Review: I Love ...

I wont lie, I feel a bit like a grade schooler, writing "I Love...", haha. But these products deserve the name I Love...

With scents like Strawberries & Creame, Lemons & Lime and Raspberry & Blackberry, there's a smell for everyone to fall in love with.

Makeup Tag!

So I was recently tagged by the lovely Miranda over at Miranda Loves. Go take a look at her answers. Here are mine:

 

1. What foundation do you use?

I usually just need a light coverage to even out my skin tone. Right now my favourite is Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus All-Smooth Makeup SPF15 in shade 1. Also testing out the Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation in 100 Ivory and liking it so far.

2. How about concealer?

I don't use concealer very often. When I do, it's usually the Maybelline Age Rewind Eraser, which is a little more of a brightener, or when really needed, MAC Pro Long wear.

3. What do you think of fake eyelashes? 

Never really into false lashes. They look great in high profile shots, but not an every day thing. I like the more natural one and will wear them once in a while for no reason (twice a year?)

4. What brand of mascara do you use?

I don't have any that I swear by right now. GOSH & Dior are probably my two favourite brands when it comes to mascara

5. Sephora or MAC?

Sephora! MAC just hasn't appealed to me

6. What make up tools do you use in application?

Brushes? Several Sephora and Quo brushes, a few Real Techniques and my beloved Real Techniques sponge. And can't forget an eyelash curler.

7. Do you use a makeup base/eyeshadow primer for the eyes?

  Eyeshadow primer is a MUST for me. Up until I found my HG primer (Urban Decay Potion Primer), I was not into makeup because shadow would crease like mad. I can sometimes get away without a foundation base/primer, but I find using one makes a difference.

8. What is your favourite eyeshadow/colour/shade?

  I tend to gravitate towards neutrals - browns, bronze, golds. They tend to compliment my blue eyes. However I do love playing with purples and greens to bring out a little more of the green in my eyes.

9. What do you think of pigment eye shadows?

  They can sometimes be tricky to use as they have a little more fall-out. That being said, once you know some tricks, they are awesome as they are usually "pure pigments" and therefore you get a better colour payoff. My trick: dip your brush into the pigment, then slightly push your brush onto the inner part of the container's lid to make sure your brush hold on. Lightly tap the excess, then gently push it onto your lid (do not sweep across to apply). After application is done, you can then lightly sweep to blend.

10. What is your favourite lipstick?

I'm going to have to go with Dior. They've never let me down. However Inglot might be fighting for that spot.

11. What is your favourite blusher to use?

Lancome Blush Subtil in Miel Glacé, NARS Orgasm and Inglot cream blush 82

12. Do you like drugstore makeup?

Mascara's yes, just about anything else, not really.

13. Name a makeup crime you hate?

This was a tough one. People who use the wrong shade of foundation (and don't even make an effort to blend!). People who do a full face, but do nothing with brows (some are blessed with perfect brows, but most are not). Lining your lips with a lip liner that's 5 times darker than the lipstick you're wearing. UGH!

14. Do you like colourful shades of makeup or neutral ones (lipstick, eye shadows, etc.)?

This varies day-to-day. For work, I tend to stay with neutrals, sometimes a pop of colour on the lips. Weekend, whatever I feel like!

15. If you could leave the house with just one makeup item what would it be?

Mascara.

16. Could you leave the house without any makeup on?

I've done it. I prefer to at least put on mascara though.

17. In your opinion what is the best makeup line?

There is no "best". There are some that are better than others in general, and some that are most definitely the "best" for a specific need. Best selection of eyeshadow colours? Make Up For Ever & Inglot.

18. What do you think of makeup?

  Makeup is my art. It's a form of self-expression. While some people hide behind makeup, feeling like they need it for one reason or another, it should be meant to enhance your natural beauty - not hide it. However, there are times when you just need to put on a full face to feel fabulous! 

 

Now.. I would like to tag: 

Ashley aka Romanian Butterfly

Jenn of A Beautiful Zen

Jasmine of The Happy Sloths

 

Hot Now: Inglot Toronto

For makeup lovers across the world, Inglot is a must have in a kit. From beautiful neutrals to bold colours for both eyes and lips, Inglot offers a wide selection of products for eyes, lips, complexion, cheeks and nails.

Known for their Freedom System, each palette is customizable to whatever you would like, and with over 1500 shades to choose from, there is no shortage of options. The possibilities are endless!

The store, located at 19 Dundas Square (beside the Hard Rock Café, right across from the square) will be opening its doors to the public on Saturday, September 20 from 12 - 6pm.

