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 Velvet Kiss Lipstick Review

You can never have too much lipstick...or at least I can’t and since I love the quality of Quo Cosmetics (sold exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart) I recently added a couple of the Velvet Kiss Lipsticks to my collection.

Available in an array of popular shades to suit all preferences these creamy beauties are lightly scented and stylishly packaged in chic blue tubes. To open you simply push the bottom to release the lipstick and apply the smooth, buttery pigment that glides on effortlessly. The rich, trendy shades drench lips in full-coverage, luscious color for a brilliant finish and comfortable wear.

This supple formula is one that is generally enjoyed by most women; it has the intensity of a matte pigment with luminous satin-shine and just the right amount of lightweight moisture to keep lips from drying out and peeling. I like that the color can last a few hours without smudging, staining or bleeding. You can also layer them lightly for a softer finish and the velvety effect gives you a full, gorgeous pout!

The shades I have are #8- a pretty rose hue that transcends all seasons and #1 a bright, playful pink. Both flatter most complexions and for just $12.00 each they are definitely purse-worthy!  

*Press samples featured