Beauty Reflections

Barry M Dazzle Dust #51-The Perfect Taupe For This Taupeaholic

2012-02-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

The darling Claire@Eyelining Obsessions sent me another little gift when she sent the amazing Collection2000 Perfection Concealer: My First Barry M Dazzle Dust!

AND IT'S TAUPE. Claire, you get me.

She sent me #51, probably one of the most GORGEOUS taupes ever made!

swatched on bare skin, swatched over Fyrinnae Pixy Epoxy

Barry M Dazzle Dust is the perfect taupe for this taupeaholic I say! Sure, it's pretty on its own, but over the Epoxy Base it's the perfect purpley brown, which is how I like my taupes to be. With the Epoxy I experienced no fall out either, and it lasted all day!

"Picnik Show"

Create a free slideshow with Picnik!

Taupe-aholics Anonymous members-you guys NEED this one.

More importantly, what we need is Barry M Cosmetics here in Canada!! What happened with that campaign? Anybody heard whether they are coming here? Or not?

Because if not, I think I'm going to have to book a flight back to London and load up on a few things.

Who's with me?

Only thing is that you will NEVER get me to ride on the London Eye. NEVER. People aren't meant to be up that high I say. If we were, we'd have wings, no? Gravity is a harsh mistress!

Have you tried anything from Barry M? What's your favourites?

Deep Thoughs By Tracy: Is Less More?

2012-02-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've been using less makeup. Yes you read that right LESS makeup. As a beauty blogger, those words are almost blasphemous, right?

wikipedia

wearing: MAC Mineralize Satin Finish Foundation,
YSL Voile De Blush, lip balm, and see the
bit of purple dark circles under my eyes there? I don't
seem to care about them so much today.

There are many reasons why I've been using less makeup. I'm not working at the moment, so I don't feel the need to look "perfect" when I leave the house. Don't get me wrong, I like to look my best always, but the whole idea of using three or four eyeshadows and blending them all and using eyeliner and contour and yadda yadda yadda is slighltly less appealing when you're just going to Superstore to get some milk, ya' know?

Another reason? I think I look younger and better with less makeup. I can tell from the comments I get when I post a FOTD. When I am wearing less makeup, I get more wows (btw, I LOVE YOU ALL!). There's something to be said for that. I think as I get older, (and remember I am 45!) I look better and younger with less makeup. More carefully thought out, yet simple makeup if you will. It's all about playing with light I've discovered and GLOWY is a big part of that equation. I think when I have a bit of a glow to my face, I look healthier and younger.
Case in point: I actually let the Chanel counter talk me into letting their makeup artist do my makeup the other day when I went to pick up my Spring 2012 selections they had on hold for me. You all know how I feel about letting people do my makeup, but I thought this was a good chance to see if my recent thoughts were true. She put on every product she could on my face. Granted, they do that to try to get you to buy more things, but that ploy failed on this chickerooni. I left there looking older than my 45 years. It's a good thing I didn't have to go any place after that, and I couldn't wait to get home to wash off all that excess.

So you know what? I think I'll be buying less makeup. Well, not so much as less, but not wasting money on things I'm realizing now that just don't work on me and age me. Being more careful when I purchase something. Those are my more recent conclusions, and I do realize that the same won't apply for everyone. It's what works for me. I think.

Is less more? What are your thoughts?

Loving GIORGIO ARMANI PRIVÉ’ Make-Up Spring/Summer 2012

2012-02-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

I don't really look at runway makeup looks, as I think that they are usually not very wearable.

But this eye makeup from The GIORGIO ARMANI PRIVÉ’ Make-Up Spring/Summer 2012 is something that I can't stop staring at!

Linda Cantello, International Make Up Artist for Giorgio Armani Cosmetics, used a blend of the light green eyeshadow from the Spring 2012 make up palette #1, and then applied Gloss d’Armani #100 on the eyes for a shiny veil of colour, finishing off with the Eyes To Kill Lash Stretching mascara on the upper lashes. It looks like there's a bit of liner on the upper lashes as well.

The word ethereal comes to mind. It looks like something a woodland fairy would be wearing. Or maybe even a female hobbit? Or an elf? I think Galadriel would totally rock this eye. I really like this glossy spring eye!

I think I'm going to like the Giorgio Armani Spring/Summer 2012 Makeup Collection.

What do you guys think?

Beauty BLog Link Love 11/02/2012

2012-02-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

Lisamarie from Beauty Crazed checks out a new lipstick line - Lancôme Rouge in Love. Check out her swatches and see if it could be love for you, too!

Did polish insomniac find a new HG nail product? Find out in her Sally Hansen Cuticle Eraser + Balm Review.

FabDiva20 attended the MAC Shop/Cook Collection preview event last Tuesday. Check out the goodies she picked up!

Ever been a victim of internet trolling? Bun Bun Makeup Tips shares why people leave negative comments on beauty blogs!

Love is in the air! Musicalhouses shows you her Valentine's Day nails (that aren't pink!), her Valentine's Day eye look inspired by candy hearts, and for those that don't like V-Day, her ANTI-Valentine's Day nail look!

Do you want healthy, radiant skin? Amy Antoinette reviews Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation which gives just that!

If the color works for you, then Gouldylox thinks this might be the B.B. Cream you are looking for.

Anime Lady Gaga eye - the easy way to try the trend from Addicted to Beauty.

At Eyelining Obsessions, Claire tries out a skin clearing primer from Witch.

Makeup Morsels falls hard for the L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in Sahara Treasure. If taupe-y, golden champagnes sound like your thing, head over to her blog to see it for yourself!

With an army of blemishes to battle Hellcandy reveal's some of her hero products that help reduce, heal and disguise them. Click here to find out more.

It’s almost Valentine’s Day and a gift is in order. Beauty Info Zone shows you a terrific Baby Love set from Votre Vu that your valentine will flip over. Of course, you’ll flip over it, too!

Makeup, Beauty and More shares a great pick from Stila's Spring 2012 collection that helps create a super quick smokey eye effortlessly!

Got brown eyes? Want to make them look their best? Check out Midnight Violets' latest look!

