Sonia Kashuk Ultra Luxe Lip Gloss - Fairest Flush and Modern Mauve (Review and Swatches)

October 1, 2013, 2:30 pm

≫ Next: Lancôme Teint Visionnaire Skin Correcting Makeup Duo - #100 Ivoire (Review and Swatches)

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Target is finally coming to Quebec! The one nearest to me is opening sometime in the "late" fall, but several have already opened in Laval, Brossard and St-Laurent. Like any beauty junkie, I was most excited about finally being able to access certain hard-to-find and Target-exclusive brands like Sonia Kashuk and Pixi. I was lucky enough to be offered a sampling of products to try out, and now I'm basically stalking the Target page in anticipation of my local store opening.

I've been coveting items from the Sonia Kashuk like for a while now. Lady deserves serious respect for being the only makeup artist - at least at the time - to create a mass-distribution makeup line. As much as the current quality of drugstore makeup owes to the formulations of higher-end sister brands trickling down to their drugstore counterparts, I think a lot of the credit also goes to Sonia Kashuk. She created the template for performance-driven, good quality makeup at a reasonable price.

The Sonia Kashuk Ultra Luxe Lip Glosses certainly exemplify that. (Especially the last part, because unlike some brands, their Canadian prices are pretty much par with the US ones. AWWWW YEAH.)

Sonia Kashuk Ultra Luxe Lip Gloss in Modern Mauve (top) and Fairest Flush (bottom)

First and foremost - I love the packaging. The square tube, the bold logo, the matte black cap - it feels well-executed and on-trend. It doesn't have the heavy-weight feel of a luxury brand, obviously, but neither does it feel cheap. I also really like the brush applicator for getting a nice quantity of product on in a neat manner. I don't love that it has a tendency to catch on the rim going back into the tube, as this has already caused some of the fibres to go a little askew. Also, as the wand comes out it does pick up a fair bit of product, so you might get a glob dripping down if you're not paying attention.

This is a medium-textured gloss that is slightly tacky, particularly as it starts drying down, but not sticky. It has good coverage and feels very comfortable and actually quite hydrating on the lips. Not quite balm-like, but it definitely left my lips feeling smoother and softer, and looking fuller while wearing it.

Lasting power is about average for a gloss, though Modern Mauve left a hint of colour behind as it faded down. These seem to be unscented, at least no masking scent.

Fairest Flush is a super pretty light pink with golden shimmer. It doesn't add much colour to my lips, though that has more to do with the shade than the coverage level, as for a gloss it has medium pigmentation. I like this shade layered over a nude or concealed lip, as it picks up more of the sorbet-pink undertone.

Modern Mauve is that perfect everyday shade for me - a deeper, more polished version of my natural lip colour. I think this is the shade that almost everyone could wear. It has no hint of shimmer, and the creamy finish combined with the conditioning benefits of the formulation really works to add the appearance of fullness and a smoother texture to my lips. Super, super flattering.

Considering how much I like these, I'll be checking out the other shades in this range - I'm feeling the Polished Plum for Fall!

What about you guys? Have you tried anything from Sonia Kashuk or Target that you're thrilled with?

Availability: Currently at Target stores in Canada (no online shopping yet). Price is 8.99$ CAD and 8.99$ USD.

Pros: Comfortable, hydrating, lip-softening wear. Good pigmentation and flattering colours. Modern and classy packaging, and a brush applicator for generous yet precise application.

Cons: The brush can splay out a bit if it catches on the rim of the tube.

(These items were provided by the brand/PR to be considered for review. This post is not sponsored or compensated. Opinions are my own.)

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Lancôme Teint Visionnaire Skin Correcting Makeup Duo - #100 Ivoire (Review and Swatches)

October 5, 2013, 1:24 pm

≫ Next: Maybelline Fall 2013 Collection Eyestudio Color Plush Silk Eyeshadow Palettes - Desert Fantasy and Violet Femmes

≪ Previous: Sonia Kashuk Ultra Luxe Lip Gloss - Fairest Flush and Modern Mauve (Review and Swatches)

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Foundation textures have improved so much in the last few years that it seems like it's not enough for them to simply provide coverage and a skin-like finish. A foundation that merits the term "outstanding" now needs to encompass some sort of significant skincare benefit.

After testing the Lancôme Teint Visionnaire Skin Correcting Makeup Duo this past week, I think it's safe to say that it falls into that "outstanding" category.

Teint Visionnaire incorporates some of the ingredients used in the Visionnaire line of skincare, including LR 2412, a molecule that apparently works to reduce the appearance of discolouration, fine lines, pores and other textural irregularities. The specific skincare claims for this foundation are:

In 4 weeks
- Size of dark spots are reduced by 17%
- Fine lines are reduced by 12%
- Size of pores are reduced by 11%

 In 8 weeks
- Size of dark spots are reduced by 22%
- Fine lines are reduced by 20%
- Size of pores are reduced by 17%

I don't know how they calculate the percentages so precisely, and since I don't possess a Data-esque capacity for measuring volume and depth through the sheer power of my eyeballs, my impressions are a bit more vague. I will say that I observed a definite difference in my skin as I wore this foundation. Not only did my skin appear particularly smooth, luminous and virtually pore-less upon application, but it actually looked better at the end of the day, when I took my makeup off. A touch softer and more refined. It's a rare foundation that accomplishes that!

The texture is lightweight and quite liquid, almost watery, and needs to be shaken up prior to application. If you've used Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua or Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation, you have an idea of the kind of texture I mean. It looks superbly natural on the skin, and has light-to-medium coverage depending on your application method. It applies well with fingers, foundation brushes and a Beauty Blender, though my favourite is the Beauty Blender for the most natural finish. A traditional foundation brush will provide the most coverage. I had no issues with it picking up over dry spots.

My skin really looked perfected, but not like a blank canvas. Problem-free, subtly illuminated, naturally healthy. In other words - my dream skin. This has easily hit the top of the list for my everyday foundation, though the lighter coverage means that I'll likely be reaching for something else on those days my skin needs more help.

My favourite part, though, is how it wears. I've been applying it at 4am every day for the past week, finishing off with a dusting of MUFE Super Matte Powder. At 8pm, my skin did not look substantially different. A bit faded and shiny through the t-zone, but otherwise intact. No caking or creasing, no dilated pores. A small amount of beading on some pores. After wearing it for 16 hours, it was only a little worse for wear. For a foundation that isn't marketed as long-wearing, that's pretty darn incredible. I do, however, recommend powdering and/or using a primer if you have oilier skin, as the finish can look shiny on this type of skin. (EDIT: I don't generally use a face primer, but I am currently using the Philosophy Time in a Bottle, which has properties similar to primers.)

My only issue is the shade range. I had a hard time finding a match, with most of the lighter shades actually looking too dark or too warm. The best shade for me was the #100 Ivoire, which is the lightest shade. It's not perfect, as it is a tiny bit too light and too pink-toned, but the foundation is forgiving enough that it doesn't seem so apparent. I'm not all that fair, though, so paler complexions might not find a good match. On the plus side, the shade range extends farther into the deeper tones than many high-end foundation, so that is awesome!

Since this is a Duo, it also comes with a matching cream concealer packaged in the lid, which is a clever feature. It boasts the same skincare benefits as the foundation.

In terms of texture, it's a firm-packed cream concealer - finer, smoother, and less waxy than the MAC Studio Finish Concealer. It's neither emollient nor particularly dry, and the texture works well under the eyes (warmed up and applied with fingers, or swept on with a fluffy brush for a more diffused effect) or elsewhere on the face.

It's close to full coverage, but I think the particular shade is not the best for my skin coverage needs, as I need something a bit deeper and more peach-leaning to knock out the darkness under my eyes.

Concealer in top swatch, foundation in bottom swatch.

In the arm swatch above, the match looks pretty good, but in the pictures below you can see that my face is ever so slightly lighter and less yellow than my neck and chest. Not a big deal, and I'm happy to add a drop of another foundation to get the exact right match if it means I get to have this awesome finish.

Lancome Teint Visionnaire in Ivoire, MUFE Super Matte Powder, Shu Uemura Duocolor Blush in Sweet Pink, Buxom Amplified Lash Mascara, Kat Von D Spellbinding Eye Shadow Book in Galore and Hexagram, Buxom Full-On Lip Stick in Sydney.

So what do you think? Have you tried this foundation already? Do you like the idea of foundation doing double-duty as skincare, or do you prefer to keep the two things separate?

Availability: At Lancôme counters at The Bay, Pharmaprix/SDM, Murale and Sephora. Price is 60$ CAD and USD. (Parity, yes!)

Pros: Lightweight texture, very natural, slightly luminous finish, excellent wear. Skin looks softer and more refined after wearing it. Concealer has a good texture to be used both under the eyes and over spots, with good, almost full, coverage.

Cons: Colour matching may be difficult, especially for fairer complexions. This particular shade of concealer is not adequate for blue undereye circles.

(This item was provided by the brand/PR, to be considered for review. This post is not sponsored or compensated. Opinions are my own.)

Maybelline Fall 2013 Collection Eyestudio Color Plush Silk Eyeshadow Palettes - Desert Fantasy and Violet Femmes

October 8, 2013, 6:40 pm

≫ Next: Cover Girl Flamed Out Pencils

≪ Previous: Lancôme Teint Visionnaire Skin Correcting Makeup Duo - #100 Ivoire (Review and Swatches)

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I really loved last year's Maybelline Fall collection, so when I saw the new one out while travelling in the States (weeks ahead of its release here in Canada), I had to grab a couple of the Eyestudio Color Plush Silk Eyeshadow palettes right away. (The other two palettes have just started popping up in some drugstores here, and I have a feeling I'll be picking them up as well. I have yet to see these two in particular at stores in the area.)

