My Beauty & Skincare Haul - May 2018


I know what you're thinking, why is Miranda buying makeup and skincare items when she already reviews them? I hear this so many times from friends and family and it's frustrating because I honestly am a beauty and skincare junkie and I pride myself in that - haha! I often make purchases of things I obviously like, and of new up and coming items that I want to try out. Sometimes, I will buy something because it's just so damn pretty and I neeeeeeeed it! 

I rarely do these types of posts so I thought I'd share with you my haul from the month of May and to share my thoughts on the items with you as well!

1. Marc Jacobs Coconut Omega Bronzer 
This item flew off the shelves like hot cakes last year, and then it did so again this year. I wanted to buy this last year but it sold out honestly so quickly and this year I think within a few weeks it was gone and now it's off the site. It's a finely milled perfectly milled bronzer that makes you look sunkissed and bronzed. 

This bronzer is cream based so it gives you a very natural finish. It blends out like a dream and does not give off an orange tone.

I have used this product for years and purchased this as a backup since it was on sale for $12. It covers any uneven surfaces and fills in the pores so that your makeup can be applied smoothly. It dries upon application and does not leave any residues. Sometimes I just use this on my no make-up days and it just helps to blur the skin out a bit. This will always be a repurchase for me.

If you are a lover of the Orgasm line, then these two beauties should be added to your collection. The lip balm is quite sheer but so hydrating! It leaves a subtle golden glow to the lips that reflect the light beautifully. The loose powder is tinted so you can either use it as a highlight or as a blush (depending on what you like). When applied as a blush it is a much more concentrated version of the blush. You can also apply this on my collar bones or parts of the body you want to accentuate.

I have only tried one shade of this shadow but when I swatched this at the store they were all beautiful gemstone colors (as the name suggests). This can easily be applied on top of a cream base to draw out the color and shine.

These three products from LUSH are all repurchases for me. The NEW bar is excellent for hair re-growth and the two body washes are my favorite from LUSH besides Lord of Misrule but that is a holiday one and Yuzu and Cocoa Cream which is now discontinued. 

What were some of your purchases lately? Have you tried anything listed above? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Until next time, XO - M.

Tutorial: Quick and Easy Mommy Makeup Routine*


Being a new mom who spends a majority of her days at home, there really is no need for me to put on make-up to be honest, but there are times when I have to go out to run an errand or two that I just don't want to look like a complete zombie or hot mess. Below you will find that I have used some staple products to create a really quick natural look to just help me feel more polished and put together. It's quick, it's easy and most of all it took me only 5 minutes. 

I know that most of you may be intimidated or think, how can I do this in under 5 minutes? but honestly practice makes perfect and obviously you need to make sure you have good products that you trust. 

Before & After

Products for the Face include:
Face Powder: Charlotte Tilbury - Air Brush Flawless Finish (medium)
Highlighter: Wet n Wild - MegaGlo Liquid Highlighter*
Blush: Annabelle - Perfect Cream Blush*

For the eyes + lips:
Undereye Corrector: Becca - Undereye Brightening Corrector (light-medium)
Concealer: Urban Decay - All Nighter Waterproof Full-Coverage Concealer (med-light neutral)*
Setting Powder for underyee: Too Faced - Kandee Johnson - Banana Pudding Powder
Eyeliner: Annabelle - Brush Tip Eyeliner*
Brows: Wet n Wild - Ultimate Brow Retractable*
Lips: Lipstick Queen - Nothing but the Nudes (The Truth)*

The key to a quick make-up application, like I mentioned above, is having products that work! The key products here that I need (if nothing else was included) is the Becca undereye brightening corrector and concealer with some blush. Those three products help to hide the panda eye circles and the blush adds some color/life to my face! 

Until next time, XO - M. 

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

Review & Swatch: Sally Hansen Pastel Punk Collection*


This is my first time being sent PR by Sally Hansen and I am ecstatic to have the opportunity to review their products. I have been a user of Sally Hansen nail polish since I was a teen, in fact I remember them being one of my first polishes as it was such an affordable drugstore find. My mom and grandma would buy me bottles of their polishes and that began my love of doing my own nails. I remember that I used their polish even for Prom, it was a pearl coloured one, to match my gown. 

