How to Hide Dark Circles like a Pro with Vasanti’s Liquid VO2 Color Correcting Concealer

One of the biggest issues I face when applying makeup is how to hide dark circles. I always strive for a flawless finish but no matter how much sleep I get or how much eye cream I use, they never go away completely.

Darkness around the eye area is caused my many factors including genetics, fatigue, veins, melanin, allergies, ageing and thinning skin. Most people in my dad’s family have them so I work extra hard to prevent the shadows from getting worse.

Aside from going to bed early, using weekly treatments and taking time to relax, I also camouflage my dark circles to look and feel my best.

If you’ve tried to disguise the problem without success, you might be going about it the wrong way. The mistake most people make is pasting on tons of concealer that sits on top of the skin and draws more attention to the area. To effectively mask dark circles you must first correct the discoloration which is why VO2 is a makeup bag essential. This lightweight, non-greasy formula is easy to blend with no dulling, creasing or caking.

VO2 Color Corrector is a universal orange that works on most complexions including medium to deep skin. Over the years I’ve had difficulty finding a corrector that isn’t harsh, thick or oily so I’m happy someone finally got it right!

Use the VO2 Stubby Brush to apply the pigment exactly where you need it most. Creating a V shape is the best method for achieving full coverage. Deep undertones around the eyes (brown, purple and blue) are instantly neutralized so your concealer can actually do its job without any darkness showing through. I also use this brush to apply powder and set liquids. The bristles are sturdy, flexible and soft – perfect for smoothing and eliminating shine.

I usually give the corrector a minute or two to set before applying anything else. If you do require an extra layer, the versatile formula is buildable and won’t clog pores. It also stays where you put it so your face doesn’t look orange or red on warm summer days.

Vasanti’s Liquid Cover Up Foundation & Concealer works well on top of the corrector. Together they create a seamless veil that mimics skin’s natural texture and lasts all day without becoming ashy or thick. These products are easy to incorporate into your daily routine. In under 2 minutes my under eye area looks bright, even and totally rejuvenated!

I also like that the pigment hydrates and plumps dry skin. For extra nourishment use it on top of Vasanti’s Eye Wonder 2.0 Cream to reduce puffiness with a blend of peptides, botanicals and vitamins.

Unlike most correctors, I don’t have to use a lot to see amazing results and since one tube can last up to a year, it is very cost effective. Those with sensitive skin will be happy to know that these products are vegan, cruelty free and paraben free with a hint of olive leaf extract to condition and protect.

I keep the corrector in my carry-on luggage to use on all my vacations and press trips. After long flights, I simply swipe or dab some on to look well rested and alert.

If you are a makeup artist, VO2 makes a great addition to your kit because the color is versatile and flattering. I use it every day for radiant, youthful looking skin.

For unsightly blemishes, dark spots, acne scars or hyperpigmentation that won’t fade fast enough, the orange pigment balances the complexion so your foundation looks amazing! Use it to brighten your eyelids or shape, define and contour your brows. A thin layer makes a great base for eye shadow.

I don’t have wrinkles (thank goodness) so I let my mom test my orange corrector and she loves it too! Her skin tone is much darker than mine but the peachy color works wonders without accentuating the areas she wants to blur. If you have mature skin, don’t be afraid to use as much as you need. The natural finish improves the appearance of bags and sallow grooves without settling into fine lines.

GIVEAWAY

I’ve featured a lot of amazing makeup from Vasanti (their lipsticks are gorgeous) and after reading this review I’m sure you’ll want to try VO2 for yourself.

Head to my Instagram account @DiaryOf aTrendaholic and enter for a chance to WIN a $150.00 online gift card for vasanticosemtics.com. Contest rules are listed under the photo and you have until August 9^th to submit your entry.

Vasanti Cosmetics is available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca and vasanticosmetics.com.

Vasanti Cosmetics Locked In Liquid Lipstick – Review & Swatches

When the mailman delivered my beautiful box of Vasanti Liquid Lipsticks I knew they were going to be good but I didn’t realize they’d be this gorgeous! If you haven’t tried this brand yet, stop by Shoppers Drug Mart and start swatching (but be warned), the new colors are highly addictive!

One of the best things about Vasanti is the love that goes into each product. The creators are passionate about testing every pigment to ensure the highest quality and best results. They also cater to all complexions so women of color can find shades that make them feel sexy, empowered and beautiful (girl power!).

The packaging is sleek, simple and sophisticated but it can get a bit messy when the pigment collects heavily on the wand or under the cap. The applicator is standard but evenly distributes the color in fewer passes and helps shape the lip contour for a voluptuous pout. For more precision you can use a liner but the point is small enough to trace a neat outline.

