Joe Fresh Beauty Review: New Core Products!

If you haven’t heard, Joe Fresh has an awesome new beauty collection on-par with their popular fashion line when it comes to everyday use and trendiness. Since I love the highlight powders, lipsticks, lip creams and blush sticks, I was excited to test out the new core products.

The first thing that caught my eye as I unzipped the cute striped makeup bag was the Neutral Eye Shadow Palette. I know that nude palettes have been saturating the beauty scene for awhile and you're probably thinking that you don’t need another, but I recommend taking a look at this one.

The shades in this collection are infused with sparkling multidimensional shimmer and creamy mattes that are anything but boring. The selection includes many of the colors most of us tend to favor on a daily basis including a mix of classic golds, trendy rose gold and beautiful silver with pops of champagne. There are only 4 matte hues but the brand chose them very wisely. You get a fabulous cream to highlight, a beige hue to transition plus deep brown and black for definition and shaping. Although the palette is classified as “neutral” don’t let that fool you, the dark colors create depth, dimension and smokiness. 

For just $14.00 you get 12 complexion flattering, velvety shadows that glide on easy, blend well and stay put. The compact itself has a brilliant array of color and texture that can go from tame to glam yet it is small, thin and light enough for travel. The quality and pigmentation is good although a few shades are soft, sheer and less vivid than the others. Most of the shadows can be enhanced to medium coverage and the deepest shades have full-coverage potential. 

I swatched some of my favorite shades to show saturation (please excuse the repeat grey swatch) 

The Universal Beauty Balm is a nourishing moisturizer that helps soften and relieve dryness on the face, hands and body. I love a good multi-purpose product and this purse-size tube is handy for use on-the-go. The balm smells really good and reminds me of shea with a buttery consistency and supple finish. I use it for treating rough patches like knees or elbows and it gets right in-between the fingers to soften hands. I did notice a little bit of residue but it isn’t greasy and makes a great cuticle treatment. The balm retails for $10.00.

As mentioned, I like the the Joe Fresh Matte Lipsticks for their bold, pure color and lightweight creamy texture. The pigments apply effortlessly without feathering and they don’t make lips feel dry or uncomfortable so don’t be scared off by their matte-ness. Although the lipsticks are quite intense (which I love) you can tone them down for a softer finish. The fun, vibrant shades featured here are Fuchsia and Raspberry which look ravishing on all skin tones. The lipsticks smell great and retail for $10.00 ea.

I don’t know about you, but my brows seem to have a mind of their own so I need a product to keep them “on-fleek” all day. The Universal Brow Sculpting Wax applies translucent with a slight brown tinge and sculpts in one easy step. Keep in mind that this product is meant for grooming and does not replace brow gel, powder or pencils. The only recommendation I have is to let your brow fillers/color dry completely before using this to prevent smudging. The wax retails for $12.00.

I always finish my makeup with a great translucent powder because it gives my foundation a smooth look and helps control oil. This one uses color-correcting pigments to even out skin tone and dull problem areas. The finish is lightweight, silky and suitable for all complexions (when blended well). I’ve also noticed that it helps mattify, diminish the look of enlarged pores, blurs redness and subtly tames harsh undertones. You may not notice huge correcting benefits but it does seem to improve skin texture and rectify mild discolorations. The powder retails for $12.00.

Joe Fresh Beauty is available at Shoppers Drug Mart and if you'd like to check out my review on the gorgeous full-coverage lip creams and other faves click HERE.

Biotherm Life Plankton Essence & AquaSource EverPlump Review

Today we will delve deep into ancient springs and discover the regenerating properties of Life Plankton – also known as "the fountain of youth." Millions of years ago, deep in the Pyrenees Mountains, locals discovered revitalizing water that seemed to heal injured soldiers and rejuvenate brides before their wedding day. In 1950, the secret was finally uncovered and Biotherm was one of the first companies to successfully harness the water's transforming power.

Life Plankton contains 35 nutrients that encourage cell multiplication and renewal for a fresh, youthful complexion referred to as "born-again skin."

The Essence Treatment is a highly concentrated elixir that plays a key role in soothing redness and discomfort while protecting skin against environmental aggressors. The Plankton contains proteins, antioxidants, amino acids and conditioning lipids that fortify cells from within. When used for 8 days it also helps soften, smooth, hydrate, diminish wrinkles and enhance resiliency for a radiant finish.

