Time to get dramatic!

As promised, here is a review of my current favourite moisturizer: introducing Clinique’s dramatically different moisturizing lotion. I received it as a sample with a purchase and instantly fell in love. Its creamy texture moisturizes my combination skin without adding any extra oil. Clinique’s formula is gentle on my skin; it does not cause irritation or any buildup. This moisturizer prepares your skin for layering primer, foundations and/or powders on top.  

Although it’s advertised for very dry to dry combination skin, this moisturizer is perfect for summer time. Unlike most moisturizers, it hydrates your skin without the sticky feeling. Clinique’s lotion is also very economical; you only need a small amount to moisturize your entire face.  

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion - picture displays sample size

Clinique’s dramatically different moisturizing lotion currently sells for $31 CDN (for 125 ml) and can be purchased from any Clinique kiosk, Sephora, or from your nearby department store.

Apart from a good moisturizer, your skin needs extra hydration so make sure to increase your water intake this summer!

Till next post,

S.

Sephora Retractable Brow Pencil

Get perfect eyebrows on a budget with Sephora’s Retractable Brow Pencil. This collection of long-wear brow pencils come with a wingtip comb on the other end to allow brushing and blending for a more natural look. Sephora currently offers 4 colours: 01 Honey Blonde, 02 Nutmeg Brown, 03 Rich Chestnut, and 04 Midnight Brown.

Sephora Retractable Brow Pencil

These retractable brow pencils create fuller looking eyebrows and allow maximum control over creating precise hair-like strokes. To use the product, twist the pencil and use the sharp tip to perfectly define your brows.



Brow pencil with a wingtip comb on the other end

Brow pencil in 04 Midnight Brown 



Some pros and cons:

Pros

• Creates fuller looking, yet very naturally-define eyebrows
• Comes in a variety of different shades; perfect for all hair colours
• Added wingtip comb; perfect for combing and blending afterwards
• Waterproof, therefore will not smudge
• No need to constantly sharpen your pencil
• Currently selling for $15 CDN (it may be pricey compared to drug-store brands; however, it’s a perfect replicate of some higher end brow pencils offered by MAC or Anastasia Beverly Hills

Cons

• Relatively less product compared to other brow pencils that can be sharpened  
• Because of the softness of the formula, you have to be careful while twisting as the tip is more prone to breaking off
• Some people might find $15 CDN a bit pricey for a brow pencil

Overall, I find this brow pencil precisely defines my brows without making them look too unnatural. The colour Midnight Brown is perfect for dark brown to black brows. The product further has a very strong staying power. 

Already used Sephora’s Retractable Brow Pencil? Comment below and tell us how you liked it.

Until next post,
S.

 

Burt’s Bees - Anti-blemish Solutions – purifying daily cleanser

Burt's Bees - Anti-blemish Solutions - purifying daily cleanser

After trying almost everything on the market, I decided to opt for natural face cleansers. I have used everything from drug store products (like Neutrogena) to high end products, but to no avail! Most products dried my already sensitive skin. However, I recently came across positive reviews for Burt’s Bees products. I was specifically interested in its Anti-blemish Solutions – purifying daily cleanser. Formulated with Willow Bark and other natural ingredients, this product seemed promising. It has a very low (1.0%) concentration of salicylic acid; enough to deeply clean your pores without drying or irritating your skin too much.

The packaging reads: “this cleanser is proven to help wash away blemish causing bacteria, excess oil and impurities without over-drying or irritating skin. Salicylic Acid, derived naturally from Willow Bark Extract, penetrates pores to help reduce blemishes and prevent future breakouts. Evening Primrose and Beet Root Extracts help care for troubled skin resulting in clear and healthy-looking skin, naturally.”

 

Has a slight watery consistency

Although I recently started using this product, I find my combination skin does not react negatively to it. It cleans my face without over-drying it. I further like that the product is noncomedogenic; it will not block pores. However, like any supplement, medicine, or tropical ointment, it is best to slowly introduce it to your skin or body. Although the packaging directs that you wash your face (with the product) in the morning and evening, if you find your skin dry or tightened, I suggest you use a very small amount of product or only wash your face in the morning. This will allow the product to gradually introduce itself to your skin and settle in. 

The product retails for $14.99 CDN and contains 145 ml.

