Education Series - Buyer Beware of Photoshopped Lip Colors

Photo Courtesy of eHow.com

Like you, I am drawn in by the glossy, rich colors of lip tints, glosses and lipsticks that I see on the internet. After all I love this stuff! I think, "WOW! How did they get all of their photos to have the same pose?" Then I look at the other photos displayed just a little bit closer and I can easily see that all of the examples are from the same original photo and only the lip color or glossy element has changed or maybe its been cropped a little differently. Oh my!

I'm amazed at how many people are Photoshopping images of their own handmade products. I know the big name cosmetic companies and magazines use these "tricks" all the time. Did you know that with an easy search in Google there are lots of free tools to use with Photoshop to change lip color in a photo? Yes I know pictures sell but let's be honest here, personally I don't think it's proper for a handmade item to be Photoshopped in the name of sales just so your colors look amazing or different from how the product will actually look on a consumer. After all, I believe people shop for handmade items for other reasons such as quality of raw materials, craftsmanship, flavors, etc. Then I got to thinking...I don't know if most shoppers even notice that this is going on.  

So in a nutshell what I'm saying is that technology is a fantastic thing as long as it's not deceiving anyone and to please be aware that this practice is being used. We all work hard for our money and we want to spend our dollars wisely and we want to spend it on a quality handmade product that the artist who created it is proud of.

Do you think this practice is deceitful? If you've noticed photoshopped lippies too I'd love to hear how you feel when you see them.

Great Finds is Painting the Town Red!

Great Finds is Painting the Town Red!

New Fall Goodies on Etsy!

Aqua Plum Shimmer Lip Tint - New for Fall

Well the summer is almost over. I can't believe how fast it went by. I did get to take time to enjoy it though so I'm grateful for that. So back to posting in my blog and creating new goodies for fall for my shops :)

My first "Shipping Helper", Heather, started college this week at Towson State. She will be studying deaf languages and how to teach them. I'm so proud of her! National Honor Society and being accepted at Towson State. I know she'll go far. Congratulations Heather!

I was fortunate enough that Heather even found and trained her replacement for me too. What a sweet girl. Let's give a GRAPE big WELCOME TO RACHEL. She will be shrink wrapping and handling all that has to do with shipping out orders. She's doing a very thorough job and I know she's going to be a big help to me so that I can focus on what I do best...Make Lip Balms, Lip Tints, Sugar Lip Scrubs and Perfumes!!! Whew :)

Above is a brand new shimmer lip tint for fall. A gorgeous plum with aqua shimmers and sparkle. Rachel modeled this for me today and it's stunning! Did I tell you how beautiful she is? Very tall and thin, I told her she could be a super model. She's very down to earth and I'm going to see about using her to model some lip tints too.

I've also added a couple of other goodies, Bronze Umber Shimmer Lip Tint, Cupcake Perfume Oil and Cookies and Scream Pie Perfume Oil. Hope you love these as much as I do.

Please have a safe and happy Labor Day holiday this weekend!

Lisa :)

Test Results for Batch No. 2 Olive Butter Lip Balm

Pina Colada Lip Candy Lip Balm

at ForGoodnessGrape

Melissa, my lucky testing and product development winner, has posted her results for testing batch No. 2 for the Olive Butter Lip Balm test. 

Guess what? She loves it! You can read her review here on her blog: http://thiscrazypsycholifeofmine.blogspot.com/2012/07/review-2.html

So I think we have a new lip balm contender here to add to ForGoodnessGrape which I know will make everyone happy :) Thank you Melissa!

Something you don't want to miss:

The BIG DEAL Christmas in July Event is going on right now in my Etsy shop. Save anywhere from 10%-15% on EVERYTHING! Also I've added some of my most popular holiday and winter inspired goodies too. This is a great time to save on holiday gifts and stocking stuffers.

How do you know if you're an Etsy addict?

Are you addicted to Etsy?

If there is any question if you're addicted to Etsy today is the day you're going to find out. It appears that the upgrade to their database is taking much longer than originally anticipated so you may feel a monkey your back today due to this.

