Sephora Collection: MicroSmooth Baked Luminizer

Summer is here (well almost!) and who doesn't love to have a glow from within?  I was wondering through Sephora 2 weeks ago (because I cannot visit the mall and not enter my favourite store) and stumbled across this beauty!

This product offers a beautiful golden glow to your skin.  Don't be fooled by the 'white' appearance.  This, like it's similiar counter part Albatross by Nars offers the wearer a non-ashy golden luminized appearance even though the product appears to be white in pan.

The product:  It is said to be infused with radiance-boosting minerals, sea coral and green tea extract!  (talk about makeup making the skin better)

Application:  Since this is a baked pigment, it sweeps on weightless, natural-looking color (pick the shade suitable for your skin tone).

Natural Light Swatch

Flash Swatch

Pros:  A little goes a long way and you can easily build coverage to go from natural/healthy glow to 'goddess'.  I am a fanatatic for great makeup products that offer skin benefits, and this product is said to enhances the natural radiance and the appearance of your skin!

The quantity and quality vs. the price point of the product is a fantastic steal.  This product retails for CDN $17/ USD $12 for

Cons:  There are only 2 shades for this product.  The one I own is called Stardust which I found was more suitable for darker skin tones, while Light Beam is suited more to light/ medium skin tones.

Tips: Apply to cheekbones, temples, browbone and down the bridge of your nose for a gorgeous glow (go with a lighter hand to achieve a natural glow).  I also use this product as a highlighter.

Final thoughts:  I have been using this product religiously for over a week and I find that I am in love.  Maybe, it is time to retire my trusty ole' Lorac Baked Bronzer?  The product's baked formula applies smoothly while the airy texture melts into skin for a natural glow!



Have you tried this product before?

Reviving Used Lashes (getting the curve back!)

As I was cleaning up a pair of used lashes, I thought it would be a great idea to come
onto my blog and share a makeup tip.

The lashes shown are a generic brand given to me by a close friend who visited Vietnam late last year.  These are by far my favourite daytime 'natural' lashes.  However since the did come from internationally and I can't seem to find them on Ebay (I have to ensure I am super careful with them).

This post is a quick one to show how I restore the curve on my lashes after thoroughly
cleaning them.

All Adhesive is off the lash

Before: As you can see the lash on the left is completely flat and therefore very difficult to
apply to the lash line to give a seamless appearance.


After: The lash on the right has been restored and has a beautiful curve without adding heat. I am sure these lashes are of a plastic composition (therefore not even an option to add heat).

How to: Simple, after cleaning and allowing to air dry*, I take the lash and wrap it tautly around
my finger.  Hold and press for about 2 to 3 minutes and VOILA!  The lashes are then stored in a
clear case until ready for use.  No re bending is needed.

Additional information: I use a scent free antibacterial soap to properly cleanse my lashes.  For stubborn glue pieces I use makeup remover, so I don't have to pull on the 'hairs' and destroy the integrity of the product.


I hope this tip helps you.


Do you have any tips to share with me?

Annabelle: Lip Liners Review

My all time favourite Canadian drugstore lipliners.  If you haven't tried these as of yet, you are missing out.  Here's the breakdown of the product with pictures and swatches!

The Product

Pros: Good staying power with a smooth application.  Comes in a wide range of finishes from original to metallic and even waterproof.

Cons: Pencil has to be sharpened so you waste product and not as accessible as a retractable pencil.

Packaging:  A tight cap covers the actual product for proper storage.  Ensures that the product will not dry out.  The liner was produced in the classic basic
wooden style.

Cost: Depending on the type of pencil you get it can range from $5.95 CDN to $6.95 (Very affordable)  On the Annabelle website they also do sales so you can get these
products for even cheaper!

Left to Right: Espresso, Cherry & Burgundy

Left to Right: Espresso (Matte Finish), Cherry (Matte Finish) & Burgundy (Satin Finish)

Tip:  I like to wear these liners as a matte lip colour or add a gloss for some shine!

Final thoughts: I love these lipliners.  Great value and more important product.  If you haven't tried these out definitely give them a try


My favourite liner from Annabelle: Cherry*



Have you tried this product before?

