Plume Lash & Brow Enhancing Serum Review

When it comes to our beauty rituals many of us make the effort to pamper our body from head to toe. My spa day includes sonic cleansers or microdermabrasion, facial steams, skin treatments, scrubs, hair masks, mani - pedi and even an eye massage but how many of us take the time to treat our lashes? Glamorous eyes and full brows are totally on-trend and if you aren’t one to fumble with falsies and glue each day then taking care of your natural eyelashes should be a priority.

I am a firm believer that lash treatments nurture and strengthen hair because I’ve experienced it firsthand so when I received the Plume Serum a couple months ago, I was excited to test it out. Right off the bat I was impressed with the formula because unlike many I’ve tried, this one is all-natural which is safer for the eyes and it doesn't burn.

The impressive list of ingredients includes: Aloe Leaf Juice, Castor Seed Oil, Honey Extract, Watercress, Sweet Almond Oil and many more organic fruit additives, oils and plant extracts that nourish and protect each hair to promote growth. This expertly crafted blend provides antibacterial properties to prevent infection, rich omega fatty acids for moisture, keratin to strengthen and lengthen and antioxidants to protect against environmental aggressors.

The serum is formulated to enhance what you have in a natural way and maintain the health of your lashes and brows. It hydrates and fortifies the hair follicles to reinforce the roots and increase hydration, longevity and resiliency against breakage which is very useful when removing crunchy mascara. It also lengthens, thickens and volumizes thin lashes and sparse brows for that full, bold look we all crave.

You are meant to apply the serum to the base of the lashes similar to eyeliner but I like to extends it down the entire length of the hairs. The applicator is very small and thin which can make coating lashes and brows a bit tedious but I still get decent coverage with a bit of layering. 

To see maximum results it takes about 6 weeks and in my experience using it every night or at least 5 times a week is beneficial. I notice the enhancement even more when I apply mascara and I love how dense and long my lashes look. I prefer to apply the treatment before bed but you can also use it in the morning prior to makeup application. The most important thing you can do even if you do the very least is keep your lashes hydrated and be gentle to preserve them.

The treatment retails for $95.00 and you can visit the website by clicking HERE

Urban Decay Vice Lipstick Review and Swatches

I’m a little obsessed with lipstick and no matter how many I have, it never seems to be enough, especially when tempting new shades hit the market everyday! I'm not too concerned about my overflowing collection because“variety is the spice of life” and when it comes to unbelievable color Urban Decay never fails to disappoint. From eye shadow and primer to blush, gloss and liner, the brand is a master when it comes to luxurious, high-quality pigment which is probably why beauty junkies went crazy for these sensational new shades.

The Vice Lipsticks are as beautiful as the gorgeous eye palettes by the same name and there are 100 shades to choose from with a range of color that will knock your socks off! If you can’t find a few faves in this line, you probably aren’t looking hard enough because there are hues from every point of the color spectrum combined with 6 savvy finishes and 20 Sephora exclusives.

The finishes include a lush cream - which glides on smoothly with a touch of shine, Comfort Matte which is really more of a semi-matte because there is a hint of sheen. Shimmer - has a layer of glistening sparkle, Mega Matte is pure, rich color void of any shine and Metallized - has a mesmerizing dose of rock star glitter.

Big Bang has a very glittery base but applies evenly to coat lips in layers of creamy opaque shimmer without any grit or chunkiness. Menace is a bright, moisturizing pink with a matte finish that is slightly thick but still quite comfortable and light. 

Although the finishes are quite eclectic there is intense pigmentation throughout the entire collection so you get saturated, bold color no matter which shades you pick. The formula is also packed with aloe, avocado, jojoba and babassu oils to nourish and soften lips plus skin conditioning butters provide supple moisture and a blast of antioxidant rich vitamin C. The color glides on effortlessly with no dragging or skipping and the texture is lightweight for hours of comfortable wear. If you fear drying, lip chapping mattes then rest assure that you won't find those here. Each lipstick has a luxurious cream texture to maintain hydration and make your pout look full and glamorous.

From left to right: Pandemonium is a  bright, eye catching matte purple that has become very popular. Although the texture is heavier and application isn't as consistent, it layers well and doesn't dry out. Firebird is probably my favorite shade! It has a bright magenta-pink undertone with hints of purple suitable for all skin tones and seasons. Rock Steady (cream finish) and 714 Mega Matte are beautiful, classic reds bursting with vibrant pigment.

