Elizabeth Arden - Sunset Bronze Limited Edition Color Collection Review and Tutorial*
Monday, February 29, 2016
Inspired by the breathtaking sunset, Elizabeth Arden introduces the new Sunset Bronze Limited Edition Color Summer 2016 Collection. "This summer is all about a bold bronzed glow and this universal collection is comprised of colors that compliment and accentuate all skin tones", says Rebecca Restrepo, Elizabeth Arden Global Makeup Artist.
Limited Edition Sunset Bronze Prismatic Bronzing Powder ($48)
This silky bronzing powder, diffused with golden shimmer gives the skin a reflective, sun-kissed glow. It is formulated with skin-perfecting ingredients that help minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It also comes complete with a half-moon brush for easy on-the-go application.
This bronzer contains silica and mica minerals, spherical silica and nylon which help to diffuse imperfections on the skin, Vitamin E and Argan Oil.
Limited Edition Sunset Bronze Prismatic Eye Shadow Palette ($50)
This palette contains 5 shadows that range from natural to dramatic. They have a shimmer finish that gives the lids a multidimensional effect.
Limited Edition Sunset Bronze Prismatic Lip Gloss ($25)
The trio of conditioning lip glosses dazzles with a high-shine and nourishing formula. It is packed with lustrous pigments and multidimensional pearls .Each gloss is enriched with ultra hydrating Aloe Vera and Vitamins A,C and E to soothe and protect lips.
This formula is light-weight, non-sticky (super important) and smells great.
Shades: Midnight Kiss (Soft Pink), Moonlight Kiss (Lavender) and Sunset Kiss (Champagne).
These can be perfect worn alone, or over some lipstick, especially in the center of your lips to give you a more 3 dimensional effect and poutier lips.
Limited Edition Sunset Bronze Prismatic Hilighter ($34.50)
This creamy stick hilighter comes in a twist-up container which provides you with convenience and efficiency. It is a beautiful champagne color that when applied to the cheekbones casts a glow when the light hits you. It dries to a powder finish. You can use this on your brow bone, cupid's bow too.
Elizabeth Arden Grand Entrance Mascara ($32)
This triple effect mascara comes with a precision brush technology that is specifically designed to instantly deliver an 80% increase in lash length and volume and a 162% increase in curl for luxe, lush lashes that are sure to make a grand entrance wherever you go.
It is glossy, long-wear and water-resistant therefore it won't flake, smudge or dry out.
Key ingredients:
- Lash Building Complex, a vitamin fortified peptide complex that locks onto lashes like a magnet for volume and lift.
- Olive Esters - an emollient-rich extract that coats and separates individual lashes, helping to condition, treat and protect lashes for clump and flake free definition.
- Rice Bran Esters - a vitamin B complex and essential fatty acid-rich extract that helps to condition lashes for an overall healthier and plumper appearance.
- Carnauba Esters - A moisturizing extract that helps to support the appearance of longer lashes.
Shades: Stunning Black and Stunning Brown
Application Tips: Rotate the brush so that the curve is "cradling" your lashes when applying and make sure you wiggle side to side when brushing through the lash for maximum effect.
Elizabeth Arden Flawless Start Instant Perfecting Primer ($45)
This primer contains anti-aging properties that diminishes the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles while giving you a moisturized and radiant glow. In fact, after 2 weeks of use 3 out of 4 women reported their skin looking up to 5 years younger and 86% felt that their skin looked retouched.
Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Nectarine Blossom
For those of you who are a fan of fragrances or of Elizabeth Arden products, will remember the infamous Green Tea fragrance that was in a light green bottle. Available in March 2016, is the Green Tea Nectarine Blossom Collection which features an EDT Spray in 50ml and 100ml and Honey Drops Body Cream.
Top Notes: peach and apricot, fresh bergamot and exotic fruits adorn the purity of green tea vapors.
Middle Notes: Juicy nectarine drizzled over a bright floral bouquet for an irresistible signature that brings blushing femininity to green tea.
