Quo Cosmetics Summer 2019 Limited-Edition Makeup Collection

While dealing with a bad case of jet-lag I’ve decided to cheer myself up by reviewing a new summer collection!

Quo always keeps it relatively simple when it comes to cosmetics. You won’t find bold colors or sultry tones but you will notice a hearty helping of light pink, nude and pastel.

The Ombré Eye Shadow Palettes ($18.00 each) are basic and easy to use. Popping Peach doesn’t offer much variety or vibrancy but the shimmering peach (second from the left) is actually brighter than expected. These neutrals may not knock your socks off but they look better on the skin than they do in the palette. Add some jet black liner, a pop of blush and some shiny gloss for a fresh-face, natural effect.

I didn’t think I’d like the Cotton Candy Palette with its unusual cool blues and pastel purple but the colors complement each other nicely and look kind of aquatic. These hues show up much better than the peach palette and although primer is necessary for longer wear, you can layer the shadows to create a beachy mermaid vibe.

I'm always hopeful that Quo will break from tradition and create a few dramatic pigments but we'll have to wait and see.

The Berry Beam Ombré Face Palette ($20.00) contains a sun-kissed bronzer and radiant blush to help accentuate and define but the color doesn't stand out on my complexion. At the moment I’m not really into bronzer but this powder is more of a faint golden highlighter.

The blush has a dark side and a light side with a hint of shimmer. I’m not sure why it’s called "Berry Beam" but the muted coral is perfect for those who dislike excessive cheek color.

The Face Brush ($14.00) is great for contouring and blending. It fits perfectly under the cheekbones to buff out harsh lines and you can use it to highlight other areas of the body.

The Bright to Light Bubble Gum Transforming Lip Kit ($16.00) is fun to play around with and smells like candy! The cream lip stain is a beautiful glossy red and when you apply the strobe topcoat it becomes a luscious bubble gum pink (hence the name). The more topcoat you use, the lighter the color gets and you can wear the strobe on its own for a sheer iridescent finish.

Quo’s Beauty Oil ($18.00) is a lightweight base that can be worn alone or under foundation for beautiful, glowing skin. My issue with most of these products is that they don’t usually show up when covered with concealer or full-coverage makeup. Once massaged in, the oil disperses evenly with a luminous sheen and very little sparkle. I prefer to blend it on top of foundation so the finish is more noticeable but it also works with BB and CC creams.

Beauty Tip: Use the Face Brush and apply some oil on your shoulders, arms, legs, décolletage and back for a subtle head-to-toe summer glow.

The Dewy Skin Mist ($19.00) delivers a radiant finish under or over makeup and helps lock-in your look on the hottest days. It also hydrates and refreshes without stickiness. 

Quo Cosmetics is available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart.

Quo Cosmetics 2017 Spring Collection Review

If you’ve taken a break from bronzing it may be time to work on that spring-summer glow and the new collection from Quo has a variety of warm, flattering hues that revive a dull winter complexion.

The Bronzer Duos ($19.00) are available in 2 sculpting shades. South Beach is the lightest compact with a pop of pink shimmer and soft matte brown that appears almost flesh tone on my complexion. Although I am not able to use it for bold contouring, it provides light sculpting and blends well for a natural effect without harsh lines or caking. The pink highlighter or blush (you can use it for both) is sheer and faint but the subtle rosy tint is refreshing for spring. This particular combo may be more pronounced on fair skin tones.

Golden Glow is darker and seems a bit smoother. The color is buildable so I am able to define my features and the gold shimmer has much better pigmentation to brighten and highlight.  

The bronzers are also available in solid shades - Light Tan and Medium Tan with the same formula.

A good setting powder is essential because it transforms the look of makeup by creating a smooth, flawless finish. The Radial Blur Translucent Powder ($18.00) is lightweight, silky and ultra-fine so when blended well the finish is invisible. It also softens the reflection of light, controls oil, minimizes pores, mattifies, prolongs wear, and evens skin texture.

The Blush Duo in Classic Pink has a multi-tone effect with both shimmer and matte finishes. Although pink enhances the complexion with a pretty flush, the pigmentation is very sheer and difficult to intensify. I would have liked a lot more color payoff but if you prefer mild tints this may suit your needs. It retails for $16.00.