If you visit Sephora or urbandecay.ca each lipstick you click on will also show the matching liner but I had no issue with bleeding or feathering and although some shades leave behind a slight stain they are all easy to remove, even the glitter finishes! I usually pair the deeper, thicker shades with a primer to enhance color and prolong wear.

From left to right: Conspiracy is a unique metallic-bronze that I'm not quite sure how to wear yet but I'm looking forward to experimenting! Disturbed plays into the seductive, vampy trend with a deep red base and the two nudes - (Backtalk & Naked), have mauve and pink undertones which make them more wearable. 

If you still aren’t sure which shades to get you can always try the sample pack that comes with 24 colors and Urban Decay has launched a fabulous free app that shows what each lipstick will look like on you!

 As mentioned you can find these beauties at Sephora and urbandecay.ca, they retail for $21.00 each.

Lancôme Audacity In Paris Eye Shadow Palette Review

It feels like just the other day I was strolling the magnificent streets of Paris, sipping wine with my sister under the Eiffel Tower and heading to the boulangerie every morning for fresh baguettes. The street style in Paris is trendy, romantic and high-fashion which is the vibe Lancôme aimed to captured when creating the Audacity In Paris Palette.

The cute packaging is etched with famous city landmarks and inside there are 16 dazzling pigments arranged from light to dark. These shadows were designed for versatility so the flattering range of high-impact shimmers, smooth mattes, soft neutrals and sparkling metallic finishes can take you from day to night. The palette can be used to create soft, neutral looks when you want to tone down the glam and as the sun sets simply kick it up a notch with the rich, smokey hues to create beautiful depth and dimension.

The shimmer fragments make certain shades feel textured rather than smooth but with some layering they do provide medium to full coverage. Although the pigments are not very intense, they are quite striking and the palette includes all the colors needed for contouring, defining and highlighting with a decent blending brush for the crease. 

I had no issue with fall-out, creasing, flaking or fading and the shadows were designed to complement each other in any combination. Audacity also has a nice balance of texture and contrast which is great for all skin tones and seasons. I recommend using a good primer to enhance vibrancy and prolong wear but I think Lancôme did a good job with this one!

I didn't swatch every shade in the palette because the nudes are difficult to distinguish and everyone knows what black looks like. Instead here are some of my faves!

The palette retails for $89.00 and you can find Lancôme at department stores, Shoppers Drug Mart and online at lancome.ca

Foreo Iris Illuminating Eye Massager Review

When it comes to skincare one of the most difficult issues to correct is dark under eye circles. With a busy schedule, poor sleep habits and my old nemesis genetics working against me, it has been very hard to fade the pigmentation that has plagued me for years. Correctors and concealers may help temporarily, but since they aren’t long term solutions I decided to step-up my game and try something innovative.

Similar to the popular Foreo Luna Face Cleanser, the Foreo Iris Eye Massager uses sonic pulsations with gentle pressure that is safe for sensitive skin and is Ophthalmologist tested. Using a fingertip to press in eye creams may be effective, but I don't usually have the time or patience to tap away for very long. The rapid vibrations and soft kneading motions of the Iris does all the work for me in a fraction of the time and acts as a mini eye lift for a more youthful appearance. Since the alleviating massage enhances product absorption and circulation, my expensive eye treatments work better than ever!

The device has two modes - Pure Mode replicates the gentle taping of a manual massage with much more effectiveness and the sensation feels wonderful! The rounded portion of the Iris moves back and forth in quick succession and you can adjust the speed using the (+) button. Spa Mode combines the invigorating tapping/massaging motion with stimulating vibrations for skin with pronounced aging.

You can apply eye cream before or after use and the smooth silicone design is curved to sit perfectly on the eye contour. The hypoallergenic, BPA free body is non-porous so it resists bacteria and cleans easily. Since I find eye masks to be the most efficient topical treatments on the market, I use the device to pat in excess serum after removing the masks and the results are fabulous!

The Iris is 70% more effective at reducing under eye circles and since beginning my nightly pampering sessions I have noticed less darkness and improved texture. Now that my skin looks a bit brighter, I can achieve flawless makeup application and I don't look as fatigued. The Iris is also 3.5X more effective at reducing under eye bags and although I’ve only ever experienced mild puffiness upon waking in the morning, I don’t see any sign of it now. For those who suffer from crow's feet and wrinkles, the device may reduce them by up to 43% but since I don't have any lines this makes a great preventative treatment.

Because the kneading massage feels so good I find myself looking forward to using the tool every night. It soothes tired eyes after a long day and my skin is beginning to look revived and fresh. I love that the device is lightweight and it comes with a small travel pouch which you can slip in your purse and pull out during a long flight. Each charge lasts up to 140 uses and only takes 30 seconds per eye, although you can use it for up to 3 mins should you require a longer cycle. The Foreo Iris retails for $159.00 and you can find the brand at Murale this August, Sephora and online at foreo.com.

