I was obsessed with lip plumper in high school. I’m in my mid-30s so it was all about DuWop’s Lip Venom back in the early-aughts. Since then, brands such as Too Faced, Lipstick Queen and Buxom have come out with their own temporary lip plumping gloss. (All very good, BTW.) When a new one hit Sephora and quickly sold out, I knew I had to try it. Dr. Lara Devgan’s Platinum Lip Plump has really great reviews on TikTok and Instagram but that’s not the only reason why I had to get my hand on this magic-in-a-tube.

I have to thank my mom for this one. She sent me Dr. Lara Devgan’s Instagram a year ago telling me I had to follow this board-certified plastic surgeon out of NYC. Somehow with a Manhattan practice and six children (!), Dr. Devgan was able to launch a medical-grade skincare launch—which just hit Sephora. So if you can’t get to her office for a little nip, tuck and injection, you can at least use her products. These include Peptide Eye Cream ($215 at Sephora), Hyaluronic Serum ($245 at Sephora) and Vitamin C+B+E Ferulic Serum ($145 at Sephora) that cost a pretty penny but so far have 5-star reviews. Oh, and that Platinum Lip Plump.

Source: Instagram

What drew me to the plumping gloss is how it not only makes lips appear fuller but it also protects the skin with broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 30, as well as mixed molecular weight hyaluronic acid and ceramides. These two ingredients hydrate and nourish the lips and improve softness. But what actually plumps the lips? Well, not irritators that OG lip plumpers had such as cinnamon and menthol that burn like hell. Instead, Dr. Devgan uses niacin (Vitamin B3) to gently vasodilate lip tissue, turning them a pink shade.

Image: Elizabeth Denton.

Now, I don’t have a lot of lip to work with. I don’t mind the shape of my lips but they are definitely on the thin side. Lip injections are awesome but I’ve always been a bit too big of a baby to get them. The first thing I noticed about Platinum Lip Plump is that it does feel hydrating, like a non-sticky thin gel. I applied a generous amount to my lips, going outside the lip line even though the directions tell you not to. (I’m a rebel.) After about a minute, the tingling starts. It’s not as intense as former lip plumpers but it’s there. It’s totally manageable, though.

After about two minutes, my lips definitely looked fuller and a bit pink.

Image: Elizabeth Denton.

I checked them out in a different light, too, and was pretty obsessed with the results.

Image: Elizabeth Denton.

The only bad thing about Platinum Lip Plump is it makes me want to get lip injections for real. Just subtle, natural-looking ones. In the meantime, I’ll apply this whenever I want a little boost. It’s sold out at Sephora right now but you can sign up for when it comes back in stock or check back here. You can also grab it on Dr. Devgan’s website.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Kary Brittingham’s Rolling Stones Tee on Instagram

Real Housewives of Dallas Instagram Fashion 2020

According to Instagram RHOD’s Kary Brittingham was apparently rolling with the Stones her housewives homies in the Lone Star State this weekend in a super cute outfit consisting of a Rolling Stones graphic tee (which we previously reported on Kristin Cavallari wearing) and black ruffle shorts. Which needless to say, totally has our tongues wagging as much as rumours that the ball is about to get rolling on filming Season 5 in just a few weeks.

Fashionably,

Faryn

Also Seen on Kristin Cavallari:

Click Here to Shop Her Madeworn Tee

Intermix Shorts Sold Out

Photo #1: @KaryBritt

Photo #2: @KristinCavallari

Originally posted at: Kary Brittingham’s Rolling Stones Tee

Melissa Gorga’s Moschino Bathing Suit on Instastories

Real Housewives of New Jersey 2020 Instagram Fashion

It certainly was a SUNday on Melissa Gorga’s Instastories in her Moschino bathing suit. Now that summer is in full throttle (and I have a pool at my apartment) swimsuits are almost my exclusive weekend wear. So it’s nice also seeing everyone else with the same idea.

My friend and I actually were just talking about swimsuit shopping. We both love the one pieces because they’re just so comfortable and perfect for any water adventure. We were making plans to go tubing and how we as ladies need solid one pieces you know, for the ladies. Though I don’t think I’d wear a brand name swimsuit out in the dirty waters, it’s certainly something I’d save up for. You know for when I have my own personal pool and Jersey shore look out.

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess

Click Here To Shop Her Moschino Bathing Suit on eBay Size L

Photo : @melissagorga

Originally posted at: Melissa Gorga’s Moschino Bathing Suit

Now that stores are starting to safely reopen, or at least for curbside pick-up, you might be itching for some new beauty products to up your everyday routine. Why not grab one of these Black-owned beauty brands at Ulta? According to a report by Crunchbase, just one percent of venture-backed founders were Black in the last five years. That statistic doesn’t get much better for women at less than nine percent. Now more than ever is the best time to support these businesses and pick up some stellar products at the same time.

Use those Ulta points on some new foundation and concealer from Uoma Beauty. Shop ultra-pigmented, super-rich eyeshadow palettes from Juvia’s Place and setting powder and liquid lipstick from Beauty Bakerie. If you’re looking for haircare, you’re in luck. Pattern and Mixed Cheeks will help you get the curls of your dreams, and make styling easy with accessories and tools. Don’t skip over Kreyòl Essence’s Haitian Black Castor Oil that you can use on your hair and scalp, as well as skin and body.

