Category: Makeup Most Wanted

January 2016 Most Wanted – Alyssa’s Picks

January always seems like a good time to be a little more low key with makeup, but there are definitely some staples that I don’t take a break from. These are my Most Wanted this month.
Kérastase Chronologiste Crème de Régénération
kerastase-chronologiste-masque
The dryness of winter basically demands the use of hair masks and I haven’t found a company that does them better than Kérastase. The Chronologiste Crème de Régénération is probably my favourite out of all of them. Not only does it make my hair smoother but it soothes my scalp and leaves my hair really soft and healthy instead of dried out.
Rimmel Fix & Protect Makeup Primer
Rimmel fix & protect makeup primer
Rimmel’s newest primer, Fix & Protect, is a great way to give your skin a little boost in the winter without drying it out. This slightly runny, white primer does a great job of evening out your skin and minimizing pores while putting up a block that’s anti-pollution and stress. Plus I’ve noticed my skin looks better since I’ve been using it.
Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment
fresh sugar advanced therapy lip treatment
Stephanie and I both love Fresh’s Sugar Lip line but somehow I hadn’t tried the Advanced Therapy until recently. This clear balm has the same lemon sugar scent as the others in the line but if feels a little more substantial. It has a really nice slip to it but it lasts a long time on your lips. I’ve been using it before bed and I wake up with super soft, smooth lips in the morning.
Maybelline The Falsies Push Up Drama Mascara
Maybelline The Falsies Push Up Drama Mascara
Maybelline has always been my favourite drugstore brand mascara and I always expect great things. Push Up Drama definitely delivers. From the first time I used it, the push up cup brush gave me amazing length and volume and it lasts all day. I don’t have to use an eyelash curler with this one and honestly, it gives me so much length and curl on it’s own, I’m kind of scared to.
Dermalogica Sheer Tint
dermalogica sheer tint
I don’t wear a lot of foundation and prefer BB creams or tinted moisturizers. Dermalogica’s Sheer Tint in Light is everything I want in a tinted moisturizer. It gives me light coverage, keeps my skin hydrated and actually makes my skin better while I’m using it. It has a slight medicinal scent but it doesn’t bother me. It’s a great way to even out my skin tone without wearing a ton of makeup.

Most Wanted 2015: Steph’s Picks

This year I found a lot of great products that have not only changed the way I wear makeup and care for my skin, but also become new secret weapons and favourite products. As I get ready for a new year of beauty, here is my makeup most wanted for 2015.

Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Overnight Purifying Gel

Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Overnight Purifying Gel & Night Pads

I tend to get random breakouts whenever I get stressed, but this new line from Nip + Fab gets my skin back on track quickly. They aren’t just for acne, but also help clogged pores or any time your face feels dirty. The purifying gel works on a day-to-day basis, while the pads are perfect for those seriously stressful times. This is one secret weapon that I will be keeping with me throughout 2016.

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The Body Shop Smoky Poppy

This limited edition line was my favourite smell of 2015. Who knew that poppies could smell so amazing? This collection has a musky and spicy smell that I am still in love with. The Eau De Toilette is my favourite, but the entire line is great. It’s leaving stores now and only available in clearance online. I will miss it with all of my heart!

rodial-mascara

Rodial Glamolash Mascara XXL

Take your lashes from average to amazing with this mascara. I sometimes feel like I have tried every trick to make my lashes look longer and darker, who knew that all you needed was this mascara. When Rodial launched their makeup line I skipped the regular mascara and went straight for the XXL. I will never go back!

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MAC Cosmetics Magic Of The Night Evening Rendezvous Lipstick

I have always been a classic red lipstick girl, but this winter I decided that I needed a change. I wanted to switch to a darker purple hue. I struggled to find the perfect shade though. The first time I put on this new lipstick from MAC Cosmetics I was hooked. This isn’t just my favourite lipstick of the season, but one of my favourite lipsticks of all time!!!!

lise watier eye cream review

Lise Watier Lift & Firm 3D Ultra Firming Rejuvenating Eye Cream

When 2015 started I wasn’t a fan of eye cream. I thought they were a hoax, until I met this eye cream from Lise Watier. This cream made my eye look brighter and firm. Since then I had become hooked on trying a number of different creams. I will always thank Lise Watier for changing my mind.

