Maggie Knows Makeup

Lise Watier recently launched their Spring "Pastel Power" collection in stores, and, like a moth to a flame, I was immediately drawn in by the super-feminine packaging. When I was offered a makeup application by the Lise Watier MUA at my local Pharmaprix, I jumped right in, even though pastels and I are not generally the closest of friends. She actually gave me a wonderful smoky eye with the quad in this collection (review upcoming), but I was charmed most of all by the Illuminating Beads.

See? So pretty!

Lise Watier Pastel Power Illuminating Beads Spring 2013

Packaged in an adorable little mirrored container, the beads themselves are about half the size of Guerlain's Meteorites, and have a different texture all together, softer and denser than the latter.

They are also somewhat more shimmery, with the mix of pale peach, pink and aqua beads transforming to a soft, pink-leaning veil on the skin. Because of the relatively pale cast visible in the heavier swatch, I suspect this will show up ashy on deeper skin tones.

The effect is discreet, not disco ball. It is exactly the level of glow that is daytime appropriate for cheekbone or the brow, without looking frosty or glittery. It didn't emphasize the lines around my eyes when I smile. Buffed over the cheeks, it can emphasize pores if you have them, though not more so than most highlighters will.

I was surprised at how long wearing this was, as I could still see a nice glow well into the evening.

Value-wise, this is worth considering if you're lusting after the Meteorites but balking at laying down the cash. At 29$ CAD and 0.6 oz (compared to 67$ CAD for 1.05 oz), the Illuminating Beads offer more than half as much for less than half the price. The value per oz is not tremendously greater, but it is a less wince-worthy hit to the wallet.

Lise Watier Pastel Power Illuminating Beads Spring 2013 swatches

Swatched heavily from a crushed bead.

Swatched using a fluffy eyeshadow brush.

Availability: At Pharmaprix/SDM, Jean Coutu, the Bay. Available for order via www.lisewatier.us if you're in the US. Price is 29$ CAD and USD.

Pros: Beautifully illuminating and daytime-wearable, lovely soft texture and instant payoff. Long-lasting. Super pretty packaging.

Cons: May be limited to lighter skin tones, does slightly emphasize pores.

(I purchased this item from Pharmaprix.)

It takes a special kind of gumption for a young girl of 18 to start her own lipstick line because she is unsatisfied with the options around her. And that's exactly what Poppy King did in 1992 when she created her original, eponymous line.

Fast forward 20 years to the modern incarnation of that same spirit: Lipstick Queen. If you're not familiar with the brand, you should know that you won't find an eyeshadow or a concealer anywhere in the line. Poppy's passion is lips and you will find all nature of lip glosses, lipsticks, and lip balms to suit your every fancy. Her most well-known creation is the two-pronged selection of lipsticks, each shade available as a Saint (with 10% pigment for a sheer application) or Sinner (with 90% pigment for all the opaque drama you could want).

But the item that drew me initially was Medieval Lip Treatment. I have a minor in History with a focus on the Middles Ages, and will happily geek out over anything related. So a lipstick billed as the perfect universal shade that comes packaged as gorgeously as this? I'M THERE.

Lipstick Queen Medieval Tinted Treatment

(If you go to the LQ website, you can learn a little bit about the image used by scrolling over it. )

I can't vouch for this being the perfect shade for everyone, but it IS very sheer and despite the colour of the bullet, not particularly red. It is truly a lip balm rather than a lipstick.

It is extremely wearable. I found that applying it straight on and trying to build intensity resulted in a glossier look than I liked, with the pigment sliding into the lines of my lips. My preferred way of wearing this is to apply it like a balm, let it sink in a bit for the treatment it provides, and then tapping most of it off until all that's left is a faintly shiny, pinkish stain.

It is quite hydrating - loaded with shea butter, mango butter, sunflower and meadow foam seed oil - so the effect is of plumped, naturally flushed lips. It has a comparable feel to something between a Revlon Lip Butter and the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment, though it is not as moisturizing as the latter.

Medieval veers slightly to the cooler range, but because it's so sheer I do think that it will suit a wider variety of skin tones that something more intense might. It is a "your lips but better" shade.

Natural light.

Lipstick Queen Medieval Tinted Treatment swatch

Applied straight from the tube.

Blotted for stain effect.

Availability: Nordstrom, Beauty.com,Space NK in the US. Price is 20$ USD. It is available in Canada from Saltridges, for 22$ CAD.

Pros: Beautiful, evocative packaging. Nicely hydrating. Super sheer, quite possibly universally flattering colour.

Cons: Balmy texture can turn slippy and bleed or collect in lines on or around the lips.

(I purchased this item from Beauty.com)

As I mentioned in my review of the Pastel Power Illuminating Beads, I was initially a bit hesitant about the limited edition quad in this collection. Although I don't have a problem using pastels, it's not what I tend to be drawn to.

I was, however, charmed into sitting down for a makeup application by the lovely Lise Watier MUA (hello Erika!) at my local Pharmaprix, and I was so impressed by how she used the Pastel Power palette that I bought it on the spot.

Lise Watier Quatuor Pastel Power Eyeshadow Quartet

The packaging has the same kind of pretty floral detailing that is featured on the Illuminating Beads, with a very retro-feeling pale aqua interior.

Most of the Lise Watier palettes that I have tried contain eyeshadows with a shimmer finish, and a smooth, almost creamy texture. This palette is a little bit different.

The pale blue and mushroom beige shades have a satin, almost matte finish, and a fine, silky texture. The beige shade has a medium pigmentation that can be applied as a sheer wash for a delicate look, or can be layered for more opacity. It's really nice on its own for a super-simple everyday look if you have a skin tone similar to mine.

The pale blue has light pigmentation, and can be used for an inner corner highlight or to blend out the edges of the darker teal shade. Over a creamy white base, it can be packed on the lid for a 60s style look, as per the Tippi Hedren look that Lisa Eldridge recently posted. Although it's not chalky, I suspect it will look washed out on skin tones deeper than mine, as it is not opaque enough to build up for enough contrast. It has a fine texture that can brush away easily, so it's best to pat it on with a firm brush.

Both of these shades wear best over a primer, lasting 8 hours for me that way. Without primer, I noticed fading after about 5 hours for the beige, with faster and more significant fading for the light blue.

The smoky, greyed teal shade is the standout for me. It has a touch more shimmer, and a slightly creamier texture than the lighter shades. It also has stronger pigmentation, and I was surprised by the beautiful smoky eye that Erika was able to create with this shade as the dominant piece. I actually don't think I have a comparable shade in my collection, and I do wish this was available as a stand-alone eyeshadow. I would snap it right up!

The light, warm pink shade has a similar finish and texture to the other lighter shades, and can be used similarly to those. BUT. It also doubles as a blush, and beautifully at that. It creates a softly glowy cheek that just embodies spring for me. I love, love, love that this little palette is multi-faceted, and that between all the shades it can create the most delicate look or something much more intense.

Lise Watier Quatuor Pastel Power Eyeshadow Quartet swatches

Availability: On the www.lisewatier.com site (and on www.lisewatier.us for shipping to the States) for 36$ CAD and USD. Also at Pharmaprix, Jean Coutu and The Bay locations.

Pros: Super pretty packaging design. Beautiful and unusual smoked teal shade. An all-over pink shade that can double as a blush on lighter skin tones. Fairly versatile palette that can be used for a barely-there, ethereal look or something more dramatic.