I started off with Desert Fantasy and Violet Femmes:

Left: Desert Fantasy Right: Violet Femmes

If you've used the Lancome Color Design palettes, you'll find that these have a very comparable texture and finish range. They have a very silky, creamy feel when you rub your finger over them, and a very fine texture, which makes them easy to blend - almost too easy, so it's best to use a gentle brush and/or hand if you prefer blown-out edges. Even when over-blended, the shades resist looking too muddy because of their shimmer and vivid colours.

What I like most about these is that gorgeous shimmer, which remains visible once applied. Applied wet, that sparkle is amplified dramatically, taking on an almost metallic, wet-look sheen. The colour intensity is equally augmented, though to be honest I found these went on just fine when applied dry. Wear is good too, plugging through close to 10 hours with no creasing and minimal fading when I wore them over my usual primer. Without a primer, I had closer to 6 hours of good wear before I noticed some patchiness around my inner corner.

The payoff on these is generally good to great - the only problematic shade is the black in the Desert Fantasy palette. It has a drier texture that is more sheer than I'd like, but it works to create depth and some smokiness. The golden-peach shade and the olive both have some duochrome that isn't obvious, but that adds nice dimensionality to the look. 

The Violet Femmes palette (awesome name, by the way) works for both a more subtle look if you limit yourself to the lighter shades, or something more dramatic. The pale pink is a terrific highlighter, and the purple is gorgeous, though it goes on a little more muted than it appears in the pan and in the swatch. The taupe-mauve and the eggplant on the end are both slightly sheerer when worn dry. I love the taupe-mauve for its "everyday" quality. It's really a no-fuss option for when you want something subtle but brightening.

I like these. A lot, actually. The colours are beautiful, they work together really well, and I like that they can be used wet or dry for variable intensity. If you don't want to splurge on the Lancome palettes, I think these are great options. The biggest differences for me between the two are that the Maybelline palettes have a slightly thinner texture, which can have an impact on blendability and wear.

Availability: Limited release, available at now or shortly at drugstores locations. I've spotted them at Maxi so far. Price is 10.99$ CAD, 9.99$ USD.

Pros: Beautiful colours that can be used for both subtle and dramatic effect. Generally good payoff, especially when used wet. Consistent shimmer from pan to eye. Silky texture, easy to apply and blend together and out.

Cons: Can sheer out easily. Matte black shade is drier with poorer payoff. Overall lack of good matte shades limits their versatility somewhat.

(I purchased these items. This post is not sponsored or compensated. Opinions are my own.)

Cover Girl Flamed Out Pencils

October 9, 2013, 11:19 am

≫ Next: Shu Uemura Eye-conic 30th Anniversary Fall Collection - Duocolor Cheek Blush in Sweet Pink and Fresh Apricot

≪ Previous: Maybelline Fall 2013 Collection Eyestudio Color Plush Silk Eyeshadow Palettes - Desert Fantasy and Violet Femmes

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I'm a sucker for chubby pencils, be it for eyes or lips, so I was really really happy to get some of the Cover Girl Flamed Out Shadow Pencils in my sample bag from the Beauty United event (which I wrote about here, if you're curious).

Included in my bag: #310 Red-Hot Flame and #305 Crystal Flame

When I initially tried the two shades in the picture above, I was surprised that they had some significant differences in finish and pigmentation, so I got a few more to test the range more thoroughly.

Top to bottom: #310 Red-Hot Flame #330 Gold Flame #315 Lime Green Flame #305 Crystal Flame #350 Melted Caramel Flame #300 Silver Flame

After seeing the beautiful burgundy eye that was created on the model for the event, I tested these out in a variety of ways: as liner, different shades blended out together as cream eyeshadow, as a base under powder eyeshadow. Overall, I found that I liked these best used in the latter two ways. Used as liner, I noticed a little bit of smudging throughout the day, which I did not notice when blended or used as bases. On the contrary, they were tenacious, especially when a powder product was layered over them. They were generally - with one exception - easy to blend out before they set, though not as easy as some other chubby pencils I've tried that had a softer, slippier consistency.

I mentioned above that I noticed some differences between the two pencils I initially received, and I found that to be the case throughout. That's good and bad, depending on how much you like variety compared to surprises. I like that there is a range of finishes, but since there is no way of knowing what you'll get unless the store you shop at happens to have testers of all the shades, it can be problematic if you buy another shade based on your feelings about a previous one. Ideally, there should be an notation on the pencil somewhere.

Red-Hot Flame is a creamy, deeply pigmented russet red with a faint metallic sheen, and a soft texture that applies and blends easily. This was my favourite out of the bunch for both performance and colour. It looks scary in the swatch, and you can definitely create a major statement eye (as per the look created for the Hunger Games District 8 feature). However, it's also a great shade to layer under gold, bronze and cabernet eyeshadows to create a burnished smoky eye.

Gold Flame is sheerer, with some shimmer, and works very well to add in some dimension and highlight. I liked it best when used over a shade like Red-Hot Flame for an extra kick.

Lime Green Flame has the same texture and pigmentation level as Red-Hot Flame, albeit slightly more shimmery. Performance was also similar.

Crystal Flame is like Gold Flame, and is perfect for adding a gleam to the inner corner. 

Melted Caramel Flame sits somewhere in between Red-Hot and Gold Flame - not quite as creamy, soft and intense as the former, not quite as sheer and shimmery as the latter. It's a nice all-over lid shade, though because it has a firmer texture, it's less easy to blend out. I like the look it gave when I used it to line under my eyes, but again, it smudged a bit when not set with powder.

Silver Flame is the sheerest, with bigger shimmer - almost glitter - and the patchiest application, and it was harder to blend out. My least favourite, based on performance alone.

Left to right: #300 Silver Flame #350 Melted Caramel Flame #305 Crystal Flame #315 Lime Green Flame #330 Gold Flame #310 Red-Hot Flame

Availability: At most drugstores, price can vary between 6$ to 8$.

Pros: Generally good to great wear, especially when blended out. Good range of shades and finishes. Fantastic pigmentation on the cream liners (Red-Hot Flame and Lime Green Flame). Great base product, especially the creamy shades.

Cons: Finish and pigmentation varies between shades, and is not indicated as such on the packaging, which may disappoint expectations. Blendability varies between shades (Silver Flame being the worst), but generally have less slip than comparable pencils.

(Disclosure: I am a #BeautyUnited blogger. As part of my affiliation with this group, I receive products and special access to P&G events. The opinions on this blog are my own.)

Shu Uemura Eye-conic 30th Anniversary Fall Collection - Duocolor Cheek Blush in Sweet Pink and Fresh Apricot

October 10, 2013, 3:23 pm

≫ Next: Kat Von D Spellbinding Eye Shadow Book

≪ Previous: Cover Girl Flamed Out Pencils

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To celebrate their 30th Anniversary, Shu Uemura recently released the Eye-conic collection, inspired by the creative liberation of the 60s and Shu Uemura's own standard-breaking artistry.

Much like the Matte lipsticks in vibrant shades of pink and coral, the Duocolor Cheek Blushes in Sweet Pink and Fresh Apricot are unusual choices for a fall collection. Then again, perhaps that's why they feel so fresh, and so characteristic of the youth culture and whimsy that inspired the collection?

The blushes are sold individually, and the Retro Sensation Custom Palette can be purchased separately to house them. (If you prefer to place them in something like a Z-palette, you will need to attach a magnetized disk to the bottom, as the pans are made of a non-magnetic metal.) Both feature a - pardon the word, I CANNOT HELP MYSELF - groovaliscious design. The palette, at the very least, owes a nod in Pucci's direction. :P

The blushes have a deeper shade with a matte-to-satin finish, and a lighter shade with a fair amount of micro glitter. Sweet Pink has a bright tulip pink and an pale pink with a white undertone, while Fresh Apricot has a pastel tangerine and a pale yellow-peach with a beige undertone.

Blended, both duos come out more pastel and pale, and pick up the microglitter from the lighter shades. I don't find that the glitter transferred all that much once applied to the face, however. The pink is easier to wear on my skin tone, but I was surprised at how nice the Fresh Apricot looked, since orange shades tend to make me look more sallow. (If you want to see a picture of how Sweet Pink looks, I'm wearing it in my review of the Lancome Teint Visionnaire foundation.)

Both powders are soft, silky and fine, and pick up quite easily on a brush. It's tricky to parse out just the deeper shade on a blush brush, so the colour defaults to a blend and therefore goes on lighter than you'd expect considering how much is picked up by the brush. It makes for a very fresh, delicate effect that is best left as is rather than built up in an attempt to get a deeper colour. I found that if I applied more, the white pigment started to look chalky on my skin. EDIT: I was told that one technique to using the colours separately is to swipe the brush horizontally through the pan, and apply to the cheek in a similar manner. This creates a highlight over the cheekbone while placing the deeper colour just below.

The wear on these was 5 hours until I started noticing some fading, which is about average for more pastel-toned blushes on me.

Individual swatches. Left to right: Sweet Pink and Fresh Apricot

Blended swatches. Top to bottom: Fresh Apricot  and Sweet Pink

Availability: Currently on the www.shuuemura.ca website, as well as select Sephora and Hudson's Bay locations. Blushes are 42$ CAD, palette is 21$ CAD.

Pros: Whimsically retro design, soft, smooth texture, good pigmentation and wear. Easy to create a delicately flushed cheek. Microglitter doesn't really transfer when applied (which could be a con, depending on your expectations and preferences).

Cons: More difficult to parse out the separate shades when using a normal-sized blush brush. Can create a chalky look if applied more robustly. Blushes only available as pans, require a palette.

(These items were provided by the brand/PR to be considered for review. This post is not sponsored or compensated. Opinions are my own.)