Are you suffering with the winter blues? Check out Anita's haul from the Dior Spring collection for gorgeous blooms and pretty spring colours to cheer you up and remind you that spring is coming!

Its time for monthly favorites! Pammy Blogs Beauty reveals her star products for the month of January.

Kajal Couture shares her cheap and quick drugstore brow solution.
--- Confessions of a Glitterholic celebrates its one year anniversary with a huge giveaway! Five lucky followers will win fabulous prize packs including products by Physician's Formula, Mineral Maven and more!!

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer Makes It Into My Zombie Apocalypse Makeup Bag

2012-02-10T11:58:00.002-07:00

I have reddish purple circles under my eyes due to being severely anemic and not taking my iron pills all the time to get un-anemic. Haha I made up a word! It will probably take me years to build up my iron levels since it takes 90 days to make new red blood cells. Sigh.
So you can understand why I have a BOAT LOAD of concealers and am always looking for ones that will help correct, cover and lighten up my under eye area.

The lovely Claire@Eyelining Obsessions had written a post about how the Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer lives up to the hype and how much she adores it. She so kindly offered to send me one to try out! I like her lots!

Claire sent me the Collections 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer in the Shade Fair.

I like this too! Lots!!

This is definitely going onto my Zombie Apocalypse Makeup Bag!
Man, does this stuff STAY PUT. As you can see on the tube, it apparently lasts 16 hours. I say longer! I swatched and took a pic at about 2:00 pm, and then decided to just leave it there. For fun, ya' know?

IT WAS STILL THERE AT 11:00 AM THE NEXT DAY.

You know what this reminds me of? A bit thicker version of MAC Select Moisture Cover Concealer. Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer is super pigmented. It covers my dark circles well. The tip with using it is to use VERY LITTLE. Use a good brush and dab the tiniest bit where you need it and blend. My under eye area is dry so I have to make sure it's well hydrated otherwise, this can be a tad drying and crease on me. If you are younger than me, and let's face it-WHO ISN'T? and have oilier skin, it would probably work well under your eyes.

See? Pretty decent, hey?

But wow, it does a fantastic job at covering redness and blemishes though! I'm not quite brave enough to show you that yet. Plus you'd just get all grossed out and never look at me the same way again, and we wouldn't want that!

Thanks again Claire for your kindness and sharing this little gem with me.

Another item for the Zombie Apocalypse Makeup Bag!

Anybody else have a chance to try this out?

GlossyBox Comes to Canada

2012-02-10T10:00:00.000-07:00

Warning: There's some snark in this post. It comes after the pictures, so when you pass by them, you might want to move on.

GLOSSYBOX has arrived in Canada!

After great succes in the United Kingdom, France and Italy,they've decided to expand into twenty countries in 2012 including Canada. Founded in Germany, GLOSSYBOX is a monthly subscription beauty service that delivers 5-luxury samples from high end collections right to you door.

I was lucky enough to receive a sample box to review.

My thoughts?

Meh.

Ok, I lied. The snark sneaked out early.

The GLOSSYBOX is really cute and arrives in a pink/black shipping box. Wrapped up are your 5 luxury beauty samples including a description of each product and how to use it with tips and tricks as well.

In my GLOSSYBOX was:
-a Beauty So Clean cosmetic sanitizer sample and some portable wipe versions
-an Oscar deLaRenta Live In Love Body Lotion
-an Ahava mineral hand cream
-Essie nail polish
-Elizabeth Grant Lip Conditioner
-Prevage Night Cream

What GLOSSYBOX is trying to do differently from the plethora of monthly subscriptions staring to be available to us in Canada, is they want your feedback on the products you received. You complete a survey on the contents so that your next box is better suited for your needs. You get 20 GlossyDots for each completed individual product survey, and when you accumulate 1000 Glossydots, your next box will be free. And you can cancel your subscription at anytime.

Personally, I wish these subscription boxes would stop sending nail polish. And while I like the smell of the Oscar deLaRenta Live In Love Body Lotion, I would have preferred to get a sample of the actual perfume since there was already a hand cream in the box. And, I am not a fan of Elizabeth Grant products, so I'd prefer not to see them. With that said, the lip balm is nice though. Prevage is considered luxury beauty and I do like the Prevage Night Cream, as it's one I've been testing out and have a review about coming up. But one luxury beauty item is not five. Not in my beauty junkie world at least.

I think GLOSSYBOX has room for improvement, and I think they'll get better as time goes on. I mean, some of the boxes I've seen reviewed in the UK have been really great. This one falls a bit short for me.

If you want to try out GLOSSYBOX, then you can subscribe to GlossyBox here!

Do you subscribe to any Beauty Boxes at the moment? What do you think of them?

New At The Drugstore: Marcelle Cream Eye Shadow+Liner

2012-02-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

My makeup junkie eye spotted some new Cream Eye Shadow Pencils from Marcelle!

There are 8 shades to choose from including a lovely taupe, but I decided to step out of my comfort zone and get something different, so I got Sea Breeze.

Sea Breeze is a shimmering light seafoam blue-almost minty, but not quite.

Marcelle Cream Eye Shadow+Liner are waterproof, smudge proof and apparently are supposed to wear for 9 + hours once set.

As a liner, this works well as long as you don't really smudge it. Once you try and smudge, it becomes patchy, which also means it kind of sucks as an all over eye shadow shade.

Used as an eyeshadow on my deer in the headlight eye, then just used as an eyeliner on my bedroom eye on the bottom lash line paired with Fyrinnae Damn Paladins shadow.

The pencil's really creamy texture just doesn't seem to meld well with the shimmer in it for some reason, so when you try to spread it around it becomes all patchy as you can see. I couldn't even apply more of the pencil on top to get it to look more even as that seemed to make it worse by actually removing colour!

I guess it's meant for a really sheer wash of colour? I don't know-I'm trying to be nice here, but it didn't matter if I used my finger or the shader on the pencil. I just couldn't get this to look good as a shadow. Sigh.

Maybe the other 7 shades work better, but for me Marcelle Cream Eye Shadow+Liner in Sea Foam will just be an eyeliner and that's ok, because I do really like this paired with Fyrinnae Damn Paladins eye shadow. I wan't crazy about that shadow either even though it's a taupe, but it pairs well with this eyeliner so that makes me happy.