Cons: The wear time and intensity of the beige and especially the pale blue is best served by using a primer underneath. The pale blue is prone to brushing away, and is best used as an accent.

(I purchased this item from Pharmaprix.)

Becca Cosmetics are known for a natural, healthy, skin-focused aesthetic - and what better to encapsulate that aesthetic than their signature product, the Beach Tint? These are supposed to be easy-peasy cream stains that can be applied to lips and cheeks for natural colour and water-resistant wear.

Since I've recently become obsessed with cream blushes, I knew I had to give these a try.

I purchased Dragonfruit and Watermelon, and received Strawberry as part of a Gift With Purchase special. (Strawberry doesn't appear to be around anymore, on either the Becca site or Sephora.)

I was a little taken aback by the small size of the squeeze tubes (which are smaller than the OCC Lip Tar tubes). It turns out they're small but mighty. I only needed the tiniest amount to do both my cheeks and to use as lipstick.

The texture of the Tints is a mix of cream and gel, and the fluid can become separated (pressing the tube a few times between the fingers mixes everything back together, much like the Too Faced Shadow Insurance or the Lip Tars).

They appear very dewy when first applied, but as they dry down, there is no tackiness or texture left over - just a stain. Despite the fact that they set quickly, I didn't find them overly tricky to apply. I think that fluid-cream texture makes them really easy to blend. If you goof, just go over the edges with the brush you used for foundation.

The final effect is a supremely natural, flushed cheek - luminous without any shimmer. What's nice about this product is that you can layer it to incredible intensity without sacrificing texture. It works beautifully to create a sunburnt surfer-girl cheek, or the softest English-rose complexion. (Fans of Downtown Abbey, take note.)

Watermelon is a warmer-toned pink that livens up the skin. Dragonfruit is a gorgeous poppy pink that goes on way more mellow than expected, unless you layer it. Strawberry was a more difficult shade for me personally to carry off, but I think it would look lovely on a creamy-skinned redhead.

All of the shades appear more opaque on the lips. You can see me wearing Watermelon in my previous review for the Becca Skin Perfector and Radiant Foundation.

Watermelon.

Dragonfruit.

Strawberry.

These are great as lip stains as well. They dry down completely matte and feel like you're wearing nothing at all. I found them a bit drying to wear alone for long, but that's fine, because they are an excellent base to wear under gloss.

The wear time as a blush was great - 8 to 10 hours easy. As a lip stain, they lasted until a meal, but looked worse for the wear after that.

A big plus for me is the way they are scented to match the fruit they are named for. This partially makes up for a packaging issue - namely, that the tubes themselves are unlabelled! The boxes come with the name, but the tubes themselves do not. I panicked when I realized I had removed them all from the boxes to take pictures and couldn't remember which was which. Thankfully I was able to match them back up with lot number, but that remains a call-out to the brand.

Availaibility: At Sephora.comand the Becca website (which only ships to the US). Price is 30$ CAD and 25$ USD.

Pros: Very easy to use, a little goes a long way. Versatile, can create a natural effect or be layered for intensity. Wears very well. Undetectable finish that looks like skin, and though matte, doesn't look dry or flat.

Cons: Tubes are not labelled with the name.

(I purchased these - and received one as a GWP - from www.beccacosmetics.com)

Sometimes it's difficult to get excited about complexion products. Eyeshadows and lipsticks - those have colour and whimsy and drama. Complexion products tend to be those workhorses that go under-appreciated.

And then there are the face palettes from Clarins. If I tend to covet any one item from a Clarins seasonal collection, it's likely to be that. So you can imagine my reaction when I was recently sent a few things to try out from the Rouge Éclat collection (also known as Radiance Range in anglophone markets), and lo and behold - the Palette Éclat was front and centre. There may have been a Balki-worthy dance of joy. (Points if you get the reference. Also, pull up a rocking chair, so we can yell at the kids on my lawn together.)

Let's have a look at this latest beauty, yes?

The scarlet and gold external packaging is bright, classic and elegant, and immediately French-feeling to me.

The Palette Éclat is part of Spring 2013 collection, and it is reminder that something beautiful is coming after this Winter That Will Not End. (Seriously, I feel like we're living through that Game of Thrones winter. Summer was twelve years ago, right?)

Look at that gorgeous iris detailing!

Clarins Rouge Éclat Radiance Range Collection Palette Éclat Face Blush Powder spring 2013

This palette has elements of both a bronzer and a blush. The base colour is a pale beige-y tan that is marginally deeper than my skin tone (NC 20, for reference). It is fairly neutral, but brings some warmth to my skin. With a small highlight or contour brush I can pick up just this colour to use as bronzer or light contour, though not without some maneuvering.

The other two shades are a lovely tulip pink and pinkish peach, arranged in small stripes down the sides of the compact. Don't be fooled by their small size, because they are saturated. You can't use them individually, of course, but if you focus your brush on the left side of the palette you can get a more pink-toned blush shade. Using a bigger brush over the breadth of the palette, the colour that emerges is the one in the swatch at the bottom, a soft coral-peach.

The texture is incredible - super, super finely-milled, so soft and dense. It feels creamy and smooth to the touch, and will kick up powder if you use a stiffer brush. It is not, however, powdery on the skin. It blends well, with no pigment sitting on the surface. The finish is matte and holds up for 6 to 7 hours with no fading.

A kitten-soft synthetic blush brush gives the best application, depositing the right amount of colour for a cheery spring cheek look. Because of the neutral tone of the base shade, this will not yield a super-intense effect - it really is meant to be subtle, warming and fresh. On deeper skin tones than mine the effect may be extremely muted or negligible. It is, however, ideal for pale-skinned redheads and blondes.

Clarins Rouge Éclat Radiance Range Collection Palette Éclat Face Blush Powder spring 2013 swatches

Peach stripe, pink stripe, base colour.

All blended together with a blush brush.

Availaibility: At Pharmaprix/SDM and Murale stores, as well as Nordstrom andThe Bay. Price is 40$ CAD and 35$ USD.

Pros: Gorgeous texture that feels ultra-smooth and blends without a hitch. With a smaller brush, can be focused on either side to create a more pink or warm effect. Overall colour is lovely. The imprinted design is so pretty it's almost a shame to erase it with use.

Cons: The delicate nature of the colour means that it has limited potential for deeper skin tones.

(This item was provided by the brand for consideration for review.)

I've been inspired by Eugenia from Ommorphia Beauty Bar and Toya from Beauty Obsessed to start a series on my makeup collection. It didn't take a lot of convincing, as I love collection posts more than kittens. There's something about seeing all the makeup pretties laid out neatly (and swatched!) that makes both my Pisces and Virgo sides dance around in glee.

I'm still trying to figure out the logistics of how to organize this series (by category? brand? category within brand? colour within category within brand?), but I thought I should start with something that occupies a special place in my collection.

This is the only real vintage piece of makeup I own, and it has a profoundly personal meaning for me.

Guerlain Météorites in the original cardboard packaging.

This is one of the first items of luxury makeup my mother owned.

