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Showing posts with label beauty reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beauty reviews. Show all posts

Fall Beauty Review: Say "Boo!" This Halloween With Shu Uemura Tokyo Lash Bar 2011

As fun as ghoul and gore are for Halloween, nothing is more exciting to look at than fantasy makeup. The mix of colours and detail tell a beautiful story. You just need a big imagination and of course some handy makeup and tools to execute it. Shu Uemura's Tokyo Lash Bar collection of fantasy lashes are the perfect way to add some drama and intrigue to your overall look. Known for their extensive line of lashes, you'll find anything from natural to sci-fi to fantasy. I've used their everyday lashes on my clients (provided by them of course), and the luxe finishes and dramatic designs make these the cream of the crop! If I could afford to, I would stock my kit full of Shu lashes! 

If you haven't thought of visiting your local Tokyo Lash Bar already, do keep them in mind for a unique Halloween costume. Here are some fun and fabulous ideas to try on this Halloween!


Shu Uemura Tutu Laceflare Falsies ($28 USD): These are my absolute favourite! These tutu inspired lashes are fun and flirty. Fulfill your childhood dreams of being a ballerina! For a dramatic flare, pair these lashes with a dark smokey eye much like the picture above and red bold lips. And if you want these lashes to really stand out, think fairy ballerina. Create a flawless canvas with lots of gold shimmer. Use a white shadow all over the lid from lash to brow bone - don't worry if you get white on your brows. Then load up the eyes with gold glitter and shimmer. Be creative - create a glimmering masquerade mask around the eyes or apply on the outer part of the eyes and on the cheekbones a temples. Apply a cream base shadow in white or close to your skin colour first (even Vaseline works) to adhere the glitter to your skin. Use a liquid liner winged out to define the eyes. Finish the lips with a red lippie and style your hair into a classic ballerina bun.

Up and coming makeup artist, Arianne for The Glitter Geek, created a masquerade look using these lashes! Check it out here!

 
Shu Uemura Mini Fancy Bon Bon Lashes ($22 USD):  How fun are these accent lashes?? If you want to be more colouful this Halloween, these lashes are a must. Do something really fun and bold on the eyes. Think circus but like you're on a runway. No scary clowns allowed just super cute ones! Choose a gradient of colours on the eyes in reds, yellows, oranges and greens. Or even more fun - think candies! Be a human lollipop - kidding! Use candy inspired shades to create a sweet and flirty look. 


Shu Uemura Ethnic Charm Lashes ($65 USD): Another gorgeous pair of falsies, this luxurious pair will make your outfit. It's a pricey pair so save these for a fancy Halloween bash. The mix of feathers and colourful beads will definitely make your eyes stand out. Think tribal warrior princess, but if you're feeling more groovy throw on your bell bottoms, platforms, a peace sign necklace and make love not war. Peace dude!

For tips on how to apply fake lashes click on a past post here. Jump to step #7.

Whatever you decide have fun, be safe and munch on plenty o' chocolates! Happy Halloween!

Have you tried any of these lashes? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em?

Available at Holt Renfrew locations across Canada. 


www.shuuemura.com

Products were submitted for editorial consideration and I truly love them.

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Fall Beauty Review 2011: Shu Uemura My Lips Are Matte About You


I've tried a lot of matte lipsticks, but Shu Uemura's Rouge Unlimited Supreme Mattes ($36 CAD) are a dream. For someone that has chronically dry lips, I'm so drawn to matte finishes. Damn you flaky chapped lips and dry weather! These matte lippies are like none other I've tried though. They are soft, smooth and have a soft-focus powdery finish. I actually found that compared to other matte lipsticks, these did not accentuate my fine lines or chapped lips. However, exfoliating is essential for matte lips and while the flakes aren't as noticeable you can still see them. The soft-focus finish just made my lips look smoother and looks more natural. Other matte lipsticks can look and feel heavy like it's sitting on the lips.

The line is available in 6 shades: Angelic Pink (light pink with cool undertones), Evil Pink (bright warm pink), Darling Beige (nude beige), Alluring Brown (brown with rose undertone), Sensual Red (brick red with gold shimmer), and Brilliant Gold (sparkly gold glitter - Artist shade meant for mixing and layering).

Evil Pink caught my eye instantly. I wore this a lot towards the end of the summer when my skin was nice and bronzey. Angelic Pink and Darling Beige have a lot more white in them and are on the cooler side. Both look more like nudes on me which I love with a smokey eye. To make it work for my skin tone, I added a gloss over top with warmer undertones. If I were to reference a celebrity, Angelic Pink would so be a shade Kim Kardashian would wear. Alluring Brown is actually a great neutral and works for many skin tones. It has a rosier undertone so it makes this brown very wearable. Brilliant Gold is exactly that - brilliant. This looks pretty on its own when you want a subtle colour on the lips with gold shimmer or to perk up a flat lipstick or gloss.

Matte lips can look very polished with a very clean and flawless makeup look. Soft neutral eyes with lots of mascara, sculpted cheeks are a great fall look. To give the skin a subtle glow, add a highlighter to the high plains of the cheeks. To off-set shimmery or metallic eyes, matte lips are the perfect compliment. And if matte lips seem to heavy for you, wear the lipstick like a stain by pressing the colour into the lips with your finger. This will look softer and more natural.

Have you tried Shu Uemura's new matte lipsticks? Love it? Hate it? Want it? To view swatches, visit my gorgeous friend, Arianne's blog, Glitter Geek!

Available at Holt Renfrew locations across Canada. 

www.shuuemura.com

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them. 

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Fall Beauty Review 2011: Chanel Why Do I Love You So? Let Me Count The Ways...


You had me at Chanel. Whether it's the clothes, bags (my dream purse!), shoes, or makeup the iconic brand instantly commands your complete adoration. Since the makeup is the only thing my fingers can grasp, hold, and afford (and barely at that!), I shall swoon over this utterly beautiful collection Illusions D'Ombres De Chanel. This is definitely one of the must-haves of the season. Fall in love with shimmering rich shades and creamy textures in the most gorgeous colours.