Have you tried these? Are you fan of Eye Shadow+Liner pencils or not? I like them when they work and truthfully I think the Urban Decay ones are the best, but I hear they dry out really fast even though I haven't noticed that with mine. I see Stila has one now, and might try that one out.

Move Over Dior Aurora, I Think I Have A New Bronzer Crush

2012-02-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

You all know how much I adore my Dior Aurora Bronzer. It's my favourite bronzer hands down.

Until now.

I hemmed and hawed about getting Edward Bess Ultra Luminous Daydream Bronzer. A lot of my pale beauty blogger friends like Christa@Perilously Pale really like it. But I thought it would be way too warm for me, even thought that's the EXACT SAME thing I thought about Dior Aurora. When Edward Bess products became available for sale on Sephora, I finally caved and ordered it.

I LOVE THIS BRONZER A WOLE LOT. Even more than Dior Aurora.

Just like Dior Aurora, Edward Bess Luminous Bronzer in Daydream is almost matte, but when applied to the face gives you a really natural looking, healthy glow-like you just came back from the best vacation ever.

It doesn't make me look orange or muddy, and has such a smooth silky texture that it blends in like a dream. There's a light fig scent I detect when I brush it on, but it dissipates and I can't smell it after that. But if you are sensitive to smells, then I suggest taking a whiff before you buy. The only thing I'm not crazy about is this packaging. Not sure why it's been changed from the round pan, but this new plastic rectangle packaging is a little flimsy and sometimes hard to open.

I have been wearing this all over my face and boy does it make me feel good! See my pasty, sickly looking arm in the picture? Yeah, it's feeling sad because it doesn't have any Edward Bess Daydream Bronzer on haha!

All I'm wearing on my face is my MAC Mineralize Satin Finish Liquid foundation(this stuff is freakin' awesome btw, but that's another story), my Naked 2 Palette on the eyes, a light pink lip balm and a highlighting/sculpting quad from Edward Bess in South Of France(which MIGHT count as a transgression on my blush ban and I will show you later-oops). But that's it. NO OFFICIAL BLUSH.

I've found my perfect "naked" look I think! When I wear this combo I feel fresh and healthy and motivated. Yes, motivated to reach my healthy goals! I know that sounds crazy, but it's true. This stuff has strange powers I tell you.

I'm so happy I finally took the plunge and ordered Edward Bess Ultra Luminous Daydream Bronzer.

Have you guys tried anything from Edward Bess yet?

Kaia Bamboo Facial Cleansing Cloths Are Intriguing!

2012-02-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

I saw Kaia Bamboo Facial Cleansing Cloths at a local Beauty Boutique called LUX Beauty and they looked interesting, so I decided to give them a try.

These moist, unbleached bamboo facial cleansing cloths are 100% biodegradable and are cruelty free and paraben, alcohol, sulfate and synthetic fragrance free as well. I like that!

Each cloth contains 8 pure essential oils -a special blend of citrus oils, spearmint and tangerine… that freshens the skin and balances it. There's also certified organic honey in there to keep skin hydrated. The ingredient list is rather impressive I have to say! But, how do they work?

Kaia Bamboo Facial Cleansing Cloths take off EVERYTHING. Every speck of makeup. Even waterproof mascara. I was amazed. I wish they were just a little bit bigger in size, but they do work really well.

My only real issue with them is the price. This pack of 30 cloths cost $19.99 at LUX Beauty, and that's just a tad too much for my wallet to take. If these were around $10 a pack, I'd use them all the time. I can't justify paying that much for makeup wipes, even if it's good for the environment. Sigh.

Ever see these or try them? What did you think? I'd love to go more natural and organic, but why does everything that's good for you and the planet have to COST so much!

What's Your Happy Place Makeup?

2012-02-06T13:00:00.000-07:00

The other day after finishing my makeup, I looked in the mirror and was instantly happy. And you know why? My Happy Place Makeup is a Rosey Happy Place!

I've always had a soft spot for anything rose. My dear mother (miss her every day!), adored anything rose. I remember getting her a rose brooch for Mother's Day and she wore it for every special occasion. Heck, even her china was Royal Albert Old Country Roses:

royalalbertchina.com.au

So yes, roses have a special place in my heart which is why my Happy Place Makeup is Rosey!

My two favourite products that help me get to my Happy Place Makeup are of course, a blush and a lipstick.

Lorac Baked Matte Satin Blush is a blush that I forgot about in my stash and have recently rediscovered. It's amazingly pigmented, and I think that's why it was hiding in my blush drawer. But now with my trusty NARS Yachiyo Blush Brush, I no longer fear applying a blush that has some oomph! to it. It's shimmery in the pan, but on the cheeks it gives a really pretty rosey glow, which lasts all day. If it weren't for my blush ban, I'd be running out to get more of these Lorac Blushes, especially the shade Exposed!

My favourite rosey lipstick is Laura Mercier Creme Lip colour in Tea Rose. It's described as a "delicate pinky-nude, but on my pigmented lips it's a rosey pink shade. It has a really pretty shimmer to it-not obnoxious, but enough to enhance your lips a bit. If you never tried Laura Mercier Creme Lip Colours, you are missing out on a creamy, and very moisturizing lipstick!

I think my Rosey Happy Place Makeup is a perfect Valentine's Day Makeup look too! I'm kind of loving the whole tonal makeup look lately.

So, what's YOUR Happy Place Makeup-the colours or products that instantly make you happy?

THANN Shiso Body Butter Makes the BEST Valentine's Gift EVER.

2012-02-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

I was extremely lucky to have won the Twenty York Street's THANN FOR A YEAR Giveaway! I never win anything, but if there was ever something more grand to win then I don't know what that could be!

Thanks so much @20YS and Mr. Fadi Ghaby! You guys are the best!

I have been wanting to try THANN Nano Shiso Body Butter ever since I'd heard about it.

Have you never heard of THANN? THANN is an all-natural, Asian-inspired skincare line from Thailand. There are no artificial colours or preservatives in any THANN product. THANN also uses aromatherapy science with their products to soothe and heal, plus rice bran oil which is rich in antioxidants and Vitamin E to fight off free radicals.

