Makeup Reviews – Makeup Most Wanted

Category: Makeup Reviews

17
Aug
2018

Tarte Shape Tape Foundation

They call it foundation for a reason, right? It’s the base for your makeup look. It needs to be sturdy and up to handle everything in your day. Tarte Shape Tape Foundation is the ultimate base. Whether you chose the Matte Foundation or the Hydrating Foundation, you can trust that it will stand up to the whole day.

For thick coverage, I love the matte Tarte foundation. This foundation covers every blemish. I loved the all over colour that it provides. It couldn’t be beat. On my light makeup days, I even used it as a cover up for smaller blemishes.

Other days, I was drawn to the thinner Shape Tape Hydrating Foundation. This version of the foundation is much lighter. I imagine that most people will be drawn to this one more. The finish is a bit more natural. It corrects your colour, but it has a natural glow in it. Instead of a matte finish, you have a healthy fresh faced look.

I love the matte foundation, but you really can’t go wrong with Tarte’s Shape Tape Foundation. The matte version feel like a special event makeup or set makeup, while the hydrating version is more of your everyday “natural” look.

13
Aug
2018

St Tropez Self Tan Express Face Sheet Mask

Meet the first ever self-tanning sheet mask. Of course, my friends at St Tropez innovated this one of a kind tanning tool. Now you don’t have to fuss with using your self-tanner on your face. This sheet mask is infused with their same self-tanning product, so you know it’s good.

St. Tropez’ instructions for this mask are very easy. Clean your face, put on and smooth out mask, leave it on for up to 15 minutes, remove and massage in. It is actually that easy to use.

The mask is white, so you can’t actually see the tanner on the mask while you are applying it, but you can smell that self-tanner scent faintly. The package does give instructions for how long to leave it on for. I chose the Medium darkness option of 10 minutes to be safe.

My 10 minutes flew by and when I removed the mask, I didn’t notice any difference. Sure, my face was dewy and moist. It was also covered in the mask gel, so I would actually say it was wet. I resisted the urge to rinse it. Then I waited. St. Tropez says the colour will develop over the next 8 hours, so I will see you in 8 hours….

So, it’s been longer than 8 hours, but I needed some recovery time, before writing. I doubted the St Tropez mask, but that was a mistake. After 8 hours my face was dark! It probably wasn’t as dark as I thought, but it was dark enough that I didn’t want to go to work. Dark enough that I was too embarrassed to take a picture! Dark enough that I googled “how to fix a bad self tan” and actually did the things others recommended. So I would recommend starting light! You can always add more self tanner, but it’s really tough to get rid of it. Your face is the one place you can’t hide a fake tan.

Another tip, when you remove the mask, blend in the leftover gel really good. I don’t think the package emphasizes that enough. I had tan lines around the outside of the mask. Be sure to blend it into your hairline and way down your neck.

Despite the fact that I had a bit of a mishap, I would definitely recommend this mask to anyone who is tanning. It’s one of the easiest products that I’ve ever used and gave me the biggest results. Just know what you are getting in to!!!

09
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.

04
May
2018

Revlon Spring Makeup

categories: Makeup Reviews

I’ve been experimenting with some of Revlon’s latest and greatest makeup this spring to get a look that is perfect for the office. Work makeup is one of those weird things that no ever thinks they are good at. We all look at someone else who looks more put together every day.

I am starting with the Revlon Photoready Insta-Filter Foundation. I like this foundation in theory. It’s light and thin. My only issue is that you need to use the attached sponge on top to apply it, like a beauty blender. After a few uses, the sponge gets dirty and I’m not sure I can clean it without getting water in the makeup. I wish that Revlon had just provided a separate sponge. The foundation itself gives good light, natural coverage.

I really like the Revlon Color Charge Liquid Illuminator. The Halo colour gives a great highlighting shine. It’s not sparkly or glossy, it is just highlighted. It also lasts for a long time, so my face stays looking highlighted.

The Revlon Colorstay Exactify Liquid Liner is one of the most interesting and innovative eyeliners that I have seen in a long time. It’s a regular liquid liner, but there is no regular brush applicator. Instead Revlon has made a little wheel. You roll this wheel across your eye lid to apply the colour. It’s actually very easy. My only issue is that it’s difficult to get thick, full lines. The makeup doesn’t always stick to the wheel, so you have to go over it three or four times. The black was fine, but the Mulberry shade was very light.

Finally, there was the for when I wanted to ramp things up. The sheer Holographic colour allowed me to wear it to work without being inappropriate. It has high shine. At night it would be great to add sparkle to any eye shadow.

