stylish and literate

Julep | June Bombshell

2013-06-18T17:51:00.000-04:00

I was surprised to see the June Julep box in my mailbox the other day. I kind of forgot about it because it arrived a little late this month, however, the blasé demeanor turned into excitement when I remembered the new DD Crème would be inside.

I went with the Bombshell box this month because I love the kelly green shade (yes, that's an actual name for a shade of green) and I don't own a lot of green polishes. I was also debating the Boho Glam box because it had a gorgeous dandelion yellow. Side note: how great would the kelly green and dandelion yellow look together in a box?

Anyway, both polishes I received are beautiful creme colours. Payton is the gorgeous green (kind of like a light emerald). The formulation is very creamy and a little thick, but still applied nicely. Raegan is an electric deep pink. The formulation is a little thinner than Payton, but it's still creamy and easy to apply. Two coats was all I needed and no streaks.

The little treat that came in this box were three salt water taffies in different flavours (lime, strawberry, and chocolate).

Here's how the polishes look on... I applied two coats of each polish on top of a clear base coat & no top coat. Check out that shine!

The exciting part of this box (not that the polishes are aren't) is the DD Crème. DD stands for "dynamic do-all makeup." I'm excited to try it, mainly because of the novelty. I'm sure it's not all that different from other alphabet creams.

I'll be doing a separate review on it shortly, but as a first impression... I think the shade I got may be a little dark / orangey for me. That was just based on a swatch though, it may look differently on my face. I got the shade medium, which is the second lightest shade. Another note, when I opened mine, there was a little mess inside the lid & around the nozzle -- did that happen to anyone else?

Did you get a Julep box this month? Which style are you? x

Ps, if you haven't subscribed to them before, Julep is still offering their free box promo! First time mavens will get their initial box for free! All you have to do is enter the promo code freebox. You can use my referral link (http://goo.gl/My9Xk) or just visit Julep.com to get started! :)

Summer Essentials | The Details

2013-06-17T12:39:00.002-04:00

In part two of my summer essentials, we’re talking about the details: the cheeks, lips, and eyes.

The cheeks:

Summer is when I really like to play up the glow with cheek products. I love using bronzers, like Chanel Bronze Universal and NYC Sunny to warm up my face. I rarely go for the contoured look (unless I know photographs are on the itinerary). The Diorskin Nude Tan Healthy Glow Enhancing Powder in Sunlight is also great because the pinky hues give that natural sunkissed glow.

A highlighter can really play up your features & add that beautiful glow, too. The Becca Illuminating Skin Perfector is a gorgeous liquid highlight. It comes in a few different shades, I use Opal to add a subtle luminosity to my skin. Now, when I want to opt for something less muted, I go for The Balm Mary Lou-Manizer. This is not a subtle highlighter, but a little goes a long way and it's a beautiful champagne shade that will really brighten your complexion & draw focus to your features.

I love both cream and powder blushes in the summer. Cream blushes, like the Revlon PhotoReady cream blush in Flushed or Coral Reef, are great for that natural dewy flush of colour. I also love stains, like the Benefit Benetint, because it lasts all day long. I can never say no to a long-wearing powder blush (especially if it's in a bright coral), like Tarte's Amazonian Clay Blush in Tipsy. However, my most worn blushes in the summer, hands down, are NARS Lustre and Taj Mahal. They both add a beautiful glow & compliment a tan.

The lips:
I love sheer lipsticks. I'm currently obsessed with Burberry Lip Mist in Copper, which is a brownish nude, and Giorgio Armani Rouge D'Armani Sheer in 301, a sheer coral. I have an inkling I'll be repurchasing these before the summer ends.

On the days where I want a lipstick with a bit more pop, I turn to one of the amplified lipsticks from MAC called Vegas Volt. It's a bright opaque orange coral. Just a great colour for the season.

Then there are the glosses. There's something about summer that calls for super glossy lips. For an everyday gloss, I love the Burberry Lip Glow in Rosewood, it's beautiful mauve-y nude. The Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Glosses are incredibly moisturizing on the lips. Most of the colours are pigmented enough to wear alone. Lately, I've been alternating between Apricot and Raspberry. Next is the Dior Addict Ultra Gloss in Pareo (I think this was limited edition last summer). It's a beautiful orange gloss with lots of shimmer. I love how it looks on, but the orange definitely limits the wearability to summer-only. A new addition to this summer's lip gloss line-up is the Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector. I picked up Candy Shimmer because it was the most pigmented of the bunch. It's a sheer rosy pink with a beautiful shine.

