As you can see in the picture above, the lip balm is inside the lip-shaped core and the outside is the product that delivers the color to the lips, which as you can see from the swatches above. While these lippies are pricey, I do suggest that you pick up at least one just so you can feel ultra glam using it! :)

Until next time, XO - M.

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

I had recently received some goodies from YSL and you know I'm always down to create a one-brand tutorial! With Halloween coming this week, that means that the Holidays are right around the corner and what better way than to bring around some elegance to your Holiday look with YSL. I have created three looks with their YSL Couture Palette Collector Yconic Purple and two of their Tatouage Couture Metallics Liquid Lips (that I LOVE and have done a previous post about before). If you're interested in seeing some swatches and the look I created, then keep on reading below.

Let's talk Spring right now because the weather outside is horrendous - if you're in the Greater Toronto Area, you will probably have heard of the near 20 cm of snow we're getting - boo! I was fortunate enough to be sent the YSL 2019 Spring Makeup Collection and if you are a reader or follower of my blog, you will know that I am an avid fan of their makeup - from their packaging to some of their formulations. I truly believe that they have come a long way in their formulations in the past year - if you keep reading below you will see which products are a must buy, and whether or not there are any misses and why. If you're interested in my last post about the Holiday collection, you can read all about it here, if not then you can see my other YSL posts here.

This season's packaging is housed in a beautiful iridescent pinkand gold packaging - both remaining true to their standard eyeshadow palette and blush/highlight compact size. Again, the packaging is sleek, luxe and has a nice weight to it that makes you feel super fancy and posh when using it. 

Next, we have the Shimmer Rush Collector Blush Palette, which retails for $78 cad. While the formulation is soft, buttery and smooth it is important to note that it is a very light shade. I am a light-medium neutral in complexion and it hardly shows up on me. I had to end up layering this on top of the YSL Babydoll Duo Stick blush (one of my favs for a natural look). The swatch below is a heavy swatch of about 3-4 swipes, when I just use a fluffy brush to dip into the compact though and then apply to the face, I see the radiance they talk about - similar to a finishing powder. Though this item is beautiful to look at, I would however still recommend sticking with the mutli-use palette above if you had to chose between these two items.

In addition to the palettes, I was also been sent 5 of the 8 new Volupte Plump-in-Colour Lipsticks. I had originally seen this product reviewed on Tati's (Glam Life Guru) Video recently and she had done a horrid review on these lipsticks - saying it burnt her lips and that it made her lips look blue and her circulation was being cut off - which is quite harsh and scary! To be honest, I was a bit hesitant to try these out because I am such a huge fan of YSL lip products, I didn't want this to ruin the streak for me. However, hey It needs to be done! 

I started off by swiping these lipsticks on my arm as you can see below and they glided on effortlessly and beautifully - one swipe, even color distribution and looks wonderful like their other formulations. I saw no evidence of the black and blue markings that Tati mentioned - perhaps maybe she had got a bad batch? who knows - I'm not here to criticize her review, but just simply bringing light to those reading my post that I did not encounter this issue at all. 

This balm also is said to have a subtle plumping effect, which I find to be true - it has a slight tingling sensation, but nothing as extreme as many other ones I have tried in the marketplace - this one did not bother me nor did it over-do it. It just made it look a bit more juicy and at the end of the day this felt weightless, like water on my lips but as you can see in the video - one swipe, leaves behind a glossy look without the tackiness at all. You guys definitely need to go buy one... two... or more of these!ASAP!

From left to right are shades 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 on the far right which is a true red. I think all these colors are great for Spring or even for Valentines coming up!

Which items are your favorite or make you feel most excited about? I'd love to hear from you!

Until next time, XO - M.

* All items are PR samples, minus the Anastasia and Benefit products. 

I still remember when 50 Shades of Grey the book was released and it caused quite the stir, every where you looked on the TTC (they are public trains/buses in the Greater Toronto Area), you couldn't help but notice that someone would be reading one of the books. Well, this February - the 10th to be exact, they are releasing 50 Shades Darker and with that you can expect there to also be new music videos from songs that are in the upcoming movie to be released. This post is inspired by one of the songs "I don't want to live forever" with Taylor Swift and Zayn. 

I remember growing up I used to love to watch this show on Much Music called "Becoming" where everyday people would have the chance to re-create music videos of their pop idols - it was the ultimate fan experience. Well, I decided to be inspired by the most recent music video and recreate the make-up look Taylor Swift had since I saw some of my friends on facebook and also on Instagram taking screenshots of her make-up and saying how gorgeous it is! 

If you haven't seen the video yet, you can watch it below (thanks to YouTube).