The Concealer Palette ($19.99) is ultra creamy, rich and smooth with 4 shades ideal for concealing dark circles, imperfections and blemishes. I use it by simply tapping the color on with my finger and I love how well it spreads and adheres so I can layer other products on top without much transfer. It provides medium coverage, camouflages well and you can mix and match to create customized shades. The lighter pigments can also be used to highlight or brighten the cheekbones and under the eyes. I recommend blending well and setting the cream to prevent creasing but this is a great little palette for daily use and travel.

The vibrant Lip Velours ($14.00) are available in 6 trendy new hues. Vamp is a deep wine that applies more like a sheer, vivid stain and Envy is a creamy full-coverage orangey-red with a bright matte finish. I’m not sure why one hue is solid and the other isn’t but they are both lovely!

Left to right: Golden Glow Duo, South Beach Duo, Envy, Vamp

I can’t get through a humid summer in Toronto without face primer or setting spray and Quo has released two new formulas. The Nourish and Prime Hydrating Primer ($24.00) contains jojoba, watermelon and other fruit extracts to moisturize and create a supple canvass for makeup. If you don’t like those ultra silky, silicone blends this is a great option because it feels more like a refreshing face cream and improves skin texture. The paraben-free Setting Spray ($19.00) is the perfect size for travel and although the mist does take time to dry, it helps lock-in your look to prevent fading and transfer.

Quo is available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart

Quo Limited Edition Fall 2016 Collection Review

I am so ready for cool temperatures, pumpkin spiced lattes, warm fluffy scarves and the rich colors of autumn. I enjoy summer but I’ve had enough of this hair frizzing humidity, so today I’m celebrating the coming season with new makeup from Quo!

The brand did a great job creating eye-catching packaging! The durable palettes are beautifully designed with deep purple casing etched with a sleek leaf design. 

There are 3 new eye shadow palettes to choose from including Plum Perfect, Clean Sweep and Neutral Ground - each with 10 expertly matched shades.

Clean Sweep is not your traditional fall themed palette of rich, seductive tones. Instead it contains neutral, cool hues like baby blue, cream, gold and champagne contrasted with deep blues and grey. I'm not usually drawn to this particular shade combination as there are quite a few shadows with white undertones but I do like that I can create smokiness with the navy and fresh day looks with the golds.

The light milky blue looks great against the dark blues and the cream is a nice brow highlight. I didn't think these shades were my style but once applied I really liked them!

If you crave traditional fall colors then the Plum Palette is probably your best bet. It has a dazzling array of shimmers including a pretty bronze embedded with golden flecks and a great range of soft mattes. The deep plum-brown, orange-red and black look stunning in the crease and you can use them to define and shape. I use the pink-cream hue to blend or transition and the glittery colors work well on the lids.

Throughout both palettes the pigmentation varies by shade and most apply sheer to medium coverage. With a good primer the deeper hues can be intensified substantially and even though the color pay-off isn’t quite as saturated as I prefer, with a little layering I can still achieve vivid results. The smooth, silky texture is easy to blend with no fall-out or creasing. The palettes retail for $18.00 each.

Here are a few swatches of my favorite shades from both palettes 

The Quo Matte Lipsticks are completely on-trend with the fall theme. Mysterious (my personal fave) is a deep, sultry berry-wine. Red Alert is a classic bright red and Brandy is a soft muted pink that I think everyone is going to love! The lipsticks are suitable for all complexions and they glide on buttery smooth with an ultra lightweight texture, creamy moisturizing formula and fabulous pigmentation. I love the comfortable matte finish and you don’t have to worry about the color settling into the skin or drying out the lips. If you need (or want) some new lipsticks for fall I highly recommend checking these out. They retail for $14.00 each.

The Brow Palette comes with two powders (light and dark), a small brush and an eyebrow cream that helps set the hairs and color. I think this is the only shade option available and unfortunately with my dark black hair the powder didn’t work for me, I’m actually more of a gel-filler kind of girl. If you are in the auburn range however you may want to give this a try, it retails for just $12.00.

There are 2 new face palettes in this limited edition collection and I have Perfectly Ordinary which has a beautiful balance of golden pink and brown tones. I absolutely love this compact! The two shimmery hues are incredibly soft and velvety for easy application and blending and the pigmentation is buildable and versatile. These pretty hues maintain your summer glow with luminous skin enhancing shimmer and they go from sheer radiance to high impact for a strobing effect.