The collection I received was the newest one, which is called Pastel Punk Collection by Miracle Gel. There are 6 colors total and I have swatched them below for you. I used two coats to achieve an even layer and it lasted over a week without any major chips.

I have included a picture above of what my nails looked like after a week - some minor chips and wear on one finger right at the edge which is great. I have used some high-end polishes that are 3-4x the price of this and it chips in huge chunks after 2-3 days. I also did a fun abstract design to show you how you can use the collection all at once to showcase the colors vs. one at a time.

Until next time, XO - M.

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

Review: LaCoupe Naturals Collection ~ Moroccan Rose*


LaCoupe, with its 50 years of salon quality creations has recently introduced four collections of product that embrace the motto "In with the good, out with the bad"! These collections are silicone, sulfate, paraben, petroleum and GMO-free. There are no DEAs, dyes or harsh salts and is never tested on animals and comes in recyclable packaging. 

The four collections are:
1. Coconut Milk to nourish dry hair and replenish it. 
2. Fresh Avocado for deep hydration and frizz control.
3. Moroccan Rose for extra body and shine for dry hair.
4. Royal Honey to revive and repair overworked hair.

Again, for those of you who have been reading my blog for a while now, will know that I have thin hair that gets oily quite easily, so based on my hair profile I was sent the Moroccan Rose to try out. This collection is said to help thinning hair look fuller by strengthening it with a healthy dose of biotin and collagen for luscious locks.

 
The Shampoo and Conditioner retail for $9.99 each and contains 500 ml. The best part of this is that the product is housed in a pump dispenser which makes for convenience in the shower. This is crafted with a natural blend of Moroccan Rose, Biotin and Collagen to promote fullness for fine and thinning hair. It also contains coconut water and 100% pure aloe leaf juice leaves for softer and shinier hair. 

Thoughts ~ the shampoo and conditioner are great, did exactly what it said without weighing my hair down and kept it hydrated and moisturized. The conditioner worked well but doesn't have its usual slippery texture, you just have to trust that it works to hydrate the ends of your hair. 


The Mousse is also $9.99 but for 200ml. It is said to be lightweight and thickens and boosts volume for thin and limp hair. It is infused with biotin and collagen like the shampoo and conditioner. It contains a rich blend of natural moisturizers and exotic oils as well to add volume and pump hair. The best part is that it contains thermal protective formulas that shields against future damage. 

Thoughts ~ the mousse is lightweight and thickens the roots as it says. One important thing to note is it really holds the shape of what you set it as after it is dried so leave your hair down. I had my hair clipped half up, and my hair ended up in that shape (not that its a horrible thing) because it actually helped to make my hair look thicker. 

Until next time - XO, M

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

Review & Tutorial: Spring Makeup-Look ft. all new makeup!


Spring is here and it's the perfect time for a light and natural look with sheer washes of color and a subtle highlight to make yourself glow! I have used the following products listed below to create the look in this blog and have also added a short review of the items as well! This entire look is created with brand new make-up recently launched, so if you're interested in this look then keep on reading below.


Tutorial: How to apply fake nails at home with KISS*


Ever wanted beautiful salon nails but didn't want to splurge on it, or commit to it and risk the chance of damaging your nails? Well, KISS has been making gorgeous, on-trend false nails and they sent me a few sets to review. I remember that I used false nails when I went to prom because I didn't want to get gel or acrylic nails since I played piano back then and obtaining the length I desired just wouldn't be wise. I would be clicking and clacking on the piano keys. Back then, I didn't really know the best way to do this so I would always either make a mistake, pick the wrong the nail size or figure out later on that I used the wrong nail and didn't have one for a similar nail size - for e.g. index finger vs. ring finger. 

If you want to learn how I apply the nails now then just keep on reading below....

