full face ft. new makeup and MUFE Star Lit Powders*


It's been a while since I did a full face of make-up featuring brand new products, I decided that it would be the perfect time now, as I do have quite a few new items sent to me for review that I should make use of. I had recently came back from the Dominican and with my tan, I was finally able to match the Dermablend foundation that I received from an event end of last year. Even though I was shade matched at the event, I'm not sure why I was given such a dark shade? Maybe it was the wrong one packed into my tote bag, but hey, it works for me now! I will be doing a review of that foundation soon, as the focus of this post is on the beautiful Make Up For Ever Star Lit Powders.

 The three shades I was graciously sent from left to right below, include 13 (ivory), 19 (ultramarine) and 02 (frozen gold). The swatches you see below are with ONE FINGER SWIPE. You can see how pigmented they are, especially the ultramarine blue. The minute I saw the blue, I knew I had to have it and was inspired to create a look (the one featured below).  These pigments are finely milled and buttery soft. If you are using them on your lid, I highly suggest that you use a cream base so that it has something to stick to - when I used the blue and didn't originally use any cream base, it did move around - however, the minute I laid it on top of a cream stick shadow base, it stuck and didn't budge. 

 
 

I applied Copacabana, a coral on my cheeks, used the M-646 from MUFE on my crease and S-920 on my inner half of the lid. I used no.19 the ultramarine on the outer half of the lid (as mentioned above) and on my bottom lash one, and buffed it out with M-646 to diffuse the harsh lines. 


Products used to create this look include:
1. Dermablend - Loose Setting Powder
2. Dermablend - Smooth Liquid Camo - Chestnut
3. Rodial Blusher - Copacabana
4. Esquido Lash Glue
5. House of Lashes - Fake Lashes from Sephora Holiday collection
6. Milani - Brow Shaping Clear Wax
7. MAC - Coquette (used as brow powder)
8. Bare Minerals Gen Nude Radiant Lipstick - Tutu
9.  NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil - Black Bean
10. MUFE Starlit Powders - 19 (blue), 13 (champagne) and 02 (white iridescence gold)
11. MUFE Shadows in M-646 (light brown for crease) and S-920 (purple I used on inner half of the lid).

I typically only like to post 2 pictures of my look but  I had to post several just so that you can see how beautiful the blue is! 

 
Can we also take a moment to appreciate how beautiful the highlight is? I used no.13 on my upper cheekbones, and also I popped some no.02 on my inner corners as highlight.

I really highly suggest that you pick these up! Of course I would say pick up no. 19 the blue, but if you're not that adventurous, pick up no. 13 the champagne and you can use it as a highlighter and as an eyeshadow! 

Until next time, XO - M.
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Pixi Beauty - Hello Rose! Kit - Review and Swatches *


It's been a while since I've reviewed anything from Pixi, you can see my last post here. This month's focus is on achieving that Spring Time glow with the Hello Rose Kit that's newly launched from Pixi Beauty. 

This set includes:
1) Glow Booster in PinkPearl – sheer pearly pink, 
2) Beauty Blush Duo (Rose Gold) – Sheer pink sheen white gold highlight, and lastly the
3) LipLift Max (Sheer Rose)

 
 

How to use the kit, as recommended on their site: 
• Step 1: Apply Glow Booster to the skin or add it to your base to create a beautiful sheen
• Step 2: Use blush to add colour to the apples of cheeks and the highlight to achieve a glowing finish from the Beauty Blush Duo
•Step 3: Wear the lip plumping gloss alone or over your favorite lip color

Thoughts on the kit:
My favorite product would have to me the Glow Booster - it gives a beautiful golden pink sheen to your skin. You can either mix it into your foundation to give a dewy finish, or you can pat it on your cheekbones for the highlighted look. If you want to make an even bigger impact, you can add some extra powder highlight over the Glow Booster on your cheekbones.

The lip plumping gloss, though a plumping gloss, does not burn your lips and tingle like a lot on the market that I know of. It is however a little tacky so your hair will get caught in it :) I really liked the mauvey tone of this gloss it allowed for the look to be like a "my lips but better" feel.

The blush in the duo pan in my honest opinion is a bit disappointing to me personally (even though I believe you get a full size product), as you can see in the swatches above, it is VERY faint in color so it didn't show up on me. That is with a few swipes too. I know I do have a tan since I came back from vacation, so it might work for the paler skin girls. The highlight side of the duo pan though is GORGEOUS and that is really pigmented! I swatched the highlight first, then the blush, and then the blush and highlight together on the bottom. You can see that the blush does end up washing out the color of the highlight a bit when blended together so I think the true beauty is to just use the highlight on its own.
I do believe that this kit allows you the chance to try out a variety of products offered from Pixi Beauty at about $10 cad for each product.

