Kismet Essentials Coconut Rinse Oil Pulling Kit Review

We live in a digital world obsessed with seflies and where every moment is plastered on social media, so it’s no wonder that teeth whitening has become so popular. I have tried several mainstream whitening kits from the drugstore and each time the experience has been quite painful. Many of these products contain harsh ingredients that have irritated my gums and people who’ve had braces know that you need to maintain the integrity of the permanent wire glued to the back of your teeth which keeps them in place for the rest of your life!

When Kismet contacted me to try their Coco Rinse I was excited. Finally an all-natural, organic option with many other health benefits! I should start by explaining what “oil pulling” is because I have only just begun to learn about it myself. This ancient practice involves swishing natural coconut oil in your mouth to draw out toxins and bacteria from the body.

Photo from: nutritionsecrets.com

We all know that coconut oil is a "super food" with amazing health benefits but I had no idea it could be so powerful for oral health! Other benefits include:
*Whiter teeth
*Fresh breath
*Improved digestion
*Reduced headaches
*Clean tongue and mouth
*Improved immune system
*Healthy gums and reduced plaque
*Clear skin and less acne
*Cures tooth decay
*Heals bleeding gums and prevents cavities
*Soothes dry throat and mouth
*Heals cracked lips
*Balances hormones

Kismet is a Canadian company that uses environmentally friendly cold-pressed coconut which is ethically sourced. Their kits contain 14 single use packets for $22.99 or a monthly subscription for $25.99. To use, simply tear or snip the sachet, swish the oil in your mouth for 15-20 mins, spit and smile!

At first the texture of the rinse takes a bit of getting use to but it has a mild fresh mint flavor and doesn’t sting the way a mouth wash might. The treatment is not painful and I like knowing that no harmful substances are being absorbed into my body.

The process is quite easy but the most difficult part for me is keeping the rinse in my mouth for the recommended time which is a bit lengthy. As you gargle more saliva is naturally produced which (as gross as this may sound) fills your mouth with a lot of liquid. To counteract this I gently swish the oil a few times every minute instead of continuously and increase gargling a minute or two before spit time. I also found that occupying time during treatment rather than waiting idly makes it seem quicker and easier. Watch TV, read or check Instagram to pass time. The box instructs you to brush after use and avoid spitting down the sink as oil can clog drains. I’ll leave disposal techniques to you but I simply spit in the garbage.

I’ve been using the treatment for over a week now and so far so good. To achieve a pearly smile I may need to continue for a while since results don't happen overnight but I do notice visible improvement, especially when used with my regular whitening toothpaste. If you're wondering why you couldn't just go out and buy a tub of coconut oil to try this, you have a point but you'd have to make sure the oil is organic, spend time melting it when it hardens into a solid and measure the perfect dose. I don't know about you but all that extra work would make me less likely to do it, especially on a regular basis and after a long, tiring day. The convenience of the kit also makes it much easier to continue treatment during travel. I would recommend a bit more mint flavor and maybe packaging that is easier to tear open but the experience has inspired me to incorporate more coconut oil in my life from now on!

Since the process detoxifies and rids the body of bacteria, I think it is totally worth it so I keep the packets by my toothbrush as a reminder.

You can visit the website by clicking HERE

NEW Skincare from Marcelle

While browsing the drugstore you may have noticed that Marcelle has released a few new items you can incorporate into your beauty routine for clean, healthy looking skin. I’ve been using the brand for years and if you haven’t checked out their unique lipsticks I highly recommend doing so!

The first thing I do after a fun night out or a long day of press events and meetings is change into something comfy and start removing my makeup before I hit the shower. Habitually I grab for the makeup wipes first and Marcelle's ultra gentle, biodegradable cloths are soft enough for sensitive skin. The thick, plush material is infused with a hypoallergenic micellar solution that contains no alcohol or perfume and helps eradicate waterproof formulas, sunscreen, long-wear foundation, dirt, excess oil and impurities without causing dryness. There are 25 wipes per pack retailing for $12.95.