Overall, I find this cleanser deeply cleans my skin without causing any irritation. After washing my face in the morning, I apply a thin layer of Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion (my new favourite moisturizer; review coming soon). I think it’s too soon to say if it will prevent future breakouts. However, your skin pumps out what you are putting in your body; if you lead a very unhealthy lifestyle with poor diet, no cleanser, or any product for that matter, can clear your skin!

So remember, eat clean, be active, and drink lots of water!

Till next post,

S.

MAC Pro Longwear Lipcreme & Lipcolour

MAC Pro Longwear Lipcreme and Lipcolour are MAC’s longest wearing lip products. Although a little pricier than regular MAC lipsticks, both Longwear Lipcreme and Lipcolour holds the colour for up to 6-8 hours before any touch-ups are needed.

Pro Longwear Lipcreme has a lightweight texture with a creamy finish. It further helps lips stay soft and hydrated. MAC currently sells 19 shades which cover a good blend of reds, browns, and pinks. It retails for $21 Cdn at any MAC store.

 

MAC Pro Longwear Lipcreme in 'Prolong'

Prolong: a bright red with a slight blue undertone. Would look great on skins with pink undertones. 

MAC Pro Longwear Lipcreme in 'Love Forever'

Love Forever: a cool-toned fuchsia pink with a cream finish.

 

Pro Longwear Lipcolour comes with two easy applications: a formulated colour base and a clear lip gloss for extra hydration. This retails for $28 Cdn and comes in 8 shades.

MAC Pro Longwear Lipcolour in 'Unchanging'

Although the colour base is very moisturizing, I had to reapply the lip gloss every few hours to keep my lips looking hydrating and plumped.   

Overall, I find the texture and finish of these products to be very impressive. Both products feel creamy and retain moisture well so your lips do not appear dry, chapped, or chalky. Like me, if you are struggling to prolong the colour on your lips, I would give both these products a try.

Till next post,
S.

Are you Camera Ready???

Hello everyone!

I hope you are all enjoying your summer so far! Sorry, I have been MIA for a very long time. However, I am back on track and very excited to post regularly on my blog. I have recently purchased and tried many beauty products, so stay tuned for a lot of product reviews, tips and tricks, and trends for the summer.

I am an avid shopper at Camera Ready Cosmetics (CRC) and thought it would be nice to share this amazing website with you all. Founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson, CRC provides professional makeup supplies offered at a discounted rate. It is based in US; however, international shipping is available.

I was introduced to CRC after seeing many reviews on YouTube by various makeup gurus.

 

Below are some of the products that I have ordered and absolutely love:

• Camera Ready Quick Blend Sponge
• Z Palette
• Graftobian Creme Foundation Palette
• Camera Ready Oil Control Pressed Powder
• La Femme Blush on Rouge Refill
• Ben Nye Classic Translucent Face Powders
***Please note that I will be doing individual reviews on all the above mentioned products, so stay tuned :)

If you are looking for affordable, yet quality beauty products for your professional or personal makeup kit, I would recommend CRC. Their shipping is very fast, not to mention their excellent customer service.  

 

I would love to hear about your experience with CRC so please leave me a comment!

 

Till next post,

S.

 

 

 

 

 

 

La Roche-Posay ‘Ultra-fluid Lotion’

Summer is finally here and it’s time to bring out our roller-blades, bikes, and bikinis! However, don’t forget to keep your body hydrated and skin protected.

In preparation for the summer, I started searching for the perfect sunscreen. I was recommended La Roche-Posay’s Ultra-fluid Lotion. It has a watery texture, but glides very smoothly on your face. It’s also perfect under your primer, moisturizer, and/or foundation. It does not make your face oily nor does it move your makeup.

 

La Roche-Posay 'Ultra-fluid Lotion

Consistency: slight watery texture

 

Some details about the product:

• SPF: 60, so it’s highly protective
• Can be used on your face on a daily basis
• Prevents against both UVA and UVB wavelengths
• Absorbs quickly and provides a matte finish
• It is fragrance-free and paraben-free
• Water- resistant
• Contains 50 ml of product which retails for approx $30
• Can be purchased from your local drug store

Overall, I really like the product. Despite its watery texture, it absorbs very quickly and does not feel sticky on your skin. So, if you haven’t found the perfect sunscreen for the summer and want to try something different, give this product a try.

Let me know what your favourite sun protector is.

Till next post,
S.

 

Why so Afraid of RED???

Women who haven’t worn red lipstick before are usually very afraid to try such a bold colour. They either think that it doesn’t work for their skin tone, or it makes them look too ashy. However, anyone can rock red lips if these rules are kept in mind.

