Too Faced 2016 Holiday Collection: Grande Hotel Cafe Review

Have you ever wanted to spend Christmas in New York gazing up at the giant Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree while sipping hot cocoa as the snow flutters down around you? Well I have and even though I may not get around to it this year, the adorable Grande Hotel Cafe has already put me in the holiday spirit!

I have come to expect nothing but the most decorative packaging from Too Faced and this year they did not disappoint! This magical set includes three deliciously scented palettes inspired by the season including: Gingerbread Cookie, Peppermint Mocha and Eggnog Latte plus a Better Than Sex Mascara. Now if that isn’t enough to make you want to deck the halls and belt out carols I don’t know what will!

The palettes are cute booklets resembling cafe menus and they come tucked away inside the Grande Hotel - a beautifully decorated box commemorative of New York City's famous Plaza Hotel.

As you open the doors and remove the palettes, you will find a cute cafe with stools, cappuccino machine, Christmas trees, tables and even a chalkboard menu! It seems that Too Faced aimed to completely delight and appeal to our playful side by creating this dollhouse-like makeup box and you can even use it to enhance your bedroom decor for the holidays.

The Peppermint Mocha Palette includes two mattes and four shimmers in stunning garnet, gold, bronze, baby pink and cream. Although some shadows range from light, medium and full-coverage, many start off sheer so I recommend using a good primer to make them pop. The shimmers aren't ultra smooth, saturated or creamy and they do create a bit of fall-out but once layered and intensified the effect is gorgeous! The bubble gum pink blush provides a wintery flush but I tend to use this type of pink very sparingly.

Eggnog Latte smells like one of those comforting hot drinks you’d enjoy on a cold December night. The range of matte, shimmer and glitter is gorgeous and I’m digging the gold, deep green and champagne combo! I don't think another light cream highlight was necessary but it doesn’t take an expert to make these pigments look amazing. Like the other palettes, the color pay-off and consistency varies by shade and some start off quite sheer with the ability to be intensified for a brilliant finish. I suggest patting on the shimmer and glitter and keep layering until you reach the level of saturation you desire. The peachy-pink blush is very light and silky but a deep berry tone would have added more variety and depth.

Gingerbread Cookie consists of darker crease colors, a glamorous gold glitter with metallic finish, silvery-purple, cream, deep beige, classic black and a deep, sultry plum. Instead of blush you get the Gingerbread Bronzer which is too light for contouring my skin tone but functions as a subtle highlight.

All 18 shadows are very festive and quite dazzling so overall I think Too Faced fans will like this set. Although the glitter pigments may be a bit finicky to work with (as most glitter is) each collection is expertly coordinated to inspire beautiful creations and there is enough here for parties, events, day wear and a night out. The Grande Hotel Cafe makes a great gift for any makeup lover and retails for $62.00. Too Faced is available at Sephora and at toofaced.com.

THEFACESHOP Collagen Ampoule Lipstick Review

While browsing the THEFACESHOP store for trendy new items, I've tried and tested much of the makeup collection but the Collagen Ampoule Lipstick is by far my favorite! The brand has excelled to new levels with these luxurious, show-stopping pigments and with 16 brilliant shades to choose from, there is something for everyone!

It may be difficult to choose just one but the collection mainly consists of pink, coral, orange, and red with a mix of subtle tones, deep vivid hues with darker finishes and of course bright, bold color for a pop of summer all year round. Since I love rich, glamorous tones, I couldn’t resist the beautiful red hues and the deep wine called Blood Red is perfect for fall!

The formula is what really sold me because the lipsticks glide on smooth and creamy with full-coverage, intense color pay-off and a luminous satin finish. The consistency is lightweight, velvety and quite moisturizing so lips stay soft and healthy. The mild fruity scent smells great and the infusion of macadamia seed oil and flower extracts nourish and soothe parched skin.

As an added bonus the formula also contains a blend of anti-aging ingredients that help reduce the appearance of fine lines so lips may appear youthful and plump. In terms of staying power, the pigment holds up for hours of smudge-proof wear but like most lipstick they do fade during meals and transfer with contact. The quality reminds me of high-end lipsticks and the plush comfort and glistening layers of hydration is something I think everyone will enjoy. 

If you examine some of the shades closely you will notice micro-fine shimmer particles that help create layers of vibrant radiance but once applied you can’t see or feel the fragments which I love!