Kat Von D Spellbinding Eye Shadow Book

October 14, 2013, 3:47 pm

≫ Next: Sonia Kashuk Eye on Neutral Matte Palette

≪ Previous: Shu Uemura Eye-conic 30th Anniversary Fall Collection - Duocolor Cheek Blush in Sweet Pink and Fresh Apricot

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I saw the new Kat Von D Spellbinding Eye Shadow Book on Sephora a few weeks ago, and it was an object that inspired such immediate and overwhelming coveting that I was checking out within two minutes. It's a rare makeup item that provokes that kind of reaction from me - especially these days.

Part of it has to do KVD's track record - I have yet to try anything from this brand that isn't good, if not great. Maybe not my particular taste, but I can't fault anything for lack of quality. (I'm sure there have been clunkers - no brand is free of them - but in terms of my experience, it's been really solid.)

The other part....well, I'll admit it, I fell in love with the design. I mean, just look at this external packaging. Isn't it beautiful?

Thankfully, the actual palette has the same design repeated. It is a paper-and-cardboard type of palette, so not as sturdy as the rubberized plastic casing of the usual palettes. Ultimately it doesn't matter to me too much because....pretty! *pets palette*

It also comes with a little guide on the back that lists all the shade names, with an asterisk next to the ones that are band new. The others have appeared in other palettes. (If you're avid collector, this might be something to consider, as 11 out of 24 shades are repeats.)

They also suggest a particular application technique that is reminiscent of the Le Métier de Beauté "couches de couleur". Not just pairing the two shades that are placed together, but actually layering them one over the other for different effects.

I will do a separate post showing the layered effects. it was too much to add to this one!

The inner top flap also has some suggested applications for different looks, which is a nice use of usually blank space, and more practical than the loose cards that are sometimes included in bigger palettes - and which inevitably get lost.

The palette itself is protected by a clear plastic sheet that also lists the names of each shade, as it rests over them. It's nice for keeping the interior surfaces clean. I was actually a little surprised that a palette of this size didn't come with a mirror, but since it's not likely one that I would use outside of a location that would have a mirror available (home or hotel room), it's a negligible point.

The range of colours is really excellent, with a mix of neutrals and vivid shades. It is, however, heavily skewed towards the shimmers and glitters, with only two mattes. For that reason I would say it's not an all-around palette, unless you generally abhor using matte shades for your eye looks.

The top left quadrant contains the following:

Dark Throne (new) - satin-finish charcoal black that mostly reads as matte when applies. Soft but dense texture and great pigmentation. Blends, builds and diffuses well, no fallout on application, but can drop down a bit if not worn with a primer.

Precious (repeat) - champagne-pink with a strong shimmer. Soft, creamy texture, and good pigmentation. Blends beautifully, builds up to a point.

Sunset Blvd (repeat) - yellow gold, a mix of shimmer and very fine microglitter (which doesn't really read in the swatch). Generally soft, creamy texture, though you can feel the microglitter. Okay pigmentation when swatched, but did not adhere as well when applied, and had fallout. Does best when layered over another shadow, or cream product.

8 Bit (new) - muted teal shimmer with subtle golden iridescence. Soft, creamy texture. Great pigmentation, easy to blend.

Holy Bible (repeat) - light silver shimmer. Soft texture, very slightly powdery. Good pigmentation, buildable.

Oddfellow (repeat) - matte black with teal microglitter. Drier texture that applies a little more patchy, making it more difficult to blend out. Glitter falls out with blending, best when patted over a sticky primer. (Overall, Oddfellow does MUCH better when blended over Holy Bible, as per the suggested pairing. The combo ends up looking steel blue and quite stunning, and effectively nullifies the powderiness.)

Dark Throne and Precious Sunset Blvd and 8 Bit Holy Bible and Oddfellow

The lower left quadrant contains the following:

Instaglam (new) - silvery-pink shimmer. Soft, very slightly powdery texture, good pigmentation that builds up well.

Stupid Autocorrect (new) - soft burgundy shimmer with subtle pink iridescence. Creamy texture, excellent pigmentation, blends beautifully. (And awesome name.)

Smile Now (new) - pale peach satin with subtle pink duochrome. Soft, slightly powdery texture and sheerer pigmentation that builds to medium.

Cry Later (new) - warm medium brown with a satin finish and bronze microglitter. Soft texture, slightly powdery, with great pigmentation. Blends well. Glitter adheres better than in Oddfellow.

Queen (new) - reddish brown shimmer with teal duochrome (same style as MAC Club and UD Roach). Soft and creamy, with excellent pigmentation and blendability.

Bukowski (repeat) - vibrant turquoise shimmer. Dense, slightly drier texture, which has no effect on the great pigmentation. Applies and blends well.

Instaglam and Stupid Autocorrect Smile Now and Cry Later Queen and Bukowski

The top right quadrant contains the following:

Babe (repeat) - red-violet satin with a touch of blue shimmer. Slightly drier texture and sheerer pigmentation, buildable to medium. A little stiffer to blend out.

Piaf (new) - gunmetal grey shimmer. Soft, creamy and dense, with excellent pigmentation. Blends easily.

Geek (new) - satin-to-matte pale peach with a beige undertone. Soft and very smooth, with great pigmentation. Blends beautifully, and makes for an excellent base shade.

Fallen (repeat) - intense bronze shimmer. Butter-smooth and intensely pigmented. By far the most pigmented and dense application in the palette.

Birdcage (repeat)  - chartreuse shimmer. Smooth and soft texture, okay pigmentation.  Blends and builds well.

Gunner (repeat) - forest green matte base with green microglitter. Drier texture, with sheer, patchy application, and glitter fallout when applied alone. Best over primer or blended over Birdcage.

Babe and Piaf Geek and Fallen Birdcage and Gunner

The lower right quadrant contains the following:

Galore (repeat) - golden-champagne shimmer. Soft and creamy texture, with good pigmentation. Applies and blends smoothly.

Hexagram (new) - olive shimmer with faint copper duochrome. Soft and creamy, great pigmentation. Blends very well. This is a beautiful shade, a more subtle variation on the Queen/Club/Roach duochrome.

Arcadia (new) - silvery-lilac shimmer. Very soft and creamy, with great pigmentation and a bit of fallout upon application because of that softness. Very easy to blend, sheers out almost too easily.

Wonderland (repeat) - matte eggplant purple with dark pink micro glitter. Drier texture, though ok pigmentation and doesn't apply patchy. Glitter falls out a bit, and blending is a little stiff, but not problematic.

Countess (new) - matte warm beige. Very smooth, fine texture, a touch dry. Sheer to medium pigmentation. Blends easily. On me, this is the perfect nude shade to use on the brow, or as a base on the eyelid for a natural look.

WTF (repeat) - rust red shimmer. Slightly dry, soft texture. Ok pigmentation, but buildable. Blends well, not patchy.

Galore and Hexagram Arcadia and Wonderland Countess and WTF

Availability: Exclusive to Sephora and www.sephora.com. Price is 66$ CAD and 55$ USD.

Pros: Gorgeous packaging, beautiful shade range, generally blendable textures and good to intense pigmentation for the shimmers and satin/mattes. Excellent value. The suggested blending pairs are usually quite gorgeous. (Separate post coming to show those combinations.)

Cons: The matte+microglitter shades have spotty application - sheer, fallout, patchy blending. Lack of matte shades decreases versatility. Nearly half of the shades are repeats.

(I purchased this item. Post is not sponsored or compensated. Opinions are my own.)

Sonia Kashuk Eye on Neutral Matte Palette

October 15, 2013, 2:16 pm

≫ Next: Shu Uemura Eye-conic 30th Anniversary Fall Collection - Triple Color Eyeshadow in Allure Mauve and Gypsy Brown

≪ Previous: Kat Von D Spellbinding Eye Shadow Book

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I keep most of my makeup in my vanity, but some of it winds up in my bathroom organizer. Those items are the ones I'll reach for time and again, especially when I have 5 minutes to slap a face together at 4am. Within days of getting the Sonia Kashuk Eye on Neutral Matte palette, it found its way to that organizer.

It's THE no-fuss everyday palette. 

It's not tremendously exciting to look at, I'll admit. The packaging is simple and practical - clean, plastic, lightweight. The colours are basic, everyday colours.

And that's the point. These are all the shades you would need to create a natural eye, a contoured, professional eye, a smoky eye. For the average woman, this is exactly the kind of palette that ends up being a staple in the makeup repertoire. And for a beauty junkie like me, it's that sleeper palette that I end up reaching for again and again. It's practical, reliable and surprisingly versatile. In a beauty industry dominated by flash-in-the-pan trends and gimmicks, a makeup item that does exactly what you need it to is a rare bird indeed.

I have to admit, when I first started playing around with this palette, I was hesitant. Most of the eyeshadows that I consider to be good quality and well-performing share a similarly dense, smooth, buttery texture. I know I can get great payoff, adherence and blendability from that kind of texture. These feel firmer, finer, drier. I got into them expecting lacklustre results.

I could not have been more wrong. These have good to excellent pigmentation, apply super smoothly and blend like a dream! They are not powdery, with the exception of the two lightest shades, which aren't as smooth as the rest. They are also the sheerest and the most given to blending out. I found that the shadows in this palette had minimal fallout, and lasted through an average workday (and then some) without a problem when I wore them over a primer.

The colour range is very good as well, with solid mid-tones and deeper tones, and both cooler and warmer leaning shades. If anything, it skews slightly more warm.

Compared to something like the Lorac Pro Palette, you're getting less versatility since there are no shimmer tones, and slightly less payoff, though the softer texture of the Pro palette also creates more debris. I do think a good shimmer is easier to find than a good matte, however. If you're choosing between the two, this one is definitely the more affordable option.

