Monday, December 15, 2014

Top 5 Favorite Beauty YouTubers

When ever I am looking to buy a new product or product recommendations, I always turn to YouTube. I put together a list of the top 5 beauty YouTubers I always turn too or who I enjoy watching. This list is not in any order because I watch them all regularly.

Vivianna Does Makeup

This girl is incredible. Her videos always look professional and she always has these great ideas for videos. She posts a weekly vlog every Tuesday, which always has some interesting adventures and the London scenery is so beautiful. Anna also writes a blog (here).

Essiebutton

I must give some love to one of my favorite Canadian YouTubers. Estee is from Canada but is living in London. Estee has a great sense of humor and she says the most honest things (some that we are all thinking) when it some to beauty products. She has a separate vlog channel (here) and she has a blog (here). Also, if you like her boyfriend Aslan, he has his own channel (here). His videos are DIYs and recipes.

Young Wild and Polished

This chick is hilarious. If you ever need a good laugh but want to learn about beauty, YWP is your gal. Her videos are longer in length because she is chatty but she really goes in depth about the products. Her hauls are my favorite videos to watch. She also posts nail art tutorials, which all seem fun and very easy to do.

Emily Noel 83

Emily is the YouTuber I turn to when I want a ton of information on a product. She has a great personality and her reviews are always in depth. She has two main channels, one which is longer videos like hauls, favorites and empties and her second channel is strictly reviews in an express style format (here). I watch both channels and both are very good. Emily also has a vlog channel (here). Emily also writes a blog (here).

Jaclyn Hill

Jaclyn is the best YouTuber for tutorials because she is an actual makeup artist. Not saying that other beauty YouTubers don't have good makeup tutorials or don't know what they are doing. I always watch Jaclyn's tutorials to learn new techniques. I also really enjoy her favorites and haul videos.

These are my top favorite Beauty YouTubers. What are your favorite beauty YouTubers to watch? Let me know in the comments below.

Stay beautiful,
Sarah

PS; I. must apologize for the lack of posts last week, I was sick and had no urge to write. I will be posting extra this week to make up for it.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Sephora Holiday Kits Part 4

If you haven't noticed already, I have an extreme addiction to holiday/ value kits. I think they are a great value and they allow you to try so many different products.

Sephora Favorites Beauty Closet

This is a 21 piece set which includes everything from skin care to fragrance. This set contains pieces that the Sephora staff members reach for everyday. This kit is a whooping 118 dollars Canadian.

The set includes;
- Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Mini Clear Brow Gel
Ardency Inn MODSTER Smooth Ride Supercharged eyeliner in Gold
bareMinerals READY Touch Up Veil Broad Spectrum SPF 15 in Translucent
- Beautyblender micro.mini
- Becca Shimmering Skin Perfection in Opal
- Bite Beauty BB for Lips in Flush
- Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black eau de parfum rollerball
- Formula X Nail Color in Fahrenheit
- Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer
- Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil
- Julep Freedom Polymer Top Coat
- LancĂ´me Paris Lip Lover in 355 Framboise Etoile
- Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 in Nude
- Living Proof Prime Style Extender
- Ole Henriksen truth serum collagen booster
- SEPHORA COLLECTION Colorful Mono eye shadow in #32 Pop Idol
- Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 35 in Light/Medium
- Stila Convertible Color in Peony
- Tarte Amazonian clay waterproof bronzer in Park Ave Princess
Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara

This set contains 4 full size products. Although this kit is expensive, I think that it is worth it if you want to try a lot of products without paying the full price. I also really like the variety of this set. Overall, I think its a good buy.

Sephora Favorites Give Me Some Lip

This kit was out before the big Sephora Favorites Give me More Lip (I wrote about it here and here). This kit is a six piece lip sampler set that contains glosses, lipsticks and more. All of the lip products come in a pink or nude shade. This kit is 30 dollars Canadian.

