Yes, well all need makeovers every now and then, even those beauty brands that have been around for forever. And come this summer, dependable and useful brands like  Q-Tips and ChapStick are getting their own modern dose of glam.

At first glance when I saw the new ChapStick True Shimmers, I thought it was kind of lame. I mean, who did ChapStick think they were kidding? When looking for a sexy, summer gloss, ChapStick was last on my list. But then..well I gave them a go (after all they’re only a couple bucks, so what’s the risk?) and was very pleasantly surprised. These new True Shimmers have all the moisturizing benefits of regular, humdrum ChapStick, but now they come in shimmery, glossy, and very sexy shades. I despise globing on makeup when I hanging out on the beach, and these True Shimmers are so convenient, affordable, and they give your lips that glossy look that’s always welcome. Plus, their shades are yummy tasting. I know, I know, I’m a grown woman, but there’s something so lovely about having your gloss taste like Botanical Berry, or (yippee, a new flavor arriving in August!) Fruit Sherbert. To be honest I prefer these balms to the trendier LipSmackers, which don’t last as long, and Burst’s Bees, which I find dry out my lips. Who’d thought I’d turn into a ChapStick girl?

Now if they could only make a version with SPF…

Q-tips are something I use nearly every day. I especially love them for blending together my eyeliner with my shadow to create a softer, more natural look. I also use them later in the day with some water to clean off any makeup that’s giving me the dreaded mid-afternoon raccoon eyes. And, of course I use them to clean my ears. Yes, I know, I know, you’re not supposed to use them for that, but I’m a rebel and that’s just how it’s going to be. Anyways, the company behind Q-tips made a smart move by not changing the product itself (after all, why mess with perfection?) but instead created 4 trendy little boxes to keep them in called Vanity Packs.

When you remove the outside plastic wrap, you’re left with a cute flower box that holds enough Q-Tips to keep you sitting pretty for a while. I do really like this solution and my bathroom counter can seriously look like a bomb hit it (especially if I’m late for work) so anything to help keep me organized is welcome. I so envy Amber at Beauty Junkies Unite’s neat, organized vanity. Check out her pic of the lovely Q-tips Vanity Pack on it here. Plus, go on over to qtips.com to check out ways to integrate Q-tips into your beauty routine by pro makeup artists.

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