Until next time, XO - M


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GLISS™ Hair Repair By Schwarzkopf - Extra Volume Collection Review*


New to Canada, GLISS™ Hair Repair by Schwarzkopf is a global leader in hair-repair innovation for more than 60 years and is available in several countries around the globe. With nearly 200 MILLION products sold worldwide each year, GLISS™ is NOW available in Canada at Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix stores.

GLISS™ Hair Repair products are designed to help restore dry hair, breakage and split ends; colour-treated, tinted and highlighted hair; and fine, lifeless hair that lacks volume. The brand’s unique liquid keratin formulas have been shown to provide visible results in lab tests for colour retention, reducing breakage, adding volume, strength, softness, shine and manageability.

Did you know that hair is comprised of 80% keratin? it is a protein that gives hair its structure, strength and elasticity. Damaged hair loses keratin, resulting in a severely weakened hair structure. GLISS™ formulas contain hair-identical keratin that helps repair the hair from the inside out.

They have a series of products/lines that addresses different hair concerns - they are: 
1) Gliss Ultimate Repair 
2) Gliss Ultra Moisture 
3) Gliss Color Guard 
4) Gliss Oil Nutriitve and 
5) Gliss Extra Volume (which is what I was sent). 

I decided to go with GLISS™ Extra Volume as once again for those who are followers of my blog, will know that I have constantly battled wtih hair that is lack volume and prone to thinning. The site mentions that this collection is designed to provide long-lasting volume and strength for fine, flat, lifeless hair and it is enriched with Collagen Complex to repair inner hair damage and lifts hair from root to tip. The result is said to give your hair a natural, weightless volume and bounce. It is available in Shampoo, Conditioner, and Lift-Up Spray. 

GLISS™ products are now available at Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix stores across Canada at $9.99 (suggested retail price).



GLISS Extra Volume Shampoo

I cant even begin to talk about how much I LOVE the scent of this product - seriously, I love it so much that I actually want to bottle this into a body mist and spritz it all over me. I am NOT exaggerating at all.

This product is a gel-like formula, it is clear and you only need a little amount to work up a good lather. It leaves your hair weightless and feeling clean without feeling stripped or the opposite, having gunk in your hair.




 GLISS Extra Volume Conditioner

This conditioner is thinner in consistency and is not thick like a mask. It detangles your hair and washes off easily. It coats the hair to leave it manageable and easy to style. There is no built up residue afterwards either.




GLISS Extra Volume Lift-Up Spray

I like to apply this directly to my roots before I blow dry my hair. I use two squirts max though and then gently massage it over my scalp. I find that if I use 3 or more, I do feel the product on my hair when it is dry. It has a sticky-like texture if too much is used.

This works well to oompf the roots and leave it very voluminous.

Overall, I do agree that it helps to boost volume, my hair stayed voluminous all day and didn't get greasy mid day or become deflated. The only problem though, which is weird, is that I found myself loosing alot more hair when I showered and I could see it accumulate in the drain. So that is the weird part - the fact that I'm loosing more hair, BUT the finished product was very voluminous. For now, I am sticking to the conditioner and the root lifting spray and it seems to be working well. 

Until next time, XO - M. 
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February 2017 Favorites


I can't believe that my last favorites post was in October 2016, I was meaning to do a 2016 year end favorites but I honestly just didn't get around with it - and I think it's a bit too late now to do a year in review favorites.. oops! Life and scheduling just got too hectic and I slipped behind... oops.. sorry! 

I'm trying to limit my monthly favorites now to just 10 items - I think that it forces me to really narrow down what I really enjoyed using - and also allow me to cover both skincare, haircare as well as cosmetics. 


My list of items include:
2. OUAI - Dry Shampoo Foam
3. Holista - Tea Tree Oil
6. Rodial - Eyeshadow Palette
7. NARS - Velvet Lip Glide - Bound
8. Sephora - Daily Brush Cleanser
9. Tarte - Amazonian Clay 12-hour blush - Paaarty

I have broken them down by category to make for my reviews easier to navigate:

COSMETICS:
 
Dior - Addict Lip Sugar Scrub
Cold weather means dry lips that are prone to cracking and peeling (so attractive). While this is a luxury product, I do enjoy it very much. the larger granules in this scrub, plus the bullet lipstick formula means that I do not have to dig my finger in a pot (unhygienic) to apply it on my lips. I have tried other brands in bullet form before, however the sugar bits are too fine for me to feel like it is doing anything substantial. I feel like this one truly works, even after using it once (meaning immediately) as it buffs away the dead skin and leaves a subtle pink tint. This product isn't fragranced like 

Dior - Nude Air Luminizer Powder in 003
Buttery, smooth and pigmented - this product gives you a golden glow that makes you look ethereal and highlighted. You can either use this to add a subtle glow to your cheeks, or build it up to pack a punch.

