Catrice Insat Bae Eye Shadow Palette and NEW Luminizing Bronzer

Summer is not over yet! There is still time to get your glow on and enjoy some fun in the sun.

The next time you pop into Shoppers Drug Mart, check out the new Insta Bae Palette ($16.99). The colors are very wearable and there is a nice mix of shimmer and matte finishes.

This compact has glamorous metallic shades in brilliant gold, dazzling copper and gorgeous garnet (all my favorites). One deep brown would have sufficed (didn’t need 3) and I could do without the snowy silver, basic cream and boring grey (these shades have been overdone in many palettes). That being said, I do like it. The formula is velvety and well pigmented so the colors stand out beautifully on my skin.

A few shades have specks of glitter so I recommend a glitter primer to ensure adhesion and longevity. Other than that, the shadows are vibrant and good quality.

Due to the pandemic, we’ve all spent a lot more time indoors but there are quick ways to fake sunkissed skin. The Catrice Sungasm Luminizing Bronzers are only $9.99 each and when you sweep them onto the face or body, they highlight and contour in all the right places. The color is buildable but if you have medium to deep skin swatch them first. They might appear ashy on darker complexions.

The Catrice Sungasm Face & Body Highlighter ($11.99) is amazing! The formula is soft, creamy and long lasting with incredible color payoff! Wear a little for a natural effect or shine like a diamond with dramatic strobing. As the name suggests, it can also be applied on your shoulders, arms, back and decolletage for a radiant head-to-toe glow.

Catrice is available at Shoppers Drug Mart and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca

Catrice Cosmetics HD Liquid Coverage Foundation Review

It has been a few months since I reviewed new foundation but drugstore brands are on a roll! My high-end foundations cost upwards of $50 per bottle but lately I’ve discovered many budget-friendly formulas that work just as well.

I love Catrice Cosmetics so it doesn't surprise me that their HD Liquid Coverage Foundation ($13.99 CAD / $10 U.S.) has rave reviews. It has even been compared to the Fenty Beauty foundation.

Choosing a shade online can be difficult but at catricecosmetics.com there are swatches of each shade on three different complexions and when you click on a color, it shows a model wearing the foundation. This gives you an indication of range and undertone but if you need further assistance, the shade finder tool categorizes everything into cool, neutral and warm.

My shade is usually in the middle of the spectrum so I decided to test 060 Latte Macchiato, 065 Bronze Beige, 070 Toffee Beige and 080 Caramel Beige.

My best match is 060 Latte Macchiato Beige. It isn’t perfect, but it works. The color looks quite light through the bottle but the pigment tends to deepen as it dries and when layered. This is not a problem since my setting powder and concealer blends everything together evenly.

I also tested 065 Bronze Beige which is a few shades deeper than my complexion. If I spend more time outdoors (which I plan to do this summer) I might be able to wear it.

The dropper applicator is a good idea (in theory) but it isn’t effective for picking up the creamy liquid. Instead I use it as a scoop to slather the product on - a slight inconvenience for high-definition camera ready skin.

I love the lightweight matte texture and natural effect. The non-greasy, no-shine, 24h formula is great for summer and there is minimal transfer. The coverage is also quite good – medium to full for camouflaging blemishes and discoloration.

This is a foundation you can exercise and cry in since there is minimal creasing and caking. The finish is smooth, streak-free, non-drying and flawless (depending on the condition of your skin of course). I apply it with a Beauty Blender and my face usually looks airbrushed (especially with primer). The consistency is fabulous – liquidy but not too runny, and rich but not too thick. It spreads seamlessly and does not clog pores. For the price and quality, you can’t go wrong!

The Liquid Camouflage High Coverage Concealer ($7.99 CAD / $5.99 U.S.) covers dark circles, redness, hyperpigmentation, blemishes and even tattoos with a highly pigmented, waterproof formula that lasts as long as your day does.

The concealer and foundation are vegan, gluten-free, alcohol-free and oil-free, making them suitable for most skin types.

Like any cream concealer, you should blend well when using it under the eyes and apply setting powder to prevent creasing.

Catrice Cosmetics is available at Shoppers Drug Mart and orders can be placed at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca.

NEW Catrice Bae Eyeshadow Palettes | Review and Swatches

If you’ve been to Shoppers Drug Mart recently you may have noticed the Catrice kiosk in the beauty section. This trendy German brand offers a beautiful selection of makeup for all complexions at affordable prices. The quality is excellent and I’ve discovered a wonderful array of matte lipstick, setting spray, blush, highlighter and primer.

When it’s time to get glamed-up for the Gram, beautiful eye shadow is a must and Catrice just released 3 new Bae Palettes to help you get those likes. 

Each compact contains 12 highly pigmented shades with matte and metallic finishes. Own your girl boss status, channel your inner baddie and embrace your basic self – there is something for every occasion.

Let’s start with my personal fave – Badass Bae. These sultry hues remind me of autumn and pumpkin spice season. I love the range of vivid orange mixed with red and brown undertones. They look gorgeous with the coppery pink and shimmery gold. I didn't need another beige (#clapback) but the versatility is great for crease sculpting, highlighting and lid definition.

The shimmers are soft, velvety and smooth for effortless application while the mattes are creamy and saturated for seamless blending. There is minimal fallout, no creasing and the color payoff is good.

Self-Made Bae was the first palette I used because the brown-burgundy and plum shades are irresistible! The shadows are buttery and rich - perfect for contouring and accentuating. If you like deep bronze, pink and purple tones this could be your new go-to for simple everyday looks. The color scheme is cool and neutral with subtle pops of gold and champagne.