I can't forget the stains. They've come a long way over the last couple of years. They're much more moisturizing and there's a much better colour selection. My favourite will always be the YSL Glossy Stains. I fell in love with #7 Corail Aquatique (a peachy coral) when these were first released and I always reach for it when the sun starts shining. Then there are the L'Oreal Wet Shine Stains, which are drugstore alternatives (not dupes). The whole range is hit / miss, but two shades I'm loving this season are Coral Tattoo (more like "orange" tattoo) and Pink Resistance (a light pink).

Lastly for those extra sun-filled days, an SPF lip balm is key. Wearing regular lip products on the beach is like applying tanning oil to your skin. So, on the days where I know I'll be under the sun for long periods of time, I like to protect my lips by wearing something with a little more protection. I've been using the Julep Daylight Defense lip balm. No special reason, I'm just trying to use it up (although I do like the scent). Others I've tried and liked (and would repurchase) include the La Roche Posay SPF 50 lip stick, the Jack Black Intense Lip Therapy SPF 25 lip balm, and the Kiehl's Lip Balm SPF 15.

The eyes:

When I do wear eye makeup, I reach for the Maybelline Color Tattoos. I love the fact that they're a cream shadow. They’re so easy to apply and they look good alone or as a base. I'm currently loving Bad to the Bronze.

Waterproof mascara is ideal for me. Not only do they hold the curl on my straight & short lashes, but they last all day without smudges. I’ve been using the Fairy Drops waterproof fiber mascara & I love it. My newest love is the Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara. I thought it was a gimmick at first, but turns out... it's really great. It defines your bottom lashes (even if you have itty bitty ones, like me) without getting mascara everywhere & it stays in place.

What are your favourite cheek / lip / eye products in the summer? x

Sneak Peek | Lancôme Show by Alber Elbaz

2013-06-15T07:44:00.001-04:00

Today is the official launch of the highly anticipated Lancôme Show by Alber Elbaz.

Elbaz designed this collection exclusively for Lancôme and cited that his inspiration came from that moment at a fashion show when the lights are dim and all you can see are the audience's eyes. That's why the extent of the collection is focused on the eyes. He has turned eyes into the newest fashion accessory.

The 11 piece collection, revealed in the the pop-up book disguised as a press release, includes four mascaras, three eye shadow palettes, three single eye shadows, and the star of the show, false eye lashes.

Hypnôse on the Catwalk

Elbaz has taken four of Lancôme's best-selling mascaras and transformed them into a work of art. Each tube is covered in various designs (which are pulled through the entire collection) and inspired by the curvaceousness of a woman's body.

Shown in Hypnôse Doll Lashes

The range includes (pictured l-r):

Hyonôse Mascara ($32) | the first genuine made-to-measure mascara, Hypnôse leaves lashes up to six times thicker, increasing with each stroke of the brush. Alber Elbaz has made Hypnôse his bride, offering it a dress scattered with eyes.
Hyonôse Star ($34) | pays homage to the glamour of the silver screen with its double-sided brush designed to define stunning Hollywood eyes. Created by Alber Elbaz, its star-studded fur in electric blue makes it a studio goddess.
Hyonôse Drama ($32) | is the mascara for spectacularly intense eyes, with its convex brush designed to coat and separate each and every lash and achieve scandalous volume. Swathed in its flamenco-style bright pink polka dot dress, Drama embodies self-assured and passionate ultra-femininity.
Hyonôse Doll Lashes ($32) | the first “doll lashes” effect mascara, for broader, longer and lifted eyes. Draped in its red heart dress, Doll opens the show with just the right dose of innocence.

It-Accessories of the Season
The Hypnôse Eye palettes were created around Lancôme's iconic Hypnôse mascara and restyle in this collection by Alber Elbaz.

Shown in Hypnôse Drama Eyes

Each palette offers different eye make-up results in a simple way (pictured l-r):

Hypnôse Star Eyes Palette ($56) | chic and elegant harmonies for a sophisticated look
Hypnôse Drama Eyes Palette ($56) | intense and smoky shades for spectacular Drama Eyes
Hypnôse Doll Eyes Palette ($56) | fresh and natural shades for a wide-open look

These five colour palettes can be used wet or dry.