Chanel Illusion D'Ombre Long-Wear Luminous Eye Shadow ($36 USD): When the fall or winter season rolls around we immediately think smoky eye, but too much smoke during the day might still feel/look out of place. If you love sporting a smoky eye, but can't stand the stares at 8 in the morning on the subway, you will LOVE these long-wearing shadow/liners from Chanel. It's a gel-formula, but the texture is very much like a creamy, spongey mousse if that makes sense. It's ultra soft to the touch and applies so easily to the eye. They make for a quick smoky eye because you can quickly apply with a flat brush or finger, smudge in a black liner, add mascara and you have a sexy yet subtle eye you can wear during the day. You can also wear layer underneath a powder shadow for more depth. It also lasts longer too. On its own and with a primer, it wears really well all day without fading or creasing.

I received Illusoire (smoky purple-lavender with grey-silver undertones), Emerveille (soft peachy champagne with brown undertones), and Epatant (smoky khaki green). All have a shimmery finish. Depending on how much colour you want to show, the shadow can be a simple wash to intensely smoky. Emerveille can be worn as an everyday base or as a highlighter on medium-dark skin tones. My favourite is Illusoire by far though. On my skin tone, the purple shows more and makes my brown eyes pretty. Epatant, however, is definitely this season's "it" shade. I love this shade as well because the khaki undertones make it a very wearable neutral.

Each shadow comes with a handy little shadow/liner brush that was designed specifically for this shadow. I prefer to use this brush to line the eyes rather than as a shadow brush because it's pretty tiny.

Overall, I'm a big fan especially since I love anything I can just rub on the eye quickly and have it still look amazing. If time is not your friend, these shadows will be! Available in 6 shades. 

Chanel Le Vernis in Graphite ($25 USD): How can a brand command such a hefty price tag on a nail polish? Chanel is a trendsetter which explains why fashionistas and beauty lovers everywhere bite their nails in anticipation for the shade of the season. Graphite looks silvery from the bottle but when you apply it looks more khaki green with gold and silver flecks. It's such a fantastic shade that just sparkles! Available in 3 shades.

Have you tried Chanel's fall 2011 collection? Love it? Hate it? Want it? What were your favourites?


Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them.

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Beauty Review: Hello Kitty Apple Balm and Liquid Nail Art


Hello Kitty is Pretty in Pink!

It’s difficult not to like anything Hello Kitty. It really brings out the inner child in me so I was really
excited to try out these super cute products!

The first I tried was the Hello Kitty Apple Balm. The consistency is perfect in my opinion – thick enough
to stay put for a couple hours, glossy and really soothes your pout. In its adorable apple shaped bottle, it
looks like it’s meant to be a simple coloured gloss. Much to my surprise, it actually contains strawberry,
grape seed and apple extracts which are rich in polyphenols, vitamin C, and other antioxidant
properties.

The colour is rich for a gloss and it definitely hydrated my lips. It’s a great daytime product, especially as
the weather starts to cool off and our lips need a little more TLC.


The second Hello Kitty product I tried was the Liquid Nail Art in Pink Sprinkles. The bottle is shaped
like Hello Kitty and the colour makes it look super girly. This lacquer is formulated without toluene,
formaldehyde, or DBP which is a plus. It also comes in a variety of other pastel shades.

Application was a breeze, and since the base colour is clear, it can be applied quickly without worrying
about staying in the lines. It dried relatively quickly, and since one coat wasn’t enough in the sparkle
factor for me, I applied a second coat and it looked much better.

This product claims that it is anti-chip, and is sure to last a long time. However, on my nails it started
chipping the next day which is a little disappointing considering the price point. It was cute while it
lasted!


  • Apple Balm - 0.22 oz for $9
  • Liquid Nail Art - 0.304 oz for $10
 Have you tried any Hello Kitty products yet? How do you feel about sparkly polish?


by Brooke

Products were sent for editorial consideration.

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Fall Beauty Review: Lash Love Ardell #318


Lash love alert! Ardell #318's Lash Accents  have quickly become my favourite pair of falsies. As a makeup artist, half lashes make my job that much easier. For the longest while I was using a feathery pair from Quo and I was always cutting them in half to fit my clients eye. With Ardell's new half lashes, you just apply the glue and position on the outer edge and it's done! The results are gorgeous - naturally full lashes. The feathery finish makes it very voluminous and natural looking. Your eyes will stand out without looking over the top. No one will ever know you're wearing a pair of faux lashes and that's what you want right?

Here is one of my gorgeous bridesmaid I used these lash lovlies on! Don't her eyes look amazing?? I'll be stocking my kit with more #318's! Here's a great site to buy in bulk: www.madamemadeline.com.


Have you tried Ardell's #318's? What are your favourite pair of falsies? 


Product was sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them.

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Fall Beauty Trend 2011: Brow How

 
Photo Source: Style.com Alexander Wang F/W 2011

Move over bright lips and smokey eyes, in-your-face brows are this season's star. A nice, full brow never goes out of style for me though. Full brows help frame your face while thin brows just age you. Seen at Alexander Wang the full brow is bold, dark and a bit extreme especially when the rest of the face is bare. Here are some star products and key tips to achieving a full yet natural brow!


Stila All Day Waterproof Brow Color in Medium ($27 CAD): Where have you been all my life?? Because my hair is so dark, I tend to use shadows as my brow colour because I can never find anything to match properly. They are either too heavy, too dark, too grey, or have a reddish undertone.

Stila's brow colour is waterproof and seriously stays on until I take my makeup off. I got to test this while it was still hot out and humid out. The results: perfectly full brows that didn't fade or melt in the heat. I was a little skeptical when I saw the shade because it looks like a soft brown-black. But when I applied it to my brows, it actually looked like my brow colour. It really blended in nicely which I was really surprised about. The soft point allows you to mimic the way your brows naturally grow. Apply gently using upward strokes. Use it to fill in all over or just in sparse areas.

Avon Brow Gel in Clear ($6 USD): When left natural, my brows are coarse, straight, bushy, and long. It's just a hairy mess. I need to pluck, cut and use a gel to keep these puppies in place. Avon has a great, inexpensive brow gel in Clear that keeps my brows feeling soft yet locks them in. I love brow gels because they just enhance the overall shape of your brows and make everything look neat and in place. Use a brow gel to finish the brows after you've filled them in. 

Are you hot on the brow trend? What are your go-to brow products? 

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them.

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Get the Look: Madge TIFF Red Carpet Glamour

Photo Source: justjared.com

It is TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) madness in Toronto which means Fall is just around the corner!

