stylish and literate

Garnier BB Creams

2013-05-17T16:48:00.000-04:00

BB Creams have become quite popular, haven't they? I've dabbled with quite a few of them in the last year or so, Garnier being the first "westernized" version I tried.

The original Garnier BB Cream was released in Canada last year around this time. I did like it, but I didn't really love it. When I heard about the release of a new formula for oily / combination skin, I was definitely eager to try it & see how they compared.

original
CLAIMS
renews, hydrates 24h, brightens, evens skin tone

TEXTURE
thicker cream, light-weight, blends easily;
dries down to a dewy finish but feels tacky to the touch;
can be applied with fingers or a brush

SCENT
the typical "Garnier" scent, dissipates quickly after application

COVERAGE
very light to light

SHADES
light, light/medium, medium/dark

oily/combination
CLAIMS
controls shine, minimizes pores, renews, brightens, hydrates, evens skin tone

TEXTURE
lighter cream (more fluidity), blends easily, absorbs quickly;
dries to a matte / satin finish, luminous without looking oily;
can be applied with fingers or a brush (preferably a brush)

SCENT
any fragrance is overpowered by a distinct alcohol scent, dissipates quickly after application

COVERAGE
very light to light

SHADES
light/medium, medium/dark

1/ Original, light / medium

2/ Oily / combination, light / medium

3/ Oily / combination, medium / dark

thoughts i. the original formula leaves a slightly more dewy finish on the skin & it tends to break down after a couple hours of wear on my t-zone, whereas the new formula's matte / satin finish wears all day;

ii. when set with a powder, the original formula's dewiness is diminished & longevity increases on my skin;

iii. the new formula's watery consistency can get a little messy, especially with the packaging;

iv. both formulas transfer slightly (which is typical with most face products);

v. experienced zero oxidation with the original formula, whereas the new formula oxidizes slightly;

vi. new formula offers a tad more coverage on me than the original formula. Both formulas do not completely cover blemishes / dark spots, but they do neutralize slight redness;

vii. both formulas do not settle into fine lines or dry patches;

viii. it is not specified whether this product contains sun protection. I don't think the Canadian versions do;

ix. I wear light / medium in the original formula, and a mix of 1/3 light / medium & 2/3 dark / medium in the new formula.

Applied a pea sized amount of each product to a completely bare face (cleansed skin; no moisturizer, serum, or eye cream)
Note skin imperfections (e.g., dark spot on forehead & café au lait on cheek) and under eyes are not completely covered, but they're slightly minimized.

For my skin type, I prefer the the new formula. It sits much better on my skin & it wears much longer throughout the day. I don't typically wear BB Creams on a daily basis -- only when I feel like I'm having a bad skin day -- but between the two formulas, the new formula is the one I've been reaching for the most lately.

Have you tried either formula? What's your favourite drugstore BB cream? x

FOTD | À La Gatsby

2013-05-11T08:10:00.000-04:00

Friday's face was (kind of) inspired by the Great Gatsby. It's one of my favourite books. I watched the movie last night & I loved it!

Back to the makeup... I've been keeping my skin au naturel. I went for a CO2 Laser Treatment on Monday so I'm letting my skin breathe & recoup.

After moisturizing, I applied a light dusting of Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light, and a little bit of concealer under the eyes.

The eyes are fairly neutral. I used the Maybelline Color Tattoo in Barely Branded as a base, a couple shades from the Naked Palette (Buck, Sidecar & Half Baked) on the lid and a slightly winged liner using Lancome's Art Liner. I probably should have just left them bare. My allergies have been acting up this week and it doesn't take much to irritate them.

On my cheeks I lightly applied the Burberry Light Glow in No.5 Blossom. It's a beautiful coral & it very natural on. Burberry blushes in general are so silky and smooth. Lastly, on my lips I'm wearing the retro matte red MAC RiRi Woo, which I just reviewed here.

Have a wonderful weekend, loves! Who else is planning to see Gatsby? x

RiRi Woo

2013-05-09T08:19:00.000-04:00

When I first heard about this lipstick's existence, I wasn't sold. I love a good red but nothing about this really wow-ed me (still doesn't, really), but I partook in the madness of the first RiRi Loves MAC Collection release anyway.

My mindset? Well...

I don't own Ruby Woo (the inspiration for RiRi Woo). Since they're both so similar & it's not really necessary to have both, I figured I'd just get RiRi Woo & repurchase Ruby Woo when the time came;
I hate paying a premium for MAC's "special" packaging (especially if the product isn't unique) but since RiRi Woo didn't have the price markup, I was even more inclined;

I can't remember the last time I participated in such a highly anticipated launch. There was such a long queue. I even thought my browser froze because it took so long. At one point, I had the same page open on my laptop and iPhone, just in case LTE loaded faster than my wifi.

RiRi Woo is a vivid, blue-toned red with a retro matte finish. It's a little drying, but manageable. It's easy to apply as long as your lips are smooth & hydrated. Lasting power is great, minimal touch ups are necessary, and I never worry about it moving once it's on.

While this lipstick isn't anything unique (e.g., MAC Ruby Woo & YSL Rouge Pur Couture #1 come to mind right away), it's still a great colour and suits a wide range of skin tones.

Note the engraving on the bullet

Note Riri Woo heavily swatched

If you missed out on this, it will re-release in June with the second installment of the collection. Special packing, in tow.

Did you pick up RiRi Woo or did you pass? I heard it sold out in three hours. I don't know the average time it takes for collections to sell out, but three hours seems pretty quick.

Ps, remember when I said that if I got RiRi Woo, I wouldn't need to buy Ruby Woo? Well... I still ended up picking up the latter. One, I wanted to compare the two, and two, I love a good red.

Pps, I'm trying out a new comment form (Disqus). I want my blog to be open for anyone to comment, but I have been getting a lot of spam through Blogger's comment platform. Hopefully this will curb it.

It's Popul-art!

2013-05-07T09:35:00.000-04:00

I love it when Essence comes out with new collections. For such an affordable brand (all their products are under $5), they always come out with some interesting products.

I spotted their newest collection Vintage District at SDM a couple of weeks ago and picked up this blush called 01 It's Popul-art. I'm not going to lie -- the beauty of it was what drew me in. I love the embossed flower.

