Clarins Fall 2016 Makeup: 4-Color Eye Shadow Palette Review

I know summer is a fabulous time for enjoying the great outdoors, hitting the beach and lounging on the patio but I prefer cooler temperatures and welcome Canadian winters with open arms. Maybe it has to do with the fact that I was born on Christmas Eve or that my long hair frizzes and curls in humidity, but there is just something comforting about a crisp autumn day, changing leaves and cozy sweaters. My first official fall post of 2016 is dedicated to Clarins 4 Color Eye Shadow Palettes that will effortlessly transition your look into next season!

There are 3 new color collections housed in sophisticated mirrored compacts. I have 02-Rosewood which includes a frosty silver, pink-purple shimmer, deep matte plum and a gorgeous grey-purple. These shades appear to be simple but the pigments have unique undertones that flatter all complexions.

The second and fourth shadows are my favorites for enhancing the eyes and although they do brighten with bold pops of shimmer, the finishes are still quite soft and neutral. These shades would appeal to many women no matter what age and they can go from day to night by simply amping-up the crease intensity with the rich plum and using it to create a smokey shadow under the lower lash line. The silver makes a great lid or highlight shade and you can wear these hues in any combination with the reassurance that they will look amazing!

The 01-Nude Palette contains fabulous transition shades to help you substitute vibrant summer hues for milder ones. The compact includes trendy pigments like champagne, rose gold, grey and sultry black which can be paired with any color and faded or layered heavier for more drama. Like the other palette, this one also has a nice balance of light and dark and the shimmer is ultra-fine for a fresh, radiant effect.

Sometimes products labelled as “nude” aren’t actually the correct neutral tones for all complexions but I think this one is. The colors are super easy to pair and blend for professional results and the small compacts are ideal for travel.

The formula is luxuriously creamy, smooth and buildable with an infusion of vegetable extracts and other skin loving ingredients. Many of the long-wear pigments have the versatility to go from sheer to full coverage by simply layering and I experienced little to no fall-out or fading. The color pay-off is good but the shadows are not extremely saturated or bold. For more intensity you can also apply them wet but either way the velvety finish is brilliant! If you like the brand's high-end quality and elegant makeup you will love these!

The palettes retail for $27.00 each and you can pick them up at department stores, Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs and at clarins.ca.

Mark Touch & Glow Shimmer Cream Bars

Today I’ve put together a few products I’ve been enjoying from Avon including a fresh summer fragrance, hydrating lip balms and a highlight palette that will help you Strobe like a pro!

The new Touch & Glow All Over Face Palette has 4 bars of stunning color to give you that Caribbean vacation glow. The shades are flattering on all complexions and range from sparkling gold, rose gold, champagne, deep gold and bronze. Each bar can be used individually or you can sweep your brush over the entire palette to pick up hints of each hue which is my favorite way to use it! Although the powders were designed for subtle, everyday looks and high impact strobing, the pigmentation is quite soft so you may have to layer well to amp up the glam. The formula blends well with micro-fine shimmer particles and if you prefer natural looking luminosity you will love this effect! The compact retails for $20.00.

Even though I love bold color and matte lipstick, sometimes my lips crave more moisture and comfort. Avon’s new True Color Lip Balms formulated with Vitamin E and nourishing conditioners provide sheer, juicy pigment and a sleek, comfortable finish with a hint of shine. With 5 fun shades to choose from and delectable fruity scents, these balms have been my go-to lip tints for the season and retail for just $5.00 each.

A fabulous fragrance goes hand-in-hand with being fashionable and if you want to flaunt your feminine charm with a fresh, irresistible scent, then check out the Luck La Vie Eau de Parfum Spray. With top notes of ripe strawberry, mid notes of lily and base notes of warm cedarwood this is a fabulous every day aroma that works for a day at the office, date night or swanky cocktail parties. It has a vibrant essence that would appeal to most women and it isn’t too bold. You can pick it up for just $30.00 and it makes a fabulous gift!

Avon and mark can be found at avon.ca or through independent consultants. 

Urban Decay Razor Sharp Water-Resistant Long Wear Liquid Eyeliner Review

When it comes to perfecting the technique of winging eyeliner we all understand the struggle. How many of you have been late for an event because of failed attempts to draw the perfect line or messed up your eye shadow trying to even out disproportionate wings? Don’t feel bad ladies, even seasoned Makeup Artists are occasionally bested by a shaky hand or seeping formulas but Urban Decay is striving to correct this with the new Razor Sharp Liquid Liner.

