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?

Sephora VIB Rouge: Spring Social

Calling all VIB Rouge Members (and their best friends!) 

Did you get your invite as yet for the Spring Social?   This is the second event since the VIB Rouge program was launched, specially formulated with VIB Rouge in mind. This season event focuses on offering a closed door shopping on Sunday, March 30, 2014 from 9am to 11am in EVERY Sephora across North America.
(only in free standing stores).

Perks of the event: 

15% savings on everything (Rouge VIB clients and a friend)
Coffee and bites
Samples
Free cosmetic bag
Closed-door shopping (Less people more fun)
VIB Rouge savings pass is valid through April 11, 2014 (Sephora.com / Sephora / Sephora inside JCPenney stores)
Possible sample bar*

Restrictions: 

15% savings does not apply to purchases of Gift Cards or e-Gift Certificates.

What I will be doing?

Shopping
Learning new skills
Live tweeting (@daredbeauty)
Instagram (@daredbeauty)

My Wishlist?

Illamasqua Lipstick in ESP
Ardency Inn Americana Ultra Lightweight Skin Perfecting Primer
Too Faced The Chocolate Bar Eye Palette
Sephora+Pantone Universe Rush Luster Cheek Sweep

Where will I be?

27846 Novi Road
Novi, MI 48377
Novi Road & West Oaks Drive
Phone: (248) 347-1518

Remember if you were invited to RSVP for the event, do so online at Sephora.com/rouge-rsvp by March 28th!

My Eyebrows

If you don't have eyebrows, you don't really have a face.

Saoirse Ronan

I have recently become obsessed with perfecting my eyebrows.  Especially since I was over waxed and desperately needed to remedy the situation for my own confidence.  With a lot of experimentation, I have finally found the 'perfect' products that make my brows look 'back to normal'.  With this new found regime, I wanted to share my finds.

Here are some before and after pictures! (excuse the lack of makeup #barefaced)

Before

After

Impressed?  So was I!

Here is a list of products I used to get my 'perfect brow'.  Oh and did I mention it doesn't budge (even with my oily skin!).

Products:

Anatasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow™ Pomade (creamy smudge-free, waterproof pomade that glides on skin and hair smoothly to create clean and defined brows) available at

Sephora/Ulta

Mac cosmetics Studio fix Concealer (I prefer to use a thicker concealer to ensure clean lines and great coverage

Annabelle Eyebrow in medium brown (allows me to get a more faded brow beginning by toning down the brow pomade)

Tools:

Tarte eyebrow brush (came with Amazonian clay waterproof brow mousse) Great double ended brush that came with a spooly on one end and angled brush on the other.  Offers great application.

Cala Brow/Liner Offers great persision for cream based products (I use this for applying the concealer)

Splurge vs. Save (Dupe Version): Make Up For Ever Aqua Shadow vs. Shadow Eyez 12 Hr Wear

Top: Make Up For Ever (Aqua Shadow) in 30 E
Bottom: Milani (Shadow Eyez) Champagne Toast

One of my favourite high end makeup brands is Make Up For ever, due to the versatility in products and overall quality. With that being said, high end is always going to be pricey and today I come with a dupe to one of their popular products (with a dupe shade!).

As I was cleaning through some of my shadows and pencils I stumbled across Make Up For Ever Aqua Shadow and Shadow Eyez 12 Hr Wear. When I saw them at a quick glance, it seemed to be the same colour. Yes, ladies I wasn't aware I had a hiding dupe in my stash. As much as I love makeup, I am not one for buying two of the same product! So I decided to do a quick swatch to confirm what my naked eyes already knew. And guess what? Same shade, finish and texture. I am referring specially to Make Up For Ever Aqua Shadow (30E) and Shadow Eyez 12 Hr Wear (Champagne Toast).  Both shades can be described in colour as a pearly pink beige.

Let's Look in Depth

Side by side comparison! (Can you spot the difference?

Formula:

Though I consider these two dupes (very close to being identical), the Milani champagne toast has a very slight frostier finish. However has seen in the swatch above, they look the exact same when tested against my skin tone!

Longevity:

I have to say that both formulas, stand the test of time. I wore both for 10 hours and the wear of them were the same!

Packaging Details:

Make Up For Ever Aqua Shadow (4 grams of product), I find aqua shadow to have a more secure cap on the pencil. Which in the long term prevents the product from drying out.
Milani Shadow Eyez 12 Hr Wear (2.8 grams of product), has a bit of softer application (applies smooth as butter!)

Final Thoughts: Definitely SAVE! If I knew I had the Milani shadow pencil in champagne toast, the Make Up For Ever Aqua Shadow would've stayed on the shelf :)!



Have you ever found a dupe in your stash?

bareMinerals High Shine Eyecolors

bareMinerals High Shine Eyecolors in Meteorite 

This product was bought as part of a duo set from Sephora at an amazing price of $12. Usually a $48 CDN price point for 2 x 0.05oz of product.  This product is a vibrant, pigmented metallic eye shadow.   It has a smooth formula that feels velvety to the touch.  It also has a true opaque finish, that also lends to doing 'foiled' looks.  This product can also be used as a wet application. Like the name suggests this is a high shine loose pigment like shadow.


