MAC Viva Glam- Miley Cyrus

This year MAC Cosmetics has teamed up with global pop phenomenon Miley Cyrus to launch the stunning Viva Glam hot pink lipstick and matching Lipglass with sparkling pearl shimmer!

I love a nice, vibrant lipstick and pink looks ravishing on every skin tone! This creamy shade is bright and striking with a sexy satin finish and vivid pigmentation. The rich color and comfortable formula is reminiscent of MAC’s popularity among beauty aficionados and the scent is sweet and irresistible!

The formula is infused with nourishing oils, extracts and fruit seed butter to hydrate and protect. This hot pink is trendy for all seasons and enhances your pout with rich, eye catching pigmentation.

Miley’s pink is fittingly named Amplified and you can definitely amp up the intensity by applying a few more layers of the buildable, luscious color.

The formula glides on velvety smooth for easy application and quick touch-ups, it also provides great coverage. When paired with MAC’s lip primer the longevity is excellent and I get an extra boost of moisture.

Swatches

Miley is well known for her unique, trendsetting style so you can glam-up this gorgeous lipstick with a blast of shimmer by applying a layer or two the striking pink Lipglass!

This gloss also looks dazzling on its own and the sheer pink formula contains an abundance of multicolored, micro-glitter particles that drench lips in brilliant shine. The pretty pinkness it is sure to beautify your lips with sparkles galore and it has the same wonderful scent as the lipstick.

Although there is enough shimmer in this gloss to make your lips sparkle like a diamond the formula is smooth and the glitter is not chunky, textured or cumbersome. The gloss feels comfortable on dry lips and hydrates adequately.

The Lipstick retails for $19.00 CAD / $16.00 US and the gloss is $18.00 CAD  / $15.00 US. Every cent of the proceeds goes towards helping women and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS so pucker up for a good cause!

You can visit the website by clicking HERE. 

Available in North America on January 22, 2015 / Internationally Feb 12 at all MAC Locations

**Disclaimer: products provided for review

Winter Skincare with Dermalogica

Spring is just around the corner and when the warm weather finally arrives I want my skin to look thoroughly replenished from the harsh, winter. During this time of the year I amp up my skincare routine to include more hydration and if you suffer from dry, stripped, uncomfortable and even flaky skin dermalogica has some great products that can help!

I always begin with cleansing and the Ultracalming Cleanser is great for sensitivity caused by harsh climates. When skin needs a boost of moisture it may be time to ditch those foaming cleansers and harsh sulfates for this soothing gel which replenishes lipids and fortifies skin’s protective barrier without leaving behind an irritating residue.

Infused with ginger root, cucumber, lemon, flower extract, raspberry, lavender and Echinacea the gel deeply nourishes skin and feels refreshing. I like to massage it into my face to remove pore clogging makeup and it can be rinsed off or wiped away to reveal a smooth, hydrated complexion. 

Formulated without artificial fragrances and colors the cleanser is suitable for sensitive skin and has a nice, light scent, it retails for $47.50.

Nothing quenches dry, agitated winter skin like a refreshing face masque! Dermalogica's Hydrating Masque can be applied after cleansing and uses hyaluronic acid to trap moisture and deliver lasting suppleness.

Rich tomato seed lipids restores skin’s protective barrier and essential fruit extracts, antioxidants, vitamins, oils and botanicals soothe and heal. I like that the masque applies creamy and smooth for great coverage and it can be used 2-3 times per week. The formula does not dry out completely in the 10-15 minutes of recommended use so skin never feels tight and uncomfortable while being treated.

This is a fabulous masque to use prior to applying moisturizer or other treatments and it leaves my skin feeling soft and ready to take on whatever the weather has in store. It is suitable for all skin types and void of artificial colors and fragrances. The masque can also be applied to your hair to treat dry, damaged ends and retails for $54.00.

Along with putting your best face forward you should also hydrate the rest of you! The dermalogica Ultra Rich Body Cream is intensely nourishing to relieve dry, parched skin. I love the thick formula that glides on to coat skin in rich, luscious moisture without feeling greasy or transferring to clothes.