I know that I'm addicted to Etsy and Lip Balm...so I have double trouble. At least I can have my lip balm today and so can you at my direct website boutique.

So I'm going to take this time to make a few new flavored lip balms such as Rice Crispy Treats, Lavender Honey and Orange Hibiscus. Also going to make a Hostess Ding Dong. Chocolate with majestic whipped cream filling and hope to be able to have these available for purchase by tomorrow.

Last night I added 2 new Shimmer Stix, Inner Beauty and Twilight Orchid. Didn't get to add my third one Cinnamon Stick last night but will add it today as well. Cinnamon Stick is extra cool since it uses cinnamon and peppermint essential oils. Cinnamon to plump up your lips and peppermint to cool them off. Feels GRAPE and all of them are gorgeous!

The Test Results are In

Well the long awaited results from the first test batch for a new olive butter lip balm recipe are in and you can see what Melissa had to say here:

http://thiscrazypsycholifeofmine.blogspot.com/2012/06/time-for-review.html?showComment=1339366807172#c6175726150953070944

As you may recall, Melissa won a drawing I had when I first started this blog to test several new lip balm formulas along side of me. This test recipe was Olive Butter Test #1 f and it looks like I'm back to the drawing board on this one.

I had tried a vegetable wax with this formula. I liked that it gave a great shine but like Melissa, I thought it was too soft. This issue could be resolved with additional wax or changing the wax to beeswax which is what I plan to try next. I am on a quest to find the perfect formula for Olive Butter Lip Balm so please stay tuned.

Also coming soon...a new forum for lip balm (and other makeup) reviews and general chatter. The site is called Lip Lickers Anonymous the web address is www.LipLickersAnonymous.com The forum is in the construction phase and I've set a target date of early September. Hopefully it will be sooner and keep you up to date on that.

Customer Appreciation Sale All Weekend

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/101741925/on-sale-oreo-cookie-sugary-lip-scrub

CUSTOMER APPRECIATION SALE ALL WEEKEND

Huge Savings all weekend (Friday-Sunday) during

Customer Appreciation Weekend

at ForGoodnessGrape on Etsy

Hope to see you there :)

Introducing Andie

Introducing Andie

I want to introduce you to my latest perfume oil, Andie. This perfume was created when a GRAPE customer of mine wanted a duplication of Tokyo Milk's Honey & the Moon and Andie is the result. It is a subtly sweet Honey Shea with middle notes of Sugared Violet & Jasmine sitting on a bottom note of Sandalwood. A sexy, sweet fragrance and perfect for everyday wear as well as those special nights out on the town. (One thing I never get to do anyone)

Please stop by my shop anytime to see Andie ForGoodnessGrape on Etsy

Well it looks like our long holiday weekend is coming to close. It's 8:45 pm here where I am and I'll be back in my office tomorrow.

I hope everyone had a GRAPE weekend!

Why should I use a Lip Scrub?

 

 Lavender Marshmallow Sugary Lip Scrub

 

Using a lip scrub is the easiest and best way to remove dry dead skin from your lips and helps to promote healthy and supple skin on your lips.

FACT: Did you know that your lips are one of the first areas of your body that someone notices when they look at you?

How does it work?
A lip scrub removes dry dead skin from the top layer of your lips thus making your lips silky smooth and kissable. It helps the skin hold more moisture and prevents chapping and helps your lip balm, lip tint or lipstick stay on better. Also visible wrinkles around the mouth are less noticeable and can help put an end to the viscous cycle of biting your lips. What more could you ask for?

What are they made with?
Lip scrubs are usually made from a combination of sugars and oils and/or butters and the yummy ones are flavored.

At ForGoodnessGrape lip scrubs are made using a combination of sugars and my very popular lip balm base that I make with a blend of healing butters and oils. All are flavored to be super yummy. I pour them into oval lip balm tubes and you apply it straight from the tube similar to using a lip balm. You never have to touch the product directly and when you're done you'll feel a nice coat of lip balm left on your lips. I also decorate the tops with extra sugars to make them look delicious. The same sugars on the top will be found throughout the scrub.