Matte Liquid Lipsticks are my favorite because of the rich intensity they produce and this formula is ultra velvety and dramatic. The color glides on satiny-smooth and retains moisture to keep lips soft and comfortable with no flaking, caking or gathering in the corners. You get the coverage and saturation of an incredible matte pigment without dryness or chapping and the shade selection ranges from neutral to mid-tone and deep.

The lipstick holds up relatively well (about 6- 8 hours) with gradual transfer and fade but to prolong the color, simply apply one coat, allow it to dry and reinforce it with another. The supple liquid does not accentuate lines but exfoliating the night before may improve the finish.

I don’t wear neutrals very often (even though the trend is still going strong) but these colors are anything but dull and boring. The underlying tones make them flattering on all complexions and they increase in depth from light, medium and dark to suit your mood and makeup. The trick to finding a good nude is to make sure the color does not wash you out (the corpse look isn’t cute) and these shades enhance the skin while remaining very basic.

Date Night, Infatuated and Lust at First Sight are in the pink and burgundy spectrum. They are vivid and seductive without being too bright or harsh and the mild fruit scent smells delicious! These particular shades are my go-to for an evening out and the names are super cute!

The vegan formula is also cruelty and paraben free and the lipsticks retail for $23.00 each at Shoppers Drug Mart and online at vasanticosmetics.ca.

Vasanti Cosmetics Do It in Bed! Night Time Skincare Routine

Did you party a little too hard over the long-weekend? Maybe you had a bit too much Sangria like I did or woke up at 4 am to watch the Royal Wedding. After a long day, the last thing I want to do is remove my makeup and undergo a long beauty routine but going to bed without cleansing can lead to clogged pores, blemishes and nasty breakouts.

With Vasanti’s Do It in Bed Skincare Set you won’t have to wake up with a greasy complexion or an apple-sized zit. The cute little box comes with makeup wipes, eye cream, face serum and lip balm – all the essentials you need to refresh your skin without parabens or sulphates. Keep the box on your bedside table so you can simply reach over to cleanse and nourish without ever having to leave your cozy sheets. There is even an extra slot for your favorite cream, I usually add Vasanti’s Brighten Up Amplified Moisturizer which has all the benefits of a glow boosting exfoliant (you can read more about the Brightening Collection HERE).

The Makeup Magnet Wipes ($12.00) are soaked in Micelle Water to eliminate dirt, oil and impurities without residue. The soft, pore cleansing cloths are gentle, refreshing and effective at removing waterproof formulas without irritating the eyes – perfect for days you don’t have the energy to wash your face.

The Eye Wonder Cream ($42.00) has been one of my favorites for years! The velvety texture is hydrating and rich so it trends to stay put without seeping into my eyes. A little goes a long way and the formula is clinically proven to reduce the look of dark circles, puffiness and wrinkles with a potent blend of peptides, vitamins and botanicals. Use it nightly to appear youthful, rested and revitalized. The cream also moisturizes dry eyelids, brows, lips and cuticles.

The Age is Only a Number Elixir ($62.00) is one of the very first products I tried and it is still fantastic! The oil-serum blend is lightweight, super hydrating and loaded with natural extracts, botanicals, antioxidants, vitamins and anti-aging ingredients that undo damage, improve elasticity and enhance your natural glow. It also helps rebuild collagen, increase firmness, fade wrinkles and brighten. I love how supple, plump and smooth my skin feels and the dewy finish is non-greasy.

After you’ve wiped off your lipstick, make sure to layer on the Rise and Shine Balm ($19.00) infused with a healthy dose of Shea, Mango Butter, Abyssinian Oil and Vitamin E. The lush texture acts like an overnight lip mask, alleviating parched skin and locking in moisture for a kissably soft pout.

This incredible collection retails for $135.00 and comes with a free daytime skincare travel kit! The products are 95% natural, vegan and cruelty-free making it a great gift and an excellent way to maximize your beauty rest.

Vasanti Cosmetics is available at Shoppers Drug Mart and online at vasanticosmetics.com

Vasanti Cosmetics 24/7 Eye Color Palette, Concealer, Foundation & Corrector

Somewhere between Toronto and Portgual I lost about $400 of makeup. It could have slipped out of the new carry-on bag I was reviewing or stolen from the front pocket but needless to say I was devastated. After the shock wore off I decided it was a good time to find replacements and try some new products from Vasanti including their fabulous range of correctors, concealers and foundations.

The Magical Eye Shadow Palettes may be limited edition but the warm bronze, sparkling champagne and deep purple caught my attention. The vibrant color collection was inspired by city life and the cruelty-free formula does not contain gluten or parabens.