Hypnôse also offers high luminosity eyeshadow monos, again adorned with polkadot, heart or star motifs (pictured l-r): Ombre Hypnôse Star Eyes ($34), Ombre Hypnôse Drama Eyes ($34), and Ombre Hypnôse Doll Eyes ($34).

The Showstopper

In an ultimate statement of his love for bold lines and for excess, Alber Elbaz completes this temporary collection with the pièce de résistance: false eye lashes ($35). The lashes are showcased in beautifully illustrated cases and they also come with their own lash glue.

The lashes will be sold exclusively at select Hudson's Bay stores across Canada.

This limited edition Lancôme Show by Alber Elbaz collection will be available at The Bay, Sephora, Shoppers Drugmart, and Lancome.ca.

Don't forget to check out special events happening at select Hudson's Bay stores this week!

EDIT | Here are the locations & days:

Queen Street, June 17-19

Yorkdale, June 20-22

Sherway, June 20-22

Summer Essentials | Face & Body

2013-06-12T14:16:00.001-04:00

It's officially Summer next week, so I thought I would share some of my essentials this season with you.

Now, you'll notice that a lot of these could be classified as "all year round" products for me... What can I say? I am a creature of habit.

I'm always all about the lightweight, barely there makeup, but in the summer, I love to add the extra SPF, the extra glow, and the extra oil-control.

Let's start with the skincare:

No matter the season, I love to exfoliate with the Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream. It buffs off the dead skin cells to keep your skin glowing.

Oil-control serums are where it's at for me right now and my favourite at the moment are both from the Bioderma Sébium line: AKN and the Pore Refiner (not pictured). This range just works great with my skin to keep the oiliness at bay.

Adoring the Clarins Beauty Flash Balm. I don't use it every single day, but I always bring it out when my skin needs a little pick-me-up -- either when it's looking tired or a little dry from the sun.

You'll always find some sort of water mist in my bag, too. Currently, I'm rotating between travel sizes of the Vichy Thermal Spa Water Spray and the Evian Mineral Water Spray. The mist is cooling & hydrating -- perfect for overheated or dry skin.

Then there's the makeup setting sprays. At the moment, I've been loving the Urban Decay De-Slick. It keeps your makeup on all day & impedes the unflattering shine.

The face:

Above all else, like foundations and alphabet creams (i.e., BB, CC, and DD creams), tinted moisturizers are my favourite. The one I've reached for the most has been the Chantecaille Just Skin (in shade Wheat). I certainly don't think it's the best tinted moisturizer out there (and for the price point, that goodness for that) but my skin likes it. I actually ended up repurchasing it (even though I said I didn't think it was worth it) because I missed having it.

What? You've never seen a hypocrite before? ;)

I also love the Stila Bronzing Tinted Moisturizer. It offers you just enough colour for a radiant sun-kissed glow. I think this may be on the verge of being discontinued because I haven't seen it in stores for several seasons. A great alternative is the revamped Revlon Skinlights in Bronze Light.

As for finishing powders, the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light has been my go-to.

I'm not one for full-coverage concealers, so the new Covergirl + Olay Eye Rehab is the one I've been reaching for. It's lightweight, hydrating and brightening.

Now, if I want something with a little more coverage, I reach for a powder foundation, like the PUR Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup in Light Tan / Tan. Powder foundations are terrific in the summer. It's fairly foolproof because it blends so easily. Plus, since it's your foundation, concealer, finishing powder, and SPF in one product, it's perfect if you're in a rush.

The hair:

Aside from shampoo & conditioner, which I tend to switch up every few weeks, I like to keep the hair products minimal. Dry Shampoo is key. It keeps your hair looking fresh throughout the day (and the next day). I like the Principessa Dry Shampoo because they have one specifically for darker hair.

I keep a hydrating leave-in cream, like the Phyto 9, on hand because the sun & chlorine can be quite drying.

Now that I have shorter hair, this next one really isn't a major necessity anymore, but I still like a good beach spray. I'm currently using the Fekkai Tousled Wave spray to help bring out the slight wave to my hair.

The SPF:

The Banana Boat Ultra Defense Sunscreen lotion is so hydrating on the skin, I almost forget it's a sunscreen. It's my favourite body SPF at the moment.

For the face, I've been loving the TiZO3 Tinted Sunscreen. I love the silicone-based texture. It doesn't clog my pores, it doesn't look shiny on my skin, and it's supposed to last all day (depending on your activity).

