Wet n Wild Cosmetics Must-Have Makeup

Wet n Wild is one of those brands that almost everyone is familiar with because they are easily accessible and the makeup is very affordable. I have been using their products since I was a teen; in fact some of the very first makeup I experimented and learned with was the Wet n Wild eye shadows and lipsticks.

It is quite easy to be drawn to the array of bold colors and celebrity collaborations like the Fergie Collection and over the years the brand has improved its textures, packaging and formulas. Today I am featuring a few cult favorites and some new additions that you should definitely get your hands on!

The Wet n Wild Coloricon Eye Shadow 8 Pan Palettes have been consistent favorites among many makeup lovers. These nifty palettes are great for seasoned artists or beginners and each color is labelled for easy application although I tend to be a bit daring and apply them in interesting combinations. The blend of pigments is suitable for creating a variety of looks from neutral to dramatic with a beautiful mix of warm and cool undertones.

When it comes to drugstore shadows these pretty palettes are definitely among the best and they suit every complexion. The quality is outstanding for the price and they make a great addition to your collection. The formula is easy to work with, long-lasting and when applied over primer they tend not to crease or fade throughout the day. The shades that contain less shimmer are soft and silky whereas the ones with more feel slightly textured but they are all easy to work with and very buildable. 

Comfort Zone 738

The pigmentation is very vivid and the formula is buildable so you can control the intensity and effect. Petal Pusher contains pink, bronze, silver, purple and green hues making it a great palette for soft spring looks and deep smokey eyes. Comfort Zone has warm earthy colors such as deep green, olive, bronze, rust, gold and champagne. These palettes retail for just $4.99 each. 

Petal Pusher 736

The Wet n Wild Mega Last Lip Colors are highly pigmented, vivid and bold! These little lipsticks have been around for a while but the rich formula is made to last up to 4 hours and the variety of color is fantastic.

The finish is described as “semi matte” but they don't have much shine or any shimmer and although they are crèmes the formula can feel a bit dry with long-wear. Upon application they don't provide much slip but the slightly drier texture allows the crèmes to adhere to the lips very well for full-coverage, smudge proof results and no feathering.

From Left to right: Cherry Picking, Think Pink, Spotlight Red

The lipsticks do have a bit of moisture but I prefer to wear them on top of a lip primer or balm for extra hydration especially when my lips are dry. You can also apply a bit of clear gloss on top for more shine but as you can see from the swatches below you can't beat that color pay-off!

Swatches from left to right: 965 Cherry Picking, 901B Think Pink, 911D Spotlight Red 

I love the deep, sultry reds and pinks and if you prefer matte formulas these are great! They retail for just $3.99.

The Wet n Wild Mega Glo Illuminating Powder is available in 4 color combos and adds luminous glow and subtle iridescence to the face, neck, chest or body. The shade Spotlight Peach adds a touch of soft highlight with very little sparkle and it can also be used as blush for a natural, radiant flush, it retails for $5.50.

If you like a good balm-lipstick hybrid then the new Mega Slicks Balm Stains are great. Packaged as large lip pencils with no sharpening required the stains glide on buttery smooth while conditioning the lips with Acai Palm Oil. The formula is slick and glossy yet the pigmentation provides medium coverage and the texture is light and comfortable on the lips.

There are 6 shades available from dark and vampy to pink, plum, red and nude. I consider this product to be less of a stain and more of a gloss-balm-lipstick formulation but they add a pretty pop of color and they don’t cling to dry patches so you can wear them even when your lips are a bit chapped.

Swatches from Left to Right: 125 Red-Dy Or Not, 127 A Stiff Pink

These are great for those who prefer soft color that keeps lips moist and hydrated throughout the day, they retail for $3.99 ea.

The Coloricon blushes have been some of my favorites for years! Although the shade range is limited the pigmentation is amazing! They are formulated for effortless blending and you can easily take the color from sheer to vivid. You do have to be careful not to over-apply as the pigment is very bold. I usually shake or blot my brush to diffuse the color but they are long-lasting and can be used to help sculpt and shape the face. The shade below is Heather Silk but my favorite is Berry Shimmer, they retail for $4.99.