Basic Bae has a nice range of office appropriate nudes. These aren’t my favorite colors (I prefer bright hues and jewel tones) but they compliment many other shadows in my collection. Think of them as supporting shades – perfect for creating a neutral base, blending and transitioning. For a sexier look use black liquid liner to draw a bold wing and apply vibrant lipstick.

Catrice is available at Shoppers Drug Mart and beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca.

Catrice Cosmetics Winter Rescue Lip Treatments

If you celebrated Valentine’s Day this weekend you may have spent the evening smooching by the fire or braving the cold to enjoy a romantic candlelight dinner at your favorite restaurant. I wore glitter shadow and sultry matte lip lacquer but getting ready took a bit of prep work.

Although I escaped to Miami for the week, winter in Canada has taken its toll. I need effective lip care that prevents dryness and chapping so my bold lipsticks apply smooth and even.

Thankfully Catrice sent me a few replenishing products that have recently become part of my beauty routine.

The night before our big date I cleansed my face, applied moisturizer and used the Catrice Sugar Lip Scrub and Balm ($7.99) to prep my pout. The fine sugar particles gently buff away rough crusty skin for a soft, supple finish.

Prior to applying makeup I slather my lips in creamy Coconut Balm ($7.99) infused with argan oil and vitamin E. The tropical scent smells delicious and the lightweight formula melts in quickly to alleviate dryness, tightness and discomfort. FYI my husband thinks it tastes great.

Before bed use the Lip Plumping Mask ($9.99) enriched with hyaluronic acid. The tube is small but a thin layer is all it takes to plump, condition and heal weather-beaten, dehydrated skin. The non-greasy luminous finish makes lips appear healthy and radiant – perfect overnight treatment for special occasions.

Try applying the Lip Oil ($9.99) on top of the mask to improve texture and tone. The renewing formula contains sweet almond, apricot and jojoba oils to repair and protect. If you experience soreness in the corners of your mouth from dryness, peeling, extreme weather or cracking, these products will quickly soothe and renew damaged areas. My lips have never looked this plush!

The Catrice Lip Treatment ($9.99) is a rich balm that drenches your pout in creamy shea butter and locks-in moisture for hours. I usually wear it on long flights and cold winter days because it clings to skin and protects against environmental aggressors. 

After a few days of proper hydration and exfoliation you’ll be able to wear any lipstick with confidence. To show off your pretty rejuvenated lips try the Catrice Power Plumping Gel Lipstick ($9.99). The shades range from neutral, deep and bright with a high-shine moisturizing finish and sheer color payoff.

Catrice also makes beautiful matte lipsticks. For more information on those click HERE.

These products are vegan and cruelty-free. Catrice Cosmetics is available at Shoppers Drug Mart and beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca

Catrice x Eman Makeup Collection – Review and Swatches

Last fall Catrice Cosmetics invited me to a media event celebrating their collaboration with YouTube Influencer – Eman.

This budget-friendly German brand is well known for their high quality, luxury-inspired makeup but teaming up with a well known trend expert and releasing the collection at Canada’s leading beauty boutique is a fantastic idea!

There are only 3 palettes in the line but they all contain vivid must-have shades that look amazing on all complexions. To complete your look, locate the Catrice display at Shoppers Drug Mart and stock-up on creamy matte lipstick, skin perfecting primers and long-lasting setting spray.

The Bronzed AF Eye Shadow Palette ($14.99) is currently in my travel bag because it has all the colors I usually wear for work and a night out. Vibrant gold, deep copper, rich brown and beige-y caramel are perfect for any occasion and the buttery texture is easy to work with. You’ll love how the smooth mattes balance the radiant shimmers to create beautiful contrast, highlight and definition. Creasing is not a problem but there may be some fallout.

When I’m running late or only have a few minutes to do my makeup in the morning, this is the palette I reach for.  

I’m obsessed with the Ultimate Matte Lipsticks ($9.99). They glide on effortlessly and deliver velvety, lightweight pigment with bold saturation. For the price, these may be some of the best matte lipsticks you can get at the drugstore. The formula is not fade-proof or super long-lasting but I did get a few hours of wear before needing a touch-up and the finish is quite moisturizing. If you purchase the eye palette I highly recommend pairing it with 030 - classic bombshell red or 040 – deep plum (depending on your outfit and mood).

Swatches left to right: 030, 040, 060 and 050

The Cheeky Blush Palette ($14.99) has everything you need to take your complexion from dull to fabulous! I love the bright orange, shimmery coral and soft brown but I usually mix the pink with another shade to tone it down. The smooth, silky powders apply consistently with buildable color payoff.

Goodbye Pores ($9.99) provides a lovely soft focus effect that refines uneven skin texture by blurring lines, roughness and blemishes. It also prevents transfer and prolongs wear so your makeup looks fresh for hours. Keep Me Matte ($9.99) is a moisturizing base that smooths and minimizes shine. Use the Prime and Fine Finishing Spray ($9.99) to lock in your look and keep foundation in place all day.

Highlighter is a great way to achieve a healthy glow even on bad skin days and the Lit Palette ($14.00) is iridescent and dreamy. You get 4 pretty shades – silver, yellow gold, champagne and bronze. The shimmer applies evenly and radiant with no chunky glitter. Sweep them on lightly for a natural glow or layer for more drama. You can also use them as eye shadow.

Catrice is available at shoppers Drug Mart and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca