Lip Ink-Wax Free Semi-Permanent Liquid Lip Color (Vegan) Giveaway/Review~ 11/15

Momma Told Me: A lady never shares her secrets.

Somewhere between 7 and my first training bra I began to take notice of the wide array of beauty, and appearance that surrounded me. I suddenly had become quite curious about physical differences between boys and girls, and even my from Momma to her momma. Things such as bra size, height, skin tone, wrinkles, dimples, and more made me wonder just what it was that made each and every one of us so unique. I'd look up at Momma, squinting through the harsh fluorescent bathroom lights, and watch as she applied her daily routine of makeup. I was old enough to understand these 'miracle' paints and powders made Momma look much younger (and energetic) than the woman I spent my summer mornings with. But I didn't understand why some women still looked significantly older in age. Did Momma have a secret time capsule, or discover the brand of foundation for all time? No matter how many times I asked her answer was always the same, "A lady never shares her secrets!"

Not too far back our car was out of commission and I was shuttling back and forth on public transportation. Every Monday (payday), about 2PM, I would dial a ride and take the short trip into town to pick up our groceries. On the bus, in the same spot, would sit a woman I reasoned to be in her late 20s, to early 30s. She took the bus home from work weekly, and often touched up her makeup during the ride. Still somewhat fascinated by beauty routines, I couldn't help but note how her lip color seemed to never smear, or even fade. Surely she had a favorite lipstick stashed in her purse, and retouched throughout the day? Week after week, she would get on, lips looking flawless. I'd watch, even more impressed, as she's powder, blot, and gloss around her gloss without a single spot or fade. Now I was sure it was a stain.

After near 2 months, we finally struck up a natural conversation, and I found an 'in' to broach the topic. Casually, I mention how much I loved the shade, and how smooth it seemed to wear. Luckily she was not Momma. At first she bustled within her purse for several minutes, telling me that she was sure I'd 'never seen anything like this before'. When her hands turned up empty, and a scrap of folded paper emerged I was even more perplex. The top of the miniature pamphlet read; "Wax Free- Semi Permanent Cosmetics". 'Like tattoos and dyes?' I thought to myself, raising a hesitant, yet intrigued brow. I opened my mouth to question, as the bus lurched forward at it's stop, and she quickly referred me to the literature, "Trust me, this stuff's amazing! And vegan too!" she exclaimed before turning her back to disappear down the aisle.

The company she had shared was called LIP INK, and they turned out to be the creator and manufacturer of the only wax free SemiPermanent cosmetics on the market, today. They hold dozens of international patents for sheer, natural, and herbal colors that can truly be layered endlessly for original and inspired hues. Their naturally antiseptic, vegan, formulas are gentle and nourishing, while holding the power to retain crisp, bold, hues as long as days after application. Best of all, LIP INK SemiPermanent Lip Colors can be applied in the comfort of your own home, by you! If you're like me, you likely don't wear lip color daily because it's simply inconvenient. To constantly have to watch what you put your lips too, and check the mirror for stains/streaks is simply unacceptable and what makes many women slaves to their makeup. Why not take back the feeling of beauty and mystique with a smudge free, all day color that treats and magnifies your natural beauty?

There are a few things LIP INK is not; it is not a wax based pigment (which means it does not stick or build), it is not an actual ink, and it is not made from harsh chemicals. In fact, this animal friendly botanical based compound wears like skin and is virtually undetectable upon the surface. Because of this reason you can choose from hundreds of shades (like my favorite Natural Wood Collection), that build and stack like primary colors in grade school! Though, I must admit, there are more than enough shades to select from already, and their comprehensive Color Wheel and Library will easily walk you through the best shades for your complexion and features.

I received a LIP INK Sand Wood Liquid Lip Color (SRV $18.95) for review here on Momma Told Me. The product was packaged in a small black box complete with color chart, complete fold out instructions, color vial, OFF Towelette, and Shine Moisturizer. The color itself resembles a classic lip tint/gloss, in a slender silver tone capped vial with pull out wand and sponge applicator. First, it's important to prepare and exfoliate your lips with the OFF Towelette, that will also remove any old color build up, and create a toned, even surface for the color to adhere to. Next, tap the color wand, closed, into the center of your palm (as illustrated in the header image). Don't blot, but slide the wand of color as smooth and quickly along your lips as possible. Any lingering can result in minor streaks or dark spots.

The formula has a bit of a strong, almost chemical honey smell, to my nose. It's my preference, after first application, to do this in a well ventilated area, though the contents are botanical and safe for the skin. You may also wish to do a patch test with all 3 products prior to application, just in case. Expect your lips to take the color with 3-4 complete pass throughs the first time. LIP INK is a conditioning process, and the effects will improve with experience and time. At first my lips seemed almost natural; then the color developed over the next few layers. There is a distinct tingling sensation that I might classify as stinging, the first use (this sensation seems to lesson each day/use). It's not unbearable or even intense, but it's noticeable.

After your final application it's important to seal and nourish your lips with a proper moisturizer or gloss. Included with the LIP INK SemiPermanent Lip Color is more than enough Shine Moisturizer for multiple applications. Simply tear pen the pouch and apply generously to soothe and finish your lips. The moisturizer is quickly absorbed, but leaves a soft, glossy topcoat that lasts for hours and wears like traditional lip color. Of course this is not traditional lip color and the difference is dramatic through all day wear. Meal after meal, even with coffee, and napkins, the color stays put. Simply moisturize your lips after for a silky finish that rivals even the top name brand cosmetics! It's so easy, and I love that I don't have to fuss with it throughout the day!

What Daughter Says: This is one beauty secret you'll simply have to share!

One Momma Told Me follower will win a LIP INK SemiPermanent Lip Color of choice!