We moved from Poland to France in 1982, during the Communist regime. At the time, Poland was under martial law and my mother could not abide the thought that she would stand in line for hours to try to buy food, only to find out that there was nothing but vinegar left on the shelf. She wanted a better life for her family. My father left the country first to establish himself in the US, and we followed after a year. We were not able to join him in New York right away, and instead made our way to an intermediary stop in France - a stop that lasted two years. When we arrived, my mom had instructions that she had written down in phonetic French, and we each had a bag. At the time, I was a cranky and sick 4-year-old, and acting every bit of it. I'm amazed she didn't pitch me head-first into the Seine.

In retrospect, I know what an extremely brave and selfless thing it was for her to do, uprooting us and taking an incredible chance on a better life. We had some extraordinary friends waiting for us in France, including the matriarch to end all matriarchs, who I came to know as Grandmaman. We also had Anne, who was just...Anne. One of the kindest, sweetest, most elegant women ever, a great friend and soul sister to my mother, and the ultimate image of "chic" that was forever etched in my mind. I don't remember much from that time, but I remember the scent of certain flowers, the feel of lace and fine cotton - and those ladies. (My mother also says I ate butter by the fistfuls, astonished and made greedy by its abundance. But that's a story for a different time.)

Anne was a beautician, and took my mom under her wing. I'm not sure if she bought the Guerlain Métérorites for her, of it's something my mom eventually got for herself in later years. In my memories, they always seemed to be present on her vanity. I was so fascinated by them, by the violet smell and the colours and the shimmer of the powder. Eventually she passed them on to me, presumably so I could play with them the way kids do. Instead they took on an almost magical property, became a little totem of sorts. The beauty junkie in me can be traced back to these little beads, and a French ideal of feminine grace and beauty that, to me, is synonymous with love and generosity.

One of the questions I was asked - repeatedly - after I posted my makeup collection video online was "aren't you worried about your makeup going bad?". To answer that question technically: powder products can last a lot longer than the suggested best-by date, especially if you take care of them. With these, I gently spill them out over a paper napkin and spray them with an alcohol mist, and then clean out the jar with more alcohol. I let everything dry and then decant the beads back in. The process removes any surface bacteria that may be lingering.

I don't actually use these anymore though - I keep them because because of what they evoke. Makeup may be transient in nature, but its value cannot be dictated by a best-before date.

And yes, it still smells of violets.

Clarins has officially jumped on the BB bandwagon for Spring/Summer, with their brand new BB Skin Perfecting Cream SPF 25. The press release indicated that this cream "illuminates, smoothes and creates a more even skin tone" and that "imperfections and red areas become less noticeable". It's also chock-full of skin-benefiting ingredients like organic kiwi extract, katafray bark extract, and hyaluronic acid, and boasts a 100% mineral, broad-spectrum sun protection filter.

Those are some pretty awesome claims and ingredients. Does the promise hold true?

The Clarins BB Cream feels amazing. It has next to no tangible weight or texture, and appears to vanish like air as you rub it into your skin. I literally couldn't tell I had anything on, whether by weight or by touch. I assume this is due to the silicone content, but it doesn't have that greasy-dry feel that some silicone-heavy formulations lean toward.

The finish is demi-satin, meaning it will slightly mattify oilier areas, while adding a natural radiance to the skin overall. It's not moisturizing as such, but the moisture-attracting properties of Katafray bark extract and the hyaluronic acid likely contribute to the slight plumping effect I noticed around my eyes, which seemed to make the dry, fine lines less apparent.

The coverage is very light, less than a tinted moisturizer, just enough to smooth out redness and some general unevenness. Something about the finish seems to lightly blur out fine lines and pores. Your skin doesn't look like a blank, lifeless canvas, but like a better version of the natural you. It's not likely to meet your needs if you need to cover significant areas, but if you want boosted, naturally luminous skin and can make do with concealer for the problem spots, this is fabulous.

It does have a scent, sort of fresh, slightly floral and beachy. If you're sensitive to added fragrance, this would be an issue. Personally, I loooooove the smell and wish it came in a body splash. As it is, I was trying to huff my own face, which made for some awkward looks from strangers.

This is also by far the best-feeling sunscreen option I have ever tried. I can't think of many sunscreens that are this weightless while not being drying, and I love that the SPF is broad-spectrum, non-chemical and strong enough for everyday wear. I feel like this will be my go-to in the summer, when I want that SPF and as little coverage as I can get away with, especially with a tan.

And actually, that brings me to what might be problematic for some people - the shade options. I received this in 01 Light, which is darker than my NC 20 skintone. Once it's blended in it gives a nice, sun-kissed effect to my skin that I like, and heightens that blurring of imperfections (much like a real tan tends to do). But it looks best if I work it down my neck, otherwise there is a visible difference in certain lighting. Not quite at the level of a foundation mismatch, because it is such a sheer product, but like I overdid the bronzer.

I think this will work best for folks a shade or two deeper than I am, but those of a porcelain persuasion will likely have a hard time. There appear to be three shades available on the Clarins website, including 02 Medium and 03 Dark (03 Warm in the US), so there are good options for those in the medium to medium-deep range.

As you can see, it applies a bit too dark to be a perfect match, though the difference doesn't read as obvious once it's on the skin and blended down the neck.

The before and after shot above should give you an idea of the coverage level, the slight mattifying effect and the general look of healthy radiance it has to offer. If you click on the pictures to see the bigger image, you will also see how it smooths out the fine lines around my eyes.

Availability: It's already out at The Bay and on the Clarinswebsite, and should be at Pharmprix/SDM and Murale locations soon. Price is 40$ USD and 43$ CAD.

Pros: Incredibly ~~lightweight~~ nonexistent texture. Optically reduces the look of redness and imperfections. The ingredients work to keep moisture in the skin, making fine lines look less apparent. An excellent sunscreen option, as it has a broad-spectrum, non-chemical SPF agent, and is utterly weightless.

Cons: The shade range won't work for very pale skin. It's not an all-in-one if you need more than a light coverage level. The scent may be bothersome if you prefer (or require) products to be fragrance-free.

(This item was sent by the brand/PR for consideration for review.)

I just posted a youtube video featuring my most recent acquisitions. Can I just say that the Revlon Super Lustrous Lipsticks are by far my favourite drugstore lipsticks? The cream finish ones, anyway. Also, if you're keen to see me almost have a coronary due to a makeup mishap...

If you like to travel with multiple lip options but don't have room for 7 tubes of lipstick, this drugstore version of a lip palette might be an option for you. Also works for those annoying little last bits of lipstick, where you want to throw out the tube but don't want to waste the product.

And then there's my perfume collection. Yeah. (Of course, I completely forgot to include one of the clips, so my Arcana perfumes box is missing.)

First of all - how awesome is it that Shu Uemurafinally has a Canadian e-commerce site?? They do carry Shu at some Holt Renfrew locations and at the Sephora in the Toronto Eaton Centre, but it's so nice to have an easy ordering option for those that are Shu-obsessed and not geographically-blessed. My own experience with the brand was sadly limited, with only a palette, some eyeshadows and an eyelash curler under my belt. All things I love, by the by, so when I was sent a few things to try out from the new limited edition collection, I about fell over from excitement.

Today I want to show you one of the items, a lipstick from the ob for Shu Uemura collection. If you've read Tracy's post over at Beauty Reflections (and if you haven't, go take a gander), you might be familiar with the concept behind the collection. If not, this blurb from the site should give you an idea:

"On a constant quest for innovation and beauty, shu uemura invites you to a magical world for spring 2013. Inspired by Japanese artist ob and the young creators of her generation comes a limited-edition collection that celebrates the rise of a new era in art. in-between reality and a dream beckons you into ob’s creative universe, a world that appears normal at first sight but is filled with fantasy and delight; a world that showcases the emerging vision of a generation of creators who came of age in a radical new digital world."