I never leave home without a nice bold line to enhance my eyes but when it comes to my makeup bag I have high expectations. I don’t usually go for big felt tip markers because they tend not to last very long and can dry out mid use. They also make it difficult to limit diameter and achieve anything but chunky lines. I prefer a dipable pot to control the amount of pigment I apply and a small brush for the versatility of creating both ultra thin and thick lines. The Razors provide the effect I’m looking for and are designed for ease of use with colored chrome caps that help you locate your favorite shades.

The brush is very fine but if you aren't comfortable with thin tips, don’t worry! For the most part the pointed applicator delivers good color payoff in one stroke but to avoid fumbling with faded areas and watery, inconsistent coverage you must shake the tubes well prior to application. Some shades may go on a tad streaky at first and require a bit more work to solidify but this is quite common of liquid formulas. The initial line will be super thin but you can thicken it up with more layers and flick out a nice, sharp wing. 

There are 20 dimensional, long-lasting shades in this range with a variety of finishes including lacquered creams and metallic shimmers. If you want to experiment with fun pops of color, some of my personal faves are the teal green called Deep End, Gold Rush, Chaos - a royal blue and Snake Bite (metallic bronze). The collection also has a nice range of everyday neutrals including a classic black called Perversion.

Simply put this formula is awesome! You get vivid pigmentation with a fade-proof, smudge-proof, water resistant finish that lasts all day and dries almost instantly! These babies hold up through sweat, humidity and runny eyes yet they are easily removable with a makeup wipe so you won’t wake up with raccoon eyes.

Bottom to top: Perversion, Cuff, Kush, Chaos, Fireball, Rush, Golden Rush, Deep End, Snakebite, Revolver and Bump

No matter which liquid liner you choose “practice makes perfect” but to make the task easier try using a creamy pencil liner first and then place your liquid liner on top. This provides a guide for straighter lines plus the layers of pencil underneath reinforces the color allowing my eye makeup to stay put until I choose to remove it.

The eyeliners retail for $27.00 each and are available at Sephora, select Shoppers Drug Mart locations and online at urbandecay.ca.

Hask Kalahari Melon Oil Hair Care

It’s a beautiful summer day and you’re about to head out on a weekend adventure. The cooler is packed with snacks, your beach bag is stocked with essentials and you’ve slathered on the sunscreen but is your hair protected? Exposure to UV can fade color, cause dryness and make your tresses look brittle and dull.

Hask’s new hair care collection utilizes the nurturing benefits of Kalahari Melon found in the African desert. This adaptable fruit thrives in the most hostile conditions and retains moisture in one of the driest environments on the plant which makes it ideal for color-treated, dry or damaged hair. The protective shield complex counteracts everyday washing (which I don’t recommend) and heat styling to prevent dyes from fading. Although I don't color my hair, the UV blockers also help maintain natural color hydration, shine and vibrancy.

The products in the collection are free of sulfates, phthalates, parabens, gluten and artificial colors making them safe for all hair types. The replenishing shampoo smells amazing and is loaded with nourishing cranberry, melon and sunflower oils to gently cleanse and rid the scalp of dirt, oil and build-up. Because the formula does not contain harsh detergents like most shampoos on the market, it won’t strip away too much natural sebum or cause brittleness and irritation. (The shampoo retails for $5.99).

The Color Protection Conditioner has many of the same ingredients as the shampoo with a creamy consistency that efficiently coats each strand to soften, shine and detangle. Since I co-wash frequently (cleanse with conditioner instead of shampoo) the lightweight texture is ideal for daily use and helps maintain moisture, health and resiliency without weighing down my hair or causing limpness. (The conditioner retails for $5.99).

Since my hair tends to be on the dry side, I use a deep conditioner every week to boost moisture, prevent breakage and reduce the occurrence of split-ends. The Hask Treatment Mask has the same UV shield to protect color and prevent damage with a lush, ultra-nourishing formula that puts a little more bounce in my curls so they feel silky and revived. The instructions recommend that you leave it on for 10 mins but since my hair craves intense hydration I usually cover with a plastic cap for about an hour. The packet is great for vacation and contains enough conditioner for 1-2 treatments (depending on hair length and thickness). It retails for just $2.49.