Too Faced Melted Chocolate Liquefied Lipstick Review

Too Faced took their bestselling Melted Liquefied Lipsticks to the candy factory, infused them with antioxidant rich cocoa powder and created 6 delicious hues that resemble warm, molten chocolate!

Aside from making you hungry, these bold shades are intensely pigmented, full coverage and high-impact so they glide on nicely and saturate lips in lush, daring color. Although the tubes resemble lip gloss packaging, these babies aren’t anything like your run of the mill lip colors. They seem to be a magnificent combination of cream, lacquer and stain with a lightweight, comfortable texture and satiny shine that hydrates for hours.

To dispense the color you must squeeze the tubes but the angled tip makes application quite simple and I even use the edge to precisely outline and define my lips. Although the darker shade may be more fall themed, the packaging is ideal for warm, humid weather because you don’t have to worry about them melting or breaking like twist-up tubes and they deliver a punch of color that rivals most lipstick!

The Shades I have are - Chocolate Cherries which is a deep brown with red undertones and Chocolate Milkshake - a milk chocolaty nude. Despite their vividness, the colors don’t really leave behind a heavy stain and aside from meal time, they stay put and tend not to fade or bleed.

Although none of these shades really need a base, the Too Faced Lip Insurance Primer does help prolong wear, amp up pigment and lock in color with a powerful dose of anti-aging peptides that increases the appearance of fullness. When wearing such vibrant, intense hues I use this primer to create a layer of adhesion and ensure that my color won’t fade, feather or transfer. You can use it with any lipstick in your collection and it dries clear and quick. The finish of the original primer is demi-matte but there is also a glossy effect primer. They both retail for $27.00.

If you like the scent of the popular Chocolate Bar Palettes from Too Faced (and let’s face it we all do), these also smell good enough to eat! They keep lips moist and soft but not overly slick or glossy and the luminous shine makes your pout pop.

I haven’t fully embraced the dark brown lip trend yet but these have definitely inspired me to add a seductive twist to my signature glam creations. They retail for $28.00 each and you can find Too Faced at Sephora or online by clicking HERE.

~ To read my review on the gorgeous Melted Mattes click HERE ~

Ole Henriksen Power Bright Treatment Review, Facial Waters and Cleansing Cloths

I’ve been hearing great things about Ole Henriksen Skincare and since I have many events, parties and trips planned, I decided it was a good time to test a few things for myself. As far as products go, the brand has it all including a wide range of cleansers, serums, moisturizers, scrubs, toners, masks and kits infused with effective active ingredients and natural botanicals.

The Power Bright set is a professional brightening treatment that works by boosting the complexion with a potent concentration of vitamin C - known for its anti-aging benefits, high antioxidant level and the ability to protect against pollutants and free-radicals. Along with the power to fade dark spots, hyperpigmentation, discoloration, blemishes and breakout scars, Vitamin C also helps diminish wrinkles, boosts the effectiveness of sunscreen for extra UV protection and regenerates collagen. Each box comes with six treatments and 2 complexion sponges.

Step 1: Truth Sugar Glow Polishing Mask

When you pop open the first circle you will find an exfoliating blend infused with honey, olive, shea, linseed and other conditioning agents which make up the moisturizing base. Infused in the base are granules that slough away dead cells to resurface, polish and smooth skin texture. Upon application there is a nice warming sensation and you leave the mask on for just 5-10 mins before massaging and rinsing. After this step my skin already begins to feel soft and supple!

Step 2: Truth 25% Vitamin C Concentrate

The concentrate is applied to dry skin and the consistency is very thick and creamy - similar to a rich body butter (but for your face). The oils provide intense hydration to nourish dry, stressed skin and you only need to leave it on for 2-3 mins before moving on to the last phase.

Step 3: Pure Truth Melting Cleanser

I found it a bit odd that cleansing was the last step but the gel is applied on top of the concentrate for a final boost. During this stage you may feel slight tingling as the treatment is activated and after 10-15 mins simply remove with a dampened complexion sponge.

The entire process takes about 30 mins but the results are bright replenished skin and the more you use it (once per week works for me) the better your results. The box retails for $66.00.

We’ve experienced some sweltering heat waves this summer and after a long, humid day I always need a little pick-me-up. The Facial Waters put a fun twist on traditional mists with an invigorating infusion of zesty fruit and healing botanicals. 