This set includes;
- Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Naked
- Nars Lip Gloss in Orgasm
- Buxom Full On Lip Cream in White Russian
- Marc Jacobs Lust for Lacquer in Kissability
Bite High Pigment Lip Pencil in Meritage
- Smashbox Be Legendary Gloss in Pout

There is one full size product in this kit. I think this set is great for people who only like pink or nude lip products or for someone who is just starting to wear lip products. Overall, this kit is a good value.

Josie Maran Winter Dreams Argan Color Collection

This kit exclusively contains Josie Maran products. This collection contains products that are go to products for a fresh faced look. This kit contains five products and costs 43 dollars Canadian.

The set includes;
- Argan Black Oil Mascara
- Argan Infinity Lip and Cheek Creamy Oil in Limitless Pink
- Coconut Watercolor Eyeshadow in Rio de Rose Gold
- Argan Illuminizer
- 100% Pure Argan Oil Light

This kit is winning in my book because it contains the Black Oil mascara (I wrote about it here). But, this kit contains no full size products. I know, you most likely won't need a ton of product from each of items in this kit but for 40 dollars, I would want at least a full size mascara.

Do you love value sets/kits as much as I do? Which value set has been your favorite? Let me know in the comments below.

Stay beautiful
Sarah

Friday, December 5, 2014

Empties (+ Mini Reviews)

Be prepared for a longer post today. I have a ton of products that I used up.

NSPA Peach Shower Gel

I found this product in Walmart. This shower gel smells like you bite into a fresh peach. I really enjoyed this shower gel because of the scent, the way it lathered up and it didn't leave my skin feeling sticky or tight. Overall, I am really impressed with this product and I will be repurchasing it. TIP: I found this product on a "multi-deal", I got 2 for 6 dollars Canadian.







Neutrogena All-in-One Make Up Removing  Cleansing Wipes

I bought the travel size of these wipes because my local drug store was out of the other wipes I buy. I did really like using these. This product removed all my makeup with ease and it didn't sting my eyes. However, I won't be repurchasing these wipes because they are more expensive than the wipes I currently use and love #studentlife.

Caudalie Grape Water

This is a water that soothes and moisturizes the skin. I really love this product and it really does work. This product takes the redness out of my skin and makes it feel smoother and less tight. I am very happy that this product works. I have already repurchased this product both in the travel size and in the large size.






Garnier Nourishing Cleansing Oil

My skin reacts amazingly to cleansing oils and this oil was no different. It removed all my makeup and didn't leave my skin feeling oily. However, the packaging on this product is terrible. After maybe fives uses, the pump on this product broke and it would leak all over the place. I'm not sure if I just got a bad one or what but this problem is deterring me from repurchasing this product.

ELF Makeup Remover Pen

This is the most ingenious product ever. It is in a pen form and the tip has makeup remover in it, making this product perfect for making wing liner match. I am very happy with this product and the price is perfect, nothing beats 3 dollars Canadian! I will be purchasing more of this product.







Maybelline Baby Skin Primer

This is a pore filling primer from the drugstore. Although I don't have large pores, I was happy to see a primer, that was inexpensive at the drugstore. This was a good primer, not the best I have tried but it worked. The only thing I didn't like about this primer is it was very silicone based, obviously that is good for filling pores, but not good for those of us who just want an inexpensive primer. I haven't decided if I will be repurchasing this product because I have so many primer samples to get through.


Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo

I got this in the Sephora Glitz and Glam Pack (I wrote about this set here). This dry shampoo did work and it smelt great! However, instead of leaving winter residue, it left orange residue. This orange color was very hard to work in and try to get it to disappear was even harder. I won't be repurchasing this product.






Yves Saint Laurent Baby Doll Mascara

I absolutely hated this mascara. First off, I have a personal hate for plastic bristled mascaras. The formula of this product was too sticky and it just clung to my lashes, making them look heavy. Also, because of the formula it clumped my lashes together. I will not be repurchasing this product and I don't recommend it.

Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation

This is a light weight moisturizer. I use this product in the morning because it soaks into the skin fast and adds the perfect amount of moisture to my skin. I will be repurchasing this product.







That is all my beauty empties. What products have you used up? Let me know in the comments below.

Stay beautiful
Sarah

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Sample Bin Ruffle

I'm ruffling through my sample bin again. I will be showing the five new samples I picked as well as reviewing the last five samples.

The Review (here)

Philosophy Cleanser

I actually didn't like this product at all. I felt it didn't clean my skin and I believe this made me break out.

Urban Decay Primer Potion

I was really looking forward to trying this sample, but unfortunately it had dried up. I did not get a chance to try it.

Tarte BB Primer in light

I wrote about this sample in my recent favorites here. I really love this primer. I didn't like using it as a BB cream. As a primer, I believe it would be perfect to use under BB creams because it adds that little bit of extra coverage.

GlamGlow Youth Mud

I have the travel size version of this mask and I love it. This sample was no different. I decided to use this sample so the product didn't dry up.

The New

Too Faced Shadow Insurance

This is an eye shadow primer that is supposed to prevent shadows from creasing, fading, melting and blurring. This is a silicone based product that evens out the skin tone on your eye lids and smoothest lines while creating a barrier between the oils of your skin and your makeup.




Bare Minerals Stroke of Light

This is an eye brighter that helps brighten dark circles, dark shadows and it eliminates the appearance of fine lines. This product is supposed to provide a refreshed and even tone look. I unfortunately don't know what color this sample is in.







Anastasia Brow Gel

This is a clear brow gel that is supposed to have extreme hold. This product is also long wearing. I am very excited to try this brow gel as I have only tried drugstore options.




Urban Decay Perversion Mascara

This mascara claims to give clump free lashes because the formula is not too wet and not too dry. This mascara is also not supposed to be sticky. This product is formulated with proteins that promote lash growth. I unfortunately do not have the subversion primer to try with this product.






First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser

I already know I love this cleanser. I have included it in this post because it is a sample size but also because I am traveling home this month and decided this was the perfect size to bring with me. I also want to use as many samples as possible. This face cleanser removes surface oils, make up, dirt and grime. It is also great for sensitive skin.

What samples are you trying? Let me know in the comments below.

Stay beautiful
Sarah

Monday, December 1, 2014

Lisa Fragrance Sale Haul

I was invited to go to the Lisa Fragrance Sale. This is basically a warehouse sale where you can buy brand name perfumes for half the price or sometimes more. This sale also has nail polish, make up and other personal care items like shampoo. I mostly go for the fragrances because it is such a good deal.



DKNY Fresh Blossom Perfume

I bought the smaller size of this perfume at the last sale and I have fallen in love the fresh yet floral scent of the perfume. When I noticed I was running low, I knew I was going to buy the bigger size this time around. The regular price for this large size perfume is 98 dollars Canadian. At the sale, this size perfume was selling for 55 dollars Canadian.






Swatch of 50 Precious
Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in 50 Precious

I love balm stains like this one. Revlon actually makes some of my favorites, so when I saw this product I knew I had to pick it up. The sale only had this color and another color but I liked this color more. Its the prefect nude shade. This product was 2.99 Canadian at the sale.






Stila Lip and Cheek Stains in Yumberry Crush and Acai Crush

Swatch of Yumberry Crush
I have been lusting over this product, especially in Acai Crush after watching Essie button's Autumn Trilogy video. It is the perfect berry color which is the best for this time of year. Yumberry is a light pink with shimmer in it. I won't be using these products for my cheeks, only for my lips. These lip and cheek stains retail for 32 dollars Canadian. I got them at the sale for 11.99 Canadian.



Swatch of Acai Crush



What have you purchased recently that was a good deal? Let me know in the comments below.

