Pixi Beauty Rose Caviar Essence Moisture Serum & Rose Flash Balm Review

People love receiving beautiful flowers (myself included) but roses can be used for a lot more than commemorating special occasions and decorating your coffee table. Rose oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce redness, irritation, acne and eczema while cleansing, soothing and moisturizing. Pixi Beauty has harnessed the rejuvenating power of these delicate petals and infused it in their new skincare to nourish and revive your complexion. 

The Rose Caviar Essence ($34.00) is an antioxidant-rich, weightless serum infused with encapsulated flower oils that melt upon application to deeply hydrate, tone, soften and refine. Rose Oil, Anise and Mulberry Extracts balance, heal, brighten and fade discoloration for an even complexion. The formula is also loaded with vitamins and botanical ingredients including: Bergamot, Macadamia, Sunflower, Jojoba and Aloe to restore youthful radiance while the refreshing gel texture instantly alleviates sensitive skin.

Long sleepless nights can trigger breakouts and make skin appear dull, fatigued and haggard. For me it is usually due to jet lag, working too late or staying up all weekend. The Rose Flash Balm ($34.00) is a revitalizing booster that restores tired, lackluster skin with a nourishing blend of Flower Water, Olive Extract and Witch Hazel. The lightweight cream also balances pH, enhances glow, moisturizes, soothes and minimizes redness with an aromatic rose scent. I use it under the Cavier Essence at night but it also works as a makeup primer and mask treatment when layered thicker.

One of my skincare essentials for travel is the Glow Tonic To-Go Pads ($30.00) with 5% Glycolic Acid and Aloe. These are always in my carry-on to refresh my face after a long, drying flight. I also use them to remove lingering traces of makeup after initial cleansing and they are great post-workout wipes. The pads also eliminate excess oil, dirt and impurities while gently exfoliating, brightening and hydrating.

No matter how tired I feel after a long day, the first thing I do when I get home is remove my makeup to clear my pores and prevent blemishes. The new Double Cleanse ($34.00) created by Pixi and aesthetician Caroline Hirons is a 2-in-1 product that easily slips in a tote, gym bag or suitcase. Side 1 contains solid cleansing oil that melts onto the skin and gently emulsifies stubborn makeup. Step 2 is a rich cleansing cream that you massage in and remove with a moist facecloth to prep your face for skincare products.

Pixi Beauty is available at Shoppers Drug Mart and online at pixibeauty.ca

Nyx Cosmetics Love You So Mochi Eye Shadow Palettes & Powder Puff Lippe: Review & Swatches

Spring is in the air! Toronto has finally begun to thaw and on my way to see Black Panther I was able to shed my winter jacket and bulky scarf. To celebrate the warm weather I’ve been using my new Nyx Palettes to create bright uplifting looks with radiant pigments! The Mochi Palettes are available in 2 color collections – Sleek & Chic and Electric Pastels. You will probably want to buy both (because who can resist) and while you’re at it pick up a few of the new Powder Puff Lippies to make your pout stand-out.

Let me start by explaining what Mochi is because some of you may have no idea what I’m talking about. Nyx named their new palettes after a popular Japanese rice cake with a soft marshmallow texture. Calories and carbs aside, the bright rainbow pigments are smooth and silky with loads of iridescent shimmer that makes you look like a fairy princess. The pastels appear vibrant and dramatic but apply soft and radiant with sheer, buildable coverage. You can boost the intensity by layering over primer and the vivid fuchsia, sparkling blue and peachy gold definitely add a unique twist to my makeup kit.

If you aren’t feeling the bright shades then Sleek & Chic may be more your style. It still has a heavy dose of amped-up shimmer but the gold and bronze hues may be easier to wear on a daily basis. I like to match them with matte shadows for more contrast and crease definition but they are perfect for a night out. The pillowy texture, metallic intensity and dazzling illumination makes these palettes totally irresistible! They retail for $25.00 each.

Nyx knocked it out of the park with their new Powder Puff Lippies ($12.00 each). I’ve tested all 8 shades and they are fantastic! The formula is lightweight, soft, supple and highly pigmented for great saturation and cushiony comfort. The cream applies like a lush mousse and sets with a soft powder finish that makes lips appear plush and pouty. You can layer heavily for bold color or let the pigment fade for a beautiful blur.

The Pillow Applicator is great for blending and versatile coverage. There aren’t any sharp angles or edges to help outline but the velvety formula spreads evenly.

