IT Cosmetics Vitality Cheek Flushes are certainly up to the task! Bold cheek colours like Pretty in Peony don’t intimidate me because I know I can make them work. A duo fibre brush is an uber-pigmented powder’s nemesis of the best kind-it will pick up the perfect amount of product and blend it out to seamless perfection. Obviously the quality of the powder and how finely milled it is plays a critical role, and in that regard this blush certainly doesn’t disappoint.

The Vitality Cheek formula is pretty innovative as it is a cheek stain in powder form. Rich with anti-aging ingredients and vitamins it doesn’t settle in to fine lines or emphasize pores. This is an excellent choice of a cheek stain for combination to oily skins or for those who prefer matte foundations since creams and gels don’t cooperate as well. The longevity of this product can not be overemphasized! I think I have found my perfect summer-proof formula.

Pink peony is a gorgeous coral infused with fine gold shimmer. The effect is a completely luminous and radiant flush that smoothes over pores and blurs imperfections.

(unblended, light blending)

(unblended, well blended)

Grade: A+

**Disclosure: press sample provided for editorial considerations**

The formula for Le Rouge is a lightweight and moisturizing semi-matte. The colour is not flat, nor is it glossy; instead it seems to capture light while providing a velvety finish. The texture results in lips feeling supple and smooth while imparting a full finish with one swipe of the bullet.

Definitely my current favourite neutral shade, Brun Createur transitions well from simple work makeup to being paired with a bolder eye look in the evening. But for Givenchy, the luxury of one of the best mattes I have ever used comes at a hefty price: $38 CAD. Exclusively sold at Sephora this new line is definitely an indulgence.

Grade: A+

**product was received as a promotional sample**

A perfect marriage between the colour density of the Velvet Matte and the moisturizing luminosity of the Velvet Gloss, the Satin Lip Pencil offers high impact colour for the modern and fashion savvy woman.

The pencil packaging is one of my favourites because it facilitates ease and precision of application but that is difficult with this product. The texture of this formula is extremely emollient and, consequently, requires some care when applying. I find the best method is to apply colour to just the contre of the mouth and then blend out with a lip brush for a full finish, or with your finger for sheerer day wear. But this one hiccup with not deter me from using these regularly.

(Rikugien, Hyde Park, Majella, Luxembourg, Palais Royal)

My lens (time for an upgrade!) is not picking up the colour variation between Hyde Park and Majella. Hyde Park is a berry hued red whereas Majella is much more of a true classic red. Some of the colours are very comparable to the Dior Addict Extreme lipsticks but I still prefer this formula because of the opacity and permanence. Pictured below is me wearing Luxembourg 8 hours after the initial application without a single touch-up and post-coffee/lunch. That’s pretty major in my book. I did find that lighter shades like Rikugien has a shorter staying power of 3-4 hours.

Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Haute Couture
ABSOLUTE PERFECTION! 

Taylor Swift in J Mendel

Emmy Rossum in Donna Karen Atelier

Nina Dobrev in Monique Lhullier
One of the only punk looks that I really felt drawn too. I love that she opted for a pantsuit.

Carey Mulligan in Balenciaga

Bella Heathcote in Chanel Haute Couture

Brooklyn Decker in Peter Pilotto

Amber Heard in Pucci

Diane Kruger in Chanel Haute Couture

Giuliana Rancic in Falguni

Who were your favourites of the night?

Photo Sources:
Celebutopia
Just Jared

The one thing I did take away from the infancy of my blog is that the quality of brushes you use does matter. The old adage “it is not quantity, it’s quality” still stands. Thankfully I was always wooed by brushes with superior quality so I don’t regret any of my purchases (…well maybe a few Sigma ones since I never use them). I have my favourites that I use daily and it takes a lot to draw me away from their tried and true performance. I have been sent brushes in the past and most of them were ok, but the Heavenly Luxe Powder Brush from It Cosmetics is definitely a winner.

A few brush collections have caught me eye over the years: Suuqu, Rae Morris, Kevyn Aucoin but I haven’t been tempted to invest because they are quite pricey. In my opinion, IT Cosmetics has face brushes that have comparable quality and results at reasonable prices, especially when compared to MAC.  Many companies have duo fibered brushes but few succeed at getting them to the right density and softness; the bristles are either too sparse and the brush looses form when blending, or they are too dense and rough which makes them impossible to clean thoroughly without a complete soaking (which can damage brushes long term). IT Cosmetics has achieved a perfect balance with cruelty free bristles that are incredibly soft and can blend liquid foundation and powder equally well for an airbrushed finish.

I have been using this brush for two weeks and have washed it three times. I had one or two strands shed off the first time but none since. It has retained its shape and texture and is probably my new favourite foundation brush. It buffs, smooths, stipples and blends without limited force because the bristles are so velvety.

Grade: A

**Disclosure: Product provided by PR for editorial consideration**

Working hand in hand with the leading plastic surgeons in Brazil, Bye Bye Under Eye was created as a full coverage, highly pigmented anti-aging concealer that utilizes truly innovative technology and ingredients – giving women the power to finally say “bye –bye!” to stubborn under-eye issues. Bye Bye Under Eye offers a waterproof, yet moisturizing, formula that stays put no matter what. The truly innovative formula contains high concentrations of Vitamins K, A, C, E and Collagen, which are clinically proven to reduce under eye puffiness and discoloration while strengthening the delicate skin of the under eye area. More than just full coverage for under the eyes, this formula was developed, tested and is now used to conceal facial bruising and swelling on the face and body of surgery patients in the offices of some of the leading plastic surgeons in Brazil. Hypo-allergenic and non-comedogenic. -www.itcosmetics.com

Sometimes when I am sent a press sample the colouring just doesn’t work out and I can’t give a product as comprehensive a trial and review that I would like. Sure I can test the consistency, longevity, and pigmentation when no one is around, but I can’t venture in to public with bruised looking undereyes because I am wearing the wrong shade. When I first swatched IT Cosmetics’ Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer I knew it was pretty special and wanted to give it the run it deserved in spite of it being too dark for me, so I recruited my warmer skin-toned sister to do the grunt work.