Madge may be a diva but she knows how to rock red carpet glamour! Always a classic look, her 1940's makeup style is big again for the fall season.

Get the Look: 

 

Clockwise: 

Lancome Les Oeillades Eye and Brow Palette in Blondette Fatale ($54 CAD): French style is all about timeless and classic style. Nothing says timeless than this eye and brow palette in neutral tones. The palette features two matte shadow and 2 shimmery shades. I love this palette for its versatility and no-brainer application. 

For this look, apply the lighter shimmery tones across the lid and to highlight. Sculpt the eyes with the medium matte tone. Dampen an angled liner brush with water or a transforming liquid for longer wear and use the dark matte shade to line your eyes. To give it a dramatic flirty effect, wing out the liner. Don't forget to fill your brows in! Brows are back for fall (but full brows never go out of style). Use the same palette to fill in your brows with a brow brush. Use soft strokes to give you a natural feather effect.

Lancome Art Liner in Noir ($37 CAD): Lancome's Art Liner has received rave reviews. If you really want the eyes to stand out and add some serious drama liquid liners in a deep black will do the trick. I like lining the eyes with a powder shadow as a guide and then applying a liquid liner on top. Saves you from making a mess and starting over. 

Lancome Le French Touch Absolu in Saint-Honore ($40 CAD): LOVE the gold casing of this lipstick! It's reminiscent of the luxe packaging from the '40's. You'll love the compact size also. Don't worry, it's small on the outside, but regular size lipstick on the inside. Saint-Honore is a pure red that is totally glam and was inspired by the first true red Lancome created called "Shaker" back in 1945.

To get the perfect pout, line the lips with a red lip liner and fill in all over. With a lip brush, apply the lipstick. Blot with a tissue and reapply lipstick again. For a stain effect, press into the lips with your finger.


Lancome Maison Lancome Long-Lasting Blush (LE, $48 CAD): Love. This gorgeous blush deserves to be showcased on its own. Thank you Aaron De May and Lancome for giving me Paris in a compact. I don't even want to use this because the detail is so beautiful! Embossed in the blush is the streetlight lamp and cobblestone outside of the historical Lancome Maison 29 Faubourg Saint-Honore. The soft rose with a bit of gold softly brightens and contours the face, perfect when paired with bold lips. This is a definite collector's item! If you dare to use, swirl colours all together or use shades separately to add colour and sculpt.

Who are your favourite TIFF beauties? Have you tried Lancome's fall collection? Love it? Hate it? Want it?


Products were submitted for editorial consideration and I truly love them.

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Summer Beauty Review: It's A Coral Kind Of Summer!


This summer has been all about the corals. My lips have been rockin' everything from orange corals to pink corals. Here are some of my favourite picks this season! (Will have to update with swatches - still no memory card! :()

(Counter clockwise)

Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Mega Melon ($19 CAD): These chubby sticks bring me back to my kindergarten days when I used to rub crayons on my lips for colour. These balms will drench your lips with moisture. Love the colour pay off too. I was expecting it to be sheer, but the colour payoff is similar to a glossy lipstick. Mega Melon is a beautiful shade just right for bronzy summer skin. It leans more orange than pink so it gives the skin some warmth. I also love the twist-up feature. I hate sharpening gloss pencils - just too messy. Available in 8 shades.

Guerlain Rouge Automatique in Nahema ($35 USD): Luxury in a lipstick tube. Guerlain's signature gold casing and interesting packaging screams luxury. This is the first time my lips have ever been touched by Guerlain and unfortunately I'm in love. The texture is unbelievably creamy. For a long-lasting lip colour, it doesn't dry out your lips and keeps them hydrated. I love the flip-top applicator. No need to take off the cap - just push up and your lipstick pops out. And isn't luxury all about convenience? Nahema is a bright coral sheen. It has a nice mix of both cool and warm undertones so it will work for many skin tones. If you love collecting uber chic and luxurious lipsticks this is one to add to the collection! Available at Sephora.

Revolution Organics Freedom Gloss in Vibe ($26 CAD): You all know my love affair with Revolution Organics so I'm sure it's no surprise I'm featuring the brand again. Vibe is described as "fresh warm peach", but it looks more like a flat orange in the tube. Before trying it I wasn't too keen on this shade, but once it was on my lips I fell in love. There is a slight shimmer and it has beautiful undertones of coral and peach. With the Freedom Glosses, you never feel like you're wearing a gloss. I never have to apply a lip conditioner before applying these glosses. They contain organic plant proteins, oils and shea butter that moisturize and heal the lips. 

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Bolero ($24 USD): New for summer, Bolero is described as "pink cantaloupe". The bright pink swatch on the website is deceiving. Do go to the counter and test this out. I'm featuring this not because I'm totally in love with it, but I think it's an interesting shade for summer.

What I love: 
  • The matte texture is a nice alternative to the usual glossy lips for summer. When you wear shimmer on the eyes and face it's important to keep one area non-shimmery. A matte lip is the perfect compliment.

  • It accentuates your tan. This shade will look different on everyone. On paler skin, more of the pink undertones will come out. On bronzy skin, it will look edgy and you'll look more golden. Reminds me of day glo lip balms with sunblock. Deeper skin tones should be wary though - it might make you look ashy. 

What I hate:
  • The matte texture. My lips can get extremely dry and chapped. The combination of this texture and shade just accentuated the dryness even more. But with a little lip balm, it wore pretty good but settled into my lines. 

  • You have to sharpen the pencil.

Stila Convertible Color in Petunia ($25 USD): Petunia is such a pretty pinky coral shade. It looks amazing with a bit of bronzer and really perks up the skin. The finish is creamy and gives the skin a lovely glow. It'll never look overdone because it melts right into the skin. The shade is highly pigmented yet it's very easy to blend. You can wear them on the lips, but I find it dries mine out too much. But it works great as a base for glosses. If your skin needs a good pick-me-up or you're in a rush these are perfect, but don't expect it to last in humid sticky weather! Tip: Make it last a little longer with translucent powder or a powder blush in a similar shade.

Have you tried any of these lovely corals? What colours have you been wearing a lot of this summer?

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them.