Base Notes: Soft musk wraps the wearer in lasting comfort.
This EDT is perfect for Spring and Summer. It's light, fresh and crisp. For those of you who love a fruity fragrance which isn't too sweet, will absolutely love this.
Below is a look I created entirely from the Elizabeth Arden Sunset Bronze Collection - I opted, in true Miranda Style, to go for a neutral purple and rose gold/champagne eye with a winged lined. I also used Midnight Kiss as the lipgloss. I did'n't use any blush but just opted for a heavier dusting of bronzer. I am addicted to this bronzer by the way! It's SO GOOD.
Prices range from $27 to $56 approximately and can be purchased at Hudson's Bay and select Shoppers Drug Mart and select London Drugs.
I really encourage you to go and check out the Elizabeth Arden collection near you ASAP. They really have stepped up their game this collection and I'm loving everything :)
Until next time, XO - M.
City Line Beauty Taping with Dave Lackie
Sunday, February 28, 2016
For those of you who have never met Dave Lackie, you are really and truly missing out. He is a beauty editor, and City Line expert and is generous and one of the nicest people you will ever meet. I met Dave about 2 years ago on Twitter during one of his giveaways that he was hosting for some Illamasqua goodies. From then, we stayed in contact and have been seeing him at least once a year, at the fabulous events that he hosts quite frequently. Oh right, if you don't follow him on Twitter - you must! He's always hosting contests and giveaways and they are open internationally.
I was lucky enough to attend one of his City Line Tapings this past Friday (February 26th) which will go live on City TV, Friday March 4th. The audience was filled with his Twitter Followers and Beauty Bloggers and we were live tweeting the entire segment via #citylinebeauty. It was the first time something like this has happened and it was SO MUCH FUN!
At the taping, I met up some of my fellow Canadian Beauty Blogger friends and was ready for lots of ooo-ing and ah-ing. Nothing but BIG SMILES were on our faces. In addition to the beauty segment that was taped, there was also a Fashion Friday segment too. So make sure you check in on the 4th to see what's new in the world of beauty and upcoming styles for Prom and great finds from Winners.
Below is a picture of me and Steph, a fellow beauty blogger :) Make sure you check her out - I've included a link to her blog!
A little preview of what goes on behind the scenes ...
the fun part was, we were actually sitting in the first row! It was quite nerve racking for me, I had on my winter fuzzy boots and was using my purse to hide them the whole time! haha.. To the left of me is Melanie, and the right - Steph - both beauty bloggers :)
Everyone in the audience who attended, got to walk away with a gift bag that was valued at over $750. It contained a bunch of beauty items that were Dave's favorites! I am now in make-up and skincare heaven!!
Thank You again Dave for hosting such an amazing event. I can't wait to see what you have in store this coming 2016!!
Until next time, XO - M.
P.S. Be sure to stay tuned March 4th or join in the Twitter fun at #citylinebeauty.
Hask Monoi Coconut Oil Hair Products and Review*
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
A few months ago, I had the chance to try out a new hair care line that I had never heard about before - it was a brand called Hask. Then, I tried out the Argan Oil line and while it was great, the Argan Oil was too rich for my thin hair, and ended up weighing it down a tad. I had to use it only 2 days a week or so as it was too much for daily use. Anyways! This time, I have the chance to try out the Coconut Oil line, and I was rather excited to see if I had even better luck with this one as I have had previous luck with trying out hair products ft. coconut oils or coconut water.
The set I received, came with the Shampoo, Conditioner, Deep Conditioner and Shine Hair Oil. The line is said to moisturize and revitalize and is meant for all hair types and comes in an intoxicating coconut scent.
The site explains Monoi Coconut Oil as being made from soaking petals of Tahitian gardenias in coconut oil. It is quick absorbing and leaves your hair soft, silky and shiny - sounds divine doesn't it?
I must say that I am thoroughly enjoying this Coconut Oil line so much more than the Argan Oil line. This one leaves my hair clean, hydrated and weightless. It didn't feel overly moisturized by the Oil component that I previously had with the Argan Oil series.
