Lise Watier X Fashion Makeup Collection: Review and Swatches

The holiday season is right around the corner so I’ve started shopping and planning my makeup looks for glam parties and events.

This year Lise Watier teamed up with Fashion Magazine to create 3 trendy palettes that are perfect for gift-giving season and inspired by the elements: fire, water and air. They retail for $59.00 each or you can get all 3 in a chic gift box for $150.00.

The beauty books have large mirrors and simple instructions for creating well coordinated looks (in case you need a little help). You also get 4 shadows, 1 blush, 1 highlighter and 2 iconic lip colors (Rouge Intense Supreme and Rouge-Fondant Supreme) suitable for all complexions.

Winds Of Liberty is great for fall. It contains smokey plums and a gorgeous pink orchid that compliments the purple undertones beautifully. This look is soft, seductive and feminine, especially when paired with the dewy plum-red lipstick and shimmery champagne highlighter.

The shadows apply velvety smooth for consistent coverage with minimal fallout, and the rich color lasts all day with no creasing or fading. You'll love the versatile finishes. They range from matte, satin and metallic for excellent illumination, contrast and depth.

Go With The Flow is perfect for Christmas parties. It contains a creamy gold highlighter and vibrant jewel-tone aqua that makes the eyes pop. I just wish there was a deeper blush and a matte shade to match the greens.

The sheer pink lipsticks balance the bright shadows and deep olive tones wonderfully!

I’ve also been testing the Annabelle V.I.P Lipsticks ($9.95 ea) infused with moringa butter, vitamin E and guava perfume. There are 3 finishes available: lustrous, matte and metallic.

My favorite hue (Fab 777, 3^rd from the top) broke in half as soon as I swatched it but the others remained intact. Most of the shades are ultra sheer and don't show up the way you'd expect. Gambler (2^nd from the bottom) looks like deep plum infused with a galaxy of stars but it is actually clear glitter. Monte Carlo (2^nd from the top) looks like a simple overlay but applies creamy and well pigmented – very similar to gold highlighter.

The lightweight formula melts in like a nourishing, tinted balm and hydrates dry skin on cold winter days.

Annabelle Cosmetics is available at drugstores nationwide and Lise Watier is available at Shoppers Drug Mart, department store counters (including The Bay) and online at lisewatier.ca.

Annabelle Edge Lipstick | Review and Swatches

Most days I have to apply lipstick in the car while sitting in traffic. As soon as the light turns red I slather on whichever pigment matches my eye shadow and hope for the best. When you have no time for liner, Annabelle’s new Edge Lipsticks ($9.95 ea) may be your best bet for neatness and precision.

The unique diamond / square shape (depending on how you look at it) helps define and outline the lip contour for volume and dimension while the flat surface drenches your pout in supple color. Since I always use the sharpest edge to trace my lips, this design makes the task much easier.

The lipsticks are available in 12 shades from neutral to bright so there is something for every complexion and season. I received the collection in this cute little box and it came with a lip scrub to prep and smooth.

I tend to prefer a full matte finish but the luminous shine accentuates poutiness and feels comfortable on cold days. The lightweight formula is enriched with a hydrating blend of jojoba and argan to keep lips soft, moist and healthy with no chapping or staining.

Left to right: Winnie, Taylor, Kelly, Rita, Soo and Gabrielle

The color glides on smooth and creamy with minimal smudging and after a few hours it fades evenly. It isn’t the most durable or transfer-proof formula but the pigment is easy to reapply and quite  buildable. Adjust the saturation by layering or try a dramatic ombré effect. Sometimes I outline with one shade and fill in with another to create a gorgeous gradient. 

Lip Scrub, Kristen, Anna, Brigitte, Michele, Serena and Iris

Annabelle Cosmetics is available at drugstores nationwide including Shoppers Drug Mart and online at annabelle.com.

Kristen, Anna, Brigitte, Michele, Serena, Iris, Winnie, Taylor, Kelly, Rita, Soo and Gabrielle

Annabelle Cosmetics Marie-Mai Collection & Marcelle Velvety Blush Review

While traveling I like to pack small, versatile palettes that can slip in my purse and Annabelle has a great selection at affordable prices. Marcelle also has a new blush collection with deep berry tones that sculpt and flatter all complexions. 