THANN Body Butter with Cocoa butter, Licorice and Nano Shiso Extracts nourishes and protects dry and sensitive skin from harmful pollutants. It also has an SPF of 15! The ingredients are incredible:
Cocoa butter strengthens the skin condition with rich emolient to protect dry skin.
Licorice extract smoothes and naturally whitens for healthier looking skin.
Shiso extracts act as an antioxidant, moisturizer and anti-histamine.

This is a thick, smooth cream that absorbs quickly which surprised me! I have no problem getting dressed after slathering it all over. It's very concentrated though-you don't need a lot! My skin feels so velvety smooth and SMELLS SO GOOD. I can't describe the scent very well, but it's a fresh smell that's ADDICTIVE I tell you! And the scent LASTS too! Which is good! I have not worn any fragrance since I've gotten my THANN because I just want to smell the body butter ALL DAY, which I can, because the smell really lasts! I keep sniffing my arm all day. Not kidding. And my skin stays moisturized all day too.

I am a THANN convert I tell you. Nothing else will do. @20YS wasn't kidding when she said this stuff is life changing!

If you love somebody and are looking for a Valentine's Day Gift, forget the flowers and chocolate-get them some THANN!

I'll be ordering more THANN very soon, or hopefully getting some for Valentine's myself! And someday I want to visit the THANN Flagship store at 829 Bank Street, Ottawa Canada. Someday...

Have you tried anything from THANN?

Life & Beauty Weekly: How to snack the healthy way

2012-02-05T12:00:00.000-07:00

Life & Beauty Weekly: Healthy You

How to snack the healthy way

By Elizabeth Hurchalla for Life & Beauty Weekly

Here’s the good news: snacking isn’t inherently unhealthy, and you don’t have to stop snacking altogether. In fact, if you snack on the right foods and follow a few simple guidelines, munching between meals not only helps you stay on your diet, but it may help you maintain or even lose weight too.
The problem, of course, is that for many people, a snack means, well, “snack foods” — chips, biscuits, cakes, chocolate and other processed, high-calorie goodies. Snacking also becomes a weighty problem when you choose foods with little or no nutritional value, because they don’t fill you up, meaning you’re more likely to eat -- and overeat -- between meals and at mealtimes, says Tosca Reno, wellness consultant and author of the bestselling Eat-Clean Diet series.
Check out these tricks to stop snacking on all the wrong stuff and start making smarter, healthier choices.
1. Sit down with a plate.
It’s common to graze when you prepare meals or even walk through the kitchen. From now on, promise yourself that you’ll put every morsel on a plate and sit down before eating it. By making this simple commitment, “it puts you into the mindset that mealtimes are an event and that food is something to be tasted, savoured and enjoyed. You become more mindful about what you’re putting in your mouth and when you feel full,” Reno says.

2. Make snacking unsavoury.
When a craving strikes, temporarily trick your taste buds by brushing and flossing your teeth. Nothing tastes good when your mouth is fresh and minty. Likewise, scented body lotion may turn you off of the idea of eating for the time being.

3. Never skip meals.
According to a survey by the Canadian Council of Food and Nutrition, which produces the Tracking Nutrition Trends, about four in 10 people skip either breakfast or lunch. But skipping meals is a mistake: it makes you ravenous, especially for high-fat, high-sugar snacks. “When you skip meals, your blood-sugar levels become unstable, which causes your energy to dip and your mood to plummet. It also causes your metabolism to slow down, making weight loss more difficult,” says Reno.

4. Choose substantial snacks.
Having a snack can stop you from getting too hungry and overindulging at mealtimes. But it only works if you eat both lean protein and complex carbohydrates in the right portions, says Reno. The secret: pairing foods that contain fibre-rich carbs with high-protein picks. The duo keeps blood sugar levels steady and you feeling full. Try a pear with low-fat cheese, an apple with peanut butter, yogurt with low-fat granola or whole-wheat pita bread with hummus. Whatever you eat, aim to get about 100 to 250 calories.

5. Buy healthy, portable foods.
Processed, fattening snacks are often conveniently packaged, making them an easy go-to when you get hungry. But if you stock your fridge (or handbag) with similarly convenient good-for-you snacks, you’re more likely to munch healthy. Think about grab-and-go fruits, veggies and other fare while you’re shopping. Instead of buying pineapple that needs to be peeled, cored and cut, for example, stock up on bananas. Or, in lieu of carrots you need to clean, peel, cut and bag, pay a little extra for baby carrots. Other options: almonds, grapes, apples, high-fibre granola bars, and individually wrapped low-fat string cheese.

6. Get more sleep.
Sweets and refined carbs give you a quick boost of energy, which means craving these types of foods could be your body’s way of saying it needs more energy. Try hitting the sack a little earlier or finding a way to push back the alarm clock instead of chasing a temporary fix. By getting more z’s, you won’t be as tempted to down sugary snacks for immediate energy, says Reno.

7. Ask yourself what you really need.
When a snack attack strikes, Reno suggests you try drinking a big glass of water. “We often confuse hunger for thirst,” she says. “Next time, listen to your body’s signals.” Sometimes you just need a break. If you can, stop working, and check Facebook or take a walk. If you need to de-stress, take a shower or call a friend. You may find that what you’re really craving is comfort, not comfort food.

Guest Post: Reviewing Dark Circle Minimizing Concealers

2012-02-04T13:00:00.000-07:00

Reviewing Dark Circle Minimizing Concealers

Guest Post by Emma Beecroft from Cafe La Moda, the social space for fashion tips and beauty advice.

If you're anything like me, it doesn't have to be a late night for you to wake up with dark circles around your eyes. If you have thin skin, it can give you a tired look even when you're wide awake. I've tried many tips and products in order to make my own dark circles appear reduced, all the while on the hunt for that miracle product that will eradicate them completely. I have found concealer to be the one thing I cannot live without, and rarely leave the house without it. Here, I review some of the top recommended concealers to see whether they really work. They are: Clinique's Line Reducing Concealer, Benefit's It Stick, Garnier's Eye Roll-On, Yves Saint Laurent's TouchÈ …clat and E.L.F's All Over Cover Stick.