Most Wanted 2015: Alyssa’s Picks

2015 had a lot of products I was obsessed with, but not that many that I used on a daily basis. That means picking my favourite products of 2015 was a little easier this year. These are my absolute faves of last year.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream
I’ve tried so many moisturizers over the years that I’ve lost count but the second I tried Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost, I was hooked. This gel cream literally saved my crazy combination skin. It moisturizes for hours, melts into your skin in seconds and completely balances out my oily and dry areas. It also gets rids of my flaky patches and it smells amazing. If they ever discontinue this I’m in big trouble.
Clinique Chubby Lash Fattening Mascara
Clinique Chubby Lash Fattening Mascara
Mascara is the one piece of makeup I won’t leave the house without wearing but my eyelashes are hard to work with. One eye has perfect long (though pale) lashes and the other eye has a couple little empty patches. Clinique’s Chubby Lash was the only mascara this year to give me extreme volume on both eyes. This is one of the biggest, straightest brushes I’ve ever used and it works every single time without clumping. Jumbo Jet is a perfect dark black but I’ve also been using Bodacious Black Honey during the day. It looks reddish brown in the tube but it’s a dark brown on my lashes.
MAC Studio Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation
MAC Studio Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation
I’ve tried a lot of foundations in the past year and a lot of them dried out my skin so much I thought my face was going to crack. MAC’s Studio Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation gave me great buildable coverage while still being hydrating and comfortable.
Smashbox Brow Tech Matte Pencil in Blonde
Smashbox Brow Tech Matte Pencil
I’ve always hated doing my eyebrows. They’re extremely pale, so I know I should give them a little colour on a regular basis, but it always seems like such a pain. Until I tried Smashbox’s Brow Tech Matte Pencil. From the first day I tried this dual ended pencil, I’ve been doing my brows a lot more often. It takes me less than a minute to get perfectly penciled in brows and it really does make a difference. Plus, Brow Tech stays put until I take it off, even without the addition of a clear brow gel.
Too Faced Melted Metal in Metallic Dream House
Too Faced Melted Metal Lipstick in Metallic Dream House
Too Faced was basically my brand of the year. I could’ve included at least four different products on this list but 2015 was the year I went out of my comfort zone with lipstick and I mostly ended up wearing different shades of Too Faced’s Melted and Melted Metal Lipsticks. Metallic Dream House was in my purse at all times during the summer and I got so many compliments on it that I lost count. This lipstick is so easy to apply, has a great selections of shades, lasts forever and smells like candy. I can’t wait to try the new Melted Chocolate shades.

Kat Von D Holiday Most Wanted

Kat Von D Holiday
Kat Von D always has great gift sets for the holidays and this year is no exception but these two are my personal favourites this year.
Lolita Lip Duo
Kat Von D Lolita Lip Duo
If you’ve never tried Kat Von D’s Lolita lipstick, there’s a reason the chestnut rose shade is a cult fave. In the Lolita Lip Duo you get two mini Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks in both Lolita and the newer Lolita II (terra cotta nude).
Kat Von D Lolita Lip Duo Swatches
While these are considered mini, they still hold quite a bit of product and you really don’t need to use much (the swatches are one swipe). So you could, in theory, give this as a gift but you’re really going to want to keep these for yourself.
Mi Vida Loca Remix Eyeshadow Palette
Kat Von D Mi Vida Loca Remix Eyeshadow Palette
While everyone obsesses over the Naked palettes, I’ve always been a much bigger fan of Kat Von D’s palettes. The shades are always extremely pigmented and there’s a lot less fallout. Not to mention there’s a whole lot more choice of colour. Mi Vida Loca Remix has 24 shades.
Kat Von D Mi Vida Loca Remix Open
I love this palette because it has every shade I could ever need. I don’t have to get my neutral shades from one palette and bright shades from another. Plus because they blend so well, there isn’t a single shade I won’t try. You can make a bright shade more subtle by blending and make a neutral shade more intense.

My only issue with Mi Vida Loca Remix is how huge it is, storage will be an issue and it gets stored in a sleeve, so you can’t technically close it. The shades though, are enough for me to love it anyways.

H&M Beauty

hm beauty makeupI have been so thrilled with the H&M Beauty line that I honestly almost forget to write about it. People go crazy for H&M’s designer collaborations, but I am going crazy for this new beauty line. I have only tried a small handful of products so far, but everything had been great.

For my eyes, I tried the Eye Colour Palette in Smoky Nudes. The colours in the palette cross the whole range of brown eye shadows from sparkly to pale to dark and rich. You can get a neutral look or a smoky eye all in pretty colours. I’m excited to try their mascara as well, because they have so many options!

