Avon Makeup Design Palette Review

If you have a lot of people to shop for and you don’t want to break the bank this holiday then Avon has a great selection of affordable gifts to choose from. For the beauty lovers on your list who want to dapple in pretty color the Makeup Design Eye Shadow Palette contains almost everything you need to create a range of awesome looks including 21 eye shadows, 6 lip glosses, 3 blushes, 1 bronzer and 1 instruction booklet.

The versatile shades are very trendy and ideal for many complexions from light to dark and everything in-between. I love the beautiful jewel tones and the flattering everyday shades which includes nude, bronze, earth, gold, peach and petal- a pretty purple-pink. You also have the option of creating deep smokey looks with the ebony, midnight and navy hues as well as shimmery party looks with aluminum silver, grape, glittery teal and copper.

The pigmentation is not as intense or bold as the shadows from mark which you can also find on Avon’s website but they can be enhanced with layering and a good primer. There are also a few matte hues which is always more versatile and although the shadows aren’t fierce the texture is silky smooth with very little fallout despite some shades being embedded with glittery particles.

The blush is actually my favorite thing about the palette, the bronze and plum hues warm up the skin and highlight with a hint of shimmer while the rose and peach hues add radiant color to brighten the complexion and they are't too loud so you won't end up with that clown effect.

The lip glosses have a nice creamy texture for juicy color and a hint of plumping shine. The formula is also quite moisturizing although the palette didn’t come with any applicators which makes it difficult to re-apply on the go.

The instruction manual is a good idea for beginners but it isn’t extensive so you will have to look elsewhere for most of your inspiration. Overall this is a decent palette if you want to experiment with color but the quality isn’t quite there for professional, high-impact results. If you are looking for beautiful shadows with great pigmentation on Avon's website check out my last review on mark's Dream Sequins Palette by clicking HERE.

The palette retails for $30.00 and you can pick it up at avon.ca or through independent consultants. 

Mark Dream Sequins Shimmering Eye Shadow Palette Review

I have a lot of eye shadow so when I receive a palette that really thrills me it is usually one I use often. This holiday Avon has a wonderful selection of gifts for the whole family but if you want to get something extra special for the makeup junkies on your list the Dream Sequins Palette is sure to be a hit!

The black case with colourful sequin detailing is pretty but what’s inside is even better! 15 state of the art gorgeous shades that can create endless looks and get your creative juices flowing! Each shadow is etched with a beautiful pattern and the colors range from rich blue, deep purple, shimmery teal, gold, bronze, pink, silver, black embedded with specks of blue, charcoal, jade and more! This beautiful selection encompasses some of my favorite hues so I can go from flattering day looks to a glam party vibe and everything in-between. With holiday events around the corner this trendy palette packs a lot of festive glitz and can transition through every season.

The pigmentation is also amazing! Once applied the colors appear exactly like they do in the palette for a rich, bold finish that enhances the eyes with smoldering intensity. You can mix and match for awesome combinations and there are colors to sculpt the crease, brow bones and lids plus you can blend them out on the lower lash line to make your eyes pop!

These shadows are super easy to work with and there is very little fall-out, no creasing and no fading throughout the day so you can party on all night with your makeup intact. If you don’t have a base handy the shadows still shows up beautifully but with a good primer they look outstanding and you can layer and build to increase the saturation for whatever effect you desire. You can also use them a tad damp if you want to amp up the wow factor.

The smooth texture, amazing quality and overall gorgeousness of this palette makes it a must-have and the size is idea for travel. You can pick up this beauty for $45.00 at avon.ca or through independent consultants although you may want to keep it for yourself! 

*press sample featured 

Arbonne Holiday Gift Guide

Today’s post is all about fabulous gifts ideas, from stocking stuffers and beauty tools to skincare and makeup I love all the fabulous scents and luxurious formulas from Arbonne!

If there are people on your list who are obsessed with cosmetics then chances are fantastic makeup brushes will be a big hit! The Arbonne 6 piece brush set for the face and eyes includes a plush powder brush, angled cheek/blush brush, liquid foundation brush, all over eye brush, shading brush and slanted eyebrow brush. The collection is expertly crafted and the shape and size of each brush is idea for their intended purpose.

