essence Cosmetics Long-Lasting Lipstick Review

Sometimes it can be difficult to find good quality makeup at affordable prices. Shoppers Drug Mart is Canada's largest drugstore chain and many evenings I find myself roaming their isles to see what’s new in the world of beauty. Shoppers has a hidden gem that is not always easy to locate. Sometimes the display is nestled at the end of an isle, a few over from the makeup section but if you haven’t located essence cosmetics at your local Shoppers or Ulta Beauty (for all you Americans) I recommend doing so. Every time I'm in store I head straight for the essence display to see what’s new and I have purchased quite a bit from this brand since they first launched. 

essence offers good quality cosmetics at incredibly affordable prices with items ranging from just $1.49 to $4.99. I have found some excellent items rummaging through the display.

 Today I am going to review the essence long-lasting lipsticks available in 13 beautiful shades.

Available shades:

The lipsticks retail for just $2.99 each and have great pigmentation! The formula is creamy and glides on velvety smooth with a shiny finish. I like that they provide long-lasting hydration and contain castor seed oil to keep lips chap-free and supple. The packaging is simple yet chic and the texture and ease of application reminds me of the popular lipsticks by NYX. These gorgeous shades look and feel great on the lips so it is no wonder I have become a little obsessed!

The shades I have are:

Dare to be Nude

I don't wear much nude lipstick but this one is pretty! This shade is fantastic paired with bright eye shadows to tone down or balance a look. The color doesn't settle into creases or accentuate dryness.

On the Catwalk

On the Catwalk is a rich, red/berry hue that provides the allure of a red lipstick without harsh blue or orange undertones. I think this color is suitable for most skin tones from fair to deep and can transition from day to evening.

Wear Berries!

This is my favorite shade in the bunch! Wear Berries is a pink lipstick with purple undertones. I plan to wear this color throughout summer and right into fall!

Coral has been a popular summer trend for years! This soft orange coral looks wonderful on warm, sunny days.

Barely There is a darker nude with a hint of purple. 

Every woman should own a stunning red lipstick and this shade is glamours, bright and light-weight.

Blush my Lips is a deep fuchsia. 

Swatches

Other essence products used in the above photos:

*essence Get Big Lashes Triple Black Mascara

*essence Lash Mania Reloaded False Lase Mascara 

*essence Sun Club bronzing highlighter 

*essence Metal Glam eye shadow in the shade Jewel Up The Ocean (Click HERE for review)

If you don’t live in Canada you can also find essence cosmetics at Ulta Beauty and at various locations worldwide. To check the store finder click HERE lipsticks retail for $2.99 each!

**Disclaimer: These products were provided for review. All opinions stated in this review are my own and based on my experience with the products. Results may vary based on individual use.**

Born Pretty Purple Shimmer Eye Shadow Palette

Smokey eye shadow is one of my favorite sultry looks and it can be done with almost any shade. Today I have a review on the Smokey Sugar Box Eye Shadow Palette from Born Pretty. The palette I have is 06 which includes six shimmery shades ranging from: silver, bronzed pink, deep purple, frosty purples and black. There are 8 different palettes available with varying color combinations and they currently retail for just $8.43 each.

This little palette exceeded my expectations! The texture is silky smooth, the colors are buildable and the pigmentation is great. The shades complement each other very well and can create a variety of gorgeous looks. For such affordability the quality is impressive, in fact it is better than some of the small drug store palettes I have recently tried. The only thing I would change is swapping the sparkly black shade for a matte black which is better for contouring the crease.

Blending is simple due to the great texture of the shadows and this look took only minutes to complete! I am also wearing false lashes from Born Pretty which I will also be reviewing shortly.

The shadows are easy to work with, don’t cause much fall-out and are suitable for both day and evening wear.With a good primer they are also long-lasting and non-creasing.

If you are browsing the website I definitely recommend checking out this palette (which you can find HERE). If you use the code EDH10 you will receive an additional 10% off any purchase!