Last but not least is one of the new Coloricon 5 pan palettes called Art in the Streets. This palette looks very retro and the bright colors are perfect for spring! You don’t have to wear all the shades together if you find them to be a bit much but you can pair them with other shadows from your collection and blend them out to neutralize the pigment. They don’t apply quite as electric as they appear in the palette, on the skin they look softer and you can build them up for more intensity.

If you haven’t checked out Wet n Wild recently then definitely head over to their isle next time you are perusing the drug store. They have a large variety of products and trendy colors! (Wet n Wild products are available at mass market retailers)

*Press samples featured

Mary Kay Paradise Calling Collection - Spring 2015

Is it just me or does anyone else notice that every season the makeup at Mary Kay keeps getting better and better! They seem to be tapping in to the beauty needs of women of all ages and incorporating trendy new packaging, formulas and colors.

I know winter is a bit drab and many of us are tired of battling the icy conditions but the Mary Kay Paradise Collection for spring 2015 will have you dreaming of warm beaches, blue skies and tropical drinks. This indulgent collection blends bright vivid color with an intermingling of punchy prints and shiny finishes to instantly awaken your complexion.

The Lacquered Lip Shines are sure to brighten up any makeup look with vibrant high-shine color that lasts. Although there are only 3 shades available they are all fabulous! My favorite color by far is Exotic Orchid which is a beautiful combination of pink-purple but if you prefer something on the subtle side then Sun Baked is a fetching nude. Tropical Mandarin is a gorgeous orange-red that makes lips pop with bright, pouty color.

The glosses are formulated to be full-coverage so you can apply them lightly or in layers for saturated color in just a few sweeps. The longevity is quite decent for lip gloss and the finish is shiny and lush. These bold beauties will keep your lips moist whether you are lounging on the beach or battling the last of winter’s wrath and although there is a slight stickiness they feel quite smooth and comfortable. The Lip Shines retail for $19.00 ea.

I have been wearing a lot of deep wines and dark reds on my nails but now that spring is around the corner I am ready to break out the bright polish and embrace some uplifting color! The exotic nail lacquers are just as alluring as the Lip Shines and the shades are glossy and fun. Lagoon is a blue-green that has been consistently popular and looks great on most skin tones. To my delight they also made Exotic Orchid into a lacquer and Tropical Mandarin incorporates the same exquisite red-orange combo that is exactly what I need for my next pedicure.

The lacquers are formulated to apply evenly and smooth while protecting the nails and if you want your polish to match your lips then pairing the gloss with the lacquer looks quite trendy.

 The lacquers retail for $10.00 ea.

Creamy textures seem to be growing in popularity when it comes to eye shadow. The Mary Kay Whipped Eye Colors are available in 2 shades and are formulated to glide on smooth and blend seamlessly for crease-resistant, long-lasting color. The luminous shades can be built up from sheer to full coverage and they dry with a beautiful weightless texture and a non-flaky pearl finish.

Shade-Tiki Hut

When I first opened the jars the shadows looked quite solid but as I dipped a finger in I was pleasantly surprised at how luxuriously fluffy, soft and light the texture felt. Extracting the color is simple and the creamy, smooth texture blends onto the skin effortlessly and feels extremely velvety with a beautiful satin-shimmer finish. This is one of the best whipped eye shadow formulas I have come across and it takes very little to cover the entire eye area. The shadows retail for $18.00 ea.

Seafoam

It wouldn't feel like a tropical day in Aruba without some coconut and the lightweight body milk with coconut water fragrance delivers just that except it smells much better! The fragrance is so sweet and captivating that I want to bottle it as a body mist and use it all spring.

The lotion dispenses in a spray so you can spritz it all over and rub it in to quench parched skin in a light blanket of moisture. This is perfect for spring and summer when you may not want to cover yourself in heavy body butters and it absorbs very quickly with no greasy residue or stickiness. The body lotion retails for $18.00.