I love the idea of makeup (itself a form of art and expression) and art being interlinked, and I almost always enjoy artist-themed collections. This one is no exception, a dreamy wonderland of pastel shades and whimsical design. The packaging (especially for the Cleansing Oils, review coming soon!) and colour scheme is so perfectly suited to spring.

The Rouge Unlimited Supreme Shine in Princess Coral:

ob for Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Shine Princess Coral

Princess Coral is, true to the name, a light coral pink, with milky undertone taking the brightness of the coral down a notch. This is beautiful on fair skin, and would look fantastic on tanned skin - a modern take on the 60s California Beach Girl lip.

The pigmentation is about medium, with substantial though not fully opaque coverage on the first pass. I was surprised by how closely the swatch on my arm matched up with the shade on my lips, since my natural pigmentation tends to mess with a lot of lipsticks. (The tube colour actually looks a lot darker in the pictures than it does in real life, especially the middle picture. The last one is closest to the way it actually looks.)

This is a very creamy, slick-feeling lipstick with a hydrating effect. It feels incredibly smooth upon application, gliding so easily that my tendency was to over-apply and get smeared out borders. The best application method is to dab it on the centre of my lips, and then finish off the edges with a lip brush. The look then is soft, shiny and precise. The lasting power is shorter than average for a lipstick due to the ultra-creamy, glossy finish.

ob for Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Shine Princess Coral swatch

ob for Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Shine Princess Coral ok

Availability: At the Shu Uemura website. Price is 36$ CAD and 30$ USD.

Pros: Adorable packaging, beautiful springtime shade. Cream/gloss finish that is easy to wear and flattering across the board. Comfortable, hydrating formula.

Cons: High slip factor may require some initial care in application, with longevity being less than average.

(This item was provided by the brand to be considered for review. This post is not sponsored or compensated.)

Does cleaning your face with oil sound counter-productive and strange? If so, I understand. I felt much the same way until a few years ago, when I first discovered the traditional Oil Cleansing Method. It turns out that when done right, cleaning your skin with oil is an incredibly effective way of removing impurities and clearing pores, while maintaining the natural PH balance of skin (and therefore the skin barrier that allows us to retain moisture).

It took me some experimenting with a few different products and methods to land on what works best for me. For one, I had to forgo the traditional method of using hot water and a washcloth to remove the oil. It's far too rough for my sensitive, redness-prone skin. Instead, I found cleansing oils that emulsify with water, which are massaged onto dry skin, then moistened and massaged a little more, and then rinsed cleanly off. Discovering these was a complete game-changer for my skincare, and I have been loyal to oil cleansing ever since.

I've tried a few different brands over the years, and have coveted the Shu Uemura oils for nearly as long. After all, the Shu version is one of the originators; the first one was introduced to the Japanese market it 1967, based on an oil cleanser Mr. Uemura discovered while working in Hollywood during the 1950s. I was ridiculously thrilled to be offered the chance to review part of the ob for Shu Uemura set.

There are six different cleansing oil formulations currently available, with four being offered in the limited edition ob packaging. I received the following three to test:

Cleansing Beauty Oil Premium A/O Advanced Formula (green bottle/box) for aging concerns, Whitefficient Clear Brightening Gentle Cleansing Oil (blue bottle/box) for dull skin, and Pore Clarifying Gentle Cleansing Oil (pink bottle/box) for combination and oily skin.

The boxes and bottles have artwork that represents three different, mythological tales.

The pink is the story of Sakura Hime, the Cherry Blossom Princess, who sleeps through the seasons, only to awaken to Spring and to dance the flowers to life. The green is the story of Midori Hime, the Forest Princess, who nurses wounded animals (and humans) back to health. The blue is the story of Umi Hume, the Ocean Princess, who is sweet by nature but fights to protect her realm.

I think the art and the stories are sweet and lovely, but if the style is not your cup of tea, all of the oils are also available in the regular, unadorned packaging.

But lets move on from form to function, shall we? I should mention first that all of these oils contain mineral oil as the primary cleansing oil. I have no problem using mineral oil on my skin, but if that is a concern for you...well, this may not be for you. (Personally, I think that allergies and preferences aside, the concerns about mineral oil are not at all in line with actual scientific data on its effects and performance. But that's a rant for another time.)

I tested each of these oils for a period of four days each, morning and night, to get a decent idea of how they work.

Pore Clarifying Gentle Cleansing Oil (pink bottle/box) for combination and oily skin.

Contains sakura leaf extract for its anti-inflammatory effect, salicylic acid for exfoliation, and cherry extract for more exfoliation.

This is my personal favourite. Let me be clear: I LOVE THIS. SO MUCH. You-will-pry-this-out-of-my-cold-dead-hands love.

It is extremely light-weight, slips right over the skin, and has a faintly floral fragrance. The pore-cleansing effects were immediately visible - when I towelled off my skin, I saw that the clogged pores had diminished drastically, and overall the pores looked cleaner and smaller. This is honestly the only cleanser I've ever used that has had such a dramatic and apparent effect on my pores. It's like a little micro-hoover went around sucking out all the ooky stuff.

This also took off my makeup with ease, and left my skin feeling silky-smooth, though still in need of moisturizer.

Whitefficient Clear Brightening Gentle Cleansing Oil (blue bottle/box) for dull skin.

Contains prune extracts to lower melanin transfer from lower layers of the skin, algae and vitamin C to brighten skin.

This was similar to the Pore Clarifying Gentle Cleansing Oil in terms of overall texture and performance. It removed makeup and cleaned my skin as thoroughly. I did not notice that the pore-clearing effect was quite as strong, though my skin felt just as smooth afterwards. I actually like the scent of this a little more - it's a fresh, watery, very faintly floral. I would love to have it in perfume form.

I can't really speak to the long-term brightening effect, as I did not test it long enough, but my skin did look refreshed.

Cleansing Beauty Oil Premium A/O Advanced Formula (green bottle/box) for aging concerns.

Contains ginko leaf extract for its antioxidant and micro-circulation properties, and green tea extract to revitalize skin.

This is a heavier, cushy-feeling oil, which is expected as it is rich in a variety of plant oils, including jojoba and macadamia. Both of those are excellent for moisturizing dry skin, especially jojoba, which is the closest oil to our natural skin oils. If you have dry, dehydrated, mature skin, I think this is probably the ideal cleansing oil for you. After using it, my skin felt softened and like I needed less moisturizer than usual. I prefer the pore-busting effects of the other two oils, but for skin that needs some pampering to go along with the deep-cleaning, this is perfect. If you have oilier skin, or are prone to clogged pores, this may be too rich. I will be passing it on to my mom, who will revel in its skin-loving qualities.

It has a more herbal scent, which is in line with the concept of a Forest Princess, but which was my least favourite of the three.

Overall, I am SO happy that I had the chance to try these guy out, and I am especially blown away with the Pore Clarifying/Cherry Blossom Princess Cleansing Oil. Combined with my BHA/AHA exfoliating regimen, it is going to kick ass and take names over the next few weeks!