With every Hask collection there is a great treatment oil! The vial may look small but a little goes a long way and the lightweight, non-greasy formula absorbs well to provide radiant sheen and suppleness. I use it on freshly flat ironed hair as a finishing product to help smooth fly-aways and dry spots while adding a healthy luster. In the summer I apply it on damp hair to tame and form my curls. The oil retails for $2.49.

You can find Hask products at select drugstores including Ulta, Walgreens and Walmart. Visit the website by clicking HERE. 

Urban Decay Moondust Eye Shadow Palette Review

Today’s post will transport you to a galaxy of moondust and glamorous sparkle with a glorious array of vibrant pigment! This palette isn’t for the timid ladies, so get ready to embrace a gorgeous lunar rainbow of glitter!

Since makeup junkies went wild for the single Moondust Shadows, Urban Decay decided to unleash mind-blowing new shades including: dazzling green, vivid blue, bright pinks, purple, and intense silver all in once convenient palette. The 8 shade selection is modest but impressive and each unique shadow is infused with a ton of depth for twinkling, multidimensional movement.

Glitter addicts are going to fall head-over-heels with this glimmering palette and who could resist that beautiful gunmetal case and mirrored cut out!

The most evident sign of a good glitter formula is ease of application and aside from the UD Primer Potion (which I use with all shadows) no special adhesives are necessary. Because the glitter particles are suspended in a smooth, velvety base, the color and shimmer transfers together to create a uniform layer. This balance of sparkle and pigment makes for better application and fabulous buildable color that can go from a sheer wash to bold, highly saturated coverage.

These pretty hues are showstoppers and aren’t really designed to be supporting crease or highlight shades. I layer and pat them onto my lids without blending to avoid dispersing the glitter, fading the color or creating a mess. I did experience some fall-out which was expected but it wasn't substantial. For the most part I was able to contain the sparkle and prevent it from getting stuck in my foundation.

Although the top layer of shadow does contain the highest concentration of glitter, it isn’t an overspray because once you dig in deeper the effect is embedded throughout the pigment albeit with a little more subtlety. Considering the combination of micro-fine and large bits of  sparkle, the texture is still rather soft and smooth with a nice creamy undertone that helps glide everything across the skin. With any glitter you can expect fragments to stray but they seemed to stay put throughout the day and are quite easy to remove with a simple makeup wipe. Getting a bit messy seems to go hand-in-hand with glitter so I always expect to see a light dusting over over my vanity and brushes for a couple days but these shades are totally worth it!

When you layer heavier you may have to smooth out lumps or bumps that may appear but for the most part they don't fade. 

The shadows are highly reflective for a brilliant mirrored effect that glimmers beautifully plus the 3D metallics offer a stunning diamond-like finish. If you don’t own a selection of impressive glittery shades I recommend expanding your collection with these. They look great on their own or paired with a range of matte crease shades to balance the shimmer. The Moondust Palette retails for $70.00 at Sephora, select Shoppers Drug Mart locations and online at urbandecay.ca.

Pür Cosmetics Strobe/Highlight Palette Review

This summer I’ve been binging on highlighter and experimenting with contour to achieve that fresh, dewy glow and definition. Along with dabs of mild glimmering shine and subtle everyday accents there is a growing trend of ultra bright face shimmer called strobing. Many brands are joining in by releasing heavily saturated pigments in various shades for an effect I like to call disco ball chic and beauty junkies can’t seem to get enough!

Pür Cosmetics has recently launched two gorgeous palettes with shades designed to enhance the sun and moon’s effect on your skin for a glowing, youthful appearance. While you’re out enjoying the summer temperatures and lounging by the pool, Sun-Kissed Glow compliments all skin tones and captures the warmth of the seasons with classic gold, rose gold and sparkling bronze. 

When the sun goes down and you’re ready to head out for a night of fun, the Moonlight Glow Palette illuminates the skin with cooler tones including soft gold, bronze and shimmery pink.

Initially the highlights have a creamy, silky texture for superior glide and seamless blending but once applied and dry they set well and transform to powder for all day wear. Although the formula is slightly creamy, the pigments don’t have that slick, oiliness that attracts dust particles, hair and other substances so you won’t end up with a smeared mess. They are also very lightweight, smooth and easy to apply with a finger plus they pack a bold punch of high-impact shimmer that instantly brightens the skin for a luminous glow that seems to emit from within.

