BEAUTY: 10 Purple Lipsticks Under $10

You know what's the best? Fun lipstick. Even better? Fun cheap lipstick. I mean, I love those over the top, gilded designer tubes that are really more decor than makeup just as much as the next lipstick wearer, but I tend to just admire those from afar...really afar. Like, pinteresting-lipstick-pics-from-the-comfort-of-my-own-couch afar. If you choose to drop $50 on a lipstick, that's amazing for you! (I mean it! You probably have the best throw blankets ever and smell like some kind of exotic vanilla at all times. Let's hang.) 

I mostly do the drugstore thing when it comes to makeup, and while it can be hard to find "fun" colors there, purple lipstick has become so insanely popular that there are a bunch of budget options to choose from. Purple: the color of royalty, bruises, and my mother's birthstone. Plus, it looks rad on your face! Yes, you! Literally everyone can wear some shade of purple on their lips because purple lipstick is magic. You should definitely fall under its spell.

Left to Right:

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Brazen Berry
The PERFECT cool toned, medium purple, which I'm convinced looks amazing on everyone.

Milani Color Statement Lipstick in Sangria
A deep wine shade that manages to be creamy and NOT patchy - a feat for these kinds of colors!

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Vintage Pink
Don't let the name fool you - this is a pale purple-pink, which makes a great "nude" for those of us with cool toned lips.

Blackheart Beauty Lipstick in Violet
A beautiful basic purple shade that compliments many skin tones.

Wet n Wild MegaLast Lip Color in Sugar Plum Fairy
Dark and vampy, this plum shade goes on matte and stays put, and is a near dupe for MAC Rebel!

Left to Right:

Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm in Shameless
Gives the moisturizing (and minty!) benefits of a balm, and the deep, true purple can't be rivaled.

Rimmel Provocalips in Kiss Fatal
I've already professed my unwavering love for Provocalips and this shade is one of my favorites! Deep, almost berry purple with ALL day wear.

Wet n Wild Fergie Creme Lipstick in D-Vinely Chilled
When you want some sheen and shimmer grab this unique vino-inspired shade.

Jordana Modern Matte Lipstick in Matte It Girl
Matte, smooth and a perfect magenta-toned purple. Much more vibrant in person!

Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Color in Va Va Violet
For the violet devotees only; super deep, somewhat fussy, but totally royal.

Rimmel Vintage Pink, Blackheart Beauty Violet, Jordana Matte It Girl, Maybelline Brazen Berry, Wet n Wild Sugar Plum Fairy, Revlon Shameless, Rimmel Kiss Fatal, Wet n Wild D-Vinely Chilled, Milani Sangria, Revlon Va Va Violet

Sometimes I prefer lip swatches so here you go, but OH MAN is it weird to look at so many closeups of your own lips! I do it for you, America:

Left to Right, Top to Bottom:
Rimmel Vintage Pink, Blackheart Beauty Violet, Jordana Matte It Girl, Maybelline Brazen Berry, Wet n Wild Sugar Plum Fairy, Revlon Shameless, Rimmel Kiss Fatal, Wet n Wild D-Vinely Chilled, Milani Sangria, Revlon Va Va Violet

Do you love purple lipstick? What's your favorite shade, drugstore or not? What other interesting lip color shades are you digging lately?

COOKING: Creamy Broccoli Soup Recipe

I own a calendar, so I'm aware that it's summer, and yet I'm still giving you a soup recipe. A hot soup recipe at that! No, I'm not crazy or stuck with a constant chill, I just love this soup and I want you to make it too. Plus, this recipe is simple, and cooks quickly with stuff you can grab for cheap and you don't have to turn on your oven. You could even pick up the ingredients at your farmer's market if you want this to feel more true to the season. Or not, whatever. Just make this soup!

WHAT YOU NEED

» 1.5 lbs Broccoli, chopped small «

» 5 Carrots, peeled & chopped «

» 1 Onion, chopped «

» 3 Tablespoons Flour «

» 4 Cups Broth of Your Choice «

» Splash of Half & Half «

» Dollop of Butter «

» Dash of Salt & Pepper «

HOW TO MAKE IT

Start by prepping all of your veggies. I change the amounts up depending on what I have on hand, so you can always use more broccoli and less carrots or the opposite, if that's more appealing to your budz. (cool new slang for taste buds, it started here!)

Toss the butter into a large pot on medium-high heat. Once it melts, drop in the broccoli, carrots and onion. Sprinkle with a generous amount of salt and fresh cracked pepper. You could also toss in some garlic. Go for it! Have you ever had a soup that doesn't taste better with garlic? I know you haven't because that is not possible. Stir it and cook until veggies soften, about 5 minutes.

Okay, when your veggies are gettin' soggy, sprinkle the flour over them and mix it in, cooking for about a minute. This just makes the soup a little thicker, so you can skip it if you aren't interested.

Add your broth and bring the whole thing to a boil. Turn down the heat and simmer, covered or uncovered, for about 15 minutes, or longer if you have the time and want to let the flavors get to know each other (wink, wink).

When you are SO over all that simmering, turn off the heat and pour in a large splash of half & half. You could also use soy cream or milk substitute (just make sure it's unsweetened). Whatever works.

Stir it all together and that small amount of half & half will make the soup much richer and creamier. You don't have to add it, but it makes a difference. You know how creamy soups are delicious, but very heavy, and then you feel all full after? This doesn't do that.

You could also use an immersion blender to puree the soup, if your budz (don't let it die before it lives!) prefer smoother soups, but I like it all textured and rustic. I kinda feel like pureeing perfectly fine soups is only a thing so that people with too many kitchen gadgets can justify owning an immersion blender. *end political soup rant*

Hope I didn't alienate you there.

Are you down to eat hot soup in summer? What are your easiest homemade dinners? Any members of Team Immersion Blender out there?