I use the Shampoo and Conditioner either every day or every other day (depending on whether my hair needs a good cleaning) and I apply the Nourishing Deep Conditioner once a week to make sure my ends stay protected and nourished as I use a straightener almost every day. On the days I use the Deep Conditioner, I do not use the Conditioner - it'll be too much if both are used!
The Monoi Coconut Oil Shine Treatment can be used either on dry or damp hair. This is to be used only on the tips, avoid the roots.
I really do love this product and have incorporated it into my hair care routine. It works and lives up to the claims. It also doesn't smell artificial - the coconut doesn't smell overwhelming or waxy - it really is lovely, I find myself actually sniffing my hair throughout the day - hahaha :) don't judge me!
You can find out more about HASK on their social media platforms - @haskhair #haskhair or through their website www.haskbeauty.com
Until next time , XO - M.
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Real Talk: Taking a stand against Cyber Bullying
Friday, February 19, 2016
I would like to thank you, current reader, for taking the time out to read my first post on what I think will be the launch of my "Real Talk" series. For those of you who have been following my blog since it was created, will know that I originally created a beauty and lifestyle blog, and slowly in time it started to focus more towards the beauty side of things. However, due to recent events that have occurred, I decided to forego my previously scheduled beauty post that was to go live today, and to replace it with this last minute post, focusing more on a bigger issue we all may have, or will face at some point in our lives - bullying / cyber-bullying. I'm doing this mainly because I wanted to get something that has been bothering me off my chest, and to hopefully have some of you take something beneficial away from this.
It has recently come to my attention, that I was tagged in a comment on a picture posted by MAC Cosmetics on Instagram - the picture featured a photo taken during New York Fashion Week of a beautiful African American model's lips. While the focus was on the beautiful lip color featured, somehow this post quickly became controversial and caught the attention of the world wide web because of the amount of people who had commented on this picture and over how divided the comments were. There was the good, the bad, and the down right ugly and disgraceful.
As a result of the attention this picture generated, it made its way through the internet via various different articles that were published. I want to stress that I do not share the views of the comment that I was tagged in. I see the beauty in everyone, and this is why I chose to follow my dreams as a beauty blogger. I want to instill a sense of confidence and beauty in people, and help them feel their absolute best - whether that beauty is internal or external, it doesn't matter. No matter how beautiful you are, if you have an ugly heart, you are an ugly person. And so with a heavy heart I have to say that I unfortunately, have no control over other people's actions or words. This post is not meant to throw anyone under the bus, it is to serve as a gentle reminder that while what was said was not meant to be hurtful, it ultimately did hurt alot of people. You never know the ripple effect your one action can cause. So please, I do not want anymore hateful comments towards that person, to myself or even to anyone else in that picture. It's not healthy.
I am not the type of person who was raised on the principal of "an eye for an eye". Retaliation, and revenge is no way to live, and hate is a nasty thing that can down right consume you. The purpose of this post is to talk about cyber bullying, and the real effects it can have on the people that you see who own that specific social media account, or to that person who is sitting behind their computer screens. Words hurt, regardless of it being verbally said to you, or written somewhere on the internet. Trust me, I know. I still remember what the mean girls in my high school used to say to me when I was bullied in middle school. I'm not being petty when I say that I remember what they have said. I say that I remember, because it teaches me to be stronger.
I have seen some famous YouTubers recently take to their channels to address this topic of Cyber Bullying, and I wanted to share my thoughts with you on it as well. While thinking of this topic, I actually came across a very useful website - Prevnet (no this is not a sponsored post). The first sentence on their site is powerful "The Internet has no delete button. Bullying online lasts forever".
I am not saying that I am completely innocent when it comes to this topic, I think that in our daily lives, it is very easy to blur the lines, and to accidentally make a joke that may have gone too far, and/or to poke fun of something that is actually not funny at all. However, you must learn to be mindful of your actions. To learn that there are consequences far greater than what you had imagined. That your one comment, or joke, can cause a ripple effect that could ultimately negatively impact you and/or the people around you.