There are quite a few neutrals in this collection but surprisingly they are all flattering. I’m not a huge fan of nude lips (unless I’m wearing dramatic eye shadow) but each shade has a pink or brown undertone that suits my complexion.

There are also 3 bright summery shades

The lipsticks retail for $12.00 each and Nyx is available at freestanding stores, drugstores nationwide and online at nyxcosmetics.ca.

Garnier Fructis Hair Treats 1 Minute Hair Mask Review

Many people are becoming more health conscious about the beauty products they buy so Garnier has created a collection of delicious 1 Minute Hair Masks that are 98% natural. These colorful little jars make life easier because they can be used as leave-in, regular conditioner and rejuvenating treatments to replenish and heal dry ends. The nutrient-rich formulas are vegan and free of parabens, silicones and artificial colorants.

There are 5 blends available to target different hair concerns and for just $5.49 each you can mix and match to create your own fruit cocktail. I don’t like the taste of papaya but I don’t mind putting it on my hair and this seedy melon is loaded with antioxidants and vitamins. The mask smells scrumptious and helps fortify and repair damage to reduce breakage and improve texture.

The creamy conditioners saturate parched strands in lush moisture and help detangle. I leave them on for more than 1 minute (usually an hour) but when I’m short on time I use them in the shower while I lather-up.

Avocados are not just for guacamole and salads, this yummy fruit is packed with healthy fats, fiber and emollients that are incredibly beneficial for skin and hair. The rich formula softens, smooths and deeply nourishes for enhanced shine.
TIP: For ultra-soft skin try using the conditioners to shave. They create enough slip for razors to glide effortlessly and make your legs feel wonderful!

I love using Garnier conditioners for co-washing (cleansing with conditioner instead of shampoo to maintain hydration) because my hair smells amazing for days! The Coconut Mask reminds me of the Caribbean and tames unruly tresses for manageability and frizz control.

Goji Berry is considered a “superfood” because it is very good for your health. I like to add a handful to homemade granola or trail mix and the mask helps maintain the vibrancy of color treated hair.

Bananas are delicious in yogurt and desserts which is what this mouth-watering mask reminds me of. It strengthens weak, fragile hair and protects from styling and environmental damage that causes brittleness and breakage.

Garnier is available at drugstores nationwide

Annabelle Cosmetics Marie-Mai Collection & Marcelle Velvety Blush Review

While traveling I like to pack small, versatile palettes that can slip in my purse and Annabelle has a great selection at affordable prices. Marcelle also has a new blush collection with deep berry tones that sculpt and flatter all complexions. 

Annabelle has teamed up with Canadian singer Marie-Mai to create new pigments that can go from neutral to intense. The shadow palette ($12.95) includes gold, orange, mauve-pink, brown and even a matte yellow. The shade selection may seem a bit unusual but somehow it works. You can define the crease, accentuate the lids, highlight and transition to create quick, simple looks. The pigmentation is sheer to medium but with a good primer you can enhance the colors and create a range of natural effects for daily wear.

The Marie-Mai Ombré Blush ($8.95) is perfect for spring. The bright, silky coral instantly boosts and illuminates dull skin with a beautiful sheen that works as both blush and highlighter. For more radiance dip your brush in the top of the powder to pick up more shimmer, the pigment is buildable, easy to blend and looks great on all skin tones.

The Eye-Tech Palette ($12.95) has 3 matte shadows, 3 satins, 2 sparkling top coats and 2 creams – one for lining the eyes and the other to illuminate. These shades are a bit bland for my taste and they don’t deliver the intensity or vibrancy I usually prefer. The pigmentation could be better and the cream formulas don't work as well as I hoped. 

I love the blushes from Marcelle Cosmetics and the new Velvety powders are hypoallergenic, fragrance-free and paraben-free. The super-fine pigments blend seamlessly to provide a natural flush and the shade selection includes a range of rich berry and refreshing blossom tones. There are no harsh pinks or ultra-bright finishes in this line, instead you get soft natural hues that are easy to wear. Each smooth pigment has a light dusting of shimmer for a little extra glow and the deeper shades help contour and define. The blush retails for $12.95 each.

Annabelle and Marcelle Cosmetics are available at drugstores nationwide

Loreal True Match Lumi Collection: NEW Highlighters

On dreary winter days a pop of radiance does wonders for the complexion. Whether you prefer a soft candlelight glow for date night or dramatic strobing that puts disco balls to shame, Loreal has you covered!