Eye makeup remover is a must since I love to pack on the high-impact pigments, bold liner and layers of mascara which can be a nightmare to remove. This 3-in-1 formula cleanses to soak off shadow and waterproof makeup with the added bonus of softening the eye contour and reducing bags! Aloe Vera helps soothe and calm irritation which I need after soaking off all that crunchy mascara and I love the benefit of an extra eye treatment before bed! You can pick it up for $13.95.

Next I break out my Clarisonic brush and squirt on some of the Ultra Gentle Cleansing Gel to rinse away pore clogging irritants. The lather is quite mild so if you still have traces of foundation or oil build-up, you may not see foaming action right away. I always do an initial wash to eliminate the oil barrier naturally produced by the skin and a second wash to deep cleanse. Because the gel does not contain any harsh skin stripping soaps, parabens or perfume, you won’t experience that dry, tight feeling. This large bottle retails for $12.95.

When I need to improve my skin texture and polish-up I use an exfoliant. The new Hydra-C Daily Radiance Scrub is infused with vitamins C & E to refresh, gently slough away dead surface cells, soften and brighten. The micro-fine beads provide very gentle, non abrasive exfoliation more suitable for regular use. I prefer to use it on clean, dry skin as the beads seem less effective on a wet slippery surface and I don’t get enough friction. The scrub retails for $12.95 and you can also pick up the Hydra C Eye Cream for $24.95 to treat dark circles and bags.

I always end with layers of moisture but the new Lumi Power Gel is very lightweight and more suitable for day wear, under makeup and for oily or combination skin. The invigorating, fast absorbing formula is great for an active lifestyle and the infusion of anti-aging ingredients, hyaluronic acid and plant sugars mildly hydrates, brightens to boost your glow and smooths to diminish fine lines. Although I usually prefer a lot more moisture from my creams, this makes a nice, non-greasy base and retails for $24.95.

The best thing about this brand is that they always consider sensitive skin and incorporate ingredients that enhance your skin’s natural beauty without causing flare-ups. You can find Marcelle at drugstores including Shoppers Drug Mart and online at marcelle.com.

Face Off Makeup Remover Cloth Review

It’s time to tackle a task many of us dread, especially after a long, tiring day. I’m referring to makeup removal – the process of trying to dislodge and annihilate full-coverage foundation, long-lasting lip color and waterproof liner. Although it is a total drag, maintaining healthy skin is imperative so I’m always searching for products that make the job easier.

I was contacted by the good people at Face Off about a product that seemed too good to be true! A plain, white cloth capable of removing all face and eye makeup with just warm water!? This I had to try.

When it comes makeup removal I usually use a wipe, emulsifying cream, eye makeup remover, cleansing oil, face wash, toner and occasionally an exfoliant. I know that seems like a lot but I make sure to get every last trace to de-clog my pores and prevent breakouts. This cloth is designed to be reused up to 4 months and it eliminates the need for harsh cleansers.

To use you simply wet the cloth with warm water and start removing! There are no chemicals or any type of liquid cleanser soaked into the material so it is safe for sensitive skin. The texture of the fabric does not feel like your average washcloth, in fact it is quite soft and unique. Instead of merely wetting and spreading around foundation, the cloth has gripping fibers which allows it to gently grab and wipe away all makeup without smearing. This actually makes the cloth more efficient than most disposable wipes and it doesn’t burn or irritate. It removes virtually everything on your face and leaves skin soft and fresh! It is also gets the job done much quicker since you don’t need several different products and it even loosens crunchy mascara, liner and eye shadow while exfoliating. Because you are simply using water, there is no dryness from soap ingredients and it gets rid of excess oil, dirt and blemish causing impurities.

I was very skeptical at first but I will admit that this cloth is pretty darn amazing! I don’t know if it is the best option for travel since it does take some time to completely dry and after a workout at the gym you would have to pack a damp cloth in your bag. For home use however it is convenient and maybe a bit more eco friendly.