The shades are all very buildable so you can go from sheer to glam with a few swipes for a pretty strobed effect. Many of the hues have a shimmery base and a dusting of micro-fine glitter fragments so you get a double dose of radiance that efficiently enhances the skin.

All 6 coordinating shades were made to flatter every complexion and you can pick them up for $34.00 ea exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart. The palettes are limited edition so get them before they disappear!

NEW Skincare Essentials From The Body Shop: Moisturize, Replenish & Brighten!

When it comes to naturally sourced, quality ingredients, I trust The Body Shop to deliver on excellence and efficiency. With each new innovation the brand is improving formulas and staying on-trend with cutting edge technology to improve treatments that target a variety of skin concerns. Today I am sharing a few of the newest additions to my daily routine which have been yielding fabulous results!

The Vitamin E Aqua Boost Essence Lotion has a water based serum-like consistency formulated for use after cleansing. The light, cooling liquid enhances the complexion with a blend of Wheat Germ Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, Argan, Aloe, Antioxidants and Biotin. It also plumps the skin with lush layers of moisture while increasing the absorption and efficacy of all products that follow. Adding this extra step to your skincare routine is definitely worth it because it eradicates dryness, soothes and softens! I use it in the morning before moisturizer and at night before my serums, treatments and oils. Since it is quite watery (in a skin quenching, hydrating way) you do have to wait a minute or two for it to dry before applying anything else but on hot summer days it feels calming and refreshing! The Lotion retails for $20.00.

The Drops of Youth Essence Lotion is similar to the Aqua Boost in that it is also meant to be used after cleansing and prior to product application. Even though both products are categorized as “lotion” they aren’t your typical face creams. The watery base feels like a quenching drink for dehydrated skin and instantly revives your face. You can use one or the other depending on your needs but I’ve been using them together! With an invigorating blend of botanical and plant extracts, this lightweight gel-water formula deeply replenishes, locks in moisturize, plumps and minimizes pores for a luminous finish. Once the formula dries my skin feels rejuvenated, resilient and supple! The Drops of Youth Lotion Retails for $22.00.

Lately I’ve been very fond of Vitamin C for its ability to brighten, protect against pollutants and fade dark spots, discoloration, blemishes and hyperpigmentation for a flawless complexion. The Vitamin C Glow Boosting Moisturizer targets “dull, fatigued, grumpy skin” to promote natural radiance, hydration and softness.

This lush orange gel has 60X the Vitamin C power of an orange and coats skin in light, dewy layers that works well under makeup (once dry) or as a night treatment. It retails for $25.00 and a little goes a long way!

I’ve been a big fan of The Body Shop’s Oils Of Life Collection and last Christmas I even gifted the ladies in my family some of the fabulous oils and moisturizers. The new Intensely Revitalizing Sleeping Cream pampers and repairs your skin as you snooze with 7 essential oils sourced globally. This cushiony, anti-aging cream has a silky gel consistency that soaks in and hydrates all night with a potent blend of: Egyptian Black Cumin Oil (high in antioxidants), Chilean Rosehip Oil (high in omega 3 and 6), Chinese Camellia Oil, French Lavender Oil, Tunisian Rosemary Oil, African Geranium Oil, Roman Camomile, Mediterranean Marjoram Leaf Oil, Orange Peel Oil from South East Asia and Lavandin Oil from Provence which stimulates the fusion of elastin and collagen. Because of all the natural ingredients, the cream does have an earthy, botanical scent with hints of spice but I don’t mind the smell because my skin looks smooth, blemish-free and healthy! The Sleeping Cream retails for $44.00.

You can find all of these products at The Body Shop Locations and online at thebodyshop.ca

2016 Summer Beauty Essentials

I have a love hate relationship with summer. I love being able to spend more time outdoors and partying with family and friends on the patio but when the heat waves begin and humidity blankets the city, I start longing for fall. To help get me through the season I rely on a variety of great products including skin treatments, body care and hydrating mists to keep me fresh and ready for anything.

The Avon Senses Collection incorporates a delicious array of fruity skincare for summer and the Sparkling Eclat Starfruit & Coconut blend is like breathing in the tropics! The lotion ($8.00) is light, fragrant, non-greasy and hydrating with a scrumptious infusion of coconut water, shea and vitamins for smooth supple skin. When you want to avoid heavy perfumes, the body spray ($10.00) has a sweet Caribbean scent perfect for a day at the beach and the shower gel ($6.00) is great for vacation. You can get these products at avon.ca or through independent consultants.