Initially the liquid-y serum ($67.00) feels wet and refreshing but it absorbs quickly with no residue and makes skin appear smooth and polished. Dispensing the product can be a bit tricky with the open-bottle design (not my favorite) but the formula helps alleviate tightness and irritation. I didn't notice any substantial changes in blemishes, healing or vibrancy but my complexion did seem more hydrated throughout the day.

Pyrenees Mountains

Photo Source: wikipedia.org

The new AquaSource EverPlump Gel ($60.00) plumps the skin to push away lines and wrinkles. The potent blend is 2X more charged in active ingredients and Hyaluronic Acid (born from aquatic biology) so it penetrates deeper to hydrate dull skin. The scent is a bit strong but the formula is suitable for all skin types and I haven't experienced any irritation. To create a lush night mask, layer the rich gel over the Life Plankton Essence and awake to dewy, radiant skin.

You can find Biotherm at Shoppers Drug Mart, The Bay, Rexall, Sephora and biotherm.ca

For quick treatments and a blast of hydration, try the new sheet masks infused with one whole bottle of serum!

GS Ti-Tron Nano Titanium Professional Flat Iron Review

In the sweltering summer humidity, it may be difficult to think about heat styling when all you want to do is get your hair out of the way and toss it up in a messy bun but fall is just around the corner! If you’ve had your flat iron for a while, chances are it is worn or peeling and the heat settings don’t work as well as they use to. To get the most from your stylers and prevent damage, it’s a good idea to update and replace them every so often. Thankfully Trade Secrets is now hosting their tenth give and take event. Simply visit any location and donate your old appliance to get 50% off a new one until September 23. The old tools are donated to women’s shelters and charities supporting those escaping violence throughout Canada.

I know someone will appreciate my trusty old flat iron and my hair will appreciate a device that is a little more high-tech and efficient. The Ti-Tron was originally $189.95 and with the 50% discount you can get it for $94.98 which is a great deal for a tool of this quality!

The device has super sleek 1” Nano Titanium floating mirrored plates so hair glides through them effortlessly with no tugging, snags or breakage. If your mane is a bit rough or dry, the negative ions help lock in moisture, control frizz and prevent static plus the slippery surface tames cuticles for soft, ultra smooth results. The device also uses infrared heat technology to prevent dryness, brittleness and burning.

The long swivel cord makes for easy manoeuvrability and adjustable settings allow you to customize your styling routine. The heat increases quickly in 50 degree increments starting at 200˚F/90˚C with a max temperature of 450˚F/230˚C. I suggest starting low and increasing the level accordingly to achieve your desired style and don’t forget your thermal spray for extra protection. I love that I can straighten my hair using less heat than I did with my old iron and it saves me so much time!

Because the iron maintains an even temperature, heat distribution is more consistent resulting in less damage and since it quickly adjusts between settings, you can dial it up or down to suit your hair type. For a straight, silky finish I only have to go over each section of hair 1-2 times and for extra glossiness I use a serum. It also prevents flyaways, improves the look of damaged ends and the design is durable enough to manage the thickness of my long, unruly hair.

Another great thing about this iron is that you can also use it to create amazing curls and flowing waves that rival salon quality results plus if you forget your curling iron while travelling, no need to panic! I think this would be a great device for all hair textures from thick to thin and everything in-between.

As a safety precaution the iron automatically shuts off after 40 mins of inactivity. The plates can be cleaned by simply wiping them with a damp cloth (when the iron has cooled) to remove product build-up and residue.

When it comes to applying heat to hair, my motto is simple – don’t cheap out! Sometimes you really do get what you pay for and the better irons tend to last longer. To maintain the health and resiliency of my tresses, I always go for professional quality and the Ti-Tron makes my hair soft and lustrous. If you are on the hunt for a great flat iron this one is fabulous!

For more information about this sale and charity event click HERE and you can visit the website at tradesecrets.ca

Dr Roebucks’s All-Natural Skincare Review

A few weeks ago I headed downtown in the heat and humidity for a press event featuring an amazing Australian brand that is quite popular with those who actively avoid artificial additives. Admittedly, I was not familiar with Dr Roebuck's before that night but now I can’t get enough! What I’m drawn to most, is the sheer simplicity of the ingredient lists and the nourishment of each well devised formula. There are only a handful of botanicals, vitamins and oils infused in each product (all of which you can pronounce) yet the brand utilizes some of the best elements nature has to offer.