They come in three refreshing blends: Truth -Energize & Invigorate (infused with mandarin, green tea and pomegranate) awakens the senses and revitalizes, Nurture Me - Soothe and Hydrate (with cucumber chamomile and ProVitamin B5) and Grease Relief - to purify and refresh (enriched with witch hazel, golden seal and comfrey). These cool mists feel amazing when used during travel, after a day at the beach, first thing in the morning, post-workout or before bed and you can use them under moisturizer and makeup. I also like to keep them on my work desk for a little pampering when I get writers block. The individual 118 ml bottles retail for $28.00 ea and there is a trio available with mini purse size bottles.

I’ve also been using the cleansing cloths and I like that they remove a decent amount of makeup while improving my skin with fantastic ingredients. The Brightening Vitamin C and CoQ10 formula supports radiance while wiping away dirt and oil. Each cloth is infused with rosemary, olive, grape and jojoba oils to moisturize and they don't burn or irritate my skin.

The Grease Relief Cloths are textured to exfoliate, clarify and refine pores with botanicals and calming eucalyptus. For those prone to acne, these wipes absorb pore clogging oil and dirt to leave skin totally rejuvenated. There are 30 cloths per pack and they retail for $19.00.

You can find Ole Henriksen at Sephora and online by clicking HERE

Kat Von D Shade + Light Eye Contour Quads Review & Lock It Concealer Crème

Since getting my first Kat Von D eye shadow palette I’ve been experimenting with sensational color and creating trendy looks inspired by Kat’s edgy style. Recently the brand has embraced the contouring trend by releasing the Shade + Light Palettes - designed to define and enhance the eyes with a fun range of knock-out pigments.

If you think contouring is just for the face, think again! You can use the technique to transform many areas of the body and I’ve seen artists elongate the neck, reshape the décolletage, create chiseled abs, ample cleavage, slim limbs and the other day I even stumbled upon a video for ear contouring! 

I love the sparkle of a shimmery shadow but sometimes a girl just craves the true richness of a pure matte and that’s exactly what you get with these! All of the shades are silky and sumptuously smooth with a hint of creaminess for easy application and excellent coverage. Like many of Kat's shadows, the pigmentation is top notch with high-intensity, stunning color pay-off that blends like a dream and lasts all day without creasing, fading or smudging.

When it comes to amazing quality, impressive texture and seamless application, Kat’s shadows rank among the best I’ve tried...and I’ve tried a lot! I always apply my shadows over a good primer but these babies are so bold they can stand alone.

The Smoke Palette contains a beige base, deep blue definer, slate grey contour and a stark white highlight. I love a smokey eye and the grey - navy combo is my absolute fave for creating smoldering contrast, depth and dimension.

The Sage Palette with its dark green, velvety cream and wheat beige wasn’t one I expected to like as much as the others but as it turns out vivid greens are kind of my thing and these hues are mysterious and dramatic.

Rust is warm and inviting with eye catching orange and toasty brown mingled with peachy cream and a frosty highlight. These hues remind me of autumn leaves.

The plum in this palette is actually more of a deep burgundy-purple which I love and the lilac-grey contour shade creates the perfect balance of contrast.

Since I’m reviewing Kat Von D Beauty I should also mention that I love the new Lock-It Concealer ($26.00) created to encompass everything you’d ever want in a formula including loads of rich pigment for one coat coverage, 24 hour wear and a moisturizing Hydra-Boost Complex. It brightens, covers blemishes, corrects discoloration, neutralizes redness, diminishes dark circles and can even be used to contour.

There are 21 shades available from fair to deep (the color above is D33 Warm). I like that the consistency is creamy and full coverage plus you can use it to highlighting (if you go a bit lighter than your skin tone). You do have to blend and set with powder to avoid under eye creasing but if you’re aiming for flawless skin, this concealer is a definite keeper! The Lock-It Edge Concealer Brush ($24.00) is great for precisely patting on or layering product and the unique sculpted shape is perfect for under the eyes.

While perusing this collection at Sephora, don’t forget to check out Kat’s other brushes! They are ultra soft, well shaped and made with chic, stiletto handles and dense, high quality bristles for professional results and superior blending.

Setting Powder Brush & Edge Foundation Brush

Kat Von D Beauty can be found online by clicking HERE and at Sephora

Vasanti Power Oils Lip Gloss, Matte Crush Lip Pencils & Mineral Bronzer Review

It’s been a while since I've tried anything new from Vasanti Cosmetics but I’m a huge fan of the Love Brights Lipstick and recently the brand has been cooking up a vibrant collection of oil infused lip gloss with supple conditioning agents to enhance and soften your pout.

