Category: Makeup Reviews


Feb
2018

Lipstick Queen Dating Game Collection

categories: Makeup Collection, Makeup Reviews, PR Sample

I adore Lipstick Queens collections and their newest one, Dating Game is a set of four pink lipsticks perfect for Valentine’s Day. With the tagline flirt, date or fall in love – have a fling with pink! there’s a pink for every mood.

I have to say, I’m really not a pink person but these four shades are seriously pretty and super flattering. They’re all really creamy and comfortable with major colour payoff. They’re not transferproof but do a decent job sticking around but reapplying is going to be necessary, especially if you’re eating. The names of the shades are adorable as well; Good Catch (soft, rosy blush), Bad Boy (fuchsia), Mr. Right (warm, rosy pink) and Mr. Right Now (bold magenta).

I personally love Mr. Right but Good Catch and Bad Boy are close behind and Mr. Right Now is probably going to be Stephanie’s favourite spring lipstick. Even if you don’t manage to hunt these down for Valentine’s Day, you can always plan ahead for next year.


Jan
2018

Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink

categories: Makeup Reviews

Maybelline’s Matte Ink is literally the longest lasting lip colour that I’ve ever had the pleasure of wearing. There is a wide range of colours in the collection and none looks exactly like it does on the outside of the package, so be cautious. The light tones are lighter than I expected and the dark ones are darker. To get full coverage on your lips, you have to layer it on thick. Because of that the Maybelline Lip Ink does tend to be a bit sticky, sometimes very sticky. Some people hate the feel of it, because it takes a long, long time to dry. I’ve tried applying other products over top, but the stickiness remains. I think I might try a translucent powder next.

Despite all of that, the Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink stays on forever. You think I’m exaggerating, but I’m not. This lip colour won’t come off with drinks, with food, with a night on the town. Maybelline’s Lip Ink stayed on while I slept! And when I woke up, it was still almost impossible to take it off. You have to use a combination of water, makeup removers and soap.

It you want a lip colour that will never let you down… and let’s be honest, who doesn’t… this one is for you!


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

Sothys Paris Reflet – 2017 Limited Edition Make-Up Collection

categories: Holiday, Makeup Collection, Makeup Reviews, PR Sample

Sothys Paris, a French based company known for their high performance skin-care lines, has released a limited edition makeup collection Reflet. This set is gorgeous and everything you’d expect from a company like Sothys! It’s sophisticated, elegant and creates the perfect timeless holiday party makeup look.

The collection consists of a dark smokey eye in either dark grey (10 – Gris Zinc) or plum (20 – Feutrine Prune), rose coloured blush (not in this review), bright lips in either red (320 – Rouge des arts) or a lighter rose (310 – Rose Lepic), and a red nail polish (310 – Rouge des arts). If you are looking for a super bold holiday look, combine the grey smokey eye and red lip, or swap in the plum smokey eye or lighter rose lipstick to soften things up just a tiny bit.

For all the makeup beginners out there, or anyone looking for some tips, Sothys also has a super helpful online video that shows you how to apply the Reflet collection.

The eyes – The smokey eye pencils are thicker and used for the base colour on your eye lid. Both the dark grey and plum contain shimmering glitter for a metallic, almost iridescent look. The smaller pencils are the eye contour pencils and used for shading the outside corners of the eye. The grey contour pencil has the same shimmer as the smokey eye pencils, but the plum is just a regular matte plum. These pencils applied so smoothly, it was almost as if they melted when touching my skin. They were also really easy to blend, making it one of the quicker and easier smokey eye looks. For a flawless finish I would finish the smokey eye off with a really thin application of black eyeliner.

The lips – The lip sticks come in a bold red and a lighter rose colour, both being matte. These were my favourite part of the entire set. They applied so smoothly, and once dried, the colour had minimal fade or transfer. The application felt so weightless and moisturized my dry chapped lips so well, I actually forgot I was wearing lipstick. If you’ve been looking for the perfect stand-out bold lipstick for a formal occasion, the red is perfect.

The nails – After trying out and loving the rest of the collection, I had really high hopes for the red nail polish, which is the same shade as the red lipstick. The formula is just a tiny bit runnier than I’d like, which means you’ll definitely need two coats for a flawless application, but on the bright side, it dried pretty quick and matched the red lipstick perfectly.