The big drawback came when it was time to clean the cloth which is recommended after each use. Foundation contains oil and all that black liner and mascara is a bit difficult to get rid of even with soap. Just like your brushes or sponge applicators, the cloth will become stained so the time and effort I conserved removing my makeup became redundant when I had to spend a considerable amount of time soaping, lathering and rinsing the cloth before I hung it up to dry. I don’t know if I’d want to go through that every night but it is a great option if you aren't a fan of traditional wipes. The cloth is machine washable but avoid fabric softener to maintain the integrity of the fabric.

If you want to avoid harsh soaps and maybe save some money (depending on your beauty routine), then you will probably like this. Despite the clean-up I think it is a great product! The cloth retails for $12.95 and you can check out the website by clicking HERE.

Lancome La Palette Saint-Germain by Sonia Rykiel: Review and Swatches

Rich, seductive color makes a bold statement but for fall I like to kick it up a notch with even more glam and smokiness. The late French fashion designer - Sonia Rykiel collaborated with Lancome to create a beautiful array of shadows that compliment all complexions and captures the essence of the season. With inspiration stemming from Saint Germain des Pres - a highly coveted neighborhood in Paris, the palette incorporates midnight navy, sparkling grey-blue, brilliant silver, soft green, matte rose, khaki and cream.

The packaging is fun and comes with a double-ended brush.

These smoldering shades are perfect for a night out and the cool undertones are also suitable for day wear. The finishes range from shimmer, matte and glitter although I don’t think the extra sparkle is necessary since the particles can be difficult to contain and the colors are bold enough to stand alone. That being said, sometimes I do like a bit of dazzle and these hues are certainly great for events and parties.

The pigmentation varies by shade – the light silver is the sheerest in the palette but the other glitters and deeper hues provide medium to full coverage when layered. It may take a bit of work and a primer with good adhesion but most of the shadows have the potential to be enhanced quite nicely and the mattes are silky smooth. There are great options for the lids, highlighting, transitioning and defining, although I recommend not blending the glitters to avoid fall-out. The best way to apply the sparkle is by patting on the color for more precision and building up to the effect you desire.

At the far right end of the palette there is a little metal flap that opens to reveal 2 liners (deep glittery blue and dark shimmery navy) plus a matte pink highlight/base. The liners are very saturated so you can also use them in the crease for more depth and contrast.

Overall I really like these shadows and there is a nice balance of deep blue and blue-grey that looks lovely for dramatic smokey looks. This palette is limited edition and retails for $75.00 at Lancome counters and online at lancome.ca.

Make Up For Ever Water Blend Foundation Review

It's time to start thinking about fall/winter skincare and for many of us that means incorporating more moisture. When it comes to makeup, I’m a full-coverage, flawless skin kind of girl but the new lightweight Water Blend Foundation was too enticing to resist!

This fluid new pigment is comprised of 80% pro-vitamin B5 water which gives it a silky, highly blendable texture for superior glide and consistency. Whether you use a sponge or brush, the color is easy to apply and although it initially feels a bit wetter than I’m use to, it sets well and dries with a dewy smooth finish for healthy looking skin.

Because the formula is light and spreadable, the color doesn’t cake or settle into my skin texture which is also easier on the pores! The water-gel texture looks and feels more natural plus the infusion of mango butter provides parched skin with a boost of hydration. I also like the durability of the water resistant, long-wear, transfer-proof finish which help prevent your face from melting off in heat and humidity - great for summer and tropical vacations.

Micro-fine pigments deliver sheer, sleek coverage and with some layering I was able to achieve medium coverage. It does a good job at evening skin tone to camouflage minor blemishes and surprisingly I didn’t miss the heavier formula of my regular foundation.