The simplest way to stop this, is to learn to take a step back and walk away. This is what I mean by not retaliating. It is okay for you to defend what you believe in - but when that spurs into something hateful and victimizing, it is not okay. The only thing you can do then is to stand your ground, to say what needs to be said to clear the air and get your point across, and to remove yourself from the situation and be a better person. Do not argue with someone over the internet, it's just like in any relationship, don't argue over e-mail or text messaging/IM. If you want to sort out an issue, talk it out - face to face. Clearly, this isn't possible on the internet, and if you know that you are being trolled - you can only control what happens to you, which is to remove yourself from the situation.
So next time before you decide to post something - think twice about it. Is it worth the amount of pain it'll bring you should it come to bite you in the future? If you really have to think long and hard about it, it's probably best that you shouldn't hit that "enter/submit" button.
Sorry for this long-winded post, I promise to return to the regular scheduling and beauty/lifestyle topics next week.
Until next time, XO - M.
Skincare Routine - Winter Edition
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
For those who know me, will know that I take extreme pride in my skincare. If I get a pimple, I know how to treat it, and will even teach you how to treat it, if you ever wanted to know. I was thinking of doing a post in the future about pimple and black-head extraction since I do get some questions about it on occasion (let me mull it over...)
Anyways, it may seem that I am quite excessive when it comes to the amount of products used on my face, however, your skin is only going to be as good as you treat it and take care of it in your lifetime. It is also important to note that skin care alone, cannot help you achieve flawless skin. What you put into your body, and consume, also affects how your skin reacts.
As the seasons change in Toronto, so does my skin - I have oily/combination skin in the summer time, and oily t-zone/dry rest of the face in the winter time. Therefore, I have to adapt my routine to the changing seasons and temperatures.
Products for the Face featured in the picture above include:
1. Bioderma - Sebium H20
I use this every night to remove my make-up before following it up with cleanser
2. Paula's Choice - Resist Cleanser*
Used both night and day. I opt for a cream cleanser in the colder months, especially winter because it is more moisturizing and not as stripping to the skin.
3. Paula's Choice - Resist Toner*
It doesn't matter really what toner I use, I just use what I can get my hands on.
4. For Beloved One Hyaluronic Acid GHK-Cu Moisturizing Serum*
This has been the newest addition to my skin routine and I am in love with it. I see a visible difference in my skin. It is more moisturized and plump and ultra soft.
5. Paula's Choice - Mattifying Fluid*
My day cream always needs to be hydrating, but not make my skin feel weighed down. I want it to do its job and absorb quickly as I tend to follow up with make-up application right after.
6. Schaf - Eye Cream*
Used both night and day. It is slightly yellow tinted to brighten up the under eye and isn't too rich. it absorbs really quickly and doesn't cause creasing.
7. Laneige - Water Sleeping Mask*
I use this as my night cream every night. I know it says that it is a sleeping mask, but it provides me with hydration and absorbs quickly, leaving me with plump skin in the morning. Even though it claims to be a mask, it is a gel formula so after you apply it, it quickly sinks in fast enough to sleep without fear of rubbing it all over your pillow.
8. Indie Lee - Blemish Stick
My holy grail item - it stops any acne flare-ups in its tracks. I use this only when needed.
**Something I forgot to include in the picture above is an exfoliator. I always make sure to exfoliate my skin at least twice a week, to make sure I get rid of any dead skin and prevent any clogged pores or blackheads. My go-to has been the Schaf Exfoliator or the St. Ives - Apricot Scrub.
I use this every night to remove my make-up before following it up with cleanser
2. Paula's Choice - Resist Cleanser*
Used both night and day. I opt for a cream cleanser in the colder months, especially winter because it is more moisturizing and not as stripping to the skin.
3. Paula's Choice - Resist Toner*
It doesn't matter really what toner I use, I just use what I can get my hands on.
