Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bon Eye Shadow Palette Review

When it comes to satisfying your cravings for sweetness, pretty color and irresistible packaging few do it better than Too Faced Cosmetics. The brand has been dishing out delectable palettes, and scintillating pigments for years which is why their candy inspired cosmetics are favored by beauty experts and trendsters everywhere!

One palette that has quickly become a cult fave is Chocolate Bon Bon. These alluring shadows come wrapped in cute candy bar packaging that would entice Willy Wonka himself and the aroma is to die for! Not only does it look chocolaty but it smells like it too which boosts your mood and titillates the senses.

Chocolate Bon Bon includes 16 heart shaped matte and shimmer shades in cool pops of color, sugary bights and everyday neutrals all infused with antioxidant rich cocoa powder. If this isn’t a good way to indulge in more chocolate without the added calories I don’t know what is!

The names of the shadows are also candy inspired including - Almond Truffle, Sprinkles, Cotton Candy and Dark Truffle to name a few. The shades are all quite fresh and usable if you like trendy, complexion friendly hues that compliment your wardrobe and style. The neutrals are great for subtle looks and the basics – brown (Bordeaux & Malted), beige (Almond Truffle), bronze (Dark Truffle), light brown (Mocha), light grey (Pecan Praline) and cream (Cashew Chew) are great for defining the crease, transitioning, blending and highlighting.

You also get popular lid colors that look great on everyone – Molasses Chip (metallic gold-bronze), Cafe au Lait (shimmery silver) and Satin Sheet (golden pink).

The bright colors include: fuchsia pink (Totally Fetch), shimmery amethyst (Black Currant) and light pink (Cotton Candy) to amp up your looks. The deep navy or sapphire (Ear Grey) is ideal for creating sultry smokey eyes.

What I like about this palette is that all of the matte and shimmer finishes correspond to the right shades. You don’t get any shimmery creams or sparkly browns when all you really need are solid contour shades to shape and blend. The palette doesn’t have a matte black which is always handy for increasing depth and deepening but this isn’t a deal breaker.

The texture of the shadows is very silky and smooth with little to no fall-out so they are easy to use and you don’t have to be an expert to make them look good. Although they do have great pigmentation I achieve best results when I apply them over primer for enhanced color and coverage. The palette is free of parabens, gluten and sulfates and also comes with a Glam Guide if you need a bit of inspiration or guidance.

I had no issues with fading or creasing and the colors lasted as long as my day did. The shadows blend beautifully and although many of the shades are quite simple I find myself reaching for them on a weekly basis and even pairing the pigments with others in my collection. The quality is great and you can create a wide variety of looks for all complexions and seasons. It is also handy for vacation and quite versatile since the shade Satin Sheets double as a face highlight!

I can definitely see why this is a favorite among makeup lovers and if you don’t have this combination of colors in your collection it is a great investment. Chocolate Bon Bon retails for $67.00 CAD / $49.00 U.S and you can get it at Sephora and TooFaced.Com which now ships to Canada!

Wycon Cosmetics Review: Italian Makeup Haul

If you follow me on social media then you are probably aware that I recently went to Italy! This was my third trip to the beautiful country but my first time touring Florence and the surrounding countryside of Tuscany

The last thing I expected to find on the ancient, almost medieval streets of Sienna (home to the first bank in the world) was a modern, upbeat makeup shop, but that is exactly what I stumbled upon as my tour group shopped for souvenirs. As our guide continued to educate the group my sister and I made a mad dash into the store, unable to resist new makeup.

~ Sienna Italy ~

I was unfamiliar with Wycon Cosmetics but the helpful sales ladies informed us that it is a new brand produce exclusively in Italy. Since Wycon is just gaining momentum there aren’t many locations around the country.

I love discovering brands from the places I travel and Wycon is definitely unique! In a city known for its beautiful ruins, architecture and old traditions I found intersterallar baked eye shadows and rich pigments that stopped me in my tracks. Looking back I wish I hadn’t contained my inner beauty junkie and allowed myself to purchase more because I’m totally smitten!