The verdict – Every piece of the collection I tried was a hit, with the red lipstick being the absolute must have star. I’d recommend this collection to anyone looking for an easy and seductive holiday party look.


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.


Dec
2017

Makeup Most Wanted November 2017

categories: Hair Reviews, Makeup Most Wanted, Makeup Reviews, Palettes, PR Sample, Reviews, Skin Care, Skin Care Reviews

It literally feels like it was just yesterday that I was writing my Most Wanted of October and now I’m onto the November list. We have a ton of posts coming up this month with all things holiday, so it was fairly hard to narrow down the list of what I used in November, but it turns out these have been taking up space next to sink for quite a while and that means I’ve been using them a lot.

Matrix Biolage R.A.W. Frizz Control Styling Spray with Lavender

I’m constantly looking for anything that’ll take away my frizz and this lightweight spray does a good job of minimizing it without making my hair crunchy or sticky. I find I need to use this one with another product for various styling issues but I can use it to touch up dry hair and it smells really really good. That said, if you’re not a fan of lavender, I’d stay away.

nia Sunday Detox Whipped Clay Peel-Off Mask

nia is StriVectin’s millenial friendly skin care line that’s available at Ulta in the U.S. or Shoppers Drug Mart/Murale in Canada. All the products have really cute names and better yet, they work. This mask has a definitely learning curve. It starts off as a foam and dries down so that you can peel it off. You need enough product that you’re able to peel it off but the foam makes that tricky. The best way I’ve found to do it is layers. I do about three thin layers of foam (you’ll have to wash your hands between each one) and let them dry for about 30 seconds before adding more. Once it’s dry though, it’s the gentlest peel-off mask I’ve ever used. I can get the whole thing off in one piece and even if I get a bit in my hair line, I don’t feel it tugging off. If your skin is on the drier side, you might need a richer moisturizer after.

Glossier Cloud Paint in Dusk

As someone who generally prefers a powder blush I was really surprised at how much I love this cream one. I shouldn’t really be too surprised though, I haven’t tried anything I haven’t loved from Glossier. I prefer the Dusk shade, it’s a peachy shade that’s really neutral, even on my super fair skin. You really only need a tiny bit of Cloud Paint. Squeezing the tube is going to get you way too much, so I just gently shake it over my finger. Layering is super easy and it’s extremely blendable.

Too Faced Just Peachy Mattes Palette

I am really not a fan of this red/pink eyeshadow trend, so I wasn’t sure if I would love this palette as much in person as I did online. But I really do. Peach Butter makes the perfect base shade, while Fresh-Picked and Peach Cobbler are great crease shades for me. I still haven’t really gotten into the darker shades yet but I’ve been using this delicious peach-smelling palette exclusively for daytime. As usual with Too Faced, the shadows are really creamy, blendable and have zero fallout that I’ve seen.


Nov
2017

Lune + Aster Realglow Bronzing Primer Quick Review

categories: Makeup Reviews

I was excited for the idea of a bronzing primer. It would allow me to skip out on multiple face products for just one that gives me a bronzed glow that also moisturizers. Unfortunately this isn’t my dream come true. The Lune + Aster primer is too thick and leaves a weird residue on my face after application that I just couldn’t ignore. The bronzing is also very dark, so be warned if you want to try it. You may not want to apply all over your face. It is better applied in small areas. My hunt for the perfect all in one product continues.


Oct
2017

Tarte Highlighters Head To Head

categories: Cruelty Free Makeup, Makeup Collection, Makeup Reviews, PR Sample

Tarte is lighting up the season and adding a little sparkle and shine with a few new highlighters. There are two types of Tarte Highlighters for all of your needs:  Tarteist Pro Glow Liquid Highlighter and Tarte Twinkle Stick. These highlighters are very different, and I feel like people will prefer one or the other, but not both.

I prefer the Tarteist Pro Glow Liquid Highlighter. These little tubes have beautiful colours that perfectly complimented my skin. The two shades (Exposed and Sparkler) have a slight bronze metallic hue. This is perfect for giving me a highlighting glow to my cheeks that almost looks sunkissed. As you might expect when you see the petite size of these highlighters, a little goes a long way. Start with just a drop on your cheeks and add on. This Tarte Highlighter blends well, but makes a big impact.