From nudes, dazzling pink, bright coral, rich reds, plum and lilac, there is something for everyone and when you crave moisturizing, trendy color, these are a great, lightweight option!

The packaging is simple yet sleek and being able to see the color through the tubes makes it easy to grab your favorites in a hurry. The hues I have are: Goddess - a deep plum wine with a vampy twist, Big Sis - nude/beige pink and Rani (which means queen in Hindi) - a rose mauve that looks great on every complexion.

Each pretty gloss is infused with nourishing natural oils including: Raspberry Oil (to smooth and improve elasticity), Peach Kernel Oil (rich in vitamins, fatty acids and antioxidants), Pomegranate Oil (to heal dry, chapped skin) and Jojoba (to hydrate). These rich, scintillating oils smell delicious and the lush formula drenches lips in creamy color that protects, softens and locks in moisture.

The applicator is standard yet effective for effortlessly sweeping on color.

If you’re thinking that these are just your average, run-of-the-mill lip gloss with sheer, flat color then think again! They pack a punch of vivid pigment that can be enhanced to medium coverage for unexpected intensity and a high-shine mirrored finish that makes lips appear full and juicy. With a couple layers you can achieve a gorgeous wash of color with the boldness of a lip cream and the cushiony comfort of an oil treatment. They retail for $22.00 each.

The Mineral Bronzers are perfect for getting your summer glow on and embracing that warm sunkissed look. They are available in three pretty colors: Sunkissed (light golden bronze), Brazilian Tan (medium bronze) and the hue I have - Sun Peach Glow. The gold and tan may provide a nice bronzing effect but the orange-coral is really more of a bright, skin enhancing blush. The design is eye catching and the silky pigment provides long lasting lightweight coverage that blends beautifully and brightens dull skin without any sparkle or shimmer. It retails for $29.00.

If you love a good lip pencil for defining your pout, the new Matte Crush Collection includes 4 trendy, everyday shades that provide saturated, velvety color. The formula glides on effortlessly and bathes lips in creamy moisture that lasts for hours! These mattes are soft, easy to apply and full coverage plus they make fabulous lip liners to accentuate and contour for a voluminous finish.

Since the formula is true matte the pencils are void of shine or sheen but they feel comfortable and wear away into a beautiful faded stain. As far as amazing pencils go, you can’t get much better than these and they tend not to dry out in the packaging or on the lips. The only downside is that they aren’t twist-ups but each pencil does come with it's own sharpener. They retail for $23.00 each.

Vasanti Cosmetics are sold online at vasanti.com, birchbox.com, amazon.com and at select Shoppers Drug Mart locations across Canada.

Too Faced Dark Chocolate Soleil Bronzer & Love Flush Blush Review

I’ve been all about the contour and highlight this summer and since Too Faced has so many beautiful pigments I decided it was time to try their delicious antioxidant rich cocoa powder bronzer!

There are 3 hues to choose from including: Milk Chocolate (light to medium), Chocolate (medium to deep) and Dark Chocolate (deep tan). If you want to contour with these powders they aren’t very dark (unless you have fair, light or olive skin) so you may want to go a shade deeper. The texture is smooth, slightly creamy and buildable which is perfect for light sculpting or creating a faux tan and they smell amazing. If you have a darker complexion these shades may show up more caramel toned but keep in mind that they are “bronzers” not intense contour shades.

I like that the powder blends well which is very important when choosing a bronzer. Powders that settle right where you place them tend to create harsh streaks giving the impression that your contouring game isn’t quite on-point. I had no trouble blending this rich, chocolaty brown and because the pigment isn’t very dark or obvious (on my skin), the definition points fade nicely for a soft matte effect. I am usually in the medium range and although the Dark Chocolate looks quite deep it is subtle and similar to my skin tone, more like a nude. The Soleil Bronzer retails for $38.00.

A few months ago I featured the Love Flush Blush Palette which includes 6 summery hues ranging from nude, pinks, coral and berry - (Click HERE to read the full review). If you don’t like every color in the palette, the blushes are also available in larger, single shade heart compacts for $32.00 each so you can pick up your faves.

The color Justify is a weightless, mild pink with subtle shimmer that creates a natural tint and a bit of highlight for radiance. Although you can layer this shade it isn’t bold or intense and despite the micro-glitter on top, the powder provides a matte base. The texture is silky and dry but I haven’t noticed any flaking or caking and it definitely boosts my complexion without fading very much throughout the day.   

Too Faced Cosmetics can be found at Sephora or online by clicking HERE