20
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.

18
Apr
2018

Rimmel Insta Makeup Collection

categories: Makeup Reviews

Rimmel has added some perfecting and protecting makeup to their collection to ensure that you keep that perfect face for more hours during the day. I tried the Insta Fix & Go 2 In 1 Primer & Setting Spray, Insta Flawless Perfecting Radiant Primer and the Insta Fix & Matte Translucent Powder. As you can tell, there is makeup in the line for every stage of application.

I’m not crazy about primer, so I wasn’t surprised that I wasn’t crazy about the Rimmel product. It didn’t seem to add anything to my face. I am more a fan of primer that helps to do more to my face. The Rimmel primer might have added some shine, but it was subtle.

I love the Rimmel powder though. This powder is a multi-purpose makeup… is there anything better to hear? You can use it to stop shine, to make your skin look matte, to keep your makeup on longer and to fix any foundation issues. It’s great for makeup pros or novices because of how versatile it is.

Finally, the Fix & Go Setting Spray is one of those middle of the road products. I can’t tell yet whether it is a saving grace or an extra step. I have been noticing that my makeup is staying on longer, but I’m not sure if I can attribute that to the Rimmel spray or my foundation.

The Rimmel Insta line gets the thumbs up from me though and I can’t wait to try more from it. The contouring and highlighting makeup has been added to my wish list!

12
Apr
2018

Pretty Vulgar Bury Them With a Smile Matte Lipstick Collection

categories: Cruelty Free Makeup, Makeup Reviews, PR Sample

With spring finally here and the weather in Toronto slowly becoming bearable again, I’ve started to come out of my winter hibernation ‘blah-mode’ and have gone into full blown ‘cute-mode.’ You know that mode, where everything pretty and girly and pink just speaks to you on a ‘that would be sooooooo cute – I totally need that’ kind of level. That mode where you finally want to dress up in cute spring outfits, let your gorgeous locks fly and rock a smile-worthy lip colour. This is where Pretty Vulgar’s Bury Them With a Smile Matte Lipstick Collection comes to play.

Pretty Vulgar is a relatively new brand that has become well-known for their glamorous vintage inspired packaging that never fails to bring that wow-factor. No boring black tubes here, instead the packaging is laced with delicate details that give the collection a feeling of old-time enchantment.

Once I got past the adorable exterior and actually tried out the vegan and cruelty free matte lipstick line, I was impressed. The attention to detail the company puts into packaging definitely wasn’t lost on the lip colour’s formula itself. I thought the lipstick was delicate and creamier than your average brand and a little went a long way. My lips also didn’t dry out at all using this line, probably thanks to the mango seed butter, shea butter, and avocado oil in the ingredients list. Staying power was slightly above average but don’t expect these colours to last through a full meal or night of drinks.

So my Spring search for all things cute has started off with a successful huzzah. My favourite colour of the line is easily 11 – Mood Swing, it really adds an adorable and bright pop of pink to my look and gives me one more reason to smile.

27
Feb
2018

Covergirl Total Tease Mascara Quick Review

categories: Makeup Reviews

It’s been a long time since someone asked me if my lashes were real. I am fooling everyone thanks to Covergirl. I know it sounds like a fake commercial, but it’s the truth. The weird mascara wand does wonders. The trick is that there is a lash teasing part of the applicator. It helps to lengthen and separate your lashes. It’s actually a miracle worker. It makes my lashes so long and fluffy. I have even used it after applying different mascara. I might have found my new favourite mascara of all time.

20
Feb
2018

Sassy Lips Review

categories: Makeup Reviews

If you’re looking for a way to impress your friends next time you pull out your lipstick, check out Sassy Lips. Their lipstick may not look like much from the black box, but when you open the lipstick, I promise you will be shocked.

Sassy Lips Keep Em Guessing is a color changing lipstick line that is a brilliant shade in the container and on your lips. Each shade changes with your PH balance, so this lipstick could be slightly different on each person and even on different days. The green ‘My Life RN’ turns into a fuchsia, ‘So Many Feelings’ is a black lipstick that turns to a wine tone, and ‘No Chill Zone’ goes from blue to mauve.

Then you have the Sassy Lips Make The Moment lipstick collection. This one is also a colour changer, but in a different way. These clear lipsticks have dried flowers and gold flecks inside. Each of the sticks turn to a glossy pink tint that is really moisturizing.

Sassy Lips lipstick may not be the most long lasting or brightest colours, but it is the most impressive lipstick you can pull out of your bag.

17
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!