Infused with primrose oil, pro-vitamin B5, shea butter and lavender, the cream conditions and soothes better than most brands I've tried making it one of my new favorites! Vitamin E reinforces the skin’s barrier to shields against skin-damaging environmental assaults with no artificial fragrance.

The best thing about this cream is that the results are long-lasting, it eradicates dry spots effortlessly and after shaving it helps alleviate irritation. My skin feels very soft, silky and rejuvenated after use and it definitely helps you attain a healthy glow. The formula is so great that I wouldn't limit it to winter, it is suitable for all seasons and retails for $68.00.

You can find these pampering products and more at dermalogica.ca

**Disclaimer: products provided for review

Mark Saved By The Gel Waterproof Eyeliner

I love reviewing new makeup and over the last year I have been very impressed with all the fabulous products released by Avon. With wonderful formulas, trendy colors and exceptional quality, Mark has makeup for every occasion, season and complexion. 

When you browse Avon’s website you may notice that there is a lot to choose from and sometimes you can miss marvelous hidden gems like the Saved by the Gel Waterproof Eyeliner available in 3 classic shades.

When I purchase eyeliner I look for textures that are easy to work with and these gel liners produce beautiful creamy color and sharp, vivid lines. They are formulated for long-wear and easy application with no tugging or smudging and they do not dry out, flake or run. 

For those who often have trouble drawing a straight line this smooth gel formula may make the task less daunting with tidier results. I also like that pigment adheres well to my brush and applies consistently in a few fluid strokes.

Each liner comes with a dual-ended brush with an ultra thin point although I prefer to use an angled liner brush with stiffer bristles that don’t bend when dipped into the gel.

Upon application the formula does not dry immediately which gives you time to blend the color for beautiful smokey looks. You can also use it on your lower lash line and the color is buildable for customized intensity.

I like that the liner lasts all day with no fading and the color is bold enough to nicely define and shape my eyes with results similar to that of liquid liner but easier to use. The 3 shades to choose from include: Blackboard, Brownie Points and Gold Star which is a pretty Midas gold, perfect for creating glam looks.   

The liners retails for $12.00 each and you can find them by clicking HERE. 

**Disclaimer: products provided for review

Burt's Bees Lip Crayons

Burt’s Bees is a reliable brand with luxurious formulas and excellent ingredients. If you’re looking for lip products that nourish and protect, these pigments look stunning on all complexions.

Each crayon is formulated with 100% natural ingredients and there are 6 shades in the collection: Carolina Coast (light pink), Hawaiian Smolder (deep berry pink), Redwood Forest (purple/plum), Niagara Overlook (orange/coral), Napa Vineyard (berry/red) and Sedona Sands (nude).

(Hawaiian Smolder)

The nourishing texture is creamy and rich with a touch of juicy shine and no stickiness. The pigmentation varies by shade but most of the crayons can be amplified with a few layers.

The deeper hues produce more color payoff so it is no surprise that my favorite shade is Napa Vineyard - a dark wine that accentuates poutiness. The neutrals are quite subtle but the hydration is excellent! Shea butter, jojoba and kendi oils help often and smooth parched skin and there is no sharpening required!

(Carolina Coast)

(Sedona Sands)

(Niagara Overlook)

The supple texture also protects against environmental aggressors which is excellent for winter. Use the tapered point to shape and define the lip contour for neatness and precision. 

(Swatches from left to right: Sedona Sands, Napa Vineyard, Hawaiian Smolder, Carolina Coast) 

(Napa Vineyard)

Burt's Bees is available at drugstores nationwide and online at burtsbees.ca 

Styli-Style Cosmetics Review - Metallic Eyes Palette and Liquid Lip Paint

Metallic and jewel tones are trendy and eye catching which is why many brands incorporate deep shimmery shades in their collections. Stýli-Style is not a brand I was very familiar with but I love the colors in their eye shadow palettes which are formulated for high performance and tested to last up to 24 hours! The cosmetics are also "versatile enough for everyday wear and bold enough to take you through the night.” 