Availability: Exclusively at Target. Price is 19.99$ CAD and USD.

Pros: Good to great pigmentation, blends and builds very well. Great wear and smooth application with minimal fallout. Range of warm to cool leaning shades, variety of depth of tones. Packaging is slim, light and practical.

Cons: Two lighter shades have more powdery texture, are somewhat sheerer and prone to blending out. Packaging may feel a little too basic and lightweight.

(This item was provided by the brand/PR to be considered for review. This post is not sponsored or compensated. All opinions are my own.)

Shu Uemura Eye-conic 30th Anniversary Fall Collection - Triple Color Eyeshadow in Allure Mauve and Gypsy Brown

October 21, 2013, 1:21 pm

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To celebrate their 30th Anniversary, Shu Uemura recently released the Eye-conic collection, inspired by the creative liberation of the 60s and Shu Uemura's own standard-breaking artistry.

The Shu Uemura Triple Color Eyeshadowspick up on the lines and movement of 60s psychedelic prints, with the flowing design of three complementary shades in each palette. Like the Duocolor Blushes, these come as pans that need to be placed into a palette.

Gypsy Brown - this features a golden yellow shimmer with medium pigmentation, a soft bronze shimmer with great pigmentation, and a sheer gold glitter. Both the yellow and the bronze have a soft, slightly creamy texture that applies evenly, and both the intensity and wear is best when applied over a primer. (Without a primer, I noticed a bit of fading at about the sixth hour of wear.)

The sparkly shade is quite sheer by itself, but it's so pretty applied over other eyeshadows - it just renders any look more ethereal. It also has an opalescent effect that was really hard to capture on camera, but the individual sparkles are both gold and pink, which creates a really dimensional effect under evening lighting conditions. I had fallout when I applied with a brush, but barely any when I used my finger to lightly dab in, so that is the application technique I would recommend. I didn't find that the glitter wandered down during the day.

Allure Mauve - this features a sheer, pale lilac shimmer, a soft, plummy violet shimmer with medium pigmentation, and sheer silvered-lilac glitter. The textures and finishes are similar to those of the Gypsy Brown palette, but with sheerer payoff overall. The glitter shade has a mix of silver, pink and blue iridescence, and is gorgeous when it catches the light.

I found this palette is best used for a more delicate look. You can build it up to some degree, but the the nicest results come from layering the shades for a soft-focus, fey effect. If you want something intense in terms of colour-depth, this is not going to satisfy. If you want an airy-fairy look, however, this might be right up your alley.

Availability: At Shu Uemura counters, as well as www.shuuemura.ca. Price per palette is 42$ CAD.

Pros: Soft, creamy textures on the shimmer shades that apply smoothly. Complimentary composition. Can create a sheer and natural, or more sparkly fey look. Glitter shade is particularly beautiful and dimensional in the evening light.

Cons: Allure Mauve has sheerer pigmentation overall. How much of a con this is depends on your preferences, as application remains smooth, not patchy. Some fallout on the glitter shade, which can be avoided by dabbing on with a finger instead of a brush. Pans require a palette to place them into.

(These items were provided by the brand/PR to be considered for review. This post is not sponsored or compensated. All opinions are my own.)

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Le Métier de Beauté Beauty Vault VIP Subscription Box - 3 month overview

October 23, 2013, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Make Up For Ever Brushes - Artisan Collection

≪ Previous: Shu Uemura Eye-conic 30th Anniversary Fall Collection - Triple Color Eyeshadow in Allure Mauve and Gypsy Brown

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I've never really gotten the point of the subscription boxes. The contents seem to be inconsistent from month to month, and aside from the occasional full-size product, they seem to heavily rely on deluxe samples - which are easy enough to get from counters and Sephora.

The Métier de Beauté Beauty Vault VIP sub box seemed like a completely different animal, however. This subscription service was promoted as the luxury version, with at least one full-sized product coming each month, and early access to yet-to-be-released products. It was also more expensive than the average service (29$ a month, plus tax), with full payment required up front and a limited sign-up list. They also would not ship to Canada.

I only had one item from LMdB at the time (an AWESOME Kaleidoscope), so for 29$ a month, I decided to take the plunge and have them shipped to my cousin in the States. I figured I could wait and collect a bunch at a time.

Three months in, this is what I have received so far:

August box (bigger) and September box (little one)

The August box was RIDICULOUSLY impressive. Aside from the handwritten note welcoming me to the "club", everything was nicely packaged and wrapped.

This box included the Bauhaus Lip Kaleidoscope (95$ USD), a lipstick in a yet-to-be-released formula (32$), a Noir Precision Liquid Pen Liner(42$) and a Kabuki Brush (85$).

Some subscribers received eyeshadow Kaleidoscopes, which, if I'm going to be picky I probably would have preferred. That said, this box was still an absolutely incredible value considered the monthly breakdown of the yearly subscription. This isn't a review of the products, just the service, but I wanted to show you guys the lipstick at least, as it is STUNNING.

This may be one of my all-time favourite reds. It's richly, deeply pigmented, creamy going on but with a matte finish once it settles in.

Needless to say, I was extremely happy with Agust's offerings. While I knew the bounty was due to it being the introductory box, I was very hopeful about September's items.

The value was still pretty good - the True Colour Creme Eyeshadows retail for 28$ each, and I received two. Value is relative however, and while I would have spent twice as much to purchase these at the counter than I did to get them as part of this service, the hard truth is that I wouldn't have bought these in the first place.

Champagne Shimmer (left) and Starry Night (right)

The formula is...particular. It feels like most cream eyeshadows - except it doesn't set. Like, at all. It stays looking creamy on the lids, or anywhere else you apply it, and it creases and fades off easily. Champagne Shimmer does a little better, but Starry Night wound up in my crease within a couple of hours. Champagne shimmer also does better as both a base for eyeshadows and dabbed on the cheekbones or the browbone. 

I know that one of the members of the MakeupTalk forums sent an email to the company expressing similar concerns, and was told that this was a specialty, "fashion" item meant to be dabbed lightly over for a glossy, lived-in look. And you know what? If that's the purpose, then cool. It's not a product I would purchase for myself, but that's less an issue of performance than intent.

That is NOT, however, the way it's marketed on the Saks website where it is sold, or on the little info card that came in the box.

It specifically says it's supposed to be long-wearing and resist settling into lines. Somebody had their wires crossed on this one and the miscommunication, deliberate or otherwise, is disappointing.

They did rebound with the October box. First of all, they actually shipped it me here, in Canada! I don't know if that was a mistake or not, but I really, really appreciate it. :) And again, the handwritten note is super sweet.

This is the Peau Vierge Dark Spot Corrector, which retails for 125$ USD. It promises to tackle hyperpigmentation and acne scarring, as well as generally improving the tone and texture of skin. I'm currently working through another treatment, but I can't wait to give this a go!

Overall I'm really happy that I splurged on this subscription service. I have "spent" 87$ and have received 435$ worth of product. Aside from the True Colour Creme Eyeshadows, I think everything is top-notch.

I also appreciate that there is a mix of products: skincare, makeup and tools, classic best-sellers and unreleased formulas. I think it's an incredible way to get to know a brand and build up a small collection. (And with luxury products like this, the potential for swapping them away if you get something you dislike or can't use is probably better than average.)

So far so good, and I can't wait to see what comes next!

NOTE: The subscription service is closed until next year.

(I purchased all of these items.)

Make Up For Ever Brushes - Artisan Collection

October 31, 2013, 8:38 pm

≫ Next: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Fall 2013 Polishes - Chop Chop Copper and Currant Trend

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One of the coolest moments of my makeup-loving life was getting to chat with Dany Sanz at The Makeup Show NYC in 2011. It was an impromptu chat during break between workshops, and couldn't have lasted more than five minutes - yet it left me awestruck and tongue-tied like few other encounters have. Dany is a makeup legend after all, both as a pro artist and as the creative and visionary force behind one of the premier makeup brands in the world. So when I heard that Make Up For Ever was coming out with its Artisan Brush Collection, I knew it would be extraordinary.

And so it is.

Five years in the making, the brushes was perfected by Dany herself. Each one was hand-crafted by no less than 30 people, with the fibbers specifically selected to mimic natural hair as closely as possible. What differentiates these from a lot of other synthetic brushes on the market is the two types of hair used - one straight, for greater intensity, and one wavy, for more diffused application. The mix of these hairs means that each brush can be calibrated for a particular effect.

I have to say that the brushes feel incredible. The fibers are incredibly soft and silky, the ferrule solid, and the beech wood handle is beautiful and graceful, with an organic yet ergonomic design. As soon as I had a chance to ogle inspect them at the MUFE boutique, I had to pick up a few to try out. I was also fortunate enough to receive a few more for testing, which has given me a fair indication of their performance.

Overall? I think these are excellent.

The 75 brushes (!!) in this collection are numbered according to general function: 100s are for the complexion, 200s are for the eyes, 300s are for the lips, and 400s are for specialty/professional purposes.

These are the 100 series I tried out:

Top to bottom: 160 Blush Brush, 152 Medium Highlighter Brush, 106 Medium Foundation Brush

Top to bottom: 160 Blush Brush, 152 Medium Highlighter Brush, 106 Medium Foundation Brush

160 Blush Brush (51$ CAD) - This one seems a little odd for blush application, with its elongated shape. I initially used it more for applying bronzer and contour powder and it's fantastic for loose or finishing powder, particularly in the recessed areas of the face like around the nose and under the eyes. I eventually tried it with blush and it actually works beautifully when used to gently sweep the blush up along the cheekbones, rather than using it to buff out a more rounded application.

This has a mix of wavy and straight fibres, and I was able to vary the application from very subtle to medium intensity quite easily. It worked well for picking up both loose and pressed powders, and was terrific for applying deeply pigmented blush that require a softer hand.