Stay beautiful
Sarah

Friday, November 28, 2014

November Favorites

The end of the year is quickly approaching, but lets take a moment and look at all the products I have been loving this month. There is only a small amount of product because I haven't been trying anything new.

Josie Maran Argan Black Oil Mascara

I got this sample sized mascara in the Sephora Favorites Lash Stash (here). I am absolutely in love with this mascara and I can not await to buy the full size version. This mascara makes my lashes super long and it holds the curl perfectly. I love that this mascara is made with argan oil because it helps nourish my lashes and it makes them very soft. This mascara is also said to help strength your lashes.





Tarte BB Primer in light

I pulled this sample out of sample bin (here). This is a make up primer but it also can be built up and worn alone like a BB cream. This primer also has the benefits of a BB cream. I love this product as a primer more than as a BB cream. I found this primer helped my make up apply smoother and because it has a pigment, it add some coverage. I think this primer will be great in the warmer months under BB creams because it does add some much need coverage.

Boscia Make Up Breakup Cool Cleansing Oil

This is a deep cleansing oil which dissolves make up and impurities. This product is extremely gently on my skin and it doesn't leave my skin feeling oily. I bought the travel size version of this product because I didn't know how my skin would react to it. My skin absolutely loves this product and since using this product my skin looks healthier. I will be buying the full size of this product asap.





The Body Shop's Peach Body Butter

I love these body butters. This product always makes my skin feel hydrated and refreshed. It doesn't leave an oily residue on my skin and the scents are just amazing. I have been pairing this body butter with the peach scented shower gel, which creates the most perfect peach scent. A tiny bit of this product goes a long way.



That is all the product I have been loving this month. What have you been loving this month? Share your products with me in the comments below.

Stay beautiful
Sarah

Thursday, November 27, 2014

A Few Recent Purchases

I didn't share my 20 per cent of VIB Rouge Sale Haul because it was all products I need and have talked about before. Instead, I decided I would share with you a few recent items I have purchased.

Dior Crème de Rose Lip Balm

Every YouTube raves about this product. I did pick this product up during the VIB Rouge event. This is a smoothing plumping lip balm. I don't know how it plumps your lips but it does smooth and hydrate the lips. I find this lip balm hydrated for at least two hours. I like applying this lip balm before I start applying my make up because it preps my lips for a lip product. After using this product a few times, I have to say I don't enjoy the strong rose scent because it does linger on the lips.




Swatch of 655 Daringly Nude
Maybelline Creamy Matte Lipstick in 655 Daringly Nude

I finally found these lipsticks in my local drugstore. This product is a matte lipstick but it has a creamy non drying formula. I wanted to pick this product up in more colors but unfortunately my drugstore was either sold out or the lipsticks were all used. The color payoff of this product is amazing. This lipstick also smells like vanilla.



Rimmel Apocalips Lip Gloss in 100 Phenomenon and 101 Celestial

Swatch of 101 Celestial
These lip glosses were on sale at my local drugstore and I picked them up because I haven't tried them yet. Phenomenon is a peachy nude and Celestial is a light pink. The color payoff of these lip glosses are amazing and they glide on smoothly. I really like the applicator on these glosses. These glosses have a sweet scent to them.





Swatch of 100 Phenomenon
What are a few recent items you purchased? Let me know in the comments below.

Stay beautiful
Sarah

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Wishlist Wednesday - Tarte

I find Tarte is one of the brands that has a lot of great products because of this it is really hard to decided what to try. Here is five items from Tarte that I want to try

Amazonian Clay Airbrush Foundation

I have heard north but good things about this product. This is a powder foundation that provides medium coverage and it is supposed to last for 12 hours. This powder is also feels light weight on the skin. I have heard that this product can be built up making it perfect for everyone. I also like that this powder can be used as a setting powder as well. This product works the best if it is used with the Kabuki brush.