This palette was a success but it isn't the first great palette I have tried from Born Pretty. To see a previous makeup looks I created using another awesome palette click  HERE. 

**Disclaimer: These products were provided for review. I am not financially compensated for any purchases made at bornpretty.com including purchases using the above code. All opinions stated in this review are my own and based on my experience with the products. Results may vary based on individual use.**

Make Up For Ever HD Microperfecting Primer Review

As the weather gets warmer and humidity levels rise the heat can take its toll on the appearance of makeup. One of the questions I am frequently asked is “how do you get makeup to last longer?” Usually I refer women to certain primers, setting sprays and long-wear products because it’s always nice to have confidence in the longevity of your makeup. Today I am going to review the HD Microperfecting Primer by Make Up For Ever. The High definition products from this brand are some of my favorites, especially the HD translucent powder which diminishes oil and refreshes skin instantly!

I use facial primers because they improve the finish of my makeup and a good primer helps smooth and prep skin while prolonging the wear of liquid products. This HD primer by Make Up For Ever goes a step above the average primer because it also helps correct underlying tones for a more flawless complexion.

Heavy foundations can clog pores and increase oil production so a primer barrier may be helpful. This formula is oil-free and “creates a protective film on the skin’s surface which prevents foundation from penetrating. I also like that it does not oxidize to alter the shade of my foundation or cause an unsightly greasy appearance.

When applied the primer feels smooth and slightly tacky, similar to a second skin without being heavy, stiff or uncomfortable. It also enhances makeup adhesion but has a very strong perfume scent. The formula is light, creamy, easy to blend and sinks well into the texture of skin which allows for even makeup application.

The HD Primer also “helps create a soft focus effect” and is formulated with light refractors meant to veil imperfections, however it is not meant to replace products that provide full coverage.

The shades available are:

#01 Neutral- Translucent for all complexions

#1 Green- Reduces redness (ideal for rosacea)

#2 Mauve- Neutralizes strong olive undertones

#4 Caramel- Adds a warm glow to deeper skin tones

#5 Blue- Gives a porcelain finish to fair skin

#6 Yellow- Adds golden tones to dark complexions

#07 Pink: Brightens and warms

I have pink and yellow undertones so the neutral shade or yellow works well for me. Although the yellow looks very pigmented once blended the color is quite translucent and provides subtle correction. 

The HD primer is available for $39 at Sephora, and Make Up For Ever boutiques. 

**Disclaimer: These products were provided for review. All opinions stated in this review are my own and based on my experience with the products. Results may vary based on individual use.**

Beauty Box Five June 2014 Box + Free Box Introductory Code!

June’s Beauty Box Five theme is Summer Chic, reminiscent of glamorous Hollywood starlets like Audrey Heburn and Marilyn Monroe. The box includes a variety of essentials for hair, nails, skin and lashes.

How it works:

Beauty Box Five is a subscription service that starts at $12 for the monthly box, $30 for the quarterly subscription and $99 dollars for a year. In this box you will receive a mix of luxury items and common brands with products for: hair, skin and nails as well as fragrances and beauty accessories. The box contains 5 products and usually includes one or two full sized items. It is a great way to sample a variety of brands and products.

Vita Bath body wash (sample size included- value $1.32)

I like a nice foamy body wash and this one is free of mineral oils and silicone. It lathers well and contains: anti-oxidants, aloe, fruit extracts, natural oils and protein. Since cherries are my favorite fruits I love that the wash has a sweet wild cherry scent with natural extract.

Nicka K New York nail polish in the color: Ripe Apple (full size included- retail value $4.99)

I have a lot of red polish in my collection but red is classic and never goes out of style. This box included a formaldehyde free, full size bottle of polish that is supposed to be long-wear and chip resistant. The nail polish has a shorter brush for easier application and is available in 58 shades! The formula is rich, shiny, easy to work with and applies evenly. Although it wasn't quite chip resistant or quick drying I would definitely purchase within this brand.

