The Essentials Eye Makeup Palette & Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil by Clarins: Review & Swatches

When I first laid eyes on the Essentials Eye Makeup Palette by Clarins I knew it was a match made in makeup heaven. These bold, brilliant shades coincide with my style perfectly and whether I’m in the office or heading to a swanky event it provides the versatility to create a variety of fashionable looks. The development of these products also supports the Pur Project - dedicated to helping the Amazonian Indian community preserve their autonomy and culture. The packaging is eco-friendly and traditional plant ingredients in the formula nourish, heal and comfort the skin.

The finishes range from neutral, satin, matte, shimmer and glitter for an interesting assortment of textural contrast and the 10 flattering hues are suitable for all complexions. The first half of the palette contains neutral, soft tones that are great for daily wear and fresh spring looks. The pigmentation varies by shade but for the most part the shadows are buildable (when used with a good primer) for more vibrancy. The glittery hues are bright and luminous but tend to apply a bit chunky so blending is necessary and the particles do create some fallout.

The grey-purple hue in the middle is very sheer and difficult to enhance but beyond that, towards the deeper end of the spectrum things really start to pick up! The dark, smoky purples are gorgeous and I love the shimmery rose-gold purple, matte plum and blackened purple with red flecks. The texture is quite smooth and some shades are a bit creamy for easy blending. This side of the palette is also more concentrated for full-coverage, crease sculpting and definition. Overall I think certain colors could use more pigmentation, consistency and intensity but I am able to create some stunning effects. The Essentials Palette retails for $62.00.

The Lip Oil in the shade Red Berry smells sweet and delicious! I love the seasonal packaging and the juicy color makes lips appear healthy, plump and luminous. The consistency of the oil is a bit thick when removing the wide paddle applicator (great for one-swipe coverage) but it spreads well, melts in and nourishes instantly with no stickiness or grease. For dry, peeling lips and winter care, the formula heals, protects and alleviates with loads of long lasting moisture.

I also use it as a hydrating lip treatment prior to applying full-coverage lipstick, lacquer or matte formulas. Start by applying a generous amount to coat the lips, let it soak in for about 10 mins (or until you finish your makeup) and blot off the excess. The oil retails for $25.00 and Clarins is available at clarins.ca, department stores and select drugstores including Hudson’s Bay and Shoppers Drug Mart.

Lise Watier Spring 2017 Limited Edition Blossom Beauty Collection: Review & Swatches

When spring rolls around many makeup lovers will adjust their beauty routine and replace deep vampy shades for soft tones more fitting for the season. The Lise Watier Spring Collection will lighten-up your look with radiant neutrals and petal perfect hues that coincide with recent trends.

The Rose Nudes 12 Color Eye Shadow Palette is luminous, sophisticated and great for everyday wear. The shade selection includes the right balance of smooth mattes, shimmer and satin finishes for highlighting, crease contouring, definition and contrast. Although many of the colors are fresh and neutral, the deeper shades create smokiness and depth for bolder effects. I love the dark burgundy-brown which pairs well with a wide variety of shadows and Golden Peach is bright and beautiful! The cool greys seem to be a seasonal trend and the slivery-champagne tones are flattering on all complexions.

The color payoff is good and the shadows can be enhanced to full-coverage saturation for more vibrancy. Every shade has a creamy, blendable texture that applies velvety smooth so they layer well and stay put all day without fading, especially when used with a good primer. I also like that the colors are easy to match so they look great in almost any combination! The palette is handy for travel and comes with a mirror and double-ended brush for $65.00.

The 24 Hrs Glam Eye Shadow Sticks ($23.00 ea) are available in 3 neutral hues - Ivory, Petal and Urban. They have a rich, creamy texture that is very spreadable for efficient coverage and once set they are waterproof and long lasting with no transfer. These shades are not really primary lid colors that can be worn alone but they do make a great base for crease-proof, anti-smudge results and even application.  