At first, you can't tell that it's duo-toned because of all the gold overspray, but once that fades (and it fades rather quickly after a couple swipes) there's actually a rose shade under it.

The first few applications has a lot of gold shimmer. It adds a distinct glow to the skin, however, if you prefer it matte, just stick it out because once the overspray disappears, the shimmer disappears.

Overspray aside, the blush is actually a matte coral (i.e., a hybrid between peach & pink). Pigmentation is okay. I find the rose shade is a bit more pigmented than the peach. It applies smoothly & blends easily. The best part... it was only $3.49 for 9 grams of product!

Note the packaging

l-r: mostly gold overspray, mix of peach and a little rose, a mix of the rose / peach / a little overspray

Note the duo-tone

I've tried quite a few things from the brand, and with anything, there are hits and some misses, but as a whole, their products are definitely worth a look at.

Beauty Box Five

2013-05-06T12:48:00.002-04:00

Note the simple packaging (no box inside a box)

I am no stranger to beauty boxes & even though I'm on a beauty box diet, I wanted to share this Beauty Box Five (BB5) with you (and not just because this box was sent to me by the company).

This box doesn't correspond to a specific month (i.e., it's not the May Beauty Box), but it's also not a special "PR only" box. From watching / reading unboxings over the last few months, I noticed that a lot of products in this box were featured in other boxes. So, I think it's a good representation of the variety of products / brands that you can find in the BB5.

Note the product card

The Brush Guard | Variety Pack

I love brush guards! They keep your brushes looking brand new. They're perfect post-washing your brushes. I also use them when storing brushes -- they keep the shape perfectly. This sample pack comes in three sizes (eye shadow, blush, and foundation). I use mostly the blush & foundation size.

Retail: $5.50, varying packs

Demeter Roll On Perfume Oil | Cherry Blossom

I've ordered a few rings from Demeter and I haven't been disappointed yet, this Cherry Blossom fragrance is no exception. I love the light, floral scent. I love the rollerball. It's a great travel companion.

Retail: $10, .29 fl oz

Coolway Boost Repair Mask

This is a repair mask. It's supposed to moisturize and condition your hair. It's colour safe, non-toxic, and works on all hair types. I haven't tried it yet, but I'm eager to because my hair loves deep treatments.

Retail: $39.95, 8oz

Bodyography Foundation Primer

I don't wear foundation, but I still like using primers. They generally make my skin look smoother and help my makeup last longer throughout the day. This is a colourless primer. It feels (and performs) very similar to the Smashbox Photo Finish primer. It has that silicone texture, but it feels lightweight on the skin & it blends easily.

Retail: $30, 1oz

Model Co Lip Shine | Strip Tease

A sheer shimmery peach / apricot shade. I'v worn this a couple of times & I like the formulation. It is fairly moisturizing, non-sticky, and easy to apply. It also smells great, it has a sweet scent to it. The packaging is nice, too. It has a doe foot applicator & a little mirror on the side of the tube. Originally I thought it was gaudy, but it came in handy a few times.

Retail: $16, 0.14 fl oz

So, BB5 is $12 per month and they ship from the US. Each box will contain 4-5 different products. You can check out their website at Beauty Box 5 (dot) com for more information.

Have you tried any fragrances from Demeter? Which is your favourite? I have to say Dirt is my most unexpected favourite.

Spring has Sprung

2013-05-04T10:11:00.000-04:00

Top, the Gap | Shorts, the Gap | Hat, Forever21 | Sandals, SM in the Philippines | Wafarers, Ray Ban

Location: UofT at Harbord / Huron

April showers bring May flowers. Whenever cherry blossoms start appearing, I know Spring has finally arrived.

Hope you're all enjoying lovely weather wherever you are!

Have a wonderful weekend x

Looking Flushed

2013-05-03T13:37:00.000-04:00

Another fotd friday post. It has been the first week of consistently nice weather, hurray!

This week I've rediscovered the Chantecaille Just Skin (I love how lightweight it feels on the skin) and experimenting with the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder (which I like, but it's not life changing).

I've also been dabbling with cream blushes and the Revlon Photoready blush in Flushed has been the one I've reached for most this week. Flushed is a beautiful bright fuchsia pink, no shimmer, and easy to blend for a natural look. The more I use this, the more I love it. It also works great as a base to a less pigmented blush. The Real Techniques Stippling brush is my favourite for cream blushes. It deposits the right amount of product & it's so easy to blend with.

The lip product of my choice has been the Giorgio Armani Rouge D'Armani Sheer in #301. A sheer coral. I think you all know by now how obsessed I am with these. They're so moisturizing! As long as I have this on me, I'm not worried about bringing a lip balm. Pigmentation varies by shade -- some have better colour pay off than others but they're still my favourite.

I'm a little gutted by the messy bullet though. It scrapes against the inside of the tube whenever I go to apply it. Who else cringes when this happens?

Roaring Twenties with Julep

2013-05-02T08:22:00.000-04:00

I haven't done a Julep unboxing in quite a while. I've gotten some great polishes over the last few months, but this box is especially exciting and I had to share it with you!

My favourite part about this box is the 20s theme and with the new Gatsby film coming out, I just cannot get enough of that era.

There were a few different combinations with the May boxes. Depending on the style you chose, you could have received varying colours of nail polish, one of two different lipstick trios (the Paris trio and the New York trio) or a specially packaged lip scrub.

I stuck with Classic with a Twist, mainly because, out of the two lipstick trios, Paris was my favourite.

Starting with the polishes, I received Myrtle (a deep "flapper" red) and Zora (a frosted light pink). Both are great shades, though the red is my favourite. I love the "swatch me" stickers on the lids. It's really convenient to be able to see how the wears.

Not to overshadow the polishes, but I was most excited for these lipsticks. They just looked so great in the promo pictures. Like I said, I got the Paris Jazz lipstick trio.

The three colours are:

Lady in Red - a classic matte red
Sweet Lorraine - a sheer bubblegum pink
Charleston - a sheer cranberry red

I just got this box in the mail yesterday, so I haven't been able to try all the shades on, but I wore Charleston today & I did like it. It was fairly moisturizing. Colour payoff was good. It didn't last very long, but I expect that with sheer finishes. I'm eager to try the other shades.

