Chloe Morello's Beauty Haul by Ciate London Volume 2 - review & tutorial


Chloe Morello is a well-known Youtuber and Beauty Blogger who is absolutely stunning, I suggest that you check her out on Youtube I have been following her channel for a few years now. Anyways, she had collaborated with Ciate on a previous eyeshadow palette that I really wanted to get my hands on but because I had too many neutral palettes so I opted not to. 

Recently, she came out with another collaboration with Ciate - the Volume II and this one is more unique as a palette - with a combination of pinks, purples, greens, oranges etc. It has a bit of everything. I have swatched the palette below on my arm (row by row) and I also created looks by row. Come to think of it, I could have also gone down row by row vertically as well. This is just a very versatile palette. 


A review of the palette - the matte shadows are buttery, pigmented and very blendable. The shimmers/metallics are generally great - high impact shimmers that blend like a dream except for Halo and Baby that seem more like toppers than anything. 

 

First Row below = first row in the palette. A look with warm tones and gold. 
 Second look is created with the second row of the palette with the reds, maroons and purples. 

Below is created with the third row of the palette, a smokey eye with the silver, greys and black and a mauvey purple in the crease.
Look above is created with the last row of the palette and I wanted to highlight the greens and the copper on the crease. The color Soul is beautiful an emerald gemstone color.

While the first palette is just the shadow palette which was sold for $50 with 15 shadows, I think the second palette is of better value as you get a full size liquid liner that is amazingly black, opaque and pigmented. The second release also comes with a pink liquid lipstick and they increased the shadow palette by another 5 shades, so it comes with 20. That's an extra liner, liquid lip, 5 shadows for $9 more ~ making the set $59 for everything. 

Until next time, XO - M.

kat von d - everlasting mini liquid lipstick set - review & swatch


This Holiday Season, Kat Von D has released a limited edition set of her infamous Everlasting liquid lipsticks. It retails for $66cad and contains 8 liquid lipsticks at 3ml each. The range of colors come in a full neutral to a black, you can mix and match to your hearts content - doing an ombre lip if needed, or make your own custom color. 


The lighter colors are more opaque and pigmented ~ so that would be Ludwig, Lovecraft, Sanctuary and Hawkwind - it only required one coat to get an even distribution. The darker colors, Madrid, Exorcism, Damned and Witches are patchier and one coat was not quite enough. If you want two coats, make sure it is fully dried first, before applying the second coat or you will get even more patches. 

The thing I love about KVD Liquid Lipsticks are that they are not drying, they are weightless and feels so comfortable. The formula contains Vitamin E and Sunflower Seed oil to make sure your lips stay hydrated. 


They are 3ml each compared to the regular sized one that is 6.6ml in volume, so they are just a bit under half the size of the regular one which is great because it allows you the chance to try out different ones without committing to the full sized ones. I know that I can never finish a full-sized one anyways!

Below you will see all 8 colors swatched from light to dark, just as it is listed on the arm swatch above. 

Top Row L to R - Ludwig, Lovecraft, Sanctuary and Hawkwind
Bottom Row L to R - Madrid, Exorcism, Damned and Witches. 

My favorite colors would have to be Ludwig, Lovecraft, Sanctuary and Madrid.

Madrid is a new exclusive shade only available to this set.
Which is your favorite color? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Until next time, XO - M.

GIORGIO ARMANI BEAUTY - Ecstasy Shine Lipstick review + swatch*


Ever dream of a lipstick that provides you with the shine of a gloss, a pigmentation of lipstick but yet the moisture and hydration of a balm? Look no further, as Giorgio Armani's Ecstasy Shine Lipsticks are just that. With just one swipe, you can see how utterly true the above statement is.

The product is housed in a sleek, high-shine red glossy packaging that contains a magnetic closure for the lid. The lipstick has a slight weight to it and everything about this casing screams luxury.

I very rarely say this, but I want this lipstick in every possible color I can get, and at $43 a pop, that says alot. These lipsticks work well for everyone, they have a broad range of colors so that you are bound to find something that suits you. In addition, you can go natural with one swipe, or layer it 2-3x for a bolder more opaque finish. 

What I truly love is the multiple benefits it offers - how it moisturizes my lips while at the same time looking like a gloss, and applying like a lipstick. I love the glossiness of a lip gloss, but hate the feeling of it on my lips - it's heavy and my hair gets caught in it on a windy day. However, this these are weightless and gives your lips a wet look.


I have swatched the four I had received for review below both on my arm and on my lips so that you can see how the color translates.