The Bicolor Lipstick ($25.00) represents the hottest Korean trend - Ombré Lips! This beautiful clash of color features two expertly matched hues with a luminous satin finish and a hint of eye-catching shimmer. You can apply the lipstick in fluid swipes so the colors show up separately (frosty pink at the top and bright fuchsia at the bottom) or blend them together for a pretty mix. Using a lip brush helps accentuate each color more efficiently and although it is a bit difficult to differentiate the two shades in the photo, they make the perfect spring combo!

Lise Watier can be purchased at department stores and drugstores including: Hudson’s Bay, Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs, and lisewatier.com.

Too Faced Sweet Peach Glow Highlighting Palette & Papa Don’t Peach Blush Review

Unless you’ve been living under a rock recently you probably know that the Too Faced Peach Collection is one of the most coveted makeup sets on the market. Beauty junkies are going crazy for the sweet peachy pigments and if you’ve been able to get your hands on anything, consider yourself lucky! The shadow palette is the most popular item from the line so there are many reviews circulating and we all know how brilliant it is. Today I’ll be featuring the Papa Don’t Peach Blush and Sweet Peach Glow Palette that also comes with a handy how-to glamour guide.

First let’s talk about the scent because peach is one of my favorite flavors when it comes to candy, drinks or dessert and the juicy aroma smells good enough to eat! After I finally stopped sniffing it and got around to actually testing, I loved the peachy-coral blush and golden luminizer. I’ve read a few negative reviews about this trio, the main complaint being that the color payoff isn’t very strong and although I sort-of agree, the subtly doesn’t bother me very much.

The rose gold highlighter is gorgeous! It features a stunning combination of micro glitter embedded in a shimmery base and usually one swipe is all I need for bold saturation and a seriously radiant glow. The iridescent finish reflects light for optimum brightness and if you like that high-impact strobing effect you can definitely achieve it with this shade. The blush is pretty but the pigmentation is very soft and using a brush doesn’t really pick up and transfer much color if you want more than a light dusting of shimmer. The most efficient method (for me) is rubbing my finger back and forth over the blush and then swiping it onto my check in one fluid motion which I can then blend if need be. This way I can pack on the peachy color in layers and build up to the desired coverage. Although you do have to work at it and really dig into the pan, this hue is perfect for spring!

The bronzer is also very subtle and almost non-existent when using a brush. Unfortunately the light beige-brown tone blends into my complexion and almost disappears but layering it under the blush creates a mellow coral highlight.

We’ve come to expect high performance, intense pigmentation from Too Faced but this palette lacked vibrancy. With a little creativity I am able to make it work but you may want to swatch it at Sephora before you make a decision. The palette retails for $52.00.

The Too Faced Iconic Papa Don’t Peach Blush has been brought back and boy is it pretty! The warm peach tint has the perfect balance of lightweight color and subtle highlight for a healthy sheen that is great for everyday wear. The formula applies smooth and silky without emphasizing skin texture and the consistency is a bit creamy so application is neat and precise. When I want a soft glow with a hint of color this is the shade I reach for and it is suitable for most skin tones. The blush retails for $38.00.

Since the bronzer in the Peach Glow Palette didn’t really work for me I’ve been using the Passport to Bronze mini travel set which includes the best selling Chocolate Soleil powder, the Milk Chocolate powder, Sunny Bunny universal glow highlight and a small brush. Even though the shades are not extremely deep I can still use them for subtle contouring and I like the light, silky texture. The set retails for $32.00.

Too Faced Cosmetics is available at Sephora, Ulta Beauty and online at toofaced.com

Paula’s Choice Resist Intensive Repair Cream & Ultra Rich Soothing Body Butter Review

I first heard about Paula’s Choice from a beauty blogger at a press event I attended 3 years ago. Her skin was flawless and she raved about the products so passionately that I had to try them for myself. The weather in Toronto can be harsh and while traveling frequently between tropical climates and snow, my complexion has faced the worst of Mother Nature's wrath. Thankfully I found two amazing products that nourish, hydrate and alleviate discomfort so I can get on with my hectic work schedule.