So, here is my guide to rocking a red lip:

1. For makeup novice or people with mature skin, try a sheer red lipstick. In addition, avoid a lip liner underneath to get a very soft yet daring colour!
2. For a more dramatic and bold look, start by applying a red lip liner and filling the rest with your favourite red lipstick
3. Since red lipsticks or any bold colours tend to be messy, try a red lip stain rather than a lipstick. This gives a dramatic look without causing any mess. If you find lip stains dry, apply a clear lip balm or lip gloss over it for a more moistening feel

Once you have figured out what level of darkness you want to achieve, next step is to choose a red lipstick according to your undertone:

• If you have yellow undertones, try an orange or coral based red lipsticks. I recommend the following:
• MAC Cockney (sheer yellow red with multi-dimensional pearl -- lustre finish)
• MAC Lady Danger (vivid bright coral-red  -- matte finish)
• MAC Lady Bug (yellow-based -- lustre finish)
• MAC So Chaud (intense reddish-orange -- matte finish)
• If you have pink undertones than opt for a blue toned red lipstick. Here are my recommendations:
• MAC Russian Red (intense bluish-red --matte finish)
• MAC Ruby Woo (vivid blue-red -- matte finish)
• MAC Red (vivid bright bluish-red -- satin finish)

Still think you can't pull off red lipstick? Read the following article "Why Red Lipstick Is More Important Than You Think." The article provides some tips towards the end on wearing red lipstick for makeup novice.

Hope you're feeling bold now!

Till next post,
S.

What’s on your vanity table?

Here is a quick post to share my newest addition to my vanity table. I picked this miniature mannequin from Winners (chain of off-price Canadian department stores) for approximately $12cdn. However, I am sure these are available at other department stores near your area. I have also seen a few variations online at Amazon.com.

These mannequins are classy, fun to accessorize, and look great on any vanity table. Here are a few ways you can dress yours...

 

 

 

So, what's on your vanity table?

 

 

 

 

 

Review: Essence Cosmetics

Hi readers!

Sorry for the delay in updating my blog. I am back with many more product reviews and great tips for the summer!

I was in need of lip liners and came across a VERY affordable brand. ‘Essence Cosmetics’ carries anything from lip liners, blushes, to eye shadows. With most products under $5 CDN, I initially questioned the quality. However, while exploring the brand, I instead found myself very impressed. If you reside in Canada, this German brand can be found in a nearby Shoppers Drug Mart. In addition, Essence Cosmetics is available at Ulta Beauty, H-E-B, FredMeyer, and Walgreens. Currently, the company does not have an online store. However, their products are available in Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, Spain, Croatia, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Australia, America, and Canada.  

 

From top to bottom: Stay with me Long-lasting lip gloss in ’03 Candy Bar’ – XXXL Shine lip gloss in ’01 Pure Chic’ – Lip liner in ’08 Red Blush’ – Lip liner in ’07 Cute Pink’ – Lip liner in ‘11 In The Air’ – Stays no matter what Waterproof Eyeliner Pen

Both lip glosses and lip liners are smudge-proof and long-lasting. Their lip glosses provide a very light and non-sticky application, whereas, the lip liners glide on smoothly.

 

Top: Stay with me Long-lasting lip gloss in ’03 Candy Bar’

Bottom (from left to right): Lip liner in '08 Red Blush' - Lip liner in '07 Cute Pink' - Lip liner in '11 In The Air'

On the other hand, I was highly disappointed with the waterproof eyeliner pen. Despite being advertised as waterproof eyeliner, it did not stay true to its words.

 

Overall, Essence Cosmetics provide a very affordable alternate to some of the higher end lines. I have yet to try their eye shadows and blushes. I will definitely review some of these products in the future, so please do leave a comment if you want me to review something in particular.

 

Till next post!

S.

 

 

 

 

 

NYX ‘Ultra Pearl Mania –Loose Powder Shadows’ Review

Hello readers! How was your weekend???

I am really excited to share that I finally got my hands on NYX loose powder shadows. If you want to try MAC’s loose pigments, but are held back because of the price, than try these dupes. NYX loose powder shadows come in a variety of shades, but without the high price tag. They can be purchased from many different places, including NYX store, Rexall (in Canada), and Ulta Beauty (in America). You can also purchase them through online retailers such as Amazon or eBay. These loose shadows come in jars and contain 5ml of product. I bought three shades, all with brown undertones.

