summer makeup – Makeup Most Wanted

Tag: summer makeup

28
Jul
2016

Clarins Summer 2016 Makeup

categories: Makeup Collection, Makeup Reviews

Clarins released a whole pile of new summer products that I am surprised to say, I am hooked on this season. I’ve never considered myself a huge fan of Clarins. I think that they have a reputation of being a bit older and more conservative, but this new round of products will make anyone smile. I don’t care how old you are.

clarins Bronzing & Blush Compact

My absolute favourite product in the Clarins makeup line is the Bronzing & Blush Compact. This oversized powder isn’t exactly what I would call compact. It’s large size makes it awkward to take on-the-go. I love this powder anyways. The four shades when blended together are the perfect summer shade for my skin. I get a beautiful bronze finish with a subtle shimmer that is suitable for day or night. I was torn on whether to put this in my favourites of the month or here, so know that it belongs in both places!

clarins Instant Light Lip Perfecting Base

Say hello to your new lipstick saver, the Instant Light Lip Perfecting Base! I put this little lip primer to the test with some of the lipsticks that are the worst culprits for disappearing after minutes. While it couldn’t beat them all, I noticed a huge difference in my reapply time. These lipsticks went from a one-hour affair to a full morning in style. I haven’t shared my new secret with anyone yet, so get it while it’s hot!

clarins_fix_make_up_30ml

The Fix’ Makeup-Up Spray has been my other secret weapon through summer’s hot spell. Forget losing my makeup to humidity and sweat. Thanks to a few sprays of this puppy my foundation, bronzer and blush looks just as good when I get home from work as when I left.

Clarins Hydraquench Intensive Serum Bi-Phase

I’ve been trying to jump on the serum bandwagon for a while, but have never found one that I like. The new Clarins Hydraquench Intensive Serum Bi-Phase has come the closest to making me a convert. I cannot express my love for how moisturizing it is. I actually think of it more as a moisturizer than a serum in my routine. It has a very faint smell and absorbs into my skin quickly leaving it feels newly hydrated. It is a bit tacky, but nothing that is troublesome. I have fairly oily skin, especially in the summer month, but this didn’t make me breakout at all. Bonus!!

065b5b5717834e7029a147944ed57a10 Waterproof Eyeshadow

At the bottom of my list is the Waterproof Eyeshadow. I’m not a fan of liquid or cream shadows, so this product didn’t stand a chance. I will always opt for a traditional powder and brush. I will admit that the metallic shades of eyeshadow are very cool. I might not have thought of them as summer shades, but they work perfectly with a bit of a tan.

22
Jul
2016

Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette in The Golden Goddess

categories: Makeup Reviews

Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette Box
A lot of us gravitate towards a beachy bronze eye during the summer. It’s lighter than a dark smoky look and it really just screams summer. Charlotte Tilbury’s The Golden Goddess Luxury Palette is probably the best quad I’ve ever used for this kind of look. I’d already tried the Luxury Palette in The Vintage Vamp and it’s quickly become one of my favourite palettes. The Golden Goddess is set up exactly the same way.
Charlotte Tilbury The Golden Goddess Luxury Palette
None of the shadows have names, instead you’re told how to use them. The top left is called Prime and it’s the base shade. The top left is Enhance and if you’re going for a simple daytime look, you can basically stop there. But to me, the bottom shades are the stars. The bottom left is Pop and bottom right is Smoke. Both of these are a creamier formula, while the top are more of a typical powder shadow.
Charlotte Tilbury The Golden Goddess Luxury Palette Swatches
I love that with just four shadows, you can come up with a bunch of different looks and this palette will definitely transition well into fall. I’ve only tried Charlotte Tilbury’s Luxury Palettes and there are still six more I want to try, let alone the rest of the line. I’ve been so impressed with these palettes that I have a feeling I’m going to end up with a collection.

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.

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.