Clinique's Line Reducing Concealer

The feel of this formula is really smooth and light. I like that it builds up easily giving variable levels of coverage, and it is the only concealer to minimise fine lines which is a real bonus when dealing with thin skin! It's a matte concealer, so can be used all over the face to hide imperfections. This product lasted all day with no need for any touch-ups.

Benefit's It Stick

I found I had to really warm up this pencil to get a creamy, smooth consistency for application to the eye area. When dabbing it on with my fingers it didn't blend very well although it did give good coverage that didnít budge. It worked best on other areas of my face that weren't so delicate.

Garnier's Eye Roll-On

Garnier boast a caffeine formula in this roll-on which they claim can make you appear more awake. I found it easy to apply and the coolness of the metal ball felt nice, but the coverage was quite translucent and streaky, and needed touching up frequently.

Yves Saint Laurent's TouchÈ …clat

TouchÈ …clat is such a well renowned product for reducing dark circles... so I was more than a little surprised to find it so thin, streaky and hard to create an even finish. The illuminating particles made my eyes look a little space-age when first applied, but once dried the shine lessened to a more iridescent look. However, I wasn't a fan of all the effort it took to make it look natural.

E.L.F's All Over Cover Stick

This is the cheapest concealer of the bunch, from an internet-only retailer hailed by many fashion magazines. It was easy to apply and definitely made a difference to my dark circles, but I found it felt dry and heavy. Perhaps if teamed with a moisturiser suitable for the eye area this product could be great for its price.

The verdict:

I found Clinique's Line Reducing Concealer to be the best of the bunch, for its ease of use, great coverage and the fact that it lasted all day. However, I would definitely recommend E.L.F's All Over Cover Stick for a brilliant budget alternative.

Cartoon Saturdays-Captain Amelia From Disney's Treasure Planet EOTD

2012-02-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

Disney Wiki

Captain Amelia from Disney's Treasure Planet is one of my favourite Disney heroines ever.

Disney Wiki

Voiced by my favourite British actress Emma Thompson, Captain Amelia of the RLS Legacy is one of Disney's strongest female characters. She is a heroine and a feminist with that quick British wit I adore. She's one of the few Disney females that isn't romantically connected to a character throughout the movie, until the very end.

Treasure Planet didn't fare well at the Box Office for some strange reason. A lot of people think it's failure was a big reason why Disney moved completely away from hand drawn animation for quite awhile. Treasure Planet is actually a blend of CGI and hand drawn animation and is really gorgeous to look at. It has a cult following now, as it's visually intricate design of a blend of Victorian era style and technology gives off a Steam Punk vibe, plus the story is awesome as well. If you've never seen it, I highly recommend it.

For my Captain Amelia inspired EOTD, I wanted to create a really strong cat-eye look, since she is an alien cat creature. I then just used a blend of light blue and white shadow to complete the look.

Have you seen Disney's Treasure Planet? Isn't it refreshing to see a strong female cartoon character like Captain Amelia?

Don't forget to check out my cartoon buddy Larie@Eye Heart It to see her Cartoon Inspired EOTD!

Beauty Confessions #9: Are You A Seasonal Makeup Girl?

2012-02-03T13:00:00.000-07:00

I've been talking to some of my fellow beauty junkies and thinking again!! And you know what that means!

Now that it's February, the Spring Makeup Collections are finally starting to pop up onto counters here in Canada. I realize that in the US, you've had them for awhile now. Usually, I'm not a big fan of the Spring Collections, but for some reason this year they are really pretty! I'm more of a Fall and Winter Collections kind of girl, but my tastes are starting to change I think. I'm becoming more of a fan of a lighter, breezier and more subtle makeup look paired with bright lips. Sound familiar to you? Yeah, I'm describing almost EVERY Spring Collection I think! Which is depressing in itself because there is just SO MUCH PRETTY TO CHOOSE FROM!!

Then I started thinking. I like this look so much lately, that I will probably want to continue to wear it all year round, not just for Spring! But, would that be a heinous beauty violation? Not wearing seasonal makeup at the seasonally appropriate times? Do we still think of certain colours and associate them with a season? Or is that not true any more? Would this be as bad as wearing flip-flops in the dead of winter? And I've seen that done here in Alberta. Not kidding. I have seen people shopping at Costco in flip flops a few weeks ago. FLIP FLOPS. IN THE SNOW. Why?

So this about to be seasonally inappropriate makeup junkie wants to know what you guys think!
Do you follow thee seasonal makeup rule? Or not?

MY NARS SPRING COLLECTION PICKS-In case you were wondering

2012-02-03T10:00:00.001-07:00

I know that everybody and their dog has done a post about the NARS Spring Collection, so I thought I'd just show you some more NARS Beauty shots to try and convince you to pick up these two things.

NARS LHASA EYESHADOW

This is such a gorgeous, cool toned greyed taupe EVER.

Can you see the sparkles? Ever so small, but to me seem to reflect red. I swear I see green too.

And in case you think you probably have something like it already (because that's what I thought) here's some comparisons for you:

CHANEL TAUPE GRIS, MAC SATIN TAUPE, NARS LHASA

NARS MEXICAN ROSE VELVET GLOSS LIP PENCIL

A gorgeous, hot berry pink that's glossy at first, but manages to stain your lips and last quite a long time.

Now for me, I find it can travel a bit beyond my lip line, so it would be a good idea to use one of those invisible lip liners meant to keep your lips from looking all smeary.

Mexican Rose is a permanent addition to the Velvet Gloss line, so I guess there's really no hurry to pick one up, but just LOOK AT THE GORGEOUSNESS THAT IT IS.

Resistance is futile!

Valentine's Gift Idea- So...? Eternal and So...? Kiss Me Fragrances!

2012-02-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

If you have a tween or teen and are wondering what to get them as a little Valentine's Day Gift, then how about the UK's number one teen fragrance, So...?

For Valentine’s Day, they are introducing So…? Eternal! which I was sent to give a try.