There are 20 shades to choose from and since one of my staple foundations is the Make Up For Ever Ultra HD I was confident that I could find a similar match. The corresponding numbers between the two collections aren’t exact. I usually wear 173 equal to Y445 but the undertone of the Water Blend is lighter and a bit more yellow whereas the HD Foundation has a deeper tint with a bit of red. I suggest testing the new shades in-store but overall I think this is a great option for those who prefer a fresh-faced look without all the added thickness and mattifiation. Like all foundations I've used, this one looks even better when set with the Make Up For Ever Micro Finish HD Translucent Powder which is still my favorite setting product!

The Water Blend Foundation retails for $54.00 and is available at Sephora and sephora.ca. Check out my review of the new Artist Rouge Lipsticks by clicking HERE.

Cargo Eye Contour Eye Shadow Palette Review

It seems that the contouring craze is here to stay as more people embrace the art of sculpting to accentuate the face and body. “If you got it, flaunt it” and if you don’t, why not fake it? Anything that boosts confidence is okay with me and I'm always on the hunt for great new products to share.

Recently I attended a fall/holiday media event and among the gorgeousness the Cargo Eye Contour Palette caught my attention with its chic skyline design. While getting ready I spend most of my time on eye makeup and I guess it pays-off because many high profile Makeup Artists have noticed my work. I expertly match shades and blend until my arm is close to falling off to achieve mesmerizing, bold effects. 

This palette consists of 3 cool hues (light, medium, dark), 3 warm shades, a matte base and a shimmer highlight. The shadows are simple with a selection of beige, cream, deep brown and navy but you have everything you need to create a natural looking sculpted eye.

The texture is very smooth and silky for a seamless, “airbrushed” finish and although it looks unassuming, the palette contains great fundamental and supporting shades to help create depth, dimension and highlight. The warm beige is a great transition shade and the deep matte brown works well to define the crease and enhance countless other colors, my personal fave being gold and champagne. For smokey looks, the matte navy is great for sculpting.

The pigmentation provides light to medium coverage so you will need a good primer even under the base but with a little layering they can be intensified nicely. The shadows blend well allowing me to concentrate the color heavily or fade it out for a nice gradient. The only thing I would add is more variation, there are 3 tints of beige and the grey-black applies very similar to the navy.

To satisfy my need for warmer hues, palette one is a great option. It includes more of the shades I use on a daily basis like deep plum, brown and bright peach.

The Eye Contour Palette will be available October 2016 at London Drugs, Rexall, Pharma Plus and Lawtons across Canada, it retails for $39.00.

The lipstick comes in similar packaging with the same artistic flare! This neutral pink called Soho works well when I prefer a mild pop of color. The formula is very creamy and moisturizing with a shiny, supple finish and sheer to medium coverage. 

Vichy Face Mask Review

Summer is winding down and it’s time for some serious skin restoration! If you’ve been frolicking in the sun and enjoying the patio parties, backyard barbecues and beaches, then you’ve probably been exposed to skin irritants, pollutants and lots of UV. Thankfully Vichy is here to rescue your complexion with their new water and mineral enriched masks.

Each mask has it's own unique texture and blend of ingredients that target different skin concerns and add a pampering twist to your beauty ritual.

The Double Glow Peel Mask has a fresh, watery gel texture that smells like delicious peach, white musk and black tea. The light formula is infused with volcanic ash and AHA - (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) derived from fruit sugars and used to deeply penetrate the skin to gently peel off dead cells. Along with brightening benefits from Vitamin C, it also exfoliates for a smooth, polished finish. After 1 month skin is rebalanced, radiant and more resilient.

As the weather cools down and skin becomes dehydrated, many of us are going to need the Quenching Mineral Mask. This cooling blue gel soothes thirsty, uncomfortable skin with a light fragrant blend of green tea, jasmine, vitamins and bamboo. It instantly moisturizes, calms irritation and leaves skin feeling soft, supple and refreshed.

The Pore Purifying Clay Mask uses Kaolin Clay to cleanse the skin of complexion damaging irritants. It detoxifies and refines pores with an invigorating minty fragrance and absorbs dirt and excess oil to help reduce acne flare-ups. After long nights or stressful days, it makes skin feel fantastic!

