Makeup Most Wanted

20
May
2016

Spring Face Makeup Most Wanted

categories: Makeup Most Wanted, Makeup Reviews

My face has had a rough spring. It was dry, had break-outs, was irritated and generally just out of control. Luckily no one else could tell because I have been using these secret weapons.

Nanoblur Instant Skin Finisher

Sometimes you just find a product that works so well, you don’t have much to say about it. This is one of those products. I love it, because I forget I’m wearing it. I have said goodbye to shiny skin, fine lines, wrinkles, pores and all of those other imperfections on my face. It’s just nanoblur from here on. When I wear it under one of my new favourite primers, I almost believe that I have perfect skin. I will keep this secret to myself though.

Shiseido Synchro Skin Foundation

Life doesn’t get more luxurious than when you are wearing Shiseido Foundation. It melts into your skin like butter. You don’t even remember that you are wearing makeup. Get colour matched if you can, because if you find the right shade, it completely disappears leaving only perfect skin behind. What more can I say? You have to see it to believe it.

Flower Erase Everything Foundation

I’ve been on the hunt for a lighter foundation this season and I think that I might have found it. Flower has created a foundation that is really soft and light, while also being matte. I like that it’s silky without making my skin shiny. If you are looking for something heavy duty, look elsewhere. This foundation still covers blemishes and imperfections, but not in a way that you can feel on your skin. It leaves my skin feeling even better than natural.

Maybelline Master Contour Face Contouring Kit
maybelline master face contour
Take the guesswork out of contouring with this easy to use palette. This handy little kit includes three labeled powders showing which powder is used for contouring, blush, and highlighting. Check out the back for an easy to follow guide that show how to use the powders. My favourite part about this set is how subtle the powders are. There is no need to worry about getting streaks of colour. Everything is subtle enough for even a contouring novice!

NYC Get It All Foundation

Until this week, I would never had replaced my liquid foundation for a stick, but NYC may have made me a convert. This stick gives a nice matte finish that I can use wherever I want. I like that flexibility. This foundation makes me feel like I have a little more freedom. I don’t have to cover my face with makeup. It blends really nicely too, so I’m never stuck with weird lines. I also love how convenient it is! I can throw it in my purse or even my carry on.

18
May
2016

TNCB Sneak Peek

categories: Coming Soon, Interview, Nail Polish, Spa Reviews

We love our manicures around here and it doesn’t hurt when they come with a little bubbly, so we were really excited to hear about a new pop up shop called TNCB, or The Nail And Champagne Bar. It’s the first pop up in Toronto to combine both nails and champagne. Open in downtown Toronto (39 Stewart St.) from May 30 to June 5, TNCB will have everything you want in a nail bar (natural nails only), plus an actual bar for champagne! We had a quick chat with owner Eliza Sipin about what to expect.

How did the idea for the nail and champagne bar come about?

It was a natural progression of my background and what I’m truly passionate about. I started getting my nails done in high school and it has been in my bi-weekly routine without fail. In 2013, I created 2 colours and launched Vain Polish – a small line of nail lacquers under The Vanity Events. My strict love affair with champagne took flight 4 years ago when I visited region. With over a decade background as a Bartender, I’ve always had a deep interest in sparkling wines.

Why a pop up bar and not a traditional, stay in one spot retail location?

The Pop Up scene in Toronto is really growing and it’s such a unique and wonderful way to launch a brand and have people experience your offerings.

How has the response been?

It’s been great! People are excited, interested and curious all at the same time.

You’re only going to be open for a week, are there plans for more pop-ups in the future?

Yes, absolutely! The brand will introduce one-of-a-kind experiences with all things nails and champagne.

Do you have a favourite nail and champagne combo from the list of offerings?

I would definitely recommend the “Manicure with Champagne” combo. It comes with a glass of Tarlant Brut Reserve, which is rich and creamy but still very light and refreshing. I would definitely add some Nina’s Paris truffles. The Marie Antoinette line has ingredients from The King’s Garden in Versailles and will be exclusive at the Pop Up!

Do you have recommendations for people who can’t decide what to get?

I recommend pre-booking a manicure to be sure you have the time you want. Once you arrive, please speak to myself for any recommendations on our champagne offerings or nail services. We also have our nail designers who are all certified nail technicians to guide you. And just in case, I’m also certified so you’re in the right hands!
tncb_logo_ig(1000x1000)
For more information on services or to book an appointment, head to http://www.tncb.ca/. If you’re in Toronto or not to far away, you definitely need to check out TNCB, I know I’ll be there!

