L’Oréal Paradise Enchanted Collection - Review & Swatches

This long-weekend we are celebrating a civic holiday here in Canada which means we get an extra day to relax and enjoy the warm weather. Another way to embrace the tropical vibe of the season is with pretty makeup and L’Oreal’s Enchanted Paradise Collection is perfect for creating soft, fairy-tale looks. The formula is infused with delectable fruit fragrance that smells like peach bellini and the bold liner amps-up the neutral shadows to accentuate your eyes.

The Paradise Enchanted Eye Shadow Palette ($22.99) looks subtle and unassuming but the travel-friendly size, flattering hues and velvety texture makes this little compact a makeup bag essential. The creamy mattes and gorgeous metallic shimmers blend effortlessly and create beautiful contrast with no creasing or fading. A few of the neutrals are a bit boring but there is enough variety to take your look from day-to-night with excellent pigmentation.

The blush matches the eye shadow and illuminates the face. Fantastical ($18.99) is a soft peach that looks great on all skin tones. The pigmentation is buildable so you can create a light flush or intensify the color with a few layers. I wish the texture was rich and buttery but the powder applies consistently without accentuating lines on the skin.

On my complexion Bashful ($18.99) looks more like a highlighter with a hint of radiant peach. I dust it over the coral blush to create a silky sheen.

The Liquid Eyeliner ($12.99) is available in black and rose gold with a long-wear waterproof formula that never lets you down (even on humid days). Say goodbye to raccoon eyes and hello to the perfect cat eye. The jet black lacquer dries evenly and stays put without running or smudging so you can draw any size line with ease. I love the glossy finish and the long, flexible applicator conforms to curves without skipping or dragging.

The Lash Paradise Primer ($11.99) is infused with rose oil to condition delicate hair and enhance mascara wear. Use it to help bind the pigment to your lashes for more length and thickness.

The Voluminous Lash Mascara ($11.99) has more than 200 bristles to catch every hair for dramatic extension. The smooth glide formula is designed to provide silky volume in one coat but I usually apply a few layers for a falsies effect. The deep pigment elongates and saturates my lashes without clumping, dryness or flaking and it lasts as long as my day does.

L’Oreal is available at drugstores nationwide

Loreal Stylista Hair Care Review

Summer can be fun, hectic and humid so quick, effortless hairstyles are the way to go. For Instagram-worthy hair in a hurry, Loreal has formulated a collection of lightweight, fruit infused leave-ins to create a variety of trendy looks and nourish your strands from root-to-tip.

I have a difficult time keeping my hair straight and neat in the summer heat but the Smoothing Serum ($8.49) works with my styling tools while providing heat protection up to 230˚C. Apply evenly before blow drying or flat ironing to keep your tresses sleek and frizz-free with less flyaways and poof. The serum smells fantastic and shields from sun damage with no sticky residue – perfect for warm summer nights.

If sleek and chic isn’t your thing, embrace your inner wild child with the Texturizing Mist ($8.49) and let your tendrils flow free. The blue liquid may look like a melted Freezie but a few sprays creates sea-kissed beachy waves that bounce in the breeze. Simply mist on dry hair and scrunch for windswept body with no crunch, dryness or silicones.

My favorite product is the Defining Spray ($8.49) loaded with Goji Extract to hydrate and tame unruly curls. I use it as a finishing product for bouncy, frizz-free ringlets and smooth ends. The alcohol-free formula is gentle and works well with a diffuser for soft, tousled curls.

The Heat Protective Primer ($8.49) with Grape Seed Oil can be used for blowouts and heat styling. It protects hair from thermal damage, maintains your style for up to 24 hours and allows you shape and volumize with ease.

Although the Shaping Cream Wax ($8.49) was made for pixie cuts, I use it on my long curls for extra hold and definition. The supple texture allows you to create sleek styles or edgy spikes that frame the face and enhance your short locks.