These flattering shades were designed to transform your look from day to night no matter where you travel but the Tinsel Town Palette is perfect for an evening out. The first three shades (from left to right) have the best quality in terms of pigmentation and texture. The green and smoky black both have a light dusting of shimmer while the bright gold is full-coverage and dramatic with a metallic finish (definitely the best color in the compact). The last two shades (glittery purple and golden-beige) seem to be formulated differently. They feel dry and apply sheer so a good primer and a few layers is required for more intensity. 

The Manhattan Palette showcases deep bronze and a mix of silvery champagne hues. These shadows are more consistent throughout with a velvety texture, smooth application and strong saturation but not much variety. The first and fourth shades appear almost identical but the color contrast is pretty. The second shadow has a soft, luminous tint that doubles as a face highlighter and both palettes have been marked down 50% now retailing for $20.00 each.

Choosing a foundation online can seem impossible but Vasanti makes the process easier by providing swatch samples alongside photos of real women with various skin tones. I am usually in the middle - tan range of the color spectrum with a golden undertone and V12 is a perfect match! The foundation feels like a second skin and melts onto my face seamlessly so it doesn’t even look like I’m wearing makeup. The formula is so velvety smooth that I can achieve a flawless finish by simply using my fingers and a beauty blender works like a charm! The thin brush applicator is great for sweeping color under the eyes, accessing hard to reach areas and spot touch-ups with very little product waste.

It can be difficult for women of color to find liquid makeup since many brands don’t cater to brown skin tones but this foundation – concealer duo contains a blend of deep pigments and undertones that balance and correct imperfections, blemishes dark spots and scars. The texture is creamy and lightweight for a natural effect with long-wear coverage that resists creasing. The Liquid Cover Up retails for $25.00 and the vegan friendly formula is free of oil, parabens and gluten.

V12 Liquid & Powder Foundation 

The Vasanti Blush Duos ($29.00) are subtle, silky and expertly matched to provide a hint of flattering color and a pop of shimmery radiance. The pigment is sheer but layers nicely without settling into skin texture or becoming chalky. This soft berry shade is great for fall and the highlighter instantly revives dull skin with no chunky glitter. If you prefer a more natural flush, this blush has the perfect level of intensity.

For those who need to hide dark under eye circles (like myself), the Wonders of the World Concealer Duo ($26.00) helps counteract discoloration and can also be used as primer. The orange tones are suitable for neutralizing blemishes on medium to deep skin and reducing the look of fatigue. The rich, brightening cream offers great coverage yet feels light and natural for comfortable wear. You can mix the concealer and corrector together to create a custom shade and the oil-free formula won’t clog pores.

If you prefer powder foundation, the Face Base pressed formula ($29.00) offers light to medium coverage with a silky finish that does not flake or cause dryness. The formula effectively masks problem areas and sets liquid foundation to create a light, natural look. It is also available in deep shades.

I’ve reviewed the highlighter duos from Vasanti before but if you’re looking for a soft, candlelight glow, these powders are awesome! With one deep pigment and one light, you can mix, match and blend to achieve the perfect level of skin enhancing glow. The Duos retail for $29.00.

 Vasanti is available at Shoppers Drug Mart and online at vasanticosmetics.com

Vasanti Cosmetics Skincare Review

I’ve raved about Vasanti’s makeup a few times (their lipsticks are to die for) but the brand also makes a variety of vegan-friendly skincare - free of parabens and sulfates and loaded with nutrients to help your complexion thrive! After a summer spent soaking up the sun and enjoying the great outdoors, it’s time to rejuvenate, balance, brighten and hydrate for clear, healthy skin.

The 4-Step Skincare System ($134.00) is designed to: cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate and nourish for that luminous glow we all crave. The Detox Purifying Cleanser (enriched with a Shea Butter derivative) eliminates pollutants, excess oil, blemish causing impurities, makeup and dirt without stripping the skin or leaving it tight and dry. Omega oils, powerful antioxidants and anti-aging properties help soften, stimulate and maintain elasticity while the milky cream soothes and refreshes after a hectic day.

Step two is the Brighten Up Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator (99% natural) – infused with Papaya Extract, Aloe and Micro-Crystals that provide an energizing spa treatment! The exfoliating crystals are similar to my professional, Diamond Tip Microdermabrasion Machine because the particles are ultra-fine yet incredibly effective at removing dead skin and improving texture for enhanced suppleness. Since my face (especially my T-Zone) is very sensitive to exfoliates, I limit this step to once per week. The formula also helps diminish the appearance of lines, wrinkles, large pores, dark spots and dullness.

The Brighten Up Amplifying Moisturizer with Vitamin C, Bearberry and Aloe, enhances the benefits of exfoliation while boosting radiance and deeply hydrating with a non-greasy texture. This is a great cream to use under makeup (for that fresh-faced look) or layered with your other night care to help even skin tone while you snooze.