Why are yours in a tube?
I believe that this method is a cleaner and safer alternative to a potted scrub.  Did you know that dipping your finger into a potted lip scrub may contaminate the entire pot the very first time you use it?

So here's the best way to properly use each type. Remember to always wash your hands well before either method.

How to use a lip scrub in a tube:
Hold the tube as if you were going to apply lip balm. Then gently rub the product across your lips in a circular and back and forth motion paying particular attention to dry and flaky areas. When you're done you can rinse or use a tissue to remove the sugar from your lips or it's totally safe and more YUMMY to just lick it off. Complete your treatment by applying a good lip balm immediately after exfoliating which will nourish and moisturize the newly exposed skin on your lips. Super fast and easy.

Your lips should be kissable, soft and silky smooth after the first treatment. A tubed lip scrub will provide you with many applications so I recommend using it weekly to keep them soft and smooth.

How to use a lip scrub in a pot: 
I suggest using a small cosmetic spatula to remove the desired amount of product from the pot then apply the product to your finger from the spatula. Using a cosmetic spatula should help to keep your potted scrub fresh and cause minimal contamination.

Using your finger, rub the product onto your lips with a circular, back and forth motion and either rinse or wipe the sugar from your lips. You can lick the sugar from your lips but if it's a little too oily and/or not flavored it may not taste very good.

When finished, be sure to thoroughly clean the spatula and properly store it so that it's clean and ready for your next use.

Wash the sugar and oils from your fingers and follow up with a good lip balm as mentioned above.

Well there you have it...everything you ever wanted to know about lip scrubs :)

Is the vacation really over?

Tucson, Arizona

Well I'm back to work! I've been visiting my family in Arizona as I do every Mother's Day week. It's so great to see them and I wish I could visit more often but once a year is all I can afford. It's so nice to see my sister too since she's my best friend. I can tell her anything. She really likes that I'm honest with her when she's trying on jeans. And she thinks I make the best lip balms and lip tints. I'm sure there are other things she likes about me too.

We're all so busy with our lives and we really should stop to smell the roses more often. I read some time ago that Americans work more days per year than citizens of any other country. Not so sure if that's still true but I know that I work very hard and I'm sure you do too. We're compelled to do so now. With the cost of living going up every year, we have to. 

So let's promise ourselves to take more time to smell the roses and to take our families with us when we walk through the garden to smell them.

Winner Announcement for Lip Balm Testing and Development

Oh my gosh!!! Today is the day to announce the winner for this drawing. The winner will test a few different new lip balms from various trial recipes along with me and we will both post our findings about them on Facebook, Twitter and blogs and together we will come up with at least one new lip balm recipe that we think is outstanding.

I used Random Choice to generate a winner from the comments I received on the original posting of this article and the winner is........

MelMelForLife

Congratulations!

Please contact me directly so we can set this up lisa@forgoodnessgrape.com

If a dog was your teacher you would learn things like:

Lexy

(she looks like she's full of wisdom)

Something my sister sent me today that I really liked....

• Live simply.
• Love generously.
• Care deeply.
• Speak kindly.

REMEMBER, IF A DOG WAS YOUR TEACHER YOU WOULD LEARN THINGS LIKE:

• When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
• Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
• Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
• Take naps.
• Stretch before rising.
• Run, romp, and play daily.
• Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
• Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
• On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
• On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
• When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
• Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
• Be loyal.
• Never pretend to be something you’re not.
• If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
• When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

Author Unknown.

Mother's Day Donation to Susan G. Koman for the Cure

SWAK Sugary Lip Scrub Mother's Day Donation

This Mother's Day my tribute to moms everywhere will be to donate 50% of all proceeds from the sale of this item to Susan G. Koman for the Cure. This is such a wonderful organization that selflessly helps so many. What better gift can one give than to help someone else's mom see another Mother's Day?