Swatches from Top Down: 101 - Nuda, 602 - Night Viper, 506 - Maharajah, 401 - Hot

Swatched below on the lips
Top Row - Left: 506 - Maharajah | Right: 101- Nuda
Bottom Row - Left: 401 - Hot | Right: 602 - Night Viper

Which one is your favorite? Have you tried these yet? If not, I highly suggest you try them out now! You have to at least get one! SERIOUSLY! :) 

Until next time, XO - M.

*products were sent to me for review, all opinions are my own

The Face Shop - Dreamworks / Disney Collab review and makeup-look*


The Face Shop had recently reached out to me and asked if I was interested in trying out some of their new products - being a user of The Face Shop products for the last few years, I of course said yes! They had recently collaborated with a few different companies - including Disney, Dreamworks and The Simpsons and all of the packaging of these products are super adorable. If you are a collector of make-up or you are a fan of any of those companies/shows, you have to grab a few things! 


The products sent to me for review include:
1. CC Intense Cover Cushion - V203 Natural Beige - $29 cad
This cushion foundation was a bit too light for me when I first applied it, but then it oxidized to work with my skintone. There was a strong fragrance to this product so if you're sensitive, I would suggest that you try another product. Overall, I really enjoyed how this made my skin look, it brightened it and even out the skintone and color (you can see in the photo below)

2. Disney Mickey Tinted Lip Balm - 01 Brilliant Red - $17 cad
This is one of my favorite products that was sent to me. I'm wearing it in the photo below. It provides a very subtle red tint to the lips and lots of hydration to the lips which is great now that the weather is colder. The added bonus, it smells like strawberry fruit rollup!

This pencil liner and mascara are smudge and water proof, and yes this is true - I wore it all day and it didn't smear to the point where when I used my regular micellar water to remove it, it still barely budged. I had to use an oil based cleanser followed up by my regular face cleanser.

This is a neutral shadow palette with three lipsticks - it has buttery and pigmented shadows and is a great palette for those of you who like the neutral looks. If you take a look at the swatch photo below, you will see exactly how much color it delivers.

5. Trolls Ink Gel Slim Mechanical Pencil Eyeliner - 02 Full Black - $4 cad (sale price)
This product was okay, it requires a bit of warming up before applying to the lid as it does pull, however when warmed I think it is more suitable for tight lining vs. like a regular eyeliner. 

6. Trolls Concealer Dual Veil - V201 Apricot Beige - $11 cad (sale price)
This contains both a liquid and cream concealer together - really liked this product and worked really well to concealer my panda circles without looking creasy or cakey.

7. Trolls Ink Draw Dual Eyes - 02 Dancing Mushroom - $6 cad (sale price)
This contains a liquid cream shadow that is a beige color, in the tutorial below I patted it on to the center of the lids and it made it look a bit glossy and glittery. It also contains a purple cream shadow stick that I used on my bottom lash line and that is creamy, pigmented and smooth. Make sure you check out the swatches below

The mascara from the all proof eye kit works great to lengthen and seperate the lashes. 

 

What product are you most interested in trying? Of everything listed above, I highly suggest the Mickey Tinted Lip Balm, the Mickey Pop Shadow Palette and the Trolls Ink Draw Dual Eyes.

Until next time, XO - M.

*products in this post were sent to me for review, all opinions are my own.

My MAC Lipstick Collection & Swatches



MAC was one of the first lipsticks that I had splurged on when I was younger, the slightly sweet vanilla fragrance with the vast array of color selection and finishes meant that you could easily find something for your own personal taste. I used to have alot of lipsticks from MAC, however as time goes by, I wasn't using a majority of them, they went bad and I had to throw away a lot of them. In addition, being a beauty blogger and having the amazing chance to try out new products all the time, my collection of lipsticks from various brands just grew. However, I wanted to share with you my current collection, as well as just my favorite three colors that I will always continue to repurchase. 

My favorite finish would have to be the amplified formula, followed by the creme sheens. These two give a subtle sheen to your lips while making them look fuller and does not settle in fine lines (or at least it does not make them look more evident). 


My three favorite colors that I will continue to repurchase are: Peach Blossom, Fanfare and Craving.

Stylist's Tip is a beautiful purple that is very wearable and Nice to Meet You is a great red lipstick that looks almost orange on me. Breathing Fire and Aim for Gorgeous are very similar, so I will be passing one of them onto my friend - the main difference is that Breathing Fire is a more opaque matte that has a more blue-toned hot pink finish. 

