Paul & Joe Limited Edition Looney Tunes Collection

Remember how great it was to wake up on Saturday morning, grab a bowl of Fruit Loops and plant yourself in front of the TV to watch your favorite cartoons? Although Looney Tunes was way before my time, the influence of comedic animation trickled down from generation to generation and we all seem to have a soft spot for Tweety, Bugs and Daffy.

Paul & Joe is well known for displaying their pretty pigments in aesthetically pleasing packaging so a Looney Tunes collaboration makes perfect sense. I am also featuring a few items from - A Walk in the Park which is the brand’s floral inspired fall collection.

The Looney Tunes magnetic cases are cute as can be and retail for just $8.00 each! You can pop in your favorite refillable blush or eye color trio and have fun interchanging the packaging to suit your mood. 

I chose the pretty powder blush in the shade 04 which is a bright coral pigment and complimentary highlight. The texture is velvety smooth and creamy for easy blending and the subtle shimmer provides a hint of luminosity. The color pay-off is very buildable and the vibrancy of this shade perks up dull complexions on dreary days. The blush refill retails for $23.00.

The Pressed Face Powder Case retails for $10.00 and displays a playful scene of Tom & Jerry up to their usual shenanigans! The mirror is a great size for touch-ups on-the-go and although I would have preferred a magnetic base, the refills have a sticky backing that hold quite well. I filled my case with the Translucent Powder in 04 which absorbs excess oil for a smooth, matte finish. Because the powder isn’t completely translucent, applying too much or insufficient blending can alter the shade of foundation. I use it sparingly to keep shine at bay and makeup fresh. The powder retails for $36.00.

These lipstick cases represent two very different styles but whether you like the cuteness of Tweety or elegant floral prints, they are both visually appealing. The blue flower design is from the limited edition fall collection inspired by prints hot off the runway!

I popped in a Lipstick refill in the shade 100 which is a soft berry hue that provides a very subtle wash of color, luminous shine and just enough moisture to keep lips looking lovely. I use this silky tint in place of lip balm because the sheerness of the finish doesn’t really qualify as lipstick. The casing retails for $7.00 and the lipstick refill is $20.00.

The Paul & Joe Eye Color in the shade 103 September Song is gorgeous! I love the smokey purple, shimmering garnet and glittery cream-pink that all match beautifully! The ultra-silky, buttery pigments apply rich and smooth with great saturation and no creasing. Although you don’t need a primer to achieve brilliant results I highly recommend one for optimum vividness. The shadow trio retails for $26.00 and this color combo is trendy for autumn!

Cat lovers are going to fall head-over-heels for the new Cheek Color with adorable kitten silhouettes and iridescent pearls. Since the pink tones and luminous finish is soft and sheer, I classify this as a highlight. It provides a radiant, natural glow but laying heavier results in a bit more coverage. Personally, I find application with the adorable little puff a bit inconsistent so I prefer to swirl a brush through the pearls or use my finger. If you want to embrace the highlight trend but don’t feel the need to join the strobing frenzy just yet, this is a good option.

This intricate casing with retro pattern is my favorite! The Cheek Color retails for $48.00.

Paul & Joe Beauty is available at beautyboutique.ca and select Shoppers Drug Mart Locations. 

Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Eye Shadow Palette – The Rebel: Review & Swatches

I love incorporating unique color and texture when applying makeup and today I’m experimenting with rich green, emerald, champagne and brilliant shimmer using Charlotte Tilbury’s mesmerizing Luxury Palette!

With the changing season and holiday excitement just around the corner, this beautiful palette is perfect for adding a touch of glam to everyday looks and sexy party attire. There are 4 expertly matched shades that prime, enhance, create smokiness and add a pop of highlight plus they look amazing in any combination! The balance of shimmer, mild shimmer and glitter finishes mix and match beautifully and the champagne creates nice contrast among the various undertones of green and teal. The 4 shades are enough to create a complete look without having to reach for another palette and with the right attitude and lots of blending anyone can pull-off these stunning colors.