If you suffer from dehydrated, flaky, dull skin, then you need this FACE moisturizer. With rising temperatures, indoor fans, heavy makeup, air conditioning systems and UV exposure, skin requires major rejuvenation and as we move into fall, dryness prevention is imperative! This cream is ultra rich and luxuriously hydrating (kind of like body butter for the face) with the perfect pampering texture. The formula sinks in deeply for layers of skin softening goodness and the finish makes my face feel silky, cushiony and incredibly supple! There are not many products that instantly transform the skin and lock in moisture all day, but this one does! It also includes: Rosehip Oil to regenerate tissue and reduce wrinkles plus Vitamin E, Macadamia Oil and Lavender Oil to calm and combat stress. The cream retails for $59.95.

The Reverse Aging Serum is also very rich and hydrating with a viscous-like, lightweight texture minus the stickiness or residue. The serum also doubles as an eye treatment and is infused with an exclusive base made from the “CNYouth Molecule” consisting of: Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamins to restore and boost the skin and Carnosine - ranked one of the most important anti-aging supplements. It also helps increase collagen production, improves the appearance of sun damage, reduces wrinkles, firms, prevents moisture loss and even diminishes hyperpigmentation and dark under eye circles! When layered under the moisturizer, the combination creates lush, dewy layers of nourishment that have a resilient, youthful effect. The only thing I would suggest is rethinking the medicine dropper applicator as it doesn’t really work with the consistency of the formula. Other than that, I absolutely love it! The serum will be available September 15th for $79.95.

Everyone needs a good lip balm and this blend of Shea Butter, Macadamia Oil, Olive Oil, Vitamin E, Grapefruit Oil and Peppermint Oil alleviates dryness and makes lips feel kissably soft and healthy. You can pick it up for $9.95 and I love the fresh, delicious scent!

The Polish is one of my favorite products...okay truth be told, they are all great, but this formula is a 2-in-1 facial scrub and mask! The lush cream-mousse formula with micro-fine jojoba beads gently removes dead surface cells for bright, smooth, glowing results. The conditioning agents quench dry skin while an invigorating blast of Peppermint, Grapefruit Oil and White Tea Extract refreshes and energizes. This formula is safe for sensitive skin since it is non-abrasive and greatly improves texture and moisture balance. You can get the Polish for $39.95.

Dr Roebuck's can be found at Shoppers Drug Mart and beautyboutique.ca

Mary Kay Limited Edition Runway Bold Collection Review

After reviewing the new Mary Kay Semi-Matte Gel Lipsticks last week I was super excited to dig into the rest of the fall collection. The brand is really stepping up their game when it comes to packaging and formulas and these stunning new pigments will give you the confidence to strut down your own metaphorical runway and embrace the season fashionably!

You know a palette is impressive when you slip it out of the box and literally gasp at its beauty. Say hello to the dazzling Rock The Runway Palette with 5 jaw-dropping hues in a range of dazzling finishes including shimmer, glitter and metallic. I love every bright, eye-catching shadow in this little compact, especially the vibrant Midas gold, bold blue and brilliant silver. 

The texture is smooth and a tad creamy for easy application and the formula has great pigmentation so you can tone things down or increase the intensity. The bronzy-gold packs the most potent punch of glitter and even though the sparkle does dim down a bit after the first layer, it still looks gorgeous! If you are looking for a stand-out palette for events, everyday glam, provocative smokey looks and even the holidays, this one is great quality, travel-friendly and beautiful! It retails for $26.00.

Sticking with the theme of striking eye makeup, I think beauty junkies will fall head-over-heels for the new Gel Liner Duo! The cap has a built-in brush that is easy to manoeuvre for adjusting line thickness and there are two remarkable hues – shimmery metallic gold and sultry bronze. I wouldn’t personally pair these shades with the eye shadows above as it may be a bit too much fabulousness for my eyelids, but you can get as creative as you dare! 

The liners have a creamy consistency which helps the pigment glide across the skin and they are very buildable with the precision of a pencil and the intensity of a liquid. Once set, the formula is quite durable and although it isn’t water-resistant, it takes quite a bit of disruption for it to fade. If you love the dramatic liner trend that is very popular right now, you will probably want to get your hands on this! It retails for $20.00.