Guest Blog: Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Flawless Wear Concealer

Conceal, conceal, conceal. It’s not that you have anything to hide, let’s call it enhancing some problem areas. At least that’s what I tell myself when I conceal my under eye. If you’ve been looking for an undereye concealer I’ve got just the one for you. Two words, one famous brand. Estee Lauder.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Flawless Wear Concealer, retail price ($27 CAD, 0.24 oz) is my everyday staple concealer. Very lightweight and provides great coverage quickly with its sponge applicator. Check out the picture below:

Without Camera Flash

With Camera Flash

 This concealer ranges in various colours from Extra Light to Extra Deep. I happen to be a Deep (see image below). When I’m rushed for time, trying to head out at 7:00am, this concealer allows me to save time quickly. I absolutely love it. I own other concealers, but this has been my favourite for my everyday work look.

 So you get the gist of it, appears as a darker colour before on application, but when the flash is used appears lighter in colour. I call it concealer magic. See below the boxes the applicator comes in:

   

Your best friend is a concealer. Don’t leave home without it. It’s a bit pricey, but in comparison to other high end brand concealers, I’m loving it. I've had this concealer for approximately 5 months, and it shows no sign of slowing down. It’s best to be lighthanded. I’d highly recommend trying the entire Double Wear line from Estee Lauder, especially if you have combination/oily – more towards oily skin type. This concealer lasts me my entire day from sun up to sun down.

Left eye: with concealer                          Right eye: Without concealer

 What’s YOUR favourite under-eye concealer?

Would love to hear from you!

- XO CW

Kat Von D - True Romance Eyeshadow Palette in Ludwig (Review & Swatches)

The Kat Von D Ludwig True Romance Eyeshadow Palette is a shimmer and matte combo eyeshadow palette that is apart of the True Romance Palette Collection. This palette and collection is solely exclusive at Sephora.  This product is priced at $43/$36 (CDN/USD) for 0.05 oz per eye shadow (8 eyeshadows included).

This palette is packaged in a sleek sturdy plastic (black) casing, with a snap to close lid.  The compact has a beautiful stenciled imagery of roses (reminds me of a tattoo). As mentioned before it includes eight shadows (plus two applicators).

This palette includes a range of nudes to hues of green (2)- Perfect for a smoky eye. The eyeshadow formula has an infusion of rose extract which is hydrating to the eyelids. This is easily a day to night palette.

Swatches:  Single Swatch and no blending

 Flash

No Flash

Texture: Super soft and silky to the touch.
Pigmentation: 5/5
Scent:  Has a soft powdery rose scent (barely recognizable).
Application: Due to the texture this product is very easily blendable.
Fall out:  There is fall out (as with all eyeshadows) but this product stays on the lid (even better if you use a shadow primer).

Tips:  The applicator this product comes with, isn't the best for applying the actual eyeshadow to the lid, crease or brow bone.  Better used as a liner brush!

The Eyeshadows - (listed left to right):

Lucifer (matte charcoal black)
Orbi (shimmer golden green)
Dimebag (metallic lime green)
Clay (shimmer beige with gold)
Tequila (metallic cornsilk shimmer)
Downtown (metallic light copper shimmer)
 Baroque (shimmer golden bronze)
Leather (matte deep chocolate brown)

Flash

No Flash

Final Thoughts: If you love mattes, you may not like this palette as it only contains two mattes colours (Lucifer and Leather).  However, as someone who loves
working with frost, shimmer, metallic, glitter and matte; I find this palette to be so versatile (especially if looking for a neutral eye).  Definitely, check out
Kat Von D True Romance Eyeshadow Palettes, I'm sure there is one to suit your needs; plus with such a formula and colour pay off, your sure not to be disappointed.

Do you own any of the True Romance Palettes?

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure

This is by far my FAVOURITE nail polish line from Sally Hansen.  If you have not tried this polish line you definitely need to.  With one stroke that offers great coverage with a wide brush, this nail polish line makes painting your nails hassle free.  The line promises a manicure in a bottle, a 7 in 1 nail polish.  It boasts that it is a  base coat, strengthener, growth treatment, has salon-inspired colours, top coat, chip-resistance and offers a gel like finish.  All of which I can say it does do.  The price varies from $7.99 to $10.99 (CDN/USD) depending where you get it.

