. With natural ingredients like Arnica and Vitamin E, bruising, swelling, and dryness can be a thing of the past. SPF 15 is an added bonus. On a personal note, I'm allergic to citrus but I didn't have a huge reaction to this. Meaning I often break out into hives or get a nasty headache. I didn't get that with this balm, which I consider a huge success. The smell does bother me initially, but it goes away after a few moments. If citrus doesn't bother you, then you'll love ChopSaver because it smells like oranges.

All in all, it really did make my lips feel smoother even after playing my flute numerous times. Even after being in the brutal winter temperatures. That's not an easy feat to conquer! Again, the SPF is an added bonus. Lips are often overlooked when protecting yourself from the sun! There is another formula available without the SPF, as well.

ChopSaver can be purchased at CVS locations and online. You can even get a free sample and only pay shipping. There's a shipping calculator on the cart page and they accept various types of payment.

Where are my band nerds at? Represent!

**I received this product for reviewing purposes. All pictures and thoughts are my own. There are no affiliate links in this post.

Old Navy Boxing Day Haul

I have loved Old Navy since high school, maybe even before that. They are so fantastic for basics and at a price that suits pretty much everybody's budget. And honestly, the clothes last a long time if taken care of properly. Don't think affordability means low quality. That is not always the case!

They were having a massive Boxing Day (Week) sale and I got everything for under $100. Not too shabby! The photos aren't my best, because I was having a "bad knee" day and I was too lazy to wrangle everything back together and retake them. It happens! It's still not easy for me to stand and take pictures right now, but my strength is slowly coming back and it's easier than it was months ago. I've said it many times and I'll say it again- tibial plateau fractures suck.

I've linked to everything so that you can see clearer store pictures. Some of the prints that I got are out of stock online, but some stores may still have them. I also got the shift dress in black, but I forgot to take a picture of it by itself. Good one, Wendy. You had one job.

Lounge/Workout Pants:
Yoga Leggings in Black Check
Slim Boot-cut Yoga Pants in Purple Pizazz
Cozy Joggers in Tan
Fleece Lounge Pants in Stars

I needed some new ones for all of my physio sessions. The yoga leggings are amazing and the cozy joggers are so warm and comfortable. Maybe I'm alone in this and it probably sounds weird, but I think one of the best feelings is putting on new yoga pants. They fit like a glove!

Shirts:
Oversized Ribbed Scoop-neck Shirt in Black/White and Purple/Gray
Classic Plaid Flannel in Red Tartan
V-Neck Tunic Sweater in Black/Gray Stripe

Well, this picture shows my two current pattern addictions right now. I can't get enough of plaid and stripes. The oversized shirts are boxy and do not do my figure any justice, but they are so comfortable for around the house. And you can never go wrong with a flannel shirt or striped sweater. Every wardrobe needs them (in my opinion, of course)!

I really want to go on a hunt for some more of the yoga leggings, because they were so perfect during physio and didn't stretch out at all. Love! Have you bought anything from Old Navy recently?

Sephora Boxing Day Haul

Or as we mostly call it in the States, the "day after Christmas". Whatever you call it, one thing is certain, it's a fun time to shop! Even better when you have gift cards from the holidays burning a hole in your pocket. Boxing Day has pretty much turned into Boxing Week here in Canada, so you don't have to fight the crowds on the 26th if you don't want to. And who really does?!

With Sephora, they release several special sets for the occasion. For these, I do recommend either going to the store that day or ordering them online. Most sell out quickly!  I definitely suggest looking up what is being released first, so you have a game plan on what you want. Some of the sets aren't that big of a deal in way of savings. In Canada, each set is $15.

Keep reading!

Best Dressed: Golden Globes 2016

Another awards show, another red carpet. Here are the looks that I enjoyed on Sunday night!

• Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Haute Couture - Red hot! The diamond choker was the perfect addition.
• Lady Gaga in Atelier Versace - I love how she has been going simple (for her!) with that one "oomph" detail.
• Jenna Dewan-Tatum in Zuhair Murad Couture - I love celestial dresses. So dreamy!
• Saoirse Ronan in Yves Saint Laurent Couture - The cape on this Grecian-style dress is lovely, as are the simple details.
• Brie Larson in Calvin Klein - I kind of wish she'd went with a different hairstyle, but the dress is stunning.

Whose look did you enjoy at the Golden Globes? 

What I Got For Christmas 2015

Hi, guys! So obviously my post is going up a little later than others, but it took me a bit to get around to taking the pictures and deciding what to include and how to organize the post. I have some Boxing Day hauls going up in the next while, as well. It's just a matter of fitting everything in with my other regular posts and reviews. Lots coming up!