This drop dead gorgeous shadow that looks like it fell from space is called 04 Smearaldo. It is part of the brand's Disco Collection and has an amazing shimmering emerald, pearlized finish that I find irresistible! As you twist the globe in the light you can see flecks of blue, lime shimmer and deeper greens that all blend together to create a truly mesmerizing hue. I have nothing like this in my collection and for around 5 € it was a steal!

The pigmentation is wonderful with or without primer and on the skin it shows up as a deep, bold emerald with a black base and a light layer of metallic sparkle (not chunky glitter). I didn’t have any issue with fallout and the color builds beautifully if you want to layer and intensify.  

I also picked up a Baked Eye Shadow in a pretty frosted purple. These can be used wet or dry and there are two numbers on the back to identify the shade - (100/5215) but no name. I am obsessed with this color and recently wore it to fashion week. I created a bombshell smokey look by pairing it with a deep plum-purple in the crease.

The texture of this formula is very silky, soft, slightly creamy and extremely pigmented! You can achieve full coverage, knock-out color without using a base and a little goes a long way. Just one swipe with a brush picks up enough shadow to deliver high impact, stunning color.

In certain light the purple can appear a tad pink with a strong silver undertone and it looks beautiful on its own or paired with a deeper crease color. If I ever come across these beauties again I will definitely stock up!

The brand also sells skincare, fragrances and accessories and you can visit the website by clicking HERE although if you don’t speak Italian you will have to translate it.

For me no trip to Europe is complete without a stop at Kiko! I am totally obsessed with this brand and wish they would make their way to Canada but we are always last to get the good stuff.

The Kiko stores around the area of Florence where I stayed (Piazza del Duomo) weren’t as well stocked as the shops in Spain where the selection is more versatile. I did however pick up a gorgeous purple lipstick! To be honest I didn’t NEED another purple lipstick and this one isn’t unique but it was just 3,90 € and I like the shade - (931). The finish is semi-matte with subtle shine and a pink undertone.

Admittedly I have more nail polish that I know what to do with and they seem to be taking over my beauty shelves. There are shades I’ve had for years and never used so I don’t usually buy lacquer. That being said I buckled and got a couple more (don’t judge). I love Kiko’s polish and these amazing shades were gorgeous and too unique to pass up!

I picked up 530 (on the left) which looks like the solar system and reminds me of mermaids. It is a stunning blend of blue, green, silver and gold shimmer! The formula is one of the best I’ve used because the consistency is slightly thicker yet non-gloopy and it applies almost gel-like. It also adheres well without pooling or bleeding all over the place and one dip was enough to opaquely cover 3 nails.

The sparkly aqua green to the right is number 531 and the color is bright and cheerful! The shimmer polishes from Kiko are great and even if the shade isn't full coverage in one layer you can usually build it up to achieve opaqueness without too much thickness or long drying time. The polish retails for about 2,50 €.

If you are in Europe or traveling to a country in Europe and you see either of these brands I definitely recommend checking them out!

Aveeno Skin Relief Collection Review

Spring has officially begun and in some cities the cherry blossoms have already sprouted their pretty blossoms! We can finally shed the heavy layers, ditch those puffy jackets and show a little more skin.

Before you delve into your spring wardrobe just yet, it is a good idea to do a little winter recovery and like many of you my mission is to recuperate tired, dry skin.

Frequent traveling, events, long nights and little time to indulge in my beauty rituals has made my skin is a little lackluster. Thankfully I can always count on Aveeno to diminish the effects of my busy schedule and environmental aggressors with a blast of hydration and nutritive conditioning agents. The Skin Relief Collection is clinically proven to soothe extra dry, itchy, cracked skin with a fragrance-free gentle formula.

Aveeno has been delivering quality skincare for over 60 years and for the members of my family who suffer from sensitivity and eczema these products have been effective and reliable. The antioxidants, vitamin E, proteins and rich fatty acids provide a lush, protective barrier that lasts as long as your day does!