Review: TWELVElittle - On-The-Go Stroller Caddy*


Being a new mom/parent means being faced with a long list of items you would need to purchase for the arrival of your little one. Diaper Bags, are one of the key items that you need to take with you when you're out and about as it holds all of the essentials you will need to get you through your outing - diapers, diaper pad, change of clothing, wet wipes, formula, bibs .. so on and so forth. Of course there are tons of options out there on the market right now, each with a specific feature offered by that one brand so when I was contacted by TWELVElittle I was really excited to check out this brand as I wasn't too familiar with it before. 

First things first, I chose the On-The-Go Stroller Caddy in the Stripe Print which retails for $144 approx cad. It comes with  set of stroller clips that you can attach onto the stroller bar (as you can see in the image below with the leather straps) and also has a detachable long strap that you can use as a crossbody or over the shoulder traditional diaper bag (as seen below as well). The leather straps are very good quality and are leather embossed with their logo - I appreciate the little details in a product as its the quality that makes them stand out.


The Ju Ju Be Diaper Bag pictured below is the BFF style, that is quite popular as well (I had purchased this months before I was due) and I put it side by side with the On-The-Go Caddy from TWELVElittle as a size comparison if you're interested to see. You can tell that the one on the left is much more structured in shape and shorter in height as compared to the BFF bag on the right. 


The top of the On-The-Go Stroller Caddy has a zipper for easy access into the contents of the bag, and the interior has multiple sections to house your needs. The sections are already divided so there is no flexibility in changing that around if you really wanted to do that. The main flap is also held down by a hidden magnetic closure in the front so that accessing the bag is easy and effortless, no need to fumble over zippers. If you want that added security though, there is that small leather snap closure you can use to buckle in your contents, but I found that the magnetic closure was strong enough to keep it closed all day.


Below is an overview of what is in my bag - what I love most is the compartment on the left as you can see is an entirely seperate compartment dedicated for your babywipes that is actually accessible via a flap outside (also held down by a magnetic closure). You can see what it looks like below as well. I found this super convenient as I can just open that flap, pull out a wipe, and thats it which makes wiping my baby's hands or mouth (those quick moments you need one) super quick. 

If you are interested, I keep the diaper wipes on the left, in the middle compartment houses all my feeding necessities - formula, bottles, bib and diapers. On the right contains the changing stuff - so the extra clothes and a wet bag just in case. 

What I really do hope is that there was a section for diaper changing pads as I like to use one when I'm in public using the diaper changing tables. I found it a bit cumbersome to have to fold the blue disposable ones and put it back in here everytime. If there was a section in the back horizontally (accessible from outside) for the changing pad, that would make this the perfect bag.



As you can see the below pictures features the crossbody strap. I wore the bag so that you can see that it really isn't huge and that it is fairly compact and put on my stroller as well you can see that with either the leather straps or the crossbody straps it works out well. I typically keep my diaper bag on the crossbody bag just so that it is easier to take off and take on the go, as well as to put my stroller away in the trunk.

 

Overall, for the price point and what this diaper bag offers, I have to say that it is a great buy - it also comes in a few patterns so you have some variety in terms of style to cater to both you and your partner.

Until next time, XO - M.

*product was sent to me for review, all opinions are my own

My Sephora VIB ROUGE Spring 2018 Haul


I have done this type of post before where I like to post my haul from the Sephora VIB Rouge Events. If you would like to see my previous ones, click here. This time, I restocked on some of my favorites (which proves how much I really do love it, like the Nails Inc 45 second caviar top coat). In addition, it was a great time to try some new items out that I've had my eye on in a while to see if it works for me or not. If you're interested in my thoughts below (I also did a small review of the products I got since some time has passed now), then keep on reading below...

Review & Tutorial: Effortless Beauty with Annabelle and Marcelle Cosmetics*


Being a mom to a newborn means that I no longer have the luxury to sit at my vanity and take the time I need to figure out what products to use, go through trial and error... and eventually get to a make-up look I like before I leave the house. I need products that I can rely on, that I know will work when I'm on a time crunch and have only a few minutes to make myself look put together to head out the door. 

Annabelle and Marcelle have created some items that I have fallen in love with through time and they are one of the drugstore brands that I know I can count on to do what I need. For example, their mascaras are amazing and I always keep a few on hand. With their mascaras, my thin and short lashes look thick and longer and makes my eyes look wider and awake. If you're interested in reading some of my posts about their products that I've reviewed in the past, then click here.