The new Lumi Glow Collection includes a fabulous range of skin enhancers to suit all your moods, outfits and events. From lotions to illuminating drops and pressed powders you can go from drab-to-fab in minutes.

I tend to prefer loose pigment because the color payoff is usually very intense and versatile. The Lumi Shimmerista is a lightweight, micro-fine loose powder that delivers high-impact, dramatic color. One dab is enough to give you a bombshell glow that seems to radiate from within and it can be used to highlight the body for a warm sunkissed effect. While getting glam from head-to-toe why not apply the shimmer over eye primer to create a pretty shadow! This is the most saturated highlighter in the Lumi Collection.

The True Match Lumi Glotion ($20.49) provides effortless illumination and hydration for a fresh, natural glow. There are 3 shades available: Fair, Light and Medium to suit all skin tones and it can be worn alone or under makeup. The deeper hues look a bit like foundation but the formula blends seamlessly and transforms to match your complexion. It instantly boosts and brightens with a subtle sheen that lasts all day.

The Lumi Glow Nude Palette ($22.99) comes in Moonkissed and Sunkissed with 4 shades that create customized, multi-dimensional looks. The pressed powder is dry and a bit chalky with sheer pigmentation that requires more layering to enhance. The finish isn’t as seamless, silky or long-lasting as Shimmerista but you can still use it to get your glow on.

The Glow Amour Boosting Drops ($22.99) is a sheer, liquid-y formula that blends evenly to create a gorgeous sheen. You can mix a drop into foundation or moisturizer for a dewy finish and pat some onto the cheekbones for iridescent luster. The luminous polish radiates beautifully so you can use it to accentuate your décolletage and shoulders for a night out.

Loreal is available at drugstores nationwide

Quo Cosmetics Spring 2018 Limited-Edition Makeup Collection

Many beauty brands have started launching their spring collections and I'm looking forward to floral prints, warm bronzers and bright colors. When it comes to Quo Cosmetics expect to see large palettes featuring pale pink, soft grey and subtle pops of shimmer. For the nails it’s all about glistening pearl and solid shades.

The Face Palette ($20.00) in Golden Girl includes 2 highlighters, 2 bronzers and 2 blushes. The pigments are very mild, sheer and neutral – designed to provide a warm sunkissed glow offset by a light pink flush. These aren’t colors I would normally wear. The silver highlighter is too white, the bronzer is a bit light and the pinks appear a tad chalky on my complexion. I think these hues would look more flattering and prominent on fair skin tones.

The Eye Shadow Palette ($18.00) in Royal Ore contains 3 grey tones (light, medium and charcoal) contrasted with stark white. When I first saw these colors I immediately thought – smokey eye, because there isn’t much else you can do with so much grey. The texture is quite silky and although the pigmentation is sheer, the color can be enhanced for more depth. I was hoping for more vibrancy and variety but if you don’t have basic greys in your collection these might work for you.

The Quo by Orly Limited Edition Nail Polish Collection is more interesting. Many of the pearlescent finishes have a hint of metallic color with a pretty sheen. The formula is easy to work with and once dry the iridescent effect is quite eye-catching. My favorites are Petal to the Metal (pale pink-purple) and Electrum - an elegant blue-grey. There are also 2 bold hues: Second Hand Jade and Stiletto on the run - a bright red.

Quo Cosmetics is available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart

Urban Decay Heavy Metals Eye Shadow Palette & Glitter Eyeliner: Review & Swatches

It is no secret that I have a lot of makeup but every so often something really amazing comes along that is totally irresistible. The Urban Decay Heavy Metals Collection was released during the holiday season (when glitter and glitz was all the rage) and the colors are seriously gorgeous! I haven’t been this excited about makeup since UD released Naked Heat (which I still use every week) but these metallic pigments are all about dramatic jaw-dropping color worthy of the red carpet.

These amped-up chrome shades have a rich velvety texture that applies like a dream with incredible color payoff. The formula is full-coverage, intense, non-creasing and long-lasting so no matter how hard you party they never falter.

The shadows are sheathed in a metallic purple case and the tray slides out completely so you can use it like a painter’s palette and unleash your creativity. For makeup artists, this design is practical but for travel and storage the packaging is a tad bulky. The large mirror in the middle lets you get up close to perfect your blending technique.