The brushes have super soft, flexible bristles that are great quality and wonderful for all your applications needs as they blend product beautifully for a seamless finish. The set comes in a chic black canvass case with a mesh zipper pocket that can also hold other essentials which is great for use on the go and travel. The bristles are artificial but they have a sleek, glossy texture that feels comfortable against the skin and I love the sturdy wood handles. I have no issue with shedding which is fantastic and the set is designed to stand the test of time! It retails for $42.00

When I first laid eye on the Sugar Plum Baked Eye Shadow Palette I just knew I had to have it! You can rock these flattering hues everyday and they compliment all complexions from fair to deep. Icing is a snowy white/silver, Gingersnap (my favorite shade) is a stunning gold that never goes out of style, Plumberry- deep purple defines and sculpts the crease beautifully and Ganache is a smokey bronze that effortlessly transitions from fall to winter. All the shadows have that glam-factor with a brilliant shimmery finish that is great for holiday parties. The texture is very soft, light and super silky and the pigmentation can go from sheer to intense, especially with a good primer. The palette retails for $66.00 and the formula is infused with a blend of Ginseng root and Chamomile flower extract.

If you are looking for fabulous stocking stuffers Arbonne has you covered. The Good Cheer Shower Gel Set comes with three delectable scents: Mandarine Pomegranate, Pineapple Papaya and Fig Blossom infused with real fruit extract. The skin conditioning formulas nourish, hydrate and awaken your senses while foaming away oil, dirt and build-up after a long day. The set retails for $50.00.

The Pampermint Foot Care Set smells festive, natural and refreshing! It includes a rich mint foot scrub that exfoliates rough skin and a soothing mint balm that pampers dry, cracked heels. They also contain mandarin extract, orange peel and avocado for long lasting moisture! The set retails for $50.00 and it can be paired with some fluffy socks or slippers to make the perfect gift.

To keep those lips mistletoe soft the Kiss at Night Lip Conditioner Trio will quench dry skin and smooth fine lines with just a hint of radiant color and a fresh infusion of lemon, meadowfoam and moringa oils. This set includes peach, pink and berry hues and the texture alleviates discomfort with a creamy layer that deeply hydrates for hours! The lip trio retails for $48.00.

You can find Arbonne online by clicking HERE and through consultants. 

Mary Kay Winter 2015 Collection

There is nothing I love more than glowing skin and a great highlight...well except for Christmas decorations and parties of course! This winter Mary Kay has released some gorgeous pigments that will keep skin radiant and your eyes gleaming no matter what you have planned this holiday season.

The Sheer Dimensions Powders are available in two beautiful hues- Pearls (Opalescent) a frosty pink with silver shimmer and Lace (Coral) - terracotta with peach shimmer. Whether you decide to keep these beauties for yourself (and who could blame you) or gift them to a lucky lady the packaging will be admired by all! Housed in clear globed compacts and etched with elegant designs both highlights work for all complexions and add a hint of gorgeous illumination to the face for stunning visual impact.

I prefer the coral tone but both hues are quite cool, sheer and luminous for beautiful luster on dreary winter days. The smooth formula is very light and soft so you can sweep it over the skin with a brush or simply dab it on with your fingers.

I also like that they contain just the right amount of shimmer and a few glittery particles that catch and reflect light for a brilliant effect without being messy or too sparkly. I also use them to highlight around the tear ducts which adds a little pizzazz to my makeup and brightens my eyes. The formula delivers high definition results so you look flawless and close-up ready! The powders retail for $36.00 each.

During the holidays I love to go full-on glam and the new Mineral Eye Color Quads take glitz to a new level! The packaging is magnetic so they can be popped out and added to your own custom palette which is great for travel and getting ready on-the-go. Black Ice is packed with eye-catching shimmer including gold, icy silvery, black glitter and knock-out grey. Chai Latte is a little more neutral for those who are a bit reluctant to go quite so bold; it includes beautiful bronze, taupe, champagne and frosty silver which is great for everyday wear.

Both quads have bold, rich pigmentation that can be tamed down or intensified and the quality and texture is fantastic! They retail for $19.00 each.

Below is the custom collection I created in my NARS refillable palette using ALL Mary Kay makeup including: eye shadows quads, single shadows and blush/highlight duos!

Last but not least is the Mint Bliss Energizing Lotion for feet and legs because who doesn’t need more moisture in the winter?! This refreshing blend contains peppermint, rosemary, willow bark, eucalyptus, and other oils and extracts to keep parched, dry skin soft and supple and it can be applied to bare legs or over sheer hosiery. This cream is great for care packages or as part of a gift basket with some cute slippers and socks. It retails for $16.00.

You can get these great items at marykay.ca and through independent consultants. 

Burt’s Bees Holiday Gift Sets!

If you love natural products and there are people on your holiday list who are sensitive to harsh chemicals and artificial additives Burt’s Bees is a great option! The brand offers a range of quality products that are safe on skin and infused with the best nature has to offer.