Availability: on the Shu Uemura website, though it seems the Premium A/O is not currently up with the ob packaging. Prices range between 79$ CAD and 98$ CAD.

Pros: Cleans skin and takes makeup off like nobody's business, with various levels or pore-clearing abilities. Doesn't leave skin feeling stripped, with a range of options for dry to oily skin. Ridiculously cute packaging.

Cons: Contains mineral oil, which for some is a deal-breaker. The scents may be a problem if you're sensitive, or if they're not your preference. I can't think of anything else - just make sure to pick the right formula for your skin type.

So what about you guys? Have you tried cleansing oils? Are you already fans of the Shu versions, or are there other staples in your beauty closet?

(The items were send to my by the brand to consider for review. This post is not sponsored or compensated.)

Clarins has come out with a new line of lipsticks for Spring/Summer, to coincide with the Rouge Éclat limited edition collection. Like another recent addition to the line (the BB Cream), the Rouge Éclat lipsticks are supposed to have anti-aging and protective qualities. They are full of good-for-you ingredients - the kind of stuff that I probably should be eating, but hey, I like my Gilmore Girls diet, so I'll stick with rubbing virtuous ingredients on my face. :P

According to the website, these ingredients include: phytosphingosine, which promotes ceramide production, tocopherol, which has an anti-radical function, and gamma oryzanol, which boosts micro-circulation and restores radiance.

I was sent this lovely browned rose, called Woodrose, to test out.

I really like the elegant, swanky packaging, with the combination of metal and semi-clear casing. You guys know I like my bling classed up, and this definitely fits the bill. The metal casing is a magnet for fingerprints, but I like patting my makeup lovingly, so I can sneak a little polish in as well.

As to the performance: it glides on, feels incredibly rich and smooth, and hydrates nicely.

It reminds me a bit of the Nude lipsticks from Dior, albeit more creamy and less slippy, with better adherence to the lips and somewhat more opaque pigmentation - not full, but definitely more of a lipstick than a lip butter, despite the moisturizing feel. It doesn't slide around or bleed, and it has good payoff with one swipe. It lasts about as long as most lipsticks do on me (4 hours), and fades evenly. The finish is a satiny cream, that loses some of the satin over time.

There are fifteen colours currently available, all eminently wearable. It does have a sweet, sort of fruity fragrance. It 's not faint, though it does dissipate after a while.

Clarins Rouge Éclat Lipstick Woodrose swatch

Availability: At the Bay, Pharmaparix/SDM, Murale, Nordstrom. Price is 26$ USD and 27$ CAD.

Pros: Beautiful medium pigment and creamy, hydrating formula. Natural, flattering colour range. Easy and very comfortable to wear, while looking polished.

Cons: The packaging, while chic, does attract finger smudges. The fragrance may be problematic.

(The item was sent to me by the brand to consider for review. This post is not sponsored or compensated.)

I don't often wear a smokey eye - it suits me well enough, but generally I prefer a cleaner eye look. In the course of testing out makeup, though, I sometimes have to go in an unplanned route with my makeup for the day.

Such was the case with the Marcelle Kajal Kohl Liner, which was generously sent to me for review. I saw on the label and on the website that this was supposed to be waterproof, and last 6 hours on the waterline.

Since I'm always looking for something that will tough it out on my finicky water line, I had high hopes for this little guy. I know that traditional kajal liners generally have good staying power, but that they are notoriously NOT clean. They smudge easily, which is part of their appeal - layered thickly around the eyes and blown out, they lend an immediate exotic look. It does, however, take some practice to make that look intentional as opposed to sloppy, and applying this to my waterline in the usual way did not achieve the best results.

One stroke.

A pass using the side, then smudged out with my finger.

This is a rich black liner with a creamy consistency that applies very easily. It's technically waterproof, in that it stays put under running water and could potentially last well on the waterline. (Not mine, but very, very few things last more than a few hours on my waterline. I have mutant tears, apparently.)

Due to its creaminess, however, it is not smudge-proof, especially when combined with the warmth and natural oils of the skin around the eye. You need to either be very precise and apply this to just the waterline, or else embrace the smudginess and commit to a fully smoked out look.

As you can see on the picture above, I applied this on my waterline, then tightlined my upper lid and worked it through the top lash roots. It started transferring under my eye soon after, and I suspect that was mostly from what was on my upper lashline. So I did the only logical thing - added more!

I cleaned up the debris and buffed out the line with my faux mini 239 (AKA the 1/4 Loew Cornell Maxine's Mop). Then I added some dark green eyeshadow to seal it in place and add some dimension to the black. Simple, easy to do, day-appropriate, wearable. Best of all, there was no further smudging.

Availability: At most pharmacies, as well as the Marcelle website. Price is 11.95$ CAD. The website also offers free shipping within Canada on purchases of 25$, and to the US for purchases of 50$.

Pros: Very pigmented, creamy, easily to apply. Pointy tip and wide side makes it easy to get both a precise line and a thicker application. Fantastic base for a smokey eye.

Cons: Smudges easily, so it's best when smoked out. It's not waterproof up to 6 hours on me unless I layer it with powder, but like I said - mutant tear ducts. YMMV.

(The item was sent to me by the brand to consider for review. This post is not sponsored or compensated.)

Wow, this post brings back some memories. Back many a moon ago, I had a different beauty blog (which shall remain nameless), and one of the very first products I reviewed was from Pupa. I had a strange and wonderful moment when I unpacked the box that was sent to me and saw the familiar glossy red bag with the Pupa label.

If you're not familiar with the name, I don't blame you - Pupa is an Italian brand that seems to fly a little under the radar. It's distributed throughout Europe and in Canada, but has yet to reach US shores. It can be found in most drugstore here in Quebec, albeit in the prestige section of their makeup departments, as well as online at eBeauty.com. They have some really fun products, especially their baked mineral eyeshadows and blushes, which would hold their own in a slapfight with MAC's, no problem.

This was my first time trying out their lip products, and I was intrigued by the press package claims for the Glossy Lips, which promised extreme brightness and enamel-like shine, vibrant, "gellified" pigments, and the nourishing effects of argan oil.

At far as exteriors go, I like the packaging. The tubes are nice and substantial, and remind me a bit of the Buxom glosses, though without that slight curve. In fact, I kept reaching for my Buxom gloss when I meant to be getting one of these during my testing process.

Pupa Glossy Lips Ultra Shine Lip Gloss 300 Very Nude 201 Pink Diamond 403 Shimmering Ruby

Bottom to top: 300 Very Nude, 201 Pink Diamond, 403 Shimmering Ruby

The Glossy Lips are a new product in the Pupa lip family, and also boast a new style of flocked applicator - with a flatter profile and a rounded tip, it allows for a precise application.

I think that these glosses stand up quite well for the claims made for them. They do indeed impart a high-gloss, almost vinyl-like finish that stays glossy for a good two hours before starting to dry down. They have a slight plumping effect, either from the high-gloss finish or the moisturizing ingredients. They are scented - something quite gourmand, like vanilla cake.

I also loved that none of these bled or wandering beyond the lipline, which for a red gloss especially is fantastic. They were sticky, but not MAC Lipglass levels, and felt comfortable to wear despite that - you just need to be careful about your hair. Though not quite balm-like, the level of hydration was greater than what I normally get from most glosses, so that argan oil is really in there doing its thing.