The texture varies by shade - the champagne is smooth, the top green is quite silky and the glitter and deep teal on the bottom are less creamy and require a little more blending and layering. Overall the pigmentation is quite good because the colors can be intensified from sheer to bold and the simplicity of the palette makes creating stunning looks quick and easy. When applied heavier, you can probably get away with not using a primer but I highly recommend one for an explosion of pure color! This pretty little palette retails for $64.00 and there are also other color combinations available.

After you’ve created a gorgeous emerald look you may want to kick it up a notch with an equally stunning lip color. Charlotte’s K.I.S.S.I.N.G Fallen From The Tree signature collection features a brilliant range of lipsticks inspired by classic icons and red carpet elegance. The luxurious, saturated color is enriched with a nourishing blend of antioxidants, extracts, oils and waxes that protect lips from environmental damage and keep them, hydrated, supple and soft. The color glides on velvety smooth and if you need a classic, everyday lipstick of superior quality I highly recommend trying these! This shade is called Night Crimson and I’ll be wearing it all season! It retails for $38.00 and is well worth the money!

If you prefer to pair these gorgeous shadows with something fresh and more neutral, the Hot Lips Matte Revolution Lipstick in the shade Sexy Sienna is another great option. This soft, peachy-pink instantly brightens the complexion and the lush, creamy texture is very moisturizing for a matte finish. This collection is also infused with UV protection and conditioning agents that prevent dryness and the color is highly pigmented. It retails for $38.00.

You can find Charlotte Tilbury at Holt Renfrew, Nordstrom and online by clicking HERE

Stila Eyes Are The Window Eye Shadow Palette Review & Swatches

When it comes to high quality pigment and stunning variety, Stila is way up there on my list of faves. I Know I’ve reviewed the popular Eyes Are The Window Palette before in the Spirit Collection but this time I’m warming things up for fall and transitioning from cool tones to warm, sultry hues.

This color collection is called Mind and along with a row of basic neutrals for transitioning, creating a base, blending and highlighting, it also has two rows of warm, rich shadows perfect for the season! The contrast of light and dark tones is always appealing and although I would have liked a few gold, copper, garnet or silvery hues for the lids, the palette has most of what I need to create the perfect day looks and deeper effects for a night out.

The middle row contains a selection of cream, grey and orange which I like using in the crease and blending with browns. The last row consists of rich, crease enhancing shades like black, deep burgundy, mocha and caramel which expertly deepen, shape and sculpt.

The texture of the shadow is smooth and easy enough to blend but a little more creaminess in the powder formulation would have made them even better! I am able to achieve a beautiful gradient and a nice level of smokiness for bold, eye-catching creations.

All of the shadows in this palette are matte so combined with the shades from the Spirit Palette (in the photo below) I have a beautiful selection to work with. (Review & swatches of this palette can be found HERE).

As mentioned I don’t think this range has quite enough options for the lids but the pigmentation is good so you can layer and intensify for more saturation. I highly recommend a good primer to really enhance the color but overall I have no issue with creasing or fading and I think these shades are suitable for all complexions. As you start mixing and matching, the combinations you can create are stunning and the darker shades pair beautifully with shimmers and glitter for textural versatility.

If you are looking for a nice range of essential shades for professional results this palette is a great option. It retails for $59.00 at Sephora.

New Lipsticks I’m Lovin For Fall!

Red lipstick is classically chic no matter what time of year but the richness of fall seems to make this sexy hue even more appealing. Today I’m sharing a few new lip colors that will go great with your autumn outfits and keep your pout on-trend for the season.

First up is Kat Von D’s Limited Edition Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in the shade Project Chimps. There are 28 swoon-worthy hues to choose from but this bold red definitely adds a sassy twist and 20% of the proceeds are donated to end the use of chimps in biomedical research. These pigments are called “everlasting” because they stay-put for hours and even hold up well through eating, drinking and smooching! This particular shade of red is universally flattering because there are no harsh red, orange or blue undertones. The formula is creamy for effortless glide and the high-intensity, ultra saturated color sets completely matte. During the cooler months lips tend to get dry so I use a primer underneath or clear gloss on top for more hydration. The lipstick retails for $24.00 at Sephora and katvondbeauty.com.