4. For Beloved One Hyaluronic Acid GHK-Cu Moisturizing Serum*
This has been the newest addition to my skin routine and I am in love with it. I see a visible difference in my skin. It is more moisturized and plump and ultra soft.
5. Paula's Choice - Mattifying Fluid*
My day cream always needs to be hydrating, but not make my skin feel weighed down. I want it to do its job and absorb quickly as I tend to follow up with make-up application right after.
6. Schaf - Eye Cream*
Used both night and day. It is slightly yellow tinted to brighten up the under eye and isn't too rich. it absorbs really quickly and doesn't cause creasing.
7. Laneige - Water Sleeping Mask*
I use this as my night cream every night. I know it says that it is a sleeping mask, but it provides me with hydration and absorbs quickly, leaving me with plump skin in the morning. Even though it claims to be a mask, it is a gel formula so after you apply it, it quickly sinks in fast enough to sleep without fear of rubbing it all over your pillow.
8. Indie Lee - Blemish Stick
My holy grail item - it stops any acne flare-ups in its tracks. I use this only when needed.
**Something I forgot to include in the picture above is an exfoliator. I always make sure to exfoliate my skin at least twice a week, to make sure I get rid of any dead skin and prevent any clogged pores or blackheads. My go-to has been the Schaf Exfoliator or the St. Ives - Apricot Scrub.
Products for the hand and body include:
1. Jergens - Moisturizer for Wet SkinI favor the green tea one vs. the coconut one. The coconut one actually smells really waxy and artificial - not a fan at all. The green tea one smells refreshing and I prefer this over to the Nivea one (sorry!). With this one, I feel the results instantly vs. the Nivea one that actually took almost a week.
2. Ultra Repair Cream - Intense Therapy
This has been a holy grail item for me the last two years. I have recommended this to my friends and coworkers and they have all loved it. It is amazing for my eczema prone skin on my hands in the winter time - it does not irritate it or cause any flare-ups. Instead, it helps reduce the irritation I get. It absorbs quickly and is unscented. I keep a smaller tube of this in my purse too.
3. Love Fresh - Guava Hand Lotion
I was introduced to this company at the One of a Kind Show. Being a Canadian Company with products hand made by a lady called Stacey Davis, I have also learnt to appreciate and scout out products made by local artisans. My favorite of the three scents is Guava - it also comes in Vanilla Bean and Spearmint.
4. Bioderma - Ultra-Nourishing Balm *
This lotion is what I use for my dry scaley legs. It doesn't have a greasy glycerin like texture or formula. It isn't scented and it absorbs super quickly. I felt an immediate difference right away and I only needed one pump for each leg - so a little goes a long way.
Weekly/Bi-Weekly Skin Treatments:
It is important to also pamper your skin with a weekly mask treatment. What I use as a mask, will depend on how my skin is feeling for those few days before hand. You always need to trust in what your skin is telling you - whether it is too oily, too dehydrated or just in need of a pick me up.
The three products below are my go-to's: 1) Laneige - Mulberry Yogurt Repairing Mask: This smells like dessert. I want to eat it! smells like strawberry ice cream! This product is very moisturizing, I use it when my cheeks are feeling dehydrated. 2) For Beloved One - Any of their masks*: As this is more of a luxurious item, I only save this to be used maybe once a month? or perhaps before an event when I want a glow to my skin. 3) Origins - Clear Improvement Mask: I use it for when my skin is really oily or when my skin is feeling like a break out is going to happen. I also occasionally use this as a spot treatment over any break outs. It sucks the gunk of oil out of your skin and helps with black heads, especially if you are looking to follow-up with an extraction.
One tip I can pass on to you is to multi-mask. Your skin will not equally be the same all over on your face - especially if you're like me, with oily/combination skin. So for example, I usually use the Origins Clear Improvement Mask on my T-Zone, and the Laneige Mulberry Yogurt Mask on my forehead and cheeks.