 

Top: Oro Pearl - Bottom left: Walnut Pearl - Bottom right: Mocha Pearl

Left to right: Oro Pearl, Mocha Pearl, and Walnut Pearl

Left to right: Walnut Pearl, Oro Pearl, and Mocha Pearl (without a primer underneath)

Walnut Pearl: rich and deep mahogany colour (dupe of MAC’s Copper Beam pigment)

Oro Pearl: metallic cooper with hints of gold (loose powder dupe of Laura Mercier Metallic Crème Colour in Gold or MAC’s Mega Rich pigment)

Mocha Pearl: true taupe colour with hints of purple (dupe of MAC’s Mauvement pigment)

 

Some pros and cons about the products:

Pros:

• Very good duplicate of MAC’s loose pigments
• Highly affordable (they cost on average $3-$5 depending on the vendor)
• Shadows contain mineral based formula that is intense in colour and shimmer
• Easy to blend with a silky finish
• Good colour payoff
• The company states that these powders can be used on eyes, cheeks, and even lips. However, I have not tried them on my cheeks or lips
• Jars are small and light; perfect for travelling
• Can be used to create a flawless effervescent pearl effect
• Lighter shades can also be used as highlighters, both for eyes and cheeks
• These can easily be mixed with water to give a more sheer and metallic look

Cons:

• The application itself can be a bit messy if you are new to loose powders
• I am not a a huge fan of the packaging. It comes in a bottle shape, instead of an open cap like MAC’s pigments. This makes it hard to access the product unless you tap it out onto a surface, which leads to wastage of product
• Will crease a little bit after a few hours if not used with a primer (stay tuned for my top 5 primers!!!)

Overall, I think these pigments are worth every penny. They come in many shades and give a very intense and vibrant look. Apart from the packaging, I would certainly recommend these. 

 

Have you tried any NYX Ultra Pearl Mania powders before? What are your favourite colours?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stila Eye Liner Review

Lately, I have been going back and forth between Kat Von D’s and Stila’s eye liner. Both seemed similar in terms of application, colour payoff, and price. Personally, I love using gel liners, especially on clients. However, I wanted a felt tip liner for fast application; something I can use daily or when I am in a rush.

You are probably wondering which product made it on my vanity table.

The lucky winner is Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner!!!
Although both products had the same characteristics, the colour payoff with Stila made the decision for me.

 

Without any further ado, here is a detailed review…

As the name suggests, this eye liner is waterproof and has a liquid consistency. I purchased the ‘intense black’ shade as I was looking for a true black eye liner. It comes with a felt tip applicator which is ideal for defined thin lines or for more detailed designs.  

Source: www.sephora.com

 

A few details about the product:

• The product retails for $26 at Sephora (www.sephora.com) or online (www.stilacosmetics.com) for $20
• It comes in 5 different shades including intense black (this is the shade I purchased), dark brown, indigo, alloy, and moss
• Contains 0.016 oz. of product
• This eye liner glides on smoothly, without any smudge or run and has the ability to stay in place. Please see the swatches below for proof.

One application of Stila eye liner

 

After washing my hands a few times

 

After washing my hands and gently wiping with MAC’s eye and lip remover solution

 

Overall, I think Stila’s eye liners are one of the best felt tip eye liners on the market. Although it is a bit pricey in my opinion, it definitely delivers what it says. On the contrary, one tip that I always apply to any eye liner, despite the brand, is to keep it upside down. This allows for maximum saturation at the tip.

 

What is your favourite eye liner? Comment below and share your thoughts and reviews.

S.

 

 

Just like Brand New!!!

Are your gel-liners getting dry and hard to apply? Have they lost their smooth, creamy consistency?

No matter how careful you are about keeping them covered, gel-liners tend to dry up quickly. It does not matter which brand or how expensive, with time they tend to lose their creamy texture. However, instead of tossing them in the garbage, pop them in the microwave for about 20-25 seconds. The heat will return its creamy consistency and make them brand new once again!!!

 

I apply this little trick to all my paint pots and gel-liners.  

Warning: make sure your gel-liners are in a glass container.

My current favourite is MAC’s Fluidline Eye-liner Gel in ‘Blacktrack’

 

Above picture: Before putting it in the Microwave.

Below picture: After putting it in the Microwave for about 25 seconds.

 

 

Hope this post was helpful. Please comeback for more tips and tricks.

Till next blog, take care J

S.