The Metallic Eyes Chroming Around Palette contains 10 beautiful shades that can create both sultry glam effects and bold, bright looks. The pigmentation is not ultra vivid but it is decent if you apply it in layers. The finishes are quite warm and the texture is buildable and easy to blend. Although the shadows are metallic they don’t give off too much sheen and many of the hues are great for all seasons. 

The palette contains many deep, flattering tones including shades for the crease, lids and brow bone. If you can’t pick up and transfer enough color with a brush; sponge tip applicators work well to deliver more pigment for increased intensity. I recommend using a good primer for enhancement and longevity but they tend not to crease.

Although the shadows are made to be smudge-proof, waterproof, dance-proof and work-out proof without a good base they can fade a bit throughout the day, I tend to apply them a bit heavier for longer wear. The texture is smooth and soft and the palette is compact enough for travel or use on the go.

I prefer shadows that are highly saturated so I have the option to build them up or down for dramatic or subtle effects. Although the shades are beautiful a bit more pigmentation would have been nice but I do like that many of the hues look great on a variety of complexions.

(Heavily swatched over primer)

Stýli-Style has two palettes to choose from, this one is the warm palette and the other called Popsicle contains brighter hues. (Retail price $6.99 each)

The Stýli-Style Liquid Lip Paints are available in 6 pretty colors from: pink, coral nude, red and purple. The shade I have called- Tres Chic is a pink/purple/plum hue with bold, shiny color. The applicator is a small brush which paints the liquid on quite consistently and although the formula is a bit thick it isn't sticky and delivers great color pay-off.

The texture of the lip paint feels creamy and non-drying and the color is very buildable so you can create a light stain or full coverage for plum brilliance! This gorgeous shade is perfect for the season and is suitable for a variety of skin tones, it retails for $5.99.

swatch

These products can be found by clicking HERE

**Disclaimer: products were provided for review

Born Pretty Store: 18 Color Eye Shadow Palette and Moisture Gloss Lip Color

Although the weather has been a bit drab and the frost seems to have settled over everything, playing with bright, fun makeup that reflects tropical climates can be quite uplifting! Today I’ll be featuring some new goodies from The Born Pretty Store which is an online beauty haven for all things makeup and nails.

I love a good eye shadow palette which is why I have reviewed quite a few from this website. Some of them have been so great that I've been using them almost every day! My newest palette from the store contains 18 shimmer and matte shades ranging from: blue, nude, champagne, pink, bronze, orange, purple, silver and black.

The shades are gorgeous and for just $11.80 you get enough color to create a wide variety of looks. The texture of the shadow is smooth and quite soft but the color payoff isn't consistent throughout the palette.

I like the range of matte and shimmer finishes although once applied the shimmer isn't very bold. The purple, black and silver colors are my favorites because they are the most concentrated and can create beautiful smokey looks. On the other side of the palette the pretty blue, green, soft pink and nude shades are much softer and contain little pigment.

Although the swatches above are quite vivid a good primer was used to achieve this level of saturation and I applied the colors in layers. I would have liked more color intensity from this palette so that building up the shadows didn't require such heavy application but the shades are pretty. The quality isn't top notch or consistent but it may be suitable for beginners or those who want to play around with brighter hues for spring. The palette retails for $11.80 and you can find it by clicking HERE. 

I also  decided to try out some lipsticks and chose the shades 11 and 9 which appear very vivid and rich. The tubes say BuBu on them but I'm not sure if this is an actual brand. Number 9 is a bold fuchsia pink that is perfect for spring and summer.

Number 11 is one of my favorite combinations of colors, a beautiful purple/pink hue. Both shades are bright, bold and well pigmented. The consistency is moist and creamy which allows the color to glide on relatively well and feel comfortable on the lips. They don’t dry out the skin and the longevity is about average with a glossy texture and finish.

Although the shades look completely different in the packaging once swatched the colors are very similar which is quite odd.

The lipsticks do have a slight scent that reminds me of butterscotch and the quality is reminiscent of brands you may find at beauty supply stores. I don’t know if there are any beneficial ingredients in the formula as the writing on the packaging is in a foreign language and it is not listed on the site.