The products I used to create the look include:

1. Hourglass Cosmetics - Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick - Nude

2. Bobbi Brown - Creamy Concealer Kit - Natural Tan/Pale Yellow

3. Too Faced - Born This Way Naturally Radiant Concealer - Light Medium*

4. Chanel - Joues Contraste Powder Blush - 160 Innocence

5. Clio - Waterproof Pen Liner - Kill Black

6. Chella - Tantalizing Taupe Eyebrow Pencil

7. Marc Jacobs - 240 About Last Night Eyeshadow Palette*

8. Christian Dior - Diorific Velvet Colour Lipstick - 880 Fascination (Mat)*

9. YSL - Vinyl Cream Lip Stain - 401 Rouge Vinyle*

10. Dark Pink/Red glitter pigment

For the face, most of the products used is pretty self explanatory - however, for the eyes I first took the Marc Jacobs palette below and placed shade 1 all over the lid. Then took shade 2 and buffed it with a loose crease brush on the outer crease. I build on that color by taking shade 3 with a pointed crease brush over the same outer crease area and then with one more thinner crease brush I used shade 4. I took the liquid liner to create a wing and smoked that out by using a flat top brush and shade 5 over the liner. Lastly to complete the look, I used the Annabelle Matte Single Eyeshadow in Pink Lemond on the brow bone and to clean up the crease area.

For the lips:

I used Dior 880 as a base since it has a really dark and rich berry color to create the base. Then I layered the YSL Rouge Vinyl on top to give the lips that beautiful red. The YSL Cream Lip Stain has a liquid formula to begin with so it is a perfect tacky base before it dries, to pat on the glitter and have it adhere to it. Although the glitter I used in this case is fuschia as I don't have a red, I think that the YSL Lip Cream helped to cast a red glow to it.

I hope you enjoy this new type of tutorial I created! Would love any constructive feedback!

Until next time, XO - M.

YSL Beauty creates some gorgeous and luxurious makeup and they are known for how beautiful their products are. However, their limited edition collections are even more jaw dropping than their regular everyday items - I have written about some of them before and you can find it here. This time, I am bringing to you some items from their Holiday 2018 Collection, rightfully named Gold Attraction (as you can see from the photos in this post). The sleek black packaging makes the the gold glitter YSL Logo pop! 

To see swatches of this collection and see what my thoughts are, then keep on reading below.

The Spring 2018 YSL collection is packed with intense colors that contrast, clash and complement each other depending on how they are used in the palette. You can easily use this as a daytime palette and transition it to a night time one by packing on the darker blues - I have used this two different ways below. 

The packaging itself is bright almost lava-lamp like and of course packed in its golden luxe packaging. It's heavy and contains a full sized mirror for convenience on the go. The shadow palette is pigmented and work well even without an eyeshadow base - the center golden shade acts more like a topper, I patted it in the corner of my eyes in the daytime look and a bit over the center of the lid in the night time look below. 

 

Products used to create the look are listed above. 

Until next time, XO - M.

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

Top Row L-R: No.11 and No.16 / Bottom Row L-R: No.5 and No.20

On the face/complexion: 

1. Urban Decay De-Slick Complexion Primer - $38

2. YSL - All Hours Full Coverage Matte Foundation - $65

3. Laura Mercier - Secret Camouflage - $42

4. NARS - Liquid Blush (Torrid) - $38

5. Marc Jacobs - #Instamarc Light Filtering Contour Powder - $61

6. Urban Decay - Naked Skin Highlighting Fluid (Sin) - $35

On the eyes: 

1. Too Faced - Peanut Butter and Honey Palette - $36 USD

2. Stila - Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow (Smoldering Satin) - $31

3. Shiseido - Inkstroke Eyeliner (Shikoku Black) - $35

4. NYX - 3-in-1 Brow Pencil - $16

Until next time, XO - M.

Hello my lovely readers! I was hoping to get this post up yesterday, but since I've been quite busy and now travelling for work (currently in New Jersey), things took a bit longer than expected! Sorry!

I bring to you a make-up look created with a majority of YSL products - I used the Touche Eclat below the undereyes and at the high points of my face to highlight them, the Babydoll deluxe sample of mascara to give myself a bigger more doll-eyed look as it really curled and lengthened my lashes and opened them up. Finally I used the darker of the two shades from the YSL Ombres Duolumieres in 29 on the lid. I wanted to create a neutral eye look to draw more attention to the lips, which is the main focus of this look - the inspiration behind it all. 

The foundation used is the Le Cushion Encre De Peau Fusion Ink Cushion Foundation ($75). I had received shade 20 for review, which was a shade too light, I ended up darkening it with some bronzer - I think shade 30 would be perfect for me. However, onto the review - this foundation, as per their site makes the following claims: "In an instant, Fusion Ink Cushion Foundation delivers fresh hydration, perfect coverage and a luminous matte finish. For a natural looking result and great comfort all day long." 

My thoughts?

I normally do not gravitate towards cushion foundations as I haven't really truly found a formula that has made me fall head over heels and works with my oily/combo skin. However, this one has been a favorite thus far and if I have the right shade, would be used constantly. The gel-like foundation goes on with a cooling sensation to the skin which is refreshing, it has a very subtle scent which is greatly appreciated as nobody likes anything too perfumed since it stays on your face all day. It offered me a demi-matte finish - it looked NATURAL. Something that I always look for in a foundation, I do not enjoy looking cakey or very obviously having looked like I applied a few layers of foundation. It didn't dry and become patchy under the nose or in between my brows and felt weightless on my skin. 