17
May
2016

Dry Shampoo Most Wanted

categories: Hair Reviews

Batiste Deep And Dark Brown Dry Shampoo

Batiste dry shampoo inspired a new love and respect for dry shampoo this year. It will always be the standard for the product in my mind. I became obsessed after I started using the all new Batiste Dry Shampoo (Dark & Deep Brown). This new version of original is made for different shades of hair. Honestly, I don’t find it all that different from the original. It makes my hair look amazing days after my last wash. It is slightly darker than other dry shampoos available. You don’t have to worry about trying to work a light powder into dark hair, which is a nice change. Now that I’m hooked on dry shampoo, I tried a few others to see what else was available. Let’s see what else I tried after Batiste inspired me to a new trend in hair…

Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk
klorane dry-shampoo-oat-milk-non-aerosol
Apparently Klorane has been making dry shampoo since 1971, which is amazing considering I am just discovering them now. I don’t know what I’ve been waiting for. If I was on the fence about believe in dry shampoo before, this one would have cured me of all of my questions. The powder spray is quite heavy. I almost panicked when I saw it in my hair. It all just sits on top of your hair to start. When I finally brushed it through, my hair was left looking perfect. It’s extremely absorbent. Sometimes I even had to use oil on my hair afterwards to put some moisture back in. I wouldn’t call that a bad thing.
Wella Professional Dry Me EIMI Dry Shampoo

While this dry shampoo looks like many others, it’s actually very different and unique. Unlike most other’s this one is cool. By that I mean it’s actually cold on your head. I never thought about the temperature of dry shampoo until the first time I sprayed this one. Because of the temperature, it also doesn’t feel very dry. It does do its job, but in my head it just doesn’t feel right. Wella’s Dry Shampoo does give amazing volume. You don’t have to do much to your hair to get a boost right at the roots, which nice when your hair is feeling limp and oily.
L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni-Art Fresh Dust Dry Shampoo
LOral_Tecni_Art_Fresh_Dust_150ml__18381.1377533303.1280.1280
Some dry shampoos help keep your hair looking good for a few hours, but this one from L’Oreal lasts all day. It’s also light enough that I feel confident using a bit more than I normally would. The only downfall to L’Oreal’s Fresh Dust is that it leaves a bit of residue on my hair. Luckily, I should probably be washing my hair anyways.

16
May
2016

CND Vinylux Flirtation Summer 2016 Collection

categories: Mani Monday, Nail Polish

I’ve gotten so used to neon nail polishes for summer that receiving anything else is kind of refreshing and CND Vinylux’s Flirtation summer collection this year is definitely not neon. While some of the shades are bright, there are definitely some pastel leaning colours. It makes for a really nice, if unexpected, summer polish collection.
Skin Tease
CND Vinylux Skin Tease Swatch
Skin Tease is a nude shimmer that’s a little too close to my actual skin tone. That said, it looked a lot better than I expected it to but I’m probably not going to be grabbing it a lot.
Honey Darlin’
CND Vinylux Honey Darlin' Swatch - Frayed Brush
My experience with Honey Darlin’ was completely influenced by the fact that my brush had frayed edges. This pastel yellow creme had a good formula that managed to make itself go on really nicely even though the brush was awful. I’m not a fan of the colour but this is one of the best yellow formulas I’ve ever used.
Pink Pursuit
CND Vinylux Pink Pursuit Swatch
I love the colour of Pink Pursuit but I was really expecting it to be darker than it was on my nail. The light rose creme is really pretty though and I’d wear this one again.
Lavender Lace
CND Vinylux Lavender Lace Swatch
I don’t think I have a shade quite like this lavender shimmer. The Vinylux shimmers aren’t my favourite thing to take off and I don’t love this shade enough to do the work but it’s a really nice light purple.
Be Demure
CND Vinylux Be Demure Swatch
I’m in love with this baby pink creme and I’ve worn it quite a bit of the past couple months. It’s just so pretty without being completely dainty.
Desert Poppy
CND Vinylux Desert Poppy Swatch - Sheer
Desert Poppy is an orange creme with a little shimmer but it’s so sheer that I couldn’t get the opacity I wanted. Sometimes that doesn’t bother me but I don’t really like the shade either, so this one’s a pass for me.
Date Night
CND Vinylux Date Night Swatch
Date Night is the first shade I tried from the collection and it’s a beautiful bright blue creme. This one does stain a bit but I was expecting that. I love that it’s not a typical summer sky blue. You’ll be able to wear this one in any season.
Aqua-intance
CND Vinylux Aqua-Intance Swatch - Perfect
Teal and turquoise are actually my favourite nail polishes, when they’re done right. Aqua-intance is a perfect teal for summer. Actually, everything about this one was perfect for me; the shade, the formula, the wear time. This is definitely a contender for favourite polish of the summer.

13
May
2016

Travel Sets Most Wanted

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

Hitting the road this summer? Heading off for a European vacation? No matter where you are going, try one of these convenient little sets that have everything you need!

Clean Rollerball Layering Collection

Clean Rollerball Layering Collection – It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of the Clean scents. When I found out this little set existed, I was thrilled. These scents are perfect for travelling, because they are so… well, clean. You can mix and match the little rollerballs for a different scent every day. After keeping your clothes in a stuffy suitcase, the fresh scents are just what you need. They barely take up any space for endless possibilities. Added bonus, the White Woods scent is unisex and perfect for guys too!

Vita Liberata Tanning Travel Essentials

Vita Liberata Tanning Travel Essentials – Make the most of this set before your vacation. Get beach ready with this tanning set that includes a 2-3 week tan lotion, 4-7 day tan mousse and super fine skin polish. I love that there are two different length options, so that you can get a tan that will last for your entire vacation, no matter how long it is. I know these are travel sizes, but personally I don’t want to have to worry about tanning while I’m away. I will be perfecting that tan a few days before I go though, so that I am golden in all of my pictures.

Phyto Paris Deep-Down Repair Travel Set

Phyto Paris Deep-Down Repair Travel Set – Being on vacation doesn’t mean forgetting to care for your hair. This three product travel size set allows you to care for your locks on-the-go without feeling like you are bringing tons of products. There’s a shampoo, mask and leave-in thermal spray that repair and strengthen hair. It’s not going to take you a lot of extra time to use this set, which is great because I have places to be. My favourite thing is that the bottles are solid and strong. Unlike squeeze bottles, I don’t have to worry about these exploding with cream in my suitcase.

Quo Brow Kit – This little kit is great to pack in your suitcase to ensure that you have beautiful brows without a lot of stress. There are two brow powders in different shades of brown (so everyone can use this kit without the hassle of worrying about the right shade), a brow gel and a brush. It’s simple, foolproof and one less thing you don’t have to worry about.

Jack Black Jet Set Traveler

Jack Black Jet Set Traveler – Of course, I can’t forget about the guys too. If your house is anything like mine, I have to make sure that my husband has everything he needs to travel as well as managing my own toiletries. That’s why I like this set. It has a Daily Cleanser, Moisturizer and Shave Lather from a brand that I trust and he likes. Shaving cream is one of those things that is easy to forget, but important for him to stay vacation photo ready. Now I can check three things off of my list in one shot.

12
May
2016

Spring Cleaning Face Masks Most Wanted

categories: Skin Care, Skin Care Reviews

Spring cleaning isn’t just for your closet. Give your face a little TLC with these face masks that are just what you need.

lush-cup-o-coffee-face-and-body-mask

Lush Cup O’ Coffee Face And Body Mask

Bring your morning coffee into the shower with you courtesy of Lush. This new Face and Body Mask is amazing for revitalizing your skin. We already knew that coffee was great for increasing blood flow in the skin, so it’s no wonder that Lush would tap into this natural product. The main component is fresh coffee grounds, which is great for exfoliating. The addition of the agave syrup is sweet and moisturizing. It really makes my face feel and look amazing. It’s a huge added bonus that it smells like my morning cup of joe.

Acure_Facial_Mask

Acure Cell Stimulating Facial Mask

Freshen up that face the all-natural way with this great green mask from Acure. The main detoxifier in this little bottle is the green clay. It helps to pull out everything from your skin and leave it feeling full refreshed. This mask dries, but it doesn’t get so tight that it pulls or dries out your skin. Thanks to the addition of argan oil in the mask, my face feels moisturized after rinsed. My face feels oh so smooth. I didn’t even need to lather on moisturizer like I do after some masks. My face felt refreshed and looked perfect.

anti-wrinkle_oxygen_infusion_smoothing_mask

StriVectin Oxygen Infusion Smoothing Mask

Need a face mask that is undoubtedly different from anything you’ve ever used before? This Strivectin Oxygen Mask is so much fun to try. The foam goes on fairly smooth, but when it touches your skin the mask activates. The mask bubbles up against your skin and you can feel the little oxygen bubbles popping. It gives you a light exfoliation that leaves your face feeling very refreshed. There’s none of the drying out that you sometimes get with intensive masks. Just nice soft skin!