Rodial - Eyeshadow Palette
I love this palette and used it in this look so please head on over to that post to see my thoughts.

NARS - Velvet Lip Glide - Bound
The name of this product is exactly the description of it - it is velvety and glides on the lip. This is a perfect dusty rose nude color and looks gorgeous with any look. I haven't stopped wearing it since I bought it!

Tarte - Amazonian Clay 12-hour blush - Paaarty
I've been pairing this blush with the NARS bound lip glide - they compliment each other perfectly in the rose nude aspect.

Guerlain - La Petite Robe Noire Black Lashdress Mascara
I wrote a review about this mascara here - this is one high end mascara that I will definitely repurchase! follow the post link to read all about my thoughts.


MISCELLANEOUS:


Holista - Tea Tree Oil
I have been using this now as a spot treatment for any breakouts and it's been working really well or any type of skin irritation in terms of bites.


I bought this during the VIB Rouge event last month and have been using it every other day to spot clean my brushes. It does have a oil-slick like finish to it which conditions the brushes as it cleans. But this stuff really works. One spray and I can generally get one eye brush clean. I typically need 2-3 pumps for a face brush. I will continue to repurchase this.


HAIRCARE:

I use this on my damp ends before I blow dry my hair and I really like the scent as well as the protection it gives to my ends as I blow dry my hair and straighten it at likest 4-5 times a week. It does not leave a residue or weigh your hair down which is an added bonus.


This is a very innovative product and I was quite skeptical as to whether it would work. It is a mousse formulation that you dispense onto your hand and then apply and work through your hair. It honestly does help you with second day hair and to get rid of the grease, however this product you MUST work in small quantities - if you use too much you DO feel product buildup. It's a fine art of balancing and finessing the right amount. But when you do, you feel refreshed, look like you just got a blow out and looks fabulous!


What have been some of your favorites this month? I'd love to hear from you!
Until next time, XO - M.
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What's new in Wet n Wild's 2017 Collection - Review, Swatch and Look*


Wet n Wild Cosmetics has honestly stepped up their game in the last year! To be honest, I wasn't drawn to their make-up before as nothing ever really caught my attention when browsing the product line in the aisle. Drugstore cosmetics in the past was something that was boring, and uninteresting - but it seems like a few specific brands like Wet n Wild for example, has done an excellent job in all the new products they launched the past year!  I was very worried that the make-up was being hyped up by various bloggers - but honestly, it isn't/wasn't at all. Just keep on reading below to see the products I would recommend, love and repurchase again! Also, I used the products to create a look, swatch and also of course I've included mini reviews of each of the products below... 
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LACC Luxury Nail lacquer Review and Swatches*


I was offered an opportunity to try out LACC polishes after having my eye on them on Instagram and on various nail polish sites for a while. I was first drawn to them because of their unique packaging and logo, and then was captivated by them even more with the colors that they offered. ALl of their polishes are 10 toxin-free. What does that mean you may ask? 10 toxin-free means the following, that they are: 
cruelty-free
vegan-friendly
gluten-free
paraben-free
water & air permeable
breathable
fast-drying
high-shine
long-lasting
UV protector


I put these polishes to the test, wearing them for a full week, while I do my chores, cooking and cleaning as well as washing dishes and quite surprisingly they lasted well - I only got 1-2 tiny chips (if any) and the rest was caused my regular wear down - i.e. just fading on the tips. I utterly loved the formulation of these polishes - the brush was wide enough and allowed for effortless application. To be honest, this has slowly surpassed OPI and Essie. I mean, OPI does offer a larger color range as they have ALOT more colors, but LACC - the colors they have, they do them extremely well. Out of the 6 colors sent to me, there isn't one that I didn't like. Most colors could easily pass with one coat - the only one that required two was the ballerina pink (1992).  I also prefer the brush of this over Essie!