Review: Covergirl's Bombshell Volume Mascara

Mascara is a must have item in every woman's arsenal of tools. For many, if you had to rush out of the house, mascara would be applied quickly or stashed away in the purse to be applied later. It can often bring tired looking eyes back to life. It's not something we're taught, we just know how to do it.

With so many different options out there (volumizing, lengthening, waterproof, etc), we're constantly trying something new, hoping to find that one mascara that'll give us lashes like in the commercials (ladies, they were falsies, don't believe the commercials!)

That HURT! : A tale of waxing, featuring Skin Envy

Fall may be just around the corner, but that's no reason to let legs to stubbly. While the weather has started to get a little cooler,  we start wearing tights under dresses or shorts however we still see some great summer days, loaded with short-shorts, dresses and everything in between. Perfectly smooth legs are a no-brainer when it comes to fashion! And even though you might be wearing tights, smooth legs are a must!

Many options are available to obtain smooth, hairless skin. Shaving, waxing, epilators, threading and laser are all methods commonly used today.

Amie Skincare Review (two new favorites!)

Award-winning UK based skincare line, Amie, has launched 8 of their best-selling products in Canada, exclusively at Shoppers Drugmart.

Boxx Cosmetic's Melina has a new sister!

Back in June, I was delighted to attend a small event hosted by Boxx Cosmetics for the second year running. We got the chance to test out some of their products (the eyeshadow in Sakura will be mine one day!) and chat with the staff, along with the owner and founder, Sandra, about the makeup and what's new.

Tutorial: How to depot Urban Decay eye shadows

A while back I showed you how to depot shadows from a Kat Von D and Lise Watier palette. Well, after way too long, I'll show you how to depot individual Urban Decay shadows - the old ones and the new ones. There are only two differences between doing the two, however one of the differences are a paint in the butt.

The best clean your face will ever have, without using harsh exfoliators!

We all have our own routines when it comes to prepping our face for the day or taking it all off at night before bed. Most remove makeup, clean and maybe use a toner, followed by an array of serums, creams and moisturizers. Perhaps a few times a week you'll use an exfoliating scrub on your face. No amount of regular cleansing feels as good or as clean as an exfoliator, but we know that it's a little too harsh to do everyday.

Review: Too Faced Bullet Proof Brows

Summer makeup is generally light and breathable. Something that can withstand the heat and humidity. With the recent weather we've been having here in southern Ontario, 30C feels like 40C with humidity (86F feels like 104F), I've been putting my makeup to the test.

There's been a few days where I've decided to go with the bare essentials - liner, mascara and brows. Doing my brows is something still fairly new to me since I have lots of them, however I've noticed the difference it makes and have added it to my routine. I started with a pencil, however really didn't like 1) the colour 2) how often I had to sharpen it 3) general application - it just didn't seem right. I'm weird, aware of that. 

After reading about several products online, I decided on the Too Faced Bulletproof Brows, which if you remember, I purchased as part of my birthday gifts to myself!

Ecotools Skin Perfecting Brush: A brush made for BB Creams

Warmer weather brings lighter makeup, and for me, that's using a nice, light BB cream instead of heavy foundations.

Typically, I'll apply a BB cream using my knock-off beauty blender from Winners. Simply wet the sponge until it swells up, squeeze the water out, apply BB cream dots to my face then dab/bounce the sponge to create an even, flawless finish.

Recently, I was sent a tool that's supposed to eliminate the first two steps of my not-so-long process. The Ecotools Skin Perfecting Brush.

Birthday Haul... Oh My!

As some of you know, it was my birthday last week and I decided to splurge a little on myself since I haven't in quite some time (over 4 months!)

So, here's everything I bought, received as presents and a few freebies. Anything that I received the week before, I counted as early birthday presents. Makes turning a year older that much more fun! haha.

Bronzed Look

Here's a quick makeup look I posted the other day on Instagram.

Read more to see what I used...

There's a new liner brush in town: Real Techniques Silicone Liner Brush

The perfect winged liner. It's what every girl wants. In order to master that perfect flick, the right tool are needed and the most important tool of all, is the brush.

We've all been there at some point.
Photo credit: unknown

I'm pretty good with my liner, but I'm still on the hunt for the perfect brush. Almost there. When I received the Real Techniques Silicone Liner Brush to review, I was hoping that this would be the end of my search.

Quick & Easy Manicure that's sure to imPRESS

Hello lovelies!

It's been so long, but let me tell you, I've had quite the adventure. Purchasing a house is no walk in the park. And don't even get me started on the issues I had with trying to get the internet going. If you follow me on Facebook, you'll know a little more about my frustrations.