Review: IT Cosmetics - Confidence Skincare Collection*


I am quite the fan of the cosmetics side of IT Cosmetics and have written about it on my blog a few times. They recently were kind enough to send me their Confidence Skincare collection for review. 

Review: Shaking things up with Joico!*


For those who know me, will know that my fine limp hair is always a concern of mine. I love having long hair, I used to have hair down past my boobs but because I could never get the volume and texture unless I waved my hair everyday (which I never had time to do), it just wasn't the smartest decision to keep my long hair in the long run. So to compromise, I cut my hair to a lob (short back, front long) so that I can keep some length in the front and the shorter layers in the back give me the volume.

When Joico reached out to me and asked if I wanted to try their two newest creations to join their Hair Shake Series, Joico Beach Shake and Joico Body Shake, I had to say yes! (as I would try anything that could give me the possibility of some volume and oompf!)

The concept of this product is that it is a dry styler that gets sprayed to the shaft and roots of your hair to give you texture, thickness and grip. You shake it, spray it and tousle it to what you like and just leave it.  

In the before and after photo - you can see that I have very thin hair on the left. Being postpartum as well means that I am also loosing more hair than I would like. It's hard to hold its shape even if I use my old concoction of dry shampoo and hair spray. It's limp, static-y and just not co-operative. 

I used the Body Shake, which was designed for fine to medium hair on the roots and the upper hair shaft area and instantly I had poofier and more voluminous hair that lasted the majority of the day! I mean, I am a mom now so I didn't have the luxury to keep my hair down all day but for the 5-6 hours it worked. 

 
Left: Body Shake ~ for fine to medium hair | Right: Beach Shake ~ for medium to thick hair.

I highly recommend that if you have the same hair concerns as me, or that you just want some extra volume, that you just need to purchase one of these!

Until next time, XO - M.

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

Belif - Mother’s Day Aqua Bomb Skincare Set*


Mother's Day is fast approaching and I am so excited this year because it will be my first year celebrating it as a mom! I gave birth to my baby in the end of January and it has been the most rewarding experience yet. For those of you looking for some gift ideas for your mom, check out this beautiful pink set from Belif.

It features their ever best selling Aqua Bomb (full-size) and the First Aid Transforming Peel Off Mask with a mini Bergamot Toner. These three products will be perfect for your mom to create a spa-at-home experience. It would actually be really fun for you to do it together with your mom!



Head on over to your closest Belif location and grab one :) I know that they will love it for sure. The gentle and cooling formula of the Aqua Bomb is perfect for the summer months now, it's not too heavy nor sticky and will provide you with the perfect level of hydration. 

Until next time, XO - M.

*product was sent to me for review - all opinions are my own.

Review & Tutorial: Urban Decay Backtalk Palette*


Urban Decay has released a new face palette called the Backtalk Palette that retails for $59 cad. It features 8 shadows and 2 highlighters and 2 blushes with a double sided mirror that is attached with a magnet and can be detached for convenience. The palette is sleek and great for travel to take with you as it has everything you really need - just bring your favorite brow product with you, eyeliner, mascara and some foundation and concealer and you're good to go! 

I like how this palette is so versatile - you can easily create a warm brown toned look, or even go for something pink toned. This easily goes from day to night as well which is practical and beneficial. 

Here is the palette swatched:

For the look below, I decided to go out of my comfort zone and use some burgundy (something I rarely do) - those who know me will know that I usually go for a neutral brown tone, or a cool toned look and I find reds/fuschias quite intimidating. However, I think that using it as a pop in the center of the lid worked really well and pulled the look together. 

To achieve the look, I used 3 Sheets on my brow bone, took a large fluffy brush and blended Backtalk to my crease. I then took WTF with a defined crease brush and blended it on the outer V and took 180 to concentrate it on the outer third of the eye to define the outer V and blended it on my lower outer half of my lash line and buffed that out with WTF. I took Bare on my inner half of the lid and patted Shade on the middle. I completed my look with Backtalk on the lips and it worked beautifully to tie in the rosey notes.