To battle dryness every step of your routine should support the maintenance of moisture so using a shower gel loaded with stripping detergents only makes matters worse. The Skin Relief Body Wash however is soap-free, dye-free and hypoallergenic to remove dirt and excess oil for an invigorating cleanse. The soothing oatmeal and rich emollients lock in moisture to alleviate uncomfortable itching and tightness so skin is soft, fresh and clean. I like lathering the gel into a bubbly foam on my bath puff and allowing the amazing aroma to lull me into relaxation. There is something warm and calming about the natural fragrance of this gel so it makes the perfect bedtime or morning ritual. It retails for $7.99 - $8.99.

For 24 hours of hydration the Moisturizing Lotion infused with shea butter and oatmeal provides lasting protection from dehydration. The lotion works quickly to restore lipids and the rich formula is fast absorbing and non-greasy. It works wonders on rough, flaky skin, dry elbows, ashy knees and even cracked heels for touchably soft, supple results. It also has a luscious, cooling sensation that feels amazing and leaves my entire body silky and rejuvenated. Compared to most drugstore body lotions and even some high-end creams this one ranks among the best because I see and feel immediate results that lasts all day. It is a great fortifying treatment for the winter months yet light enough to keep your skin looking healthy all summer and whether your skin is extremely dry or normal to oily it is suitable for all! (Retail price: $19.99).

The cold weather combined with frequent hand washing, drying, alcohol based sanitizers and acetone polish removers is a recipe if parched skin so my hands always need extra attention. The Aveeno Skin Relief Hand Cream is a savior for dry skin and nails plus it helps treat and improve the look of damaged cuticles! I really like that it absorbs quickly with a non-greasy formula and no stickiness so it doesn’t make my hands feel sweaty or slick. The tube is a bit bulky and not as purse friendly as I’d like but because it keeps my hands supple and mani-worthy I still slip it in larger totes for use on-the-go. The hand cream retails for $9.99.

If you crave soft, supple skin then I definitely recommend trying this collection. These products are available in drugstores nationwide and you can check out the website by clicking HERE.

Zoella Beauty Review

As a Beauty Expert, Blogger and Editor I test and review many brands but its nice when I get the opportunity to support the success of others in the industry. Zoe started her YouTube channel back in 2008 and has gone on to become a digital megastar! She has successfully channeled her love of beauty into a fun, playful range of bath goodies that inspire people to indulge in some “me time” and submerse into a stress-free, wonderfully scented environment.

The Soak Opera Bath Soak & Shower Cream can be used for a relaxing bubble bath when you need to unwind and retreat or lather it up on a bath puff and let the bubbles foam away oil, dirt and pollutants. The pearl pink formula cleanses well and calms the senses with soothing floral notes and an intoxicating sweetness that makes bath time an invigorating experience. It is also enriched with vitamin E, aloe sunflower, pomegranate and shea butter extracts to soften and condition the skin. The Shower Cream retails for $11.99.

Like many of the products in this collection the makeup bags are adorable and playful! I like this bag because it is large enough for my essentials and small enough to keep on a desk for quick touch-ups. It also slips into a travel bag or tote and what makeup addict wouldn’t love the aqua green design with pink polka dots and glamorous almond eyes! This bag retails for $16.99.

The Zoella Blissful Mistful Fragranced Body Mist has the same cute branding and cheerful vibe as the other products and the scent is subtle and modern. The aroma is very similar if not the same as the Body Cream – fruity, floral and fresh and the notes evoke the essence of spring. Although the bottle does resemble perfume it really is more of a body mist with a light scent that mingles well with your body chemistry and fades nicely throughout the day. The scent is quite youthful but I think it can be enjoyed by women of all ages. I also like that the composition represents the style and flare of the UK and the notes are quite different from what you’d expect from North American fragrances which adds versatility to my collection! The mist retails for $16.99.

You can find Zoella Beauty select London Drugs and Pharmasave, you can also check it out by clicking HERE.

Annabelle Big Show Lip Lacquer Review

Annabelle Cosmetics is inspiring makeup lovers to chase away the winter blues and show off our pretty pouts with their new long lasting Lip Lacquers! Nothing reminds me of warm weather and spring flowers like a gorgeous pop of color and this stunning collection is definitely bringing sexy back!

When we think of the word (lacquer) what often comes to mind is vibrant color but some formulas can dry flat and enhance lip texture and lines. I am happy to report that there is nothing flat or boring when it comes to these beauties, in fact when I first opened the box I was very impressed with the gorgeous yet modest range of pigments.