The limited edition Paradise Calling Collection is available until May 15th or while supplies last through independent consultants and online at MaryKay.ca 

*Press samples featured

Revlon Ultra HD Lipsticks and Lip Lacquers

When I first laid eyes on the 20 vivid new shades of HD lipsticks from Revlon I knew I had to try them! If you have seen the ads in magazines or on TV then you are probably already lusting over the gorgeous pigments and today I will be reviewing and swatching 7 luscious, irresistible colors!

These ultra rich lipsticks glide on buttery smooth, soft, creamy and wax free. Revlon has formulated them to deliver true color with stunning clarity and a light-weight, luxurious texture. The colors are designed to be full-coverage, high definition and striking with a slight satin-sheen finish.

875 Gladiolus

I love bright hues but if you prefer subtle neutrals there are only a few tame shades in the line, most are quite bright and standout to make lips appear pouty and plush.

The lipsticks have one of the softest formulas I have used to date which is excellent for application because they glide on effortlessly with every swipe and feel moist and supple. Due to the creaminess however they are not the type of products you’d want to forget in the car on a hot day or let sit out in humid conditions because they seem prone to melting.  

850 Iris

810 Orchid

The packaging does not work with the soft texture of the lipsticks and because the tips stick out of the tubes they are easy to slice off, misshape, smear and crush. You have to be very careful when capping and uncapping these beauties or you may end up losing chunks and nobody wants that!

845 Peony

880 Marigold

When you twist the lipsticks up there is a distinct clicking sound that signifies unlocking and the scent reminds me of deliciously sweet caramel with a fruity taste that I don’t mind. I like that the pigment does not cling to dry spots or accentuate chapped lips and they keep my skin relatively hydrated throughout the day.

The longevity is decent but like most lip products they do transfer quite easily so reapplication is necessary to maintain the color. As usual I like to pair them with a lip primer for best results.

As for the HD claims, I am not quite sure how “high definition,” they are but when layered they build up very nicely for opaque, solid coverage while maintaining a light texture and I love the finish.

840 Poinsettia

820 Petunia

Overall the packaging is finicky but I think the fabulous shades make it worth the hassle. If I had to pick favorites among these I'd go with Petunia and Orchid but there is definitely something for everyone The lipsticks retail for $11.49 each.

Swatches from left to right: 875 Gladiolus, 840 Poinsettia, 850 Iris, 810 Orchid, 845 Peony, 880 Marigold , 820 Petunia

The Ultra HD Lip Lacquers are available in 15 shades with both shimmer and non-shimmer finishes. These colors apply exactly as they appear in the packaging which makes finding the perfect shade quite simple. The formula is shiny and richly pigmented with a slightly sweet scent and they feel creamy as opposed to sticky.

The colors distribute well over the lips and the brush applicator picks up a lot of product per dip. The lacquers provide opaque, full-coverage so if you look at these and think- oh great, another mediocre sheer gloss think again! I love glossy products that pack a bold punch of color and you can apply as little as or much as you like to control the intensity and effect.

Pink- 510 Tourmaline, Wine-545 Carnelian

Like the HD Lipsticks the lacquers are also formulated without wax so they feel light-weight and bouncy while still being high-impact. These actually remind me of the Revlon Colorburst Lip Glosses which I still love!

Swatches from left to right: 545 Carnelian, 510 Tourmaline 

The new Revlon HD line can be found at drugstores and retailers nationwide.

*Press samples featured 

Almay Smart Shade Butter Kiss Lipsticks Review

The Almay Butter Kiss Lipsticks are a new range of ultra-hydrating lip color available in 12 flattering shades that are designed to match your unique complexion. The range includes: light, light-medium and medium hues with a wonderful buttery soft, moist texture that many people seem to crave in a lip product. The smooth, nourishing formula keeps lips looking pretty and pouty while battling dry chapped skin and the classic pink, red and berry hues look great on everyone!