The Tarte Twinkle Stick isn’t my fave, but it’s going to be popular with a lot of people. I actually expected to like it more. This stick style makeup looks adorable in the packaging and the silver shimmer stick just makes you want to apply. Obviously with the stick format, it’s simple to use. Just swipe, blend and go. You can literally add highlighter to your cheeks, or anywhere else you want, in about two seconds. The reason I don’t like it as much is that I don’t find the highlighting shimmer as prominent in this stick makeup. The Tarte Twinkle Stick is much more subtle. On my skin tone, it doesn’t make as much impact. I think if you had darker skin than me, it would create a beautiful shimmer.


Aug
2017

Get The Perfect Organic Smokey Eye With Antonym Cosmetics

categories: Cruelty Free Makeup, Makeup Reviews, Organic Makeup

So many of us are trying to be more conscious about what kind of makeup we’re buying. Cruelty free, organic, vegan are all words that a lot of us are looking for but sometimes the quality just isn’t up to the standards that we expect. In 2010 makeup artist Valerie Giraud launched certified organic and cruelty free Antonym Cosmetics. With the recent launch of some of their products at Sephora, we were sent some press samples to try and found the perfect, organic smokey eye! Here’s how we did it.

Certified Organic Quattro Eyeshadow in To The Moon & Black 

Obviously eyeshadow is an important part of a smokey eye and this palette is really all you’ll need. With an off-white, black and two grey shades, you can mix and match to get the look you want. The shadows are pretty well pigmented and creamy enough that I didn’t see a lot of fallout. The sustainable bamboo packaging and cruelty free double ended brush are an added bonus.

Natural Eye Pencil in Noir

I never expect much from an organic eyeliner. Actually, I do, I expect them to be a pain to work with. These eyeliners are a dream to work with though. With jojoba oil and shea butter as just two of the ingredients, you can just imagine how easily these glide on. It comes with a removable sharpener that sits on the end of the pencil when you’re not using it. They’re waterproof but they do move around a bit (which helps with getting that smudged, smokey look), so a setting spray is probably a good idea anyways. I’m completely in love with the brown shade and I’ll definitely be buying more when I run out.

Certified Organic Mascara Lola Lash TOO

I usually have issues with plastic mascara wands hurting my eyes but Antonym’s wand is so flexible and soft that I can use it with no problems at all. The formula is a little too wet for my personal taste but if you let it dry in between coats, you’ll end up with both volume and lengthened lashes without that stiffness that most of us hate. It doesn’t smear or get clumpy but I did have to be careful while applying to not get it on my upper eyelid.

All of these lasted hours in summer heat fairly well and came off easily with a makeup wipe, which is something I want in a smokey eye. So if you’re looking for a smokey eye that’s also good for the environment, you might want to try these.


Aug
2017

Benefit The Pore-fessional Pore Minimizing Makeup

categories: Makeup Reviews

Benefit Cosmetics is taking away pores forever with their new face makeup. Instead of having to buy a makeup, pore concealer and beauty blender all in one.

Follow the instructions carefully though because there are a few steps that take this makeup from lame to amazing. First of all, shake this makeup up good. It’s really thin and watery, so you will want to make sure that it’s shaken up. If you don’t shake it, you could end up with just a weird clear liquid.

Next remove the sponge from the bottom and apply a few drops of makeup to the sponge. Don’t be tempted to apply it right to your face. I tried it, it doesn’t work as well. I don’t know why it works that way, but it does.

Finally just blot away! Blot this face makeup all over your face the same way that you would your normal makeup. Benefit’s Pore-fessional gives you that beautifully airbrushed look without having to spend a lot on different tools and layers of makeup. This makeup is really simple to use. Anyone can get a flawless look. This is coming from someone who loves makeup, but has minimal skill in actually applying it. It you can dab your face, you can get a great look. I love that it has a really matte finish without “shine” or “glow.” It really does help to eliminate some of those pores. It even dries into a nice smooth feel on your face so your skin looks and feels great!