I love a little extra bit of colour, but I hate bathing in the sun for long periods of time. That's where the Jergens Natural Glow comes in. It's the new unscented formula (there's still a slight fragrance, but nothing like its predecessor). A gradual tanner that feels a lot like a lotion but will turn your skin a natural shade or two darker. It's pretty foolproof --- and no orange!

The anti-perspirant:

Deodorant is even more important during those hot summer days. My favourite has always been the Kiehl's Superbly Efficient Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant Cream. Like the name suggests, it's a cream product, which I much prefer over the sticks, and it works great!

Psst, what's your favourite deodorant? :)

Stay tuned for part two of my summer essentials x

Choose Your Summer Luxe Box

2013-06-10T12:50:00.002-04:00

Loose Button is doing something a little different for their Summer Luxe Box. In addition to their regular Summer Luxe Box, they have four specially themed boxes you may choose from instead. How fun! I love when there's an element of customization.

Like I said there are four limited edition themed boxes you can pick from, and they are:

the LOULOU Box;
the Fragrance Box;
the Condition Culture Box, and;
the Wedding Box.

Here's a better look at each of the limited edition boxes. All the products you may received are listed, as well as how big of a sample you receive (whether full size or deluxe sample).

Some of these boxes have an additional upgrade cost -- so that's an extra few dollars on top of the cost of a regular box (which is $26) -- and some of them are free to upgrade. Depending on what kind of products you're interested in receiving, the additional upgrade fee will probably be worth it.

So many fun boxes to choose from! I spy the new Olay CC Cream, too. That doesn't hit shelves until August!

There's a box for everyone, really. One for the fragrance lover, the hair lover, the bride-to-be or the wedding-guest-to-be, and the trend-setter. If you're not interested in any of these, of course you can stay with the regular Luxe Box. I'm certain it will be just as lovely.

There's only a limited supply of each box, so if you're interested in any of them, I'd pop over to Loose Button's website asap. If you're not subscribed to Loose Button's seasonal Luxe Boxes yet, click here to sign up*!

Are you already subscribed? It's definitely a great box to choose if you're underwhelmed by monthly boxes, but still like a treat every few months. Which box would you choose? x

(*) Asterisk denotes a referral link.

No monetary compensation is being received from any click-throughs.

Beauty Panel | Summer Bombshell

2013-06-10T08:38:00.000-04:00

Last week's Beauty Panel post was all about creating a summer bombshell beauty look.

As with any makeup look, I like to keep things simple. The lips are usually the statement piece of the look. You can never go wrong with a bright red lip, which I did here (using MAC's "Ruby Woo" with a Prestige lip liner in "Adore"). Or perhaps a bright pink or an amplified coral lip for those fun summer nights.

The eyes are simple. I went for a glittery bronze smokey look. I've been loving the Maybelline Color Tattoo in "Bad to the Bronze". Cream shadows are great to have because they're so easy to use. I blended the crease with a matte brown shade from L'Oreal's Hip High Intensity Duo in "Shady" and then I patted some glitter using Urban Decay's "Sidecar" from the Naked 1 Palette. Lastly, I added a slight cat eye using a jet black gel liner.

Doesn't this look like a slightly more bronzed version of my most recent fotd? :)

For the face, I have a bit of The Balm's Mary Lou-Manizer as a highlight and MAC's Blushbaby on the cheeks.

What are your go-to products for that summer bombshell beauty look?

Ps, don't forget to check out the other 11 gorgeous ladies & their summer bombshell looks on FashionMagazine.com! :) x

Double the Slit, Double the Fun

2013-06-09T16:02:00.000-04:00

Denim Jacket, the Gap | Tank top, Joe Fresh | Skirt, DIY | Sandals, Sam&Libby à la Target | Sunglasses, The New Wayfarer, Ray-Ban

Photo credit to my Mum ♥

I've been loving the look of maxi skirts lately -- especially with that added twist of a double slit. I've been on the hunt for one with a fun pattern. Since I already possess the boring (yet classic) colours, I wanted something a little more unique. Solution? DIY! I'm not a seamstress by any means, but for my first try, it turned out well. I have worn this a lot lately (maybe too much) & plan to wear it a lot more :). It's lightweight, flowy (I adore how it billows in the wind), and the pattern is so summery.

Hope you're all having a wonderful weekend! x

Ps, yes, I got a hair cut :). Decided to go even shorter. I haven't had my hair this short in a long time (although this isn't the shortest I've ever gone). I am loving short hair, atm.