Red Medium

Although you can go for the lipstick that best suits your undertone I tend not to limit myself when it comes to color and all of the shades are very wearable. I love lip products that unify the alleviating benefits of a soothing, healing balm with a touch of trendy color. This buttery formulation contains a wonderful blend of coconut, shea and vitamin E to glide on velvety smooth and help seal in moisture.

Pink-Medium

These lipsticks are perfect for those who prefer subtle, light-weight color and are suitable for all seasons. In the packaging they appear bold and bright but once applied the coverage is sheer with a shiny finish and a deliciously sweet scent.

Swatches from left to right: Pink Medium, Red Medium, Nude Light

For chapped lips these are quite comfortable and provide long-lasting hydration. I like that the color does not settle into dry skin to enhance the texture and after the pigment begins to fade and wear away it leaves your lips feeling soft and supple.

Nude-Light

The Butter Kiss Lipsticks retail for $9.49 ea and are available at most mass market retailers.

*Press samples featured

Marcelle CC Cream Review: Golden Glow- Complete Correction

For those of you who were just getting use to the idea of using a BB cream, the introduction of CC creams may have caused some confusion. Before we move on to the review let’s take a moment to clarify and define the difference between the two.

*BB = beauty balm: These creams are tinted to provide coverage similar to a light foundation, they help mask blemishes and are quite multi-functional. Some BB creams can moisturize, blur imperfections, brighten, provide SPF protection, minimize pores, control shine and prime. BB creams are usually available in different shades although I find that many brands have a limited color selection which can make it difficult to find a match.

*CC = color correcting: These creams are generally more subtle and are not usually meant to replace foundation. They are formulated to correct redness, sallow skin, blemishes, even skin tone, mask dark spots and illuminate. CC creams may also have many of the same benefits as BB creams with a lighter formula and a range of tints. 

I don’t think it necessary to wear both a CC and a BB cream at the same time although you can apply them anyway you prefer. I usually use one or the other and depending on the coverage I may apply foundation on top.

I will admit that when it comes to CC creams I have only tried a select few so I haven’t compared many formulas. I do however like the golden glow CC cream by Marcelle because it does so much!

Benefits:

*Corrects and helps prevent the appearance of dark spots and imperfections

*Offers complete coverage

*Evens skin tone and texture

*Controls shine

*Enhances radiance

*Reduces fine lines and wrinkles

*Reverses the signs of aging

*Improves skin elasticity

*Protects skin from environmental stressors

*Intensely hydrates

*Soothes dry, damaged skin

*Has SPF 35 to protect against UVA and UVB rays

*Hypo-allergenic

*Free of: perfumes, parabens and oil

*Non-comedogenic

Aside from having an impressive list of benefits this CC cream is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin. It is also formulated with 24K pure gold which is thought to be an antioxidant that reduces the appearance of wrinkles and enhances radiance for a glowing complexion.

This particular CC cream is only available in one shade- Golden Glow so it provides more of a general tint rather than an exact color match which is fine since I wear it under foundation. It does not offer full coverage or complete camouflage but the formula is very smooth and silky. For lighter skin or medium complexions like myself the tint may work but for deep skin tones this shade may appear too ashy.

I like that the cream provides a light veil to mildly conceal discoloration and blemishes and it tends to blend well. It does not replace concealer or cover problem areas completely but it does make them a bit easier to cover with foundation.

I use this cream as more of a primer because it provides a nice base for my other products and I can use it instead of moisturizer and sunscreen. Although I don't wear it alone due to the shade and coverage, it does seem to improve the overall appearance of my makeup to help create an even, flawless finish for more illumination. If I am going to wear a CC cream I definitely prefer it to have all the great benefits this one does.

The CC cream by Marcelle Cosmetics retails for $29.95 CAD and you can find it at: Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart and select retailers.

*Press samples featured

Happy Valentine's Day!

This year I am sending a special Valentine to all of my beautiful readers. I hope you have a fantastic weekend and indulge in some delicious sweets without going into a sugar coma!