The gold packaging is simple. Twisting the bullet up isn't as smooth as other lipstick tubes, but it's manageable. I also love the size of lipstick tubes, they only contain 2.1g of product & almost look like miniatures compared to some other lipsticks.

l-r: Lady in Red, Sweet Lorraine, Charleston

Photo Credit: Julep

The last thing in the box was a set of hair clips. They're little rosettes attached to bobby pins. I think they're cute, though I'm not sure how much use I'll get out of them. Actually, they may come in handy to clip back my unruly overgrown bangs.

So that was my box. I enjoyed everything I received & Julep is definitely one of my favourite subscription boxes. I really like the thought they put behind the products they curate for us.

The monthly subscription price is $19.99 a month, but if you're a new subscriber to Julep, you can get your very first box free! Who doesn't love that? Just enter the promo code freebox! Click here & start by selecting a style profile!

Did you get a Julep box this month? Thoughts? x

Current Empties | #4

2013-05-01T07:40:00.000-04:00

Wow, time goes by fast. It seriously feels like it was just yesterday since my last post.

At any rate, I have more empties! I've been on a mission to use up more products. Going through my collection the other day, I realized that I've only hit pan on two things. Note to self: shop the stash instead of Sephora.

I've implemented a 3-1 policy for my makeup collection. Whenever I buy three makeup products (cumulatively), I will get rid of one. I have a 1-1 policy for my closet, but that would just be unrealistic with makeup.

What does that have to do with this empties post? Nothing specifically, I guess. But hey... I'm using stuff up :).

Let's start with all the full-sized things I've used up...

VASELINE | SPRAY & GO MOISTURIZER
Love this stuff! Easy to use, moisturizing, absorbs quickly. Downside? They don't last as long as traditional bottles of lotion. One of these sprays lasts no more than two months for me. Repurchase? Yes.

BIODERMA | SENSIBIO CLEANSER
My favourite face makeup remover. I will always repurchase this until I find something I like even better.

LISE WATIER | MAGNIFIX SPRAY
This is a light setting spray. It doesn't work as well as other brands, like Skindinavia, but it's refreshing on the skin and is great if you over powder. Repurchase? I think I would.

THE BODY SHOP | SHEA LIP BUTTER
I really like this lip butter, it's moisturizing and it smells great. Repurchase? Yes, although I prefer the fruit versions.

MAC | SELECT COVER UP CONCEALER
This is a terrific concealer. It works great under the eyes and on blemishes. It took so long to finish. Especially because it's a bit too dark for me (it's an NW35 & I range between NC30-40). I bought this during the peak of a really fun summer (i.e., I got way too much vitamin D), so it didn't really work so well after my colour faded. Repurchase? Yes, but in a different shade.

L'OREAL | ARGININE RESIST HAIR MASK
I liked this mask because it made my hair feel soft & nourished, but it didn't really help with the hair loss. Repurchase? It was only $5, so I would repurchase for the softness it provided my hair.

Some nail stuff. It is nearly impossible for me to finish a bottle of nail polish, but I have managed to put a dent in all the half-finished base coats / top coats that I've collected.

SALLY HANSEN | INSTA-DRI
I really liked this. It dried quickly & left a glossy finish. One thing I dislike about fast dry top coats is how quickly they dry out & turn goopy. After that, it just becomes unmanageable (even after adding polish thinner). Repurchase? I would.

CHINA GLAZE | STRONG ADHESION BASE COAT
This was OK. Nothing to write home about. It's a clear base coat, dries quickly, and has average longevity, but I probably wouldn't repurchase it.

ESSIE | TO DRY FOR
This is also a fast dry top coat, but it's a different consistency. It does dry fairly quickly on the nail, but it doesn't dry out in the bottle as fast as other top coats, which I like. It doesn't have the shiny / glossy finish that I love in a top coat though. Repurchase? Probably not.

FOUR SIDED NAIL BUFFER BLOCK
I love these buffer blocks. They make your natural nail so smooth and shiny. I've had this one for so long, it's time for a new one. It's a great nail tool to have on hand, though. Repurchase? Yes!

Now on to the samples! I'm going to call this the Project Sample Pan (i.e., the finally-use-up-all-the-samples-I-paid-for project).

THE BODY SHOP | MICRODERMABRASION
While this made my skin feel really smooth & even, it's kind of uncomfortable to use. It's like rubbing grains of sand on my face. Too abrasive for me. Purchase? Probably not.

JOUVIANCE | ANTI-AGING CREAM
This lasted about a week and it was moisturizing on the skin, but I didn't really think it did anything special. Purchase? No.

CAUDALIE | VINOPERFECT
This was only good for one use. It felt refreshing on the skin, but I didn't notice a significant difference in my skin. Purchase? Probably not.

CAUDALIE | LA CRÈME
Again, moisturizing but not enough product to notice a significant difference in my skin. That's the theme with these samples, I'm afraid. Purchase? Probably not.

ELIZABETH GRANT | BODY TREATMENT
This body lotion was really moisturizing & kept my skin hydrated throughout the day. I liked it, but I probably wouldn't repurchase.

B KAMINS | MAPLE BODY LOTION
This smells great and feels hydrating on the skin, but I probably wouldn't repurchase. There are some drugstore brands that I prefer.

EUCERIN | DAY & NIGHT CREAM
These are some really great moisturizers. I normally don't enjoy samples that come in packets like these, but when I turn out liking the product -- I don't mind. These Eucerin creams are especially great for people who have dry skin because they're really moisturizing. They're a thick cream, but they absorbed quickly & kept my skin hydrated throughout the day / night. Purchase? Yes.

Do you have a holy grail nail polish top coat (other than Seche Vite, which I already own)? Please let me know! x

Mother's Day Topbox + Giveaway

2013-04-19T09:38:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday lovies!

Mother's Day is around the corner and if you're contemplating what gift to give, consider this special edition Topbox!

In simplest terms, this is a fragrance sampler. The box comes with six different fragrance samples for you to sniff, wear, and test to see which one you like best. Once you've decided, you can redeem the eGift card that comes with the box for a full-size (50ml) bottle of the fragrance of your choice!