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Summer Beauty Review: Don't Sweat It...Off With tarte's Amazonian Makeup

Is it true? Is this Makeup Junkie finally emerging from the sleepless world of motherhood?? It's mid-August and I still have lots of summer favourites to share with you! In the next few weeks I will try and bang out my summer must-haves (with Baby Z's permission). Then I can share with you all my Fall/Winter collections that I've fallen in love with (stay tuned for new Chanel reviews!). As much as I love Fall, talking about fall collections seems too soon right? Where did the summer go? Another bummer - my memory card is broken and I haven't had a chance to get a new one so no swatch photos for now (insert sad face).


Has the summer been sticky enough for you? Thank god for water-proof products that actually work! The beauty world is all over tarte's Amazonian Clay blushes because of the high colour payoff and long-lasting texture. I am in love with the Amazonian Clay products. These products couldn't have come at a better time! With the lack of sleep and feeding Baby Z every 2-3 hours, I literally have minutes to swipe on my makeup. Once it's applied it's gotta last all day because touch-ups are not an option. 

tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Liner ($18 USD, Exclusive to QVC): Sorry to my Canadian readers, but these are exclusive to US beauties. I believe the emphasEYES aqua-gel eyeliner is similar in quality. Infused with magic ingredient, Amazonian Clay, these liners are incredibly pigmented and long-wearing. The best part? These actually last on the waterline! And not just for an hour but a good 6-8 hours. The twist-up pencil is a convenient no-sharpening liner. You can wear it close to the lash line or thick for a dramatic effect. The texture is super smooth and glides easily along the lid. Available in 3 shades: Plum, Brown, and Black. 

tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Cream Shadow ($22.80, Exclusive to QVC): I love shadows that I can just swipe on with my finger. I have been wearing these religiously since I received them. Again, colour is highly pigmented and your lids will stay crease-free. All shades are shimmery and highlight the eye beautifully, but you can tone down the shimmer with a matte shadow. I love wearing them on their own for a sheer wash of colour or as a base for my powder shadows when I need the eyes to look heavier. The pots are small (0.1 ounce), but a little goes a long way. My go-to shades have been Beach Bronze and Slate which are pretty everyday shades and go with everything, but all are gorgeous and work with every skin tone. Available in 5 shades: Moss, Beach Bronze, Slate, Shimmering Plum, and Seashell Pink.

tarte emphaEyes Waterproof Amazonian Clay Waterproof Liner W/Shadow-Liner Brush ($22 USD, not shown above): Thankfully these are available to Canadians too! Love these little pots of heaven! These are slightly bigger (0.08 ounce) than the cream shadows, but are pretty much the same product. I love the little crease brush it comes with. It allows you to pack on the colour to your desired intensity and gives you precise application. My favourite shade is Bronze (surprise, surprise), but Indigo is gorgeous too. Bronze is the only metallic shade and the rest are matte so they are very wearable for everyday. These work great as a liner but even better as a shadow for when you want something dramatic. Tip: Close the cap tightly to prevent drying out.

Have you tried these Amazonian Clay products? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em? I will do an update post with swatches!

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them.

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How To Beat The Bed Rest Blues: Makeup Part 2


I'm no longer on bed rest, but you still want to know what kept me looking pretty right? Right!

6. Revolution Organics All Over Body Balm ($28 USD): I've raved about this product before and I'll rave about it again (you can read my review here)! This eco-chic all-purpose body balm really came in handy when I was in the hospital. I didn't want to pack too much so this worked as my belly stick, lip balm, and hand cream!

7. Revolution Organics Freedom Glow Beauty Balm ($34 USD): You want the perfect glow? I love these coloured beauty balms for the eyes, lips and cheeks. Yes, I've featured these a few times before and I love them so much I packed all 3 (click here for past reviews). Since I was missing out on some major sun, Bronzed gave me that faux tan my skin needed. I loved using it on my eyes and to contour my cheeks (you know gotta give the illusion of slim cheeks when your pregos!). Sunkissed  (coral peach), is so hot for summer right now. I used this one most often. It'll leave your skin looking - well - sunkissed! I loved Blushed (bright pink) on my lips and looked gorgeous with Bronzed on the lids and cheeks.

8. NARS Mayflower Lipstick (LE, Summer 2011, $24 USD): When I first saw this lipstick in the tube, I didn't fall in love right away. But after first swipe, I was hooked. It's described as sheer raspberry, but on me it pulled warmer tones of coral and raspberry-pink. It's the summer version of your lips-but-better, well on me at least! I also adore how moisturizing the texture is. I can usually just swipe this on with minimal makeup and it still perks up my complexion. 

9. Lancome Juicy Tubes Awakening of Love (LE, $22 CAD): This review is a little late. I had meant to feature this in time for Toronto's Luminato Festival, but didn't get around to it for good reason. Lora Spiga, Lancome's Official Makeup Artist for Canada, created 3 Juicy Tubes shades and Desert Rose Blush to compliment designer, Denis Gagnon's, Garden of Roses: Denis Gagnon Interprets Alice that was featured during Luminato. 

I received Peace & Flowers, a gorgeous shimmering warm pink. The shade is sheer, but it adds subtle colour with a whole lotta shine! For some simple shine and a bit of colour, I wore it on its own. When I wanted more colour, I loved pairing it with NARS' Mayflower and my Revolution Organics Beauty Balms. This Juicy Tube collection (3 shades in total) will be apart of Lancome's Bronze Azure summer 2011 collection.

Have you tried any of these products? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em?

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them.

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How To Beat The Bed Rest Blues: Makeup Part 1

Many of you may think I'm ridiculous for even bothering to wear makeup while I'm in the hospital, but to prevent myself from getting deeply depressed, putting on makeup puts me in a good mood. Plus, it forces me to have some sort of routine and purpose for getting up in the morning. Many nurses have asked me if I was being discharged because I'm wearing makeup and wearing normal clothes and when I get wheeled to my ultra sounds, I get a few stares because I'm not wearing the typical hospital garb. One of my favourite nurses, Esther, told me that oddly enough pregnancy looks good on me - I'll take it! Guess I should be pregnant all the time! ha!

Now, don't go thinking I'm wearing a full face of makeup. I'm wearing enough to make me look polished and playing on that "pregnancy glow". Check out which products have been keeping this face in check!