There are 16 shades listed on the Italian Pupa website, though my press info only lists 11, so there may be some shades that are not available in Canada. There are also no names listed in my info, so I have added the ones from the site to their corresponding number. Just be aware that there may be variations if you are shopping in Europe versus Canada.

The three that I tried all performed similarly, so it's just a question of shade preference. The 300 Very Nude is a milky nude that is not so beige as to give me corpse mouth. Because of the milkiness, it can look a little streaky over bare lips, but over a lipstick, it finishes off the perfect Kim Kardashian nude lip. It was the least vinyl-like of the three, probably also due to that creaminess.

The 201 Pink Diamond has a sheer base with silvery-pink micro glitter. It's a lot less disco on the lips than I thought it would be, and great for topping off a deeper shade underneath. The 403 Shimmering Ruby is my favourite, a raspberry red with a teeny hint of shimmer. I love that it stays put and fades to a rosy stain.

Here are the shades in Natural daylight and in the sun. From top down: 403 Shimmering Ruby, 201 Pink Diamond, 300 Very Nude.

And swatched on my lips, same order. Looking at them in a row like that, I think I may have to revise myself and say that the 201 Pink Diamond is strangely appealing.

Pupa Glossy Lips Ultra Shine Lip Gloss 403 Shimmering Ruby

Pupa Glossy Lips Ultra Shine Lip Gloss 201 Pink Diamond

Pupa Glossy Lips Ultra Shine Lip Gloss 300 Very Nude

So what about you guys? Have you tried anything from Pupa? If so, what do you think? I am personally coveting the 50s Dream Spring collection. Hey, it's vintage themed AND they have a baby teal liner. I'm easy. ;)

Though the tutorial videos have played their part in sucking me in. I can watch that lovely man speak about makeup in Italian all day.

Availability: Most drugstores like Jean Coutu and Uniprix. (It doesn't appear to be online at eBeauty.com yet.) Price is 20$ CAD.

Pros: Super shiny finish, visual plumping effect, argan oil adds hydration. Pigmentation is good, and both the applicator and the formula make it easy to apply precisely and keep the lipline clean.

Cons: Moderately sticky finish. Sweet scent may be off-putting.

(The items were sent to me by the brand to consider for review. This post is not sponsored or compensated.)

I adore Drew Barrymore. She is a beautiful, intelligent, successful lady who has managed to rise above the typical Hollywood child star story, and I admire both her commitment to her causes and her business savvy. I was incredibly excited when I heard about the launch of Flower Beauty, her cosmetics brand, and I took advantage of a road trip state-side to raid the nearest Wal-Mart display.

I tried to sample a little bit of everything (minus complexion products, as the store I went to had been ransacked and the colour choices left behind were poor). Across the board, I have to say that I have been more impressed than not by the items I picked up. A couple, however, were more problematic.

Such was the case with the Color Play Crème Eyeshadows.

Flower Beauty Color Play Crème Eyeshadow - Orchid-ing Around and Time Willow Tell

Under artificial light.
Orchid-ing Around and Time Willow Tell

That picture doesn't capture how beautiful those shades look in the pot. They are full of multi-dimensional shimmer that is absolutely stunning.

Swatched, you get that color impact, but it also becomes clear that these have a problematic texture. They are like whipped cream - soft, fluffy, and a little greasy. (They are also so goopy that at least one of the ones I tried came out in a chunk attached to the lid insert.)

The clump of product that was stuck to the insert.

They slide all over when you try to apply them to the lids, making it difficult to build depth. If you try to get them more opaque, they take a while to set, at which point they tend to crease all over the place. They do better over a primer, and better still when set with a powder overtop - but then you lose the impact of that shimmer.

When sheered out, and do give a nicely ethereal, sparkly effect. Like a fairy came and dusted your eyelids with her wings. It's pretty, but due to the texture it's easy for the product to thin out too quickly, and they still have a problem with fading and creasing. They can also be applied overtop of another eye product to give that sort of wet-shine finish.

Natural indirect light.
Top to bottom: Time Willow Tell and Orchid-ing Around.

The Color Play Crème Eyeshadows can be worked with to create some beautiful effects, but for something that is marketed to have mass appeal, I don't think these measure up to the success achieved by many of the other items in the line. I'm surprised at how finicky they are considering the target audience.

They are also competing with some top-notch cream eyeshadow formulas at the drugstore, such as the Maybelline Color Tattoos and the l'Oréal Infallible range, which are easier to use, with more reliable results.

Availability: Select Wal-Mart locations in the US. No information yet about Canadian distribution. Price is 7.98$

Pros: Beautiful color and multi-dimentional shimmer. Has a bit of a wet-shine effect.

Cons: Difficult to built up to true colour, best when worn sheered out. Tends to fade and crease. Texture is gloopy and slippy, can be messy both in the pot and for application.

(I purchased these items.)

If you thought BB creams were a craze, just wait for the storm of CC creams to flood the market. Promising to deliver all the skincare benefits in a lighter finish formula, plus colour correcting properties, they're set to become the summer's biggest thing.

I admit to being late to the BB party, but most of the ones I have sampled have ranged from good to absolutely terrific, so I was very eager to try the next step forward in the skincare/makeup hybrid evolution. Luckily, I was offered a chance to test the CC Colour Control Instant Perfecting Base from Annabelle Cosmetics - a drugstore option that is perfect for those looking to dip their toes into a new product type, without sacrificing their wallets for the privilege of being an early adopter.

I have to say I was fairly confused by the product at first. With the words "colour correcting" in the name, I assumed a CC cream would actually have more coverage than a BB might offer. Since the North American versions of BB creams tend to have coverage equivalent to a tinted moisturizer, I assumed a CC cream would be akin to a medium level foundation, if not more. Sort of a concealer, in a featherweight formula. After consulting with my contact at Annabelle, and reading up online, I realized I was expecting the wrong thing - the purpose of a CC cream is not to offer coverage, per se, but to correct the overall tone and texture of the skin. The effect is meant to be both immediate and long-term with consistent use. The Annabelle CC Base in particular is meant to neutralize redness and the look of a dull and uneven complexion, reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines, and act as a primer for makeup.

My experience is that it does most of this very well. I do have a significant amount of redness in my cheeks, and I felt like this did not mute that colour as much as I would prefer, at least not in comparison to the Marcelle BB cream that I reviewed previously. For me personally, I need more coverage than the neutralizing effect offers. That said, there was an overall diffusing effect that smoothed and brightened my complexion, and visibly improved the tone of the skin. I think if you have significant discolouration you will probably need to reach for some kind of concealing product as well, but this does create the look of healthier, more even skin. And while it has a slight tint, there is no perceptible pigment left on the skin, which means that it is truly universal. I found it helpful to think of the difference between staining a fence and painting it. One changes the overall tone and texture while allowing the natural grain and base shade to show through, while the other covers the latter to a significant degree.

Below is a swatch of the Base unblended, and then blended into the skin.

It has a very lightweight texture that disappears into the skin - there's no heavy, overly slick or faux-powdery silicone feel, just silky-smooth skin. My pores and fine lines were indeed blurred, and overt shine was taken down a notch without creating an overly matte finish. I do recommend making sure skin is exfoliated, because dry, flaky patches will get picked up. This was lovely primer under makeup, keeping my foundation from seeping into my pores as the day passed. I also liked that it didn't interfere with the satin finish I prefer for my foundation.