Organix Coconut Water Shampoo & Conditioner (sample packs provided-value $1.00)

Organix is a popular drug store brand and one I have used in the past. Infused with coconut water these products are meant to provide weightless hydration which is perfect for my hair type. It is also “rich in nutrients and electrolytes.” The only issue I have with these small sample packs is that I have a long, thick hair and there is barely enough to cover my ends. Since I don’t use shampoos with sulfates I like that this one contains a mild cleansing agent.

Glam Natural Mascara (sample size included-value $7)

I love trying new mascaras and this one is paraben free, hypoallergenic, vegan and gluten free. It is gentle, non-irritating and the brush has short spiral bristles that are great for gripping and separating lashes. I like that the product is gentle but I did not experience a noticeable increase in length or volume.

Eslor Introductory Collection Calming Kit (4 sample packs included-value $5.44)

The kit includes:

*Soothing refiner & cleanser

*Replenishing scrub

*Comforting mask

*Soothing Cream

Although these packs are small they are ideal for testing out a new skin care line. The full size bottles of these samples range from $28-$65.

Overall this month's box was pretty good, it didn't wow me as much as the previous boxes but the items are usable and quite practical.

If you use the code FREE16 at checkout you will receive a FREE introductory box (or save $12 on a quarterly box or $12 off a yearly subscription). For more information on Beauty Box Five visit the website by clicking HERE (code is valid for first time U.S customers only) 

And here is a sneak peek from July's box!

 **Disclaimer: These products were provided for review. All opinions stated in this review are my own and based on my experience with the products. Results may vary based on individual use.**

Clarins 2014 Summer Collection: Colors of Brazil Eye Quartet and Liner Palette

Today I have a review on some wonderful new products from Clarin’s summer collection including the Colors of Brazil Eye Quartet and Liner palette. When I think of Brazil I think of sun, fun, beaches, beauty and rich color. This palette definitely captures the essence of Brazil with its bright, bold shades of coral and blue contrasted with warm earth tones.

The sandy bronze and brown shades are great for defining the crease. The taupe shade is ideal as a base, brow highlight, or neutral transition color to fade and blend. The coral is a pretty lid color and the rich blue has a cream consistency which is meant to be used as a bold eyeliner.

Like many of the Clarins eye shadows I own, these have the same silky, smooth texture which makes them easy to work with, non-creasing and long-lasting. I also like the versatility of the palette, you can use the shadows dry for a natural finish or wet for more intensity.

Below is a summer look I created using this palette, I threw on a Brazil soccer t-shirt to go with the theme and to get into the World Cup spirit!

Other Clarins products used include:
*Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Base
*Clarins Truly Waterproof Mascara in Curacao (reviewed below)
*Clarins Lip Balm Crayon in Creamy Pink (reviewed below)
*Clarins Cream blush in Grenadine

If you have trouble deciding how to use the colors there is a little card that comes with the palette suggesting where to place each shade. I decided to be a bit creative and used the cream liner to help define the outer area of my lids. You can find the palette HERE (retail price: $42).

Truly Water Proof Mascara

To create this look I also used the Clarins Truly Water Proof Mascara in 02 Curacao. I have had the pleasure of vacationing in Curacao before and this shade is definitely reminiscent of vibrant Caribbean blue.

The mascara is meant to “deliver intense volume, color and length.” It is formulated with bitter orange and natural oils to protect lashes from humidity and the harsh effects of salty sea water. It also protects against the sun, chlorine in pools and lasts up to 12 hours! You can definitely slip this mascara in your bag for vacation and a relaxing day at the beach. The mascara matches well with the Colors of Brazil eye shadow palette and you can find it by clicking HERE (retail price $26.) 

Clarins Lip Balm Crayon

On my lips I am wearing Clarins lip balm crayon in the shade 02 Creamy Pink. If you prefer extreme hydration and moisture then this is the balm for you! The formula is extremely velvety and seems to melt into lips providing subtle color pay off that is soft and beautiful. 