I’ve also been lovin some of the new lippies from Maybelline, particularly the Color Jolts and Bold Collection. The Jolts (also referred to as “intense lip paint”) are available in 8 pretty shades. Red-dy Or Not provides a bright pop of color that awakens the complexion and makes lips appear pouty and seductive. I absolutely love the fierce, full-coverage finish that drenches lips in layers of rich, shiny pigment and when I want a little less shine I simply apply a thinner layer and blot. The longevity is decent for liquid lipstick and as it wears away I usually get a nice fade. The moistness also keeps lips from feeling parched but when wearing such vibrant color I always exfoliate the night before. Personally I find the little squeeze tube and slanted felt applicator quite easy to use and the tip helps trace the lip contour. The jolts retail for $9.96 at drugstores nationwide.

I thought I’d go ahead and throw in a deep purple lipstick for good measure since it is my favorite color! 830 Violet Vixen is part of the new Loaded Bolds Collection which also includes unique pigments like white, dark teal and even black! This provocative purple will take your fall makeup look to a saucy new level and the creamy, delicious smelling formula coats well and layers medium to full-coverage with a luscious dose of moisture. You can pick it up for $7.96.

THEFACESHOP also released an impressive range of lipsticks called Collagen Ampoule. When I saw the shade Signature Red I just had to have it for fall! The luxurious creamy texture glides on effortlessly for hours of hydrating suppleness and comfort. The color is beautifully vivid and anti-aging ingredients help diminish the appearance of lines for a plump, pouty effect. I think lipstick addicts are going to love this formula and you can find them at THEFACESHOP stores and online at thefaceshop.ca for $25.00.

Avon Planet Spa Pampering Chocolate Skincare Collection Review

On a crisp fall day nothing beats a steaming mug of hot cocoa as I’m wrapped in a fluffy blanket with a good book. The new Planet Spa Chocolate Collection pampers the skin and tantalizes your senses with the same comforting aroma of rich cocoa minus all the calories!

Cocoa is high in antioxidants that repair cells, neutralize free radicals, improve skin texture and increase circulation. These mouth-watering products smell good enough to eat with a natural (non-artificial) aroma that I can’t seem to get enough of!

The face mask is a delectable treat for the skin and actually looks and smells like creamy chocolate spread! For fall-themed spa days, light some pumpkin spiced candles, slather on the rejuvenating formula and relax as skin is moisturized and polished. The warm, stress relieving scent and layers of lush hydration is the perfect way to unwind and undo some of the harsh environmental effects of the season. The mask retails for $10.00.

When cold weather starts to dry out my skin I love a good body butter and this delicious whip is just what I need! The luxurious, velvety texture envelops you in layers of silky moisture for hours of skin conditioning cocoa goodness! The formula is lightweight and non-greasy with a decadent aroma I dare you not to become obsessed with! The cream retails for $12.00.

For a truly indulgent shower experience the body wash lathers, cleanses and engulfs you in rich chocolaty bubbles! Aside from making you crave dessert it also foams away dirt, pollutants, oil and grime for fresh, clean skin! You can pick it up for just $9.00.

This fabulous collection is a chocolate lovers dream and for the holidays you can add them to a gift basket with a box of your favorite chocolates, hot cocoa mix and a couple cute mugs to make the perfect gift! Avon can be purchased through independent consultants and at avon.ca 

GOSH Cosmetics Fall 2016 Collection & NEW Core Products!

GOSH Cosmetics has recently released new core products just in time for fall and I’m excited to introduce the bold pigments and lush skin treatments that are totally on-trend for the season!

Since I can’t wait to talk about the new 9 Shade Eye Shadow Collection I’ll start with that! Inspired by the cool city of Copenhagen, this dark, seductive palette is perfect for cool fall evenings and glamorous events! As soon as I popped the lip open I knew it would be perfect for mastering the art of smokey eyes and I love pairing the essential hues with shimmers and glitters. If you want to tone it down a notch, the neutral shades provide the versatility and contrast to do and for $20.00 this collection rivals popular, high-end palettes with similar tones.

If you ask me (and you kind of did by stopping by) these colors are some of the most flattering for creating smokey looks on all complexions. The subtle cream, champagne and taupe hues provide cool undertones and pair beautifully with the rich mocha, deep brown, sultry grey and midnight black. I also like that the compact is portable for travel with a decent size mirror and the shadows sit well in the palette to prevent mishaps.

The pigments are soft and velvety which provides a nice creamy base for superior glide and expert blending. Although I do recommend using a primer, the pigmentation is good! You can layer or intensify the color from tame to bold and the deeper hues accentuate the lower lash line to create an alluring shadow.

If you love a good multi-purpose product and you want to maintain that radiant summer glow, the Contour N’ Strobe Kit has you covered! This large, circular compact includes a brilliant gold highlight, shimmering pink blush and two contour pigments (light & dark). I can achieve a very nice sculpted effect with the deeper brown and the lighter caramel tone makes a nice matte highlight. Both powders have a soft, creamy texture that is easy to build and blend.

I absolutely love the highlight and I think the shade is quite universal for brightening most complexions. It is also very silky and easy to apply for a natural candlelight glow or an intense strobing effect. The pink blush is pretty but I would have personally preferred mauve or berry with a matte finish since the highlight has enough shimmer. Overall this palette is very usable and I think beauty junkies are going to love it! You can pick it up for $32.00 and it also comes in a lighter version.

If you prefer liquid highlight, the new Lumi Drops are available in three pretty shades – vanilla, peach and bronze (featured here). The great thing about this product is that you can use it on the face and body to create a dewy, bronzy glow from head-to-toe! The lightweight, perfume-free formula is easy to mix and blend for a fresh, luminous sheen that appears very natural and soft. The Drops retail for $17.00.

The new Primer Plus Skin Perfector is a tinted base that helps blur imperfections, even skin tone, moisturize and stimulate renewal for a healthy glow. At first I thought it was a foundation and I didn’t think the ivory-beige tint would work for my complexion but it did! Once blended the color fades into a more neutral base and provides natural illumination. If you do have deeper skin, avoid layering heavily or the tint may appear too prominent. I didn’t notice much hydration so I still apply a moisturizer prior to application but I like how smooth and soft it makes my skin which enhances the application of my foundation for a flawless finish. The primer also contains ingredients that helps blur lines and textural imperfections, it retails for $25.00.

I have reviewed a few of the Velvet Touch Matte Lipsticks before but these new shades are to die for! Cranberry (the deep red-brown) and Cinnamon are perfect for autumn and remind me of maple! Although the lipsticks have a high-pigment matte finish, the infusion of hyaluronic acid and natural waxes keep lips plush, supple and hydrated. I also recommend checking out the Velvet Touch Lip Liners in Nougat and Raisin to go with these pretty shades. The lipsticks retail for $14.00 ea.

Since the weather is getting cooler skincare should always be the first step to gorgeous makeup. The new Overnight Primer Oil Essence helps prep and nourish skin for a new day with French lavender oil, blackcurrant seed oil, argan oil, jojoba, antioxidants and fatty acids. Although you may notice an oily sheen, it seeps in quite quickly with a lightweight finish so you are able to layer it with night cream for even more dewy moisture! The Primer Essence retails for $22.00.

GOSH Cosmetics is available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart

Too Faced Totally Cute Eye Shadow Palette Review

When I was a kid, my older cousin passed down her large sticker book collection which was one of my most cherished possessions. I had fun trading stickers with friends at school, adding them to my book and seeing how many colors and textures I could incorporate. Today I have no idea where that book is but the Too Faced Totally Cute Palette evokes fond childhood memories.

The palette comes with blank pink casing and two sheets of stickers so you can unleash your creative side and decorate the packaging yourself!

It also comes with a step-by-step glamour guide should you need a little inspiration.

Like many of the other Too Faced Palettes I own, this one also has a fabulous array of eye-catching pigments from everyday neutrals, deep jewel tones and brights. There is also a mix of creamy mattes and finely milled shimmers to enhance, define and highlight.