For my lips, I tried the Cream Lip Colour. I got the lipstick in a Candy Apple red that I unfortunately wasn’t crazy about. The red had a more coral and orange tone than I like in my reds. I also wasn’t crazy about the shiny finish. That said, it did have good lasting power on my lips.

Finally, for my face I tried the True Matte Finishing Powder and Pure Radiance Powder Blusher. I adore these products. They just work perfectly. The powder gives your skin a great matte finish that I have been trying to find for months. The blush gives your cheeks a nice glow without being too over the top or bold. Both powder last all day long and are light on the skin. Since I love these two products so much, I can’t wait to try other H&M Beauty makeup picks like their Mattifying Primer and BB Cream.

Everything is so affordable, you are going to have a happy shopping day!

November Makeup Most Wanted

Where did December go? I know I am a few days late, but this year is going by so fast that I barely had time to blink before we were in the holiday season! If you are looking for some products to get prepped and ready for the holiday season, I’ve got you covered!

Sephora Collection Colourful Eyeshadow Filter Palette

Sephora Collection Colourful Eyeshadow Filter Palette in Sunbleached

I never know what eyeshadow colours to wear during the day at work. This palette has become my new best friend. The colours were inspired by a faded out Instagram filter, which is so much fun, but don’t buy it just because you love taking selfies. It’s the eyeshadow colours that you will really love! From the pale almost white of ‘Swan Song’ to the beige ‘Secret Boudoir’ the neutrals are my new favourite shadow base. After that you get into the pretty colours that will give you a look that is perfect for a workday. There is the shimmery rose of ‘Latergram’, the smoky purple of ‘Swell’, and the trusty brown of ‘#tbt’. I am in love with each and every one. With 10 different colours, there are enough different options for every day of the week.

Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Overnight Purifying Gel

Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Overnight Purifying Gel & Night Pads

Say goodbye to bad skin with this Nip + Fab skin care collection. If you are tired of fretting over clogged pores, acne and rough skin, you NEED to try these products!!! These are some of my favourite products of the whole year! The Purifying Gel can be applied every night after you clean your face. This gel gives you an extra deep clean by unclogging pores and helping to clear up skin while you sleep. For an even tougher clean, add in the Night Pads a few nights a week for deeper clean. These products include glycolic acid (exfoliates and helps skin tone), salicylic acid (clears pores), lactic acid (removes toxins) and hyaluronic acids (hydrates). They are really amazing for making you feel proud of your skin. Put your best face forward!

Maybelline Better Skin Foundation

Maybelline Better Skin Foundation

If you want to keep up your mission for amazing skin, after using the Nip + Fab collection, use this Maybelline foundation during the day. I haven’t had the best luck with finding the perfect Maybelline foundation until now. This foundation is meant to improve your skin by wearing it. It is supposed to reduce the look of acne, bumps, or redness. The second day that I wore it people started commenting on my skin. They were telling me that my skin looked great. I was getting compliments on my look. When I stopped using it, no other foundation gave me the same fixed and better than normal finish. I won’t be going long without it anymore.

yves rocher holiday nail polish

Yves Rocher Botanical Color Nail Polish Holiday Collection

Yves Rocher’s holiday nail polish collection is stunning. I am so bored with the average sparkly, glittery, gold and red nail polishes for the holiday season. Finally, there is something different. The Yves Rocher nail polish is full of pretty pale pastels with a hint of sparkle. There are also sleek nail polishes with a metallic finish. Frosted Pink, Frosted Green and Frosted Blue have tiny sparkles for a unique glitter finish. They also have a bit of a texture for something more diverse. Pearly Pink and Pearly Purple are smooth and rich. Now I just have to figure out how to pick just one!

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The Body Shop Honey Bronze Face Gel

This bronzing gel looks intimidating, but don’t worry it’s not as dark and scary for your face as you might think. This bronzing gel is easy to apply all over your face for a quick bronze solution when the need strikes. Your complexion will determine how you apply. I’m fairly dark, so I just used a light hand to apply this gel directly to my face. If you have fair skin, you should mix it with your moisturizer to get a lighter more subtle bronze.

Fall Face Care Most Wanted

Fall is the time for updating and modifying your skin care routine. Whether you try all of these new products or just think one or two are important, I have gathered products that will make transitioning to the cold months a little bit easier on your skin.

Ponds Rejuveness Anti-Wrinkle Cream

Pond’s Rejuveness Anti-Wrinkle Cream

Keep your face super moisturized this season with this new classic cream. The Pond’s cream looks heavy, but it’s really light on your face. I love the cool feel and the powdery smell. Instead of leaving skin oily, it’s moist and dewy. It’s no wonder Pond’s is one of the most beloved products available.