The blush in this palette is matte, creamy and neutral so it matches well with the highlight. The pink-mauve undertone is a refreshing break from all the bright pinks and coral blushes of summer and it compliments my skin tone wonderfully. Hands down one of the best products in this range! The compact retails for $20.00.

Quo is available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart and this collection will hit stores mid-September. 

Quo Cosmetics Limited Edition Summer 2016 Collection Review

I just returned from sunny Turks & Caicos where I spent a fabulous week reviewing a few beautiful resorts that I can’t wait to share with you! While away, I swam in the ocean and enjoyed beachfront views as picturesque as a postcard! I love when brands release fun new products that encourage you to embrace the season and I’m totally digging Quo’s summer collection inspired by a nautical theme. The cute blue packaging reminds me of my time cruising the ocean and the shimmery pigments give my skin a gorgeous glow.

Many of us are planning to soak up some sun, enjoy the great outdoors and get social this summer so sunkissed, dewy skin is a must! The stunning Sunny Days Bronzer is designed to resemble ocean waves and the palette is large enough to last several summers! There are 3 shades in the compact ~ matte sand, silvery champagne and golden bronze which all work to illuminate, accentuate and enhance your features.

The texture of the powders is soft, silky and smooth so they feel incredibly light on the skin with no caking or dryness. They also have a mild creamy consistency for easy blending and I love the iridescent, sheer finish that makes skin appear radiant and fresh! What’s interesting about these pigments is the combination of micro-fine shimmer particles mixed with larger glittery specks that provide a multidimensional, luminous effect on the surface of the skin. These glimmering fragments reflect light to make the complexion appear bright and vibrant!

You can also use the powder on your lids for a sheer wash of color or blend them under the brows for highlight. On the cheeks they can be layered subtly or intensified for a glamorous glow. Although the colors aren’t deep enough to provide a bronzed effect, the universally flattering hues are perfect for achieving beautiful, lustrous skin. The powder retails for $22.00 which is a great deal considering its size!

The eye shadow palettes are available in 3 color collections but the one I have (High Tide) has a nice variety of cool, subtle tones. The deeper shades are great for creating smoldering summer looks for a night out and seductive smoky eyes.

There are 8 shadows with a range of matte and shimmer finishes for the lids and crease. The color pay-off may differ by shade but for the most part the pigmentation is good and when paired with primer, they can be enhanced nicely.

The texture of the shadows is luxurious and quite velvety which makes for great blending and they can be smudged-out for a pretty faded effect. The eye compact has the same playful nautical print and the size is ideal for travel, (the palette retails for $18.00).

Sticking with the beachy, ocean theme, the Precision Liquid Liner in the shade Navy Blue will add a little something extra to your makeup looks this summer. The ink is wonderfully pigmented so you get clean, sharp lines with intense pigmentation every time and because the applicator sits in a pot of color, it doesn’t dry out like felt/marker liners. The flexible tip works around the natural curve of your eye and although the point is thin you can easily create thicker lines. (It retails for $12.00).

I like rocking bright, bold lip color during the summer months so I actively maintain the health of my skin to prevent chapping and peeling. To keep your pout in-check, Quo has released a new Lip Oil formulated to nourish and hydrate while providing a hint of shine. The smooth formula glides on effortlessly and just one layer drenches lips in lush, lightweight moisture. The paddle shaped applicator is perfect for spreading the formula and although it is oil, it doesn’t feel greasy or slick. There are two translucent shades available and I am definitely keeping one in my purse! They retail for $12.00.

When it comes to my nails I’ve been slacking big time! I haven’t had a proper mani in weeks and there is really no excuse! The Quo by Orly limited edition summer collection has inspired me to stop procrastinating and get my nails in order. I have the shade Purple Sunset which has a pretty pink base but they are also available in lime, pink and coral hues. These polishes are easy to apply and the bright, cheerful colors look amazing in the sun! You can pick them up for $9.99 each.

Quo Cosmetics can be found exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart

Quo Cosmetics Spring/Summer Collection Review

A few weeks ago I attended Quo’s press event in Toronto for the launch of the spring/summer collection and the brand really went all-out with a large selection of new products! The line-up features fabulous makeup including large palettes, polish, lipstick, blush, foundation, liner and gloss but I narrowed it down to a few items for today’s post.