Swatches from left to right: Blood Red, Rhythm Pink, Killer Brown and Signature Red

I highly recommend stopping by one of the many FACESHOP locations and checking out these beautiful lipsticks. You can also find them online at thefaceshop.ca.

Kat Von D Hello Canada! Set: Review & Swatches

When one of my favorite makeup brands decides to release a cute set exclusively for Canadians I just had to have it! You’d think that bordering the U.S would give us access to all the new launches but that isn’t always the case. Many beauty products take ages to get here (if they make it at all) and often times I have to travel in order to get my hands on specific items. Thankfully Kat kept us Canucks in mind by creating a trio of her most coveted items just for us!

The collection includes a vegan leather clutch complete with trendy zipper detailing, fringe tassel and Kat’s signature stamp. The pouch is thin, light, good quality and fits all your essentials for a night out with the girls.

Inside the bag you will find Kat’s go-to Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in the shade Double Dare which is a pretty neutral rose. Even though this hue is in the nude range it isn't flesh tone which makes it soft, fresh and flattering on most complexions. The formula is full-coverage, smooth, creamy and rich with a luminous, moisturizing finish and superior glide.

The collection also comes with the Studded Kiss Lipstick in the shade Lolita, another dusty rose hue with a deeper matte finish. I love the shade selection Kat went with here because it compliments all skin tones and isn't too dark or bright. Although the lipstick is quite small, it is still easy to manoeuvre around the lip contour for shaping and definition plus it slips into pockets and small handbags. The formula is a tad creamy so it doesn't dry out the lips and provides loads of buildable pigment.

Last but not least is the Tattoo Waterproof Eye Liner in the shade Trooper which is classic black. The thin applicator was inspired by the finest artistry pens for control, fluid lines, buildable coverage and 24 hours of water resistance. I like that the tip is flexible which makes gliding over the lid curvature and flicking out the perfect wing quite easy and it dries quickly to prevent smudging. If you are new to liquid liner it may take some practice with this little guy but the results are bold, sharp lines and one hell of a cat eye!

I wish Kat had included one of her amazing eye shadow pigments to complete the collection but hopefully her next set will be even bigger!

This collection retails for $45.00 at Sephora stores across Canada

L’Occitane Harmonie Divine Skincare Review

When I attended L’Occitane’s holiday event a few weeks ago at Toronto’s beautiful Castle Loma, all the scintillating scents and luxurious skincare was amazing but one set totally stole the show. If you love the brand’s bestselling moisturizer – Immortelle Divine as much as I do, then you are going to fall head-over-heels for Harmonie Divine. The new range fuses two precious ingredients from land and sea: Immortelle Millésimée – the flower that never fades with powerful anti-aging properties and Jania Rubens – a precious algae with regenerating properties.

The packaging is visually captivating with beautiful translucent glass bottles that hold the amazing formulas within elegant cylindrical capsules. These cylinders can be replaced by purchasing refills and the gold-amber gradient looks magnificent atop a dresser or vanity.

The serum, or as I like to call it - my magic elixir, is highly concentrated with 500 micro drops of active ingredient suspended within a water based gel also infused with drops of dewy oil. All these textures combine to form a lavish formula that glides across the skin and seeps in efficiently for layers of rejuvenating moisture. You only need to apply a few small drops for maximum results and there is an abundance of anti-aging ingredients to improve texture, wrinkles, fine lines and sagging so skin looks plump, firm, dense and youthful! Although I don’t have lines or visible signs of aging yet, I use this as a preventative measure and during the winter it will fortify and protect against environmental damage.

The best thing about this serum is its ability to instantly transform my complexion from dull and lackluster to smooth and radiant! The texture of my skin feels plush, soft and incredibly silky, similar to the results I experience after a professional facial complete with exfoliation! When used with the moisturizer as a night treatment I awake from my beauty sleep with fresh, clear skin which also improves makeup application for a flawless finish. The serum retails for $225.00 per 30 ml and the refill is $210.00.

The Immortelle Harmonie cream is a dry skin savoir and pampers the complexion in layers of rich, velvety moisture. The luscious formula melts in with no greasiness for maximum suppleness and transforms into an exquisite, radiance boosting dry oil for long lasting hydration and comfort. If you crave soft, polished, amazing skin, I highly recommend this cream! It is also infused with many of the same potent anti-aging components as the serum to diminish wrinkles, sun damage, improve the appearance of contour slackening, lines and all the signs of tired, drooping skin.