I am always keen on trying more colors from MAC - what are some of your favorites? I'd love to hear from you!

 
Top Row L to R: Peach Blossom, Chatterbox, Nice to Meet You and Stylist's Tip
Bottom Row L to R: Craving, Fanfare, Aim for Gorgeous and Breathing Fire

Until next time, XO - M. 

Product Empties and Review: May - October 2017


I haven't done a product empties post in a long while, so there is a few more items in the hair and body care side than usual, so let's just hop straight to it!


(L to R): Laneige - Deep Pore Cleansing Foam* - This product is a gentle foaming cleanser that works well to erase all traces of make-up. While I do not see a significant improvement in the pore cleansing front, it did work well to cleanse my face and keep any break-outs at bay.

Soft Soap - Fresh Glow Hydrating Body Wash - This product was okay, it cleansed however I felt like there was some residue left on the skin after which I guess made me feel hydrated? but I won't repurchase this.

Bioderma - Photoderm Moisturizing Tanning Spray* - Really enjoyed this product, it gave a nice natural glow without looking orange or streaky. 

Bioderma - Hydrabio Micelle Solution* - This micelle water is still my favorite cleansing water out of everything I've tried. It cleanses all traces of make-up without leaving any residue.

Nip + Fab - Bee Sting Fix Toning Pads* - love this product and will repurchase it! It hydrates the skin, and smoothes fine lines. 

Mizon - Great Pure Cleansing Oil - Gentle + Refreshing* - this was my first oil facial cleanser that I have tried and while I see why people love oil cleansers, I don't think it is for me. I personally like it when the face feels clean after cleansing and then hydrate it with the necessary serums and moisturizers. 

Skyn Iceland - Glacial Face Wash - This product wasn't my favorite, it cleansed the face however I felt no significant difference and the price tag was too high for what was done. I will not be repurchasing this.


Fast Shampoo x 2 - This will forever be a product that I will repurchase. It has helped immensely with hair growth and length and I already have a 1L bottle in my shower.

Herbal Essences - Naked 0% Shine Conditioner - This is a great drugstore conditioner, the fragrance is a bit strong, however it worked well to hydrate the dry ends I get from styling my hair.

Shiseido - Moist Hair Pack Daily Treatment - This is also an on-going repurchased product for me, I have one already as backup in my cabinet. This is a very light-weight conditioner that you only need so little of to keep your hair strands soft and supple. 

Shiseido Tsubaki - Damage Care Conditioner - This is a much richer conditioner that is like a hair mask vs. for daily use. I will not repurchase this product again as I seldomly dye my hair anymore - I used to do it all the time (maybe every month) and straighten and style my hair everyday. As I have cut back on both of those things, as well as having incorporated the Moist Hair Pack Daily Treatment (above), my hair is no longer as dry and hopeless as it used to be. 


Living Proof - Flex Shaping Hairspray - Love this hair spray, as the name suggests it is a flexible spray that holds and styles your hair effectively. Will repurchase for sure!

Sephora - Beauty Amplifier Set and Refresh Spray - This product is pretty good, it sets the make-up however I would like to try other products as well. 

Colab - Sheer Invisible Dry Shampoo* - This product is a bit too strongly fragranced for me, I know it is a favorite for alot of people, however this wasn't for me. My new favorite is the Briogeo Charcoal one or the Amika Dry Shampoo. 

CND - Vinylux Weekly Top Coat* - Great product and works well when I like to use Vinylux polish at home. It seals the polish and really gives it a 7-day no chip result with a high-gloss finish. 

Indie Lee - Blemish Stick - Will continue to repurchase this, I have recommended this to alot of friends and they too really enjoy it. I have written about this product a few times here on the blog. 

Esquido - Companion Long Lasting Bond* - my FAVORITE lash glue adhesive, will continually repurchase this even though I got this for review. You only need the smallest amount but it makes the lashes stay all day without any irritation. Also, because you use such a small amount, your lashes have a longer lifespan and you do not have to wait 20-30 seconds for the glue to become tacky before you apply it like those DUO glues.


Clinique - Pep-Start Quick Cleansing Swipes* - This wipes are great, works well to remove all make-up traces from the face. Will repurchase for sure.

Chella - Eyebrow Color Pencil - I received this product as part of a monthly subscription box a long time ago, and I LOVED this. However, it is such a hard product to repurchase that sadly I cannot obtain it again - it has the right texture and gave a natural brow finish. 

Anastasia Brow Wiz - great product, will continue to repurchase.

