Category: Makeup Most Wanted


Jul
2018

Makeup Most Wanted June 2018

categories: Bath And Body, Body Care, Cruelty Free Makeup, Hair Reviews, Makeup Most Wanted, Makeup Reviews, PR Sample, Uncategorized

It seems like the weather in Toronto went from winter to middle of summer in two days. As a result June was hot and sticky and the products I loved the most definitely reflected that.

Live Clean Mineral Clay Rebalancing Shampoo

Like my skin, my hair goes a little crazy in the summer. My roots get incredibly oily and itchy and my hair just dries out. Live Clean’s Rebalancing Shampoo has done a really good job of keeping my scalp itch free while moisturizing my ends. The combination of three mineral clays (Kaolin, Montmorillonite and Bentonite) along with apple cider, witch hazel and tea tree have really succeeded in balancing out my head where other products have failed. There’s a matching conditioner that I use along with it but the shampoo is really the star.

L’Occitane Citrus Verbena Moisturizing Body Foam

I really look forward to the new verbena products that L’Occitane releases every summer and this Moisturizing Body Foam might be my favourite yet. I’ve used a few body foams in the past but nothing that’s ever blown me away or seemed like more than a gimmick. L’Occitane’s version however is both cooling and extremely hydrating. It’s like a hair mousse in texture and a little goes a long way. The iconic L’Occitane verbena scent is perfect for summer (and keeps the bugs away) and it’s really easy to throw in a bag if you’re going to the beach or on a road trip.

Beautycounter Color Intense Lipstick in Brunch

I’m generally a matte liquid lipstick person but in the summer I like things a little lighter. This lipstick has insane colour payoff, I got full coverage in one swipe and even when I blotted it down a bit, I still have a ton of colour. There are eight Color Intense shades but my favourite is Brunch, a tawny pink with a hint of coral that comes out when it blots down. Beautycounter calls this long wearing and while it’s a lot better than some creamy lipsticks, you’ll definitely have to reapply. That said, this lipstick is incredibly creamy and comfortable and there’s peppermint oil in it that keep your lips feeling cool. And I love that Beautycounter doesn’t have a whole lot of crap in their products.

Invisibobble Magic Mermaid in Ocean Tango

Onto another one of my all time favourite products. I love Invisibobble so much that I haven’t used another kind of hair tie in about a year. These keep my hair secure and I don’t get headaches from them like I do with other hair elastics. For the summer they’ve released the Magic Mermaid collection that changes colour in UV light. There are two shades; Ocean Tango (light blue to dark blue) and Coral Cha-Cha (pale pink to hot pink). I love the Ocean Tango colours and even though I can’t see it changing colour, it’s fun to know that it does.

Body Fantasies Hearts & Daisies

When the weather is hot, I tend to like a body spray over a perfume since they’re generally lighter. And just in time for summer, Body Fantasies have released Hearts & Daisies, a light, fruity and floral scent. With notes of green apple, pink peony, daisy and creamy woods, this is a great summer body spray.


Jun
2018

Summer Face Products Most Wanted

categories: Makeup Most Wanted, Skin Care, Skin Care Reviews

Summer means my face is going to be in the sun, rain, sweating and who knows what else, so having skin care products for your face that you can trust is extra important. Here are some of the things that I’ve been using this season.

Nivea MicellAIR Micellar Water

The new Nivea Micellair Micellar Water promises a new way to cleanse your face. If you are anything like me, then you have used a lot of other face washes and micellar water. I had a hard time imagining something new in face wash. Nivea has made one of the lightest cleansers that I’ve ever used on my face. It has a faint alcohol smell, but it’s so light that you probably won’t even notice it. When I used the Nivea MicellAIR Water on my face, I honestly thought I had made a mistake. It just felt like wiping my face with a damp cloth. I didn’t feel the product at all. My face just magically looked and felt totally clean and fresh. My makeup was off. It even worked on my mascara!

The Body Shop Roots Of Strength Firming Shaping Essence Lotion

‘Tis the season for lightening up my face routine and I always want a lighter moisturizer in the summer. The Body Shop Essence Lotion is a new take on moisturizing. I honestly thought this was a toner the first time I saw it. It is light as a water, but is actually a moisturizing gel lotion. It’s made for more mature skin, because it’s also for firming your skin, but I love the lightweight freshness on my face!

 

The Body Shop Drops Of Youth Bouncy Eye Mask

I know that I’m giving a lot of love to The Body Shop lately, but they have really upped their skin care game. This gel based eye mask is great for summer. The cooling gel feels wonderful under my eyes. My dark circles look a little less prominent after using it. It’s light enough that you can use it during the day or as an overnight treatment.