It's a finer, more precise and infinitely softer version of the 138 Tapered Face Brush from MAC, which - until recently - was one of my favourite multi-tasking powder brushes.

MUFE 160 Blush Brush MAC 138 Tapered Face Brush

152 Medium Highlighter Brush (43$ CAD) - This is marketed as a highlighter brush, but I think it works really well for a variety of products. The wavy fibres mean it tends to give a softer application, which is nice for both highlighting powders and intensely pigmented blushes, but amazing for cream-based blushes, bronzers and foundations. It makes blending easy as pie, and gives cream foundations in particular a nice, airbrushed finish.

In terms of shape and size, it's similar to the smaller blush/buffer brushes I currently own from OCC and Real Techniques. The shape is more domed, so it's a little easier to create depth under the cheekbone.

Top to bottom: OCC #011 Small Powder/Blush Brush, MUFE 152 Medium Highlighter Brush, Real Techniques Buffer Brush

 106 Medium Foundation Brush (41$ CAD) - This a slightly paddle-shaped foundation brush, a touch wider and shorter than other foundation brushes I've owned. It's a little bit softer, thicker and fluffier as well, which allows it to provide a smoother application of foundation. Some flat foundation brushes can leave streak marks behind that then need to be blended away, but that's not the case here at all. The blend was easy and seamless, even with full coverage foundations. Because of its wider profile, it also applies the product more quickly. I tend to prefer buffing-style brushes for foundation, but I found myself reaching for this just as often - perhaps because of the way it delivered on the flawless finish, while still giving me a lot of control.

This is a comparison with the Cover FX Liquid Foundation Brush (which appears to have been discontinued *sadface*), where the wider, shorter and fluffier profile is obvious. The Cover FX brush, by the way, was probably my favourite flat foundation brush, as it has a very smooth profile and the exact right amount of give. The 106 nudges ahead, mainly because of how quickly it allows me to slap the foundation on.

MUFE 106 Medium Foundation Brush Cover FX Foundation Brush

And now onto the 200 series eye brushes!

Top to bottom: 216 Medium Precision Eye Blender Brush, 214 Small Precision Crease Brush

216 Medium Precision Eye Blender Brush (29$ CAD) - This brush has a rounded bullet head, with straight fibres for more intense application. I liked this for applying powder eyeshadow to the crease or outer corner of the eye, and I also had good results using it to smudge out pencil or cream liner (though the 212 is my HG smudger, see below) The brush is dense but still very soft, so it didn't irritate my lash line.

The closest comparison brush I have is the Inglot 80 HP (which has been discontinued). It's a natural-hair brush, and as such the fibres are a little more rigid and not as silky soft as the MUFE 216.

Inglot 80 HP MUFE 216 Precision Eye Blender Brush

214 Small Precision Crease Brush (29$ CAD) - SUCH an awesome brush! I've been looking for a very small crease brush to achieve ultimate control, but something that would also give me enough flexibility for good blending. The brush fits the bill perfectly. The straight fibres and pointed tip can create the most defined crease, and work equally well for shading the outer corner. I even use this to apply soft shading under the lower lash line. It does all the work when it comes to blending in whatever line you've applied (though if you want to blend over a larger area this would not be your guy). In general I find myself leaning towards smaller brushes now for more precise work.

The most comparable brush I own is the Cozette S175 Eye Contour Brush, which is still a fair bit larger, and works a little bit better as a blender for me.

Cozette S175 Eye Contour Brush MUFE 214 Small Precision Crease Brush

 212 Medium Precision Smudger Brush (29$ CAD) - This is my Holy Grail brush for smudging eyeliner. It is precise, ultra-soft in terms of how it feels against my lash line, but still firm enough to offer a controlled smudge. It's almost too soft to smudge some powder eyeshadows effectively, as it can encourage fall-out, but it's a dream for powder eyeshadows that have that "creamy" texture. It's really fantastic for blending cream eyeliner up on the lid for an easy smoky look, and the fine tapered head gives great control for work around the corners of the eye.

The Mini Contour brush from Glamcor is the closest equivalent, though it's bigger and a little stiffer - which can make all the difference when it comes to working around the lashline. (For reference, I actually ADORE the Glamcor Mini Contour as a lip brush.)

Glamcor Mini Contour MUFE 212 Medium Precision Smudger Brush

 258 Large Precision Eyeliner Brush (28$ CAD) - I have to admit this one stumped me for a bit. I tend to favour extremely fine eyeliner brushes for better control. Using the tip I was able to draw a fairly fine line, though I wasn't sure it was any better than what I could achieve with my ultra-fine liners. I don't generally do thicker liner, which is certainly what's achievable using this brush flat against the lid.

Then I recently did a makeup on someone who was a little uneasy about tight lining with a pencil directly, so I tried using this brush instead. I applied the liner to the lash line, and used the 258 to both smudge it into and beneath the lash line. I then brushed it over the tip of the pencil to load it, and then gently pushed it on the edge of the inner rim of the eye. The result was a beautifully lined eye, and a super gentle, non-scary application method.

The MAC 231 Small Shader Brush is my closest equivalent, though it is wider and thicker, with more rounded tapering.

MAC 231 Small Shader Brush MUFE 258 Large Precision Eyeliner Brush

Overall, I am incredibly pleased with these brushes. I think the design and construction is top-notch, and the array of choices is faultless. If you're looking for a particular brush type - whatever size or shape - I daresay you will find it in this collection. The price point is not cheap, but for the quality of the product, I do think it's worth the investment.

I initially had some confusion about the cleaning process for these. I was told in the MUFE boutique to NEVER use an alcohol-based cleaner on these, as it would irrevocably damage the bristles within one or two uses. I haven't had a problem using alcohol on my other synthetic brushes (alcohol in a spray bottle is my preferred spot cleaner, actually), so I was a little taken aback. My contact at MUFE Canada confirmed that alcohol will damage any synthetic brushes over time. They do sell an alcohol-free Instant Brush Cleanser to go along with the brushes, which is an oil-based cleanser. For the moment I am using my Shu Uemura Cleansing Oils to clean these, until I can try the MUFE version.

So what about you guys? Have you given these new brushes a try? Are you coveting any in particular?

(Some of the items were provided by the brand/PR to be considered for review. I purchased the others. This post is not sponsored or compensated. All opinions are my own.)

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Fall 2013 Polishes - Chop Chop Copper and Currant Trend

November 3, 2013, 12:48 pm

≫ Next: Skincare Heroes - #1 Bioderma Sensibio H2O Solution Micellaire and Sensibio AR Creme Anti-Rougeurs

≪ Previous: Make Up For Ever Brushes - Artisan Collection

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Sally Hansen has released several awesome new collections for the Fall season, including the Triple Shine series (which, er, I may have indulged in just this past weekend) and the Fuzzy Coat collection. Liz over at Beauty Reductionista did a great review of the Designer collection for the Complete Salon Manicure line as well. I had the opportunity to try out a few of the limited fall shades from their Insta-Dri line - my first ever, actually!

These are Chop Chop Copper and Currant Trend:

Chop Chop Copper is a pale bronze foil with gold and pink micro glitter. I included a blurred picture because my iPhone camera refuses to pick up the subtle and totally incredible shimmer. It's beautiful as is, but when it catches the light, it's nuts.

It is on the sheerer side, so you'll have to layer it on for maximum impact. This is three coats.

As promised, it does dry faster than the average polish but I was still better off applying a quick-dry topcoat. My Pisces klutziness will not be outmatched, and I still had dings when I went without a topcoat.

Currant Trend is a super intense red violet shimmer, with hot pink and indigo micro-shimmer. The base colour is vivid but the shimmer subdued in natural light, but picks up a lot more in sunlight. Again, I included a blurred picture to show off that multi-dimensional shimmer.

I found this to have a really good formula, giving great coverage at two coats, which is what I'm wearing here.

The brush for these is fairly wide, with a rounded tip. It worked well - not my absolute favourite, but not problematic.

Overall I'm really pleased with my first foray into the Insta-Dri line. I do wish they dried rock hard faster, but that's my inability to avoid knocking into things speaking. I think for the average person, the drying time would be more than adequate.

Availability: These were a Fall release, with distribution across drugstores and other mass retailers. Prices vary, though 4.95$ is the suggested price.

Pros: Really awesome colours and multi-dimensional shimmer. Quick drying time, about 60 seconds for a touchable level of hardness. Currant Trend had a lovely, opaque formula.

Cons: Chop Chop Copper was on the sheerer side, which required at minimum 3 coats to achieve bottle depth. If you're ding-prone, a quick-dry topcoat is still necessary.

(These items were provided by the brand/PR to be considered for review. This post is not sponsored or compensated. All opinions are my own.)

Skincare Heroes - #1 Bioderma Sensibio H2O Solution Micellaire and Sensibio AR Creme Anti-Rougeurs

November 4, 2013, 1:54 pm

≫ Next: Giorgio Armani Kaleidoscope Collection Fall 2013 - Scarabeo Face and Eye Palette #2 Venomous Green

≪ Previous: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Fall 2013 Polishes - Chop Chop Copper and Currant Trend

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As I've mentioned before, I'm investing a lot of time this year in expanding my skincare horizons. As I've been testing left and right, I've found myself returning back to several key products, and, on occasion, integrating some of the new items into my closet of all-star, hero products. I thought I would start a series devoted to these - the tried and true, as well as the new heavy hitters.

The first one is a duo I've been using for years: Bioderma Sensibio AR Creme Anti-Rougeurs and Bioderma Sensibio H2O Solution Micellaire.