The Resist Intensive Repair Cream is a dry skin savior when it comes to replenishing moisture. Loaded with jojoba oil, licorice root, green tea, watermelon extract, lentil, apple extract and soy, the rich formula leaves skin supple, bouncy and revived. Dry patches, peeling areas and rough spots begin to heal and makeup goes on smooth. The non-greasy formula absorbs deep into the epidermis and conditions thoroughly for long lasting results while the power of retinol corrects multiple signs of aging and evens skin tone.

For day wear, half a pump is usually sufficient and I prefer to apply it approximately 10 minutes prior to makeup so the lush texture has a chance to melt in. Before bed I apply a full pump and massage it on in layers to create a wonderful night mask that regenerates and heals while I get my beauty sleep. In the morning my complexion is silky, dewy and glowing so I plan to use this cream all winter! For extremely dry skin apply some natural oil on top for an intense deep moisture treatment. Resist retails for $33.00.

The Ultra Rich Soothing Body Butter with shea and antioxidants is non-irritating, fragrance-free and contains no added dyes. The rich, velvety formula is packed with olive oil, mango butter, jojoba, coconut oil, avocado oil and more for incredible hydration that you can see and feel all day. It also works wonders on dry hands, cuticles and feet without a greasy residue. Because the butter is quite thick I would have preferred it in a jar for easy scooping but the tube is handy for travel and slips in my purse for use on-the-go. It retails for $19.00 and you can find these products at paulaschoice.com, amazon.com, birchbox.com and nordstrom.com.

Valentine’s Day Beauty Essentials & Gift Ideas

It’s that time of year again. An abundance of red, pink, hearts and candy are everywhere and soon couples all over the world will be gazing starry-eyed at each other over candlelight dinners while confessing love and exchanging gifts. Since I’m not the type of girl whose heart skips a beat over wilting flowers, cheap chocolate and teddy bears (or as I call them - dust collectors) today I’ll share a few trendy gift ideas and pampering products to help get you ready for date night.

The Mark Love bath and body collection has a sweet, intoxicating fragrance that tantalizes the senses and puts you in the mood for romance. Add the bubble bath to warm water and indulge in a relaxing oasis (solo or with your love) and finish with the rich body butter infused with coconut oil, cocoa seed, aloe, soybean oil and shea. The Mark body butters are my favorite for nourishing dry, rough skin and they help undo the effects of winter. The hand cream has a cute heart motif and the lush formula locks in moisture so you can show off that chic mani with confidence. These products also make great gifts and you get them at avon.ca or through independent consultants.

No one wants to deal with poofy, wild hair on Valentines or any other day of the week so Kerastase has put together a few fabulous collections to help tame your tresses with cute pouches for gifting. The Fluidealiste range is formulated for unruly hair and once your man gets a whiff of your beautiful locks he’ll be hooked! The shampoo smells fantastic and cleanses thoroughly to remove build-up, product residue, perspiration and oil from root to tip. The formula produces a wonderful lather with hydrolyzed protein for strength and breakage protection. The Smooth-in motion care rinse-out is a light conditioner that prevents frizz, softens and hydrates so hair is shiny and sleek with fewer flyaways. The instructions recommend a 1-2 minute treatment time but I usually leave it in for 20-30 since my hair is long and thick. Click HERE to find a list of salons and retailers.

Chapped lips are never cute which is why you should slather on some of the juicy cherry Lypsyl after exfoliating. The creamy formula contains coconut oil for long lasting protecting against dryness and the creamy textures glides on smooth and alleviates instantly. The red packaging is perfect for a Valentines gift basket and the sweet cherry flavor is delicious! The conditioning agents leave my pout kissably soft and I also use it to prep my lips for color by applying a generous amount, leaving it on for a few minutes and then blotting off the excess. Lypsyl is available in drugstores nationwide.

When Avon released the Little Black Dress fragrance I took it with me on all my trips and just in time for Valentine’s Day, Little Red Dress has made its debut. The notes include juicy raspberry, sexy Bulgarian rose and red sandalwood for a vivacious intermingling of warm and spicy. The perfume is sophisticated, alluring and robust which is perfect for special occasions and romantic rendezvous. It retails for just $26.00.