One important thing to note is that a little goes a long way, I pounced the cushion once into the foundation sponge, and then dabbed it in different spots of my face and then gently patted it all over to smooth it out. That's all I needed!! This however is buildable without it looking patchy (if you wanted a second layer), but in the picture below, I only used one layer. I was able to wear this from about 7am til about 2-3pm? before I had to blot my nose.  I do think that this offers a coverage that leans closer to a medium.When I wore this foundation, I actually got a compliment from a coworker for looking really fresh and beautiful - YAY! That means alot since I don't go off asking what people think of my daily make-up, it made enough of a difference from my regular foundation that he noticed. 

For the lips in the above picture, I had the amazing opportunity of trying out the new Vinyl Cream Lip Stains ($42 each)! I was sent three different shades to try and my favorite one which is featured in the biggest picture above, on the left is shade 406, properly titled Orange Electro. It is a beautifully high pigmented orange that makes my skin somehow look like I just came back from a tropical vacation. I took all three pictures under the same light conditions and you can clearly see that I look most tanned in the left photo. I LOVE it :) 

In the pictures on the right - the top picture features shade 404, Nude Pulse, and the bottom is 401 Rouge Vinyle. What you are getting from these lip products is an ultra pigmented high gloss product. Your lips end up looking ultra juicy and has a lot of color impact visually. One way to ensure that you have a proper application is to just confidentially go in with a loaded wand and to use one sweep to apply the product to your lips. Try to avoid patting in the color as it doesn't end up giving you that high gloss plush look.  This lip product also offers you a more toned down version if that's what you prefer. If you want to just have a stained look minus the gloss, just simply take the product with your finger from the wand and gently pat it on your lips to deposit the color. You end up looking like you have lips stained from eating a colored popsicle :) 

Which color is your favorite? 

Until next time, xo - M 

Creating a smokey eye is always one of the most intimidating things to me. When I tried to do this when I was younger, I literally just looked like I either had a black eye, a panda or worse....that I just slept with black eye shadow, mascara and liner on and just woke up like a hot mess. I actually made it a mission to avoid smokey eyes, but after receiving the beautiful Marc Jacobs Palette as PR over the holidays, the entire bottom two rows just inspired me to tackle my fear again and give it another go. 

For those who are also intimidated like me, I promise you this will be easy! It is also quite daytime appropriate as it isn't a full blown dramatic look. I tried to simplify it to something that suited me / my look and my personal style. 

Products Used:

KIKO - Glowing Potion

Dermablend - Smooth Liquid Camo - Chestnut*

Essence - Eye Primer

Too Faced - Born This Way Concealer*

Chella - Brow Pencil

Estee Edit - The Edgiest Kohl Shadow Stick - Violet Taboo*

Marc Jacobs - Air Blush Soft Glow Duo - Lines and Last Night 

Essence - Lipstick - Cool Nude

MUFE - Pro Light Fusion - 01* 

Charlotte Tilbury - Bronze and Glow

Rodial - Banana Powder*

Esquido - Lashlorette

Esquido Lash Glue

Marc Jacobs Shadow Palette - Limited Edition*

YSL - Vinyl Cream Lip Stain - 402 Rouge Vinyle*

I decided to also pair this look with two different lip options, one more day-time appropriate / neutral and the other a more night-time appropriate / night time look. It's just a way that I am also showing you that just by changing a lip color you can easily take a look from day to night.

Tutorial:

I started off by applying shade 1 with a large fluffy brush on the crease. I think took shade 2 on a denser brush and back on the same crease line, but the denser brush also allows for a more concentrated application. For step 3, it is not indicated in the palette below because I took the Estee Edit Kohl and applied it all over my lid as a base to allow for better pigmentation to show through for the rest of the smokey process. I blended the edges of the Kohl with a crease brush and shade 4 to avoid harsh lines. I patted shade 5 all over the lid, on top of the kohl and then repeated the same with shade 6 for an added subtle glitter when the light shines on it. I finished the eye by using a flat top brush and applying shade 7 very close to the lash line just to add a little bit of balance to the dark shadow on the lid. I also added shade 7 on the outer V. Lastly, I put shade 8 on the inner corner to add brightness and shade 9 on the brown bone.

  

I'd love to know which look you preferred!! :) 

Until next time, XO - M.

It's April and Spring is officially here. That means a change in make-up that is light and fresh with glowing skin and a flush to the cheeks. I have been using the following 10 items (yes I have made it a mission to only select 10 items for my monthly favorites now) almost everyday and if you want to know why, just click the link below to find out :)

1. Charlotte Tilbury - Instant Look In a Palette *

2. Burberry - Nude Pink 101*

3. Real Techniques - Eye Shade & Blend*

4. Fiona Stiles - Brow Sculpting Wax

5. Stila - Magnificent Metals Glitter - Ballet Baby

6. YSL - Babydoll Kiss and Blush Duo Stick* - Purple/Pink

7. LUSH - Chocolate Lip Scrub*

8. MURAD - MattEffect Blotting Perfector

9. Hard Candy - Translucent Loose Powder*

10. Avon - Eyelash Curler*