I've attached some swatches of the colors below for your viewing pleasure: 
1992, 1997
 
 
1988, 1960

1998, 1966
 
1945

Out of all the polishes, only 1945 left a bit of staining around the cuticle area when the polish was removed, but it was gone after a day or two of regular hand washing. Look just how vibrant and rich 1945 is though, I mean it's thoroughly worth it. 

Lastly, their 2013 topcoat is a quick dry high gloss top coat that is well worth a try. For those of you who have been a long time reader, you will know that I am a die hard fan of the Nails Inc 45 second caviar top coat, however this one works just the same. It is a thin formula, almost water like that is not thick and gel like that doesn't spread easily on the nail (which causes ripple marks on the nail if it doesn't cover the entire polish when applied and dried). 

Which color is your favorite? I can't wait to add more of these to my collection ~ I want it all!! :) So in love with the formulation, the packaging as well as the colors! 

Until next time, XO - M. 

*products were sent for my review and consideration, all opinions are my  own.

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Makeup Monday: Smokey Eye Glam ft. Rodial *



My experience with Rodial has always been with their skincare, and so far it's been a fantastic one. It was only until the end of last year, was I introduced to their sculpting and banana powder that quickly made it to my monthly favorites. Last month, I was given the opportunity to try a few more products from their company to which I immediately said yes. 


The products that were sent to me include (I have all of these products swatched below):
1. Eyeshadow Palette ~ very buttery and pigmented in its finish - you can see below in the look I created that the color payoff is there, I didn't even have to use a colored base to make the dark shades to pop (which I typically have to do with most shadows).

2. Liquid Liner ~ its matte, its black and has a felt pen tip. I love this product however, make sure you let this product thoroughly dry before you use your setting spray only because I have found that it will transfer if you don't. With my two other liquid liners I often use, I dont typically have to wait for it to dry first - so just make sure you let it dry and then you're okay to go. 

3. Suede Lips - Big Apple ~ When I wore this lipstick, I got plenty of compliments. It's a beautiful darker nude tone with a brown rosey pink tone. It's once agian, very pigmented it glides on effortlessly to the lips WITHOUT any tugging at all. I want more of these! 

4. Instaglam Glow ~ This is a twist up liquid highlighter with a brush tip. If you are a lover of highlighters you need this, definitely. When you first dispense this product, there is a good amount of playing time, but once it sets, that's it - IT. IS. SET. I can aggressively run my finger over it, and yet it will not budge. It's beautiful - you can juts see it below. 


 


I applied shade 1 all over the lid, then took shade 4 with a big fluffy crease brush all over the lid. I applied shade 5 with a more defined crease brush and applied it with more focus on the outer V. Afterwards, I pat shade 6 all over the lid and blended it together again with shade 5 to erase the harsh lines. 

For the bottom last line, I took shade 5 on the outer lash line and then shade 4 to diffuse it a bit.

I contoured with the Instaglam Compact Deluxe Contouring Powder  and set my concealer with the Instaglam Compact Deluxe Banana Powder. 

The black matte shadow is so pigmented that I didn't even need to apply any eyeliner in the look. I did apply the Suede Lips in Big Apple. The shadows were honestly so velvety and easy to blend that it made my smokey look creation effortless and not intimidating. I rarely do a smokey eye, actually I dont think I've done a black smokey eye before for the blog? but this actually made me want to try it out and I am IN LOVEEEEEEEEEE with the final result. 


I highly suggest that you try out the cosmetics from Rodial, whether or not you're already a fan of their skincare - the powder products I've tried are some of the most finely milled and pigmented buttery soft ones - can't wait to get my hand son more!

Until next time, XO - M

*Products were sent to me for my consideration ~ all opinions are my own
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Avon True Color Spring 2017 and Joffrey Dumas' Picks - Review and Swatches*


The Avon True Color Collection stands by the saying that the color you buy is the color you apply. The products in this range have Avon's True Color technology - rich pigments are blended into their pure formulas for colors that stay true to what you see when applied.


I was sent a few products from the range to try-out and I have included swatches below for your review - it should be noted that all the swatches are with one swipe only. On the left, we have the 8-in-1 eyeshadow palette that can be applied wet or dry. The swatches below feature them dry, and you can already see the pigmentation it leaves. Imagine them wet, they will actually look really foiled! This palette is called Smokey Nights and is $15. On the right are swatches of the lip gloss in Citrus Shine, two lipsticks the lighter one in Peony Blush and the darker in Berry Sangria. Lastly, we have the Be Blushed Cheek Color in Blushing Nude. This product leaves a coral tint to your cheeks that looks youthful and dewy and very natural. 