The Face Essentials Collection is a fabulous gift for everyone on your list including your favorite fellas since the scents are light, pure and natural. The kit features the Soap Bark and Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream which is enriched with sunflower, coconut oil, cocoa, rosemary, aloe, witch hazel and an abundance of other extracts and butters that remove dirt, excess oil and makeup. This rich, gentle formula leaves skin clean, refreshed and silky soft with no uncomfortable dryness from harsh soap. You can also squirt some on your favorite cleansing device/brush for even more pore clearing action! On its own it retails for $12.99.

The little pack of Facial Cleansing Towelettes are moist and infused with aloe, white tea extract and cucumber to cool and soothe skin on contact while removing most makeup residue including shadow and heavy foundation. Since I have an issue with some wipes burning my skin and eyes I love how gentle and soft these are! The pack comes with 10 towelettes and it is a great travel size. On its own it retails for $3.99.

No skincare routine is complete without exfoliating to slough away those dead cells and replenish your complexion so the set also includes the Peach and Willow Bark Deep Pore Scrub. With just the right amount of polishing granules this peachy smelling formula helps even texture and tone for supple, glowing skin. It contains an amazing blend of grape seed oil, coconut, flower extract, antioxidants and vitamins to restore and hydrate! On it’s on it retails for $12.99.

No set would be complete without Burt’s most famous product- the intensely moisturizing lip balm in Coconut & Pear. This yummy balm eradicates dry lips and deeply nourishes to alleviate rough, peeling skin. With a wonderful blend of natural beeswax, oils butters and extracts you can kick winter’s butt this season and keep that pout kissably soft! The balms retail for $4.89 each.

The value of this kit is $34.86 and it retails for just $19.99 which is a great deal!

You can also pick up the cute pre-packaged Lip Balm Trio for $9.99 which also makes a wonderful stocking stuffer!

*Press samples featured

You can find Burt’s Bees at major drugstores nationwide. 

Mary Kay: Delicious Hoilday Gifts to Go!

Sometimes there are people on your holiday list who are difficult to shop for and with all the family, friends, neighbors and co-workers that you may have to buy goodies for its great when you can find gifts that are gorgeously wrapped and ready-to-go!

This year Mary Kay is making your task much easier with their limited edition assorted gift boxes in a range of delectable scents. The quenching body lotion and lip balm sets come in three yummy flavors that will make your mouth water like a kid in a candy store!

The collection includes:

Sugar & Spice (my personal favorite) - a cozy blend of sweet and savory

Berry & Cream – crisp, juicy and tantalizing

Apple Pear – A fruity fresh blend of sparkling orchard goodness!

The lavish lotions and hydrating lip balms have the same bright colorful packaging as the boxes they come in and look very trendy under the tree! The cute tubes of cream can be tossed in your purse and used to soften rough cuticles and dry hands so you can confidently show-off that festive mani. They can also be used on the entire body after a warm shower to soothe and replenish the skin.

The balms are a treat for peeling lips as they alleviate discomfort while providing luminous shine and delicious aromas! Each set retails for $18.00 and they are sure to satisfy even the pickiest recipients on your list.

The Limited Edition Cream & Sugar Gift Set contains a pampering combination of lush body whip and invigorating body scrub to replenish you from head to toe! When the winter wind hits I love a rich, creamy body lotion and this formula has a light texture with conditioning power that gets rid of those unflattering flaky patches for supple results. The scent is joyfully sweet and the finish is non-greasy with no sticky residue.

The scrub has just the right amount of sweet sugary exfoliating beads to soften and polish the entire body. These little particles go to work diligently smoothing out the texture of rough skin especially elbows and knees where many of us need it most. This set retails for $30.00.

These limited edition sets may be too cute to give away so make sure to stock up for yourself too! You can pick them up at marykay.ca and through independent consultants.

*press samples featured 

Urban Decay: Gwen Stefani Eye Shadow Palette Review & Swatches

When one of the world’s most famous blonde bombshells teams up with one of the best cosmetic companies on the market the result is a match made in makeup heaven! Urban Decay (one of my personal favorites for eye shadow) has spent hours collaborating at Gwen Stefani’s house to finalize every detail of her new collection and the end product is a beautifully crafted palette loaded with 15 of Gwen’s must-have shades! The stunning new collection includes 12 all new hues and 3 of UD’s finest to help you achieve her most iconic signature looks and some beauties of your own!

With an impressive range of neutrals and a few knock-out jewel tones you have the versatility to create endless combinations from subtle and soft to edgy and glam. There is also a great selection if shimmer hues and soft mattes plus a mix of warm and cool tones making the palette useable and trendy through all seasons!