Swatches of Neutral Medium on my skin

Yesterday at work I could hear my phone buzzing incessantly with some exuberant messages and hysterical selfies (which I promised not to share at risk of sisterly retaliation):

-“OMG! This concealer is AMAZEBALLS!”

-“Where can I buy more of this stuff?”

Available in Canada at:

eBeauty.ca

theshoppingnetwork.com

itcosmetics.com

*Disclosure: Press sample provided for editorial consideration*

Brace yourself we are about to get intimate about personal grooming. Don’t worry, I’m not referring to your its and bits-rather, the discolouration under your arms that is a result of shaving, waxing and uneven skin tone. Now that Spring is upon us and we can think about hauling sleeveless shirts and dresses from the deep recesses of our closets, it is important to prep our skin for more exposure. There is nothing worse than lifting your arms and having that dark shadow of flesh mar the effect of your sleek ensemble because, from afar, it looks like you haven’t been in acquaintance with the sharp end of a blade since November. In reality the skin is hair free and silky smooth but no one will want to verify that on closer inspection!

Underarm hyperpigmentation does not require any bleaching to eradicate the problem areas. Moisturizing with vitamin rich products and gentle exfoliation will minimize the darkness. I think if you can avoid chemical laden products then you should, which is why I love these two Erb products available at Aruhndara (both online and at the Yaletown store).

Erb Up in Arms Underarm Detox Mask ($29 CAD)

• Guava Leaf cleanses and soothes
• Tamarind exfoliates and brightens
• White Clay detoxifies

Pop a little of this mousse under arms to get rid of toxins, impurities, odor residues and unblock follicles. Before a shower, gently apply the mask to the underarm area, leave for up to 10 minutes and then wash off thoroughly in shower. This mask is most effective when used 2-3 times per week and significant results can be seen within 2 weeks.

Erb Up in Arms Underarm Skin Toner ($29 CAD)

• Guava Leaf cleanses and soothes
• Licorice brightens and tones
• Cucumber hydrates and refreshes

In just one swipe this light hydrating toner leaves skin feeling aerated and squeaky clean. Soak cotton balls with toner and apply to your underarm area right after showering and before you go to bed at night. The toner can be used everyday and a change in skin texture is noticeable within a couple of applications.

The scent of both these products is completely natural and invigorating. Safe for even the most sensitive skins, these products give results that last.

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Rating: A-

**Disclosure: Products provided by Aruhndara for editorial consideration**

Beauty Reflections is in love with these three bright eyeliners from Lancome, Stila and MAC! Perfect brights for spring!

Who doesn’t love an awesome beauty find? If this sounds like you (and, seriously, we hope it does), don’t miss theNotice’s Week of Awesome, which covers only products that Rae is absolutely smitten with.

Phyrra is in LOVE with Virus Insanity Eyeshadows! Check out the beautiful duochromes and holographic sparkles.

Krasey Beauty has got the scoop on the latest from MAC, the Archie’s Girls Collection!

Musicalhouses checks out the latest Sleek Lagoon Palette from the Aqua Collection, and it is gorgeous!

Jenn from Spiced Beauty show you a wearable hot pink lipstick that works for every skin tone.

Over on Makeup Morsels, MM encounters a mascara from one of her favorite brands. Will it be love at first sight, or does a certain something stand in the way of their happiness?

Beauty Info Zone is a big admirer of the Smashbox Love Me collection. Once you see Admire Me you might be enticed to go shopping.

Gouldylox was tired of hearing other bloggers saying they can’t wear the bright colors of this season. Check out a FOTD to show even the shy how to pull them off!

Jude reviews Clarins New Rouge Eclat Lipsticks Everything you could want in a lipstick and anti-ageing, too!

See why Kim Porter thinks Zoya Dakota is the perfect oxblood, and see swatches of some other Zoya polish shades.

Spring is in the air and ArtDeco’s Butterfly Dreams collection is all about pastels and butterflies. See what Anita thinks about it over at Pleasureflush!

Lisamarie from Beauty Crazed has the blues, the nail polish blues that is! Come admire her favourite blue polishes and see if blue is for you!

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Cindy over at Prime Beauty reviews StriVectin SD Intensive Concentrate for Stretch Marks and Wrinkles–is it hype or just good skincare? Find out AND enter to win a $100 Gift Card!

Jealous of the make-up they have in the UK? Hannah at Midnight Violets has some up for grabs in her International Giveaway!

Win It!!! Pammy Blogs Beauty is hosting a giveaway for an Emani Makeup Starter Kit!

Audrey Dao has reached the 4 year blogging milestone. Help her celebrate and check out her 4 Year Blogaversary Giveaway!

Jennifer Lawrence

Anne Hathaway

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Kerry Washington

Charlize Theron

Amy Adams

Amanda Seyfried

Jennifer Hudson

Adele

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