 

Within the Avon True Color Collection, there is also a few special pieces that are hand selected as Joffrey Dumas' Picks. Joffrey is a make-up artist with over 21 years of experience with make-up that has made its way to the runway, television and and theatres. He is particularly famous with Canadian models and celebrities.



First, we have the Matte Eye Shadow Quad in Gilded Metallics (swatches below). The name of the quad is a tad misleading as only the lightest shade, no.1 is matte. All the other shades have a slight shimmer to it. The shadows are very buttery however are not as pigmented as the one stated above.

The single shadow in Midnight Sparkler should be applied wet or over a cream base. As you can see from the swatch below, when swatched dry on its own, it was a bit muted however when patted on top of the Glimmersticks Waterproof Eyeliner in Midnight Blue, you can see that it just brings life into the jewel toned royal blue. 

The two lip products he picked are Beyond Color Lipstick SPF 15 in Truffle (the burgundy one) and Perfectly Matte Lipstick in Perfectly Nude (which is a true nude with a slight peach shade). The Truffle shade is perfect for the summer (or any color in that range) as it contains the SPF to protect the lips  (something we often forget about). Perfectly Nude is actually a very smooth lipstick for a matte and is weightless on the lips and doesn't make you look ghastly. 

I truly appreciate that the Perfectly Matte Lipstick has such amazing packaging that you can see in the picture below, it has a clear top which allows you to see what color lipstick you're using. Nothing is worse that blindly picking up lipsticks and trying to determinate through the names, what colors they are (especially if you have a larger collection). 

Lastly, we have the Super Extend Nourishing Mascara - this one is eye popping shade called Navy Marine. The short bristles on this wand allow each lash to easily be coated. 

 

Until next time, XO - M.
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Dior Colour Gradation - Spring 2017 Collection Review and Swatches*


This Spring, Dior brings to you a few new and super gorgeous and glowing highlighters - they are the Diorskin Nude Air Luminizer Powders - ($68/each). I received shade 002 - a light pearlescent pink toned highlight and shade 003 a golden champagne toned one. In the swatch pictures below, that is only with one finger swipe. I found that through my application trials, the best way to put this powder on your cheeks is honestly with the kabuki brush they included. I know that most brands, when they include brushes, it's a waste of space - but this one is so densely packed with care that it's all in all a quality product. I like to apply this to my cheekbone as well as on the brow bone and an inner eye highlight. I've used the golden champagne shade as an all over lid color as well :) 

Below for the swatch pic - we have 1) Rouge Dior Lipstick - 745 Insolent Matte 2) Rouge Dior Lipstick - Chococlate Matte 3) Dior Addict Lip Glow - Berry 4) Diorskin Nude Air Luminizer Powders - 002 and then 003 beneath it. 

 
 

The extreme weather we've been having this winter has left my lips dry, cracked and peeling. And to be honest, applying lipstick on them, especially liquid or matte lipsticks might not be so appealing if you do not properly care for and prep them first. The Dior Addict Lip Sugar Scrub Sweet Exfoliating Balm (left - $41)  is a nourishing lip balm that contains actual grains of sugar that help to gently exfoliate the lips. The sugar of course leaves a sweet taste to your lips but if you wanted to, you can just leave your lips as is after this treatment. You do not actually see the granules on your lips after - it just leaves a light shine to the lips and you feel them moisturized and soft. 

Next, if you are familiar with the other three colors that were previously released for the Dior Addict Lip Glow ($41), you will be pleased to know that they have added one more color to their family, a plum berry shade called Berry. I've been using the original for a few years now, and and really want to add Lilac to my collection.

Above I have the Sugar Scrub on my lips with Diorskin Air Luminizer Powder in 001 (look at that glow! It's with one sweep (dry, not applied with a damp brush).

The Dior Matte Lipsticks are unlike any matte lipsticks I've tried - while Matte, they are actually so smooth, so weightless and literally just glides on like butter. It doesn't dry out your lips, it doesn't settle and crack and it's pigmented. One swipe, not patchy at all. I HIGHLY suggest that you go try these out! I was sent two shades to try, one a pink brown toned shade called Insolent 745 (left in the swatch pic below) and a true brown in 990 Chocolate (right).

I really wish that I could pinpoint on ONE specific product to get, but I don't think I can this time. The matte lipsticks are truly revolutionary in its formulation so you must try those, and the highlighters are really beautiful - so I'd say definitely give those two a try ASAP :) 

Until next time, XO - M. 

*press samples featured
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