The Mother's Day Topbox retails for $80 (+ $5.95 shipping because they do ship to you twice). It is now available for pre-order on Topbox's Website and will ship on May 1st. Unfortunately, it's only available to Canadian residents.

It would definitely make a great gift for someone, or a nice little treat for yourself! I also love that Topbox handles all the shipping. It makes gift-giving easy if the person you're giving it to (your mum / aunt / sister / friend) doesn't live close to you.

I think there's a good range of fragrances in this box, there's the fruity florals and the woody musks... below is how each fragrance is described because I'm awful at discerning scents:

Calvin Klein Euphoria (retail, $78) is a blend of "exotic fruits, rich black orchid, and sensual woods."
Roberto Cavalli Eau de Parfum (retail, $80) is an "ambery floral fragrance: addictive, sensual, and radiant."
Calvin Klein Eternity (retail, $74) is "romantic, timeless, luxurious, an endless of white flowers."
Vera Wang Lovestruck (retail, $79) is "feminine, romantic, modern. A sparkling addictive floral that you are sure to fall in love with..."
Marc Jacobs Oh, Lola! (retail, $79) is "flirtatious and playful. Oh, Lola! sparkles with sophistication. A refreshing light fruity floral - vibrant and irresistible."
Chloé Eau de Parfum (retail, $92) is a "sublime powdery rose, feminine, natural, sexy & chic."

If I was picking for my myself, it would be a tie between Chloé and Lovestruck. I love the feminine & classic scent of Chloé, but also adore the sweet scent of Lovestruck -- it reminds me a little bit of Prada Candy on me. I gave this box to my mum and she also really enjoys Chloé. I think that's the one she'll pick.

GIVEAWAY
Topbox was nice enough to offer a box to giveaway to one of you! So, if you're interested in winning a Mother's Day Topbox, please enter via the Rafflecopter widget below.

However, this giveaway is only open to Canadian Residents (sorry!). Topbox will be shipping the box straight from their HQ & at this time, they only ship within Canada.

Giveaway ends on Friday, April 26, 2013 at 11:59 PM EST. I will contact the winner via email.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck if you're entering! x

Note: This box was sent to me from Topbox but I am not receiving monetary compensation for this post.

Chic Week Buys

2013-04-16T17:38:00.001-04:00

It's Chic Week at Sephora. I love events like this because it's a great time to repurchase or to try out new high-end products at a little bit of a discount (a 15% discount, in this case).

I didn't really have a concrete shopping list planned, but there were a couple of things I wanted to check out (though I didn't end up getting any of those products). I dropped into Sephora on Saturday for a browse (both Yorkdale and the Eaton Centre) and here's what I picked up.

Aside from the Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream, everything else was basically an impulse buy. Especially the Urban Decay De-Slick & the Beauty Blender Solid Cleanser. I'm such a sucker for those buckets of mini and travel-sized goodies near the registers.

The highlight of the haul is probably the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder. I've been hearing a lot of buzz around it and I didn't really think I wanted it, but I snatched it up anyway. It was the last one left & there's an added desire when something's in high demand.

There were a couple of shades that I swatched & liked, but I went with Dim Light to start. Dim light is described as a "neutral soft beige that provides a perfect balance of warm and cool tones to blur imperfections." How do you say no?

I've worn it a couple of times and while I'm still experimenting with different application techniques, I'm liking it so far. Expect something more substantial in the future.

Did you get anything during the sale? Please let me know! The event is on until Monday, April 22nd -- still have time to go back :) x

Current Empties | #3

2013-04-14T12:51:00.000-04:00

I have another round of empties slated for the recycling bin. I'm spending my Sunday tidying up (my blog, my makeup, my closet, my room, basically everything), and thought I'd do this quick post so I can finally get rid of these.

I'm a terrible empties poster. When I do finish a product, I often forget to hang on to it. Don't get me wrong, though, most of those items are little samples. Full size products are much harder for me to finish. I find it difficult to stick to one product for long durations. Commitment issues. There are just so many new and intriguing products out there.

But hey, here are a few things I've managed to use up & commit to film. Let's start with some skincare stuff.

Though I do try a lot of skincare products, I'm always reluctant to review them because it's such a personal thing. We could have the exact same skin type, but I could still love a product that you hate. It's all about preference.

CLINIQUE | 7 DAY SCRUB CREAM
It goes without saying how much I adore this scrub. Despite being gentle on my skin, it really cleans & leaves my skin feeling smooth. Repurchase? Always!

KIEHL'S | OVER-NIGHT BIOLOGICAL PEEL
I rate this product mediocre. It is supposed to rejuvenate the skin overnight with a gentle peeling action. I don't feel like it left my skin looking any different the next morning. No radiance, no evenness in appearance. I think my skin did feel slightly smoother though -- could have just wishful thinking. Repurchase? I don't think so.

NEUTROGENA | HEALTHY SKIN | RETINOL CREAM
I've started interjecting retinol in my nightly skincare routine and I've been loving this one from Neutrogena. It's a subtle product, the ingredients are not overly concentrated or strong. I've been using it for about 6 months now and I have noticed an overall improvement in my skin. Repurchase? Yes! I just picked up a new one a few weeks ago.

ORIGINS | GINZING EYE CREAM
I've heard lots of good things about this eye cream, but I wasn't that impressed. The cream does last a long time. It took me over 6 months to use it up and at one point I was using it for day & night. It has some light reflecting particles in the cream, but nothing too noticeable over my dark circles. I didn't find it as hydrating under the eyes as I hoped. Repurchase? Not for me.

GARNIER | SKIN RENEW | DARK SPOT CORRECTOR
My skin is prone to hyper pigmentation and dark spots, so when I spotted this (pun intended), I was intrigued. It sort of works. I found that it did lighten (albeit not overnight) new / recent dark spots, but it did nothing for old dark spots. Repurchase? I think I would.

I am slowly making my way through the abundance of makeup / skincare samples I have accumulated this past year.