Layered over the serum this dynamic duo does wonders for my face and after a couple weeks my skin tone evened out considerably as discoloration and irregularities faded. Every time I look in the mirror I am thrilled with how bright and luminous my complexion appears and all my problem areas caused by dryness, hyperpigmentation and sensitivity have started to disappear which means less concealer! The jar holds 50 ml and retails for $200 with a refill price of $185.00. Although this is in the higher-end range it is totally worth the investment for healthy, glowing skin and the scent of both products is incredible!

You can also purchase these items together as a set for $406.00 at L’Occitane boutiques and ca.loccitane.com.

The 7 Virtues Jasmine of India Perfume by Lisa Ray

A few weeks ago I attended a private event at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto hosted by the founder of The 7 Virtues Fragrance Collection – Barb Stegman to discuss her collaboration with actress and model Lisa Ray. As we sipped sparkling water and munched on healthy veggie wraps in the posh Governor’s Suite, one thing was apparent, Barb and Lisa are adamant about supporting female entrepreneurs and giving back to third world communities. They spoke passionately about sourcing exotic ingredients from countries that inspire these bold aromas including Afghanistan, Haiti and Rwanda, in an effort to employ and empower local growers.    

The care and positivity that this brand stands for is truly inspiring and their vegan-friendly perfumes are made without the use of parabens, sulfates and phthalate so they can be sprayed directly on the skin without irritation.

I am familiar with some of Lisa’s work in the Bollywood community and it was a joy to discover the inspiration behind her signature scent. The main accord is Indian Jasmine which Lisa remembers seeing nestled into women’s hair and adorning sacred temples when she was a child. The smooth floral essence of this summery blend reminds us to slow down, breathe and recognize the divine in everyday life.

The fragrance opens with juicy orange and fresh bergamot, middle notes of jasmine, orange blossom, cardamom and ginger followed by invigorating vetiver, myrrh, frankincense, cedarwood and patchouli.

I’d describe this scent as bold, feminine, fresh and sweet with a faint muskiness that adds depth to reflect the vibrancy of India. Like most perfumes, the aroma does fade slightly with wear but the notes still remain quite pronounced. Usually I’m not a fan of predominate floral scents but the citrus, spice and woody elements helps mellow and balance the sweetness to create something very wearable.

This perfume breaks away from mainstream trends and adds sophistication to my collection. I wouldn’t classify the scent as youthful but it certainly is graceful and I think it would appeal to a mature demographic who appreciate the finer things in life.

Jasmine of India retails for $70.00 per 50 ml and is exclusively available at Hudson’s Bay stores across Canada and the7virtues.com. 

Vasanti Love Brights Gel Matte Lipstick Review

In honor of rich, vivacious fall color, I’ve decided to revisit some of my favorite products from Vasanti Cosmetics. If you haven’t tried the extraordinary Love Brights Lipsticks yet, you are missing out on some serious gorgeousness and although these shades inspire me to create stunning autumn looks, their vibrant beauty transcends seasonal trends for sensational lips all year round!

First let’s talk about the unique bullet design that covers more surface in a single swipe for enhanced application. The broader shape feels more efficient and the tip helps outline and define. Although the finish is matte (void of any slickness), the formula is enriched with nourishing mango butter, pomegranate seed oil, evening primrose and sweet cherry seed oil for lightweight comfort and supple moisture.

The shades in this collection are phenomenal and because of the lush texture they do not cause dryness or chapping. The creamy consistency glides on smooth and velvety with the ability to layer and intensify beautifully without feathering. Pigmentation wise, the lipsticks are expertly saturated, full-coverage and pure plus the range has something to compliment every style, preference and skin tone.

For a creamy-matte formulation the longevity is quite impressive and the color seems to cling well for less transfer and more fade-resistance. I’ve been using these lipsticks for years now and although they do last quite a while, you should probably use them up or replace your favorites within a year to a year and a half as the scent does change.

Mad Love is my personal fave and I can't seem to get enough of this flattering plum-purple!

This shade called - The Big Time, is from the Time After Time Collection. It provides sheer to medium coverage with a hint of shine and although the color is not as solid or opaque as the Love Brights, the pretty wine-berry hue makes lips look voluptuous.

I’ve been rocking dark, vampy lips recently and Drunk in Love is a swoon-worthy rich burgundy that spices up your look with a seductive flare!

Endless Love is a classic matte red with the right balance of bright and deep tones to create a signature shade. Since there are no harsh blue or orange undertones anyone can pull this off and look totally glam.