The Estee Edit Pink Peony Overnight Water Pack The Estée Edit by Estée Lauder Pink Peony Overnight Water Mask

If you love masks but hate waiting, an overnight mask might be a good idea. The Pink Peony Overnight Water Mask does everything you want a moisturizing mask to do. It soaks into your skin really quickly but instead of waiting ten minutes to take it off, you go to sleep and wake up with soft, hydrated glowing skin. It has pink peony to soothe your skin and a goji berry, blueberry, cranberry and hyaluronic acid combination gives your skin energy and a long lasting boost of moisture. It also smells as great as it works. Why do the work when you can get results from just sleeping?

11
May
2016

Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy Rosé Eau de Parfum

categories: Fragrance

Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Rose Box
It’s not a secret that I love perfume and I have a lot of them (Stephanie has even more than I do), but I have a soft spot for anything with rose. When we received Juicy Couture’s Viva la Juicy Rosé, I was pretty excited. Not only does it have rose in the name but I really liked the previous Juicy Couture fragrance I tried, Viva La Juicy Gold Couture.
Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Rose Bottle
At first glance, the bottle for Viva la Juicy Rosé is a little crazy. It looks like it’s been glitterbombed and it’s a little much for me. Luckily, that’s really the only thing I didn’t like about it. I should mention that although Rose Centifolia Absolute is the heart of the scent, it’s joined by Italian Mandarin, William Pear, White Peony, Jasmine Sambac and a few others. Unlike other Juicy Couture scents, I find Viva la Juicy Rosé a lot lighter and perfect for spring.

It’s a really pretty scent that’s, for lack of a better word, almost a juicy floral. It’s very feminine but not too sweet. Viva la Juicy Rosé has really become my signature scent for spring this year.

09
May
2016

OPI Infinite Shine Spring 2016 Collection

categories: Mani Monday, Nail Polish

I’ve been using a lot of OPI lately but until now all of that has been the regular polish. This time I tried the Infinite Shine series for the first time. Infinite Shine has it’s own base and top coats and it’s a no light gel lacquer. This is first time I’ve used a base coat with an at home gel polish and I was definitely curious to see if it would make a difference. Almost immediately I had issues with the system. Things weren’t settling or drying like I expected them to. So this post will be split in two parts; the first half is using the Infinite Shine system in it’s entirety and the second half will be using my regular base and top coats with the Infinite Shine polish. I noticed a definite difference. All the swatches are two coats unless otherwise specified.
Experiment #1: OPI Infinite Shine with Infinite Shine base + top coats

Half Past Nude
OPI Half Past Nude Swatch Patchy 1
This was the first shade I tried and the amount of patchiness I had to deal with was my first indication that the whole system might not work for me. I actually really like this nude blush shade though.
Sunrise To Sunset
OPI Sunrise To Sunset Swatch - Too yellow 1
This medium orange was really the only shade in the collection that I really didn’t like. It has way too much yellow in it for me and the fact that it had a lot of the same issues as Half Past Nude didn’t help.
It’s Pink P.M.
OPI It's Pink P.M. Swatch 1
This pastel pink is really on the white side but formula is really great for a shade that pale. It’s definitely a standout light pink from the ones I’ve tried recently.
In Familiar Terra-Tory
OPI In Familiar Terra-tory Swatch - I coat 1
This dark coral is the only shade that was perfect in one coat and yet it was still a tiny bit smudgy with the top coat. That said, I’d wear this one again.

Experiment #2: OPI Infinite Shine Lacquers with alternative base and top coats

Rose Against Time
OPI Rose Against Time Swatch 2
I noticed an immediate improvement with this bright pink. I’m not a huge fan of the shade, it’s a bit too bubblegum for me, but I don’t hate it.
Don’t Provoke The Plum!
OPI Don't Provoke The Plum! Swatch - almost 1 coat 2
This purple is just gorgeous and I could’ve gotten away with one coat but wanted a little more depth. I’m a big fan of this one.
Olive For Green
OPI Olive For Green Swatch 2
I have no idea why I was so surprised by how dark this piney green is but I really was. It’s a gorgeous shade that also could’ve been one coat but looks way better with two.
Reach For The Sky
OPI Reach For The Sky Swatch 2
I adore this light blue so much for spring. It definitely needs two coats but the formula is great.

Results: I didn’t plan on making this an experiment when I started swatching but I’m glad I did. I’m sure some people really love the OPI Infinite Shine system but I’m definitely not one of them. I noticed a major difference when I used the polishes with my favourite base and top coats instead. And actually, I don’t hate that because it gives you a lot more options when it comes to what you need to buy. The shades from this spring collection were pretty great and I would wear quite a few of them again.