The scent is also available in a shower gel ($12.00) and body lotion ($12.00) which makes a decadent gift. Head to avon.ca for more great ideas.

A sultry red lip is perfect for date night which is why I love Arbonne’s Smoothed Over Lipstick in the shade Currant. The cushiony formula glides on buttery smooth and lightweight for a radiant wash of satiny red. The pigmentation goes from sheer to medium coverage with great buildability and the moisturizing fruit extracts make lips appear full and enticing. This is a shade every woman can pull off and it looks ravishing with a sexy outfit.

If you prefer even more shine and radiance the Glossed Over Lip Gloss in Cardinal provides sheer, lustrous color infused with flecks of red glitter for subtle brilliance. The particles blend into the smooth formula discretely so you don’t feel them and the gloss is hydrating without being too sticky. When the lipstick fades (usually after eating or drinking) I like to top it up with the gloss to revive the color. These products are available at arbonne.ca or through independent consultants.

If you prefer light, fresh scents Avon’s Limited Edition Ultra Sexy Body Mists are sweet, decadent and beautifully packaged. Scintillating notes of juicy raspberry, peony, chiffon and silky chocolate set the mood for a night of fun and you can get all three as a gift set for just $20.00.

If diamonds are a girl's best friend then she is sure to love this exquisite piece from Bulova featuring 30 handset diamonds that sparkle beautifully. The brand is known for their high standard of excellence and this elegant statement piece is the epitome of style and femininity. It retails for $525.00.

Dior Color Gradation Spring 2017 Makeup Collection Review

Dior is a leading trendsetter when it comes to style so it’s no surprise that the spring makeup collection features unique pigments that are elegant and bold. The range focuses on avant-garde gradients, striking color clashes and radiant skin to showcase the season’s vibrancy.

The new selection of Rouge Dior Matte Lipstick is eclectic and stunningly eccentric. The shade 502 Radical is a pale grey that has gained increasing recognition as the edgy new “it” shade of the beauty community.  Paired with the right eye shadow this daring hue looks lovely and I like when brands push boundaries to expand our options. Although grey may not be office appropriate just yet, it is definitely suitable for a night out. 951 Absolute is a sophisticated, signature red that is very Hollywood glam. The pure color and lack of harsh undertones makes it flattering on most complexions. 810 Distinct is a chocolaty brown that is neutral yet still very deep and rich.

Although the lipsticks have a solid matte finish, the texture is creamy and smooth for excellent glide and consistent, full-coverage application. The pigments are highly saturated and enriched with mango butter, hyaluronic acid and lipid-restoring properties for hydration, suppleness and comfort. They retail for $43.00 each.

The Nude Air Luminizer is available in 4 shades including a universal powder suitable for all skin tones. The luxurious formula is infused with refined, light reflecting shimmer that creates an iridescent candlelight glow rather than a glittery mess and the finish is ultra silky. I prefer to use the kabuki brush (included with the compact) to highlighting my legs, arms, shoulders or décolletage because it disperses the particles and illuminates the body. The Luminzers retail for $68.00 each.

003 is a stunning golden hue with buildable pigmentation. A light dusting provides a subtle effect and more layers give you a glamorous glow.

002 is a cool tone with saturated champagne shimmer and a rose gold base.

The spring collection also includes a Lip Scrub ($41.00) and berry Lip Glow ($41.00) which work well together for a rejuvenating treatment. The scrub is not grainy or rough but it gently exfoliates with sugar granules and the lush texture melts in to provide layers of moisture with a fresh pink tint. Lips feel supple, smooth and protected from harsh weather.

The Color Revival Balm with SPF 15 ($41.00) reacts to your body chemistry to create a special shade that enhances your natural lip color. It has become a new staple in my purse because the sheer berry tone makes my lips appear full and pouty plus the conditioning butters nourish, revitalize and soothe parched skin for hours of creamy hydration.