There are only 6 shades in the line but the brand really showcases the most intense, trendiest hues to suit a variety of preferences. They’ve included one nude for those who like to keep it simple plus pinks, red, coral and an amazing pink-purple called Hypnotize Deeply that will knock your socks off!

What you’re getting with this collection is a triple threat: lacquer, gloss and stain all-in-one! The formula is rich, creamy and bold plus they smell absolutely scrumptious! The applicator is standard but works well to spread the lush color across the lips and the shiny, mirror-like finish makes your pout look full and plump!

Annabelle really hit it out of the park with this collection, the shades are outstanding and quite versatile. If you crave sheer coverage then layer thinly and if you want more saturation just swipe heavier. The vivid show-stopping colors are lightweight and non-sticky with good pigmentation.

One of the great things about this brilliant formula is that it doesn’t sacrifice comfort for color. The lacquer stays rather moist for a sumptuous veil of hydration and as they wear away my lips feel soft and supple. Although the color does last quite a while they tend to smudge during eating and drinking which is standard with most glossy textures.

If you only pick up a couple shades may I suggest Love Fiercely which is a sexy, multidimensional red with a stunning finish that seems to have a chromatic effect and Hypnotize Deeply which I mentioned earlier. These two are the deepest pigments in the collection and are great for every season and skin tone. The only shade that fell a little short was Adore Simply which sadly got washed out in the swatch photo above due to lighting. This color didn't quite build up to the opaqueness of the others but if you like silvery, frosted hues then go for it.

Annabelle Cosmetics can be found at major drugstores across Canada and the lacquers retail for $9.95. For more info you can visit the website by clicking HERE.

L’Oréal Infallible Pro Matte Gloss Review

Recently I’ve reviewed and tested an abundance of new lip products and amidst all my swatching I noticed a common trend, it seems to be the season of matte lip creams and liquid lipstick! More brands are recognizing our love of vivid, stand-out color combined with comfort and style and in true L’Oréal fashion the brand has knocked it out of the park with a collection of magnificent matte gloss.

When it comes to bold, sassy color these babies have your back! Don’t let the word “gloss” fool you; this formula glides on velvety smooth, intense, rich and full-coverage for pouty lips that don’t quit! Just one swipe delivers lush, vibrant pigment and a moisturizing texture that keeps skin soft and comfortable for as long as the color lasts.

Although the packaging is gloss-like the consistency is creamy, silky and whipped and the finish is semi-matte as they are a tad shiny. The brand decided to kick it up a notch with a flattened, spade shaped applicator for enhanced dimension and I love that the formula is supple and mousse-like for easier spread and consistent coverage.

In terms of drugstore lip creams these rank among the best and the ten available shades are nice. There are 4-5 neutral hues and the rest fall within the pink to berry range. Although there isn’t a lot of color differentiation in the collection the vivacious pigmentation makes them irresistible and there is a shade for every preference and complexion.

If you are browsing the makeup section at your local drugstore I definitely recommend checking out these fabulous liquid lip colors, they are great for all seasons!

You can visit the website by clicking HERE

Luxurious New Skincare from Nuxe Paris

Nothing could prepare me for the stunning beauty that is Paris. I had heard about the splendor of the city and seen photos and films but it was so much better than I ever imagined!

Parisian woman are know for their fabulous sense of style and high fashion trends and while shopping on Champs Élysées I could definitely see how they earned that reputation. To help keep me in the loop Nuxe has kindly sent me their diary of tips titled – “Parisian Woman Beauty Secrets” which highlights how these chic ladies stay radiant and pamper their skin. Today I will highlight some of these luxurious products to help you get your glow on too.

The Dry Oil Huile Prodigieuse is one of the brands most popular products and if you’ve tried it you are probably hooked too! This luxurious oil has been a French beauty secret since 1991 and if you are unfamiliar with the term "dry oil" it simply refers to the lightweight, non-greasy, ultra silky texture that leaves no residue or annoying stickiness behind. In fact you can think of this oil as more of a bountiful elixir, enriched with a fabulous blend of Macadamia, Hazelnut, Borage, Sweet Almond, Camellia and St. John’s Wort. The light, wonderful texture also makes it suitable for warm weather and if you plan to show a little skin it adds a healthy, luminous sheen.