06
May
2016

Mother’s Day Most Wanted

categories: Gifts

I swear it feels like Mother’s Day comes earlier every year, even though it doesn’t. If it snuck up on you this year (Mother’s Day is on Sunday in case you forgot), we have a couple of really easy gifts that you can grab for your mother, that will last longer than flowers will.
Demeter Orchid Collection Set

These orchids are way easier to keep up than the live ones are and in this limited edition set you get three gorgeous orchid fragrances that you can wear individually or mix and match. This set includes the Twilight, To Yo Ran and Aphrodite’s Slipper orchid scents but Demeter actually has two more orchid fragrances and if you want all five they have a smaller Orchid Collection Sampler Set. I love that Demeter’s florals smell like the real thing and not fake versions or flowers, so they’re not overpowering and perfect for perfume loving mothers.
Lush Flower Power Gift

Lush always has fabulous limited edition products for Mother’s Day and this year two of them are in the Flower Power gift (Yummy Mummy shower gel and Rose Bombshell bath bomb) along with six other Lush faves (Magical Moringa moisturizer, Butterball bath bomb, Sakura bath bomb, Dream Cream hand and body lotion, Rub Rub Rub scrub and Ro’s Argan skin conditioner). If those products weren’t amazing enough you can use the container and seeded paper as a planter box. You can buy one for your mom, but you’re going to want to get another for yourself as well.
The Body Shop British Rose Deluxe Collection
The Body Shop british-rose-deluxe-collection_l
This pretty hatbox contains the perfect collection of rose products any mom will love. You get the new British Rose shower gel, body butter, body essence and eau de toilette so you can get that amazing layered rose scented effect along with a Vitamin E Moisture Cream. The perfect way to pamper any mother.

We want to wish all the moms out there a Happy Mother’s Day and hopefully you get one or all of these as gifts!

04
May
2016

Mac Cosmetics Spring Most Wanted

categories: Makeup Collection, Makeup Most Wanted, Makeup Reviews, Uncategorized

Mac Cosmetics is always on point, but this season more than ever before I am in love their new products. I was going to write a bunch of different posts about each product, but if you are heading to Mac this season I wanted you to have one place to go for everything.

MAC Zac Posen Haute Contour Powder Blush

First of all, the name! Yes on all levels! Second, the colours! They make me want to be on a beach somewhere. The bronzer is dark and golden and dreamy. The blush is pink and shimmery. I appreciate that this is a light pink without a hint of coral. It is perfect for contouring your face for a sculpted look, but it can also be used in any of your looks. I like that it’s so versatile to work with your look.

Mac Brooke Candy Eye Gloss in White-Yin and Black-Yang

Rapper Brooke Candy is back for another collection with Mac and this one is daring. Honestly, a lot of this collection makes me feel old. I just don’t think I can pull off dark purple lipstick at my age. The Eye Gloss is very cool though. Transform any regular eye shadow with a top coat of this glossy finish. There is a white and black, so that you can choose whether you want a darker look or a shimmery light look. It stays gloss to give you that wet eyeshadow look. It’s a weird sensation to live with. I’m not sure how I feel about having sticky wet eyelids, but the look is very cool!

Eye Shadow X 9: Dusky Rose Times Nine Palette

If you’re more of a traditional eye shadow girl, the Eyes On MAC is all you’ll ever need shadow wise. We already tried one when they first came out and now they’ve added more shade combinations. Dusky Rose is my favourite for spring (although Pastel Times Nine is a close second) because it’s just so pretty. You have everything from pink to brown to silver that all are rose tinged. I also love these palettes because you get so many look options in one place and they’re so affordable that you can pick up multiple shades if you want.

All The Right Angles Contour Palette
MAC All The Right Angles Contour Palette
At first, I wasn’t really sure how to use this contour palette. I needed to look it up to see what each of the pots contained. Once I had mastered the idea, I became absolutely obsessed with this palette. The Cream Colour Base is such a nice product. I don’t even need foundation with this. It has a bit of a shimmer and leaves my face looking amazing without a lot of work. Then I add on sculpting and shaping powders to shape my face and give me those cheek bones I wasn’t born with. This might be one of the best products that I’ve ever owned, let alone the best of the season.

MAC Pro Beyond Twisted Lash
MAC Pro Beyond Twisted Lash Mascara
Take your lashes from straight to ultimately twisted with this new mascara. The mascara is the same quality mascara that you expect from MAC, it’s the wand that you will want to talk about. This mascara wand is flexible, so you can bend it up to 90 degrees. This means you can apply mascara to all of your lashes a LOT easier without having to be a contortionist to do so. I don’t do as well with change, so it’s going to take me a while to get used to apply mascara from a new angle. It’s such a cool design and I can just imagine how this will change things for makeup artists.