Crazy in Love is a Hot Pink which adds a refreshing burst of color on dreary days and instantly rejuvenates the complexion with its bold brightness.

The quality of these lipsticks is high-end and impressive yet they won’t break the bank at just $19.00 each and something about the shade selection is very sophisticated.

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

Too Faced 2016 Holiday Collection: Naughty Kisses & Sweet Cheeks Review

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way! It’s not even Halloween yet and my enthusiasm for the holiday season rivals Santa’s. I don’t know about you, but I’ve started checking things off my shopping list early this year and believe it or not I’ve almost finished organizing my gifts! When the last minute mall goers are fighting for parking spaces in a blinding blizzard, I’ll be cocooned in a warm throw with some hot cocoa. To help make gift giving easier, Too Faced has released a collection of festive new sets that are sure to please!

For the makeup lovers on your list, the Naughty Kisses & Sweet Cheeks Collection is a treat! The set comes with 3 mini blush and lip gloss duos in coordinating shades. You can keep one for yourself, give one to a friend or get busy stuffing those stockings! For just $45.00 ($15.00 per set) you can check three people off your list at once and if you want to be extra nice, pair it with a gorgeous Too Faced eye shadow palette. There are even gift tags on the back of the decorative boxes!

For ladies who prefer neutral tones, this box contains the Deluxe Lip Injection Gloss in the shade Milkshake and the Love Flush Blush in Baby Love. The blush contains a subtle dusting of shimmer and emits a soft, peachy glow. The gloss has a shiny finish with a very sheer, nude tint. If you are new to the Lip Injections keep in mind that the formula is meant to plump for a voluminous effect so you will experience a slight stinging sensation that dissipates within a few minutes.

The next set includes the clear Lip Injection (which can be layered over any lipstick) and the shimmery pink blush in the shade Crazy in Love. This box can be gifted to people of all skin tones (if they like pink) and the silky pigment adds a pop of vibrant color and highlight. The blush is also quite buildable with great color-pay off and on a gloomy winter day this shade definitely perks-up the complexion!

Last but not least we have my favorite gloss from the Injection range called Like a Boss and the Love Flush Blush in the shade Dream Lover. Like all lip color in this collection, this one is also sheer but it has a pretty lavender tone that makes lips appear juicy and alluring. On my skin, the blush appears lavender-pink which has a fresh highlight effect but I can see it being a bit ashy on deeper skin tones. I would have preferred a rich plum hue instead but the great thing about buying multiple sets is that you can gift them to whoever suits the shades best.

I think if the boxes contained the Too Faced Melted Lipsticks instead of the Injections they would be even more enticing (at least to me) but these cute little gifts would make any girl squeal for joy! The mini sizes also make the products great for travel and small handbags.

Too Faced Cosmetics is available at Sephora and online at toofaced.com

Luzia by Cirque du Soleil: Review & Photos

When I was ten, my dad took me to the circus for the first time. I can still remember the scent of fresh, buttery popcorn, souvenir stalls brimming with enticing toys and the excitement I felt right before the show. It was a magical night featuring death-defying stunts performed by unusual characters, and although the circus has changed a lot since I was a kid, the thrill and fascination has not diminished.

Simbaltico was the first show I saw by Cirque du Soleil and I was instantly hooked! Last weekend I sat center stage at Luzia – inspired by a waking dream of Mexico. The show transports you to a mystical world of culture beauty and art with touches of mime humor and jaw-dropping acrobatics.

Photo Credit: Laurence Labat / Costumes: Giovanna Buzzi / 2016 Cirque du Soleil

Seeing the show inside a tent, the way the circus is supposed to be experienced was more intimate and every seat had a good vantage point around the stage. The venue size also allowed the performers to be interactive with the crowd so we were completely immersed in the wonder and vibrancy of the fantasy.

Photo Credit: Laurence Labat / Costumes: Giovanna Buzzi / 2016 Cirque du Soleil

Photo Credit: Laurence Labat / Costumes: Giovanna Buzzi / 2016 Cirque du Soleil

The story begins with a quirky sky diver plummeting into a dream-like world of extraordinary creatures and follows his whimsical journey through several enchanting visions accompanied by beautiful Mexican ballads. Lead singer Majo Cornejo has a soulful voice that completely captivates as performers fly, flip and twirl gracefully through a waterfall that plummets down center stage.