You can find these masks at drugstores nationwide and they retail for $34.00 each. For more info visit the website by clicking HERE.

Fall 2016 Makeup Giveaway - $325 Prize!

It has been a great summer but I’m ready to celebrate my favorite season with a fabulous makeup giveaway! Diary of a Trendaholic recently surpassed 800,000 views and whether you follow me on social media or Bloglovin, I appreciate the support and encouragement. As a special thanks, I’ve put together a box of great prizes with brands that have been featured here on my blog.

This giveaway will have one winner and is open internationally (worldwide) with an approximate value of $325.51. To be eligible you MUST be following my blog on GFC OR Bloglovin & at least TWO of my social media accounts. Since this prize is dedicated to my fans, followers and readers (old & new), only legitimate accounts will qualify - aka no social media accounts that ONLY post contests.

The giveaway will end on Monday October 3, 2016 at 12 am EST and some entry methods are allowed daily. The only other thing I ask is that the winner share a photo of the prize on social media (tagging me) to let everyone know how excited you are to win these awesome goodies. Other than that, good luck!

Prizes include:
*Too Face Candlelight Glow Highlight Powder Duo in Rosy Gow

*Too Faced Lip Injection in Angel Kisses 

*Quo Lip Gloss Set (6 shades)

*Too Faced Melted Matte Liquid Lipstick in Miso Pretty 

*Quo Brow Kit

*Quo Back to Basics Eye Shadow in Sand 

*Essence All About Chocolates Eye Shadow Palette 

*Essence Long Lasting Lipstick in Coral Calling 

*Essence Liquid Lipstick in 03 Almost Real 

*CND Vinylux Nail Polish in Mauve Maverick 

*NYX Sculpt and Highlight Brow Contour in Cream/Brunette 

*NYX Colored Felt Tip Liner in White 

*Physician’s Formula SuperBB #Instaready Contour Trio 

*Absolute New York Duo Stroke Dual Ended Liner

*Pixi Flawless Skin Vitamin Veil Foundation in Tanned

*Chop Saver Lip Balm

*GOSH Mineral Powder in 006 Honey 

*Pur Cosmetics Double Ego Dual Ended Eyeliner in Queensland 

*Benefit The Pore Professional Primer sample

*Avon Nail Polish & Lip Gloss Set 

*Avon Press-on Nails

*Mystic Tan Bronzer in warm brown

**UPDATE** I was forced to end this giveaway early because due to the retweets, Twitter has flagged my blog URL as spam and I can no longer post direct links which will impact my business. I am working to get this sorted out and I will announce a giveaway winner in the coming week.  Thank you for your patience. 

Giveaway Winner Announcement! 

Congratulations to Amanda of Portland Oregon, you have been randomly selected as the winner of my fall makeup giveaway!! I hope you enjoy the prizes. Special thanks to all those who entered and stay tuned for more great contests and beauty posts! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer and Rules: (Please Read)

This Makeup giveaway hosted by Diary of a Trendaholic Blog is open internationally and sponsored by the blog owner. One winner will be chosen at random via Rafflecopter (random.org) to receive the prizes outlined in the above giveaway post with an approximate value of $325.51 (this prize is not for resale). All information must be entered correctly as specified via Rafflecoptor and ALL entrants must be following at least 1 of my social media accounts and my blog via Bloglovin or Google Friends Connect (GFC) to qualify, (only viable entries will be considered). Social media accounts dedicated to only posting and reposting contests and giveaways may be disqualified along with entrants that continually follow and unfollow this blog and its associated social media accounts. This giveaway begins on Sunday September 4, 2016 and ends on Monday October 3, 2016 at 12am Eastern Time Zone.