KERASTASE ELIXIR ULTIME
This is a lovely hair oil. It felt great in my hair. Smoothing, non-greasy, smells pretty good. Not overly wow-ed though. There's a L'Oreal product out there, I think it's called Nutri-Sleek, that offers similar results without the inflated price tag (makes sense since L'Oreal is the parent company). Purchase? Probably not.

YSL | EYE CREAM
I quite liked this eye cream. Though I didn't notice a dramatic difference in the appearance of my under eyes, it is really moisturizing. The price for the full size is a lot. Purchase? I would if I didn't think that eye creams are glorified moisturizers.

KELLETT CLARIFYING ACNE TREATMENT
Don't really have too much to say about this. This cream contains 5% Benzoyl Peroxide, and I don't really find that it works any better (or worse) than other products with the same active ingredients (specifically the Clean & Clear acne line). I do like that the company is Canadian, though. Purchase? Probably not.

LIVING PROOF | HAIR PRIMER
This stuff I love. It works so well with my hair (though my hair isn't overly hard to work with). It keeps my hair smooth throughout the day & it keeps the style intact until the day after. It works well on air dried hair, but even better on a blowout. Purchase? Yes.

MURAD | POST-ACNE SPOT LIGHTENING GEL
I had similar results with this as I did with the Garnier Dark Spot Corrector. It does work on new-ish spots, but not on older ones. It contains 2% Hydroquinone, which is a skin lightening ingredient, but you can find that ingredient in many products nowadays. Purchase? No.

B.KAMINS | MOISTURIZER & SERUM
Nothing much to say about these two. I found them to be moisturizing, but there wasn't enough product to see a noticeable difference. I find my skin takes at least two weeks to show results (if any) from a skincare product. These tubes only contained enough product for a couple uses. Purchase? No.

I have so many hand creams that I need to start using up. I can manage to use them up fairly quickly, though. I apply hand cream repeatedly throughout the day, especially during the Winter season.

PRINCIPESSA | SILKY HAND CREAM
This was a freebie from a Glymm order I placed a few months ago. I wasn't that impressed with it when I first used it, but it grew on me. It was moisturizing and it really did make my hands look / feel silky (especially my cuticles). Purchase? Yes.

CAKE | VELVETEEN HAND CREME
This smells heavenly. That has always been one of the draws of Cake products. It's also moisturizing on the hands. It soaks into the skin fairly quick & is non-greasy. Repurchase? Yes.

It's always rewarding to use up products (even if they're just little samples), don't you think? x

FOTD Friday + Beauty Panel

2013-04-12T14:30:00.003-04:00

It certainly hasn't felt like Spring this past week, but that's not going to stop this girl from wearing Spring-esque makeup.

This week's look is perhaps a little too much like last week's FOTD (btw, I'm making face-of-the-day Fridays a new thing now). What can I say? I am a creature of habit. But, in the same way I justify my makeup purchases, it is not the same, it's similar.

Inspired by another recent MAC purchase, the cheeks are a mix of MAC Peaches (sheertone) & Fleur Power (satin), while on the lips is MAC Crosswires (creamsheen).

Peaches is a true peach, while Fleur Power is a bright pinky coral. MAC blushes wear pretty well on me, I find that they last throughout the day with only a little fading.

Crosswires is a beautiful coral pink lipstick that I've been really loving this week. On my lips, it wears like a brighter, more opaque version of See Sheer. The Creamsheen formula is growing on me. It is easy to wear and comfortable on the lips. It also lasts a bit longer on me than the Lustre formula.

Ps, for those of you who don't know, I am a Beauty Panel contributor for FashionMagazine.com. Each week we are given a challenge to complete and this week is all about false eyelashes!

Falsies are a great way to add drama to any makeup look, but I love using them to add more definition to my eyes by making my lashes look a little fuller than they really are. I love using demi lashes (i.e., accent lashes). I find regular lash strips look a little fake on me (though, I suppose they're not called falsies for no reason)... plus, I always end up having to trim them because they're too big for my eyes.

In terms of lash glue, my favourite is the Duo lash adhesive in dark-tone. It's great if you have dark lashes because it blends really well. I find that the "clear" glues never really dry clear on me.

Anyway, be sure to head over to FashionMagazine.com to check out my post & all the other wonderful contributors! x

Café Olé on a Gloomy Day

2013-04-11T17:20:00.002-04:00

(hehe, that rhymed)

A couple weeks ago, I picked up this Essence Nude Glam polish from Shoppers Drugmart. I first saw these polishes on Blush Bug and I knew I had to pick some up. For $1.49, how could I say no? [edit: inflation -- it's now $1.99. Still a good deal though.]

Café Olé is a pretty nude-ish taupe shade and it has a very subtle shimmer. The formulation is great. It was a breeze to apply -- smooth & streak-free. The brush is flat and fairly wide, so it covers the nail in a couple strokes, and it took only two coats for an even finish.

I think Essence changed the formula of their polishes because I remember buying a bottle last year & wasn't that impressed with it.

Just to jazz up the neutral colour (though I can't remember where I originally saw this), I added a little dot to the top of the nail using Orly Rage.

Speaking of... Essence has also ventured into the world of nail art. I found some nail stamps, rhinestones, and a dotting tool amongst their products.

I ended up picking up the dotting tool because I've been meaning to get one for some time now. It works great -- just like how you'd expect a dotting tool to work. It's a bit easier to use than my makeshift alternatives. So long bobby pins / tooth picks, I'm stepping up in the world!

Overall, this is a great everyday colour, I've been wearing it a lot lately, and I would recommend checking these polishes out if you haven't already :).

Ps, what the heck is up with the weather in Toronto today? Sheesh.

Current Faves | March 2013

2013-04-09T11:08:00.000-04:00

March was a boring month for me, makeup-wise. I used the same products over and over again. It wasn't until the end of the month that I started changing it up. So here's what I've been loving & using 85% of the time...

BIODERMA SENSIBIO
My favourite face makeup remover. It's gentle on the skin and works quickly. I also love the new "pump" on the 500ml bottles come with now. It's much easier to soak cotton pads.

Ps, did anyone else notice how they raised the price for the 500ml bottles? Last year it was only $30.

GARNIER BB CREAM for OILY / COMBINATION SKIN
If I had anything on my face this month, this was it. I love the new formula, it's much better for my skin than the original. It also doesn't have a strong scent like the original formula.

It has very light coverage (it won't cover up strong pigmentation) but it looks natural on and that's what I like about it. I have a post comparing both versions of the Garnier BB Cream in the works, so expect a more in depth review / comparison.

BIODERMA SÉBIUM PORE REFINER
If you have oily skin, this is definitely worth a try! My forehead has been a shiny mess lately and this pore refiner seems to be doing a great job at controlling my oil glands. It doesn't prevent oil all together, but it does hinder it. This also makes it a great primer!

BENEFIT DALLAS
I have been loving this blush! I love rediscovering things I already own. It's like shopping but better. Dallas is a pretty plum-brown shade with a little shimmer. It gives my cheeks a subtle glow. It is quite different from my go-to peach / corals, but I've been really loving it!

MAC PLUMFUL
This lipstick is a chameleon! It seems so look different on everyone. Plumful resides with the purple family, but it's a rosy plum shade. It's a Lustre formula so it applies a little lighter than in the tube, but it is buildable, though. Sometimes it looks dark and vampy, other times it looks bright and rosy. Check out this post for swatches & how it looks on me.

BRUSHES
I've been loving two brushes this past month. The Real Techniques Contour Brush and the Quo Professional Blush Brush. The RT Contour Brush is great for contouring and highlighting. It is synthetic so it's great for powders and creams. The Quo Blush Brush is fairly soft. The hairs are quite flexible and not too dense, which makes it great for really pigmented blushes.

Another month down! What were your favourites? x

FOTD | MAC See Sheer & Pinch O Peach

2013-04-05T13:31:00.000-04:00

Today's face of the day incorporates two recent MAC purchases (see this post for swatches): Pinch O Peach and See Sheer.

I think this combination is going to be one of my favourites for Spring. I snapped these pictures last weekend, but I've been wearing the look all week. I'm a creature of habit -- when something works, I don't want to change it.

Pinch O Peach is a beautiful peachy-pink. It's also matte, sheer and buildable. It looks quite natural on the skin. A subtle flush of colour. I love foolproof blushes!

The lipstick is the highlight. I've been looking for a fresh new Spring / Summer lipstick and I think I found it in See Sheer. It's a beautiful pinky coral. It doesn't look much in the tube, but when applied, it's stunning. It's a Lustre and it is comfortable on the lips. Application is smooth and the finish is slightly glossy. It's one of those effortless colours.

MAC Pinch O Peach

MAC See Sheer

Happy Friday, lovies! Have a wonderful weekend! x

L'Oreal Caresse Shine Stains, Part 2

2013-04-02T18:28:00.001-04:00

This is a continuation of my previous post on the L'Oreal Caresse Stains. I've been using them quite a bit since that post & I'm still really enjoying them. Be sure to check out that post if you want to see swatches & a more thorough review because this post is just all about how they look on.

I like the formulation, it feels comfortable on the lips. I don't find them drying, though I do always prep my lips with a bit of lip balm before applying any kind of lip product. They offer good pigmentation and a great colour range. Application is easy, though it's best to wait a few seconds before coats, otherwise things will get goopy.

Despite being a "stain," all three shades still transfer (i.e., on Starbucks cups), but they are fairly long-wearing.

Pink Rebellion
I thought this shade would go on much brighter and more vibrant, but it's actually quite subtle. It's a blue based pink and it offers a very light wash of colour on the lips. It's the most everyday shade out of the three I own. You need at least two coats for an even finish.

Coral Tattoo
This leans much more orange than coral on me. I love it though. It's bright and fun, perfect for the new season. While it's pigmented, you'll need two coats to even out the colour.

Infinite Fuchsia
Holy pigmentation, batman! This is the prettiest deep fuchsia. It covers the lips in one even coat and it also leaves the strongest stain. It's a great colour if you're looking for a vibrant bold lip.

If you own some, what other shades do you recommend? :) x

A Newfound MAC Love

2013-04-01T19:55:00.000-04:00

I'm rediscovering MAC. Last year, I bought my first MAC blush in really long time (i.e., years)... Now, every time I pass a counter, I always end up leaving with an item (or four).

I recently picked these goodies up at the Bay (I'm there way too often). I received a $20 cash card in the mail to spend on a beauty purchase of $100 or more. The letter said it was for "preferred customers" but I think that's just a gimmick to make us feel special and to get us to spend more money.

But hey - I guess it worked because I ended up using it at the MAC counter. I picked up two blushes and two lipsticks for myself, and a lipstick (in Lovelorn, not pictured) for my mum.

Let's start with the blushes. I am a huge fan of sheertones. They're pigmented & buildable. My favourite part is how foolproof they are. Apply a little, apply a lot, it still looks great.

Pinch O Peach is a beautiful matte peachy-pink. I originally had my hand out for Pink Swoon but then I saw Pinch O Peach and I fell in love with the glow it gave my complexion.

The other blush I picked up was Peaches. It doesn't look like much in the pan, but it looks great on. It is a true matte peach. Again, it looks amazing with my complexion. I will be doing a post on how they look on, swatches don't really do them justice.

Pinch O Peach

Peaches

Now the lipsticks, both of which are Lustres.

Lustres are my favourite MAC finish. They're comfortable on the lips, good pigmentation, buildable, and they have a slightly glossy finish.

See Sheer was my first choice. It's a pretty coral pink. I've been wearing it daily for the last week now. It's a great every day shade. A very natural wash of colour.

Lustering is a fun (but sheer) pink. It's a great summer colour and it really brightens the face.

See Sheer

Lustering

I have my eye on some Amplified lippies next. Vegas Volt for one. I've been meaning to get it for months now.

Any MAC recommendations? x

Happy Easter!

2013-03-30T20:10:00.000-04:00

Hi lovies,

I just wanted to wish you all a Happy Easter! Hope you're spending it with the ones you love & indulging in delicious Easter treats! If it's exam time for you, good luck! And if you're in the midst of busy (tax) season, hang in there, you're almost there!

Have an amazing day (& rest of the weekend)!

x Aleeza

SeasonsBox | March 2013

2013-03-27T21:11:00.001-04:00

Subscription boxes are everywhere nowadays. They come in all shapes, sizes, brands, and themes. So what's different about SeasonsBox?

Well, SeasonsBox provides a monthly box of three to five full size products for your home, body, and spirit. Each box has a theme, which is tailored to a particular season or a special occasion. And all the handpicked products are environmentally conscious.

I was contacted by SeasonsBox and asked if I was interested in receiving a March box for consideration. I did some research and ultimately agreed because I've heard many great things about this service. In particular, I've been creeping unboxings from my friend Lesley (from Petite Pear Style). Check out her posts on the January SeasonsBox & the February SeasonsBox.

The March SeasonsBox had a fun St. Patty's day theme. The box itself was fairly large and it was wrapped with a festive green ribbon.

When you opened the box, all four full size products were laid out neatly. You can immediately sense the theme.

1/ ShedRain | Ecoverse Compact Umbrella
I have to say, this is the first time I received an umbrella in subscription box. It's a wonderful addition, though. With Spring showers on their way, an umbrella is something I can appreciate.

It's quite compact, which makes it a great travel companion. From what I've read, these Ecoverse umbrellas are made from recycled materials. I also love the bamboo handle. Having already used this umbrella once, I can say that it's quite sturdy and easy to use.

2/ All Things Herbal | Dublin Mint Irish Soap
I'm becoming quite obsessed with handcrafted soaps like this one. They just seem to smell so much better (and much more unique) than regular bars of soap. This Dublin Mint Irish soap is a mix of spearmint and peppermint. I can't wait to use it. It smells so refreshing! I wish the internet had smell-o-vision because I know your olfactory system would love it (if you're a mint person, that is).

3/ Vance Kitira | Natural Incense Cones
I haven't burned incense in years. I'm more of a candle person (and even then, I rarely burn them). I've also never used incense cones before. My experience has been limited to incense sticks, so I really had no idea what to expect.

I received the scent Ocean. It smells great. I can't really pinpoint a specific note that stands out though. If I could describe it in a few words, I would say the scent is fresh and calming. It has become somewhat of a ritual to burn a cone while meditating.

4/ Octavia | Organic Gourmet Tea
I am becoming such a tea person. I especially have a fondness for loose leaf teas. I find they just taste better. I received the Irish Breakfast Black Tea. I had some the other morning and I really enjoyed it. Black tea is quite a bit stronger than my usual green tea, but it's tasty. It smells great and it's energizing.

Those were all four of the products in the March box. I loved the fun theme, it was well thought out. My favourite thing about this box is the fact that it's not solely beauty related. It's more of a (eco)lifestyle box. The monthly subscription price is $34.90 (which includes shipping).

If you're interested, you can sign up here using my referral link or you can read more about the company by going to the SeasonsBox website! x

Giveaway Winner + Snapshot Sunday

2013-03-24T19:20:00.001-04:00

Happy Sunday, lovies!

To start, I wanted to announce the winner of the Lancôme Illuminating blush giveaway. Thank you to everyone who entered! I have already emailed the winner & awaiting her reply (if I don't receive one in 48 hours, I will be picking a new winner). So without further ado... *drum roll* ... the winner is:

On to some random snapshots:

Bought some polka dot tights a few weeks ago and have been playing around with them.
Rediscovered my love for the classic "Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough" from Ben&Jerry's.
Went to a taping of Steven & Chris with my mum. The episode airs April 3rd.
Currently loving L'Oreal's "Not a Cloud in Sight" on my nails.
Went on a few quick road trips: one to the USA and another to Blue Mountain.
Did anyone else check out the Game of Thrones Exhibit at the Design Exchange?

Hope you're all having a wonderful weekend! x

L'Oreal Caresse Shine Stains

2013-03-22T08:30:00.000-04:00

I finally picked up a few of the new(ish) L'Oreal Caresse Shine Stains! I've been seeing posts on these floating around in the blogosphere, so naturally I had to pick them up. Plus, I do have a thing for lipgloss-stain hybrids. Especially after hearing their similarities to the YSL Glossy Stains. I have a slight obsession with those.

In total, there are twelve colours in a variety of hues. From neutrals to purples to reds. There's a colour for everyone, though the formulation might not be for everyone.

If you've never tried this new breed of lippies then it may take some getting used to. It feels like a watery gloss when first applied. It doesn't sound glamorous but I assure you, you have full control with the product. Application is generally smooth and even, some shades more so than others.

When applying, I found it worked best to wait a few seconds between coats. Unlike lip glosses, which you can pile on and on, these Shine Stains need a little time to set or else it gets goopy.

The applicator is nice. A tear drop shape to create a sharp edge. These stains are also accompanied by a fairly strong scent. Luckily it does fade quickly for those with fragrance aversions.

L'Oreal Caresse Shine Stains (left to right): Infinite Fuchsia, Coral Tattoo, Pink Rebellion

These three are the shades I was most drawn to while I was skimming the display:

1/ Infinite Fuchsia
A vivid fuchsia in the tube, but a deeper version applied. Out of the three, Infinite Fuchsia left the most pigmented stain.

2/ Coral Tattoo
A bright orangey coral. Leans much more orange on me than coral, but it will make a great Spring / Summer colour.

3/ Pink Rebellion
A blue-based pink. This is the sheerest of the three, but it's buildable.

All three wear well. The lasting power varies. Infinite Fuchsia leads the pack at around 5 hours with minimal eating / drinking. I attribute it to the deep pigmentation. While the other two faded around the 3-4 hour mark. I found them to be comfortable on the lips and I didn't experience any drying (but I have only tried each colour once or twice).

I haven't worn these long enough to make a definitive comparison to the YSL version. One thing I have noticed is that the L'Oreal Shine Stain seems to take an extra coat or two for an even coverage, as opposed to the YSL Glossy Stain, which only takes me two coats no matter the colour. Expect something more substantial in a future post.

Heavy swatch (left to right): Infinite Fuchsia, Coral Tattoo, Pink Rebellion

Stain left after 15 minutes (left to right): Infinite Fuchsia, Coral Tattoo, Pink Rebellion

Have you tried these? Thoughts? x

Spring Nail Polishes

2013-03-18T08:44:00.000-04:00

It's officially Spring in a couple days! I feel like Winter went by rather quickly this year. There were definitely some cold days, but it could have been worse. I'm sure if you're living in a subzero province, you'd say differently.