Annabelle has teamed up with Canadian singer Marie-Mai to create new pigments that can go from neutral to intense. The shadow palette ($12.95) includes gold, orange, mauve-pink, brown and even a matte yellow. The shade selection may seem a bit unusual but somehow it works. You can define the crease, accentuate the lids, highlight and transition to create quick, simple looks. The pigmentation is sheer to medium but with a good primer you can enhance the colors and create a range of natural effects for daily wear.

The Marie-Mai Ombré Blush ($8.95) is perfect for spring. The bright, silky coral instantly boosts and illuminates dull skin with a beautiful sheen that works as both blush and highlighter. For more radiance dip your brush in the top of the powder to pick up more shimmer, the pigment is buildable, easy to blend and looks great on all skin tones.

The Eye-Tech Palette ($12.95) has 3 matte shadows, 3 satins, 2 sparkling top coats and 2 creams – one for lining the eyes and the other to illuminate. These shades are a bit bland for my taste and they don’t deliver the intensity or vibrancy I usually prefer. The pigmentation could be better and the cream formulas don't work as well as I hoped. 

I love the blushes from Marcelle Cosmetics and the new Velvety powders are hypoallergenic, fragrance-free and paraben-free. The super-fine pigments blend seamlessly to provide a natural flush and the shade selection includes a range of rich berry and refreshing blossom tones. There are no harsh pinks or ultra-bright finishes in this line, instead you get soft natural hues that are easy to wear. Each smooth pigment has a light dusting of shimmer for a little extra glow and the deeper shades help contour and define. The blush retails for $12.95 each.

Annabelle and Marcelle Cosmetics are available at drugstores nationwide

Annabelle Cosmetics Big Show Matte Liquid Lipstick Review

By now you are probably aware of my insatiable obsession with pretty lipstick and my ongoing mission to find more. I tell myself that it’s for the benefit of my wonderful readers, to keep you up-to-date on the latest tends but it also has to do with being a total beauty junkie. Recently I received some luscious liquid lipstick from Annabelle Cosmetics and it was love at first swatch! The pigments are bold, highly saturated, full-coverage and creamy plus each gorgeous shade is universally flattering. 

I love matte formulas but sometimes my lips can’t handle flat, drying color (especially during the winter). When I need something hydrating and comfortable I break out my favorite cream lipsticks. These bombshell hues are velvety, smooth and vibrant – infused with nourishing Shea Butter and Meadowfoam Seed Oil. The lightweight color glides on with a single swipe and makes lips appear seductively pouty - perfect for date night. 

The applicator works like a charm, delivering a heavy dose of pigment for consistent distribution without feathering or bleeding. I don’t think the finish is completely matte (you can definitely see some suppleness and moisture) but there is no shine, shimmer or glossiness which makes the color appear solid and rich.

There are 6 shades available and no matter which you choose I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. I usually go for the reds, pinks and burgundy hues but there is one neutral in the collection. As with most cream formulas the color transfers but still holds-up for hours of wear without accentuating chapped skin.

Swatches from bottom to top: Glamorous, Romantic, Hypnotic and Flirtatious 

For just $9.95 each these lipsticks are a definite hit. Annabelle Cosmetics is available at drugstores nationwide and online at annabelle.com.

Annabelle Cosmetics TwistUp Metallic Retractable Lipstick Crayon Review

If you haven’t tried the TwistUp Lipsticks from Annabelle you're missing out on some seriously gorgeous pigment. The cherry shade is one of my all-time favorite deep reds for a night out and the thin crayon design is perfect for lining, shaping and filling in color.

The recent popularity of bold lip trends like color-blocking, ombré, and glitter have inspired me to step-up my game and try the new Metallic Lipsticks. Available in 6 dazzling shades these crayons glam-up your pout with shimmering finishes and vibrant pigment. Although the effect is beautifully reflective, the sparkly particles embedded in the formula are well blended for smooth, consistent coverage. The creamy texture glides on effortlessly with no glittery mess and adheres well for hours of comfortable wear.