La Roche-Posay Serozinc Purifying Mist

I’ve been waiting for the summer to use this purifying face mist. It’s like those oil blotting papers that I keep in my purse (but always forget about), in spray format. I’ve been using it at all different times to help my skin feel fresh and clean. Use it on those no makeup days to just freshen up. You can also use it over your makeup those to reduce shine. I’ve even used it under my makeup as a first step to reduce the look of pores. There is no need to rinse your face or even wipe it off. The mist is so fine you will barely even notice it. Summer can’t win this year!


Jun
2018

The Body Shop Spas Of The World Most Wanted

categories: Bath And Body, Makeup Most Wanted, PR Sample, Reviews

Both of us recently had the chance to visit different Body Shop locations to get acquainted with their new products and to take some home to try out. Luckily both of us left with different products and it just so happened that we received items that both of us loved. Our most favourites so far are all in the ever growing Spas Of The World range, so we thought we’d do a post on our new Body Shop loves.

Alyssa’s picks

French Grape Seed Refining Body Scrub

I have really sensitive skin, so I’m always on the hunt for a good body scrub that will do the job and won’t tear up my skin. When I tried this scrub on my hand in the store I was amazed at how scrubby yet gentle it was. With a combination of French grape seed powder and sugar from Paraguay, you can really get that dead skin off without feeling like you scrubbed yourself raw. The scent, that I assume comes from the grape seeds, is amazingly fresh and because it’s got a creamy consistency, you can decide on the level of scrub you want. If I have a super dry area, I use a washcloth with the scrub to get really smooth skin. This is going to be a necessity for the next few months of shaving and waxing season and then in the winter when my skin gets flaky. One word of warning, this is way too strong for your face, so don’t try it.

Ethiopian Green Coffee Firming Body Cream

If you’re going to use a scrub, you’re going to need a good moisturizer after and this body cream is a match made in heaven with the French Grape Seed Scrub. I’m a coffee person, so I was already sold on this cream just by reading the name but it’s so much more than that. It’s a really lightweight cream that has Italian olive oil and Ethiopian green coffee that just melts into your skin and leaves you hydrated and smelling delicious but not greasy whatsoever. The consistency really surprised me because I usually find Body Shop moisturizers too heavy for me, but this one is absolutely perfect! It’s been a really long time since I’ve loved something from the Body Shop this month. I’ve already made a huge dent in the giant 350 ml tub and I already know I’ll be replacing it when it’s gone.

Stephanie’s picks

Tahitian Tiare Bath & Shower Oil-In-Gel

This body wash is so soft and silky. The oil-in-gel body wash is just the right consistency. Given the name, it’s understandable that you might worry that it would be too oily or even greasy. It’s just smooth on the skin. The scent is really faint and lush. There is a hint of florals, but I wouldn’t call it a floral aroma. There is coconut oil in it, but this isn’t another coconut body wash. After a couple of uses, I was surprised at how soft my skin was. It was undeniable.

Hawaiian Kukui Body Cream Moisturizer

This is the type of moisturizer that I associate with The Body Shop. It is thick and rich. In the past, body moisturizer from the body shop was always thick, but it didn’t absorb well into the skin. It always left some residue on my body. It feels like The Body Shop has corrected those mistakes with this cream. It still has the same thickness, but this time it really sinks into my skin. It works on even the toughest skin like elbows and knees.

Brazilian Cupuacu Exfoliating Scrub-In-Oil

I’ve used a lot of exfoliators, but none as gentle as this exfoliator. The sugar in this scrub is so fine that it works on everything from the sensitive parts to your rough spots. The oil is probably the most surprising part of this. It is better quality oil than a lot of the other drug store exfoliators that I’ve used. It leaves your skin feeling protected and highly moisturized. When paired with the other two products, it’s the perfect trio!


Apr
2018

Tarte Mermaid Collection Most Wanted

categories: Cruelty Free Makeup, Makeup Collection, Makeup Most Wanted, Makeup Reviews, Palettes, PR Sample, Reviews

Mermaid and unicorn makeup are everywhere right now and I totally get it. Between the pastels, metallics and all the colours in between; they’re just pretty and fun. Tarte’s new Mermaid collection is pretty big and has everything from an eyeshadow palette, tons of lip options, brushes and skin care and it’s all got mermaid themed packaging. It’s hard to cover a collection that large in one go, so these are my Most Wanted from the Mermaid collection.

Palettes are usually the focus of most collections and the Be A Mermaid & Make Waves collection is definitely a star. There are fourteen matte and metallic shades that range from neutrals to some pops of colour and the pigments are pretty great. Tarte’s shadows are generally my go to’s from day to day and this palette is definitely getting a spot in my routine.