Burts Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes

Burt’s Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes

I have been a huge fan of Burt’s Bees for years, but I had no idea that they offered face cleansing towelettes. I was really excited to see them. I used the Cucumber and Sage towels that are meant to soothe your skin as well. As I expected from Burt’s Bees the wipes work great. My face feels clean without being dry and my skin looks great. I can’t wait to try a few more scents.

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B. Kamins Corrective Primer

Just because it isn’t as hot anymore doesn’t mean that my skin doesn’t still get shiny. This Corrective Primer from B. Kamins has been my secret weapon against skin for the last few weeks. This clear gel primer goes on easily for an instant mattifying effect. The shine on my face is toned down right away. I’m left with the perfect finish for applying my makeup.

Sephora Collection Bright Future Gel Serum Concealer

Sephora Collection Bright Future Gel Serum Concealer

Sephora has modernized the concealer with their new gel serum. I find a lot of concealers heavy and thick. This gel concealer is light and airy on your skin. It sits on top of the skin as opposed to getting stuck. It brightens the area and covers up dark spots under the eyes (or anywhere else on your face). I can’t believe there isn’t more concealers like this. Luckily I found this one!

Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Eye Treatment

Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Eye Treatment

If you aren’t sure exactly what type of eye treatment you need, this Smart eye treatment is your new best friend. This treatment is an all-in-one for all eye issues that targets whatever you need. I always thought I needed to brighten my eyes, but it was the contouring that really impressed me. It goes to show that sometimes you need to trust your products!

Most Wanted Red Lips For Fall 2015

Most Wanted Red Lips For Fall 2015
There’s really nothing more quintessentially fall than a red lip and there are a ton of them to choose from. These are our Most Wanted reds for fall.
GOSH Velvet Touch Lipstick in Matte Classic Red
GOSH Velvet Touch Lipstick Matte Classic Red
This red is definitely what I think of when I picture a classic red and I love the matte formula. It’s not drying but does a good job of staying put. It’s a gorgeous shade for a timeless look.
Cover Girl LipPerfection Lipcolour in Hot
Cover Girl LipPerfection Lipcolour Hot
Another classic red, Hot is a little on the creamier side and is really flattering on even my very fair skin tone. You might want to use a lipstick primer with this one, it doesn’t have the greatest staying power but I expect that from a lipstick this soft.
L’Oreal Colour Riche Collection Exclusive Pure Reds in Julianne’s Red
L'oreal Colour Riche Collection Exclusive Pure Reds Julianne's Red
Of all the shades in the Pure Reds collection, I was instantly drawn to this coral-red and it makes sense considering I have relatively similar colouring to Julianne Moore. If you’re on the fair side and a classic red is too much for you, this is a great alternative.
Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Canadian Flare
Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick Canadian Flare
A collaboration between Smashbox, Flare Magazine and artist Donald Robertson; this coral red was inspired by the Canadian flag. It’s a little on the sheer side, so you can layer to get the effect you want. Canadian Flare is really moisturizing and comfortable to wear.
byTERRY Terrybly Velvet Rouge Liquid Velvet Lipstick in My Red
byTERRY Terrybly Velvet Rouge My Red
For the liquid lipstick fans, My Red is a classic matte red that smells like roses. The unique ergonomic applicator takes a little getting used to but the payoff is huge. It lasts for hours and while it’s not transfer proof, you don’t have to reapply constantly. It’s also a lot less drying than I expected from a matte, liquid lipstick.

Most Wanted Red Lips For Fall 2015 Swatches
GOSH Classic Red, Cover Girl Hot, L’Oreal Julianne’s Red, Smashbox Canadian Flare, byTERRY My Red

Is your Most Wanted red lip on our list? Let us know what red lipstick you can’t live without this season.