So…? Eternal comes in a bottle that has a pink diamond inside. See it in there at the bottom? Cute, hey? So...? Eternal has top notes of pink pepper passion and a hint of lemon and clementine, which lead into middle notes of orchid, pink peony and violet, with base notes of amber, vanilla and sandalwood. I was pleasantly surprised by this! It smells pretty nice! And, boy does it last too-quite a long time!

The other fragrance I was sent to try was So...? Kiss Me. It's more of a sweet, fruity scent with top notes of blackcurrant, pineapple and citrus, middle layers of sweet vanilla and a floral heart and base notes of musk and wood to round off the fragrance. Fruity fragrances aren't my cuppa, but this is pretty nice too!

What's cool about So...? Fragrances is that they have an accompanying body spray to use for layering or to freshen up. I think it would be great for a teen to have one of them for after gym class in school instead of carrying around a bottle of perfume. Heck, that's what I'll be using them for!

The So...? EDTs are $9.99 CAN, and the 75ml Body Spray cost $4.99. You can find them at Walmart and Shopper's Drug Marts.

Visit the So...? Facebook Page for more info and contests too!

Disclamer: I was sent this product to review by PR/Company. Love it or leave it, but my review and opinions are my own thoughts and words, thank you very much.

LACOUPE Has New Dry Shampoos!

2012-02-02T10:00:00.000-07:00

When I wore my hair curly, I never used dry shampoo. There wasn't one made for curly hair that actually worked.

Even once I cut my hair short and now blow dry it straight, I still never used dry shampoos. I find them really drying and they'd just frizz up my hair and make it look like straw. No likey.

But LACOUPE has actually come out with some new dry shampoos that take care of these problems for me. Well, not just me I guess haha. But I can now use dry shampoo! I am amazed.

LACOUPE Instant Hair Refreshers are different because they've come out with formulas that have targeted benefits for specific hair types. The are infused with strengthening Keratin Protein, anti frizzing Silk Protein and conditioning Botanical Extracts to revive your hair depending on its particular need. What makes them work is a combination of rice and potato starches to absorb excess oil from root to tip without leaving a white powdery residue all over your hair.

There are three formulas:

VOLUME REFRESH is for fine, limp hair. Volume Refresh gives added lift and texture where you need it the most. I gave this to Marky my daughter to use, and she said it was more of a styling product. It lifts hair and gives volume more than giving you that clean feeling. No white powder residue!
CURL REFRESH contains an Anti-frizz silk formula for curly, wavy or frizz prone hair. It locks out humidity to keep curls looking luscious, well defined and frizz free.
MOISTURE REFRESH replenishes dry and straw like hair with a hydrating botanical grapefruit and honey extract formula to detangle and condition. It is great for damaged hair, split ends and pesky flyaways.

My favourite is the Moisture Refresh. How you use these is you spray them at your roots. Then you wait 1-2 minutes and brush out your hair and style it. My scalp feels clean and refreshed after using it and not at all dry and straw-like. And yes, there is no white powder at all in these! For me and my dry hair, these work better than the Baptiste Dry Shampoos. If you have dry hair I highly recommend the Moisture Refresh. I give it theTracy stamp of approval! Boy, I'd love to actually have a Tracy Stamp. There are not a lot of actions you can do that are as satisfying as stamping something I tell you.

LaCoupe’s NEW Instant Hair Refreshers are available at major retail outlets across the country for a suggested retail price of $7.99 CAN. For more information, please visit www.lacoupe.com.

Disclamer: I was sent this product to review by PR/Company. Love it or leave it, but my review and opinions are my own thoughts and words, thank you very much.

Beauty Confessions #8: Is Resistance Futile?

2012-02-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

You all know I am on a blush ban. It's been one month without buying a new blush now!

I love blush. I ADORE blush. I'm addicted to the pretty glow you can get from a really good blush! You can sculpt your face with blush and a great blush can even take years off your face.

But really- you only need one, maybe two blushes at the most to achieve that. I used to be like that. I had MAC Prism. Used it every day. That was it. I even hit pan on it a few times!

So what's the deal Tracy? Why now can't you just stop at one blush anymore?

Makeup up companies know there are people like me out there, and boy have they ever been making blush harder and harder to resist! New looks, new formulas! Take a look at some of these beauties:

Face Blush at Sephora
Face Blush by Clarins

Face Blush by Physicians Formula
Face Blush by Clarins

A lot of these new blushes are works of art! Worthy of collecting! Wait-collecting?

I think I just had a revelation. That's what it is, isn't it? Collecting? Like stamps?

But it's not like stamps, is it? Because makeup does have expiration dates. Oh, I know they say replace your old makeup every year blah, blah, blah, but we all know that most stuff, especially powders, can last way longer than that. As long as you are careful with how you store your products, and also always use clean brushes with them, they can last for years. But they won't last forever like a stamp.

When my blush ban comes to end, I wonder whether I'll be running right away to add some new pretties to my collection.

I wonder.

But right now, I am feeling that I probably won't be running to blush every time I shop. I'll be walking. Cautiously. Carefully. Reasonably.

Is resistance futile? What makeup products can you not resist and why?

Monthly Misses-January 2012

2012-01-31T10:00:00.000-07:00

1.Vasanti Lips And Cheek Stain

This is a dual-purpose stain, infused with super-antioxidants and is supposed to give a natural-looking flush without drying out the skin or clogging the pores. When I use this on my lips, it's a bit watery and applies unevenly. On the cheek, the same thing-too blotchy. Plus I find it doesn't really last all that long either. It's too bad as it is a really pretty colour! The one good thing is that it's not extremely drying as most lip stains are, so I'll use it up. I'm actually getting there as you can see!

2. Nutra Nail Instant Smudge Repair*

I'll admit it-I am not very good at applying nail polish. One reason is that I am too impatient to let the polish dry really well before going to do something else. I just can't sit still for that long! I get bored! Nutra Nail Instant Smudge Repair is supposed to fix smudges, marks, nicks to make your manicure look brand new again. Maybe I'm doing something wrong, but I can't get this to work for the life of me.
But, after speaking with Jessica@Beautezine, this stuff does work for her! The secret is to add a bit of polish on to your nail first, then add this on top and your manicure looks brand new. So there you go.