Tips:  Don't paint too close to the cuticle and you will achieve a fantastic 'I went to the salon look'.

Pros:  Nails feels stronger after using.  The finish looks and 'feels' as if you got your nails painted in the salon.  I have a wider nail bed, so this brush overs it well and with no streaks!

Cons: This is a 7 in 1 polish and it is priced to reflect the product (higher cost considering it is a drugstore brand).  But you can always find a sale! The width of the brush is wide, therefore if your nail bed is narrow you will have some trouble using this product.  This product will chip like all other nail polishes (I got 4 days wear before my first chip appeared).

Final thoughts:  This nail polish is great.  Easy to use and with such classic to trendy nail colours you are sure to find something that suits you.  A must try.  Trust me you will LOVE it! I know I do.

Colour:  Kook-A- Mango  

No base or top coat was applied

Philosophy Purity Made Simple

Did you ever wear a full face of makeup and had to wash your face numerous times to get all the product off?  Well I have and after a long day sometimes I don't feel like spending 15 mins at the sink getting the layers of perfection off of my skin.  This is where this product comes in.  With a mix of a cleanser and toner, this product strips makeup off of your face without over drying your skin.  Perfect after a night of celebrations where your face is full of makeup but not for everyday use since the cost is high (unless your not a beauty on a budget).  This product is great for removing heavy duty eye makeup without going through the hassle of using a makeup remover before cleansing. The product is easiest found in Sephora in Canada and the USA.

How to use: Damp face with lukewarm water and apply a dime sized amount of product in your palms and massage into face and neck (upward motion to avoid skin sagging).  A little goes a long with with the product. 

Pros: Deep cleans your face leaving it beautifully smooth and less oily.  It has a slight pleasant smell and you will notice how beautiful you skin will look and feel after using it (due to the toner within it's contents).  Product is great on sensitive skin.

Cons:  Higher end cleanser. From quantity and price ranging 3 0z. for $10/$13 (USD/CDN) to 24 oz. for $41/$52 (USD/CDN), this isn't the most cost effective cleanser on the market.  Not easily accessible since found mainly in Sephora/ Ulta/ some Department Stores (unless shipping from other online sources).

Final thoughts:  Though this isn't the most cost effective cleanser on the market, it is one of the best out there.  With a toner mixed in, this product makes your skin feel smoother and less oily.  Worth it if you can afford it, especially since it is a cleanser and toner in one. 

Have you tried this product before?  

My Favourite + Wearable Autumn Beauty Trends 2013

Welcome back Autumn, though I must be honest and say I am not happy with you being back so soon.  However, with your presence comes my favourite season beauty trends.  With this chilly weather we are now embarking upon bold lips and simple eyes seem to be in, and I must say effortless makeup is always good makeup.  From gurus to beginners, everyone can wear this look and feel comfortable and of course be in style.

Below are my favourite Autumn beauty trends.

Burgundy Lips

Left to Right: Revlon Va Va Violet , MAC Yung Rupunzel (limited edition), Black Radiance Plum Orchid (5117), Revlon Black Cherry & MAC Rebel

***

Dark Nails

Left to Right: Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Oxblood & Revlon Crushed Crimson.

                                                                           ***

Dirty Nudes Nails

Left to Right: Loreal Walk on the Beach & Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Without a Stitch.

                                                                           ***

Head Bands

A melody of head bands from black to metal; thick and thin; day to night and everything in between.

***

Bold Feliner (Cat Eye)

Top to Bottom: Loreal Intense Brush Tip in Carbon Black, Sephora Long Lasting liquid liner in black, MAC Smolder & Jordana cosmetics12 hr made to last in black point.

***

Matte Skin

Left to Right: Urban Decay De-Slick Mattifying Powder (translucent), Becca Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector, Makeup forever HD Invisible Cover Foundation & Makeup forever Duo Mat Powder Foundation.

Check out some of my Fall Looks.