Rodial - Liquid Liner* - Really enjoyed this liner, it is matte and opaque and fully pigmented. It does not bleed and works well to create a fine wing liner.

Clio - Waterproof Pen Liner - I love this liner, I will repurchase this over and over and have even purchased this for a friend and she loved it as well. It is so pigmented and opaque and honestly it lasts for months with everyday use. This is my favorite liner! I am now on my third one.

L'Oreal - Infallible Paints Liquid Liner* - This sadly did not work for me, it was not black enough even though it is a true black. It looked a bit dark blue to me and isn't pigmented enough and was patchy. 

Have you tried any of the empties mentioned above? What are some of your product empties that you liked lately?

Until next time, XO - M. 

*items marked with the asterisk were sent to me for review, all opinions are my own. 

Guerlain Fall 2017 New Releases ft. Look & Review*


Guerlain has always been a brand that was a representation of luxury and elegance. Their brand is all about effortless beauty, making the user feel beautiful while not looking like they are overly made-up and cake-faced. Everytime I use Guerlain cosmetic products, it just makes me look like a way better version of myself (e.g. see picture below). 

Guerlain has released a few new items for fall, and I decided to include the majority of them in a makeup look below ~ the only thing that is not from Guerlain is the lashes, shadow and brows. 


Products used to create the look are listed below complete with my opinion on the items:
(L to R): Blurring Active Base ($52) - This is a lightweight primer that feels almost like a moisturizer when applied - it works to smooth out any pores while mattifying the skin. I loved this product and it's a must buy!

Lingerie de Peau Aqua Nude - 02N Light ($60) - I have been a huge fan of the original Lingerie De Peau foundation, you can read my review of it here. This is the much lighter foundation that offers a natural sheer finish and packs a lot of hydrating properties and acts like skincare. The only con of this product is the dispenser - it is an auto drip formula which can get quite messy at times when trying to put the lid back as it is such a light and liquidy/watery product.

Meteorites Baby Glow Touch - Golden Glow ($48) - The ever so famous Meteorites in powder pearl form, is now a highlighting stick which means you can easily take this on the go with you. Add this to your cheekbones and you have a subtle highlight that makes you look like you have cheekbones of a model. This product delivers more impact than the powder in my opinion. 

In the first horizontal large picture below of me, you can see how natural it looks on my cheeks juxtaposed to the photo on the immediate bottom left, where I don't have the product on and just the Terracotta Sun Trio.

Terracotta Sun Trio - Natural ($63) - This is a bronzer and contour packed in one compact. The powder is finely milled and deposits the right amount of product on your face that delivers a "just got back from a tropical getaway" bronze to your face. It is a true bronze that does not make you look like an oompa loompa. This is probably one of the first products that drew me into the Guerlain brand and wanting to try more products. It is pricey, but a little goes a long way and there has truly been no better bronzer I've tried.

(L to R): Kiss Kiss Lip Lift Primer ($44) - This product is a great lip primer, it fills any fine lines you may have on the lips. It makes your lips look a bit more plump and I am in love with it! If you have difficulties with pulling off any bolder colors because of any textures on your lip, or you are scared of bleeding out of the lines - then you have to try this!

Kiss Kiss Matte - M330 Spicy Burgundy ($44) - This is a true matte lipstick that is pigmented and not drying at all. It also contains oils and hyaluronic acid to provide moisture to the lips throughout the day - a definite must purchase! Take a look at the swatch on the trio pic below on the furthest right, it's gorgeous!

Intense Liquid Matte - M71 Exciting Pink ($40) - This liquid lipstick is a lightly whipped formula packed with hyaluronic acid - a product I've raved about countless of times here on the blog. As a result, your lips will never feel dry and cracked, but hydrated. This lasted on my lips until I had a meal - so a few hours which I don't personally mind. I find long lasting liquid lips to be too drying.

Pictured above - the Meteorites Baby Glow Touch Highlighter stick and Aqua Nude foundation.

Pictured below on the left: The foundation with just the lip primer on my lips and the Terracotta trio for a warm and healthy glow. In the middle - is the liquid matte lipstick in M71. On the right is the Kiss Kiss Matte in M330 Spicy Burgundy. 
   

I hope you enjoy the two looks I have created with the products above (and two different lip swatches). Of items I've mentioned, I highly suggest you pick up the Terracotta Trio, the Blurring Active Base Primer, Matte Lipstick and Lip Primer!

Until next time, XO - M. 

*products mentioned in this post were sent to me for review, all opinions are my own