It is important to also pamper your skin with a weekly mask treatment. What I use as a mask, will depend on how my skin is feeling for those few days before hand. You always need to trust in what your skin is telling you - whether it is too oily, too dehydrated or just in need of a pick me up.
The three products below are my go-to's: 1) Laneige - Mulberry Yogurt Repairing Mask: This smells like dessert. I want to eat it! smells like strawberry ice cream! This product is very moisturizing, I use it when my cheeks are feeling dehydrated. 2) For Beloved One - Any of their masks*: As this is more of a luxurious item, I only save this to be used maybe once a month? or perhaps before an event when I want a glow to my skin. 3) Origins - Clear Improvement Mask: I use it for when my skin is really oily or when my skin is feeling like a break out is going to happen. I also occasionally use this as a spot treatment over any break outs. It sucks the gunk of oil out of your skin and helps with black heads, especially if you are looking to follow-up with an extraction.
One tip I can pass on to you is to multi-mask. Your skin will not equally be the same all over on your face - especially if you're like me, with oily/combination skin. So for example, I usually use the Origins Clear Improvement Mask on my T-Zone, and the Laneige Mulberry Yogurt Mask on my forehead and cheeks.
What are some of your favorite winter skin essentials? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Until next time - XO, M
Until next time - XO, M
Annabelle - Big Show Lacquer Swatches and Review*
Monday, February 15, 2016
Annabelle Cosmetics is helping us get ready for Spring with these lip lacquers in vibrant and glossy shades. With these, Annabelle states that you get the benefits of 3 products in 1: the saturated color of a lipstick, the lustrous finish of a gloss and the long lasting color of a stain - what are my thoughts on these? Keep reading and I'll let you know.
These retail for $9.95 and are available for purchase at Annabelle.com and in stores as of January 2016.
So here are my thoughts - The lacquers come in a light, non-sticky formula which I greatly appreciate. I long for a gloss that doesn't become sticky or have your hair get stuck on it if it catches on your gloss - I HATE THAT. They also have a really light fruity scent that isn't overwhelming. As for the three claims above, I agree with the highly saturated color with the glossy finish, however I do not 100% agree with the staining property. The lightest color - Adore Simply, does not stain your lips. The most effective one would have to be the darker shades - Love Fiercely and Hypnotize Deeply, but even still the staining is very light. Do not expect an all day tint on your lips after the gloss is gone.
Overall, at $9.95 a pop, I do believe they are worth it as something similar would run you at least double the price at a department store. I give these products a 8.5/10 (only because of the lack of staining/tint that should have lasted), I thoroughly enjoyed everything else.
Keep in mind that these lacquers do have a pearl sheen to them - so if you are a lover of a one-dimension, one toned lipgloss, you might not be a fan of these. The pearl finish does give you a beautiful pout to the lips :) The least evident of the pearl finish can be found in the darker shades, the lighter shades are pretty evident, especially on the lightest shade - Adore Simply.
Here are some pictures of the lip products swatched on my lips - my favorite shade would have to be Love Fiercely and Hypnotize Deeply - they are both so ultra pigmented and was perfect for me during Valentines Day :)
Have you tried any new drugstore products lately that you fell in love with? I have to admit that I was weary of trying out drugstore products for the longest time, but for the last year or so - I really think that they have really improved in product quality and selection, and it also has really proved to be a good competitor to their more expensive counterparts.
Until next time, XO - M.
CND Flirtation Collection - Summer 2016*
Friday, February 12, 2016
I had the pleasure of being invited to preview the new summer 2016 collection from CND titled "Flirtation". It's color palette is said to evoke a subtle, sensual femininity with soft, yet bright shades that tease the imagination. The colors are equally coy, confident and playful at the same time. (I was invited last year, to also preview the summer 2015 collection - the post can be found here and to this day, my constant go-to color is Wisteria Haze from that collection.)
"This season, sweet, creamy pastels are inspired by modern lace and embroidery for a delicate and refined glamour", says CND Co-founder and Style Director Jan Arnold.