Wet n Wild Mega Last® Liquid Lip Color

Are you a lipstick junkie?  Love highly pigmented lippies that are very budget friendly.  Welcome to the wonderful world of Mega Last Liquid Lip Color.  This product comes in 13 fabulous shades that are truly worth it.  With a smudge proof formula that comes in matte creme and shimmers, this product is truly to please.  Applies like a lip gloss but dries to a lipstick (can life get any better!) It can, this product only retails for  only $2.49/$3.99 (USD/CDN).  Oh what a wonderful world this is.

Tips: (This product is good without these steps, but follow these steps and you'll fall deeper in love with this product). Exfoliate your lips (get rid of the dead skin), then moisturize them with your favorite balm.  When your pout is prepped, line lips with your favourite liner for a perfect pout.  Then apply stain and VOILA! a perfect matte pout that will last all day (add gloss for a shiny look). 

Pros: Glides on smoothly (no choppy patches), highly pigmented, dries smoothly.  It is a lip stain, therefore it isn't very moisturizing.  This product does not transfer easily.

Cons:  Though the wand does make for an easier and precise application, you may want to apply a lip liner for a flawless lip.  Like all other stains, this product can be drying to your lips if worn bare (use a lip balm under stain for a more comfortable wear.)

Final Thoughts:  This product is a fantastic buy.  The product is truly great and for all lippy fanatics, like myself you should definitely try this product out.

Red Shade: Red My Mind

Pink Shade: Back to the Fuschia

(No liner or lip balm was used in the picture above)

My Favourite High End Mascara: Benefit Cosmetics They're Real! Mascara

I am sure we have all heard about this mascara, but for those of you who haven't (and can afford to splurge) this is a must have, especially if you have barely there lashes.  This mascara comes in one shade, jet black and with this colour it lenghtens, lifts, curls and seperate your lashes.  This mascara takes your lashes into hyper drive and creates a dramatic look featuring your lashes but will have people thinking, are 'they real'.  With a price point of $23/$29 (USD/CDN) for 0.3 oz (full size) of product, this isn't the cheapest price for a mascara, however it is well worth it.  Please note that you can find this product in full size and a sample size (0.14 oz) for the price of one full size (Sephora).  A fantastic buy at this point.

Tips:  Apply horizontally at the base and then follow my focusing vertically on the tips of your lashes, for best results.

Pros:  This mascara gives the illusion that my lashes are actually there (natural looking falsies for those of you who actually have lashes).  With a base to tip thickening and lengthening magical formula and wand, I am truly in love with this mascara.  This mascara is very long lasting even with my oily skin.

Cons:  The price isn't the greatest but if your struggle with your lashes it is honestly well worth it.  The lack of colour selection makes this product a one trick pony.  I wish it came in other colours such as dark brown and blue (yes I still wear blue mascara).

Final thoughts: After finally giving in to buying a mascara at this price point, this is truly my holy grail of mascaras.  Usually I have to use two mascaras for lengthening and thickening (none for curling since my lashes are naturally very curly) but this truly gives me all in one (without that cakey, lumpy and heavy feel and look to my lashes).  There is no looking back after using this, thank you Benefit Cosmetics.

C.o. Bigelow Rose Salve (my all in one arsenal for cold weather blues)

Today I stepped out of the house, and ran right back in. When did it get so cold.  It went from summer to winter in two days.  I may have an oily face but in fall/winter weather, think desert for the rest of my body.  When I re-entered my house my first thought was where is my winter lip balm.

This balm is the mother of all balms.  Put away the old school chapstick and fad of 2012 EOS, where is my trusty old, sure to soothe and protect Rose Salve from C.o. Bigelow.  With a petrolatum base and rose extract infused into this product it soothes the lips and skin on impact.  Oh and did I mention it makes your lips feel like butter (super soft).  For $5.50 (USD)- a dollar more in Canadian stores this is surely a must have for the cold weather we are about to embrace.  This product can be found at your local Bath and Body stores.

Tip: Use before bed for super soft and moisturized lips in the morning.  A purse must have in the winter.  This baby will soothe any winter dryness.