(Not this particular set, obviously, since I've gone through bottles of these. This Bioderma Solution Micellaire was actually sent to me so I could try the fancy flip-top version. Verdict? Fancy flip-top is awesome. Especially for my crack-of-dawn morning routine.)

The Bioderma Sensibio H2OSolution Micellaire is, of course, YouTube Famous. It has been touted by every beauty guru on the planet, and for good reason. It is a gentle and effective. I generally go in for a good oil cleanse in the evenings, but when it comes to quickly removing makeup, cleaning my skin in the morning, or touching up makeup mistakes - absolutely nothing beats this. (For heavier eye makeup I've found that soaking a cotton pad and letting it rest over my eyes is key to dissolving everything and incurring a minimum of tugging.)

I've used it for years, and it's the first staple to go into my skin prep kit if I'm working on someone else. Nothing is 100% hypoallergenic, but this comes pretty close. I can feel secure using it on almost anyone.

The Bioderma Sensibio Creme Anti-Rougeurs is my stand-by from when I was dealing with a lot of redness in my skin. Undiagnosed rosacea, chemical irritation, acne irritation - who knows? I was red, I was miserable, and this cream was the only thing that appeased it and made my skin calmer and less florid, especially over time. I don't need to use it daily now, but it's my standard for when my skin is acting up.

It's not heavily moisturizing and, in fact, has a really nice texture for oilier skin - very nice to use on clients with acne-prone skin that have obvious redness and irritation, since it will soothe and hydrate just enough. On myself,  I'll sometimes use it in place of moisturizer in the heavier summer months.

What about you guys? Have you fallen on the Bioderma bandwagon? What are your must-have skin saviours?

(One of the items was provided by the brand/PR for review, the other I purchased. This post is not sponsored or compensated. All opinions are my own.)

Giorgio Armani Kaleidoscope Collection Fall 2013 - Scarabeo Face and Eye Palette #2 Venomous Green

November 6, 2013, 2:30 pm

≫ Next: Benefit Brow Bar at Sephora and Gimme Brow Review

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There are so makeup products that have you at hello. The Scarabeo Face and Eye Palette from Giorgio Armani's Fall collection was just such an item. I stopped by the Neiman Marcus at Garden State Plaze on my drive back from New York earlier this fall, intending to stretch my legs and poke around for a few minutes. I ended up at the Giorgio Armani counter, trying to avoid the slightly-too-aggressive SA by taking great interest in one of the displays, when this beautiful palette caught my eye.

I was actually, literally, knocked a step back. It was just that beautiful. I felt like I was looking at the makeup equivalent of a mermaid, all golden green and pink shimmers. I knew I had to have it, no questions asked. (I identify strongly with my Pisces sign, and when something gives a Pisces the mermaid vibe, you GET IT.)

In retrospect, I probably should have at least asked for the price, because 88$ is quite a bit, even for something that went straight to my beauty soul like this did.

The top portion is a blush in the shade Light Pink. I don't think the name really captures the colour - it's more of a warm pink with a very subtle undertone of plum. Just enough to make this a little duskier than hues of this nature usually are. There is a fine golden shimmer that doesn't look sparkly one applied. It creates a beautiful glow, but can emphasize pores and texture if you bring it too far forward on your face. Applied to the cheekbones, it does double-duty as a blush and highlighter.

It also has an incredibly fine-milled, smooth texture that has incredible payoff yet blends out like a cream product might. Due to the super time texture, tapping of your brush is necessary, or you'll wind up with way more than you need loaded onto the bristles.

The blush is, simply put, amazing.

I wish I could be as loving towards the eyeshadows, but as gorgeous as they are, they were not quite the perfection I was expecting.

Copper Wood (brown shade on the left): This is a dark bark brown shade, with pale bronze and almost olive shimmer. It super finely-milled silky and a touch dry. It has intense pigmentation but a tendency to get very powdery when applied with a brush, with a fair bit of debris cascading down on the face during application. Because of that fine texture and tendency to powder, it also sheers out easily. When a deep shade like this does that, the effect can look murky and dirty. It does much better when applied with a sponge tip, or when the brush is lightly sprayed with water or fixative. Otherwise you just have to be very carefully when applying and blending.

Iridescent Jade (middle green shade): This looks like a metallic apple green in the pan, but that top layer is deceptive. It's actually jade green shimmer, with a teeny bit of paler iridescence. Again, it is beautifully pigmented, with a super fine, super smooth texture. It doesn't have the same issues with dryness or powderiness that Copper Wood does, but it is equally susceptible to sheering out. Because of the vividness of the shade, it doesn't look murky but it can look faded. If you want to keep that brightness, you do need to apply with a packing brush, and be very careful about blending out any edges.

Sea Green (green-gray shade on the right): This is a pale silvery green, that applies more silver than it looks in the pan. It is fine, smooth and soft, and a sheerer than the other two shades. It's a gorgeous shade to use on the inner corner, or over Iridescent Jade to make it more luminous. Again, it shares that same propensity for sheering out, though in a highlight shade that's not necessarily a bad thing.

The wear time is not fantastic unless used over a primer. I found they faded after about 4-5 hours without one, but stayed looking good for 8 hours with one.

Overall, I have to say that I am still in love with this palette - but it's a crazy, irrational love. The blush is sublime, but the eyeshadows, while beautiful, are problematic. For this price point, it really should be flawless.

Availability: Currently still at Saks, possibly other counters. Price is 88$ USD, 95$ CAD.

Pros: Stunning colour range, blush is a less obvious version of pink and the eyeshadows work well together. Blush has a lovely sheen that works as a highlighter, and blends suberbly. Texture on everything is incredibly smooth and fine.

Cons: Blush can emphasize texture and pores due to the sheen. Eyeshadows are all so fine that they need to be applied carefully (and ideally over a primer), or risk over blending, looking dusty or faded. Copper Wood shade is prone to powderiness and fallout, best used wet or with a sponge applicator.

(I purchased this item. Post is not sponsored or compensated. All opinions are my own.)

Benefit Brow Bar at Sephora and Gimme Brow Review

November 24, 2013, 2:19 pm

≫ Next: OPI Holiday 2013 Mariah Carey - The Look: My Favorite Ornament, Visions of Love, I Snow You Love Me

≪ Previous: Giorgio Armani Kaleidoscope Collection Fall 2013 - Scarabeo Face and Eye Palette #2 Venomous Green

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Several weeks ago I had the chance to be at the opening of the Benefit Brow Bar at the Sephora in Quartier Dix30 in Brossard. This was one of the very first Brow Bars that opened in Canada, and Benefit threw a nice shin-dig (slightly less raucous than a hootenanny) to celebrate the event. There were delicious pink cupcakes and, perhaps more importantly, demonstrations of the services that are now being offered in select Sephoras across the country. :P

The Brow Bar station, right next to the Benefit gondola.

The services range from tweezing or waxing (eyebrows and lip) to eyebrow tinting, and are performed by a Sephora cast member that has been trained by Benefit in their system, and certified as an arch expert. During quiet periods, they can possibly accommodate walk-ins (assuming the specialist is in), but it's always best to book an appointment. 

This is a paid service, so of course there is no pressure to purchase anything. (Though what I love about Sephora is that the cast members - and many of the LVMH-owned brand reps - aren't beholden to quotas or commission, so it's the most enjoyable makeup consultation you're likely to have.)

A list of services, translated: brow waxing 23$ brow tweezing 23$ brow tinting 20$ brow waxing and tinting 36$ lip waxing 14$ brow and lip waxing 32$ brow waxing and tinting, and lip waxing 45$

My eyebrows were actually in pretty good shape, so I had a "dry" run through of the process, as the expert explained the process she would use to find and define my natural brow shape and arch, and how she would then use either wax or tweezers to shape and refine it.

I really love that they offer brow tinting as well! One of the easiest things you can do to look more youthful and alive is to lightly darken your eyebrows. Hair colour fades with age (at the same time that skin becomes more dull) and it's that lack of contrast that can look particularly aging. And of course if you dye your hair a wildly different colour, a good brow tint helps sooooo in making the shade look more like your own.

They use a gentle brow dye that lasts a few weeks before fading gently away.

Prepping the brow dye.

The lovely and stunningly photogenic Cynthia Dulude from Maquillage Cynthia was the blogger guinea pig for the brow tinting process, which she pronounced a success! (And by the by, do check out her youtube channel - she is a pro MUA and has some fantastic tutorials and reviews.)

Cynthia Dulude, getting her brow on.

I didn't get my brows done, but I was indeed wowed by the bar. :P

I also had a chance to meet Rema Gouyez (the Benefit Digital Marketing Coordinator) in person, and she is indeed as sweet, funny and generous as you would imagine from her tweets and The Burgundy Book blog. And DEAR LORD can the woman wear a punchy lip, or what??

And what Montreal event would be complete without these ladies?? Gorgeous and fashionable as always: Chloé Dumont from The Fashion Red Fox and Katia from Lapiz of Luxury.

A fantastic time was had, and thank you again to Benefit and Rema for the evening!

Along with a first-hand experience of the Brow Bar, I also had the chance to try one of Benefit's star products: Gimme Brow.

Benefit Gimme Brow in Medium/Deep

This is essentially a lightweight fiber gel that adds both colour and volume to the brow hairs. Like a mascara, it builds on the hairs you already have to create a fuller, more filled-in effect. It also helps to groom them into place, but the texture is natural, not crunchy-stiff. If you have significant gaps, you will still need to fill with your choice of pen, pencil or powder, but otherwise this is a fast, easy way to add some fullness and definition. I love that the brush is small and pointed, which really gives a lot of control and precision, and that the gel isn't thick or stiff, which, again, helps to keep the effect natural looking.

Gimme Brow currently only comes in two shades (Light/Medium and Medium/Deep), and both lean a little ashy - which is excellent for most eyebrows.