Photo Credit: Laurence Labat / Costumes: Giovanna Buzzi / 2016 Cirque du Soleil

The mix of fairytale elements, vivid color and intricate costume design captures a diverse and artistic interpretation of Mexico complete with extraordinary sets that rotate, revolve, and transform before your eyes. From flinging acrobatics, hoop diving, trapeze, clowns, contortionists, speed juggling and fiesta - every well choreographed sequence tantalizes the imagination and invigorates the senses.

The first dream features a woman dressed as a graceful monarch butterfly running through a field of flowers as a large steel horse gallops around her and the stage rotates. 

Photo Credit: Laurence Labat / Costumes: Giovanna Buzzi / 2016 Cirque du Soleil

The next scene showcases 3 men tossing a woman high into the air as she flips and twists, landing gracefully on their palms!

Photo Credit: Laurence Labat / Costumes: Giovanna Buzzi / 2016 Cirque du Soleil

The spine-bending contortionist was unbelievable and in the swing act, artists propelled themselves across the stage between two swaying planks at unimaginable distances while performing amazing aerial gymnastics.

Photo Credit: Laurence Labat / Costumes: Giovanna Buzzi / 2016 Cirque du Soleil

Luzia is a lot to take in and at times it seems overwhelming as the energy on stage crescendos all around you. One of my favorite aesthetic elements was the beautiful curtain of water that poured down from above the stage while projecting animals and floral silhouettes within the rain!

Although I’ve seen shows with impressive athleticism, this particular adventure left me speechless! If you are looking for something memorable to do for special occasions, date night and family fun, I highly recommend seeing Luzia!

Photo Credit: Laurence Labat / Costumes: Giovanna Buzzi / 2016 Cirque du Soleil

For more information and to purchase tickets you can visit the website by clicking HERE

EOS Shimmer Lip Balm Review

Last night I was having a conversation about my favorite lip balms because the cool fall weather is causing many of us to increase hydration. I’ve tried many chapsticks, lip oils, balms and butters but eos has remained my absolute favorite! I think it has something to do with the smooth buttery texture that lasts for hours and the cute sphere packaging that make them easy to locate in my chaotic purse.

Just as the temperature begins to drop eos has released two cute new balms that are sure to keep your pout silky-soft! The new formula has a touch of sheer shimmer for beautiful luminosity and nourishing jojoba, shea, vitamin E, olive, coconut and antioxidants provide layers of rich, radiant moisture to instantly relieve parched skin.

The balms are also free of gluten, parabens, petroleum and phthalates with a lush, creamy texture that glides on effortlessly and drenches lips in supple, rejuvenating layers. The shimmer varies between micro-particles and slightly larger glitter fragments but they don’t feel rough or chunky in the least and the pink hue has a faint tint that reminds me of a frosty snowfall - perfect for a crisp winter day!

The two new shades are Sheer Pink and Pearl, both of which feel lightweight, cushiony and super conditioning on dry, peeling skin. The new balms retail for $7.18 each and are available at drugstores nationwide! 

Crush by Rihanna: Perfume Review

There are few celebrities more popular than Barbadian bombshell - Rihanna who has dominated the music industry and sold over 54 million albums. Her unique style, sharp lyrics and sassy personality are just a few qualities that continue to mesmerize and she has recently released an intoxicating new fragrance fittingly called – Crush.

Like Rihanna, this bottle is chic, elegant and provocative. It features a large glass base that tapers off into a shiny gold cap with jewelry inspired pattern.

The inspiration for this perfume is strength, power, confidence, mystery and unapologetic balanced with a fun, feminine twist. The fragrance opens with a vibrant splash of bergamot, juicy mandarin and vivacious pink peppercorn followed by pink rose and spicy ylang drizzled in sweet red berries. The base is sultry and deep with notes of creamy musk, cedarwood and sexy patchouli.

This fragrance smells very familiar and reminds me of trendy aromas of the past with a fresh new twist only Rihanna can add! It isn’t too sugary or bold and the soft, youthful notes fade into a light, alluring scent that is ideal for everyday wear or an evening out with the girls. At first spritz it may seem a bit bold but as it blends with your body chemistry the ingredients mellow slightly and become positively enchanting!

The deep musky undertones help rein in the berry and floral notes, amping-up sensuality and playfulness which definitely dredge up flirty feelings of new love and excitement. The 100 ml bottle featured here retails for $69.00 exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart and beautyboutique.ca.