This item is only available in my Etsy shop and this donation offer will run until May 15, 2012.

Also here's a link to the Susan G. Koman Mother's Day Donation site where you can donate in the honor of an important woman in your life and they will send a beautiful Mother's Day ecard to your loved one. 

https://secure.info-komen.org/site/Donation2?df_id=8249&8249.donation=form1&JServSessionIdr004=q4ovad1vs4.app338b

Dreaming of beauty

Every Young Girls Aspiration

  Do I love you because you're beautiful,
Or are you beautiful because I love you?
~Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, Cinderella

How do I love you? Let me count the ways...

Caribbean Sunset Shimmer Stix Lip Tint

Oh Shimmer Stix, Shimmer Stix, how do I love you? Let me count the ways...

First, I love that you are so easy to apply and that no mirror is necessary due to your slimline stick tube.

Second, I love that you come in so many beautiful shimmery colors and shades.

Third, I love how you feel as you glide across my lips...ever so soft and smooth.

Fourth, I love the shimmers that you impart on my lips leaving them glistening in the sunlight.

Fifth, I love that you are all natural.

Sixth, I love that you are a lip balm with color and sparkle...Or should this be first? 

Seventh, I love that you are a lip balm so you satisfy my cravings for a lip balm to always be on my lips.

Eighth, I love that you are a tint and not a lipstick so that when I kiss someone with you on, you stay with me and don't get all over other people's lips and cheeks.

Ninth, I love you because you don't make me jealous since you stay on my lips only.

Tenth, I love the way you make me look and feel and always giving me that extra bit of confidence that somehow you just know I need.

If you haven't tried one and you're a lip balm addict like me...once you try them, you will love them too.

Lip Balm Testing and Trails

Lip Balm Product Development and Testing

A few months back I purchased some Olive Butter thinking that I'd like to try using it in a new lip balm. Well yesterday I finally had the time to test it out and I do love it! It will be a few months though before I can sell it since I need to have it around and use it myself to make sure it holds up and doesn't fractionate (the little hard gritty particles in it), etc.

Some of the other ingredients in this new vegan base are shea butter, sweet almond oil and I used candelilla wax instead of my usual beeswax. It also has organic Goji Berry extract which is supposed to be a real miracle worker berry which has some healing properties in it. I wanted to make a vegan product and I think it turned out great but would like someone else to try it along side of me.

Is there anyone out there that would like to test this new lip balm with me?

Please comment below and I'll choose someone on May 10th.


Oh and the Facebook Fan Appreciation Coupon Savings was extended through today and maybe even tomorrow. Use FACEBOOK20 to save 20% off of your entire order :)


ForGoodnessGrape Main Shop


ForGoodnessGrape Etsy Shop

Facebook FLASH SALE Today Only

I'm trying so hard to make this blog an informative one so even though I'm not posting on the weekends I thought I should inform you that...

ForGoodnessGrape is having a Facebook FLASH SALE today only in both shops.

use coupon code FACEBOOK20 to save

ForGoodnessGrape Direct

ForGoodnessGrape on Etsy

What's the Difference?

Marilyn Lip Tint - Tinted Lip Balm - Sexy Red

Today I thought it would be GRAPE to talk about Lip Color and explain the differences between a Tinted Lip Balm, a Lip Stain and a Lip Tint. We all know what a Lipstick is so we'll leave that out for now.


First let me say that these are my observations which I use to discern my lip products. And of course I've read other opinions on the internet as well. So let's get started...


What is a Tinted Lip Balm?
A Tinted Lip Balm is a lip balm base to which a tint/color has been added. This is usually done using a mica, pigment or dye in small quantities. This type of product may add a very slight tint to the lips depending on how much color is used when making it but it is mostly used to add aesthetic properties to a lip balm. You know, just to color the lip balm and not necessarily lips.