08
Jul
2015

Stila Summer ’15 Most Wanted

categories: Makeup Most Wanted, Makeup Reviews

Summer makeup is best when it’s super easy, throw a couple products on and hope they last through the day. It’s even better when you don’t need any tools and can throw them in your purse to apply on the go. Our Stila Summer Most Wanted picks have made our summer looks extremely easy.
Shape & Shade Custom Contour Duo in Light

I’m extremely fair and I don’t love the whole contour trend in general (Stephanie recently did a post on her favourite contour products), so when this kit was recommended to me I was pretty skeptical. But the shades are actually light enough for me and look natural. It’s really easy to apply with the matching Shape & Shade Custom Contour Brush or you could be really lazy and use your fingers for a lighter contour. If I’m going to even attempt to contour, I reach for this creamy duo.
Aqua Glow Watercolor Blush in Rosewater

If you want a blush that’s basically foolproof, you need to try Aqua Glow Watercolor Blush. It’s a gel blush that comes in a netted pot. I apply it with my fingers and it’s really impossible to mess up. Rosewater is a sheer rose colour that blends in really well with my skin tone and leaves me with a subtle glow. If you like a more dramatic blush you might need a brighter shade but I love the look I get with Rosewater.
Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Amalfi

I’m already a huge fan of Stila’s Liquid Lipstick and Amalfi’s coral pink is the perfect shade for summer. It’s extremely bright but flattering and it lasts forever without drying out my lips. This has definitely become a staple in my makeup bag.

16
Jun
2015

Essence Cosmetics Summer Makeup

categories: Makeup Collection, Makeup Reviews

With all of the expensive makeup on the market, sometimes it’s nice to play with colours that are affordable. I played with some of the new hues and products in the essence summer makeup collection:

3D Eyeshadow – If you’re anything like me, you are going to love these eyeshadows at first glance. What’s not to love? Each little container has two complimentary colours of eye shadow in a pretty wavy design. All of the colours have a hint of a metallic sheen to them. You will notice that when you apply them, it’s best to either use a wet brush or be prepared to layer. This shadow is so light. It makes it easy for playing around, but frustrating if you know what you are looking for and just want the colour to appear.

Lash Princess Volume Mascara – This pretty and curvy mascara is a great affordable option. The curvy brush is reminiscent of many other expensive mascaras, but for a fraction of the cost. The curves in the wand help you to get at smaller lashes.

Long Lasting Lipstick – Brighten up your lips for under $5 with this lipstick. I got hooked on the matte red to bring the glam!

2 In 1 Eyeliner Pen – This eyeliner is great because of how versatile it is. Take two of your favourite eyeliner pens and put them together to get this one product. The 2-In-1 Eyeliner Pen from essence has a marker at both ends in the same rich black. One is thin for getting a close tight line around your lids. The other end is XXL with a thick pen to get sexy cat’s eyes for a night on the town.

11
Jun
2015

Clarins Aquatic Treasures Summer ’15 Collection

categories: Makeup Collection

I love a good summer makeup collection because they usually have shades I would never think to wear. Clarins’ Aquatic Treasures collection definitely falls into that. Most of new colours are shades of green and while I wear green eyeshadow and maybe a dark green eyeliner, I’ve never worn green mascara. We received the Ombre Iridescente Cream-to-Powder Eyeshadow in Aquatic Rose, Waterproof Eye Pencil in Aquatic Green and Truly Waterproof Mascara in Aquatic Green.

If nothing else, these shades look fantastic together and it’s a great summer look that doesn’t take a ton of product. The shadow is a lot more pigmented than I was expecting and is extremely creamy but lasts forever. I usually don’t like using my fingers for eyeshadow but with this one, it’s the only way I’ll apply it. The eye pencil is smooth and doesn’t drag and the pop of colour really brightens up my eyes.

The mascara is the star though. I don’t know what I was expecting but I’m completely in love with this mascara. It gives me great definition and volume but isn’t clumpy and while it’s green, you can’t really tell because it’s pretty dark but not quite black. The added green just makes my eyes really stand out.