1. Nanoblur ($19 CAD): I've had this product for a while and haven't really had much chance to test it out. I decided I'd use Nanoblur because it could blur out any imperfections that my minimal makeup wouldn't cover up. If you don't know the genius of Nanoblur you'll want to know it. It's not a skincare product but a quick fix for when you need to look 10 years younger in a matter of seconds. It blurs fine lines, wrinkles, redness, minimizes pores and even mattifies the skin making it appear more even and less shiny. It works really well as a primer too. In seconds, I can really notice a difference in the texture and appearance of my skin. I don't have very big pores, but around my t-zone area they are more prominent. As soon as I apply this stuff, it instantly smooths out. The texture applies thick and is more suited for drier or mature skin types but I'm sure would work well on oily skin too in smaller amounts especially since it mattifies. I do find that you have to work it into the skin fast because it absorbs quite quickly. You also have to let it set for a few minutes or else your foundation or concealer won't blend nicely. Great thing is that you can apply when you're on the run over your makeup for a mid-day perk-me-up. It's a great quick fix at such an affordable price!

2. Cover FX SkinTint FX SPF 30 in M Light ($39 CAD): Just because I'm not getting any sun doesn't mean I can't fake it. As mentioned in a previous post, SkinTint FX has been my go to TM. Packing this one for the hospital was an obvious choice for me. It gives me a sun-kissed, radiant glow while giving me some coverage. I don't want to look like I'm made up and SkinTint looks so close to my natural skin. If you're not in the loop, Cover FX wants you to help them spread the word about skin cancer! For the month of June, with every new "Like" on their FB page, they will donate $0.25 to skin cancer research: David Cornfield Melanoma Fund Fund in Canada, The Skin Cancer Foundation in the US and SKCIN, The Karen Clifford Skin Cancer Charity in the UK.

3. Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener ($18 USD): This one is an oldie but a goodie! I've been using Photo Op for years to brighten under my eyes (read past post here). If you don't suffer from severe dark circles, you can get away with using this as your normal concealer. But for someone that does need more coverage, this helps brightens the under eyes under your concealer. Instead of taking a full coverage concealer with me, I only packed Photo Op because again I didn't want to look too done up. This brightens and gives a luminous effect and if I apply a few layers it covers up the darkness alright. I've also been using it to highlight the inner corners of my eyes, my brow bones and my cheekbones!

4. Urban Decay Naked Palette ($58 CAD): This has to be my HG of neutral palettes! I've been dieing to get my hands on this ever since its launch and every time I went to a Sephora it was sold out. One of my BFF's was doing a little makeup shopping at her local Shoppers and asked me about Urban Decay. Seeing how she's in the Durham region, I was surprised to know that this location carried UD products. I immediately asked if the Naked palette was in stock and to my surprise it was! She snatched it up for me and now we are forever buds. There are a ton of reviews and swatches out there so I'm sure you know what all 12 shades look like. I love the mix of shimmery, matte and satin tones making it an ideal palette for everyday, bridal and for more dramatic looks. I've used it on a lot of my clients and this is one palette I use on myself whenever I go out. I don't use it everyday at the hospital but when I know a visitor is coming I'll emphasize my eyes a little. The shadows I use the most are: Buck (matte brown), Half Baked (bronze), Smog (golden brown shimmer), Dark Horse (bronze-plum shimmer) and Hustle (mocha shimmer). 

5. Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara ($34 CAD): There hasn't been a Lancome mascara that I've been disappointed with. If you love the lengthening effect of the Hypnose line, you will love the feathery, voluminous finish of the new Doll Lashes mascara (unscented version for Canada). Here's what I love: 
  • gorgeous, feathery, and voluminous
  • the conical brush allows you to get at every lash and at the root
  • love the subtle sheen and the shade is a deep, dark black
  • gives a very dramatic lash with a few swipes
  • lashes feel very soft to the touch
What I didn't love: 
  • I found the handle of the brush a little big and awkward to hold
  • didn't give my lashes as much lift as compared to other brands I've tried. The length was just ok for me. 
  • the softness of the lash didn't hold the lift and caused my lashes to droop later on in the day
  • I prefer water-proof versions. This one was the regular mascara and did smudge on my bottom lash line.
I'm curious to try the water-proof version (if one is released) and see if the lift, hold, and smearing is better. But I really do love the "doll-like" effect it gives. I received the one that is rose scented and actually don't mind it but I think most will appreciate the non-scented version. This mascara will be available mid-August. 
Have you tried any of these products? Stay tuned for part 2 of my makeup must-haves!

Products were sent for editorial consideration (with the exception of the UD Naked Palette) and I truly love them!

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How To Beat The Bed Rest Blues: Skincare

I know, I just couldn't stay away! Stoked that I got my new laptop adapter and now I can blog away! 

Everywhere I look, I see women in their hospital gowns, hair matted, skin pale and sallow, dark circles and puffy eyes. Granted, the majority of them just gave birth and looking hot really isn't their first priority. I'm bed ridden, but since I can still move around a bit I'm making an effort to look as "non-patient" as I can if you know what I mean. I refuse to wear a hospital gown unless I really need to and make time to fit in a skin and makeup routine. These to me are some of the things that will keep me sane and feel normal in a not-so-normal situation. 

Many of the beauty articles you're reading now are all about "How To Beat The Heat With These Products", but since my problem is being in a stuffy hospital with average air circulation, I need products that will make my skin look bright and radiant! Since the a/c is broken, we have fans blowing everywhere. To prevent my skin from looking lack-luster and dry, I've turned to a few must-have products starting with skincare!


1. Dr. Dennis Gross All In One Cleanser With Toner ($32 CAD. The Shopping Channel): Have I mentioned before that I love multi-taskers? I didn't want to pack a slew of beauty products so this cleanser was the perfect choice. It's a 3-in-1 cleanser that cleanses, tones and removes makeup even water-proof products. It contains natural Witch Hazel, Chamomile, Hyaluronic Acid, and Vitamins A,C, and E so it won't strip your skin. What I love most about it, is that it works for all skin types. If you have dry skin like me, you just need to massage into skin with dry hands for 10 seconds. Oilier types have to massage it in for 30 seconds. It applies really creamy, yet rinses off easily leaving my skin feeling smooth and clean.