Two of my favourite lippies from the collection are the Limited Edition Tarteist Quick-Dry Matte Lip Paint in Exposed and the Holographic Lip Gloss. Exposed is a gorgeous neutral pink that doesn’t leave your lips feeling dried out and while I don’t love lip gloss, the Holographic Lip Gloss isn’t sticky or tacky at all and so, so pretty.

Exposed, Holographic Lip Gloss, Gloss over Exposed

You can use these separately or layer the gloss over Exposed as a topper.

My absolute favourite from the entire collection is the Mermaid Skin Hyaluronic H2O serum. This vegan serum is packed with Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin B5, Algae and marine extracts and keeps your skin super hydrated and glowing. It doesn’t have a strong scent and literally melts into your skin. It’s on the watery side, so you have to be quick applying it but it’s so worth it. It feels so nice.

Now you’ll have to excuse me while I look into how to become a mermaid full-time.


Apr
2018

Most Wanted Relief For Dry, Itchy Scalp

categories: Hair Reviews, Makeup Most Wanted, PR Sample, Reviews

We’re back! I’ve spent the past four month stuck in my house due to illness and it’s been taking a major toll on my skin. But it’s also been doing a number on my scalp. My scalp is dry and itchy all year long but once you add in how dry winter has been in Toronto this year and having the heat blasting constantly, my scalp has gone from dry and itchy to unbearable. I have oily, greasy and itchy scalp with super dry hair. So I was on a mission to find something that would help.

Kératase Spécifique Bain Divalent

I’m a huge Kérastase fan, so when I heard they were bringing out Spécifique, a line just for scalp issues, I was super excited. Unfortunately most of the products contain soy and I’m allergic, so I couldn’t try anything but this shampoo. Luckily Bain Divalent was exactly what I was looking for. It balances out my oily roots and my dry hair. It doesn’t fix all my scalp problems but it definitely helps with my hair issues that come from them. It’s really light and fresh and smells delicious.

IGK LOW KEY Cleansing Walnut Scalp Scrub

I originally got a tiny sample of this scrub from Sephora and the first time I used it, I hated it. It turns out there’s a learning curve to this one and I ended up buying the full size (the only actual beauty product I’ve bought so far this year). Once you get the hang of how to get this scrub to your scalp, it’s the most refreshing thing your head will ever feel. The walnut shells aren’t too large and the minty scent is cooling. I definitely recommend following up with a different shampoo and conditioner after but your scalp will feel amazing immediately after using this. I’m fairly certain this is going to be one of my staples going forward.

Garnier Whole Blends Oat Delicacy collection

Sometimes dry, itchy scalp just comes from sensitive skin and if that’s the case for you, this Oat Delicacy line is hands down the gentlest shampoo and conditioner I’ve ever used. The Oat Milk and Rice Cream blend are super soft and hydrating, while leaving your hair soft and not weighed down. It actually feels gentle when you’re using it. I honestly can’t think of another word for it. I don’t really care for the scent but the results are worth it.

Moroccanoil Dry Scalp Treatment

I’ve been using Moroccanoil for years but I haven’t tried too many of their other products. Unlike the other treatments I’ve used, this one starts before the shower. You apply this to your scalp in sections, wait up to ten minutes and then get in the shower, rinse it out and shampoo and condition as usual. Since this is an oil, I really expected it to get greasy but it really doesn’t. And the more regularly you use it, the less you’ll have to. Moroccanoil also recommends this for anyone sensitive to hair colour before they head to the salon to prevent itchiness and to protect the scalp.

If you use anything for dry, itchy scalp that isn’t on this list, definitely let us know. We always looking to try something new!


Mar
2018

L’Occitane Solidarity Balm 2018

categories: Bath And Body, Makeup Most Wanted, PR Sample, Skin Care, Skin Care Reviews

Happy International Women’s Day! I’ve started to really look forward to this day every year, not just because it’s all about celebrating women but also because it means L’Occitane’s Solidarity Balm is coming. Each year, L’Occitane releases a shea butter balm in a different scent for under $10 (it’s $7 CAD) and all the profits go towards women in Burkina Faso. This year the program for Women’s Leadership in Burkina Faso has three goals:

1. Writing a better future
L’OCCITANE has helped more than 10.000 women to learn how to read and write since 2008. It also supports the education of 450 girls for four years at secondary school.

2. Boosting ambitions
L’Occitane has allowed 8,000 women to benefit from micro-credit since 2009.

3. Revealing leadership
L’OCCITANE launched the “L’OCCITANE pour Elles” program, in 2016, to boost entrepreneur women’s actions and scale up their business.