As per all the previous collections, Flirtation comes in both Shellac (14 day nail color) and Vinylux (weekly polish system) formulas. There are however, some variance in the colors offered by each formulation:
Shellac - Lavender Lace, Sparks Fly, Be Demure, Aqua-instance, Pink Pursuit and Honey Darlin'
Vinylux - Lavender Lace, Desert Poppy, Honey Darlin', Pink Pursuit, Aqua-instance, Skin Tease, Date Night and Be Demure.
For those of you who aren't familiar with Shellac vs. Vinylux:
Shellac provides 14+ Days of Nail Color. The 8-patented system delivers high-performance wear and stunning crystal shine with effortless, glide-on application and no nail damage when used as directed. This is a service offered at spas and salons as it requires a LED light to cure. It is also 7-free, meaning it is free of toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, pthalates (DBP), formaldehyde resin, xylene and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK).
Vinylux offers a 7-day, chip-resistant wear. It is fast drying and cures with natural light. Like the Shellac formulation, it is also 7-free.
These big cardboard polish bottles were SO cute - I honestly really wanted to take one home and put it on my vanity / beauty corner!
With the new summer 2016 release, CND also came out with a new Spa Collection, each with its own unique ingredient stories:
1. Gardenia Woods - Leaves skin luxuriously soft with every touch. With white floral fragrance notes, gardenia and jasmine, this system will hydrate, moisturize and soften skin with its replenishing and purifying botanical blend of chamomile and sandalwood.
2. Bright Citron - Brightens up every mood. With notes of pink grapefruit and warm amber, this system will restore radiance and brighten skin's appearance with its botanical blend of hydrating honey and purifying kaffir lime.
The above comes in a soak, scrub, masque and lotion.
3. Cucumber Heel Therapy - is a range targeting treatments of dry and rough calluses for pedicures.
The Vinylux can be applied without the requirement of a base coat. The Weekly Top Coat featured below though, is essential to provide you with that fresh high shine salon-finish that we love.
I have been a user of Vinylux for I want to say the last 2 years? and it really holds up to the no-chip 7 day high-shine promise.
The color I opted to go for at the event was Aqua-instance
Thank You for an amazing time CND, and I can't wait to see what else you have in store for 2016!! For now, just so you all know, this collection will be available worldwide March 2016. For more information, please visit CND.com
Until next time, XO - M.
UD Gwen Stefani Blush Palette Review and Swatches
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Blushes, my weakness - paired with the fact that this is limited edition, has set my "I NEED IT" desire very high. For those of you who are fans of beauty products or even of Gwen Stefani, will know that she had collaborated with Urban Decay to release an eye palette recently. This time around, she has launched a blush palette as well as lip pencils and lipsticks.
Everything about this collection is said to be created in partnership with Gwen, from the color selection to the packaging itself.
The palette comes with a full sized mirror, which is pretty convenience if you decide to take this palette on the go while you're travelling, you can just use this one. And on the bottom right side of the mirror, you see "Magic's In the Makeup" stenciled on.
There are 6 blushes total, 0.09oz each and the palette is valued at $60 CAD. This totals to $10 a blush. The consistency is buttery smooth and rich in pigment (except for OC). Please see below for the swatches.
I appreciate the inclusion of matte and shimmer blushes and Angel actually makes for a beautiful hilight. Also, the mix of both cool and warm toned blushes basically makes this a perfect beginner palette for those of you coveting pink, coral and terracota - toned blushes.
Overall, I am thoroughly enjoying this blush palette. However, the packaging I have to say is on the bulkier and heavier side making me very unlikely to actually take this travelling with me. This is more of a collector's item and will be remaining on my vanity (plus it's just some eye candy to look at as well)
Update:
As I had created this post last week, and scheduled it to go live today, I wanted to update my readers with my thoughts after using this product thoroughly for a week. While this palette once again, is gorgeous - I find that for the darker skin tone girls, or even medium to tanned skin ladies, the palette may be a bit underwhelming. Angel, Lo-Fi, Hush and OC were essentially starting to look the same on my skin tone and I used Angel as a hilight. Lo-Fi was unfortunately a bit too orange toned to be used as a bronzer. Therefore, I think that while this really is a collector's item as it is limited edition and also a collaboration with Gwen, I ended up having to return this as it just wasn't worth it for me to keep around just for 2-3 shades that I would really be using - too bad, but I wanted to at least be honest with you all and let you know my true opinions.