Shop some of our favorite products, below, and check out all the brands’ full Ulta offerings while you’re at it.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Image: Ulta.

Juvia’s Place

Founder Chichi Eburu created Juvia’s Place to be representative of African culture and art. Shop ulta-rich eyeshadow palettes and inclusive complexion products.

Image: Ulta.

Beauty Bakerie

Beauty Bakerie CEO and founder Cashmere Nicole started her one-woman company back in 2011 and has not slowed down since. Shop kitchy “baking” powder, lipstick, sponges, eyeshadow palettes and much more.

Image: Ulta.

Uoma

Sharon Chuter, founder and CEO of Uoma Beauty, launched the #PullUporShutUp challenge to hold corporate brands accountable. Her own brand is one of the best out there with 51 foundation shades, lipstick, concealer and eyeshadow.

Image: Ulta.

Pattern

Actress and singer Tracee Ellis Ross launched her haircare line just last year to give fans their absolute best curls. Shop all the curly-hair products plus hair accessories and tools.

Image: Ulta.

Mixed Chicks

Another curly hair brand is Wendi Levy Kaaya and Kim Etheredge’s 16-year-old brand. We love the deep conditioners, plus shampoo and detangling products.

Image: Ulta.

Kreyòl Essence

Entrepreneur Yve-Car Momperousse’s Haitian Black Castor Oil is a favorite for hair, scalp, skin and body.

Do you reach the middle of the year and wonder what happened in the past six months? It can be a shock to discover that your resolutions are lying in shreds or have been forgotten.

What about the plans you had to start new creative projects when you retired? Surprisingly, those plans have fallen away even though you are now retired. Don’t worry. This is normal, but there are easy ways to get yourself back on track.

Assess What is Important

This is a good time to assess your retirement goals. Sometimes we make plans, but circumstances change, and your plans are no longer relevant. In this case, let those plans go together with any guilt.

For example, that painting workshop in Tuscany may have been a tad overambitious for your present circumstances. Put it aside, and look closer to home for an alternative. No blame and no hard feelings.

You Have Time

I know that you would not do this to yourself, but there are people who will procrastinate, thinking they have all the time in the world. There is not enough time! Yes, there is.

The time is now. If you are physically and mentally capable of doing what you want to do, then you will find the time. Still not sure? Here are a few steps I took to free up more time for painting.

Now Dig Deeper

You have now assessed you goals and plans. You have thrown out the impractical ones, and what’s left is a list of current activities that you want to start with. Now what?

Focus on the One Thing

Many will disagree, but I find that if I focus on just one or two critical goals then chances of success improve considerably. Maybe it is the 80/20 principle at work? Focus on the 20 % that works and get 80 % returns.

A Quick Example

When I was trying to decide on a career change into full-time painting, I was nervous about the loss of income. I was worried about not being able to sell paintings. So, in 2009 I resolved early in the year to produce paintings for a Christmas market.

I had to paint in my spare time, but that was all I had to do. Produce 10 high-quality paintings in as many months. The end result was a successful market, and I felt more confident about embarking on my art career. The market was one important but doable part of the much bigger goal of a career change.

Be Patient

Being patient sounds trivial at first, but I have seen so many people scuttle their plans at the slightest provocation. Frustration with a spouse, a neighbour dispute, traffic or some household chore can spark a bad mood and an excuse to put off what you need to do now to further your creative pursuit.

The other approach is to lose patience with yourself if your art does not go to plan. You may blame your lack of talent or skill and drop the project, when in truth you have all the talent required. Now you simply need a bit more patience with yourself to persist and learn the skills over time.

Remember that giving up guarantees failure, while persistence is more likely to guarantee success.

Find Your Space and Claim It

A dedicated space to work in and come back to later is important. Packing and unpacking your materials can become a hassle. Cue another excuse to stop altogether.

If you have a room or shed you can use, then lucky you. My first studio was the corner of our bedroom. Fortunately, my wife was supportive and encouraged this option.

Amazingly, I could create many paintings in only thirty square feet. Look up innovative ways to make the most of a little space. Pinterest is a great resource for ideas like this.

Read More Non-Fiction Books

I had to add this idea because books are my mentors. If you are not fortunate enough to have a real live mentor to paint with, for example, then I am sure you will find a book to help and inspire you.

Many great artists, leaders and entrepreneurs have put their struggles and triumphs within the covers of a book. How lucky we are able to read about them for only a few dollars!

Take Action

This list is short and practical. But even if it were a one-item-list, nothing happens if you do not take action. If painting is your thing, then put some paint on the canvas. Don’t just buy a canvas. Get the paint on.

If writing is your thing, then put words on the page/monitor. If it is quilting, then sew some material together. Momentum is what you need.

That is it. Will you be able to get your creative plans back on track?

Free Book

To add a little fun to your quest (because that is what we are on) I have a free e-book to give to you. My new book, An Artist’s Survival Guide, has been published on Amazon. I am offering the e-book for Free to Sixty and Me readers. To claim your book simply visit this page. I hope that you enjoy it.

What are your personal retirement goals? Have you ever been on the brink of giving up on creative pursuits? Let us know and share any tips you have to make success possible.