My brows aren't especially wimpy, and they generally have a good shape. I am prone to some sparseness and "spikiness" at the inner corner, however, and Gimme Brow fills in and tames those hairs without ever looking overdone. The effect is clean and polished, though if your preference if for a thicker look, you can of course build it up a lot more than I do.

I find myself reaching for Gimme Brow with the same frequency I do mascara. Both are in the same business of making a face look more "done", with minimum effort. My laziness + high-performing product = AWESOMENESS. Well worth the 26$ CAD.

Natural brows, brushed more or less into place. Other makeup: Lancome Teint Visionnaire foundation.

Gimme Brow applied lightly to the inner two thirds of the brows. Other makeup: Lancome Teint Visionnaire foundation.

So! Have any of you tried out the Brow Bar services? Or Gimme Brow? 

Thoughts? Feelings? Haikus?

(Item provided by the brand/PR to be considered for review. This post is not sponsored or compensated. All opinions are my own.)

OPI Holiday 2013 Mariah Carey - The Look: My Favorite Ornament, Visions of Love, I Snow You Love Me

November 25, 2013, 2:39 pm

≫ Next: Lancôme Holiday 2013 - Rose Étincelle Highlighter and Étincelle de Neige Vernis in Love nail polish

≪ Previous: Benefit Brow Bar at Sephora and Gimme Brow Review

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The OPI Holiday collections are always a fun mix of the classic (lots of red and burgundy shades) and the bling-tastic (glitter....glitter as far as the eye can see). This year is no different, and as the collection was inspired by Mariah Carey, the reds seem all that more saturated, and the shimmers all that more sparkly.

I had a chance to try three shades from the collection that are also sold as a three-pack gift set of full-size bottles called The Look: My Favorite Ornament (champagne glitter), Visions of Love (rich burgundy) and I Snow You Love Me (holographic confetti).

My Favorite Ornament - This is, BY FAR, one of my favourite glitters. It is incredibly saturated with champagne gold glitter, so much so that a single coat is almost enough. (I'm wearing two on the pictures below.) Yet it doesn't feel thick or clumpy. The glitter is just that fine and dense. Application was easy as well, I just made sure my first coat was dry. This can by worn with or without a topcoat, depending on your preference, but if you like a traditionally glossy finish you'll need to do several layers. I did just one coat here, to emphasize the sparkle.

It doesn't look too dimensional in the bottle, but applied to the nails it has an almost holographic depth. Under light, it's like looking at millions of teeny tiny diamonds. It glows.

Utterly gorgeous.

(Wear time was surprisingly good too, three days without a chip, which for me is equal to probably a week on anyone else.)

Visions of Love: This is a blackened burgundy. At one coat it looks like merlot, with two it's vampy and rich. At three, like I have in these pictures, it's near black. This is not an innovative shade, but a well-done classic, with a smooth, medium texture, a glossy finish and generally good application. The slightest tendency to pool a bit at the cuticles, but not in a way that stands out for a shade like this.

It also makes for a great base for...

I Snow You Love Me: Round holographic confetti in a fairly thick clear base. I love the way these catch the light and transform a classic shade into something funky. Unlike a lot of chunky glitters, this lies flat and smooth to the nail.

The biggest challenge for a shade like this getting an even distribution of the confetti on the nail. I did have to go fishing a bit, and rested the confettiI caught on the inner lip of the bottle - once I had a few collected that way, I could pick them up with the brush. It's a bit of work, but the effect is fun, especially if you're only going to do an accent nail. It can be a discreet and office-friendly way of adding some holiday cheer to your manicure.

Availability: Currently at Trade Secrets and salons in Canada, as well as at www.nailpolishcanada.com. The suggested retail price for the The Look is 24.95$ CAD, and prices for individual bottles of the Holiday collection are about 8.95$ CAD.

Pros: Gorgeous, glowing glitter on My Favorite Ornament, and easy to apply. Good wear. Well-done classic for Visions of Love. Beautiful, well-behaved holographic confetti. Good variety of shades in the pack, classic to vivacious.

Cons: Getting the confetti applied evenly takes some work, especially if you are looking for a particular placement. Thicker base can make edges look a bit gloopy if you're not careful.

(Items provided by the brand/PR to be considered for review. This post is not sponsored or compensated. All opinions are my own.)

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Lancôme Holiday 2013 - Rose Étincelle Highlighter and Étincelle de Neige Vernis in Love nail polish

November 30, 2013, 10:15 am

≫ Next: Philosophy Time in a Bottle

≪ Previous: OPI Holiday 2013 Mariah Carey - The Look: My Favorite Ornament, Visions of Love, I Snow You Love Me

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Lancôme's Holiday 2013 collection is a small one, but it sure as heck doesn't lack for impact. "Inspired by twinkling lights and wintery whites", the sparkle of the season is the defining feature for all the items.

The stand-out piece is, of course, the Rose Étincelle Highlighter.

It is, without a doubt, a stunner. A shimmery silver-pink stunner, with the classic Lancôme rose design. Looking at it from the side, it makes me think of freshly fallen snow. You know, the kind that sparkles like diamonds, when the air is super-crisp and the sun is shining.

The top layer is extra-frosty with silver micro-glitter, which can be brushed away to reveal the pink-hued shade beneath. (Note: The glitter will be EVERYWHERE for a little while. It's the most tenacious fairy dust ever. You can see in the picture below that I wan't able to get rid of it all and it kept sprinkling the casing.)

The exterior packaging looks like the basic black Lancôme casing, but at the right angle, it actually reveals the iconic Lancôme rose. It's a small detail, one that might escape notice, but it's that kind of special touch that elevates a beauty product. At least in my eyes.

(Apologies for the slight fuzziness of the picture, it was really difficult to capture the rose design otherwise.)

The texture is lovely - soft and dense, it can be applied quite opaquely if you wish, or as a soft silvery pink haze with a soft brush. It works well for highlighting anything, be it the inner corner of the eye, on the cheekbone, the collarbones.

Without the sparkly top layer, it's still quite heavy on the shimmer and so something I would reserve for evening looks (though if I could get away with looking like a fairy princess for work, I would wear this like spackle, I kid you not). Worn at night, though, it is exquisite and would work well for both holiday and New Year's Eve looks.

The other item in the collection that I was sent to try is the Vernis in Love in Étincelle de Neige.

This is so intensely pretty! It picks up again on that sparkly, fresh snow effect. Like crushed diamonds coating my nails. A ton of off-white shimmer that flashes teeny blue and pink and yellow glimmers at certain angles (which was absolutely impossible to capture in a picture).

It's beautiful as is, but if you don't like the textured feel, several layers of top coat can be added (which will only increase the insane sparkle factor). Personally I like the 'bare' look. It's also quite opaque, so while you can layer it over another polish, I think it works best on its own. Here I did two coats.

The application was smooth and easy, and the flat but curved brush is perfect for my nail bed. It took a little bit of elbow grease to get off, but worth it because...

...I was very pleasantly surprised by how long this lasted on my nails - a full WEEK. For me, that's unheard of. When I got some wear at the tip, I even tried chipping it off and couldn't get much. I only wish it came in a larger size, as the bottle is only 6ml. I think I'm going to need a back-up bottle (or twelve), and I'm going to have to track down the Étincelle d'Argent, which appears to be sold out on the website.

Availability: At www.lancome.ca, as well as The Bay, and select Pharmaprix/SDM and Murale locations. Price is  52$ CAD for the highlighter, 16$ for the nail polish.

Pros: Great texture and pigmentation, variable with application method, on the highlighter. Gorgeous packaging and design. Nail polish is opaque and very resistant to chipping. Both are insanely pretty and perfectly suit the inspiration of "twinkling lights and merry whites".

Cons: The glitter on the highlighter is a bit messy initially. The nail polish takes a bit of work to remove, and is smaller than the average nail polish bottle.

Have you guys tried any of these? I was really stunned by how much I loved the nail polish.

(These items were provided by the brand/PR to be considered for review. This post is not sponsored or compensated. All opinions are my own.)

Philosophy Time in a Bottle

December 1, 2013, 2:16 pm

≫ Next: Shu Uemura - New Generation Eyelash S Curler, Tokyo Lash Mascara and Tsuya Youth Infusing Eye Concentrate

≪ Previous: Lancôme Holiday 2013 - Rose Étincelle Highlighter and Étincelle de Neige Vernis in Love nail polish

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Skincare products are the hardest thing to review. More so than cosmetics, which have immediate and visible measurables (texture, pigmentation, longevity), skincare really needs to be used for several weeks to gauge any kind of effect. And then you can't really be 100% sure that any changes you've noticed are due to the product, the interaction of that product with another one, or a variety of lifestyle or environmental changes.

That said, I'll do my best for Philosophy's Time in a Bottle, because I think for the right skin type, it's pretty extraordinary.

According to Philosophy, Time in a Bottle promises to "defy the appearance of all major signs of aging" by "helping to promote skin's natural renewal and protections processes".

It is indeed loaded with a LOT of antioxidants and skin-benefiting extracts, and has mix-when-you're-ready format for integrating the high potency vitamin C (the little pink jar in the photo below). The later helps to preserve the vitamin C's integrity, and effectiveness.

Ingredients: Water, Dimethicone, Alcohol Denat., Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethylsilane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Peg-8, Butylene Glycol, Polyethylene, Glycerin, Dimethiconol, Methoxy Peg-18, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Coffee Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract, Pongamia Pinnata Seed Extract, Angelica Archangelica Root Extract, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Peel Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Plankton Extract, Ptfe, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Squalane, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Tocopherol, Polysorbate 60, Lecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Hydrolyzed Soy Flour, Retinyl Palmitate, Propylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Micrococcus Lysate, Bacillus Ferment, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Maltodextrin, Trisodium Edta, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Disodium Edta, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Sorbic Acid, Adenosine, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Parfum/Fragrance, 1,2-Hexanediol, Silica, Xanthan Gum, Ascorbic Acid, Lactic Acid, Sodium Chloride, Alcohol, Acetic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Bht, Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891).