Update:
As I had created this post last week, and scheduled it to go live today, I wanted to update my readers with my thoughts after using this product thoroughly for a week. While this palette once again, is gorgeous - I find that for the darker skin tone girls, or even medium to tanned skin ladies, the palette may be a bit underwhelming. Angel, Lo-Fi, Hush and OC were essentially starting to look the same on my skin tone and I used Angel as a hilight. Lo-Fi was unfortunately a bit too orange toned to be used as a bronzer. Therefore, I think that while this really is a collector's item as it is limited edition and also a collaboration with Gwen, I ended up having to return this as it just wasn't worth it for me to keep around just for 2-3 shades that I would really be using - too bad, but I wanted to at least be honest with you all and let you know my true opinions.
Until next time, XO - M.
Joe Fresh/Shoppers Drug Mart Event Re-Cap and Valentines Day Makeup Look ft. Drugstore Products*
Monday, February 8, 2016
The launch of Joe Fresh Beauty at SDM, has brought a new lineup which includes face, cheeks, eyes and lips products in addition to the current line. Joe Fresh Beauty is now available at 850 SDM and Pharmaprix stores across Canada with prices ranging from only $8 to $18. NOTHING is over $18 apparently! How amazing is that?! Beauty on a budget!
I was recently invited to preview the new products that have been released, and I thought that I would re-cap the evening with you. I was only there for about half an hour, as I had another event before hand, and also it was the day before my big 3-0 birthday, so I had dinner plans after - but from what I saw, I'm really excited for some of the products (which I will list below).
Here is a picture of the foundations, concealer, blushes, and hilighting powders.
The liquid hilighters were a favorite at $16, the amount of product is generous! You only need the tiniest drop and you will be able to achieve a sun kissed glow. This is actually advertised as a primer, but I think it would be best as a liquid hilighter because of the high glow effect.
Lip products! For those of you who have tried the older formula, you might have not really liked it - from the scent, to the product itself. However, they have improved it! The scent is now great, and so is the texture. Give it a go! You won't regret it. I'll be sure to pick up a few of these.
Here's some pictures from the night
There were 2 make-up touch up stations at the event which you could go to get beautified and try out the new products.
There were also some delicious deserts and drinks when I was there. I had missed the savoury foods, but I had to grab this gorgeous Meringue Nest. It was almost too pretty to eat.
I had to take a pictures of this beautiful cascading flower wall
they even had a fresh flower "market" section where they made fresh bouquets for us to take home :)
I decided to bundle this event re-cap with a brand new Make Up Monday post ft all drugstore makeup (with a focus on all the Joe Fresh Make-Up products I got that night). I also decided to create a fresh make-up look perfect for Valentines Day coming up. I will definitely be rocking the red matte lip this weekend for sure. This is a first for me, as I am never used to wearing a red lip, however this is pretty much a perfect red for me. Also, for a matte formula, it is not drying at all. I really enjoy it. One thing to keep in mind though, is the fact that you should make sure your lips are well moisturized before you apply the lipstick. It does accentuate the dry spots you have if you just so happen to have it.
Left: the pink lip cream and the Right: Red Matte Lipstick.
Please read the post above for my thoughts on the lip cream formula.Here's a list of the products used to create the above look, which is a more natural eye look as the focus is on the lips itself and a winged liner. If you have any questions about any of the products used below, please let me know by e-mailing me or leaving a comment below. Otherwise, these are products that I've always been using, and you will be able to see it in previous make-up Monday or Monthly Favorites posts (and the names of the products, and company names are all directly listed below).
Until next time, XO - M.
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