            One eligible winner will be announced on http://diaryofatrendaholic.blogspot.ca/ within two weeks following the giveaway end date and entrants must be at least 18 years of age to participate. The winner must send their mailing address (no PO Box addresses) and contact information to diaryofatrendaholic@outlook.com to receive the prize. Winners will also be contacted by email if a valid address is provided and may be asked to post a photo of the prizes on social media. In the event that the winner does not claim the prize within 3 days after being contacted a second winner will be selected at random or another thereafter until the prize is claimed. Falsified entries or entries that cannot be verified may be disqualified at the discretion of the blog owner. Please note that all products are brand new and unused but some packaging may have been open for photography purposes. 

          Diary of a Trendaholic is not responsible for a lost package(s), delays, damages or any other issues that occur during shipping, handling, processing or mailing. In the event of unforeseen circumstances, the blog owner may choose to send a replacement prize equal to or differing from the original giveaway prize depending on product availability. The nature of any prize substitution will be decided on at the sole discretion of the host without any additional notification or permission. The blog owner may also choose not to replace or substitute the prize and there will be no cash alternative offered under any circumstance. None of the brands featured in this prize are responsible for shipping or any inquiries pertaining to this giveaway.

          All beauty products received by the giveaway winner must be used at his or her discretion in compliance with the directions on the product (s). The blog owner and giveaway host is not responsible for any adverse skin or medical reactions associated with the use of any product(s) sent to the winner. By accepting the prize the winner(s) completely releases the blog owner of all legal liability pertaining to any and all side effects associated with the use of the products won.

           By accepting the prize the winner agrees to comply with the rules and regulations herein which cannot be contested including the use of any legal action against the blog owner. The blog owner reserves the right to amend or cancel this giveaway at any time without prior notice. Entrants will be deemed to have accepted the official terms and conditions (“the rules”) and are agreed to be bound by them. By entering this giveaway you agree to the collection of personal information. The winner’s personal details (address and contact information) will not be disclosed or shared with third parties. There will be a public giveaway winner announcement on this blog and or social media.

          The promotion of this giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered or associated with Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, Pinterest, Facebook or any other social media sites and blogging platforms. By participating you agree to a complete release of any liability for all websites that may have been used to promote this giveaway.

Contest posted on: Canada Contests at AllCanadaContests.com and internationalgiveawaysblog

Essence Cosmetics 2016 Fall/Winter Collection Review

A few weeks ago I attended the Essence forbidden garden event to celebrate the launch of their fall/winter collection. In true essence style there were lots of tasty treats and pretty makeup to put us all in a partying mood.

When it comes to affordable, usable cosmetics with fun packaging, the brand has delivered some real gems and whether you are experienced with makeup or just starting out, there are always products to suit your needs.

The new Velvet Eye Shadows are available in 9 shades ranging from matte and sheer to full-coverage. These fresh, light hues are not what you’d expect to see for fall but you can wear them alone or use deeper shade in the crease for more depth. The pigmentation is not as dramatic or intense as I like but I’ve found some nice blending, highlight and transition shades among the bunch. When you want to amp-up the glam, the regular single shadows (my personal fave) are infused with luminous shimmer and provide more color pay-off to brighten and accentuate. The shadows retail for $2.49 ea.

Two products I was quite excited to try are the I Love Color Intensifying Eye Shadow Base and the new Prettifying Lip Oil. I tested the base with some of the essence shadows and it did help boost vividness while creating a nice smooth surface for adhesion and long wear. In some cases the primer intensified sheer formulas from subtle to medium and from medium to full-coverage with a little layering. It retails for just $3.99.

The lightweight Lip Oil smells like delicious candy and is non-greasy. The main moisturizing ingredient is jojoba and the texture melts into lips with a hint of shine and no stickiness. The oil retails for $3.99 and is available in 3 subtle tints.

When the weather gets cooler our complexions may need a little enrichment which is where the Mosaic Blush comes in handy. To create a wind-kissed, rosy cheek the brand created two tri-color blends - Berry Connection and All You Need is Pink which is really more of a peach combo. These blushes are very soft and light so the pigmentation isn’t bold but they do provide a beautiful dusting of mild shimmer for a subtle glow. When I use these pigments for everyday wear I don’t really need highlighter unless I want more radiance and they provide a fresh pop of color. The blush retails for $3.99 ea.