If you hate these types of posts, that's fine. Just skip over it! I'll be back with other posts this week. I personally love seeing what people receive, but to each their own!

Keep reading!

InstaMonth for December 2015

A little behind, as always! I love Instagram, you guys know that...but I reallllllly love it during the holiday season. Everyone's feeds become so festive and it's just so pleasant to the eyes and senses. It's so sad that it is all over already. We took down our tree and decorations this week and it tugs at my heart. Now begins the wait all over again! My Instagram is "wendybanner", if we're not following each other!

I had what may be my last hospital appointment yesterday. I say "may be", because I'm not back to 100%. I'm not even close to 80%, if you ask me. But the next step, if I so choose, would involve a manipulation under anesthesia, referred to as a MUA. And honestly, I'm trying to avoid it. They put you under and move the heck out of your bone to get it moving again, but you also risk further injury and pain. It would be my luck! I'm already one of the few that has the problems I have gotten with this darn TPF (tibial plateau fracture). So I'm going to keep doing my physio and see if I can keep progressing on my own.

Anyway, I'm walking (well, more like hobbling) a lot more without the walker and hoping to progress to the cane soon. You can follow my journey a little more closely on my Snapchat under "wendybanner", you can see my ups and downs, come to physio with me, etc. I do think that I'll be writing a post on it all this year, but I just want to be a little further along and share it all at once. For now, I'll just share tidbits here and there. It's been a long six months, I tell ya.

1. My November favorites.
2. Planning time. That's me during my first Christmas. Baby Wendy!
3. Week 1 of THEFACESHOP Advent.
4. Needed for those bouts of physio. People complain about leg days. Every day is leg day for me. :/

5. AmorePacific Color Control Cushion Compact.
6. Got this mug as part of Christmas last year and it's still my favorite.
7. I couldn't go to my TSwift concert because of my knee, so my friend Daniel brought the concert to me.
8. Week 2 of THEFACESHOP Advent.

 9. Pretty much the look I went for all holiday season.
10. Gifts from PRs. The makings of a fun night!
11. Week 3 of THEFACESHOP Advent.
12. THEFACESHOP's RD302 nail polish. So impressed!

13. Where you could find me on most days at the end of December.
14. Week 4 of THEFACESHOP Advent.
15. Bright colors on a rainy day!
16. My December favorites.

I am editing my pictures of my Christmas gifts and hope to get that post up next week. You know, like three weeks after every other blogger. But hey, it happens! Hopefully you won't be sick of those posts by then!

Blog of the Month: January 2016

In December, Liz from Lipstick & Confetti was my featured blogger. You can read that post and see other past featured blogs under the "blog of the month" label! Being my blog of the month gets you a designated blog post, a sidebar button, and a mention on my Twitter account. The sidebar button stays up all month long. I don't believe in necessarily making bloggers pay for advertising and I'd much rather show you blogs that I really enjoy reading. And I hope you end up enjoying them too!

It's a start of a brand new year to feature blogs that I enjoy! This month, I have chosen Kristi from Be Loverly! I've been following her on Instagram for awhile now and just recently things clicked that I had not been following her blog. I'm slow on the uptake sometimes.  I'm alright with anyone that shares my undying love for all things Audrey Hepburn. She has currently listed many of her favorites of 2015, which I found myself nodding in agreement over a lot of them. Kristi blogs about many of her interests: beauty, books, lifestyle, etc. Hope you stop by her blog!

My Favorite Products of 2015

This post will highlight the products that I really enjoyed using in 2015. Some are old favorites and some became new favorites! And many are repurchases! I tried to include products that I have used the majority of the year. For example, as much as I would love to include MAC's Velvet Teddy lipstick (obsessed!), I've only had it a little over a month. We'll just have to see if it makes it into 2016's mass favorites post!

 To see everything, keep reading!

Keep reading!

Happy New Year!

I like to share my resolutions with all of you each year. Because I don't really regard them as resolutions and consider them to be goals, I make them reachable. Better yet, I keep them basic. Basic enough that they can just about always be on my list each year. Partly because I often achieve them and feel good about it when I do!

Here are my main goals! Here's to 2016 being good to all of us! That fear I faced in 2015? Being in my first marathon. That didn't work out so great, since I ended up with a Tibial Plateau Fracture. That in turn, made me face several other fears- broken bones, the hospital, loss of movement, and surgery. So honestly, I think I might be okay if I don't find a fear to face this year. Whew!

What are some of the things you are hoping to achieve this year?