There are so many things I love about these products together but the biggest thing is that all together they’re completely waterproof, which for summer is a necessity. And with only three steps I can get my eyes done in under a minute and it’ll last me all day.

25
Jul
2014

Coloured Mascara Summer Trend

categories: Coming Soon

Coloured mascara seems to be back as a big summer trend in makeup with brands offering affordable mascara in a wide range of fun colours. Everyone from Dior to Maybelline to Avon has a coloured mascara this summer.

Since bright colours are hot, hot, hot, I decided to join the trend and wear a coloured mascara. I went with Maybelline Volum’ Express Deep Velvets Mascara in Purple Velvet. I have green eyes so I thought the purple might bring out my eye colour without being too crazy. I haven’t wore a coloured mascara in a long time, so it was funny applying it.

I couldn’t stop staring at my eyes. These new coloured mascaras are not as crazy as they may seem. I think if I had of applied it over black mascara I might have gotten a more vibrant finish. I was ok with the muted shade though.

I went out with my colourful eyes on the town. I felt a little silly until I finally forgot, but it took hours for anyone to notice my bright lashes. Apparently inside they didn’t look too different. It was only when the sun shone through them at the right angle did they pick up the light ad shine in their purple velvet glory. It was a little anticlimactic. Maybe I should have chosen a different colour?

After wearing purple mascara for a day, I realized that while this may be a hot trend and I may be interested, it’s for a younger group of beauty fanatics. I loved coloured mascara in high school and that’s where it should stay!

15
Jul
2014

RoC Retin-OX Correction BB Cream Review

categories: Makeup Reviews

It’s summer, so you are probably looking for something light on your skin. I hate the feeling of my skin being weighed down by makeup on a humid day. RoC’s new BB Cream has been a great treat for these last few summer months.

This BB Cream is light and creamy. I barely feel it on my face just seconds after applying. It’s perfect for a warm day when you don’t want to be wearing a lot of makeup. Since it has an SPF of 25, it’s been my new weekend go-to product. It gives me enough coverage to hang out with the girls or spend the morning at the market.

If you need full coverage, you will need to have a backup plan. RoC’s BB Cream doesn’t give you a perfect face. I find myself applying a stronger BB Cream or foundation come evening for hitting the town.

Since I know a lot of ladies who hate wearing foundation though, so this RoC is perfect for them 24-7.

08
Jul
2014

Summer Makeup Most Wanted

categories: Makeup Collection

When summer hits, most of us don’t want to wear a ton of makeup that’ll melt off, let alone carry around a huge makeup bag for touch ups. Here’s a list of summer makeup essentials that will make it just a little easier to look done without a ton of products.
Smashbox 24 Hour Photo Finish Shadow Primer

This is my number 1 necessity for wearing any eye makeup during the summer. This primer seriously works. Anything you put on top of it whether it’s shadow or liner or both will stay put until you take it off, even through humidity and sweat. Put a small amount where your bottom liner goes and it won’t wear off. Also, if you want to blend work fast because once something sets, it’s not moving.
Laura Mercier Sheer Creme Colour in Golden Pink

This gorgeous pink shade can be used as a highlighter, blush or luminizer. You can use your fingers for application or touch ups on the go. It’s really creamy and blends well.
Quo Gold Rush Eye Palette

This neutral palette has everything you need to go from day to night. You can use the darkest shade as an eyeliner and the gold tones are perfect for summer.
LORAC AfterGlo Eyeshadow Palette

I bought this on a recent trip to Ulta (my first!) and it’s not available in Canada as far as I can tell, but the colours in this palette are amazing. The pigmentation is fantastic and if you’re a fan of bright colours for summer, this is the palette you need.
Gorgeous Cosmetics Liquid Lips in Malted

Everyone has hopped on the bright pink or coral lips for summer bandwagon but if you’re going with super colourful eyes, a more neutral lip is probably a better idea. Malted is the perfect ‘your lips but better’ shade and the formula is similar to MAC’s Lipglass. It feels really smooth on your lips and wears well.

What are your must haves for making summer makeup easier?