The BB Beauty Balms have a basic lip gloss formulation and among the 6 moisturizing options there isn’t much color variation. If you like sheer hues go for the light colors and if you prefer a bit more tint, the brighter glosses like 05 Heartbreaker tend to stand-out more. The best thing about these lippies is the high-shine finish and the infusion of shea butter and vitamin E which helps nourish parched skin. They also smell quite good and retail for just $4.49 ea.

Highlighters have been a staple this year and the Pure Nude compact will maintain your gorgeous glow even on gloomy, cold afternoons. This baked powder provides the ideal amount of glow for daily life - not quite enough shimmer for an intense strobed effect yet not subtle enough to blend totally in and get lost. The texture isn’t very silky to the touch but that doesn’t really matter because the pigmentation is buildable and easy to blend for pretty illumination. It retails for $5.49 and definitely hold its own against other popular drugstore options. 

Essence has also released a variety of 2-in-1 jumbo cream crayons. The pink shade below is lipstick and liner ($4.99) with sheer coverage and good glide. Although it doesn’t provide the solid lines you get from traditional lip liners, it does make defining and application quite easy. The deep brown and white shades are the 2-in-1 eyeliner-shadow duos ($4.49) but the creamy texture is very similar to the lip formula so they don’t resist smudging or set very well. Since the color rubs off easily and brown lipstick is on-trend, I’m going to use the chocolate hue on my lips instead. It also works as brow filler if you don’t rub it off. With this packaging what you see is what you get - there is no option of twisting the product up or down which makes capping and uncapping a bit precarious when it comes to smooshing the crayons.

I've tested a lot of makeup setting sprays, many of which work similarly whether they are higher-end or drugstore. I don’t usually need to set my makeup as thoroughly in the fall/winter months but for special events and summer it is a must! This spray smells similar to a few others on the market and although the nozzle occasionally distributes larger droplets, it dries fast and does seem to reinforce my makeup. You can pick it up for $4.99.

Essence is exclusively available at Shoppers Drug Mart in Canada and can be found at Ulta Beauty in the U.S.

Make UP For Ever Artist Rouge Lipstick Review

By now most of you have seen the array of high-impact, gorgeous color that is the new Artist Rouge Collection but if you haven’t, you are in for a treat! Make Up For Ever recently launched 45 show-stopping shades with 25% more pigment to accentuate and beautify your pout.

These bold pigments are available in two finishes - lustrous cream or velvet matte and the spectacular color is enriched with macadamia, mallow oil and sunflower seed wax for nourishing comfort and suppleness. Due to these skin conditioning ingredients, the lipsticks glide on buttery smooth and velvety with no drag or dryness. Both formulas are made to last up to 8 hours with the matte outliving the cream due to its superior adhesion and lower susceptibility to transfer.

If you’re wondering what makes these lipsticks so intense, the answer lies within the innovative triple milled formula that provides full-coverage and the brightest, strongest color the brand has released thus far. I did notice that the matte applies a bit more solid and opaque in the first layer but the cream has a lustrous shine and still maintains a high level of buildable pigmentation.

The tear drop tip was designed to define and customize application to all lip shapes and I love the lightweight cushiony consistency. I chose two fall-inspired shades to kick-off the first day of September. M402  is a classic brick red matte and C506 is a seductive dark purple wine that I have already received many compliments and inquiries about. The Artist Rouge Lipsticks are available at Sephora and retail for $27.00 each.

At the Generation Beauty Even hosted by IPSY earlier this summer, I received this gorgeous eye shadow duo which is also very on-trend for fall! The vibrant shimmery purple has hints of iridescent pink and the deep, smoldering red-brown creates depth and dimension in the crease. The eye shadow refills retail for $21.00 each and come in a wide variety of colors and finishes.