You can find these great products at Dior counters nationwide including Sephora and Hudson’s Bay.

Vasanti Cosmetics See The Light Powder Highlighter Duo & Best Balm Forever (BFF) Tinted Lip Balm: Review & Swatches

Another hectic week is winding down and I’m ready to have some fun this weekend! Although the weather is still cold and dreary, a boost of radiance and a pop of fun color can enhance a dull complexion and perk-up your entire look.

When icy winter wind dries out the skin, heavy matte lipstick or lacquer may not be the most comfortable option. The BFF Tinted Balms are available in a range of flattering lust-worthy hues including bright spring tones and deep trendy stains. The gentle formula is also paraben-free and vegan with stylish packaging and elegant mandala floral prints on the application surface and outer tube.  

The rich, nourishing formula is infused with Mango Seed Butter, Shea Butter and Abyssinian Oil which form a protective barrier by locking in moisture, repairing, healing, softening and smoothing so lips appear youthful and healthy. 

Although these balms provide semi-sheer, creamy color the pigmentation is still vivid and buildable for medium color payoff and a beautiful, plush tint. I love the delicious scent and the supple texture conditions, hydrates and soothes parched skin. The balms glide on effortlessly and drench lips in lush, comfortable color that looks ravishing on all complexions. They retail for $22.00 each.

A good highlighter can make the skin look lustrous and healthy no matter how tired and stressed you are. These dazzling duos provide a soft, pearlescent glow with versatile coverage suitable for a day at the office or red carpet glam. The light silky texture (void of heavy glittery) seems to illuminate from within for a natural candlelight effect that looks amazing.

Golden Child features champagne and gold pigments that can be layered individually or mixed.

Angel includes silver/champagne and rose gold which capture and reflect light.

Swatches from left to right: Wine?, Bestie, Pinki Swear, Girl Talk and highlighters

The highlighter duos retail for $29.00 each. Vasanti Cosmetics can be found at Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, Pharma Plus and online at vasanticosmetics.com, birchbox.com and amazon.com.

Pur Cosmetics Love Your Selfie 2 Day & Night Palette Review

It’s no secret that Pur Cosmetics has some seriously gorgeous pigments and since the selfie epidemic seems to be the way of the world, great makeup can help prefect your photos. The Selfie 2 Palette seems designed for my busy schedule because the expertly crafted shadows create effortless looks that can to go from day to night.

Along with 8 luxe eye shadows the collection also includes a universal highlighter, bronzer, baking powder (to set your look), mascara, lip pencil, gloss and large mirror - all conveniently packaged in a travel-friendly glittery case.

The shadows in the palette are flattering on all skin tones and great for everyday wear. There are 3 soft matte hues in cream, beige and pink plus 5 shimmers in gold, bronzy tones, green and iridescent garnet. Deepening the colors creates a vivid smoky effect and the pigmentation is full-coverage, buildable and blendable for incredible saturation and smooth, silky application.

Although the inclusion of a deep matte brown for crease sculpting would have made the palette more complete, the shadows are excellent quality and I have no issue with excessive fallout, or fading. They also layer incredibly well so I can glam-up my look for a night out and accentuate my eyes with the Fully Charged volumizing mascara.

The universal highlight is a soft champagne hue with peachy undertones that applies buttery smooth with no messy glitter. The illuminating shimmer is well contained and I can brush it on heavy for dramatic radiance or light for a natural glow. The velvety bronzer is medium brown and deep enough to contour. When used with the matte baking powder you can reshape, define, sculpt and transform the face.

The Velvet Matte Lip Pencil is beautiful and the creamy formula can be used to line or fill-in the lips. The chubbier shape makes it a bit difficult to sharpen but the color is very wearable.

The gloss compliments all of the pigments and hydrates with a wash of beautiful pink shine. The color payoff isn’t too sheer and can be enhance it to medium coverage for a lush, pouty effect.

This Palette is valued at $140.00 but retails for $42.00. Pur Cosmetics/Pur Minerals is available at Shoppers Drug Mart, beautyboutique.ca and purcosmetics.com.