2. Bobbi Brown Brightening Advanced Serum ($105 USD): I don't usually wear serums, but once I tried the newest star from Bobbi Brown I couldn't put it down. I seriously love the way it feels on my skin and how luminous my face looks after. It applies so silky smooth and feels super hydrating - some days I'll just apply this on my skin with no moisturizer. It's infused with Red Algae, Vitamin C Complex, and a unique blend of Grape, Mulberry, Scutellaria (soothing and anti-inflammatory properties) that even out the tone of your skin and make it look brighter. I've started noticing that since I've been using it, the tone of my skin seems brighter, texture smoother and my pores smaller. I apply this under my lotion to absorb and lock into the skin, but I think you're supposed to apply over your lotion according to the site. Either way it works lovely, but I'm still balking at the price. I believe in investing in good skin care, so if it's within my budget it's something I would definitely buy again. 

3. La Mer The Eye Concentrate ($165 USD): La Mer products are a luxury and definitely not apart of my everyday skincare regime. I was lucky enough to receive a deluxe size and thought why not spoil myself while I'm in the hospital! It's the perfect traveling size. It's a very rich cream so you only need a little at a time. With the dryness in the air right now, the skin around my eyes are loving it. I've only been using it for a little over 2 weeks so I'm not sure it's doing anything for my dark circles but they definitely look hydrated and radiant. 

4. La Mer Creme de la Mer ($135 - $1650 USD): My first experience with this luxurious cream, my skin was not in the best shape. I actually had a reaction from a medicine at the time when I started using this. You can read about it here. This time around, my skin is pretty normal despite being on the drier side but can I tell you - I don't like this cream - I LOVE this cream! Why must my skin have expensive taste?? It's just what the doctor ordered. My skin soaks it right up and after my skin looks glowing. Again, it's a deluxe size and I'm trying to savour it as much as I can but I know it will be all gone by the time I'm out of the hospital. I'm sure once that happens, my skin will need less moisture. If you can afford it, it's a fabulous cream. My skin just looks so much smoother and and more luminous.

5. La Mer The Body Creme Tube ($130 USD): Can't forget about the body! I received a deluxe size in the tube form which is so compact and portable. Again, it leaves your skin unbelievably soft and supple. I rarely have to reapply throughout the day because it's so hydrating. It doesn't leave a greasy finish like most richer creams. It has a light scent, but disappears right away. 

What's the lesson here? Use expensive skin creams while you're in the hospital and you will feel like a super star! It really is a treat especially when all I have to look forward to is laying on my bed all day. I believe if you don't take care of your outer appearance, it will start to affect the way you feel on the inside. Since I can't control when the baby will come, this is one area of my life I know I can control!

Have you tried any of these products? Do you turn to beauty products to get you out of a funk? Stay tuned for How To Beat The Bed Rest Blues: Makeup post!

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them.

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Summer Beauty Review: Looking Pale? 5 Bronzers To Give You That Faux Glow!

What is it about sun-kissed skin that everyone longs for? Hmm, I can think of a few reasons. You look healthier, don't have to wear as much makeup, and everyone thinks you just came back from the most fabulous getaway.

There are a variety of bronzers on the market to suit your fancy. Read up on what I think of this summer's latest bronzers-on-the-block!


1. Clinique Almost Bronzer SPF 15 ($34 CAD): They call this "almost bronzer" for a reason. If you have a bronzer phobia, but long for a touch of sun you will love this bronzer. The application is very, very sheer. It claims it's long-wearing, but because I received the Light/Medium sample I couldn't see it at all on my skin. It also says it's buildable which I'm sure is true if you have very fair skin. You can combine the two shades for an all over natural colour or use one to contour and the lighter to highlight. For me, this bronzer was a bust especially at $34, mainly because I couldn't truly test its potential and I didn't have a chance to try it on someone fairer than me. Anyone else try this?

2. Lancome Star Bronzer in #3 ($46 CAD): This long-wearing bronzer will be featured this summer in a new slim case with a clic closing. I love the embossed design - it reminds me of sun rays shining over the brand's classic rose emblem. It even has a rose scent to it. The bronzer is lovely on and the shimmer is very subtle so you get the most natural glow. The shade is very buildable and long-wearing. You won't have to worry about looking orange this summer - just pure golden baby! Keep in mind, it comes with a hefty price tag but if you love Lancome and love luxury bronzers this is one to get.

3. Revolution Organics Freedom Glow Beauty Balm in Bronzed ($34 CAD): These eco-friendly beauty balms of goodness are perfect for the "no makeup" makeup look. I love the glow it gives my skin. The sticks are very creamy and sinks into the skin leaving a gorgeous tint of colour behind. It doesn't leave a greasy residue. Don't expect these to last all day though. I found it lasted longer when I didn't prime or put any foundation on. On bare skin, it actually stayed better. These are perfect for when you want a bronzey tan on-the-go or when you're going to the beach. You can swipe the Bronzed shade on your lids, cheeks and lips and you're good to go. Keep in mind, if staying out in hot weather for a long time these can melt! Solution: throw it in with the drinks in your cooler!

4. Vasanti Brazilian Powder - Brightening Mineral Powder ($25 CAD):  First, the packaging is beautiful with its unique artisan inspired paperboard with hand made accents. Being the less pricier of the 5, this is an awesome bronzer for what you get. It contains a nutrient-rich formula with anti-aging properties to keep your skin looking radiant and youthful. It has a shimmery finish to it but instead of looking shiny it leaves a gorgeous sheen. You'll be glowing in all the right places! Tip: make sure your skin is properly powdered before applying. Because it is so velvety smooth, I found I had to buff my skin really well before it looked blended. 

5. Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in Deep Chocolate (LE, $40 CAD): You want chocolate? This bronzer is a true rich chocolate. The finish is matte yet silky so you'll never look muddy or dirty. Deep Chocolate is one I recommend for medium-dark to deep skin. I'm no where as tanned as I would be in the height of summer, but if I use it sparingly it leaves a lovely bronzed finish to my skin. I also like using this to contour or as a shadow. It's also available in Rich Cocoa and might be better for someone who has fair to medium skin. Remember to use a bronzer buffing brush or a big powder brush to apply your bronzer so it leaves a believable natural tan! 

 Top - Bottom: Clinique, Lancome, Revolution Organics, Vasanti, and Bobbi Brown

Have you tried any of these bronzers? What are your favourite bronzers for a natural summer glow? 

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them.

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Summer Beauty Review: Shatter, Sparkle and Serena Williams From O.P.I.


Trends in nails have become more innovative than ever before. From the reverse french manicure, to the half-moon manis, there are many fun ways to make your nails the hottest accessory.