Pros: This product is very pigmented and opaque.  A little will go a long way.  This product reminds me of having a 'foiled' look without doing all that work.  However, if want to intensify that 'foiled' look, go through the process and you'll have a fantastic look.

Cons:  This product can get a little messy when using due to it's pressured 'pop up' application wand.

Tips: Use a tackier base for the shadow to stay all day.  This product works even better when using the 'foil' (wet) technique.  When applying tap, the wand applicator to reduce fall out and have an overall cleaner application.  Having a lighter hand upon application would benefit you, since this product is truly pigmented.

Swatches

Pictured below is Meteroite (top) Bronzed (bottom)

 No flash

Flash

Texture and True Colour

Left: Metroite

Right: Bronzed

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?

Sephora Collection: Long-Lasting Vinyl Lip Lacquer

I was pleasantly surprised with this product.  Though I am a fan of Sephora, the store; as a product brand I am not so keen on it.   However, this has peaked my interest into what else this line (Sephora collection) has to offer.  This product is highly pigmented and opaque but also has a high shine vinyl finish.  I stumbled across this product on sale for $7 CDN, but research shows if you live in the US you can find it for $5.  This is worth it.  Found in store not online.  I was surprised on how long its stayed on the lips without it being drying.  The product does transfer a bit and the application is done through a wand.

Tips: This product is pigmented and has a thicker consistency therefore I suggest doing the "finger in the mouth" technique to prevent product from transferring onto your teeth.

Pros: Glides on smoothly (no choppy patches), highly pigmented and has glossy vinyl finish.  This product lasts long on the lips and does not require a lip liner (since it is not prone to running-unless you layer on too much).  This product is not sticky.

Cons:  Only saw product in two colours (though it was on sale so other colours may have been sold out).  Also product is on sale, therefore product may be discontinued therefore hurry hurry hurry and get yours!  Hopefully they are just repacking the product.

Final Thoughts:  Great product especially if you don't mind the high gloss vinyl look plus you cannot beat the price.

 Colours shown: Burgundy and Red (actual branding name)

Burgundy worn on the lips (due to the vinyl finish true colour was difficult to show through the lens of a camera- but when worn colours are true to the name)



Have you tried this product?

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.

Benefit Cosmetics Stay Flawless 15 Hour Primer

This is an amazing primer, especially if you don't have oily skin (and you are willing to apply your foundation quickly.)   It acts like a double sided tape and HOLDS onto your makeup.  The staying power of this primer is fantastic even on oily skin (which tells you something!)  This primer does nothing to control oil throughout the day, however even with your skin glistening with oil, your makeup will not move.  For $32/$38 (USD/CDN) you will get 15.5 grams of product presented  in a cylindrical twist up container, which I must say is fantastic packaging.

Tips:  Ensure you follow with your foundation quickly since this product does dry fast.  As soon as your rub this stick primer onto your face proceed with your foundation and blend the two together for a flawless application.  I focus strictly on the problem areas (forehead and cheeks) to ensure a flawless yet natural look to my face.

Pros: This primer works fantastic to fill pores and fine lines-see picture below, therefore giving the appearance of flawless skin. Very cute girly packaging.  It does allow my makeup to last hours, approx. 9 hours on my oily skin.

Cons:  This product does not oil control, therefore I find that I have to layer my primers.  If you are of a deeper skin tone, you may find that this primer leaves a grey cast over your skin and therefore ensure your blend blend blend.  The drying time on this primer is quick, so you have to ensure that you work quickly when applying your foundation or it (the foundation) will not apply smoothly.

Final thoughts: Overall it does not work best on it's own with my skin tone (deep) or type (oily) and therefore forces me to layer primers.  If foundation is applied after primer has dried, your makeup will look cakey and will not blend well.  I like to take my time when doing my makeup so having to rush through applying foundation can be irritating.  For the price point on this product, it is good but not great.

Sephora VIB Rouge

Sephora VIB Rouge, "a place for people with a serious beauty addiction."  A very well described description of this beauty card, since it takes you a whooping $1350 CDN (yearly) to get there.  Its takes nothing less than an addiction to get you there (one of which I must say I have).

As a past VIB and now a VIB Rouge at Sephora, here are my initial opinions of the welcome package.  Though it does offer some awesome benefits such as free shipping, free unlimited makeovers valued at $50 CDN each time, special gifts on random events (so does the VIBs) etc., the welcome kit was very lack luster.

Yes its beautiful, with a rich red and black wrapping it screams FABULOUS.  However, soon after you are greeted with a small sample size lipstick.  Now, I'm not asking for a full size product but I do believe at $1350 they could at least give a bigger sized lippy.  It's the regular sized sample lipstick you can get if you redeemed 100 points or on a random day just as a free sample.  I guess I should just be happy I got something; but to be frank I would have preferred another 10% discount (the one you get when you get to the VIB level).

I am yet to sample and review the Bite* custom lipstick created for Sephora VIB Rouge, that came included (coming soon); but it better be darn fantastic all things considering.

Will keep you guys updated, with all events to come with this newly reached level.

YAY... VIB Rouge (Sephora).

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.