Whether you are heading out with a special someone or staying in with a stack of mushy, romantic comedies, remember to have fun! V-Day tends to be a celebration that people either love or despise but even if you are single and not quite ready to mingle a girls night in or dinner with family can also be an evening well spent.

I will be doing something with my husband this year, I told him to surprise me but I’m totally down for an intimate dinner and a movie. I usually prefer gifts that don’t wilt because I can’t maintain flowers or plants to save my life! Right now I’m obsessed with Lindt’s dark chocolate coconut bar and although it will probably go straight to my hips I can’t resist! On the bright side dark chocolate is supposed to be good for you...or at least that’s what I tell myself after I eat half the bar :)

I don't know if it is proper Valentine's etiquette to have a wish list since spontaneity is romantic but as a makeup lover you can bet that I don't have my sights set on an over sized teddy bear...unless it is filled with goodies from Sephora! What I do want is more storage drawers from Ikea so that the obsession can happily continue. 

I am also having a girl’s day with my favorite little Valentine, my sister Amanda. The day is not limited to romantic love, it can be dedicated to all kinds of love and I like to give my family little gifts to let them know I am thinking of them. Mandy and I will be heading to the theater to see the new Fifty Shades of Grey film since we read the series for our book club. We will also enjoy a little sisterly dinner at our favorite Thai restaurant to catch up on life.

I have published a few Valentine's inspired makeup and skincare posts laden with roses, pink and hearts galore so feel free to kick back with a glass of your favorite beverage and check those out.

Whatever your plans this weekend make sure to relax, let your hair down and enjoy!

 Happy Valentine’s Day! 

PS. Special thanks to the PR beauties at Avon for the adorable stationary! xoxox

The Body Shop: Body Euphoria Smoky Poppy Collection

If you want to heat things up and set the mood this Valentine's Day the Body Shop has released some intoxicating, sensual products that you can enjoy alone or with a partner. The Smoky Poppy collection is the most seductive range ever released by the brand and the indulgent, rich scent is designed for both men and women.

The line includes seven enticing products ranging from bath bombs, body lotion, massage oil and perfume to add a touch of romance and get pulses racing. All of the products are infused with oil-rich, hand-picked poppy flowers from the Ankara region of Turkey for a euphoric scent and a generous dose of moisture.

I like to start with the Smoky Poppy shower gel for a bubbly, invigorating lather that cleanses and refreshes. Infused with honey, flower extracts and castor oil, the gel has relaxing aroma therapy benefits to pamper the skin and help you unwind. The luxurious formula lightly perfumes the skin and softens with nutritive humectants to diminish dryness.  

The shower gel retails for $9.00

The silky, smooth body butter is rich and ultra hydrating for desirably soft, touchable skin. The poppy scent is very dominant and floral with a hint of perfume and a luscious, smooth texture. It is also enriched with shea butter and an array of natural oils and extracts to nourish and protect. When applied after a warm shower or bath the cream awakens your senses and alleviates parched skin for hours of moisture!

The body butter retails for $20.00

The body products are available in beautiful gift sets ranging from $25.00-$50.00 or you can purchase each product individually and create your own personalized set. What makes the collection even better is that it also includes makeup and what girl wouldn't be excited to receive more polish, shimmer and lip color!

The Lip and Cheek Velvet Sticks retail for $15.00 each and are available in five popular shades including: nude, red, coral, bronze and pink. Inspired by bright, sensual poppy flowers the tints have a velvety soft, light-weight texture for medium coverage and a matte finish.

I have the shade 40 red which has nice buildable coverage for pouty, kissable lips. The formula has no shine, shimmer or glossiness but the texture is creamy and smooth to keep skin hydrated and moist with the infusion of oils and butters.

Due to the super light texture the pigment feels very comfortable on the lips but tends to rub off and transfer quite easily so frequently application may be necessary. The color is blendable and can also be applied to the cheeks for a pop of radiance and a natural flush. 