Makeup Most Wanted September 2015 – Alyssa’s Picks

I spent most of September doing very little thanks to hand surgery, so all the products I used were either ones I was obsessed with over the summer, or products that I was able to use one-handed. Even with that narrowed list, I had a ton of favourites this month but these ones rose to the top of my September list.
Flower Transforming Powder-To-Creme Blush in Tickled Pink
Flower Transforming Powder To Creme Blush - Tickled Pink
I prefer powder blush over creme but this one has the best of both worlds. It starts off as a loose powder and as it hits skin it becomes very creamy. The first time I opened it, I was a little scared at how bright this shade looked but it blends in and becomes very natural. You can use this with a brush or your fingers which made it very easy to apply one-handed.
StriVectin Advanced Retinol Pore Refiner
StriVectin Advanced Retinol Pore Refiner
If there’s one thing about my skin that drives me nuts, it’s how huge my pores are. Since I have sensitive, combination skin it’s really difficult to find pore products that won’t turn my face bright red. StriVectin’s Pore Refiner is something of a miracle product for me. While I didn’t get instant massive results, my pores do look consistently smaller and my skin gets moisturized at the same time. There’s also zero irritation and my skin feels a lot smoother.
Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin Concealer in Ivory
Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin Concealer Ivory
I don’t wear a lot of concealer. I don’t have dark circles under my eyes and I don’t break out very often but I do get red, dry patches occasionally that I want to cover up. I’m so pale that finding a concealer that’s light enough for me is a challenge. The Better Skin concealer in Ivory is light enough to do the job and it lasts all day without flaking off.
Sephora Contour Matte Gel Eyeliner Waterproof in Caffeine Buzz
Sephora Contour Matte Gel Eyeliner Waterproof in Caffeine Buzz
Eyeliner is one of my favourite things and I’ll use any of them. Pencil, liquid, gel, it doesn’t matter to me. It just depends on what kind of look I want. But finding a good eyeliner for waterlines and tightlining is difficult. This Sephora brand eyeliner is pretty much made exactly for those things and I love that it’s matte. It’s easy to blend but once it sets, it doesn’t budge. I’ve been using this liner almost exclusively since I got it and I’m already thinking about other shades that I might pick up.
Garnier Fresh Cleansing Cloths
Garnier Fresh Cleansing Cloths
It doesn’t seem to matter how good a cleansing cloth is; if I’m removing waterproof mascara or eyeliner, one doesn’t quite do the job and I usually have to follow up with either another cloth or real makeup remover. Until now. Each of these cloths have two doses of Garnier’s Makeup Removing Lotion Cleanser and it gets every drop of makeup off with one cloth. It doesn’t leave my skin feeling sticky and I don’t have to scrub to get mascara off. I’ve already bought a second package and it’s slowly starting to replace my favourite Neutrogena makeup remover wipes.

August Makeup Most Wanted

Summer is almost over, but instead of being sad, I am preparing. I am getting ready for fall with a whole bunch of new products that are getting my skin ready for the cold weather coming. Bring it on fall because these products are my secret weapons this month.

Lise Watier Extreme Hold CC Eye Primer

Lise Watier Extreme Hold CC Eye Primer – I’ve become a little obsessed with this Lise Watier eye primer. This tinted cream is applied on the eye lid to smooth out the skin. It instantly helps correct the colour of your lids for a great finish. It gets rid of any dark circles or redness around your eyes. You can apply eye shadow over top to help it stay all day long, but my favourite thing is just to leave it bare. You make not have noticed just how much darker your eye lids are, but the difference this primer makes is amazing. It has totally transformed my look and routine from my everyday look to getting glam. If you are lucky you can add the Lise Watier Intense Waterproof Eyeliner and EYEvolution Dramatique Intense 3D Volume Mascara for the perfect eyes!

The Body Shop Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet

The Body Shop Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet – This Limited Edition gel moisturizer is perfect for the dog days of summer. It’s so cooling on my skin for a refreshing start to the day. The gel formula hydrates your face without leaving it feeling too wet and greasy. My skin gets oily quickly, especially in the summer, but this moisturizer helped my skin stay more matte. Some of my favourite moisturizers are too heavy for summer, but this was the perfect replacement. I hope it comes back every summer.

 

 

Sibu Beauty Sea Buckthorn Moisturizing Body Cream

Sibu Beauty Sea Buckthorn Moisturizing Body Cream – I have been getting really excited about new natural ingredients in my beauty products and sea buckthorn is starting to get a lot of buzz. This body cream has a bit of a weird smell, similar to cleaning products. Just learn to love it, because this body cream is great. It leaves your skin feeling so soft. My skin feels baby soft. Also if you have dry or irritated, the lovely little sea buckthorn is there to get rid of redness, dry patches and other skin issues. There is also a face cream (and a whole line of body care and shower products) for an added bonus if you want even more skin love.

Laboratoires Filorga Optim-Eyes

Laboratoires Filorga Optim-Eyes – I have lately been a bit addicted to trying a lot of different eye creams. It must be a result of worrying about getting old. There has been quite a few of duds, but the Laboratoires Filorga Optim-Eyes Cream really stood out from the crowd. My eyes are looking so great. Forget about dark circles, puffiness and sad looking eyes. They are a thing of the past. My eyes look younger, tighter and more alert.