Sephora Haul!

Tarte Pin Up Girl 12 hr blush palette - $50 (value of $132)

I've been meaning to try Tarte's Amazonian clay 12 hour blushes since it's been raved about so much and when I saw that they came out with this holiday palette at Sephora I had to buy it, and I'm glad I did! The palette comes with 5 shades which includes 2 shimmer and 3 matte shades. Firstly, let me start off with the packaging. They created a fancy clutch like packaging which I think it's bulky and unnecessary, I wish they had done it in a nice sleek palette as they did in last years holiday blush palette. Other than that the shades are great quality, they blend into the skin nicely and they are super pigmented expect one shade which is Breathless. Breathless is a super light blush and you can hardly see it on my skin as you can see in the swatches as well. I like that there is an option between matte and shimmer finish and light to dark so you can use this palette during any season. For fall/winter I love using the shade embraced and irreplaceable. Overall, I think this is a great palette to have if you're into blushes and it would be a great gift to give now that it's the holiday season. If you've been thinking about purchasing this product I think it's worth the money and you need to give it a try!

Left to Right:

 Breathless (Pinky beige - matte)

Embraced (Plummy rose - shimmer) 

Whimsy (Light pink - matte)

Bashful (Rosy peach - shimmer)

Irreplaceable (Mauve rose - matte)

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara – Full Size $24.00

I've heard a lot of reviews on this product and they really liked it and I wasn't disappointed myself when I tried it out. It is a great mascara that adds length, volume and holds its curl throughout the day. It also doesn't clump if you are one to add 2-3 coats of mascara. The only one thing I don't like about this product is the scent. When I'm applying the mascara it has a strong chemical smell that I find bothersome. Overall, even though I do like this mascara and enjoy using it I think it's a bit pricey and I think there are cheaper alternatives at the drugstore that gives the same results. 

Make up Forever Rouge Artist Natural – Full Size $23.00

 I got this as a sample for my birthday and I got the shade N9 Copper Pink. The shade is a geroguous colour especially during the fall and winter since it is a pinky nude when applied to the lips. I really like this lipstick, it is a satin finish and it is very moisturizing and glides on smoothly. The only downside to this lipstick is that it doesn’t last as long compared to other lipsticks I have. However, if you don’t mind reapplying your lipstick frequently then I do think it is a great product to try out.

Make up Forever Smoky Extravagant Mascara - Full Size  $28.00

I got this as a sample with the lipstick as well and I have been using it ever since I got it. This mascara is great if you want length and volume. I like to coat my eyelashes 2-3 times and with this mascara you can add as many coats as you want and your lashes won’t clump together. It also holds the curl in place throughout the day and it's easy to remove off with just water and cleanser. When I'm done with my mascara stash I would love to go purchase a travel size which costs $14.00.

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Medium/Deep Matte Bronzer - Full Size $38.00

Oh my, this bronzer right here is a great bronzer! The shade Medium/Deep looks great on my skin tone and doesn't leave it looking orange or muddy. It is a matte finish and lasts throughout the day and it smells amazing. If you like the smell of hot chocolate, then you will love the smell of this! I think it looks natural looking on the skin but you can also build it to create a sharp contoured look. This is a pricey bronzer but if you're looking for that one good bronzer that you can use everyday then you need to buy this!

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara - $30.00 

This is another product that is hyped up about and I wanted to really try. With just a two coats this mascara gives the lashes a dramatic look, It lengthens and gives the appearance of thicker lashes. The downside to this product is that it can easily clump up as you're applying more to the lashes. Also, after a few hours I noticed that this mascara starts to flake off. Other than that with just one coat it looks natural but still adds volume and length to the lashes and it keeps its curl throughout the day.  Overall, it's a good mascara but I wouldn't repurchase it because of the price and there are cheaper mascaras that I like to use more than this one.      

- Aysen

Nail of the Day (NOTD) - Red Romance by Essence

2 Coats Applied

Cost: I bought this at Shoppers Drug Mart and believe it was about $2.00-3.00

 

For the fall I have been really into red shades of nail polish. This polish is by Essence in the shade Red Romance. I believe it is limited edition for Halloween. It is the perfect shade of deep red with a matt finish. This polish lasts for about a week when applied with a base and top coat and does not chip as easily as other Essence nail polishes do. I really like the consistency which only takes two coats to get a pigmented colour.

 

- Uma

Ipsy Review - October 2014

 

Ipsy is a monthly subscription service which ships to the US and Canada and includes 4-5 beauty products in a cute makeup bag.

 

Cost

US $10.00

Canada $10.00 + 4.95 shipping

 



This month's theme was Beauty Candy.