The right side features warm gold, champagne and sultry bronze tones that I can’t get enough of. These are my signature shades because they look lovely on the skin and transition from day to night. Although the colors are referred to as “neutrals” they are definitely not flat or boring. The shimmer is radiant and highly saturated so I balance them by using matte shades in the crease for more contrast. The shadow I’m most intrigued by is Afterparty – a coppery bronze with mesmerizing red undertones. Although some of the finishes look quite glittery, the color applies smooth and consistent with very little fallout and a beautiful iridescent sheen.

The left side of the palette contains magnificent jewel tones. Some people might reserve these bold pigments for parties or special events but I’m not afraid to wear them on a weekday. The sparkling teal-blue (Amp), potent purple (Metalhead), smokey garnet (Punk Rock) and glistening emerald (Mullet) are incredible but I think the yellow gold and silver are a bit redundant.

If you crave spectacular shadows that make your eyes look phenomenal, I highly recommend Heavy Metals. It retails for $72.00.

The collection also includes the Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner ($23.00) in 11 shades that remind me of tinsel. The best thing about this formula is that you don’t have to deal with messy fall-out. Once dry, the glitter stays put all day with no scatter.

Since the base is clear and the brush is thin it can be difficult to create solid lines. If you want a lot of sparkle you may need to apply several coats but it's easier to layer over liquid or pencil eyeliner for more consistency.

The liners make fantastic overlays – coat the brush with a generous does of glitter and dab it on top of your shadow for a pop of radiance. You can enhance any pigment with a few swipes and I’ve even used it on my lips!

Urban Decay is available at Sephora, Shoppers Drug Mart, UD stores and online at urbandecay.ca. Sign up for the Beauty Junkies Rewards Program to earn and redeem points!

Maybelline The City Kits Eye + Cheek Palette Review

Maybelline has kicked-off 2018 with a beautiful selection of new makeup. I’m addicted to the Matte Ink Lipsticks and the highlighters are stunning! There is also a variety of dazzling palettes inspired by chic urban trends and the City Kits are available in 2 pretty color schemes.

Pink Edge is for everyone and I predict that you will use this palette all the time. The shades are neutral yet glamorous with a mix of shimmery gold, champagne, taupe, brown, mauve and silver hues all infused with subtle pink undertones for a scintillating twist. The creamy mattes are nicely balanced with soft shimmers and silky satins to create elegant contrast and definition. You don’t have to be a makeup artist to make these shades work for you, the shadows, blush and highlighter are expertly coordinated for simplicity and radiance. This is a great everyday palette with enough variety to create smokiness and depth for an evening out.

Not only are the City Kits great for travel they are also nicely pigmented, non-creasing and long-lasting. The intensity is buildable and the texture is velvety so you can go from sheer to bold with a few well placed layers.

Urban Light is subtle and soft - reminiscent of spring pastels. The colors are very unique with an icy effect that gives you a pop of iridescence. These aren’t shades I would normally choose for myself but I absolutely love them! The minty green, multidimensional pink and glittering coral blush looks vibrant on the skin.

Maybelline is available at drugstores nationwide
Click HERE to check out the City Mini Palettes

Annabelle Cosmetics Big Show Matte Liquid Lipstick Review

By now you are probably aware of my insatiable obsession with pretty lipstick and my ongoing mission to find more. I tell myself that it’s for the benefit of my wonderful readers, to keep you up-to-date on the latest tends but it also has to do with being a total beauty junkie. Recently I received some luscious liquid lipstick from Annabelle Cosmetics and it was love at first swatch! The pigments are bold, highly saturated, full-coverage and creamy plus each gorgeous shade is universally flattering. 

I love matte formulas but sometimes my lips can’t handle flat, drying color (especially during the winter). When I need something hydrating and comfortable I break out my favorite cream lipsticks. These bombshell hues are velvety, smooth and vibrant – infused with nourishing Shea Butter and Meadowfoam Seed Oil. The lightweight color glides on with a single swipe and makes lips appear seductively pouty - perfect for date night. 

The applicator works like a charm, delivering a heavy dose of pigment for consistent distribution without feathering or bleeding. I don’t think the finish is completely matte (you can definitely see some suppleness and moisture) but there is no shine, shimmer or glossiness which makes the color appear solid and rich.

There are 6 shades available and no matter which you choose I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. I usually go for the reds, pinks and burgundy hues but there is one neutral in the collection. As with most cream formulas the color transfers but still holds-up for hours of wear without accentuating chapped skin.

Swatches from bottom to top: Glamorous, Romantic, Hypnotic and Flirtatious 

For just $9.95 each these lipsticks are a definite hit. Annabelle Cosmetics is available at drugstores nationwide and online at annabelle.com.