The Nail Lacquers in the collection match perfectly with the other products and the colors are simply exquisite! There are 3 hues in the range – Gold is Bold, Blue Debut (a rich navy) and Rosy Encore which plays into the rose gold trend. The shimmer finish is not one of those thin, transparent types of glitter infusions that require multiple layers to fill in sparse areas. It applies opaque and consistent with a rich formula that is easy to work with and I love the chrome-like finish! The polish retails for $10.00 each.

Since these products are limited edition you might want to grab them quickly when they become available on August 16.

The last two products are not a part of this particular collection but they will help maintain your radiant complexion through the next two seasons. The Glowing Finish Illuminating Sticks are marvelous because they are small enough for travel and offer versatile coverage so you can from subtle accents to dramatic high-impact strobing. Unlike most stick highlights, these glide on smoothly with a cream-like feel for easy application but they don’t have the dense, slickness of a cream. The texture is non-sticky and the finish is more like a ultra lightweight powder with fabulous, even coverage. You can glide the pigment on directly from the tubes or use your finger and there are 2 shades available – Bronze and Gold, both equally impressive. The highlights retail for $14.00 each or $25.00 for both!

You can get these products at marykay.ca or through independent consultants

Stila Eyes Are The Window Shadow Palette Review

When it comes to everyday makeup we all have favorite shades. I’m referring to the colors you hit pan on before even breaking the surface of the surrounding shadows and the flattering tones that effortlessly enhance the eyes to create signature looks. If you haven’t tried the pigments from Stila yet, you are missing out on some serious gorgeousness! Since receiving the Perfect Me, Perfect Hue Collection I’ve been using it on a weekly basis and I’ve recently been playing around with the Eyes Are The Window Palette - designed to illuminate your inner beauty.

The shadows are encased within a beautiful jewel inspired rose gold compact with magnetic closure and a large mirror that fills the entire lid. The box also includes a lookbook designed by Stila’s Executive Director of Creative Artistry should you need a little inspiration or guidance.

What I love most about the pigments is the intensity I can achieve without much effort or layering and the superb quality! The collection I have called Spirit includes 12 of Stila’s iconic shades and if you get your hands on these silky, shimmers they will probably become your newest obsession! Each shade is very wearable with an array of dazzling every day hues and a row of deep contrasting colors to offset, balance and create depth. You can go light and fresh, mid tone or even smokey and the shadows mix, match and pair well in almost any combination!

Every time I open a new Stila palette and run my finger across the smooth, rich pigment there is a wave of excitement and anticipation. Before the swatch even slides across the back of my hand I know it’s going to be good and truth be told, it always is! These amazing colors have saturated, pure color pay-off so you don’t even need a primer or base to enhance them. The shadows apply effortlessly and smooth with no creasing or flaking and they stay bold and in place all day without the slightest hint fading.

The color range includes some of my all-time favorites and the array of rose and yellow gold tones mixed with vibrant cranberry, bronze, silver, taupe and cream compliments every complexion from light to dark. The deepest hue is a soft black that pairs well with every shadow to contour and shape the crease. The addition of a deep red-brown would have been handy to have but I get by just fine without it. Most of the shadows have a degree of shimmer (some more than others) but there are also two mattes - taupe/beige and cream.

When it comes to expert blending, this luxurious formula is fabulous! The pigments create a lovely gradient that appears very cohesive and neat so you don’t even have to be a professional to achieve amazing results. There are 3 other color collections to choose from and I highly recommend checking them out at your local Sephora. The palettes retail for $59.00 ea and are free of parabens, sulfates and phthalates.

Avon True Color 8-in-1 Eye Shadow Palette Review

I love eye shadow palettes that are great for travel with enough shades to create several trendy looks. I’ve been considering Avon's 8-in-1 compacts for a while now because the color selection is well rounded and highly wearable plus the range includes pigments that are soft and subtle, warm, cool, deep and smokey for the versatility to go from day to night.

The first color collection called Not So Neutral includes my favorite go-to shades for everyday wear. It has a nice range of bright hues, mid tones and champagne gold (which looks great on everyone), paired with a matte cream, beige (great for transitioning color in the crease), warm brown, black and silver.

I wasn’t sure if the pigmentation would be top-notch but surprisingly most of the shadows are quite vivid with the exception of a few faint hues.They can easily go from sheer to medium and in some cases full-coverage with a little layering. There is also a nice mix of shimmer and matte, although the shimmer isn’t very sparkly or bold which is good if you want to explore the milder side of this particular effect. Overall the colors aren't as velvety or rich as I usually prefer but they blend well and tend to stay put.