The last row is great for fall with deep matte brown, bold blue and dark purple. The next row contains velvety caramel orange (which is a great crease or transition color), bright neon green and a fresh pop of pink. The larger pigments in the champagne and cream range make great lid or highlight shades for a splash of radiance.

The pigments are smooth and easy to intensify, layer and blend for long-wear color that doesn’t crease or fade when used with a good primer. You can combine these hues in interesting combos to create unique looks and they compliment other palettes in my collection beautifully. The quality lives up to what I expect from Too Faced and there are no parabens, sulfates, phthalates or gluten.

When applying the shimmers I recommend patting them on rather than swiping to avoid fall-out and achieve saturated color pay-off. This little palette is limited edition and offers great versatility and contrast. The hard shell also makes it suitable for travel.

It seems that Kylie Jenner lips are all the rage nowadays and Too Faced has recently released the Lip Injection Glosses in a range of subtle shades. The formula is infused with nourishing botanicals like avocado and jojoba plus plumping agents for volume and softness. Although I don’t really need fuller lips I appreciate the pouty shine and moisture.

Surprisingly this formula makes lips temporarily tingle and sting as part of the plumping process so be prepared for it! The texture is quite thick so you only need one or two layers and although it is a tad sticky the extra adhesion helps the sheer color stay on longer and resist transfer a bit better. The shades featured here are: Like a Boss (lavender) and Spice Girl (nude).

Too Faced Cosmetics can be found at Sephora and toofaced.com

L’Occitane 2016 Holiday Collection: Arlésienne

As many of you know I’m obsessed with L’Occitane because their skincare never disappoints and they combine unique French ingredients into intricate bouquets of elegance and freshness that are irresistible! The Arlésienne Collection is another delectable surprise as exotic notes of rose, violet and saffron create a intoxicating aroma. I’m not usually a fan of floral scents but L’Occitane has managed to balance and blend them together in a way that works!

Arlésienne represents a woman of Arles in the South of France - a social and artistic ideology of what true beauty and sophistication meant in Provence. Every detail of the Arlésienne woman is evident in the fragrance and beautiful packaging, from her elegance and mystery to her impressive sense of style including the delicate ribbon she wears.

The fragrance composition showcases the Arlésienne woman’s finest attributes. Grace and delicacy is represented by roses while saffron evokes her fiery temperament and violent depicts her mystery. You can also pick up notes of mandarin, bergamot, lily, rich sandalwood and sultry white musk. The vibrant, crisp florals are gradually mellowed by the creamy base which also helps fade the initial prominence of the ingredients. I was happy to discover that the saffron’s spiciness is not harsh or overpowering, in fact it adds a seductive element to the sweetness. The aroma's intensity remains throughout the day for great longevity and something about this fragrance reminds me of maturity and transitioning from youthful sugary scents to something more complex and feminine. I think this would be a great perfume for cool winter days as it smells warm and inviting. The 75 ml bottle featured here retails for $75.00.

This range also includes the Beauty Milk which is essentially a silky moisturizer enriched with organic shea butter. Since the perfume is so bold and aromatic I don’t really think you need to use both at once. The lotion scents the body from head-to-toe while softening and nourishing dry skin. When applying fragrance, I usually avoid direct skin contact but I can rub the cream onto my décolletage, wrists and behind my ears which makes me smell amazing all day! The Beauty Milk retails for $32.00.

Who doesn’t love a good advent calendar!? I’m not talking about the cheap chocolate variety (although I’d probably still eat those), I’m referring to fun, fabulous products and luxury skincare that you will love! No matter what your age everyone likes fabulous surprises and this cute calendar is filled with amazing goodies from L’Occitane including shower gel, body oil, hand creams, shampoo, moisturizer, perfume, soap, and more!

Simply open the beautiful decorative box to reveal the L’Occitane Gift Workshop and pop open one door each day in December! If you don’t want to keep it all to yourself, share products with friends and family, they make fabulous stocking stuffers! The advent calendar retails for $59.00.

These items will be available at L'Occitane boutiques and online at ca.loccitane.com starting October 25th, 2016.