Overall the lipsticks are decent if you are interested in trying some bright hues for the very affordable price of $2.81 each! To see the other shades click HERE.

Born Pretty offers FREE worldwide shipping and if you use the code EDH10 you will receive 10% off your order.

**Disclaimer: products were provided for review

Amie Skincare Review: Cleansing and Toning

Some of the best gifts I received around the holidays were products for my skin! I never tire of searching for things that will make my complexion look healthy, dewy and wonderful, so when I received another great package from Amie I was excited!

Amie is an award winning British skincare brand that has recently launched at Shoppers Drug Mart and their beauty essentials are targeted at all women regardless of skin type.

Amie is formulated to be gentle and non-irritating which is ideal for sensitive skin. The brand utilizes the powers of natural plant and botanical extracts to keep complexions clear and radiant! The products are high quality yet affordable and are free of harsh chemicals that can cause dry, itchy skin and irritation. The line is also pH balanced and Dermatologist tested to help control blemishes and restore moisture and hydration.

New Bloom Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes- (for all skin types) $6.50

Made with skin-friendly aloe and fruit extracts these moist, thick wipes are free of mineral oil, parabens, chemicals and animal extracts. There are 25 wipes per pack and although gentle they are great at removing stubborn waterproof makeup, glitter, and heavy foundations.

The best thing about the wipes is that they don’t irritate and burn my eyes like other brands I've tried. They smell light and fresh and remove most makeup with soft, non-abrasive cleansing action.

Like most makeup wipes you must close the pack immediately to prevent them from drying out however I do prefer a secure snap closure to a sticker covering which can lose its adhesiveness.

Petal Perfect 2-in-1 Cleanser & Toner $8.00

After I use makeup wipes I always follow up with a face wash but when I use a cleanser in conjunction with my wipes the process is always more efficient. This product is formulated with rose petal, raspberry, witch hazel, apple and other natural extracts to gently cleanse the skin and wipe away dirt, oil and makeup.

The consistency is quite thin, milky and runny but unlike other toners it doesn't contain drying ingredients that strip the skin so it leaves my face refreshed and makeup-free.

Spring Clean Deep Cleansing Mask $

This deep cleansing treatment is designed to draw out impurities while soaking up excess oil and preventing blemishes. It cools and refreshes to help keep pores clean and skin smooth, clean and clear.

It only takes ten minutes to work and the creamy white clay infused with lime butter and organic peppermint feels invigorating and reviving. I have tried a couple masks from this brand and I absolutely love them! The tubes last quite a while and when it comes to dry, dull skin this line provides winter relief!

Overall I have been achieving great results with this brand, I love that the products are natural, safe and suitable for those prone to breakouts and dryness. All the products smell light and fresh with no heavy perfumes or dyes for clear, soft, radiant skin!

**Disclaimer: products provided for review

So Blogger Search- Inspired by So...? With Attitude Fragrances

I have reviewed a few So...? fragrances on my blog recently so when I heard that they were hosting a blogger search contest for a feature in Vervegirl Magazine I was quite excited! The fragrances are fittingly named to represent a variety of styles, moods and attitudes and I knew exactly which scents would inspire my makeup look.

So Sexy, So Kiss Me and So Sinful are all sweet, musky and delicious with delightful ingredients such as: vanilla, blackcurrant, praline and dark chocolate. They are fun, mysterious and edgy yet soft and light.

When I think of sexy makeup I think of classy colors like gold shadow, a signature red lipstick for kissability and a trendy cat eye. Sexy makeup doesn't have to be overdone or caked on; it can be subtle, pretty and still make a dramatic impact.

I would wear this look for an evening out with the girls, sipping wine and having a great meal. I would also wear it on date night and it even works for Valentine’s Day paired with a simple black dress. 

The simplicity of the makeup plays up your features and is great for both day and night. 

This is my contest entry for the #sobloggersearch lets hope they enjoy it :)

You can check out So...? fragrances by clicking HERE