3. Cover FX Camouflage Concealer

It's no secret that I have HORRIBLE purple circles under my eyes. I've been severely anemic for years, so that's made them look even worse. I have a really tough time covering them up lately, so, I thought I'd try COVER FX Camouflage Concealer. This is the lightest shade believe it or not! It actually does a decent job at colour correcting the purple, but what I don't like is how it separates. Can you see how watery it is in that swatch photo? You have to remember to shake this sucker up before you use it, and me-I've the brain capacity of a starfish sometimes so I NEVER remember to do that. I'd rather have something that stays in mixture on it's own thank you.

That's it this month! I actually haven't had too many things not work well lately.

My resolutions have been going well. I'm reading another book, eating fruit every day now and am exercising too! I have been watching what I eat and trying to eat lower fat, plus I am cooking more too! I don't think I've really lost much weight, but I know I'm feeling a whole heck of a lot better! Is it just me, or do you find that when you start an exercise program you seem to be hungrier? Especially if you are lifting weights?
So I would deem January a success for me. Small steps, right?

How was your January?

*denotes product was sent by PR

My Favourite Rediscovered Blushes In January

2012-01-30T10:30:00.000-07:00

The good thing about this Blush Ban of mine is that I am being "forced" to shop in my own blush stash. Forced... hahaha...

It's been a lot of fun shopping the stash! It's amazing how you forget about the products you have because you just can't resist buying all the new stuff.

Here's a few of my rediscovered blush favourites I've been using this past month:

First Row:Sue Devitt Solomon Islands, Benefit Dallas(bottom right in that Palette), NARS Multiple in Portofino
Second Row: MAC Blushbaby, MAC Pink Cult

NARS Portofino, MAC Pink Cult, MAC Blushbaby, Benefit Dallas, Sue Devitt Solomon Islands

You can check my initial review of Sue Devitt Solomon Islands here. Seems like such a long time ago! *cringes at old posts* This blush is actually a multi-use palette that you can use on your eyes as well. Swirled together it's the prettiest glowiest rosy bronze blush ever.

Benefit Dallas is a shade I wore constantly when it first came out. It's a great pinky bronze that gives me a healthy flush I forgot how much I loved.

MAC Blushbaby is something I pulled out of hiding because every time I see Jenny@My Funny Valentine wear it in a FOTD I just die. It's so gorgeous on her and is one of those MAC blushes that looks awesome on everbody. It's such a great go with everything blush and gives such a fresh faced look.

MAC Pink Cult is such a great shade in my collection-so smooth and blends like a dream. It's more of a mauve compared to Blushbaby and it's matte which is a welcome change somedays.

And lastly NARS Portifino Multiple, a coral with gold shimmer-not too much, but just enough to give a beautiful glow. Most NARS Multiples are way too shimmery for me, but not this one. It's the only NARS multiple in my stash except for Tuomota, but that's a bronzer.

Those have been my favourite rediscovered blushes in January. Believe it or not, but I am actually ENJOYING this blush ban of mine! I do have a pretty great collection, so that has made it quite easy. It's also been making me really figure out what shades of blush I really enjoy and look good on me.

What have been your favourite blushes in January?

Life & Beauty Weekly:Healthy Eating All Day

2012-01-29T12:00:00.001-07:00

This has some great tips to keep you on track!

Life & Beauty Weekly: Healthy You

Healthy Eating All Day

By Rosa Cordero for Life & Beauty Weekly

When you’re trying to lose weight, you know it’s important to eat healthy meals at regular times — but sometimes things just don’t work out. Early lunches, late parties and midday hunger pangs can wreak havoc on your diet.
Fortunately, there are ways to eat healthily even at odd hours. Roland Semprie, fitness and nutrition expert and co-host of the Slice Network's Re-Vamped, says a little planning can help you make good choices any time of day. Check out his easy tips for some common situations:
The Early Bird
You like to get to the office early—maybe even hit the gym beforehand—so you don’t eat much before you leave the house. By the time you get to your desk, you're starving.
Solution: Eat something light, such as oatmeal or a protein shake, but filling enough to give you the energy needed to get through your morning, especially if you work out first thing. If you’re ravenous after a few hours, eat some form of protein/carbohydrate combination, such as gluten-free toast with almond butter, Semprie advises.

Pre-Lunch Muncher
Your boss calls a last-minute meeting right before noon, so you hit the vending machine. You know it’ll be a couple of hours before you can get a real lunch.
Solution: “If you’re going to the vending machine, it better be for water,” Semprie says. “The amount of sugar in any of those vending machine snacks will shoot up your blood sugar levels to the point where you will be wired for the first half of your meeting. But you'll be crashing faster than you know what hit you within an hour or two.” Instead, Semprie suggests keeping a stash of unsalted almonds, cashews, Brazil nuts, wedges of fruit, plums and hulled sunflower seeds at your desk. These will get you through your time of need.

The Party Girl
Whether it’s a Mother’s Day brunch or a fancy evening wedding, you can’t resist all that scrumptious food!
Solution: If you know full well that you may pig out at an event where you can’t control what’s served, you should eat what you can control before you leave. “Munch on a salad filled with cucumbers, assorted red, yellow, orange and purple peppers, sprouts, spinach and pine nuts; have a chicken wrap; or eat lentil, rosemary and garlic soup,” Semprie suggests. “By the time you get to that wedding, you will leave at the end of the night feeling satisfied instead of stuffed.”
The 9 p.m. Diner
Your can’t-wait errands keep you out so late that it just seems easiest to stop at the nearest pizza place afterwards.
Solution: “Because your metabolism slows down, you have to be very careful about the types and the quality of food you ingest later in the evening,” says Semprie. He suggests avoiding foods that are high glycemic (white rice, white potatoes, white pasta) or laden with salt and refined sugars. Instead, opt for combining proteins with vegetables or low-glycemic carbohydrates for proper digestion.
The Midnight Muncher
You find yourself craving something sweet right before bed — or maybe you even wake up hungry.
Solution: “If you have to indulge in a midnight snack, it should be something that you will absorb quickly and that has as few calories as possible,” Semprie says. “Water and herbal tea are best, as they are easy to absorb, have very few calories and will make you feel full after drinking them, thereby halting the hunger you’re trying to quell.”

