Clarins Water Lip Stain Review

July 7th was international Kissing Day (yes, that’s really a thing) so to celebrate the occasion I tested the new Clarins Water Lip Stains. These sassy pigments resist up to 300 smooches so you pucker-up and plant one on him without worrying about lip prints, fading or smudging.

The unique formula is 77% water so it feels like a refreshing sorbet with a blend of organic raspberry and calming aloe vera to prevent dehydration. Layer it lightly for a soft flush or amp-up the intensity for a bold finish. Once dry, the matte stain is almost undetectable, creating a bare lip effect that feels comfortable and extremely lightweight. The sheer vividness instantly perks-up a dull complexion and as the pigment fades, it begins to look more natural so lips appear healthy and plump. Clarins also added their anti-pollution complex to protect your pout from external aggressors – great for battling city smog and mid-day traffic.

The small brush applicator wasn’t my favorite at first but once you start blending, the color fuses to the skin like a tattoo, leaving behind a juicy long-wear tint that does not transfer. They also withstand eating, drinking and humidity which is perfect for a night out.

Application Tips

*For best results, avoid using lip balm underneath as anything slippery can affect adhesion.
*Expect some streaks while brushing on the stain and purse your lips to distribute the pigment evenly.
*Allow the color to dry between each coat and layer to achieve the desired saturation.

The mouth-watering flavors smell like ripe berries, delicious candy and popsicle (who wouldn’t love that!?) FYI, they also taste pretty darn good...just saying.

For more moisture, top-up the stains with the Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil ($25.00) and transform the finish into a shiny gloss. These nourishing lippies are my go-to for travel and they help me survive Canadian winters. The rich blend of jojoba, raspberry and hazelnut oils keep lips supple, smooth and chap-free plus they lock-in hydration for hours without stickiness.

The Water Lip Stains retail for $25.00 each at Clarins counters nationwide and online at clarins.ca.

Too Faced Glitter Pop! Peel-Off Eyeliner Review

Spring showers have brought warmer temperatures and the onset of summer! Here in Toronto we only have a few short months to enjoy the season and I plan on taking full advantage. An easy way to glam-up your makeup for an evening out is by adding a touch of brilliant sparkle and the Too Faced Glitter Pop Liners are easy to use, multidimensional and dazzling!

The liners are available in a variety of fun shades with multi-color shimmer that makes your eyes stand out. To apply the glitter, thoroughly coat the brush and apply 3-4 layers in short feathery strokes to create a solid line. 

An easier method is to start with pencil or liquid liner and go over the line with glitter until you've intensified the color.

You can also layer the glitter over eye shadow for a dramatic finish. Once dry, the liner stays put all day until you are ready to peel it off and it removes easily with no scatter or fallout.

My favorite shades are Kitty Glitter (pink with blue and silver) and Lucky Bitch (radiant gold) but you can always mix and match to create your own cool effects.

The Liners retail for $20.00 each and Too Faced is available at Sephora and online at toofaced.com.