 Shades from left to right: universal shade, red

There is also an exciting new universal shade that is designed to adapt to the unique pH of your skin and transform into your own individual shade! In the tube the pencil looks like a deep blackberry hue but the final color will vary among individuals making the shade unique to you.

Upon application the color seems to take a few seconds to adapt and compared to the other crayons the coverage is less pigmented and not as buildable. On me it shows up as sheer, deep plum with a pink tinge and although I am curious to see how it looks on different skin tones, I don't think the effect will extend too far beyond the purple range.

Swatches from left to right: red, universal shade

The universal color has the same soft matte finish, comfortable formula and sweet floral scent as the other pencils and the shape makes for easy application with no sharpening required.

You can find this limited edition collection at The Body Shop stores and online by clicking HERE.

*Press samples featured

Essence Cosmetics: Like An Unforgettable Kiss Collection

You may have noticed that as you step into just about every store there is an explosion of pink and red which can only mean one thing...Valentine's day! If you are looking for some adorable beauty products for a gift bag or a variety of playful heart themed makeup then stop by the essence booth and check out the Unforgettable Kiss Collection. The playful colors and flirty packaging is sure to put you in the spirit for a candlelit night of sugary fun!

The blush duos are available in two shades- 01 nothing but lovestoned (peach/apricot) and 02 pink me (rose/pink). The aligned shadows are packaged is a lovely heart shaped box and can be mixed together or applied individually. Even when layered the pigmentation is not vivid or dramatic and the pink is very light which creates a soft, natural flush.

The “rose” or lighter hue in the box looks like a matte highlight and actually shows up more white than rosy. This shade doesn't actually contribute much to the overall finish of the blush but the pink adds a pop of color. The texture and finish is not the greatest but for just $3.99 it is fun to play around with.

No one likes chapped lips, especially on days meant for smooching! The Lip Smoother is formulated to make skin feel soft and supple with brilliant shine and texture. The light “peeling effect” is designed to even out small lines around the lips and the gloss is available in one sheer shade fittingly named keep calm and kiss me.

To use you simply rub the balm/gloss hybrid onto your lips in circular motions which is suppose to mimic the effect of peeling and help smooth the skin. Although this didn't really seem to alter the texture of my lips, the formula does hydrate without feeling sticky and there is a lovely touch of illumination without an abundance of distracting sparkle. The gloss is quite basic with no oils or extracts but it adds moisture when needed and retails for just $2.99.

The eye shadows in the collection are available in three shades: 01 always on my mint, 02 love is in the air, and 03 cloud number nine. 

The minty green, lavender and light blue coloring are mild tints with predominant silver undertones that brighten the eyes and make them pop with a frosty pearl finish. The shadows have a nice smooth texture and provide a pretty wash of  buildable pigment without creasing. I think the colors look best paired with primer and a bold winged liner for a sweet-edgy contrast or used as a highlight. They retail for $2.99 ea.

For a gorgeous V-Day manicure the Unforgettable Kiss lacquers offer a refreshing burst of shiny color in both vibrant and cool pastel hues. Just in case you are running a bit late for your date the formula is easy to work with, provides full coverage and dries quick and glossy! The mini lacquers have always been some of my faves and retail for $2.49 ea.

Colors from left to right: 03 you let my heart skip a beat, 01 nothing but lovestoned, 04 pink me, 02 always on my mint

The Unforgettable Kiss Lipsticks are available in three cute hydrating shades: 03 keep calm and kiss me- (red), 02 pink me and 01 nothing but lovestoned- (pastel peach). By now you have probably noticed that there is a color scheme, some of the products share the same names and compliment each other to create a complete look in your favorite shade. 

The lipstick actually feel more like tinted balm, with sheer pigmentation that can be built up to medium coverage for more intensity. If you are going for a neutral look these juicy hues add a hint of shine for kissably moist lips. They retail for $2.99 ea. 

Essence Cosmetics can be found at Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix.

*Press samples featured