The "shatter" trend has every nail brand jumping on the bandwagon. This two-texture finish gives your nails a graffiti-inspired feel that is edgy, funky and super fun! I finally got to the try the trend with O.P.I's latest shatter polishes in three new blue hues.


O.P.I. Shatter Polish in Navy ($10.95 CAD) is gorgeous especially when paired with a metallic polish. In the above photo, I paired it with Joe Fresh Polish in Tin, the spring-ready silver metallic. Navy is a flat shade so you can either wear it matte or apply a top coat over top for some shine. In the photo, I did not apply a top coat. The matte finish gave it the edge-factor. After a few days, I did apply a top coat to keep it on longer and looking fresh.

Here's what I love about the shatter effect: 
  • It's very eye-catching and is a quick way to update your nails without having to break the bank.
  • Navy is uber chic and a shade that can be worn all year round. Layer it over of a white polish with some shimmer to give it a lighter look for summer. 
  • It dries very quickly. You don't have to worry about smudging it.
What I didn't love: 
  • It dries very quickly. I found it a little hard to work with because it set so quickly. If you layer on too much, it doesn't crackle or shatter as well. One coat is all that is needed.
  • Could be me, but it was hard to make it look neat. I tried to get it as close to the cuticle to match the silver polish but it would end up looking messy. 
  • You have to wait until your bottom layer of polish is very dry before applying the shatter polish over top. Otherwise, it doesn't apply smoothly. 
Also available in new shades Blue and Turquoise.


Tennis champ, Serena Williams, has launched a series of super cool polishes for O.P.I. I remember last year sometime I watched an episode of Oprah and found out Serena's other passion is nails! When she retires, she wants to open up her own nail boutique and do nails. She actually went to school too to become a nail technician. Can you imagine getting a pedicure from Serena Williams?? Oprah was her first client!

The O.P.I. Glam Slam France collection ($20.95 CAD duo) in Rally Pretty Pink and Red Shatter is a girly duo mixed with some hotness.


This is Rally Pretty Pink on its own. I absolutely adore this shimmering sunset pink! It's another summer shade you'll love! I actually prefer it by itself.


Personally, I didn't like the red over top. I thought it it overpowered the other shade too much. I did like how the gold shimmer popped out when light would hit it. I think the red shatter would work well with a lot of other shades though like black, metallic gold, orange, yellow, white, and metallic grey. I didn't like a matte finish with this shade as much as the navy. The top coat shine brightened the duo up much more. Also available in Spark de Triomphe (silver glitter) and White Shatter.

Overall, I think the shatter trend is a fun way to update your nails. I think I need a little more practice though! What do you think of the shatter trend? Love it? Hate it? Want it?

Both collections available nationwide May 2011.


Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them.

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Spring Beauty Review: Sephora Loves Canada Palette And We Love Sephora!


Aww shucks, you love us and we really, really love you Sephora! Us Canadian girls have sure embraced Sephora ever since it launched in Canada. Some of you call it your mecca for beauty and some of you call it home. Thank you Sephora for dedicating a palette especially for us Canadian beauty junkies! 

I was expecting the Sephora Loves Canada Minibag ($15 USD) palette to be the typical blockbuster size, but in fact it's the exact opposite. It's a lil' mini one and adorable to boot! It's a purse-friendly size that you can tote with you for touch-ups throughout the day or for an evening makeup change. To top it off, you can hold it by the red handles like a shopping bag - makes you want to shop doesn't it?

Shadow swatches

In the past, Sephora's shadows haven't really impressed me much. I always found that they weren't pigmented enough and faded quite quickly. I was pleasantly surprised that these shadows were silky soft and highly pigmented. The palette contains great basic neutrals that are perfect for day and can add drama for night. There's a good mix of shimmery, matte, and satin shadows as well. Not only can this palette work for everyday, but I can see a lot of brides reaching for this one especially if they will be doing their own makeup.

Blush swatch

When you slide out the right side, a shimmering neutral blush is added to compliment your neutral eyes. It adds a soft hint of colour and leaves a beautiful glow on the skin. This also works great as a highlighter. Sephora blushes are actually really good. I've tried a few in the past and they are always silky smooth and highly pigmented.

Gloss swatches

I love all the hidden compartments. Slide out the left side and 4 neutral shades from light to dark finish off your look. From left to right, the first shade is a frosty champagne, shimmering beige, shimmering pink-brown, and shimmering plum. The glosses are sheer and feel smooth to the touch. They don't last very long, but you can apply these over your favourite lipstick for longer wear.

Overall, it's a collector's item that is fabulous for when you're on-the-go and it makes a great gift for that special makeup junkie in your life (could be you)!

Have you tried this palette? Love it? Hate it? Want it?

http://sephora.com

Product was sent for editorial consideration and I truly love it. 

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Summer Beauty Review: mark by Avon Ibiza Glosses



Mark does lip gloss right!

In its upcoming summer 2011 collection, mark introduces Ibiza Sol Marbleized Lip Gloss. The packaging tempts us to get “bonita” – pretty in Spanish – with these luscious lips shades. Sounds like a plan to me!

The glosses come in three shades:
  • Bonita Pink – a matte bubblegum pink with a rosy red swirl
  • Chica Coral – a muted peach with a metallic dark coral swirl
  • Hola! Bronze – a darker dusty rose with a shimmering mocha swirl
Although the colours look pretty vibrant in the tube, they’re actually pretty natural looking once applied – to my surprise! Each gloss has shimmering golden undertones which go along with the beachy, exotic theme. The consistency is thick enough to stay put for a couple hours, but that’s about as long as you can stretch it without having to reapply.

The rectangular casing is pretty neat with use of negative, clear space around the product. Once opened, the fragrance is even better! It really does smell like an instant vacation with coconut notes that make you day dream of being on the beach.

Overall, this product is a perfect everyday gloss at a pretty decent price point. Each 0.13 fl. oz. lip gloss retails for $10 on meetmark.com, or through your Avon representative. 

by Brooke

Products were sent for editorial consideration.

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Joy Approved: 5 Pink Blushes You Should Know


In case you missed my post on The Joy of Makeup, read about the 5 pink blushes I reach for in my kit! Click here to read the post. What are your fave must-have pink blushes?


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Spring Beauty Review: Vasanti Is Blooming With Colour!


Vasanti's spring/summer collection is making me fall in love with colour this season! Yes, these two items have quickly made a home in my kit. Vasanti certainly doesn't skimp on quality or pigment making their products makeup artist worthy!



Vasanti Silky Eye Shadow Duo in Mount Rushmore ($20 CAD): Alright, it's time to gush over how much I adore this silky duo of goodness! Texture - amazing. It's silky-soft and applies like butta'. It blends beautifully onto the skin. I love the combination of a satin-frost finish with a matte shadow. It makes it wearable for anytime of the day and photographs wonderfully. Now, let me gush over the colour combo! The silver infused taupe with the deep purple make this one hot smokey eye perfect for spring! This duo will definitely take you into fall and winter. For day, you can apply the taupe shade all over the lid and use a damp angled brush to line the eyes with the purple. I actually used this on a mother-of-the-bride last week and she loved it! This is the perfect duo to enhance brown, green or hazel eyes! At $20 a duo, this really is affordable for such a well-pigmented palette. New shades available in Colosseum, Lake Louise, and Statue of Liberty.

Vasanti Vitamin E Infused Lipshine in Caribbean ($15 CAD): These glosses are super hydrating and give the lips unbelievable shine. Caribbean is a sheer hot pink. If you're trying to ease into the bright lip trend, using a sheer gloss is the way to go. My lips have some colour to them so the hot pink doesn't really translate. I wish it would have been a little more pigmented, but it looks gorgeous over a hot pink lip stain. New shades available in Caspian, Red Sea, and The North Sea.

Have you tried Vasanti's new spring/summer collection? Love it? Hate it? Want it? 


Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them.

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Summer Beauty Review: Are Tinted Moisturzers Created Equal?

Spring is just beginning here in Toronto, but I see summer skies on the horizon! My skin is starting to behave now that the weather is turning a bit warmer which means I can put away my heavier foundations! I've been living on tinted moisturizers since April, but my skin is still needing a bit of coverage. If you're deciding to make the switch to a tinted moisturizer, there's a few things to keep in mind. 

Are tinted moisturizers created equal? I've been test driving 3 since March and each one has their good and not-so-good features. Here's what I thought and what worked for me and will hopefully work for you!




















The Tints:

mark by Avon Get A Tint Tinted Moisturizer Lotion SPF 15 ($10 USD): Light-weight and oil-free. Gives enough coverage and shimmer for a balanced glow. Unique skin-balancing formula hydrates while it prevents shine in those spots prone to excess oil. Available in Ivory/Nude, Buff/Natural, Honey/Golden, Almond/Mocha.

Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 ($30 CAD): Light-weight hydrating formula that protects the skin with SPF and covers imperfections naturally for a no-makeup look. Available in 6 shades. 

Cover FX Skintint FX Treatment and Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 ($39 CAD): Rejuvenating liquid mineral treatment. Pearlized minerals provide tinted sun-kissed looking skin. Perfect for dry, sallow, sensitive or sun-damaged skin. Oil-free, fragrance-free, and paraben-free. Available in C Light, C Deep, E Light, E Deep, M Light, and M Deep. 


The Coverage (T-B in photo):

mark by Avon in Buff/Natural: The most economical out of the 3, this tint actually gives some coverage! The formula didn't feel heavy or greasy and evened out my skin tone pretty good. On darker blemishes, I did have to apply a separate concealer for more coverage. The Buff shade works for my skin tone right now, but probably won't as I get darker. When first applied, the shimmer seemed very noticeable and I found myself trying to brush it or sponge it away. I was scared that as the day wore on, I would end up looking like an oily mess. Surprisingly, the shimmery particles faded to a sheen leaving my skin glowing and didn't make me shinier. For oilier skin types, however, I'm not sure if the results will be the same. Any oily lovelies that can weigh in? I think this would work great on the decolletage for a sexy glow and on the legs especially if you need to hide any nicks or bruises.

Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer in #3: In March, I was actually light enough to use this shade which is for more fair skinned beauties. The downside - the shade doesn't work for me now. The upside? I'm getting more tanned! Yay! Out of the 3, the Clinique version provides the best coverage yet still looked natural. I didn't have to use a separate concealer over my blemishes or red spots. I really liked the light-weight feel to it. Those that are oilier will appreciate the non-shimmery formula.

Cover FX Skintint FX in M Light: This has been my go-to TM for the past month or so. I love the golden tint it gives my skin! Out of the 3, the finish is the closest to looking like your natural skin. I love the mousse-like texture - it feels like air when applied. It has a pearlized texture rather than shimmer so you're left with skin that glows. The downside? My skin isn't the most perfect right now and I find it doesn't offer enough coverage. My solution? I've been mixing this with Cover FX's Natural FX Water-Based Liquid Foundation SPF 15. The combo gives me enough coverage while still feeling and looking like a TM. It's the pricier option of the 3, but all Cover FX products have ingredients that repair and heal the skin. Perfect for both normal or more problematic skin.

To Tint or Not-To-Tint?

Meredith from her lovely blog, et tu and you, did a post about tinted moisturizers and debated whether switching to one would work for her (click on link above to read). She asked me to weigh in on it and I'm so glad she did!

Wearing a TM really depends on your skin type and your lifestyle. There are ones that offer more coverage and in my experience the ones I love are tarte's Smooth Operator and Clinique's Moisture Surge. These are great options especially if you are used to a full coverage foundation. However, mixing your moisturizer with your favourite foundation also does the trick. I've fallen in love with mixing my Cover FX Skintint with the Natural FX. 

As I said in my reply to her, there is a time and place for everything. If you're working out and still want a bit of coverage (for fear of running into that hottie or ex), a TM is your best friend. Nothing is worst than foundation dripping off your face and onto the workout equipment! If I'm running errands, I usually slap on a bit of concealer with my TM. If I'm attending an event that requires long lasting makeup, I will use a full coverage foundation. If you normally have flawless skin (damn you!), then you can get away with wearing a TM all year round. But if you're less fortunate like me, I use a heavier foundation in the winter months and switch to a TM in the warmer months.

And as always, I am never without a face primer. Make sure you apply a primer (mattifying one if oily) first to keep your TM on all day. Since they don't offer as much coverage, the chances of it fading is greater. Don't be afraid to do a light dusting of translucent powder to set it.

What is your favourite tinted moisturizer? Do you prefer it over a full coverage foundation? Have you tried any of the 3?

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them.

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