 

What was in my October Ipsy bag?

 

Ayres Patagonia Body Butter

28g

Cost: $28.00 (191g)

I found this body butter to be very moisturizing to the skin. The consistency of this product is thick which makes it a great formula. I am not fond of the scent of this body butter as it is a bit strong when first applied; however, after a while it does not smell too bad.

 

 

noyah Lipstick (Deeply in Mauve)

1.4g

Cost: $18.00 (4.5g)

I am in love with this shade of lipstick. It is the perfect shade of a mauvy pink colour. The formula is very smooth, creamy and moisturizing to the lips. It is also very pigmented. This lipstick does have a slight smell to it but it is not very strong.

Nourish Organic Moisturizing Face Cleanser

30mL

Cost: $13.99 (177mL)

This cleanser is very soft and gentle on the skin. It left my skin feeling smooth and clean. After using this product for a few days I had to stop because I really did not like the scent to it. Aside from the odor it does what it claims to do.

Skyn Iceland Mini Glacial Cleansing Cloths

10 Single-Use Cloths

Cost: $15.00 (30 Single-Use Cloths)

This cleansing cloths are great for taking off face makeup but I do find it does not remove my mascara and eye liner as well as other cleansing cloths do. I am not too fond of the smell and find that sometimes it is a bit rough on the skin.

MicaBeauty Mineral Eye Shadow (Harliquin)

2.5g

Cost: $14.95

I am not a big fan of this shade as I tend to go for more neutral colours. The formula of this eye shadow is not too great. I find that even with a primer applied first, the colour needs to be packed on to get the true pigment from it.

                            

 

Overall, I was not too pleased with this months Ipsy bag. I didn't like the scent of a lot of the products and don't see myself purchasing the full size products of many of these. My favourite product was the lipstick.

 

Comment below letting me know what you received in your Ipsy bag !

 

- Uma

Review - Hard Candy Glamoflauge Heavy Duty Concealer

Since I've been breaking out much more recently I decided to purchase an affordable concealer to see if I could cover up my blemishes. As you may know Hard Candy is an affordable make up line that is exclusively sold at Walmart.The Hard Candy Glamoflauge Heavy Duty Concealer comes in four different shades, light, medium light, medium and tan.

Cost: $6.00 - $7.00 at Walmart

Top: Hard Candy Concealer Pencil

Bottom: Heavy Duty Concealer

The shade I purchased was medium light, which was a bit too light but I was able to work with it. I have oily to combination skin and this product stayed put throughout the whole day. You just need the littlest bit and it is enough to cover any blemishes or dark spots since it is a pigmented and a thick concealer. If you do use more it can get cakey looking especially under the eyes. Even though this concealer is thick, it does blend easily when you add a tiny amount on to the places you want to conceal. However, I wouldn't recommend it to those with extremely dry skin as it would look flaky and unappealing.

The concealer also comes with a concealer pencil. It is said to be used to hide tattoos by lining the edges and then filling it in with the pencil and then to apply the concealer. Since I don’t have any tattoos I don’t know if it really does work. However, I checked on reviews and people prefer this concealer as a spot concealer for blemishes and under the eyes instead of covering up their tattoos. I only use this pencil on my brow bone as a slight highlight and also to conceal the stray hairs underneath my brow bone.

Overall, I am impressed with this concealer for the price you pay. Since a little does go a long way I can see myself using this product for a really long time. 

Have you ever tried the Hardy Candy Glamoflauge Concealer?

Comment below telling me some of your favourite concealers!

- Aysen

Fall Favourites - 2014

 With the leaves changing colour and the days getting colder I wanted to share some of my fall favourites.

Mainstays- Warm Apple Pie

85g

Cost: $1.00 at Walmart

 

I have been loving these candles from Walmart. They are very inexpensive and leave my room smelling wonderful. I love this scent for the fall because of the subtle cinnamon scent.

 

Rimmel Salon Pro - Oh, Mr Darcy

Sally Hansen - Unbreakable Heart

Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear - Red Carpet ($2.47 at Walmart)

Essie - Wicked ($8.96 at Walmart)

Salley Hansen Diamond Strength - Neutral Shimmer

 

These have been my favourite nail polishes for the fall. I have been more into reds this season. I love using the first and last shades for more neutral looks. However, the nail polish I have been wearing the most is the shade Wicked by Essie. I love this colour because it is a deep red colour that is almost black. With two coats it is a very dark colour with just a tint of red.

 

Crisp Morning Air (Blue)

Weekend Apple Picking (Green)

29 mL

 

I love these hand sanitizers from Bath and Body Works. They are travel friendly because of the pocket size. Because I use public transit to travel to school I am constantly sanitizing my hand. These are great because they don't make my hand dry and have an amazing scent.