Although the texture isn’t ultra silky it is smooth enough for easy application without chalkiness or fall-out. I recommend using a good primer underneath to enhance the sheer pigments, increase overall intensity and prolong wear but they standout, match well and look good.

The Plum Essentials Palette is great for those who prefer cool, subtle tones. There is a pastel pink, light lilac, silver, cream, matte brown and two deep hues - purple and slivery-green.

Starry Nights is great when you want to amp up the glam for a night out and create deep smokey looks. I love the combination of matte and shimmery navy plus you also get a nice bronze, grey-blue, lilac, silver, beige and a frosty hue that makes a nice highlight.

To demonstrate the color pay-off, I swatched some of my favorite shades over primer.

The compacts are simple yet efficient so if you are looking for a few affordable quick-look, travel palettes these definitely come in handy and retail for $15.00 ea.

Avon has also released a cute tool to help keep your brushes spick and span. Simply slip your fingers into the little silicone sleeve and use the bristles and ridges to work up a disinfecting lather to loosen and abolish product residue. The brush cleaner retails for just $8.00 and is small enough to fit in a makeup bag.

You can find these great products at avon.ca or order through an independent consultant 

Beauty & Skincare Essentials From Philosophy

Since it’s the beginning of another long, hot week I decided to kick things off with a little hope, purity and grace. You have probably seen Philosophy products at your local Sephora because the uplifting messages of harmony and well-being are hard to miss and the selection of nourishing skincare and refreshing scents are quite popular.

Since this season has been a whirlwind of humidity, drying indoor fans and air conditioning systems, my skin needs all the help it can get. The Renewed Hope in a Jar Re-Energizing Moisture Masque is infused with blue agave, citrus, golden root extract and hyaluronic acid to retexture, energize, exfoliate and increase microcirculation for a glowing complexion. This creamy masque does not make your face feel parched or tight like the mud formulas, instead it applies light and fragrant to deeply hydrate. It is also a great treatment for the fall and winter months and retails for $39.00.

If you detest removing your makeup at the end of a grueling day you probably need a little Purity in your life. This bestselling 3-in-1 Cleanser for the face and eyes is formulated for all skin types and is made to replace your makeup remover, eye makeup remover, facial cleanser and toner! You can massage it into damp skin to create a creamy emulsion or apply to a cotton pad and simply wipe away residue. It retails for about $28.00 and is also enriched with natural ingredients like meadowfoam, coconut, carrot and flower oils.

When you need a little more deep cleansing and rejuvenation, the Microdelivery Detoxifying Oxygen Peel with charcoal and barley leaf extract is the way to go! This 2 step system is formulated for all skin types (including acne prone) and helps remove toxins, shrink pores, clarify, decongest and brighten for a radiant complexion. After treatment my skin has that after spa glow and absorbs moisturizer and serum more efficiently. The box retails for $89.00.

Two moisturizers that I’ve been loving are - Renewed Hope in a Jar and Take a Deep Breath. Hope is an all-purpose, all day cream for every skin type. It hydrates, soothes and softens for a poreless, supple finish morning, noon and night. Although the formula is rich and ultra nourishing, once absorbed the texture is lightweight and reviving. It retails for $59.00.

Take a Deep Breath is an oil-free oxygenating gel-cream that helps the skin recover from daily stressors and environmental assaults by restoring, refreshing and protecting. The fortifying formula absorbs deeply to promote a youthful, glowing complexion and it even softens the signs of aging. You can pick it up for $49.00.

The award winning Amazing Grace Collection celebrated their 20^th anniversary this year and has brought back some cult faves! The iconic scent is infused in a variety of products but I have the room spray ($24.00) which masks unpleasant odors and makes your house or car smell fresh and inviting!

The fragrance has light notes of bergamot, floral blossoms and musk for a clean, feminine aroma ideal for all seasons but I prefer to use it as a room spray as well. It retails for $58.00 and is available in various sizes including travel vials.

The Amazing Grace Body Oil has the same elegant floral scent that beauty junkies love and drenches skin in layers of moisture without a slick residue. The formula seeps in quickly (similar to a dry oil) and leaves the body soft and luminous. I love the light sheen finish and it completely eradicates dry patches! You can also add it to the bath for a little pampering at the end of a hectic day. The oil retails for $29.00.

As mentioned you can find all these fabulous products at Sephora