Beauty Blog Link Love 28/01/2012

2012-01-28T12:00:00.000-07:00

Is it spring yet? No? Check out the stellar La Roseraie blush from Lancome's Spring 2012 collection at Adorable On Your Vanity - maybe it'll help the flowers bloom.

Beautywoome.com shows you step-by-step how to do the best ballerina bun (aka sock bun) in under two minutes.

Will polish insomniac find a dupe for China Glaze Aquadelic, from the new Electropop collection?

Looking for a great foundation? Jennifer over at Spiced beauty shares herholy grail product!

Fleurissante has tested Chanel Perfection Lumiere foundation. Check her impressions.

Save $10 on the nail system that Gouldylox Reviews named the biggest game changer for your digits in 2011.

Jellyminx re-launches her blog with a new look and a bunch of posts including a nail of the day post with approval from OPI's official Twitter!

Finger Paints Special Effects nail polishes changes the polish game. See the newest craze in polish effects on Beauty Info Zone.

Elena from Endless Summer writes a guest post to show readers her Simple Everyday Makeup Tutorial.

This week Madame B Fatale shares her 6 favourite bargain beauty buys!

Fed up of looking for the perfect red lip? Midnight Violets has some great advice, with lip swatches too!

--- Hellcandy is 3 yrs old! Tell her what's made you blush recently and you could win one of three Benefit tints! Click here to enter.

Lancome Rouge In Love Lipstick 159B- I think I Am Too Old For You

2012-01-27T20:03:00.000-07:00

Lancome's newest lipstick line Rouge In Love was out at my Shopper's Beauty Boutique. I think they had them out early, because according to the internetz they aren't supposed to be out until Valentine's Day or so.

Lancome Rouge In Love has 24 shades and they are divided into three categories or moods as they call it:
Jolis Matins, which means “pretty morning”, are lighter, luminous, fresh day shades that are supposed to recreate daylight on the lips with mother‑of‑pearls. I like this idea.
Boudoir Time, are brighter and trendier shades that give an intense bright color reflection and colour. They are evening shades apparently, so I guess to wear out to dinner? To the movies? For me, this means wearing it whilst I cook dinner? I don't get this one at all, because according to my Canadian grade 8 French, boudoir means bedroom, non?
Tonight is My Night, are sophisticated, pure intense shades to give depth to lips for a night out and give a deep lacquered effect and luminous colour. Ok, so is THIS what I wear out to dinner then?

I am so confused!

Just based on these category names-I think I'm too old for this lipstick! Tonight is my night? For what? A good uninterrupted 8 hours without listening to snoring? Because that would mean a good night to me!

I guess these lipsticks were created for the gloss generation-the young ones who have grown up loving gloss and can't stand the heaviness of lipstick. This is one reason why Emma Watson is the cover girl for these babies. I guess I'm supposed to be looking more at the Kate Winslet covergirl looks!

Ok, but I didn't realize this. Am I REALLY supposed to be buying makeup based on the AGE of the cover girl? I didn't know this until now. I think I missed that memo.

Anyways, I couldn't decide what to get so I decided on listening to the display and try out Emma's favourite shade, #159B which is a Boudoir Time formula. This Lancome Rouge In Love goes on much like a gloss actually. It reminds me of the NARS Lip Gloss Pencils, except maybe a tiny bit more pigmented. Shade #159 B is a bright coral pink, which is lately MY kind of shade. I guess I have something in common with Emma, even though she's a lot younger than me. Then again, who isn't, right? Right.

You need to build up the intensity a bit and it's a nice glossy finish at first. As it settles down, the glossy wears away and it stains your lips. The Lancome Rouge In Love Lipsticks are supposed to have a featherweight feel to them and yes I agree to a point, but as time goes on it feels a little sticky I have to say. Also, these are supposed to stay and look great for 6 hours. Not so much. Like I said, the glossy wears away pretty fast, and on me the stain lasts about 4 hours maybe. And this didn't last through my delicious low fat chicken pasta dish, so forget that out to dinner time wearing...thing? Boudoir time then?

Have you had your fill of snark yet? Cause I can go on ya' know.... I like writing in my snarky voice.

I think I should have gone for the Tonight Is My Night shades maybe? Sigh... I JUST DON'T KNOW!

What do YOU guys think about all of this? Even though I'm being snarky, I do like this lipstick actually.

Beauty Confessions #7: Are You A Lone Wolf?

2012-01-27T13:00:00.001-07:00

I am a lone wolf.

wiki

I keep getting ideas from talking with all of you, and this one came to me after seeing a comment left by Eden-Avalon @Sudo Beautify. She wrote "when I shop for makeup with friends"----WHOA. Wait. Hold on there Babalooey!

When I shop for makeup, I shop by myself. Well, sometimes my hubby is with me but he is usually off to the side checking his Blackberry, so that still counts as shopping by myself. If I'm ever asked if I need help, I usually say no thank you. There's one or two SAs I don't mind, but generally Department Stores, especially Holt Renfrew make me nervous when I shop for makeup. I just don't like when someone is all over me trying to influence my little makeup junkie buying brain because it's easily swayed! I need to be FOCUSED. I swatch, I look at that swatch in different lights, I do some thinking, and then I pay for my new found pretty, or leave it behind. That's it. Not too exciting and not really fun, hey?

I don't even let SAs offer to test things out on me. I will rarely let someone at a makeup counter put a product on my face. And you know why? Whenever I have, I looked like a complete and utter fool: too much blush, cakey makeup-never ever never ever again will I let someone do that to me!

I just don't think I trust anybody enough when it comes to makeup. Now, if I was able to shop with my beauty blogging buddies-that would be a whole different experience I think! I did have a chance to shop a tiny bit with Larie@Eye Hear It and Monika@Rocaille Writes when I was in Seattle in December and it was dare I say: FUN.

But, I think I still prefer being a lone wolf. But then again, maybe not. Maybe if I DID shop with other wolves I would think differently about makeup. Not so obsessively maybe?

What do YOU think? Are you a lone wolf too? Or are you part of a pack?

Maybe we could START a pack? Ok, who's the Alpha Dog ya' think?