Vasanti has some great products to help women of all complexions correct discoloration so I had to test their eye cream which is also the fourth and final step in the kit. The Eye Wonder 2.0 is packed with Peptides, Botanicals and Vitamins to help reduce dark circles, puffiness and wrinkles. The ceramic tip provides a cooling sensation that feels relaxing and soothing on tired, strained eyes plus it helps stimulate circulation. I was surprised at how quickly I noticed results – after a few days the darkness under my eyes began to fade and I looked well rested.

Vasanti still offers the original eye cream in a jar ($42.00) which targets the same major concerns with a rich, creamy texture that provides a little more hydration. I also use it on my lids to prevent dryness and prepare the area for better eye shadow application.

Vasanti Cosmetics is available at Shoppers Drug Mart and vasanticosmetics.com

Vasanti Cosmetics Ultra Luxe Lipstick Review

There are many fabulous beauty products at Shoppers Drug Mart which can make it difficult to decide what to try. Vasanti has been around for years but I don’t think the brand gets the recognition they deserve and their stunning pigments compliment all skin tones from fair to deep and everyone in-between. Infused with high quality ingredients (free of gluten and parabens) the Ultra Luxe Lipsticks are rich, smooth and hydrating to deliver the perfect wash of accentuating color.

This collection celebrates the unique diversity of multiculturalism by naming the lipsticks after different countries around the world. Each color is a lovely representation of exotic beauty.

Since fall is on the horizon, I think it’s a good time to break out Vasanti’s bold, seductive hues. The range features velvety textures that glide on effortlessly to drench lips in lush layers of healing moisture. These vivid shades are very trendy and the supple formula is infused with antioxidants, vitamins, mango oil, pomegranate and botanicals to treat dryness and replenish.

The nourishing blend is also enriched with the latest in peptide technology to increase lip volume, diminish fine lines and improve skin texture. The coverage is easy to customize since the lipsticks start off lightweight and sheer with the ability to be layered and intensified for medium saturation and a hint of brilliant shine.

Most of these shades have a creamy, satin finish but Spain incorporates golden-coppery shimmer for a boost of radiance. The deep, sultry colors transition your makeup looks into autumn and they are perfect for a night out.

The line also includes a selection of neutrals and brights for every season.

To compliment these buttery lipsticks, the Extreme Lip Pencils ($17.00) create definition, fullness and shape with a vegan-friendly, paraben-free formula. The color resists feathering, transfer, fading and smudging with a creamy texture that provides excellent glide. Since the pencils are full-coverage, you can use your faves to fill-in the entire lip area for a voluminous, matte effect.

Vasanti is available at Shoppers Drug Mart and online at vasanticosmetics.com

Vasanti Cosmetics See The Light Powder Highlighter Duo & Best Balm Forever (BFF) Tinted Lip Balm: Review & Swatches

Another hectic week is winding down and I’m ready to have some fun this weekend! Although the weather is still cold and dreary, a boost of radiance and a pop of fun color can enhance a dull complexion and perk-up your entire look.

When icy winter wind dries out the skin, heavy matte lipstick or lacquer may not be the most comfortable option. The BFF Tinted Balms are available in a range of flattering lust-worthy hues including bright spring tones and deep trendy stains. The gentle formula is also paraben-free and vegan with stylish packaging and elegant mandala floral prints on the application surface and outer tube.  

The rich, nourishing formula is infused with Mango Seed Butter, Shea Butter and Abyssinian Oil which form a protective barrier by locking in moisture, repairing, healing, softening and smoothing so lips appear youthful and healthy. 

Although these balms provide semi-sheer, creamy color the pigmentation is still vivid and buildable for medium color payoff and a beautiful, plush tint. I love the delicious scent and the supple texture conditions, hydrates and soothes parched skin. The balms glide on effortlessly and drench lips in lush, comfortable color that looks ravishing on all complexions. They retail for $22.00 each.

A good highlighter can make the skin look lustrous and healthy no matter how tired and stressed you are. These dazzling duos provide a soft, pearlescent glow with versatile coverage suitable for a day at the office or red carpet glam. The light silky texture (void of heavy glittery) seems to illuminate from within for a natural candlelight effect that looks amazing.

Golden Child features champagne and gold pigments that can be layered individually or mixed.

Angel includes silver/champagne and rose gold which capture and reflect light.

Swatches from left to right: Wine?, Bestie, Pinki Swear, Girl Talk and highlighters

The highlighter duos retail for $29.00 each. Vasanti Cosmetics can be found at Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, Pharma Plus and online at vasanticosmetics.com, birchbox.com and amazon.com.