Summer Sun Defense

2013-06-03T22:25:00.002-04:00

Hello global warming! The weather has been so inconsistent in the past couple of weeks with snow, heat waves, thunderstorms... but hot summer days are here (or at least they're coming), so it's important to add some extra SPF into your beauty routine.

It's really important to wear a sunscreen all year round, but it's especially imperative when you're under the hot sun. I'm sure you've heard it a million times... Sunscreen prevents brown spots, wrinkles, and many other skin issues.

I often add a separate layer of sunscreen because the majority of face creams have minimal SPF protection. It's important not to layer SPF, though. If you're already using a product with SPF built in, don't another sunscreen over it. It may actually degrade the SPF & offer less protection.

I don't use anything under an SPF 30. Anything higher than that isn't really more beneficial, but it doesn't hurt. Really, the key is to reapply. I also prefer physical sunscreens over chemical ones. My skin sometimes get irritated from the latter. Don't know the difference? Physical sunscreens contain Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide, chemical sunscreens don't. If you want a more in depth comparison, you should check out this helpful post from Skinacea.

Here are some sunscreens I have on rotation & a few worth a mention.

1/ Julep Daylight Defense, SPF 30
This sunscreen is made for hands and face. While I don't really use this on my face, I do use it for my hands. It's quite moisturizing, non-greasy, and it has a slight citrusy scent. It's a physical sunscren, which contains no parabens or sulfates.

2/ Cyberderm Simply Zinc Sun Whip*, SPF 30
A great face sunscreen. It has an interesting consistency -- almost like a thick mousse. It felt a little heavy at first, but it's indiscernible once it absorbs into the skin. It's comfortable to wear and it works well under makeup. This is another physical sunscreen & it contains 22% organic zinc oxide (the highest concentration out of the bunch, I think).

3/ Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Water-Light, SPF 60
A light everyday sunscreen. It has a watery consistency. It's one of those products that you have to shake really well before use. It spreads easily and absorbs quickly into the skin. Works well alone or under makeup. This is a chemical sunscreen, so it's great for flash photography.

4/ TiZO Facial Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 40
This is the most unique sunscreen I have used. It has a silicone consistency (similar to the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer) and it feels silky to the touch. I also really like that it's tinted. It blends beautifully into the skin (the tint isn't overwhelming & looks natural on the skin). Contains zero dyes, oils, or fragrance. This is something I picked up from my Derm, but keep reading for something similar from the drugstore. This is a physical sunscreen.

5/ La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Cream, SPF 45
This has been my favourite for a couple of years now. I love the melt-in cream because of the consistency. It feels more like a lotion & it's quite moisturizing on the skin. It does leave a dewy finish, but I always set my makeup with a powder. This is a physical sunscreen.

6/ Banana Boat Ultra Defense Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 60
This is currently my go-to sunscreen for the body. One of my favourite things is that it feels like a lotion. It's light, creamy, moisturizing, and non-greasy. It absorbs quickly in the skin and doesn't leave a weird film. This is a chemical sunscreen.

7/ Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen, SPF 45
Another quick drying sunscreen. It's a lightweight cream and non-sticky. It has a slightly mattified finish & it's light enough to use on the face or body. I like carrying this around in my bag for touch ups. This is a chemical sunscreen.

8/ La Roche Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Fluid Sunscreen, Tinted, SPF 50
I haven't personally seen this in stores yet, but it sounds lovely. I really like the original LRP Ultra-light sunscreen, but the fact that this is tinted makes it even better. Often sunscreen is all you want during those hot summer days, so this is perfect. It's like a beefed up tinted moisturizer.

9/ Aveeno Face Sunscreen, SPF 30
I used this sunscreen for many years. It's one of the few sunscreens that I felt actually made my skin look & feel better after use. It's lightweight & leaves a slightly dewy finish to the skin.

10/ Kiehl's Super Fluid UV Defense, SPF 50

This is another lightweight sunscreen with a watery consistency. It's similar to LRP and Neutrogena, but it's fragrance free & contains ingredients that are beneficial for the skin.

(*) Asterisk denotes PR Sample

Show & Tell

2013-05-31T10:08:00.001-04:00

It's Friday! And the last day of May... how did that happen?

I was going to do a fotd post, but allergies have been kicking my butt. May seems to be the worst month for me in terms of allergies. I'm glad to see June on the horizon (and not only because it's my birthday month)!

So, I thought I'd share some little obsessions of mine (surprisingly not really makeup related).

Let's start with some heart shaped accessories. I've been loving these sunglasses I found at Winners. I stumbled upon them in the children's section. I was actually creeping the Hello Kitty aisle when I spotted these sunnies. They were a cool $3.99. I'm not going to lie... these were wholeheartedly enabled by Taylor Swift's new music video, 22.

The heart earrings are from Forever21. I got them a couple months ago, so their availability is probably slim. They're a little heavy on, but I love them. They remind me of a slightly bigger vintage pair I lost at the beach a few years ago.

Above the knuckle rings! I got my first few from Etsy a few months ago and while strange at first, I've been loving the look. I picked these up at Aldo & they were $8 each. There was a limited selection, but these two caught my eye. The fit is nice. They only come in two general sizes s/m and m/l, but it should work for most.

I love perfumes (even more so when they come in minis). I've been loving both of these Giorgio Armani fragrances. I know, one is actually a cologne for men... but I adore the scent. I can't get enough of it. I'm sure you've smelled it at least once in your life. It's probably the most common & distinct cologne that men wear (and now, that I wear).

What's your favourite fragrance at the moment? x

Sheer Classics

2013-05-30T07:13:00.001-04:00

I rarely forgo an opaque nail varnish for a sheerer counterpart, but I'm currently loving this classic Essie combination. I've been wearing bright colours and sparkly glitters for a while, I wanted to wear something a little different.

Like I said, I'm not typically a sheer polish person (the reason I avoid traditional french manicures), yet I still have an arsenal of them in my collection.

For this mani, I combined two Essie shades: Mademoiselle (a light pink) and Ballet Slippers (a pale ivory with a hint of pink). I only used one coat of each. Alone, they're a little troublesome to work with (as with most sheer polishes). Layered, they offer a smooth finish. Plus it's day four and still no chips.

I thought I'd get bored of it quickly, but it hasn't happened yet. It's understated and elegant. It could even be classified as "my nails but better." Couldn't it?

What polish are you loving right now? x

Ps, today's going to be a scorcher. Stay cool, loves!

Sonia Kashuk Hair brush (Mason Pearson Dupe?)

2013-05-23T16:28:00.000-04:00

I was in Target a couple months ago to peruse the Sonia Kashuk (SK) collection & I spotted this hair brush. Have you tried any of her products? There are definitely some gems within her collection, not just in terms of makeup, but with her beauty tools, too. On top of having some beautiful makeup brushes, she also created some wonderful hair brushes.

I remembered reading about her hair brushes in Allure magazine. It was rated as one of the top beauty buys & was also said to be on par with the coveted Mason Pearson (MP) hair brushes. Immediately my interest was piqued.

The SK hair brushes come in two sizes. I bought the smaller of the two so I could easily throw it into my purse for on-the-go touch ups. I have to say -- it performs remarkably well.

Obviously there are a few differences between the handmade MP hair brushes and the mass produced SK hair brushes (aside from the price tag), but the similarities are uncanny. Both padded hair brushes have mixed bristles (boar & nylon) and they perform in a similar fashion, too.

l-r: Sonia Kashuk Small hair brush, Mason Pearson Mixed Bristle "Handy" hair brush

At first, I found the SK hair brush to be a bit stiff, it just didn't feel quite as flexible as the MP. Although, after more uses, I found both brushes to feel almost identical. The bristles run through my hair effortlessly. Detangles without tugging. Adds a subtle shine to my locks. Gently massages the scalp. Plus, despite the differently shaped handles, both hair brushes feel comfortable in the hand.

I’d highly recommend checking out the Sonia Kashuk brushes, especially if you’re not quite ready to dole out over $100 for a hair brush. The SK brushes retail for around $12 for the small version and $15 for the larger version.

Ps, if you still want to pick up a Mason Pearson brush in Canada & you’re not sure where to look, I got mine from eBeauty.ca :). It comes in a lot of different sizes & bristle combinations. I bought the “handy” with mixed bristles.

Pps, I took the liberty of cleaning my Mason Pearson brush before snapping these pictures. Trust me, it's typically not this pristine. It's not so much the hair that gets trapped in the bristles, but the dust (or is it hair lint?!), the product build up, and whatever else that likes to live in hair brushes. Highly recommend cleaning your brush (even if it's just an inexpensive one) once in a while :) x

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.