Huile Prodigieuse has a spray applicator that gently mists the skin in supple layers and the scent is so warm and inviting you don’t even need perfume. I like to massage it in after spritzing for better coverage and since the formula is 97.8% natural and free of preservatives it doesn't irritate or feel slick. The best thing about the elixir is that it can be used on the face, body and hair for head to toe hydration! I absolutely love the cute Parisian inspired bottle etched with the stunning skyline.

If you want to awaken the golden goddess in you and play up the bronzed, sunkissed look then the shimmer formula is a must! It has all the same nutritive properties as the original plus the infusion of gold sparkle dust to illuminate and highlight the body so you can gleam-on with confidence! The regular formula retails for $45.00 and the shimmer oil is $54.00.

In Paris strutting down the street in a designer outfit with baguette in-hand is part of daily life and to showcase your golden glow the Prodigieux Shower Oil ($15.00) is splendid! Infused with radiant gold shimmer to subtly highlight your body and an invigorating mythical fragrance, the silky foam gently cleanses to remove oil and environmental gunk. I love that it leaves my skin soft and fresh with no residue or dryness. 

I love a makeup remover that doesn’t strip, dry and irritate my skin which is why I am smitten with this Nuxe gel. The mild, soap-free formula gently removes makeup including heavy foundation and concealers and cleanses with 93% natural ingredients. Although this is not made for the eye area it does a good job eradicating excess oil, impurities and residue that can clog pores and cause blemishes. The honey and sunflower seed oil soothes, brightens and softens instead of making skin tight and uncomfortable. You can also use the refreshing gel with your favorite face cleansing brush and I can definitely see why this is a bestseller. It retails for $19.00.

Next up are two products that will help you kick winter’s butt and alleviate the dryness it’s unleashed. The Hand and Nail Cream with honey, precious oils and vitamin E is a dry skin savior! This rich, lush formula repairs, nourishes and protects rough hands and cuticles for instant results. It also helps recuperate brittle, peeling nails with an abundance of natural extracts, flower ingredients and moisturizing properties. When this cream is in my purse I am never afraid to show off my mani! It retails for $19.00.

Admittedly I have a lot of lip balms and they are always within reach because I find dry lips intolerable! This formula is so effective that it has shot to the top of my favorites list! As the name indicates it has a balm consistency which means thicker, creamier layers which I love. Despite the texture it still feels lightweight and drenches lips in rich, conditioning moisture that soothes dryness and treats chapped, peeling skin. The formula is enriched with honey, shea, sweet almond, grapefruit oil, lemon oil, sunflower and other extracts to make lips feel soft and supple. If you need an amazing lip balm that offers long lasting results then this one takes the cake! It retails for $19.00.

For more info you can check out the website by clicking HERE

Tangle Teezer Review: New Products & Styling Tools

A couple weeks ago I attended a Tangle Teezer event hosted by the creator of the styling tools himself – Shaun P. I wasn’t sure what to expect since I hadn’t jumped on the bandwagon when these creative brushes were taking the beauty industry by storm and gaining quick popularity but the innovative, ergonomic design has made quite an impact on how we tackle tangles.

As I watched the demonstration and familiarized myself with the products I was impressed by the new selection. The brand has advanced from pesky knots to include an array of products targeted at specific hair types, styling and a busy lifestyle.

The Blow-Styling Hairbrush was designed to change the way we think about straightening. Shaun mentioned that he doesn’t believe in using heat and irons to flatten hair and tame curls into submission but instead prefers to smooth and shine. As someone with natural ringlet curls I was floored at the notion of achieving straight styles without using my flat iron and the idea of not having to subject my hair to thermal damage while still achieving fabulous results was a ground breaking concept!

The brush is designed to work on damp hair so there is no need to pre-dry. The concept is that blow drying damp hair helps lock in moisture and the quick drying teeth rapidly extracts surface water from the hair shaft leaving it silky, glossy and less frizzy.