Amazonian Butter Lipstick in Golden Pink

This lipstick is a beautiful light pink with warm undertones. These butter lipsticks adds a rich color and shine to the lips. The Amazonian Butter Lipsticks have a very creamy texture. These lipsticks are formulated with different butter to deliver moisture to the lips to help soothe dry, cracked and mature lips.

Power Pigment in Fearless

This lip tint is a pink coral color. These lip tints are infused with vitamins and Shea butter to give lips a boost of moisture. These lip tints also have a bold color payoff. Tarte formulated these lip tints after the newly designed cheek stains. The lip tints are designed to make skin more vibrant and bright.

Gifted Mascara

This mascara is all the rage right now on YouTube. This is a volumizing mascara infused with Amazonian clay. This mascara also has reparative properties. With every swipe of this mascara, it hydrate and  replenishes dry and brittle lashes preventing lash fallout. This mascara also strengthens lashes. The clay in the mascara keeps it in place for a long wearing flake free mascara.

Kiss & Belle Set

I wrote about this holiday set here. This is a eight piece set containing the LipSurgence lip tints and lip glosses. All the colors in the set are limited edition. Each lip tint and gloss deliver moisture to the lips. These lip tints also provide great color payoff.

That is everything I want to try from Tarte. What do you want to try?

Stay Beautiful
Sarah

Monday, November 24, 2014

Covergirl Foundation Review

I recently purchased the Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 foundation because I have heard so many raving reviews about it.

I am in the shade 910 Classic Ivory.

This foundation claims to have the lasting power of a primer, the coverage of a concealer and the bendability of a foundation all in one. This foundation does contain an SPF of 20 making it not good for flash photography. The foundation also claims to make the skin look shine free.












The color match is very good for me. I also love that this foundation has a pump. I will say this foundation does make the skin shine free. This foundation also is very easy to blend. I also love that this foundation feels light on the skin. I do agree with the claim saying it is long lasting. This foundation lasts me all day.

However, I find that although this foundation claims it covers like a concealer, I find myself wanting more coverage, so I apply extra concealer. I also don't like how 'liquidy' it is. I fixed this problem by shaking it before applying it.

 I have applied this product with both a damp beauty blender and my Real Techniques Buffing brush and I have to say I like to apply it more with my buffing brush because I feel like it gives me  more coverage than my beauty blender does.

The only other major down fall with this product is I find it sticks to any dry patches I have on my face, making my skin look even more dry. If I don't have any dry patches, this foundation looks flawless.






Overall, I am on the fence with this product. I like the way it feels on my skin, I like it's long last power and its easy bendability. However, I am not impressed at all with the fact that it sticks to any dry patches. I will however repurchase this product to wear on days were my skin isn't dry and on days were I just want simple make up because I like it for that.




What do you think about this product? Would you purchase/repurchase it? Let me know in the comments.

Stay beautiful
Sarah

Friday, November 21, 2014

MOTD - Presentations

With many final presentations coming up, which is bringing an end to this semester, I decided to share the products I use and some tips on my presentation day makeup.


Tip 1: ALWAYS use products/ make up application you know work for you. I never ever try anything new on presentation days.

Tip 2: Keep it simple. You want everyone to be focused on what you have to say, not on how dramatic your liner is.

Tip 3: Choose colors that make you feel confident. Don't wear a bold lip if you aren't comfortable in it.



The products;

To keep my make up lasting all day, I always use a primer. Right now, I am using the Maybelline Pore Eraser.

Following tip 1, I used the Make Up For Ever HD foundation. I applied this with a damp beauty blender. I did use two layers of foundation to add some extra coverage.

I applied the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind concealer under my eyes to conceal my dark circles. I also used the Rimmel Wake Me Up concealer to hide anything that wasn't covered by the foundation.

I set all my make up with the Amazing Cosmetics Pressed Powder using my Real Techniques Multi-task brush. I then sprayed the Urban Decay All-Nighter setting spray, this insured my make up did not budge.






To make sure my eye shadows don't crease, I used the Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer. I then applied the three lightest shade in the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette.







After eye shadow, I used a combo of the Kat Von D Tattoo Liner and the Maybelline Stiletto liner to create a small winged liner. I used the two liners because I love the easiness of the Tattoo Liner, however I find it smudges on me so using the Stiletto liner (which is waterproof) just locks everything in.

Time to curl my lashes and apply mascara. I have been loving the Clinique lash primer ( I wrote about it here). I then coat my lashes in whatever mascara I am using, right now it is the Josie Maran Black Oil Mascara.

I then apply a fairly neutral lip color. Right now, I am obsessed with Tarte LipSurgence Lip Tint in the color moody.









That is my presentation look. How do you do your make up for presentation/public speaking engagements? If there is anything you would like me to review, please tell me in the comments.

Stay beautiful
Sarah

Monday, November 17, 2014

November Ipsy Unboxing

I recently received my November  Ipsy bag. For those who do not know, Ipsy is a monthly beauty subscription service that is completely customized to you. Each month, they send you a themed cosmetic bag filled with  four to five make up items, tools, shampoo, conditioner etc. It is ten dollars American (For Canadians add 4.95 for shipping). Here is what I got in my November Ipsy bag.



This month's theme is Girl Meets Glitter







Swatch of Submissive
Be a Bombshell Eye Base in Submissive

This product reminds me a lot of the Maybelline Color Tattoos (especially Bad to the Bronze), except this one is not as pigmented and it is slightly more glittery. This product is very creamy and did blend nicely when I swatched it. I believe this is a full size product. I really enjoy the color of this product but it is similar to Bad to the Bronze by Maybelline, which I already have, so this item is being passed along to my mom.


Comparison swatch of (left) Bad to the Bronze and (right) Submissive
You can see that Bad to the Bronze is a more pigmented and has a more warm tone to it.


Swatch of Pink Pearl



Temptu Highlighter in Pink Pearl

I have never heard of this brand before. This highlight is beautiful. It has a gorgeous pink sheen to it which is my favorite color for highlights especially in the colder months. I love that this product can be very sheer or built up for a more dramatic highlight. I am very impressed with this product.





Swatch of Red Potion

JCat Wonder Lip Paint in Red Potion

I have heard of this brand but I have never tried anything from it. This is a beautiful reddish berry color for fall. I believe this is a full size product. This product is similar to the OCC Lip Tars. This product has a glossy finish to it and it does stain the lips. Over all I am glad I received this product.







Marc Anthony Oil of Morocco Hair Spray

I have heard of this brand and I have tried some items for it as well. This is the only product I am a little bummed out about receiving simple because I don't use hair spray. The packaging claims that this product provides extra hold and it is fast drying. I am passing this product along.



Swatch of Ultra Orchid

Starlooks Gem Pencil in Ultra Orchid

I have heard of this brand as well but I have never tired anything. This eyeliner pencil is super creamy and has great pigmentation. I really enjoy the purple color and the little fleck of glitter just adds to it. I think this pencil will be perfect for around the holidays. This is a full size product.  When I swatched this product, I did notice it smudged a bit but I haven't tested it on my eyes yet. Overall, I am happy with it.


That is everything that came in my Ipsy bag. Overall, I am rating this bag a four and a half stars out of five because I am excited about the eyeliner, the lip paint and the highlighter. I really like the eye base but it is too close of a color match to Bad to the Bronze, but I know if I kept it, I would love it. The hairspray is the only thing I'm not liking simply because I don't use hairspray, but I know my mom will enjoy it. Are you a subscriber to Ipsy? What did you get in your November bag?

If you would like to sign up for Ipsy, please use my link: http://www.ipsy.com/r/1ik8u?sid=ipsypoints&cid=general

Stay Beautiful
Sarah

*NOTE: The Ipsy link is an affiliated link. It gets me points that I can redeem for an extra product. Thank you*