Tis the season to shed some layers and show a little skin which also means more shaving. To help reduce razor bumps and ingrown hairs the Jack Black Bump Fix is a must! The effective blend of Salicylic Acid and Lactic Acid penetrates deeply to exfoliate and free trapped hairs beneath the skin’s surface plus Aloe, Green Tea Extract, Witch Hazel and Chamomile hydrate, refresh and soothe razor bumps. You can use this product on your legs, bikini area or underarms and men can use it on their face. It retails for $30.00 at Sephora, The Bay and getjackblack.ca.

When it’s time to hit the beach or rock that cute summer dress, toned, beautiful legs may be top priority. There is always the gym of course but with a busy schedule and so many summer soirées you might stray from your workouts and need a little extra help. The Elancyl Slim Design Lotion is an anti-cellulite time-release treatment formulated with caffeine to smooth skin and firm. It may reduce the look of cellulite and dimpling in 7-10 days and the hydrating formula makes legs feel soft and silky. You only have to apply the cream once per day in the morning and it works round the clock to help burn fat and improve tone. You can find the lotion at Shoppers Drug Mart for $60.00.

After a long day in the sun my skin is usually in dire need of restoration which is where the Shiseido After Sun Intensive Recovery Emulsion comes in handy. This rich, alleviating formula drenches skin in layers of lush moisture to replenish and balance. You can use it on the face and body and it retails for $38.00 at Sephora or Shiseido.ca.

For a blast of dewy, cooling moisture that revives weather stressed skin and fights dehydration I use the Shiseido IBUKI Quick Fix Mist. The small bottle slips into your purse so you can refresh the skin anytime, anywhere with natural extracts and conditioning emollients. The formula also has an anti-shine complex that can be used over makeup to help prevent that greasy, sweaty look. The mist isn’t really designed to keep makeup from melting off but it feels wonderful so I also keep it in my beach bag and at my work desk. It for $32.00

Sandal season calls for some serious foot care and recently I’ve been enjoying Avon’s Foot Works Pineapple Chill Collection with a twist of lime. It comes with the Exfoliating Scrub ($8.00) to sweep away dead rough skin, the Cooling Lotion ($8.00) to moisturize and soften and a Cooling Spray ($8.00) which can be used on your feet or footwear to refresh and deodorize.

Marcelle Cosmetics Rouge Xpression Lipstick Review: The Essential Pinks

With so many brands at the drugstore it can be difficult to know what’s good but Marcelle has been a steady part of my beauty routine for years and I love their unique pigments. Recently the popular Rouge Xpression Lipsticks got a summery makeover by adding 3 pretty pinks to the collection ranging from soft, mid tone and bright.

The brand totally enticed me with the cute packaging! I’m not a fan of sushi but when it’s really trendy lipstick disguised as lunch in a to-go container I’m all for it!

These hues are fresh and light with a hypoallergenic, gluten-free formula void of irritating perfumes. The packaging is simple and the lipsticks are creamy, velvety and hydrating so they glide on effortlessly with no drag or skipping.

From left to right in the photo below: 960 Show of Pink is a coral-pink that instantly perks up the complexion with layers of vibrant, satiny color. 875 Berry Blossom was a total surprise! In the tube it looks quite basic but once applied it has a gorgeous metallic-pearl finish with a hint of mico-shimmer that makes lips appear dazzling and dramatic! I am totally in love with this hue and the radiant, moist finish is quite unique! I don’t usually get excited about nude lipstick and although 840 Pink Lace appears rather light and beige it has a flattering wash of mild pink that makes it very wearable. I didn’t expect to like this color but the pink and beige mix to create a creamy neutral-mauve that actually looks good on me! I think with the right attitude anyone can pull these off and as I’ve said before, you really do have to swatch each shade because Marcelle always adds an stunning twist.

The pigmentation is fantastic and layers sheer to full coverage in just a few silky swipes. Each shade has a light sheen but they are creamy, comfortable and quite saturated without being slick or glossy. Fortified with nourishing oils and vitamins, the formula is moisturizing, volumizing, silky and plush to promote fuller looking lips and prevent peeling. The lipsticks retail for just $11.95 each and you can pick them up at most major drugstores or at marcelle.com. For online U.S orders please visit
 marcelle.com/us.