Due to the plant waxes and oils such as: (castor seed, meadow foam seed, jojoba, shea, mango and apricot) the color glides on consistently and feels creamy and soft. It nourishes, protects, smells great and makes lips feel supple. The Lip Crayons come in 6 pretty shades and you can find them HERE (retail price $20 each). 

Clarins definitely has some fabulous new products available for summer! You can find these cosmetics at department stores, Sephora and online HERE.

 **Disclaimer: These products were provided for review courtesy of Clarins. All opinions stated in this review are my own and based on my experience with the products. Results may vary based on individual use.**

Stila Stay All Day Vinyl Lip Gloss Review

This summer Stila has released some great new products including the Stay All Day Vinyl Lip Glosses which are among my favorite items. Although these ravishing beauties are categorized as “gloss” they definitely go above and beyond. I was expecting shiny, light to medium coverage but what I got was vibrantly bold, long-lasting color!

I would describe these products as lip crèmes because they are rather thick, creamy,  full-coverage, and opaque. They offer high shine, hydrating texture and a solid lacquer finish. The glosses also nourish lips with seaweed extract, and organic green coffee oil.

Not only does the formula glide on velvety smooth it is easy to work with and increases elastin and collagen production. It also helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and seals in moisture!

06 Vinyl Nude may sound rather tame and nude gloss is not particularly my favorite color, but this shade is wonderful! Unlike some nudes that blend into skin and create a washed-out, sallow appearance, this shade is more on the mauve side of the color spectrum. It contains hints of pink and purple undertones for a pretty finish. Instead of looking flat and boring this color makes lips pop without having to wear an extremely bright pigment. It is perfect for all seasons and a variety of makeup looks.

When I swatched the shade 02 Melon Vinyl I gasped for joy. This may be a sign that I should voluntarily admit myself into Lip Products Anonymous for people with addictions or it could just be that this color is amazing! I have been wearing this shade since the sun came out and the flowers started to bloom this summer. This pink is bright and electric with the perfect mix of light and medium tones.

The glosses smell pleasant but do leave behind a slight stain. If I apply them heavily they also tend to make my lips stick together due to the thickness of the formula. 

The glosses are available at Shoppers Drug Mart and Murale stores across Canada. They come in 6 beautiful shades and retail for $32 each.

**Disclaimer: These products were provided for review. All opinions stated in this review are my own and based on my experience with the products. Results may vary based on individual use.**

Maybelline Color Elixir Review: Mandarin Rapture

If you caught my last review on the Maybelline Elixir lipgloss in the color Vision in Violet then you know that I really like these lip products. For me that statement says a lot because I am a bit fussy when it comes to gloss. It’s not that I don’t like the extra shiny, pouty look; I just don’t care for overly sticky, transparent formulas. If I am going to purchase a lip gloss I want bright, bold pigment and this line by Maybelline definitely delivers!

Today I will review another great shade from an impressive line-up of 20 “mesmerizing” colors. Orange is trendy this year and one of my favorite hues for the season. From true orange to coral based orange nothing gives the face a bright pop of summer like beautiful bold lips.

I have the Color Elixir gloss in the shade 015 Mandarin Rapture and like Vision in Violet (which is one of my favorite purple glosses), this orange has great color pay-off without being too dramatic or heavy. For those who tend to shy away from solid, bold shades these glosses provide just the right amount of radiant shine and hydration.

Mandarin Rapture

Vision in Violet

The glosses are made to “deliver color, balm and shine while feeling ultra cushiony. The angora brush applies the gloss smoothly for a polished, even application.” 

I like that the gloss is shiny without being too sticky and the formula of Mandarin Rapture contains fine shimmer particles for subtle eye catching sparkle. If you like gloss then you should definitely check these out! Here in Canada you can find them at most drug stores for about $12 (with tax). 

**Disclaimer: The Mandarin Rapture lip gloss was provided for review. I purchased  the Vision in Violet gloss. All opinions stated in this review are my own and based on my experience with the products. Results may vary based on individual use.**