These products are available at drugstores across Canada and online at amazon.ca

NEW Hair Care from L'Oreal – Protein Treatment and Masks

When people ask how I’ve grown my hair so long and silky, I always suggest deep conditioning. I use a treatment mask at least twice a month to improve the health of my hair and help undo styling damage.

L'Oreal has created a few new products specifically formulated to reinforce the cuticles, intensely hydrate and enhance manageability.

The Extraordinary Oil  Mask ($8.49) is infused with extra-fine coconut oil to restore and mend brittle strands plus the jar has enough product for 1001 treatments! The rich conditioner smells amazing and blankets hair in dense moisture for easy detangling without weight. I comb it through thoroughly (focusing on my ends) and pin my hair up before covering it with a disposable shower cap and microfiber hair towel for about an hour. This method traps in heat and increases absorption for better results. To speed up the process you can also apply blow dryer heat directly to the plastic cap for 5-10 mins. The directions only indicate a treatment time of 5 minutes but my hair is long and thick so I usually need more time. After rinsing, my mane is shiny, soft and free-flowing for days!

The new EverPure Sulfate-Free Hair Sheet Mask ($5.99) is perfect for weekend getaways and overseas trips. After shampooing simply wrap your hair in the cap and seal it with the sticker. The inside is coated in nourishing cream which is activated by shower steam and warmth for deep penetration. I leave it on for 10 minutes and it makes my hair feel smooth and supple. The packet fits in your gym or beach bag and helps resurrect shine and silkiness after exposure to sun, salt water and chlorine from the pool.

When I'm not flat ironing my hair into submission, my ringlets require a good leave-in, and even if you aren't a curly girl, the Total Repair 5 Protein Recharge ($8.49) is a fantastic moisturizer. Although I don’t have damaged hair (which is what the treatment is designed for), the formula strengthens over processed strands that have been weakened by styling, environmental elements, coloring and improper care. It fortifies the fiber’s structure beyond the surface, conditions, softens, prevents split-ends and reduces breakage by up to 97%. The lightweight finish is non-sticky so I can use as much as I need to protect against heat and sun damage.

Summer usually means humidity levels are on the rise and this can lead to poofy, poodle-like hair. Looking like I was hit by lightening is not an option so I’ve been using the Smooth Intense Frizz Taming Serum ($8.49). This leave-in acts like an anti-humidity barrier that controls frizz and increases brilliance while retaining natural movement. Hair is never stiff or crunchy and flyaways are smoothed down for a neat, polished finish.

L'Oreal is available at drugstores nationwide.

Loreal Colour Rich Shine Lipstick – Review & Swatches

When spring begins and the weather warms up we can finally shed our heavy clothing and opt for bright, cheerful colors. Loreal’s new Colour Riche Shine Lipsticks ($12.99 ea) may be just what your makeup bag needs this season – the pigments are fresh, light and fun with buildable coverage and chic packaging.

These juicy lipsticks are creamy and ultra hydrating to keep lips supple, moist and smooth. Some of the shades provide sheer color payoff while others have medium pigmentation and fuller coverage. The laminated shine formula is infused with natural oils to create the illusion of plumpness and each reflective hue can be intensified by layering.

When you have no time for lip liner or matte formulas, these lipsticks come in handy. The color glides on effortlessly and drenches your pout in glistening gloss without accentuating rough skin or lines. The pigment does transfer and fade with wear but reapplication is easy and there is enough nourishment to replace your lip balm.

Swatches from left to right: 922 Laminated Fuchsia, 924 Enamel Red, 926 Glassy Garnet and 928 Gleaming Plum.

There are 12 vibrant shades in the collection and Loreal is available at drugstores nationwide.

L'Oreal Pure-Sugar Scrubs & Pure-Clay Mask Review

A new season has begun to bloom so it’s time to shed that dull winter skin and reveal the soft, dewy complexion underneath. To help you slough away those rough layers, L’Oreal has created a collection of delectable scrubs made with 100% natural sugars, nourishing fruit extracts, botanicals and oils.

Let’s start with the Kiwi Scrub for oily skin because it looks cool and smells delicious! This blend is formulated to cleanse, tone and unclog pores for total annihilation of blemish causing bacteria. It also doubles as a replenishing face mask and there are real kiwi seeds floating around in the fruity green gel. The micro-fine granules gently polish and retexturize while Peppermint and Lemongrass Oils soothe, purify and balance. Let the gel sink in for about 10-15 minutes after exfoliating and rinse with warm water to reinvigorate and renew your complexion.

The Cocoa infused scrub for dry skin smells yummy and feels creamier than the other formulas. It contains Coconut Oil and Cocoa Butter to moisturize and soften while the grains gently buff away dead cells to eliminate dirt, sebum and impurities. For a grittier texture, I use the scrub on clean, dry skin but for less intensity I dampen my face first. After treatment skin feels silky, rejuvenated and better prepared to absorb serums and creams.

The Pure-Sugar Scrub with Grapeseed, Acai and Monoi Oils, brightens and refreshes dull, tired skin. This exfoliant has the grittiest texture in the collection for effective resurfacing and cleansing. It instantly removes dry, flaky patches to reveal baby-soft skin that looks plump, bright and renewed. I use scrubs at least once a week for best results and I usually follow-up with a clay or moisture mask.

The scrubs can also be used on the lips to prevent and treat chapping, peeling and roughness or use the excess to exfoliate dry hands and cuticles! They retail for $14.99 each at drugstores nationwide. 

The Pure-Clay Mask ($14.99) is not a scrub but it does purify and smooth uneven skin tone to enhance your natural glow. Enriched with 3 powerful clays and Yuzu Lemon Extract, it eliminates pollutants, toxins excess oil and dead cells to cleanse and prevent breakouts. As the clay dries, it lifts out embedded debris, makeup and blemish causing dirt to keep pores clear and healthy.

Loreal True Match Lumi Collection: NEW Highlighters

On dreary winter days a pop of radiance does wonders for the complexion. Whether you prefer a soft candlelight glow for date night or dramatic strobing that puts disco balls to shame, Loreal has you covered!

The new Lumi Glow Collection includes a fabulous range of skin enhancers to suit all your moods, outfits and events. From lotions to illuminating drops and pressed powders you can go from drab-to-fab in minutes.

I tend to prefer loose pigment because the color payoff is usually very intense and versatile. The Lumi Shimmerista is a lightweight, micro-fine loose powder that delivers high-impact, dramatic color. One dab is enough to give you a bombshell glow that seems to radiate from within and it can be used to highlight the body for a warm sunkissed effect. While getting glam from head-to-toe why not apply the shimmer over eye primer to create a pretty shadow! This is the most saturated highlighter in the Lumi Collection.

The True Match Lumi Glotion ($20.49) provides effortless illumination and hydration for a fresh, natural glow. There are 3 shades available: Fair, Light and Medium to suit all skin tones and it can be worn alone or under makeup. The deeper hues look a bit like foundation but the formula blends seamlessly and transforms to match your complexion. It instantly boosts and brightens with a subtle sheen that lasts all day.

The Lumi Glow Nude Palette ($22.99) comes in Moonkissed and Sunkissed with 4 shades that create customized, multi-dimensional looks. The pressed powder is dry and a bit chalky with sheer pigmentation that requires more layering to enhance. The finish isn’t as seamless, silky or long-lasting as Shimmerista but you can still use it to get your glow on.

The Glow Amour Boosting Drops ($22.99) is a sheer, liquid-y formula that blends evenly to create a gorgeous sheen. You can mix a drop into foundation or moisturizer for a dewy finish and pat some onto the cheekbones for iridescent luster. The luminous polish radiates beautifully so you can use it to accentuate your décolletage and shoulders for a night out.

Loreal is available at drugstores nationwide

L’Oréal Infallible Lip Paint: Review & Swatches

Bold, show-stopping lip paints are taking over the beauty scene and I love this vibrant trend! A few weeks ago I attended a press event to preview the new Infallible Paints by L’Oréal and since then I’ve been putting the collection to the test and transitioning my look into next season with brilliant spring hues.