Until next time, XO - M

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

Review: Avon Anew Sleep Deprived Collection*


Avon recently came out with a gift set, that they were kind enough to send me as I am sleep deprived, is a gift set with the matching name. This is the Anew Sleep Deprived Collection, which retails for $48 and features their Clinical Overnight Hydration Mask (50g) that helps pack moisture to the skin, and the Clinical Eye Lift Pro Dual Eye System (20ml) to help tired eyes look lifted. The set retails for $48 and comes housed in a pretty powder blue satin bag and bow. To be honest, this would make for a great mother's day gift as the products work and the price point is very fair!
 
LEFT: Clinical Eye Lift Pro Dual Eye System  | RIGHT: Clinical Overnight Hydration Mask  

Until next time, XO - M.

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

Review & Demo - Kat Von D Brand New Brow Products


Kat Von D has recently launched some brand new brow products and she has created two different formulations - powder and pomade products with brushes to match. It is also worth nothing that the pomade formulation comes in 16 shades ranging from bold colorful ones to your natural shades so there is something for everyone. For the powder formula, there are 7 shades that are more in the everyday expected colors and that is what I chose to purchase as I typically gravitate to powder products more. In addition, I decided to purchase the Powder Brow Brush to see how it compares to the typical brow brush I have been currently using.


The Brow Powder isn't your typical matte powder that I am used to, this one has micro light catching almost metallic like pigments. I was quite intimidated at first when I saw this, thinking it would be too shimmery however when I swatched it on my hand (see below) the metallic pigments did not show at all. On the site, the description notes that this is a hybrid two-in-one primer and powder formula that enhances grip and wear time while being waterproof and smudge-resistant for up to 12 hours.

I have to be honest that this product effortlessly glided onto my brows without any primer whatsoever. It was extremely pigmented and gave me definition and just beautifully filled in plush brows. I love it! You only need to gently dab your brush into the product once, and it fills half your brow.


In the image above, you can see the difference in the brush. My existing brush, the Sephora Brush was always working very well for me, but when I swatched the powder with the brush onto the back of my hand and then did the same with the Kat Von D brush, you can see the difference in the width. Again, there was nothing wrong with the Sephora brow brush, but you can just see how much more defined the Kat Von D one is. 

I often found that I cannot rush my brow powder application with the Sephora brow brush as it would sometimes accidentally come out too thick (like the image below). However, with the Kat Von D brush, it was a quick and easy application. The comb-like bristels really work well to capture pigment in the hollow areas and it gently gets dispersed onto the brow as you brush through the hairs - it is an innovation product as it means you do not have to constantly dab your brush back into the pan to grab more product and at the same time it will not alter the thickness or width of the application.



Overall, I must say that BOTH products - the brow powder and brush are MUST purchases, I highly recommend them!

Until next time, XO - M.

Review: L'Oreal Pure-Clay Cleansing Mask - Yuzu Lemon*


New to the L'Oreal skincare range, comes the Pure-Clay Clarifying and Smoothing Mask containing one of my favorite ingredients - Yuzu Lemon. This product is said to clarify as well as improving your skin's texture. The mask contains 3 different clays as well as the Yuzu Lemon and micro exfoliating particles to help buff away any dead skin and reveal a smoother surface. 

To use, you apply a thin layer to cleanser skin (avoiding the typical eye and mouth area). Leave it on for 10-15 minutes and wash away - it is recommended to be used twice a week.


Thoughts on the product: I had previously written about the L'Oreal Mask/Scrubs - if you're interested, you can read about it here. Of everything I've tried so far, my favorite scrub would have to be the Kiwi Tighten and Unclog Scrub and the mask/scrub would be this Yuzu one. Not only is the scent so refreshing, but I highly believe that it has brightening properties. I applied it and left it on my face for the recommended 10-15 minutes and when I washed it off, my face instantly looked refreshed and brighter. My skin did not feel stripped, it felt polished from the microbeads and just felt ... clean!

Until next time, XO - M.

*Product was sent to me for consideration, all opinions are my own