Kind of overwhelming to look at, but the fact that the extracts and antioxidants are right up there as opposed to the end of the list is a good indicator that they're not token amounts, good for nothing but label appeal.

A couple of the more interesting ones I found while googling the ingredients:

Coffee Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract - helps to smooth and tighten the skin, and protect against photo-aging. (Link to survey of studies.)

Bifida Ferment Lysate - has been shown to reduce skin sensitivity. (Link to study.)

Pongamia Pinnata Seed Extract - has been shown to reduce inflammation. (Link to study.)

Squalane has a pretty established skincare record as a great lubricant and moisturizer, as does glycerine as a humectant. This formulation also contains alcohol - and a lot of it, as it is a primary ingredient. While this does give the serum a very lightweight feel and is a good carrier for the extracts and other ingredients, it can exacerbate dry skin, or provoke an overcompensation of oil production.

Despite the alcohol content, I am extremely fond of this product for the effect it has on my skin, and the loads of positive comments I have received about how nice my skin looks on days that I've used it.

I think in terms of creating a smoother, firmer, more radiant-looking skin, Time in a Bottle wins across all categories. The effects were marginally visible after one use, and more so with every use until the difference was obvious at one week. My skin looked more taut, the grain appeared finer, and my pores looked diminished. I also had a definite glow that wasn't shiny or shimmery.

As nice as the effects were, they were magnified dramatically when I applied makeup. I don't know if it altered the way my foundation sat on my skin, but something about it also provides an excellent priming function. The effect was most pronounced with my Lancome Teint Visionnaire (which has skincare benefits as well), but it made all of my foundations look smoother, more radiant, more skin-like, and with near invisible pores. Friends, family, even random makeup counter SAs stopped to tell me how lovely my skin looked.

All that to say - this is almost my new best friend. However, I do find that I have to take occasional breaks from it, or else reserve it for days when I need my skin to look outrageously good. When I used it for four weeks straight, I found that my skin started to get more distinctly combination - oilier in my oily areas, more dry in my dry areas. Not dramatically so, but enough that I noticed. It's worth mentioning that this is also the time of the year when heating and dry air can wreak havoc with my complexion, so it's difficult to parse out how much the alcohol component is responsible.

As of right now, I'm using it part of the time, and almost like a primer for it's skin-smoothing and tightening properties. (Though I still layer a moisturizer over it in my dry areas.) It might not be true love, but it's pretty darn close!

Availability: At Sephora stores and online, as well as www.philosophy.com. Price is 74$ CAD and USD.

Have any of you tried Time in a Bottle? Has it been a skin saviour for you?

(This item was provided by the brand/PR to be considered for review. This post is not sponsored or compensated. Contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.)

Shu Uemura - New Generation Eyelash S Curler, Tokyo Lash Mascara and Tsuya Youth Infusing Eye Concentrate

December 5, 2013, 6:21 pm

≫ Next: 12 Days of Beauty Giveaway!

≪ Previous: Philosophy Time in a Bottle

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Shu Uemura just came out with a new eyelash curler, the New Generation Eyelash S Curler - and this little guy is AWESOME, especially if you a) have smaller eyes, b) only need to curl a portion of your lashes, or c) are curling someone else's eyelashes.

The New Generation Curler is about half the width of a regular curler, and has an innovative design. Instead of fitting your lashes through the open portion of a regular curler, and applying pressure with your eyes open (and trying not to panic that you've somehow squeezed your lid or eyeball at the same time), you curl your lashes with your eyes closed. The white pad at the top rests on your closed lid, so that when you clamp down you know you are only doing so on your lashes. I do find it takes a bit of practice, as you have to retrain yourself to curl with one eye closed.

If you're a makeup artist, this is an extremely handy tool to have in your kit, for those clients who are wary about metal implements coming at their eyes.

The narrow design is also fantastic for small eyes and short lashes, which may otherwise have trouble fitting into the average eyelash curler. Since you are covering less lash with each clamp, the downside is it does take a bit longer to curl your full fringe.

And doesn't it kinda look like a wee little Aliens baby?

Anyone?

No? Just me?

A well. It's a darn cute little chest-buster.

Shu Uemura also has a few other new things in their catalogue: the Tsuya Infusing Eye Concentrate and the Tokyo Lash Mascara.

The Tsuya Infusing Eye Concentrate contains various anti-aging ingredients to combat drooping and darkness  - what Shu calls "small eye syndrome" - but is also supposed to provide an optical lifting effect and act in some ways like a primer for eyeshadow payoff. I don't know about this "small eye" business, but I did see a smoothing and tightening of the skin directly under my eyes and over my eyelid. Not to the point of fooling anyone into thinking I had an eye-lift, but enough to give me a little cover for the four hours of sleep I've been averaging lately. I appreciate that this is an eye treatment that you can apply directly to the eyelid, since the majority are too greasy to use there.

As an eye primer, I can't say it compares to something like the Nars or Urban Decay primers, but it does help eyeshadow adhere better than it does to a bare eyelid, and it also worked well to minimize texture under concealer. I think if you are more interested in the skincare benefits but appreciate the benefit of smoother canvas for your eyeshadows, then this might answer your needs. At 70$, you would certainly be paying for the double-duty.

Tokyo Lash Mascara is a very, very black mascara. It has an almost matte finish, so it absorbs all the light and looks incredibly sooty. The effect can be quite dramatic. It has a malleable texture, so my lashes remained soft and pliable to the touch, yet they held a curl beautifully. It reminds me in some ways of the MUFE Smoky Lash.

The brush has criss-cross bristles that catch lashes, and tapers down slightly to get those smaller lashes at the inner corner. The bristles are spaced far enough apart that you can build volume easily, especially if you have sparser lashes. Mine are wispy, which means that a mascara like this tends to clump on me, especially if I use my usual "wiggle" application. I had a cleaner application if I just brushed the wand through without moving it horizontally through my lashes. With one coat, I had good length and volume, and great curl. With multiple coats, the volume is intense, but you do risk clumping if you share my lash type.

The Tokyo Lash also lasted really well on me, with no smudging or flaking throughout the day.

One coat on the left eye.

Availability: All items currently available from www.shuuemura.ca, as well as select Sephora locations. New Generation Eyelash S Curler is 27$ CAD, Tsuya Eye Concentrate is 70$ CAD, Tokyo Lash Mascara is 29$ CAD. (Btw - they are currently offering 15% off with code CYBERSHU.)

Pros: Curler answers the needs of the dainty-eyed and implement-wary. Eye Concentrate has a smoothing and brightening effect, a mild primer qualities. Mascara gives extra-dark, full, curl-friendly lashes with a soft-texture finish and intense fullness when applied generously.

Con: Lashes can take a bit longer to curl. Eye concentrate is pricy for relatively moderate results. Mascara can look clumpy on finer lashes when not brushed through vertically.

Have you guys tried any of these? What do you think of the funky new curler?

(These items were provided by the brand/PR to be considered for review. This post is not sponsored or compensated. Contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.)

12 Days of Beauty Giveaway!

December 10, 2013, 1:23 pm

≫ Next: Pre-Holiday Haul - Part 1 (Sephora VIB and FF)

≪ Previous: Shu Uemura - New Generation Eyelash S Curler, Tokyo Lash Mascara and Tsuya Youth Infusing Eye Concentrate

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If you follow me on Instagream, you may have seen a few pictures tagged with #12daysofbeauty. The items in those pictures were generously provided by the lovely folks over at Cover Girl, Olay, Crest, Pantene, Herbal Essences, and Vidal Sassoon - and this is your chance to win them! :P

All the items featured in the picture below will be included in the prize pack:

COVERGIRL Flamed Out Shadow Pencil 

COVERGIRL Nail Gloss 

 COVERGIRL Clump Crusher mascara 

 Pantene Expert Collection Keratin Repair 60-second therapy Ampoule 

 Pantene Daily Moisture Renewal Moisture Whip

Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly Tousling Hairspray

Olay Total Effects Line & Dark Circle Minimizing Brush

Olay Silk Whimsy Body Lotion 

Vidal Sassoon Pro Series Boost & Lift Hairspray

Clairol free product coupon 

Satin Care Shave Gel with a Touch of Olay and Venus & Olay Sugarberry Razor Cartridge– 

Crest 3D White Holiday Smile Survival Kit 

The rules:

- Must be 18 or have parental permission.
- Must be a Canadian resident, as the prize is being sent directly from the brands here in Canada.
- Leave a comment here if you wish, but you need to include an email address where I can reach you.
- Otherwise, email me at maggiesmakeupart@gmail.com, with "12 days of beauty" as your subject line, and your full name and address included in the body of the email.

The giveaway is open from now until Saturday, December 14th at 6pm EST. I will contact the winner via email. If I don't receive a response from the winner by Sunday, December 15th at 6pm EST, I will choose another winner.

And in case you don't follow me on Instagram (and why not?? who doesn't love makeup hauls, wine and cute dogs?), here are the pics you may have missed:

(Disclosure: I am a #BeautyUnited blogger. As part of my affiliation with this group, I receive products and special access to P&G events. The opinions on this blog are my own.)

Pre-Holiday Haul - Part 1 (Sephora VIB and FF)

January 11, 2014, 5:44 am

≫ Next: Bite Beauty Best Bite Set

≪ Previous: 12 Days of Beauty Giveaway!

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I may have gone a little crazy, but the constant discount codes and free shipping conspired against me. :P