Nonetheless, it's time to put that behind us for another eight months and welcome in Spring (and soon Summer)! Warm weather, bright colours, and pretty dresses, here we come!

To start, I thought I'd share with you some polishes I'm most excited to wear this season.

Now, some of these polishes I tend to wear all year round. I don't really abide by any rules when it comes to nail polish. If I like a colour, I'll wear it, no matter the time of year. But there are some shades, that just compliment the refreshing new season.

THE NEUTRALS

I love a good neutral throughout the year. Warm, nude / tan shades are wearable all the time, but I find that whites are best complimented by sunshine.

1/ Butter London, Tea with the Queen: a beautiful "my nails but better" shade. A creamy pinkish tan.

2/ Essie, Fiji: a very pale pink. It's an opaque cream polish & a little finicky to work with, but it's beautiful on.

3/ Julep, Kate: a pearly white. A beautiful white polish without the "white-out" vibe.

THE BRIGHTS

Brights are especially fun to wear in the Spring. Though they're also fun to wear in the winter to offset the drab weather.

1/ Zoya, Shelby: a bright Barbie pink.
2/ Essie, Splash of Grenadine: a creamy mix of pink and magenta to compliment that future tan.
3/ Essie, Turquoise & Caicos: a creamy turquoise. Tropical and fun.

THE OTHER BRIGHTS

1/ Essie, To Buy or Not to Buy: a beautiful lavender with a little shimmer. Pastel with a kick.

2/ Essie, Tart Deco: a creamy coral. It also looks a little orange in some lights.

3/ Julep, Claire: a bright azure blue. It's stunning on and the formula is terrific.

It hasn't completely warmed up in the GTA yet, but it's coming, I can feel it :).

What are your favourite "spring" polishes? x

Lancôme Moonlight Rose Illuminating Blush & Giveaway

2013-03-15T13:28:00.001-04:00

I was spring cleaning last weekend and came across this beauty. It is a limited edition blush / highlighter from Lancôme's Fall 2012 Collection Midnight Roses. Eek, I know! I'm so late with this, but stay tuned until the end of this post to win one.

Not only is the packaging gorgeous -- the embossed rose in itself is a winner -- but the colour is also stunning. It's not your typical champagne highlighter because it leans more on the rosy side. It's that hint of rose gold that sets it apart.

This will last so long because you don't need to use a lot of product. Application is seamless. It has a silky feel to it and it's quite easy to blend. Plus, despite it being a powder, it doesn't leave your face looking cakey. The texture is quite nice, remniscent of Estée Lauder's Gelée blushes.

It catches the light beautifully so it's perfect for highlighting (or illuminating) the typical places, like the top of the cheeks, down the bridge of the nose, and the inner corners of your eyes, but it's also great for the unexpected places, like your décoletté.

The negative? There aren't any that I can think of. The pigmentation is great, the lasting power is good (around 6+ hours on me), and the glow from within look is beautiful.

I guess the only downside is that it's limited edition, and no longer available. Oh, and the dinky brush that comes with it. It's tiny and scratchy. I don't even know where mine is. It would have been better if Lancôme filled the pan with product instead of wasting the space with this brush.

Were you able to grab this blush before it sold out? x

GIVEAWAY

So, I own two of these blushes. Full disclosure: One (the one I've been using) was given to me by Lancôme and the other one (the one I'm giving away) I purchased with my own money. I was planning on giving it away as part of my 12 days of giveaways, but I ended giving away the Dior Amber Diamond instead.

Rather than selfishly hanging on to the second one as a back up, I wanted to give it to one of you! I thought it was only fair, since I dedicated an entire post to a product that's no longer available for purchase.

So, like all my giveaways, please use the Rafflecopter below to enter. Be sure to use an email address you check because that's how I will be contacting the winner.

Other things to note:

1/ This giveaway is open worldwide.

2/ This giveaway ends in one week, on Friday, March 22, 2013.

Good luck if you're entering & have a wonderful weekend! x

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What do you use to read blogs?

2013-03-14T18:15:00.000-04:00

Hi loves!

Google announced today that they're discontinuing Google Reader (sadface) & it will take effect on July 1st, 2013 -- though I'm sure you already knew that because it's been popping up in my subscriptions all day.

Regardless, if you don't even know what Google Reader is, you can ignore this post because it won't affect you. Though you may want to skim through in case you're looking for a new platform to catch up on your blog reading.

When I first started reading blogs, Google Reader, albeit an archaic platform, was where I collected all the pretty blogs I liked to read. I'll be sad to see it go.

However, there are bigger and better alternatives out there and I wanted to share three of my favourites...

1/ Feedly

This is what I've been using the most lately. It's a great RSS feed site. It has a pretty interface, like reading a blog of blogs, and it works with your favourite browsers (Safari, Chrome, Firefox). They also make it really easy to share or save a post you really like, and you can also connect Feedly to twitter / facebook to get updates on the main page. You can also download the Feedly App for your mobile devices.

You can add my blog to Feedly by searching "stylishandliterate.com" :). It's also a breeze to import your Google reads (click here for more info on how).

2/ Blog Lovin

Another great interface to follow your favourite blogs. It's easy to follow bloggers, like posts, and view popular posts / top blogs to find new sites you may not have heard of before. Blog owners can create their own "profile" and track their blog ratings & followers. Blog Lovin' also has an App for mobile devices. They also make it really easy to import your Google Reads to Blog Lovin' (click here to see how). Follow my blog on Blog Lovin'.

3/ Hello Cotton

This is a new site that I joined a few months ago. It's more than a place to read your favourite blogs, it's like a community. You can follow blogs, like posts, and even leave comments on the Hello Cotton platform. They also feature new posts every Monday to Friday so you can discover new bloggers from many different categories. Follow my blog on Hello Cotton.

EDIT: On March 29, 2013, Hello Cotton announced that they will (unfortunately) be shutting down the website :(.

And, of course, you can always follow my blog through my RSS feed & via email (see the sidebar to sign up).

What do you use to read blog posts? x