What is a Lip Stain?
Good question! What is it and why is it so different? A lip stain does stain your lips so you have to be super careful when applying it since it will also stain other areas on your face and hands. A good lip stain will usually lasts 7-8 hours. It gives a matte finish and since your lips are still exposed to the elements you may also want to use a lip gloss or balm as well. Stains are sometimes made using using everclear alcohol so this method can be drying to your lips. The colors for a stain can be obtained from many sources such as using Beets (fresh or powdered), Henna, Alkanet Root, Powdered Drink Mix, Regular Food Coloring or pigments and dyes.


What is a Lip Tint?
A Lip Tint is designed to add a tint to the lips. Lip Tints are not as "heavy" as a lipstick and feel more like a lip balm and much more forgiving than a lipstick. They add a nice wash of color to the lips but they also let your natural beauty show through. The tints (colors) are derived from micas, pigments and/or dyes and some also use beets or alkanet root or other natural root based plants. The base can vary from a lip balm type to a lipstick type or something in between which is what I prefer to use for my lip tints. Lip Tints need to be applied about as often as a lip balm but are much easier to apply than a lip stain or lipstick since you really don't need a mirror. And personally I think lip tints are more moisturizing than a lip stain or lipstick.


Now that you are armed with this knowledge you can now go forth out into the world and buy the right products to suit your particular needs.


Where to buy lip products...
               .....Etsy of course :) and search away. There are many great shops and lip products to choose from.


Some of my personal favorites are:
ForGoodnessGrape (of course)
Epically EpicSoap
Ophelia's Apothecary
LemonCitrus
Coco&Lola

and there are so many other great shops with lip tints, stains and sticks on Etsy as well.

What's My Favorite Lippie This Week?

Innocent Shimmer Stix Lip Tint

Today I thought it would be fun if we talk about what our absolute favorite lippie is this week. Since last week I've been wearing my Innocent Shimmer Stix all day while I'm at work. At home I'm using lip balms in Earl Grey (love, love, love how creamy this is), Blueberry Lemonade (photo featured on Monday and I can't get enough of it) and Secret Stash (applied every night before bed). I am so hopelessly addicted to lip balm that I even wake up in the middle of the night to reapply it. Can't believe that I know I need to reapply even in my sleep. Oh I also have a great lip balm holder from a shop on Etsy that holds 5 lip balms by my bedside which makes getting the right lip balm so easy. I also have their 3 holed holder too on my desk. I love these and highly recommend them! Also very reasonably priced too.

Back to the main story...what I personally really love about Innocent is all the shimmer that it puts on my lips with a healthy natural glow. Looks fantastic and lasts for many hours. As a matter of fact I'm extra pleased with how long this one lasts on my lips. I rarely have to reapply and I'm getting tons of moisture from it. (Something we all LOVE)

So tell us...what's your favorite this week? 

And please provide a link as well so we can all check it out :)

What do you mean I have too many lip balms in my purse?

Red Velvet Cupcake Lip Candy Lip Balm

Someone recently said to me, "You carry too many lip balms in your purse." Immediately my defensive addiction thinks, "What do you mean I have too many lip balms in my purse?" "How can that even be possible?" But of course aloud I say, "You really think so?"

If you are're not a lip balm addict you cannot understand what I'm saying here. It's like lip balm addicts are all members of a secret society with our own agenda and language. So with that in mind that's how we will proceed with this blog. This is where our secret society can come to meet and talk about LIP BALM (and other lip goodies) and our likes and dislikes about them and being addicted to them.

What should we call our Secret Society?

Confessions of a Lip Balm Addict

Blueberry Lemonade Lip Candy Lip Balm

When I checked blogger for names I couldn't believe that this one wasn't already taken...so I've taken it.

I'd like this blog to be a place where we can talk about really great lip products and other makeup and of course you can also talk about how you can't leave the house without a lip balm in your purse. Maybe you're like me and carry an exorbitant number of them at all times. You have them by your bedside and in your bathroom and kitchen. For me lip balm must be accessible at ALL TIMES and WHEREVER I AM!

So with that in mind how about some comments and let's get talking.