This line has something for everyone and the spectrum ranges from pretty purples, flattering neutrals, vivacious pink, bright orange and sexy red. The tubes come with standard gloss applicators for precise shaping and distribution plus I have no issue with feathering or bleeding. Whether you want to go dark and vampy, fresh and light or shockingly vibrant, there is a shade to suit your style, outfit and mood.

Although many of the shades are dramatic, they are easy to pull-off and the scent is pleasant. The lightweight formula glides on smooth and starts off sheer to medium with the ability to be amplified to fuller coverage by adding more layers. I do have to blend well for consistency and enhanced saturation but once spread evenly the cushiony color makes lips appear plump and juicy (which is also very on-trend).

The purples range from light, medium and deep so you can mix, match and experiment with color blocking or ombré effects. The lilac has a pastel finish and grey base which is quite unique.  

I have a love-hate relationship with nude hues, but these soft shades have pretty undertones which make them very flattering.

The comfortable formula is a gloss-cream hybrid with lots of moisture and a lovely high-shine, non-sticky finish. Because of the texture, the pigments do tend to transfer with wear or during meals but they hold up for a few hours, reapply well and don't really stain.

The vivid pinks are great for spring and look ravishing on all skin tones.

Although I would have preferred a bit more lacquer-like richness and hold, the versatility to customize intensity is generally more favorable. The formula is easy to work with and application only takes a few seconds so you can gloss-up on the go.

Coral and orange is always a good choice for summer.

I like that the brand included both classic red and deep wine to accommodate different complexions.

Swatches left to right: Lilac Lust, Violet Twist, Bewitching Bordeaux, Taupeless, Nude Star, Spicy Blush, Wild Rose, Fearless Fuchsia, Cool Coral, Orange Envy, DIY Red and Sultry Sangria.

The Lip Paints retail for $12.99 each and L’Oréal is available at drugstores nationwide.

Loreal Pure-Clay Mask Review

Monday is not usually a day we look forward to as another hectic week looms ahead but I’m in a good mood because L’Oreal has recently launched a new skincare collection! Sunday is when I pamper my skin, so yesterday I slathered on one of these clay masks, grabbed a book and relaxed as the summer breeze wafted through my bedroom window.

There are three masks in this collection and each contains three key ingredients sourced from regions around the world. Kaolinite (found in kaolin clay) is known for its absorbent properties and helps rid the skin of impurities, build-up and excess shine without stripping away too much natural oil. Montmorillonite (derived from igneous rock) purifies and rebalances while Rhassoul volcanic clay from Morocco removes toxins and dead cells to soften and smooth.

In addition to these nourishing minerals, each mask is enhanced with an ingredient selected for a specific skin concern. The terracotta colored clay (infused with red algae) exfoliates, diminishes imperfections and addresses clogged, enlarged pores by polishing, cleansing tightening and refining.

The grey mask purifies and mattifies with a calming blend of eucalyptus. It works by absorbing impurities, unclogging pores and eradicating excess shine and oil.

The black mask (my personal fave), uses potent charcoal to brighten, revive and even out dull skin. This formula acts like a detoxifying magnet to draw out dust, dirt, pollutants and makeup for a fresh, healthy complexion.

All of these deep cleansing masks have a pleasant aroma and efficiently eliminate blemish causing gunk that can also lead to acne. The creamy, lush formulas are easy to apply and they coat well for optimum results. The treatments only take ten minutes but if the clay dries out before then, I simply spritz my face with water from a spray bottle to remoisten.

Like many clay masks, these also make my face feel tight and stiff as they dry and suck out impurities but after rinsing my skin is soft, supple, clean and rejuvenated which is totally worth a little discomfort. I recommend following up with a good moisturizer and not using the masks after exfoliating, microdermabrasion or resurfacing as it can sting. Overall these make great weekly treatments!

The masks retail for $19.99 each and you can find them at drugstores nationwide