My personal faves are:

*Punk- (a rich chocolaty matte brown with a burgundy undertone) this shade looks amazing in the crease and pairs well with so many hues in the palette! It sculpts, defines and contours to perfection adding depth and dimension.

*Steady & Baby- (shimmery champagne hues with a silvery undertone) These shades look fabulous on every skin tone and paired with a deep crease color you can use them to create quick, pretty looks that enhance and brighten the eyes.

*Pop- (champagne pink with mega shimmer and silver specks) when I saw this shade I knew it was a perfect match for holiday parties and New Years Eve! This hue seems to be the most glittery in the palette and I am so ready to embrace the glitz!

*Danger- (sultry deep blue with fleck of shimmery light blue) if you are a bit apprehensive about blue eye makeup then this shade will help you warm you up to the idea with its midnight sky depth and smokey allure.

The names of each shadow was also chosen by Gwen and inspired by her music!

One of the reasons Urban Decay is at the top of my list when it comes to outstanding eye shadow is due to the intense pigmentation! Their particular blend of ingredients gives the shadows a velvety, smooth texture but also makes the colors appear as bold as they look in the packaging! I always apply my UD Primer Potion no matter what shadow or brand I decide to use and although it enhances the pigments beautifully the quality is so good that you don’t need a base to make them look amazing!

The texture also has a creaminess that applies like a dream without creasing and these babies don’t fade throughout the day, they hang in there till the end! I’m predicting that when this palette is released on November 22 (which is this weekend) they are going to sell out fast and be pretty hard to come by around the holiday rush so I suggest getting down to your local Sephora or Shoppers Drug Mart early! It is also available online if you don’t plan to leave you house this weekend. I’ve been playing around with the colors for a few days now and I’m already head-over-heels in love! The palette retails for $70.00.

*Press sample featured

Avon 2015 Holiday Collection & Gift Guide!

Who’s ready to deck the halls, light the tree and break out the eggnog?! I’m not ashamed to admit that the day after Halloween I got right into the holiday spirit and started scheduling events, singing carols and watching all my favorite festive films. I also got a head start on my gift list to avoid long lines, packed parking lots and pushy crowds. Avon has a wonderful variety of products to choose from including cute stocking stuffers, fluffy slippers, beauty products, fragrances and skincare. In fact their website can be your one-stop destination for all things Christmas.

This year some of my fabulous finds include these colorful mugs etched with inspirational quotes. They come wrapped with pretty ribbon, gift tags and matching coasters so you can gift them separately or as a set!

These mugs make cute gifts for friends, family, neighbors and even teachers and you can stuff them with a few other goodies like Avon’s adorable hand creams and matching lip balms. 

The mugs are great for parties and are made of quality porcelain that is dishwasher safe. Your loved ones will definitely enjoy waking up to a positive message everyday as they sip their favorite hot beverage.

The set retails for just $12.99 which is a steal and they are great for parties!

Avon's variety of festive hand creams and lip balms with cheerful little holiday characters are ideal for stocking stuffers or baskets! Giving the gift of supple skin and winter protection is always a great idea and these formulas alleviate dry skin and rough cuticles. The small tubes are the perfect purse size and retail for $4.00 while the lip balms are just $2.00 each!

Who wouldn’t love coming home after a long cold day and slipping those tired feet into soft, memory foam slippers! The Pop of Plaid design comes in 2 colors- dark purple and teal green and these fluffy feet warmers support your arches in plush, cozy comfort! You can pick them up for $19.99 and they usually go on sale for as little as $12.99 each.

Avon’s Metallic Fringe polish has been a hit this year as more women dapple in the world of nail art and the silver strips look like shiny tinsel! For an easy gift idea you can create a little package of lacquer and nail accessories in a range of pretty colors. The polish retails from $2-$8.

For the makeup junkies out there Avon has an extensive selection of products and one of my favorite brands is mark cosmetics. This glitzy set comes with a glam clutch/case and 5 pro brushes that are soft and super trendy! The clutch is a statement piece on its own so you can attend those holiday parties and take your touch-up tools with you. The set retails for $36.00.

As far as fragrances go Avon has hit it out of the park this year with an abundance of amazing, swoon-worthy scents! If you want to smell irresistible this holiday Sparkle is a wonderful fragrance that transitions from day appropriate allure to party time fun! This perfume has one of those remarkable aromas that appeal to a wide range of tastes and compliments all your glamorous outfits with a dazzling blend of flirty strawberry, playful pink jasmine and addictive chocolate essences! 

The perfume retails for $38.00 and you can also pick up the shimmer body lotion ($22.00) and glittery soap ($14.00) if you want the entire set...and you will!

You can find these great holiday gifts at avon.ca and through independent consultants.