The scent of the Solidarity Balm this year is apricot and while last year’s violet is still my favourite, this one is a really warm, happy scent. I literally use these balms on everything from cuticles to scrapes to random hair frizz. I currently have the cold from hell and I’ve been using on the chapped skin around my nose and my dried out lips. These last forever too. I still have a lot left of last year’s and even a little from the year before.

For $7, you’re going to want to stock up here, especially if you love this year’s apricot scent. So far I haven’t seen them repeat themselves scent wise. And you can help other women while you’re saving your own skin.

I can’t wait to see what scent comes out next year.


Feb
2018

Foundation Most Wanted

categories: Makeup Most Wanted, Makeup Reviews

I really want to be the girl who wears nothing on her skin, but I will admit that I love foundation. I love the way the perfect foundation makes your skin feel. I love the way my face looks after I have applied foundation, but before adding blush or bronzer. I love the magic that the right foundation can do for the way I feel. Here are 3 foundations that have been putting a little pep in my step for the past few months.

It Cosmetics CC+ Cream – Forget applying moisturizer and serum and foundation every morning. This CC Cream is all of those things in one. This cream is really thick, but don’t worry it doesn’t feel heavy. Plus you can skip a few steps, so you aren’t adding on layers. When you get a product that makes multiple promises, usually coverage takes a backseat. It Cosmetics seems to have thought of everything. This cream also provides full colour coverage. It almost makes my skin look too good.  How often can you say that?

Too Faced Peach Perfect Foundation – There is nothing bad to saying about this foundation. It goes on a bit thick, but unlike some others it never feels heavy. It’s matte, so as soon as it’s dry you don’t even feel it on your skin. It can cover any discolouration, while blending into your skin, so it doesn’t look like you are wearing a lot of makeup. It lasts all day long, and even into the night, meaning I don’t have to worry about my skin.

Tarte Clay Stick Foundation – I’ve used a lot of stick foundations in the past, but this one felt different. This felt like any other luxury liquid foundation, but in stick format. When you swipe this stick on your skin, it’s that same soft feel. I definitely recommend investing in a good brush with this for serious blending. You are going to need it! I got the buffer brush from Tarte and it made a world of different. This thick formula will give you an amazing airbrush, magazine worthy finish, but it’s not a quick fix. You need to spend the time. The best part is that it’s also thick enough to be used as a concealer or even a contouring stick if you get the right shades. Bonus!


Jan
2018

Intense Winter Skin Care Most Wanted

categories: Makeup Most Wanted, Skin Care, Skin Care Reviews, Uncategorized

How do you keep your skin moisturized in cold weather? This winter has been cold, really cold! Your skin is probably feeling it, just like mine. There isn’t much of a secret weapon, but hopefully theses more intense skin care products can give your dry skin a little moisture and help this winter.

Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue – Get serious with dry skin with this moisturizing duo for day and night. This Garnier SkinActive Moisture Rescue set leaves you with silky feeling skin all day. I love how plump and moist my face feels after just a few uses. The night moisturizer has a soft lavender scent that is relaxing for the end of a long day.  Both of the moisturizers absorb quickly, but leave your face feeling cool and refreshed. It’s also a great price, because no one should have to deal with dry skin.

M-61 Power Glow Body Butter – Your regular body butter might moisturize, but they don’t have the power of this skin care product. This body butter is super strengthened to re-texturize and smooth bumps on the skin. It also does the regular moisturizing things and packed with aloe, it helps to even the skin tone. It doesn’t smell the greatest, but beauty comes with some sacrifices. This is one I will take.

Nia24 Pro-Niacin Powered Skin Care – You will have to head to the dermatologist for this next skin care line, but if you have sensitive skin it’s worth the trip. This new skin care collection is made with some serious behind it. All you need to know is that it protects and repairs against environmental and age damage. Some of my favourites in this wide range include the soft Gentle Cleansing Cream, the Eye Repair Complex and the Sun Damage Prevention Sunscreen.

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream – My hands are suffering the worst in this cold weather. Neurogena must have seen this cold weather coming because their Norwegian Formula Hand Cream couldn’t come at a better time. This super thick cream is for extreme dryness and chapped broken hands. You only need a little everyday to help repair. Even my boyfriend who works outside in the cold was addicted to this hand cream. It’s definitely a winter must!