Estee Lauder - Decadent Fig

Wet n Wild - Dark Wine

Revlon Super Lustrous - Mauvy Night and Plum Velour ($7.46 at Walmart)

Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Natural - Copper Pink ($23.00 full size at Sephora)

For the fall I have been using darker shades of lipsticks. I have been more into the plum shades. My go to lipstick for the fall has been Plum Velour by Revlon. It has a creamy formula and a satin finish which I love. (Check out my review on the Revlon Super Lustrous lipsticks) When I am going for a more neutral makeup look I love using Copper Pink by Make Up For Ever.

 (Here are swatches of my favourite fall lipsticks)

 

Flirt! Big Squeeze lip gloss

Shade: Berry Hug

Cost: $13.50 (Khol's)

 

Although I am not a big lip gloss fan, I have been loving this for the fall. I love the deep plum shade. The formula of this product is creamy and is very pigmented. I like that it has a bit of shimmer to it but is not that prominent.

 

 

Comment below letting me know what your fall favourites are!

- Uma 

First Impression - Real Techniques Core Collection

I've been wanting to buy Real Techniques brushes for a long time since a lot of people have been loving their brushes. So I finally got a chance to purchase them at Walmart! It comes with four synthetic bristle face brushes and a 2 in 1 panoramic case which makes it travel friendly as you can use it as a case and a stand.

Cost: $18.97 (Walmart) 

$18.00 (Real Techniques Website)

Pointed Foundation Brush

The first time I used this brush I wasn't really wowed by it Since I’m so used to my Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge and its air brushed look it gives I didn't really like how my foundation looked with this brush. It blends out the foundation however you have to be careful and make sure you’re blending downward the face or else it leaves streak marks on the face. This brush is definitely going to be my least used brushes out of the four. 

Detailer Brush

This brush is supposed to be used as a lip brush or you can use it as a concealer brush. I found this brush to be too small to use as a concealer brush but it is a good brush to use when you want to apply a bold lip colour to get a more precise application. 

Contour Brush

The contour brush is one of my favourite brush in the collection. You can use it for many uses, not only for contouring purposes. But I used it to contour and this brush fits perfectly on the contours of my cheeks which gives a precise contoured look and it blends out amazingly.

Buffing Brush

The buffing brush is another favourite of mine and is a multipurpose brush. It is recommended to use with powder and mineral foundation. However, I use this brush to apply blush and it easily blends into my skin and I have control with the amount of blush I want on my face.


Even though I was not impressed with the foundation brush, I do like this core collection and think is worth the buy. The brushes are extremely soft and are 100% cruelty free. I also gave these brushes a wash to see if it would shed and the brushes were like new and there was no shedding.




What do you think of the Real Technique Brushes?
Comment below telling me what your favourite Real Techniques brushes are!

- Aysen

Ipsy Bag - September 2014

This months Ipsy bag was theme was 'Street Style'

 

Cost: $10.00 + 4.95 Shipping to Canada 

 

 

This months makeup bag is a cute metallic silver colour that has little studs lining the top. I really like this makeup bag because it has a lot of space.

 

CAILYN Art Touch Tinted Lip Gloss

Shade: Basic Instinct

0.14 fl. oz/ 4 mL

Cost: $19.00

 

There were many things I did not like about this product. The only thing that I like about this lip gloss is the formula. I found that it is creamy and not sticky. It is very pigmented and applies smoothly to the lips. One thing that I don't like is the colour. I find that it does not pair well with my tan skin tone and washes me out. I would have preferred a darker colour.

 

 

Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask

1 fl. oz.

Cost: $26.00 (Full sized - 5.25 oz)

 

I'm not too sure how to feel about this product. I have not noticed a big difference in my hair while using it. It does make my hair feel smooth; however, I would probably choose another conditioner or mask over this product. I also like the smell of this product.

Harvey Prince Hello Fragrance

8.8 mL

Cost: $55.00 (Full sized- 50 mL)

 

Because I am picky about perfume scents I was disappointed to receive this product in my bag. After trying it I was pleasantly surprised with this product. It comes in a rollerball which I like and is travel friendly because of the size. I really like the sweet floral scent of this perfume. I apply this to my wrists and it lasts throughout the day. This is a product that I would purchase.

Be A Bombshell Smooth Criminal Powder

4g

Cost: $12.00

 

I really like this finishing powder. I like that the texture is very fine and gives a smooth, matte finish without making my skin look dry. My skin tends to get very oily throughout the day and I find that apply this prevents that from happening. You do have to be careful when using this product. If you use too much of it will start to look chalky because it is such a light colour.

Pacifica Natural Water-Proof Eye Pencil

Shade: Gun Metal

0.026 oz

Cost: $11.00 (Full sized)

 

This eye liner in 'Gun Metal' goes perfectly with the theme Street Style. It is a more of a metallic silver colour. The formula is very creamy and smooth and is also very pigmented. It lasts throughout the day and I love to use it for a pop to a Smokey eye makeup look.

 

Overall I was not very pleased with this month's Ipsy bag. My favourite products were the Hello fragrance and the eye liner. I hope I like the products I receive for October.

 

Comment below letting me know what you received in your Ipsy bag!

 

- Uma

Review: L'oreal Hair Expertise Color Radiance

 For the past few weeks I have been using the L'Oreal Hair Expertise Colour Radiance collection. A few months ago I decided to get highlights in my hair. After washing with my regular shampoo and conditioner for a few weeks I noticed that my hair was beginning to feel really dry and was starting to look damaged. I decided to give this collection a try after seeing it on sale and I must say I have noticed a change in the texture of my hair.

From using these products I noticed my hair was not as dry and became more silky and smooth.



Color Radiance Dual Treatment Spray

150 mL

Cost: $5.96 at Walmart

I use this by spraying it to my damp hair after a shower. This spray protects your hair colour and also protects it from heat. I like using this because it eliminates some of the frizz and retains some of the moisture so my hair does not look dry.

Color Radiance Precious Oils

100 mL

Cost: $8.96 at Walmart

I also like applying this product to damp hair. This too protects your hair against colour. I like using this product because it adds a nice shine without making my hair look greasy.  

Color Radiance Shampoo and Conditioner

385 mL each

Cost: $4.96 at Walmart each

 

This shampoo and conditioner is said to protect your hair while making it softer and shiner without fading the colour. I noticed that using this combination has made my hair a lot softer and smooth.

 

Comment below letting me know what products you use for colour treated hair! Also if you try these products out, let me know how it works for you :)

 

- Uma

 



Summer Favourites - 2014

With summer ending and fall just around the corner I thought it would be great to share some of my favourite products of this summer.

I find myself using candles in my room all year. For the summer I've mostly been using this candle from Walmart called Sweet Pea. This candle has a sweet and fruity smell. I love these candles because they are really affordable and contain about 85g.

Price: $1.00

On the left is an extra dimension skin finish by MAC called Whisper of Gilt and on the right is a bronzing powder also by MAC called Matte Bronze. Whisper of Gilt has been my go to highlight for the summer. I love this bronzing powder by MAC because it is very pigmented and doesn't make me look orange like some bronzers do. I also like that it is matte and lasts throughout the day.

Matte Bronze: $30.00

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs

This water resistant leg makeup spray is great for those who show their legs a lot in the summer. Because I have many marks and imperfections on my legs I like spraying this on when wearing any skirts or dresses. It is easy to use and does not transfer onto any clothing. When using this I usually wear a glove, spray it directly on the glove and rub it into my leg evenly. 

Price: $10-$12 at Walmart 

Pacific Blue, Kelp Yourself, Lacey Lilac, Coral Reef, Not a Cloud in Sight, Go Overboard (from left to right)

 I am constantly changing the colour of my nails and adding different colours to my nail polish collection. For the summer I have been really loving these colours. I have been using Pacific Blue (first polish) by Sally Hansen on my toes a lot. Kelp Yourself and Lacey Lilac have been my most used polishes for my fingers. I love using lighter, more subtle colours for my fingers. Coral reef is a vibrant shade of pink which I also like using on my toes.

Sally Hansen: $2.47 at Walmart

L'Oreal: $5.46 at Walmart

Essie: $8.50 at Walmart

Quo by Orly 3D Nail Art Stickers (left) Sephora Nail Bling (right)

I've had these nail stickers for a while just sitting in my drawer. This summer I finally decided to use them and I fell in love with them. They are very easy to use and last a long time. You just stick them on, file it to fit your nail and you're good to go. 

Sephora Collection Waterproof Eyeliner 24 HR Wear

 I will almost never be seen leaving my house with out eye liner. I am constantly trying new eye liners and adding to my collection. For this summer I have been really loving this waterproof liquid liner from Sephora. It has a matte finish and does not smudge throughout the day. It is long lasting and is a very pigmented. It has a felt tip brush which makes it easy to apply. It can be easily removed with water and soap or baby oil if you don't want to use an eye makeup remover.

Price: $15.00

Estee Lauder's Double Wear Zero Smudge Lengthening Mascara 

This has been my go to mascara for the summer. It is true to its name as it does not smudge at all (no raccoon eyes)! It is a very pigmented black which made my lashes look more prominent. It also made my lashes appear much longer than it is without clumping. Sometimes I fall asleep without removing my makeup and I find that the next day this mascara looks good as it did when first applied. It can easily be removed with soap and water

 Price: $28.00

I generally don't wear nor own a lot of lip-gloss products but I have been in love with this lip-gloss for the summer. It is a really nice rosy pink colour. I love that it doesn't feel sticky when I apply it to my lips. I usually apply a lip balm or Vaseline to my lips so they aren't dry then I apply this lip-gloss. It comes with a mirror which is very convenient and a light.  

Price: $24.00   

I am not the biggest fan of lip liners; however, I found myself using these two liners quite often. Terracotta (first swatch) by Annabelle is a waterproof liner which lasts throughout the day. Rosebud (second swatch) by Avon is a brighter shade of pink. I love pairing this liner with the lipstick Fuchsia Shock by Revlon.

These three pink shades of lipsticks have been my favourites of the summer. I love using Love That Pink (middle swatch) for a bold lip or for the night. I would use Delight (first swatch) and Fuchsia Shock (last swatch) for everyday use. Check out my full review of the Revlon Super Lustrous lipsticks.
Revlon Lipsticks- $7.46 at Walmart

I am very excited for the fall season and can't wait to share those favourites with you all. Comment below sharing what some of your summer favourites are!  

  - Uma



Empties and Reviews #1

I've used some products up and decided to share my thoughts on what products I liked using and would repurchase again and what products I didn't really like and wouldn't buy again..

Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil 

Cost: (0.5oz) $20.00 at Sephora

I really liked using this product. It is a lightweight quick absorbing 100% Argan Oil. It is a multipurpose product which you can use on your face, hair, nails, feet and toes. Once I washed my face I used two drops of this products and applied it gently on face which left my skin feeling smooth and looking radiant. This is more on the pricey side but it is a really good product. A little goes a long way so it lasts for a long time. I'd definitely repurchase this product because I do see the difference when I use it.

Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3in1 Foundation

Cost: $12.97 at Walmart

I've been using this foundation for months now and I can say it is one of my favourite foundations. I have oily to combination skin so this foundation helps me keep my face matte throughout the day. If you have oily skin I definitely recommend this to you but if you have dry skin I'd stay away from it as it is a matte finish. This foundation is a great buildable foundation that blends into the skin easily and also protects you from the sun with SPF 20. 

Blistex Lip Infusion Moisture Splash

Cost: $3.97 at Walmart

This is a great product to use during the summer, it is very moisturizing on the lips and contains SPF 15 which is great protection from the sun. It also has a metal rollerball tip so it gives a cooling sensation to the lips. I would definitely repurchase this as it was one of my go to lip products I used during the summer.

Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Moisturizing Shampoo

Cost: $3.35 at Walmart

I was in need of a moisturizing shampoo because my hair has been feeling dry lately. Even though this shampoo did have an amazing scent that lingered through you hair even the next day. I didn't really see a major difference using it and I think there are better moisturizing shampoos which is why I wouldn't repurchase it again.

Garnier Fructis Volume Extend Instant Bodifier Dry Shampoo

Cost: $5.86 at Walmart

This product claims that it instantly refreshes and removes oil for long lasting volume and body. However I did not see any of these results when my roots would get oily. I didn't like this dry shampoo at all also because it has a strong orange citrus and grape extract scent that lingers throughout the whole day. Whenever I used this product I just felt like washing my hair because it didn't make my hair look or feel fresh and it also left a white cast on my roots. Therefore, I will not repurchase this product again.

Tresemme Platinum Strength Hair Protect Spray 

Cost: $5.68 at Walmart

Even though this spray smells really good, it didn't "wow" me. This product claims to give smooth, mosituized, healthy looking results and I didn't see any difference when I used this before straightening my hair. I am looking for a heat spray that leaves my hair feeling soft and looking shiny, so I will not repurchase this product.

Bath and Body Works - Mahogany Teawook Candle

Cost: $22.50 at Bath and Body Works

"Reveal in cozy fine wood fragrances of mahogany, cederwood and oak highlighted by delicate lavender and geranium notes"

This is one of my favourite candles from Bath and Body works. If you like the smell of the store Abercrombie and Fitch then you will definitely like this candle. This candle is a really strong and masculine scent, when you light it one room the scent will linger into the other rooms. You can use this candle during any seasons but is best during the fall and winter. 

Comment below telling me some of the things you've used up lately!

- Aysen