I also had the chance to test the matching CC Colour Control Pressed Powder, which carries similar claims for neutralizing redness and dull skin, while caring for skin with antioxidants and vitamin E. The coverage is light and the finish is demi-matte - it takes down shine, but allows the skin to retain some natural luminosity. I believe the white strip actually has a very faint sheen that helps to maintain some of that glow. The powder itself is smooth and finely milled, and blends well into the skin. It can be worn by itself for some shine-control and light blurring, over the Base for a finished look with natural coverage, or to set your regular foundation without having an over-powdered look.

Below is a swatch of the base colour and the white stripe, and then the two blended together.

Availability: At most drugstores, including Pharmaprix/SDM and Jean Coutu. Prices vary.

Pros: Base has a lightweight texture, diffusing effect on skin texture and tone, and is a great primer, particularly for preventing seeping into pores. Powder has a fine texture and a finish that controls shine and looks natural.

Cons: Some confusion over what the "colour correcting" function is - if you are expecting coverage, this will not match up to your needs. Dry patches need to be prepped or they will be emphasized.

(The items were sent to me by the brand to consider for review. This post is not sponsored or compensated.)

I like volumizing mascara - but I need the feathery, "natural" sort of volume, not the dozens-of-spider-legs volume. In other words, I want that mythical creature of mascaras, the one that will give me thickness, separation and length, while still looking completely natural.

You can laugh. It's ok. I know I live in Crazy Town on this one.

I'll tell you though...the Vamp! Mascara that I received from Pupa comes fairly close to achieving all of my lash dreams.

The packaging is cute, sassy and vaguely futuristic, with the kind of fat, curvy, natural-bristle brush that seems antithetical to its purpose. The fatter end works surprisingly well when it comes to to finding and coating those tricky little inner corner lashes, and the curved middle portion somehow makes it easy to wiggle the wand right into the base of the lashes without smearing my eyeball. It's really great for getting every last lash, root to tip. I think that's the key to the natural volume effect. It's not adding a thick layer of potentially clumpy goo to each lash, but really getting at all the lashes to make their presence felt.

With one coat, this gives me great length, a nice curl, good definition and clump-free, natural thickness. With two coats, some of the definition is lost as thickness is augmented, but that's perfect for the day-to-night transformation - from bright-eyed and feathery to vampy, indeed. With several coats, this achieves the effect of false lashes, with minimal clumping. The key is to do the wiggle at the base, and then sweep through the length.

The formula dries relatively soft, so the lashes don't end up spiky and crispy. They stay flexible to the touch, yet they hold that curl very well.

This would be in my personal top 5 mascaras, but for the fact that it does smudge in the outer third of my eye. Not terribly, but enough that I need to do a midday q-tip wipe. If your eyes are less watery/oily than mine, this may not be an issue for you.

Behold: scary up-close eyeball picture!

One coat on the left eye, top lashes only.

Availability: Most drugstores like Jean Coutu, in the prestige aisle. Price is 20$ CAD.

Pros: Great balance of thickness, length, curl and definition that still looks natural at one coat. Builds rapidly with multiple coats without becoming clumpy. Brush makes it easy to capture all the lashes.

Cons: Not smudge-proof on me.

(The item was sent to me by the brand to consider for review. This post is not sponsored or compensated.)

If you've been reading this blog for a while, then you know what a fan I am of the gélée tribrid texture that both Estée Lauder and Mac have starting featuring in the last couple of years. (If you're new to this blog - welcome! - and feel free to take a gander at my previous reviews featuring these types of products here.) So of course I had to snatch up the more interesting looking items from the MAC Extra Dimension collection as soon as it was available to order. And seeing as how disappointed I've been with some previous MAC collections, you have to know that ordering sight-unseen indicates a lot of faith that these would be awesome.

These are two of the three Skinfinishes available in this collection. (The third is more golden bronze, and I already have a few highlighters in that family, and for once I exercised restraint.)

MAC Extra Dimension Skinfinishes - Definitely Defined and Shape the Future

Right to left: Definitely Defined, Shape the Future

MAC Extra Dimension Skinfinishes - Definitely Defined

MAC Extra Dimension Skinfinishes - Shape the Future

These are definitely beautiful to look at, and I love that MAC has expanded upon the aesthetic that they introduced with the last Extra Dimension collection in a way that makes the duo colour feature both functional and pleasing to the eye. The wear time is good one both of these, about 8 hours or so, and they are highly pigmented, with that peculiar dry-soft texture that applies smoothly and blends or buffs out beautifully. If you are inclined to wear these wet (perhaps for an eye look), the metallic or frost finish is amplified, as well as opacity.

The finish varies somewhat between the two parts of each Skinfinish. Definitely Defined two parts have a more similar finish across the board. The flat portion is a highly metallic silver-pink white that has to be used judiciously as a complexion product, as it emphasizes skin texture dramatically. I personally prefer to use it as an inner eye corner highlight, rather than on my cheekbones, unless I'm going for a particular look. The raised portion is a pale pink that is less metallic, and works a little more easily as a highlighter. Both of them can be applied very lightly with a small fluffy brush for a more discreet effect - but discreet is relative. This is distinct shimmer, not a micro-sheen. Absolutely beautiful, regardless.

Swatches below are in natural light and in the sun.

Shape The Future has an equally shimmery flat portion, a pale peachy pink that is very similar in effect to the raised portion of Definitely Definied. The raised portion is less shimmery, and applied to the skin, it actually reads a lot more satiny. It is also pigmented like CRAZY. This is a shade that is bound to look stunning on deeper, warmer skin tones. If you are paler, use a light hand and a fluffy brush to buff it in, unless you prefer a bolder look. The colour can be a little harder to pull off if you have pinkier undertones, a brick shade that can look like sunburned skin.

I have to say that all of the shades are unique in my collection, especially when combined with both the pigmentation level and the finish. I pulled a few other gélée-textured highlighters, as well as a couple of MAC MSFs, to see if there was anything comparable.

MAC Definitely Defined,MAC Suberb, Estée Lauder Shimmering Sands, MAC Redhead MSF, MAC Stereo Rose MSF, MAC Shape the Future

Clockwise from top left corner: MAC Definitely Defined,MAC Suberb, Estée Lauder Shimmering Sands, MAC Redhead MSF, MAC Stereo Rose MSF, MAC Shape the Future.

Left to right: Superb, Definitely Defined (flat and raised), Shimmering Sands.

MAC Redhead MSF, MAC Stereo Rose MSF, MAC Shape the Future

Left to right: Shape the Future (flat and raised), Redhead MSF, Stereo Rose MSF.

Shimmering Sands and Superb are actually both closer to each other than anything else here. Both Redhead and Stereo Rose are somewhat similar to a mix of the two sides of Shape the Future, but neither of them blend as smoothly or last as long.

Availability: Currently on the MAC website, as well as in stores. They are selling quickly, however. Price is 35$ CAD.

Pros: Intense pigmentation, smooth, very blendable and variable texture. Unique shades, depending on your collection. Shape the Future is excellent for warm to deep tones, both as a highlight and blush.

Cons: High frost/metallic finish may limit application, as it will emphasize skin texture.

(I purchased these items from MAC.)