Pros: Makes lips super soft. Pleasant soft rose scent.  Can use product on elbows, cuticles, face, knees etc.

Cons: For those of you who are scent sensitive, this product does have a slight rose scent.  It is packaged in a tin, which means dipping your fingers in and applying (not the most hygienic-especially when applying to lips).  Also I do believe in having a SPF protection in most of my beauty products and this doesn't.

Final thoughts: This is a great product year round, but I tend to reach for it in colder weather when I know my skin is prone to cracking (and strong sun damage isn't as likely).

Have you tried this product before? What is your go to "save my lips" balm for cold weather?

The Body Shop ® Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash

This is daily water based cleanser that truly cleanses your skin.  With 250 ml for $12 (CDN/USD), that usually goes on sale at 1/2 price this product is worth every penny and more (especially if you have oily, acne prone and uneven skin).

How to use: Wet face with lukewarm water.  Put a dime sized amount of product in palm and lather. Massage your face and neck with lathered palms moving upwards and then rinse with lukewarm water. When done rinsing, your face feels smooth and well cleansed.  

Pros: The price can't be beat especially for what you are paying for (don't forget you can get it for 1/2 price).  It deep cleans very oily skin and treats acne prone uneven skin.  It contains tea tree oil which is an antiseptic, anti-viral and anti-fungal.  That is, it cleans any impurities that can cause problem skin. Gentle enough for everyday use.

Cons:  If your skin isn't oily, you will find this product to be drying to your skin.  For those of you who are scent sensitive, this product does have a slight tea tree scent to it. 

Final thoughts: I have extremely oily skin and therefore this product is a miracle in a bottle for me. With acne spots (very few left thanks to this product) and some trouble areas (yes... even in my mid-20s) I do love this product.  As mentioned earlier, it does have a slight smell of tea tree oil, which for me isn't a bad thing since I know the benefits of such an oil on the skin and quite frankly it's worth it.

Jordana Cosmetics 12 HR Made To Last Liquid Eyeliner Pencil

As you approach this item you are skeptical with 0.04 oz of product for a $2.49 US / $3.99 CDN, my initial thought was "let me just try it...". The company describes this liner as an intense and instant colour liner that is made to last. Let me do the honors of confirming. This product is fantastic, if I had three thumbs, I would give it three thumbs up!

How to use this product: Line/tight line those pretty eyes of yours.

Pros: The colour pay off is fantastic. The price can't get any better and it's paraben free. The product is so pigmented and soft it takes little to no effort to apply and see the results you are looking for.

Cons: Lack of a wide variety colours for those bold beauties (think orange, gold, bronze, silver etc.) If you live in the USA these bad boys can be easily found in stores such as Walgreens; however us Canadians are limited on where we can find these unless we go on Amazon.com. However, do check your random Beauty Supplies my Canadian beauties(if your lucky you might stumble across them.) Also these liners are not hyopallergenic, so if your eyes are sensitive, you'll be out of luck.

Final thoughts: I am a user of MUFE aqua liners and MAC smolder and feline or should I say I was... this product beats them both(by a landslide). I will do a detailed comparison post in the near future. Overall a fantastic buy. Oh and did I mention this bad boy doesn't budge? and I have OILY skin-truly made to last. Now that's fantastic. It comes in 6 colours from your basic black (which is JET BLACK-see picture)to a funky purple and blue.

Lorac Tantalizer® Baked Bronzer

The product: This product is referred to as bronzing powder for the face and body. Overall it gives a fantastic glow to woc (also looks fantastic on medium tones) without looking too golden, glittery or ashy.

How I use this product: Focusing on the highest point of my cheekbones and brow bone.  Also on special occasions, pop a little on your collar bone and you’ll be BEAT for the GODS.

Pros: Offers a perfect glow, a little goes a long way.

Cons:  Available only online at Sephora.com (Canada) - no longer in stores.  This is a higher end product; therefore the full size (0.624 oz.) rings in at $32 CDN, however there is a smaller size (0.06 oz.) for only $7 CDN.

Final thoughts:  Truly gives a radiant look worth every dime.  A definite repurchase.