The metallic effect definitely adds a unique twist to these bright, flattering colors and the infusion of omega oils and shea butter keeps lips moisturized and soft. The crayons don’t require sharpening and the buildable color allows you to layer and enhance to full-coverage saturation. The only shade that applies sheer is Nude of Fame but the finish is still very luminous.

My favorite lipstick is Heartbreaker because the mesmerizing red reminds me of Dorothy’s ruby slipper from the Wizard of Oz. I also love Rock & Rose since the vivid fuchsia looks great on all complexions and Cozy Coral is perfect for spring/summer.

Swatches from left to right: Purple Panache, Rock & Rose, Heartbreaker, Nude of fame, Cozy Coral and Heavy Petal

Annabelle Cosmetics is available at drugstores nationwide and online at annabelle.com (with shipping to the U.S.)

Annabelle Cosmetics 2017 Spring Collection Review

On January 6 (two days from now) Annabelle’s spring line is about to hit drugstore shelves and I’ve been busy testing some of the fabulous new releases!

The All-In-One Eye & Brow Palette contains: 2 eyebrow powders, 2 highlight shades, 6 shadows (matte & metallic) and 1 double-ended applicator. I love the idea of creating a complete eye look with one small palette and although the brow pigments are a tad ashy for my dark hair, the deepest hue works well for filling in sparse areas and the Annabelle eye pencils are my go-to brow liners.

The eye shadows are silky and soft with sheer to medium color-payoff that can be intensified and deepened when layered over primer. Although the colors aren’t very bold, they are smoky enough to create contrast and depth for simple everyday looks that flatter all complexions. The glitter is also quite mild if you prefer your pigments less flashy and more refined. The palette retails for just $12.95.

The Skinny Palette is great for travel and contains 5 appealing hues in warm neutral tones ranging from brown, bronze, silver and gold. These shadows seem to be a bit less saturated than the pigments above with sheer shimmer finishes and slightly buildable coverage. I would have liked a bit more richness and vibrancy but the smooth, velvety texture is easy to apply and the shades are very wearable. The palette retails for $9.95.

Since I prefer bold color, the Chrome Eye Shadows are more my style. These creamy, brilliant pigments are available in 5 hues and the Rose Gold shade below is very trendy! The texture is soft, moist and cushiony with vivid, high-impact metallic color. This smooth, cream formula isn’t flaky or loose and once applied it stays put without much transfer into the crease. To achieve such fabulous coverage with this particular finish I usually have to dampen my brush but this pigment adheres well (even without a base) and looks very similar to Stila's popular Metal Foil Shadows which I also love! They retail for just $8.95 each.

To make sure all those pretty shadows show up true to color the Annabelle Eye Shadow Primer is a must! It comes in a neutral peachy hue (which won’t show through when covered with pigment) and the creamy texture enhances color pay-off, prevents creasing and prolongs wear. I do have to dig into the jar a bit to extract the product but it works like a charm and when tested beside a swatch with no base, it amplified the shadow up to 3x more. The primer retails for $8.95.

The new Matte Single Eye Shadows ($8.95) come in 10 shades. Pink Lemonade (seen below with the primer) is sheer and soft which makes a great base and brow bone highlight.

The Full Blast Mascara ($6.95) has a traditional wand that is designed to thicken, define and separate for voluptuous lashes. I was able to achieve nice length and definition for daily wear and when layered with other mascaras the effect is more dramatic.

When it comes to eye pencils Annabelle has one of my favorite formulas and I like that many of them are twist-up. The Gel Eyeliner glides on effortlessly with rich black, waterproof pigment that accentuates the eyes and lasts all day. I also use this under my liquid eyeliner for even more definition and line reinforcement. It retails for $8.95.

Annabelle Cosmetics can be found in major drugstores across Canada and on annabelle.com with shipping to the U.S.

Annabelle Big Show Lip Lacquer Review

Annabelle Cosmetics is inspiring makeup lovers to chase away the winter blues and show off our pretty pouts with their new long lasting Lip Lacquers! Nothing reminds me of warm weather and spring flowers like a gorgeous pop of color and this stunning collection is definitely bringing sexy back!

When we think of the word (lacquer) what often comes to mind is vibrant color but some formulas can dry flat and enhance lip texture and lines. I am happy to report that there is nothing flat or boring when it comes to these beauties, in fact when I first opened the box I was very impressed with the gorgeous yet modest range of pigments.