Along with a collection of single shadows, Quo has released 2 True Hue Refillable Eye Shadow Palettes designed to take your makeup from neutral to bold. The nude palette called - Romance Novel features warm undertones that are perfect for soft, daytime looks. It has a great balance of shimmery gold, silver and taupe matched with matte brown, cream and mauve-beige. These universal tones highlight the brow bones, accentuate the lids, and sculpt the crease to create beautiful neutral effects with luminous shimmer accents.

The cool palette called Simple Pleasures is designed for bold looks and features: lilac, deep purple, silver, cranberry shimmer, taupe and navy. The darker hues add depth, shape and dimension to create a nice contrast against the lighter shadows. I like pairing the purples together for spring and using the navy to define or create a smoky effect.

Both these palettes are great quality and although the packaging is quite basic, the large mirror is wonderful for travel and the brushes are good quality! I like the selection of sheer shimmer finishes and creamy mattes and they all have a soft, silky texture that is easy to blend. The matte hues do have stronger pigmentation for a vivid, full coverage finish but the shimmers can be layered to enhance color. Application and color pay-off is best over primer but they hold up all day without fading or creasing. The palettes retail for $24.00 each.

The Color Lust Lipsticks are available in 6 trendy hues etched with a pretty design and the texture is light and creamy for effortless glide and quick application. The lush formula drenches lips in layers of color and moisture with just a hint of glistening shine. For the most part the pigmentation is sheer to medium but the red offers fuller coverage and more vibrancy. There is a gorgeous shade for every complexion but my personal fave is Sinbad- a beautiful purple/pink berry hue. The lipsticks retail for $14.00 ea.

The Glow Blush Sticks are available in 3 soft shades but for the season this pretty petal pink is the way to go! You can simply apply the color directly from the tube and blend with a finger or brush. The smooth texture glides on creamy but transforms into a powder for a seamless flush and the color can be enhanced from sheer to bold with a matte finish to prevent transfer. The blush retails for $15.00.

The Color Overload Lip Gloss ($12.00) delivers bright juicy pigment with a plush, high shine finish. Although I wouldn’t classify them as “intense,” the coverage does offer a bit more color than the average sheer gloss and the formula is non-sticky and nourishing. I have the shade Fashion Perk which is a flattering berry hue (top color in the photo below). If you prefer intense, high-impact color then the Lip Velour Liquid Lipsticks may be more your style! These babies are highly pigmented and provide full coverage, amazing color in just one layer! They remind me of a cross between the popular NYX Lip creams and Stila’s coveted Liquid Lipsticks because they start off lush and smooth but dry completely matte. Although they don’t provide a ton of hydration they do retain a bit of moisture so lips don’t feel too parched. You can pick up the Velours for $12.00 each.

No collection is complete without a contour palette so Quo came out with 2 new color sets -Light and Medium. The kit comes with 3 pigments: highlight - (for below the brows, cheek bones, nose and Cupid’s bow), Bronze - (for the cheeks, nose and chin) and Contour - (to be placed under the cheeks, jawline and nose). I like the soft little brush but the shades didn’t quite work for my skin tone. The color pay-off is quite sheer (but buildable) and although it provides light definition I wish the pigments were a bit deeper. The kit retails for $23.00.

The new Brow Kit ($18.00) includes powders, applicator and gel. The brow color is a loose pigment which may seem like a messy concept but I think it’s a good idea. I usually find loose pigments more saturated than pressed powders and these have great color pay-off to get right in-between hairs and efficiently fill in all the sparse areas. I do think it odd that the two colors are so different, the top shade is quite light and the bottom is dark so you can only really use one or the other. I was hoping the deep brown worked for me but it was a bit too ashy.

The Lip Cocktails appear bold and vibrant but apply very sheer with just a hint of color. Although they resemble lipsticks they are actually tinted balms, formulated with butters and sunflower seed oil to nourish, moisturize and lightly illuminate. The translucent flush is very soft and the sweet scent smells like vanilla! They retail for $11.00 ea.

Last but not least is the Mini Lip Gloss Set which comes with an array of 6 neutral shades. There are 2 shimmery hues, 2 nudes and 2 deep berry/mauve colors which I tend to use most often. For a gloss junkie this collection makes a great gift and the formula provides soft, hydrating, subtle color that is simple yet plush. These minis slip into any purse, pocket or small clutch and the set retails for $18.00.

Quo Cosmetics is available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart