Pixi Beauty Eye Reflection Shadow Palette Review

Resisting new beauty trends can be difficult when there is so much enticing makeup. Most of us have more products than we know what to do with but Pixi’s eye shadow palettes should probably be at the forefront of your collection.

These babies are gorgeous! If you love smooth, buttery pigment that glides on effortlessly and illuminates your eyes with striking metallic brilliance, then look no further. After swatching most of the colors, I totally understand why these shadows are called “reflection” – the silky mineral powder catches light and creates a gorgeous 3D effect that shines and shimmers.

At first glance the shade selection may appear neutral but these hues are anything but boring. Mixed Metals has a stunning combination of garnet, gold, taupe and champagne that look radiant on all skin tones. The rich chrome-like finish is vibrant and full-coverage with no creasing or fading.

If you’re searching for the perfect rose gold, Reflex Light has the most flattering variation – (3^rd row, 2^nd shade). There aren’t any mattes in this palette but who cares! I can easily find other shadows to match and for special events, they make my eyes look mesmerizing!

The only issue I have is some lid to crease transfer which is annoying when I want to keep the colors separate and defined.

More variety would be nice because these palettes are quite similar. I’d love to see Pixi formulate a few jewel tones including emerald, shimmery royal blue, ruby and maybe even a vivid purple with the same rich texture, longevity and intensity.

If you prefer cool tones, Natural Beauty might be more your style. This palette still has pops of glam but there are also a few earthy mattes to balance the radiance. 

The Eye Reflection Palettes retail for $34.00 each and they are totally worth it!

Pixi's Books of Beauty are great for travel and busy mornings. Contour Creator ($24.00) is designed to shape, bronze and highlight with micro-milled particles that draw attention to your best features. The highlight shades are a little too white and chalky for my complexion but the sculpting hues (light, medium and deep brown) are great for accentuating your profile.

The Glow Getters Palette ($24.00) features “6 universal shades” but I think the powders are too light for medium to deep skin. The finish is luminous but I prefer vivid gold or bronze - something with more dimension.

For application I’ve been using the Real Techniques Rebel Edge Brushes ($26.00) which are cut at an angle to apply bronzer, highlighter and blush. The thick, fluffy bristles are perfect for buffing color onto the skin while creating a seamless contrast of shadow and light.

The Pixiglow Cake 3-in-1 Luminous Transition Powder ($38.00) has a gradient of 5 colors so you can use your favorite or mix and match. There isn’t a lot of depth to these shades (they have a white/silvery base) but the natural finish is pretty for daytime wear.

Pixi Beauty is paraben and cruelty free. You can find these great products at Shoppers Drug Mart and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca.

Glitter Makeup You Need to Try | Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Gel and Pixi Glitter-y Eye Quad

There are many exciting events happening in Toronto this summer so I’m getting ready to party like there’s no tomorrow! Up next on my schedule is a fun night of live music, food and beauty to celebrate the Caribbean Carnival. I am also planning another vacation (it will be hard to top my trip to Belgium last month), a couple road trips and this weekend my sister and I will be enjoying dinner and a show. 

To get ready for upcoming events I’ve been planning my makeup looks and I think it’s a good time to break out the glitter! Whether you’re attending a concert or clubbing with the girls, a splash of sparkle is a great way to accentuate your best features.

Urban Decay’s Heavy Metal Glitter Gel ($25.00) can be used on the eyes, face, body and lips with minimal transfer or fallout. The translucent, non-sticky base disperses in a smooth, high-coverage stream that you can pat or swipe on to adjust coverage. Clumping or inconsistency can be easily corrected with a little blending and once this stuff sets, it stays put all evening! Apply it sparingly for a subtle effect or use a lot for an eccentric disco ball look.

I think the glitter looks best layered over eye shadow or used as an overlay for your favorite lipstick (if you aren’t planning to eat or drink). Saturday Stardust (my personal fave) has large, multidimensional chunks while most of the others contain smaller particles.  

To prolong wear, spritz your makeup brush with UD’s All Nighter Setting Spray and pat some on top to hold the glitter in place. The reflective shine is mesmerizing!

If you prefer a subtle pop of radiance, try the Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner ($23.00). The sheer, fluid base makes it tricky to draw a consistent line so you might have to apply a few layers or use it over the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil ($25.50).

I don’t know if I’d wear the Hi-Fi Shine Ultra Cushion Gloss ($24.00) with the glitter gel but if you want to enhance your glow, go for it! There are 24 brilliant shades to choose from and the iridescent formula has a long-lasting, non-sticky finish that illuminates your pout. It also contains vitamin E and peppermint oil to nourish and plump.

Wild Side is a vibrant gold that looks fabulous layered over wine, plum or red lipstick.

Urban Decay is available at Sephora, freestanding stores, Shoppers Drug Mart, Ulta Beauty (in the U.S.) and online at urbandecay.ca.

Most days I stay away from glitter because of the mess. I hate when it scatters all over my face and mysteriously ends up all over the house. Pixi’s Gitter-y Eye Quads ($22.00) are gorgeous but I was a bit concerned about the loose, dry particles. I assumed it was going to be a disaster but this stuff is amazing!

Simply swipe it onto your lids (a little or a lot depending on the look you’re going for), let it set for a few seconds and you’re done! The glitter seems to have a built-in primer that holds everything together all day. I can touch or rub my eyes without transfer or smudging and the coverage is surprisingly consistent with no patchiness or clumping. If you're looking for glitter that is easy to work with, these palettes are awesome!

Pixi Beauty is available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Target and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca

Pixi Hello Beautiful Face Case Palettes: Review and Swatches

Pixi Beauty is well known for their nourishing skincare infused with rose water and hydrating botanicals but their gorgeous makeup palettes should also be on your radar.

When it comes to velvety color and exceptional quality, Pixi definitely delivers. Their mineral pigment is creamy, dense and highly saturated for effortless blending and buildable coverage that doesn’t quit!

The new Face Palettes ($34.00 ea) – English Rose and L.A. Angel, are trendier renditions of the classic “nude trend” that is still going strong. They contain easy to use everyday shades that are universally flattering, soft and feminine with a versatile combination of smooth mattes and vibrant shimmers.

English Rose is on the cool side of the color spectrum featuring taupe, dusty pink, lavender plum and deep charcoal brown. The larger pigments at the bottom can be used as highlighter and all of the shadows are buildable, non-creasing and radiant.

While playing around with the colors I did notice that the bright silver in the second row is a tad flaky but the chrome effect is pretty despite the fallout.

L.A. Angel is little more my style. I love the flattering gold hues, coppery garnet and sunset mattes but I wish the bottom colors were a bit more interesting (I already have enough beige in my collection).

These shades are soft, silky and long-wear with stunning color payoff and fabulous coverage. The simplicity of these palettes is a bit deceiving because the pigments brighten and accentuate much more than anticipated. The rich texture and stunning brilliance is comparable to high-end formulas.

If you want your look to last even longer, make sure to use a good base like the Pixi Eye Bright Primer. The water resistant, crease-proof formula enhances color and holds it in place all day.

Since it is freezing outside, you might want to condition and prep your pout with Pixi’s Shea Butter Lip Balm ($10.00). They are available in 4 wearable tints (3 neutrals and one bright) that soften, moisturize and soothe.

Pixi Beauty is paraben and cruelty-free. You can find these great products at Shoppers Drug Mart and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca.

NEW Pixi Pretties Palettes – Created by Your Favorite YouTube Beauty Gurus

Many trend experts and social influencers dream of using their beauty expertise to create an amazing makeup collection inspired by personal style. I would love to design and formulate my own products one day but in the meantime I’m testing a few pretty palettes from YouTube’s hottest stars.

I used to watch Dulce Candy on YouTube years ago and her bubbly personality is infectious. Cafe con Dulce ($34.00) features trendy go-to shades for the eyes and cheeks packaged in a portable palette. You get a great variety of pigments including powder to cream blush, radiant highlighter and romantic shadows that blend seamlessly to create an array of whimsical looks. The pale pinks are great for summer and the bronzy hues compliment all skin tones. I love the rich, velvety texture - it applies effortlessly (with almost no fallout) and layers well for buildable saturation and stunning multidimensional effects.

Weylie’s Kit ($28.00) comes with a small shadow palette and dual-ended eyeliner for creating beautiful definition and shape. Some of these colors remind me Urban Decay’s Petite Heat Palette – the sultry burgundy, orange and taupe are great for crease contouring while the subtle shimmers add a pop of radiance. The size of this compact is perfect for travel and the smooth, buildable pigments provide versatile coverage for everyday wear.

Chloe Morello’s Palette ($34.00) is inspired by love and bringing out your inner glow. It comes with 3 large blushes, 6 eye shadows and 3 liner/brow shades. The colors in this set are very neutral and soft to enhance your natural beauty. I like the creamy gold shadow and simple rosy tones but for more variety I mix the shadows with Wylies matte pigments. This kit was designed to be multi-functional so you can go from office appropriate to date night glam.

Pixi is available at shoppers Drug Mart and online at pixibeauty.ca

Pixi Beauty Spring 2018 Collection – NEW Lip & Cheek Color

I don’t care how cold it is outside, I’m breaking out my spring makeup and embracing fresh, lightweight color. One brand you can always count on for soft, feminine hues is Pixi. Their new multi-purpose pigments for lips and cheeks are easy to wear and totally on-trend for the season.

Can’t decide between a vibrant lip tint and moisturizing gloss? No problem! The new Gel Tint & Silk Gloss Tubes ($20.00) have you covered. This product is designed to give you a multidimensional effect by applying the tint first (the colors are labelled) and layering it with the shiny gloss. Because Pixi uses a lot of natural ingredients, you can smell the botanicals and feel the cool, refreshing moisture as the pigment glides across the skin. It doesn’t tingle or sting like a plumping formula (thank goodness) but the icy sensation is perfect for a hot summer day. I expected the tint to have more color pay-off but it makes lips look rosy and pouty with lightweight, sheer coverage. The gloss is quite simple – hydrating, clear and reflective. The transformation would be more apparent if the tint was saturated and matte but I like the concept.

The Mattelast Liquid Lip Color ($20.00) has created quite a buzz on social media and color selection ranges from neutral to bright. The formula is smooth, weightless, comfortable and hydrating with buildable intensity. I love the doe-foot applicator for consistent blending and the pointed tip helps outline and define for neatness and precision. The pigment applies a bit liquid-y at first so you have time to layer and fill-in sparse areas before it dries completely matte. Once set, the color clings to the skin and lasts for hours without fading, transfer or smudging. The paraben-free formula also conditions and softens with Rosehip Oil and the flavor tastes a bit like orange.

The Lip Icing ($22.00) is infused with 3D Glimmer, Rosehip and Marula Oil to prevent dryness, replenish and highlight. Wear it alone for alluring luminosity or layer over your favorite lipsticks to accentuate your pout.

The Lip Lift Max Gloss in the coral shade ($20.00) is a peptide infused plumper that nourishes and enhances. Jojoba and chamomile soothe and soften while the mint stimulates to boost fullness.

The MultiBalm Lip & Cheek Sticks ($16.00) add a vibrant pop of color to coordinate your look. Although the finish is described as cream-to-powder, the texture remains quite moist and the buildable pigment provides a soft, natural flush. This is a great multi-use product for travel and the shade selection includes something for all skin tones.

Pixi Beauty is available at Shoppers Drug Mart and online at pixibeauty.ca

Pixi Beauty Liquid Fairy Lights Glimmery Eye Shadow - Review & Swatches

These days shimmer and glitter makeup is very trendy and you no longer have to wait for special occasions to amp-up the glam and get a little sparkly. To help you reach maximum radiance, Pixi has created a collection of Fairy Light Shadows that glide on liquid-y and dry quickly for a glow that doesn't quit. 

I actually prefer liquid glitter to pressed powder because it tends to be neater with minimal fallout and creasing. These pretty colors seem extra luminous with buildable coverage that allows you to gleam like a disco ball or tone things down to a soft glimmer. The micro-particles reflect light for diamond-like brilliance with very little transfer.

Use them on their own for a sheer wash of sparkle or layer the color for more intensity. The gold and bronze shades are more saturated with better color payoff whereas the silver hues have a translucent base. I prefer to apply the glitter over my favorite eye shadows as a top coat and this week I will be wearing the Rose Gold to Loreal’s Women of Worth Award Ceremony and Dinner hosted by the beautiful Helen Mirren.

Once dry, the glitter stays put all day and the doe-foot wand delivers a generous dose. The formula is quite comfortable with a nourishing infusion of natural botanicals to soothe, moisturize and help reduce fine lines (not many glitter shadows can do that!).

The Fairy Lights Shadows retail for $20.00 each and Pixi is available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Pharmaprix and online at pixibeauty.ca.

Pixi Beauty Rose Caviar Essence Moisture Serum & Rose Flash Balm Review

People love receiving beautiful flowers (myself included) but roses can be used for a lot more than commemorating special occasions and decorating your coffee table. Rose oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce redness, irritation, acne and eczema while cleansing, soothing and moisturizing. Pixi Beauty has harnessed the rejuvenating power of these delicate petals and infused it in their new skincare to nourish and revive your complexion. 

The Rose Caviar Essence ($34.00) is an antioxidant-rich, weightless serum infused with encapsulated flower oils that melt upon application to deeply hydrate, tone, soften and refine. Rose Oil, Anise and Mulberry Extracts balance, heal, brighten and fade discoloration for an even complexion. The formula is also loaded with vitamins and botanical ingredients including: Bergamot, Macadamia, Sunflower, Jojoba and Aloe to restore youthful radiance while the refreshing gel texture instantly alleviates sensitive skin.

Long sleepless nights can trigger breakouts and make skin appear dull, fatigued and haggard. For me it is usually due to jet lag, working too late or staying up all weekend. The Rose Flash Balm ($34.00) is a revitalizing booster that restores tired, lackluster skin with a nourishing blend of Flower Water, Olive Extract and Witch Hazel. The lightweight cream also balances pH, enhances glow, moisturizes, soothes and minimizes redness with an aromatic rose scent. I use it under the Cavier Essence at night but it also works as a makeup primer and mask treatment when layered thicker.

One of my skincare essentials for travel is the Glow Tonic To-Go Pads ($30.00) with 5% Glycolic Acid and Aloe. These are always in my carry-on to refresh my face after a long, drying flight. I also use them to remove lingering traces of makeup after initial cleansing and they are great post-workout wipes. The pads also eliminate excess oil, dirt and impurities while gently exfoliating, brightening and hydrating.

No matter how tired I feel after a long day, the first thing I do when I get home is remove my makeup to clear my pores and prevent blemishes. The new Double Cleanse ($34.00) created by Pixi and aesthetician Caroline Hirons is a 2-in-1 product that easily slips in a tote, gym bag or suitcase. Side 1 contains solid cleansing oil that melts onto the skin and gently emulsifies stubborn makeup. Step 2 is a rich cleansing cream that you massage in and remove with a moist facecloth to prep your face for skincare products.

Pixi Beauty is available at Shoppers Drug Mart and online at pixibeauty.ca

Pixi Beauty Mesmerizing Mineral Eye Shadow Palette & NEW Sheer Cheek Gel Blush

I’ve experienced great results with Pixi’s botanical skincare infused with natural ingredients so today I’m showcasing the makeup I’ve been using including shimmery shadow, neutral lipstick and brow definers that make a bold statement.

The Mineral Shadow Palettes ($12.00) are available in several color collections that range from deep and dramatic, smoky, bright blue, neutral and pearlescent. Each palette contains 6 well matched shades with an ultra-smooth, velvety texture that is easy to apply, blend and layer. Plum Quartz is one of my favorites. The deep aubergine and bronzy-green contrast beautifully against the champagne pink or soft golden tones and the luxurious, long-wear formula is crease resistant. I also like that you can alter the effect from mild and neutral to dramatic and rich since the pigments are versatile and buildable.

Opal Glow is at the opposite end of the color spectrum – the pigments are very light, fresh and reminiscent of spring trends. I pair these shades with others in my collection to enhance their brightness.

There are a lot of vibrant blushes out there and although I appreciate a prominent flush, sometimes you just need to tone things down. The new Sheer Cheek Gel ($14.00) is great for those who seek a healthy looking complexion without all the drama. The formula is perfect for those no makeup – makeup looks since it blends very faintly for the slightest hint of color. I usually begin with a small amount and layer according to how much pigment I want showing through. The gel is available in 3 shades.

The Natural Brow Duo consists of a tinted gel that holds hairs in place and a pencil ideal for filling in sparse areas, creating definition and shaping. The Deep Brunette shade is dark enough for my hair and although the consistency of the pencil could be a tad creamier for blending, the angle of the application surface is perfect for drawing sharp, neat lines. The duo retails for $16.00 and is available in 4 long-wear shades.

The Mattelustre Lipsticks ($12.00) are a bit confusing since I’m not sure how they can be “matte” when the finish is shiny but you can blot the surface to dull the sheen. The nourishing blend of Vitamins, Hyaluronic Acid and Peptides create a full, smooth lip and provide lightweight, supple moisture to treat dry skin. Peach Blossom and Rose Naturelle are both neutral but they compliment a wide variety of skin tones and the creamy formula glides on effortlessly for comfortable wear.

Pixi Beauty is available at Shoppers Drug Mart

Pixi Beauty Skincare Essentials

Pixi Beauty has been a cult favorite for years, providing great makeup and effective skincare since 1999. I’ve stopped by their counter many times at my local drugstore but it wasn’t until recently that I really put these products to the test. Long nights and busy weekends combined with endless parties and press events has recently disrupted the balance of my skin so I armed myself with some of Pixi’s best to clear up my complexion.

To start my busy morning, the Glow Mud Cleanser ($24.00) instantly refreshes my skin and prepares me for a hectic day. The invigorating scent has stress relieving aroma therapy benefits – infused with natural extracts that emit a calming herbal fragrance - very spa-like and serene. The thick formula is made with diatomaceous earth which is a type of sedimentary rock that resembles clay and has amazing health benefits. The cleanser is also infused with 5% Glycolic Acid to gently exfoliate dead cells, Aloe Vera, Safflower, Chamomile, Avocado and Hazelnut to nourish, soften and smooth rough, dry skin. You can use it morning or night to detoxify pores and draw out impurities which enhances radiance and prevents breakouts and blemishes.

When skin looks dull, dehydrated and irritated, the Hydrating Milky Serum ($34.00) provides an instant boost of moisture and nutrients to soothe, protect and moisturize. Enriched with a potent blend of Rosehip Oil, Vitamin C, Jojoba, Aloe and an abundance of natural extracts, the serum absorbs quickly to improve skin texture, plump, firm and soften. You can use it before bed (with other night products) or prior to makeup application. The only thing that needs improving is the medicine dropper because it does not extract the milk very well. Other than that, this products is exactly what my skin needs to thrive in the summer heat and prepare for the cool autumn weather.

The Glow Tonic is an exfoliating toner with Ginseng, Aloe and Glycolic Acid – formulated to even skin tone, cleanse, brighten and smooth. It is also available in To-Go Pads ($30.00) which are perfect for vacation and post workout treatments.

At night when I need something rich and super hydrating to recover and repair, the Beauty Sleep Cream ($34.00) works wonders! This little tube is packed with 100% Mango Butter for incredible suppleness plus Vitamins A, C & E to combat free-radicals and totally revive the skin for that youthful, dewy complexion we all crave.

If you love the nude lip trend that is still going strong, you can achieve an effortless neutral look with the Shea Butter Lip Balm in the shade Honey ($10.00). The subtle tint provides a light wash of color while the luxurious emollients rejuvenate dry, chapped lips with a soothing, creamy texture.

The Flawless Beauty Primer ($30.00) is infused with micro-shimmer to restore skin’s youthful glow, balance, hydrate and pro-long makeup. It also has anti-aging ingredients and a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formula that is gentle on sensitive skin. If your complexion is medium to deep, I recommended blending very well as the shimmer can cause a silvery-white sheen. The primer helps even the skin for smooth makeup application and beautiful luminosity.

Pixi is available at Shoppers Drug Mart