Jan
2018

Most Wanted of 2017

categories: Makeup Most Wanted, Makeup Reviews, PR Sample, Reviews

Happy 2018 everyone! It feels like 2017 went by in a minute but we still found time to try a ton of products, some new, some new to us. These are our Most Wanted of 2017

Lush Scrubee

The first time I tried this scrub/body butter combination, Stephanie brought one back from London for me before they were available in Canada. I’ve been using it ever since and it’s hands down my most replaced product of the year. The combination of cocoa and shea butters and ground almonds and coconut shells leave you with incredibly smooth and moisturized skin. The little bee shape is adorable and the honey scent is delicious. It’s such a fan favourite that this originally limited edition product became part of the permanent Lush collection.

Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser

Glossier coming to Canada was a huge deal this year and we’ve had a chance to try a number of products but this cleanser has quickly become my go to face wash. The super light texture doesn’t dry out my skin and leaves it soft and calm. I usually use this after I’ve taken my makeup off but it does a decent job of getting off makeup in a pinch. I love that the scent is just as gentle as the texture and that it works amazingly well with my Clarisonic.

Invisibobble Meow & Ciao

I’ve been obsessed with Invisibobble since the first one I tried. I wear my hair up nearly all the time and this hair band doesn’t give me headaches but holds my hair in ponytails or buns without my fine hair coming out of them. Meow & Ciao is from the holiday I Live In Wonderland collection and the pretty purple shade is a nice change from the boring neutrals I’ve been using.

Benefit They’re Real! Mascara

This mascara has been a cult fave for years and I honestly don’t know how I hadn’t used it before. We received one in a Benefit holiday gift and I’ve been using it almost exclusively ever since. I don’t know where this mascara has been all my life but it’s consistently given me the best lashes I’ve ever had. I get a ton of length and volume and don’t have to use my eyelash curler if I don’t want to. This is going to be in my makeup bag forever.

Garnier Whole Blends Illuminating Moroccan Argan and Camellia Oils

I know both Argan and Camellia oils are used a ton in hair products and I’ve tried quite a few of them but something about this combination is just a winner. The shampoo has a unique texture (you can feel the oil) but it lathers really nicely and if a shampoo can be called comforting, this is it. The conditioner doesn’t feel really thick until it hits your hair, which means you don’t need a lot at all and you should use less than you normally would (trust me). The Illuminating Oil gets rid of most of my frizz and leaves my hair soft, manageable and shiny. This is probably the best drugstore shampoo line I’ve ever tried and I’ll definitely pick up more when I run out.

 


Dec
2017

Holiday 2017: Makeup Gifts

categories: Gifts, Makeup Most Wanted, Makeup Reviews, Palettes, PR Sample

Makeup gifts are literally my favourite beauty anything. I love to see the different sets and minis. I find a ton of new favourite products this way every year and if I could only get makeup once a year, I’d choose December.

Too Faced Boss Lady Beauty Agenda

People constantly ask if I get certain products and if they can have them. This hands down the most requested thing all season. Everyone wants one of these pretty palette/agenda combinations. I actually think it’s such a great idea and a nice change from Too Faced’s holiday products from the past few years. The agenda is useable and the palette has some great shades. Plus you get a mini lipstick and mascara.

Benefit Eye Heart SF

Benefit released a bunch of these trippy snow globe shaped gifts this year, but this one is my favourite. It includes three full sized products (They’re Real! Mascara, Goof Proof Brow Pencil and Gimme Brow – both in shade 3) and two minis (the POREfessional and They’re Real! Tinted Primer). This is a great way to try Benefit for the first time and I love how fun the packaging is.

Artis Brush Craft The New Classics

These might not be makeup but you definitely need good brushes for your makeup. If you know someone who really wants to try Artis’ brushes but can’t afford them, Brush Craft is their more affordable sibling. For $100 you can get this brush set as well as the cleaning pad and cleansing foam, and if you’ve never tried cleaning brushes like this, it’ll change your life. These Brush Craft brushes are a little different from what we’re all used to but once you get the hang of them, you’ll never go back.

Kat Von D Everlasting Mini Liquid Lipstick Set

This is one of the few things I’ve bought myself this year. There were at least three shades I wanted to try and I figure why not try the minis so I know if I like them. With eight shades including one exclusive (Madrid), you get a ton of shade selection. Just keep in mind, these are all on the darker/neutral side of things. If you’re looking for bright lipstick, skip this one but there are some great winter colours in here. Also, Madrid needs to be a permanent shade.

Tarte Treasure Box

As far as I’m concerned, this might be the best gift set that Tarte has put out. With 24 eyeshadows, 2 blushes, 2 bronzers, a highlighter, a full size Sex Kitten eyeliner and a mini mascara and lipstick, you could be set for the whole year. I really love the shades in this box and if you know someone who’s just starting to use makeup or doesn’t know what colours to use, this is a great way to try things out.