I love the gloss-lipsticks hybrids that are currently dominating the market, especially the ones that are an even mix of bright pigmentation and transcluscent shine. They are such a great option for when you want to wear something really punchy, but without the fuss of precise application. The YSL Rouge Volupté Shine lipsticks are the latest contender in this increasingly saturated market.

I was sent one of the more demure shades to try out - #9 Nude in Private - which is billed as a "spicy warm beige" one the Sephora site.

YSL Rouge Volupté Shine - #9 Nude in Private

The packaging is the same as that of the regular Rouge Volupté, which is ten kinds of fancy. There's just something about the detail of the interlocking logo letters and how they feel under your thumb that feels ultra-glam. It makes the price tag a little easier to swallow when there are similar products available from YSL's drugstore cousins in the l'Oreal family.

The formula is lovely - it feels hydrating going on, and the hyaluronic acid (seriously, what doesn't have this ingredient these days?) helps to achieve that smooth, plumped look. Though it is glossy initially, it fades to a soft, healthy shine as it's worn, and it doesn't travel or bleed. Compared to the Rouge Volupté formula, which can feel quite slippy, this feels lightly balmy. It's less thick than the Revlon Lip Butters, and not as creamy as the Dior Nude collection. It's not an innovative product, but it is a very well executed version.

I don't find this emphasized lines or settled, and it lasted a couple of hours before it started to fade, which is around the ballpark for these kinds of lipsticks. It does have a fruity scent, something like watermelon, which is not overpowering but definitely noticeable.

The shade itself is more pink than I anticipated from the description, though with enough of a beige undertone to register as a My Lips But Better shade. It pulls even rosier on my lips, but looks so completely natural, in a heightened way. Like an airbrushed, fantasy version of my actual lips.

I really love this for an everyday, super-wearable lipstick that doubles as a light balm. I'm definitely going to snag some of the brighter, on-trend shades on the range, like #5 Fuchsia in Excess. (Nudes and hot pinks, what else? Ha!)

Have you guys tried any of the shades yet? What do you think of the formula?

Availability: At Sephora, Nordstrom, the Bay. Price is 34$ USD and 39$ CAD.

Pros: Hydrating formula, translucent yet pigmented, feels smooth and lightly balmy. This shade in particular is very easy to wear.

Cons: Fragrance may not be to your taste.

(The item was sent to me by the brand to consider for review. This post is not sponsored or compensated.)

After my disappointment with the Color Play Creme Eyeshadows, I was glad to see that the other eye product I chose to get from Flower Beauty was much more user-friendly and generally well-executed.

The Shadow Play Quads are currently offered in four ranges - though the Wal-Mart I went to only had two of them in stock. (Seriously, the display was pillaged. The only items that they had in any kind of reasonable quantity were the lipsticks.) I opted to try the cool-toned neutral quad, called Smoke and Mirrors.

Flower Beauty Shadow Play Eyeshadow Quad - Smoke and Mirrors

The cream shade is by far the most problematic - sheer, powdery, thinner textured, it makes for an ok base or subtle browbone highlight, but otherwise it's altogether unimpressive. The other shades are much better.

The dove-wing light brown in the top left beautifully pigmented, with a dense, soft, buttery texture that is unusual for mattes, let alone drugstore mattes. it is an EXCELLENT blending or crease shade, depending on the intensity you wear it at. The greyed plum in the top right has an equally lovely texture, though slightly less pigmented. The gold-flecked medium brown at the bottom right is on par with the dove brown, though it loses all those pretty flecks once you start working it. Which could be a good or bad thing, depending on your preference.

I found this palette to be very easy to work with, as most of the shades had great payoff and blended very easily without sheering out too quickly. It's the perfect goof-proof palette for a neutral, work-appropriate eye, though you might be better off using a different eyeshadow to sub in for the cream if you want something that will adhere and show up more readily. Over a primer, all the shades wore 8 hours with next to no fading, and no creasing. The one thing to keep in mind is that the texture is quite soft, so these will kick up debris if you use a stiffer brush or a heavier hand. They actually remind me a lot of the Inglot mattes in terms of the texture.

Clockwise in palette, starting with the cream shade at the bottom left.

Availability: Only at Wal-Mart, and in select US locations for the moment. Price is 9.98$ USD.

Pros: Dense, creamy texture that is very blend able, and good to great pigmentation for three of the shades. Comparable to higher-end matte shadows. Great neutral palette for all but the cream shade.

Cons: Powder fallout requires care in application. The cream shade is disappointing in both texture and payoff.

(I purchased this item at Wal-Mart.)

I have quite a few of the gelée-textured eyeshadows from MAC from the previous two outings, so I really wanted to be choosy with the current MAC Extra Dimension collection and buy only the shades that I felt were the most unique or interesting. Smoky Mauve just looked like an amazing alternative to taupe (and you know I love me some taupe!), while both Opalesse and Triple Impact seemed like they might have some duochrome happening.

MAC Extra Dimension Eyeshadows - Opalesse, Triple Impact, Smoky Mauve

Top: Smoky Mauve
Bottom: Opalesse and Triple Impact

MAC Extra Dimension Eyeshadows Smoky Mauve

MAC Extra Dimension Eyeshadows Triple Impact

Smoky Mauve is a silvered-taupe-mauve, and exactly what I've come to expect from this formulation - a metallic/frost finish, beautiful pigmentation both wet and dry, and that strangely dry texture that applies smoothly and blends like butter. It's the kind of shade that can be swept all over the eye for a natural wash of subtle color, or worked into the crease with a touch of taupe or brown for depth.

The other two shades are different altogether, and remind me a bit of some of the Estée Lauder Vivid Shine eyeshadows from a couple of seasons ago. They are sheerer in a way that seems intentional, as they also have a duochrome finish that works beautifully over a darker base. The finish also has more microglitter/shimmer than frost. The texture of both seems a little drier in some way, comparable to the way a mineralized eyeshadow feels, and they don't last quite as well as Smoky Mauve or the other Extra Dimension eyeshadows I've tried in the past - though if you're going to layer them over a cream base to highlight that duochrome effect, that's not really a concern.

The duochrome was really hard to capture, but in the picture below you can see a tiny bit of the effect.

MAC Extra Dimension Eyeshadows - Opalesse, Triple Impact

Triple Impact and Opalesse

In the picture below, that effect is next to invisible. Triple Impact reads as a pale, pastel lilac, and Opalesse as a light gold. In reality, Triple Impact has an almost bluish iridescence, while Opalesse has a blush pink undertone.

Smoky Mauve, Opalesse, Triple Impact

However, over a darker base (l'Oréal HIP Cream Eyeliner in Eggplant), the undertones are more visible.

Top to bottom: Opalesse and Triple Impact

I have to say that I'm really glad I got these. The sheerness surprised me, as did the sparklier finish, but they are beautiful and I love the layering potential.

Availability: Slim, as they are sold out on the MAC website, though the stores may still have some in stock. Price is 25$ CAD.

Pros: Smoky Mauve has that fabulous gelée mixture of strong pigmentation, smooth, blendable texture and high-impact metallic shimmer. Opalesse and Triple Impact have a sheerer finish that makes them wonderful for layering, and a lovely shifting iridescence.

Cons: The lighter shades are not as long-lasting, and have a drier texture that doesn't really impact application, but does make them more prone to flying away.

(I purchased these items from www.maccosmetics.com.)

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MAC Extra Dimension Eyeshadows - Opalesse, Triple Impact, Smoky Mauve