There are only 6 shades in the line but the brand really showcases the most intense, trendiest hues to suit a variety of preferences. They’ve included one nude for those who like to keep it simple plus pinks, red, coral and an amazing pink-purple called Hypnotize Deeply that will knock your socks off!

What you’re getting with this collection is a triple threat: lacquer, gloss and stain all-in-one! The formula is rich, creamy and bold plus they smell absolutely scrumptious! The applicator is standard but works well to spread the lush color across the lips and the shiny, mirror-like finish makes your pout look full and plump!

Annabelle really hit it out of the park with this collection, the shades are outstanding and quite versatile. If you crave sheer coverage then layer thinly and if you want more saturation just swipe heavier. The vivid show-stopping colors are lightweight and non-sticky with good pigmentation.

One of the great things about this brilliant formula is that it doesn’t sacrifice comfort for color. The lacquer stays rather moist for a sumptuous veil of hydration and as they wear away my lips feel soft and supple. Although the color does last quite a while they tend to smudge during eating and drinking which is standard with most glossy textures.

If you only pick up a couple shades may I suggest Love Fiercely which is a sexy, multidimensional red with a stunning finish that seems to have a chromatic effect and Hypnotize Deeply which I mentioned earlier. These two are the deepest pigments in the collection and are great for every season and skin tone. The only shade that fell a little short was Adore Simply which sadly got washed out in the swatch photo above due to lighting. This color didn't quite build up to the opaqueness of the others but if you like silvery, frosted hues then go for it.

Annabelle Cosmetics can be found at major drugstores across Canada and the lacquers retail for $9.95. For more info you can visit the website by clicking HERE.

Annabelle Cosmetics Smokey Nudes Palette Review

It’s been a while since I reviewed anything from Annabelle Cosmetics but the brand has some awesome retractable eyeliners that also work wonders for shaping and filling in the brows. On two recent trips to the U.S I searched several drugstores for this brand but couldn’t find it anywhere so my American readers may have to check the website or wait until you cross the border to get your hands on these great products.

2015 seemed to be the year of nude palettes as many brands decided to launch an array of subtle everyday hues. You may be thinking that you don’t need yet another neutral palette but the Smokey Nudes by Annabelle offers versatility with a range of beautiful shimmery hues that can effortlessly transition your look from day to night. The palette has a nice gradient of tame hues including beige, gold, cream and silver and gradually deepens into those sexy, smokey shades like bronze, warm brown, charcoal and black for defining and sculpting the eyes. Although there are only two matte shades the balance of texture still works and the shimmer hues can also be blended in the crease.

If you don’t have a smokey palette yet and prefer not to shell out big bucks on expensive shadows this one retails for just $12.95 and is absolutely worth it! Not only it is small enough for travel and suitable for all complexions but the pigmentation is buildable and can go from sheer and subtle to intense and deep by simply layering. The texture is silky smooth and although the brush/sponge applicator leaves much to be desired I had no issue with creasing or fading when paired with a good primer.

As mentioned earlier I love Annabelle’s liners because they last all day without running and they are multi-purpose! Recently they released some new products that I’ve been using to make my eyes pop with dramatic wings and excellent definition. The Instaglam Kajal Eyeliner is safe for contact wearers and lasts 12+ hours! 

One end has a large crayon/pencil formula that glides on effortlessly for bold, smoldering lines while the other end has a large liquid/marker for thin or thick lines. I always layer pencil under the liquid for longevity and precision so I love this duo! It is also suitable for sensitive eyes and retails for $12.95.

How many times have you made an annoying mistake while drawing on your line or creating your wing? I think we have all been there which is why the liner below is a must! One end has a thin felt tip liquid formula and the other has a white eraser so you can simply rub out your liquid liner mistakes and start again! This ingenious tool saves me so much time dealing with makeup mishaps and retails for $10.95.

The brand has also released a new Brow-To-Go Shaping Kit in various shades along with many tools and pencils to keep your brows looking fierce. As mentioned above I prefer the Self Sharpening pencils but the color range is great and the deep browns are rich and true to color instead of ashy.

You can find Annabelle Cosmetics at drugstores and Walmart.