The brush works with any blow dryer to quickly style and smooth curls and waves without losing body and bounce for salon quality results. The goal is to make hair look incredible without losing natural movement and gorgeous flow.

The teeth glide through hair effortlessly to deliver free-flow tension without pulling or dragging. Unlike the other Tangle Teezers which are designed for knots these bristles are thick, extra sturdy and not as flexible so they stand up to the heat of your dryer and you can get in close to smooth unruly curls around the hairline. The large grooves also allows for easy cleaning and removing loose hair without causing damage to the brush.

Now for the million dollar question - did it actually straighten out and smooth my curls? The answer to that is no.  After blow drying and brushing out the curls my hair was quite fuzzy and not very sleek so I still needed to flat iron but it definitely sped up the drying process which is totally worth it! I liked how gentle it was as I styled but I guess it works better on loose curl patterns or wavy hair. I also noticed that the black coloring on the back of the brush and teeth started rubbing off on my hands which was quite odd. I'm hoping this is temporary. 

Curly girls who love the original Tangle Teezer are going to jump for joy when they try the new version for curls and waves which also includes afro hair and thicker textures. Whether you have long soft ringlets like me, tight spirals or loose beach waves this brush is made for you!

The teeth are longer with some shorter ones dispersed in-between for superior yet gentle detangling. I love that they get right into the twists and turns of curly hair to efficiently remove knots big and small and I don’t feel like my hair is being ripped out or damaged.

For those with tightly formed curls you know that brushing after styling loosens the shape and makes hair look poofy, fuzzy and big so I use the brush in the shower with a nice slippery conditioner and then apply my leave-ins without any post-brushing.

It definitely does a better job than my wide tooth comb which doesn't quite get to the smaller tangles and I like that the flexible teeth also massage my scalp and improve circulation to promote healthy hair growth. Like all products from this brand the brush is ergonomic and the concave design provides improved non-slip grip. If I apply my deep conditioners after I get out of the shower I use this brush to help distribute the creamy formulas which makes a huge difference in treatment results! The original brush retails for $22.00.

If you like to detangle while in the shower like I do then the new Aqua Splash is a great grooming tool! The oval, hollowed-out body may look unconventional and slightly odd but it was designed to ensure a non-slip, wraparound grip which is great for use in water and the curve makes it comfortable to hold. Unlike the blow drying brush this one is not meant to be used with heat but you can use it whenever hair is wet for improved detangling with no pulling, breaking or snags.

The cool thing about this brush is that it was created to take your hair care routine to the next level by turning regular shampooing and conditioning into detox and hydrating treatments! I wasn't expecting to like this brush as much as I did but I noticed immediate results as I brushed through my conditioner. My hair felt smooth, and my curls were more dense, lush, soft and beautifully formed! The brushing action of the fine, spindly teeth allows product to wrap around and drench each strand which greatly enhances my conditioning treatments and it took less time to detangle and achieve silky results from my hair masks.

The Aqua Splash also helps retain moisture for a weightless blow dry and a fabulous finish plus the shape allows it to stand upright in the shower and helps with rinsing and self-cleaning. I did notice that the brush seems to push tangles from roots to ends and if you aren't vigilant the knots can congregate in clumps so make sure to get them all or you'll have quite a mess on your hands!

Although products do wash out easily I would love it if the brand released a brush cleaner that could get in-between the teeth and pick out all the stray hairs that get trapped because they aren't always easy to remove. I also like that the brush helps contain loose hair so you get less strands slipping down the drain and clogging your pipes! The shower brush retails for $22.00.

If you keep a brush in your purse like I do, Tangle Teezer has you covered! The brand also offers mini on-the-go versions of their most popular brush in a wide variety of cute designs and trendy patterns to suit your mood and style! I have the pink animal print which is fun and a little wild!

These handy minis come with a safety cover that snaps in place over the teeth so there are no mishaps as you dig through your purse. My long hair tends to tangle very easily especially on windy days so this little brush keeps my tresses in check. It is also great for travel and I like to pop it in my carry-on to revive my hair during long flights. The compact brushes retail for $25.00.

You can find Tangle Teezer products at Sephora and Sephora.ca