Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Drugstore Haul

With Target Canada Closing (moment of silence), everything has been on sale to clear the stores out. I decided this was the perfect time to pick up some products that I have had my eye on. There is also one product in this Haul from Walmart that I will be mentioning.

Rimmel Lasting Finish Foundation in 010 Light Porcelain

This foundation is a skin perfecting, full coverage foundation. This product has been enhanced with comfort serum to make this foundation feel comfortable on the skin. This product claims to last all day and be heat, sweat, humidity and transfer proof for up to 25 hours. I rarely (never) wear a full coverage foundation but decided that I need one in my make up pile for those "I need coverage asap" days. This full coverage caught my eye because it has this comfort serum mixed in. I have worn this foundation once already and I am liking it. I will write a full review when I have worn it more and put it to the test.

Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation in 110 Ivory

I knew nothing about this foundation when I put it in my basket. I assumed it was a very light weight foundation. This foundation is " the ultimate lightweight foundation". This product is formulated with weightless pigments that are supposed to make this foundation melt into the skin. It is supposed to create a fresh, even complexion, covering flaws and perfecting the skin tone and texture.


Nyx Above and Beyond Full Coverage Concealer in Fair

This concealer is supposed to provide full coverage all while being light weight and crease free. This concealer is able to cover dark circles and blemishes. What I like about this product is it comes in a variety of skin tone shades as well as color correcting tones.



Nyx Butter Gloss in Peach Cobbler

I have no idea what took my so long to jump on this band wagon. I am sad I didn't purchase these lip glosses sooner because I had a very limited ( READ 3) color selection, peach cobbler was my favorite. I love that this lip gloss is buttery but not sticky. The coverage of this product can be a sheer but can also be built up to a medium coverage. I also like that I can use this gloss over any lipstick easily. Peach Cobbler is a red-orange shade which I think will be perfect for summer.

Nyx Concealer Stick in Porcelain

This concealer stick is supposed to cover blemishes, fine lines and any skin issues. This product is creamy and is waterproof. The formula of this concealer is made to blend easily with fingers, a makeup sponge or a brush, all while appearing natural. This product is also supposed to provide medium to full coverage. This concealer also comes in the skin tone shades as well as the color correcting shades.


Sonia Kashuk Duo Fiber Fan Brush Number 129

I have been looking for a fan brush forever now. Fan brushes are very good for highlighting the cheek bones. Instead of highlight, I am using this brush to apply my setting powder. I watched Amelia on YouTube use a fan brush to lightly dust on her setting powder. This technique will work because it will evenly distribute the product without making you look cakey.

L'Oreal Micellar Water for Dry and Sensitive Skin

This is the one and only product I bought at Walmart. According to the bottle this is a new product for L'Oreal. This gentle micellar water removes make up and soothes the skin, there is no need for rubbing or rinsing. This product is suitable for removing make up from eyes, face and lips. Since this product is for sensitive skin it contains no fragrance and it is hypoallergenic. I have used this product to remove my makeup and it did a great job. However, I will be using this product when I wake up to speed up my getting ready process.

That is everything I picked up from Target Canada. What drugstore make up items have you recently purchased?

Stay beautiful
Sarah

Monday, February 23, 2015

February Ipsy Unboxing

I recently received my February 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 February Ipsy bag.





This month's theme was #IpsyLove


Luxie 504 Large Angled brush

I have never heard of the brand Luxie before but this is a beautiful brush. The bristles are very soft and have no signs of shredding. Also, I like that this brush is not overly huge but is big enough to be used as a blush brush or contour brush.





City Color Creamy Lip Stain in Flirtini

This is a very creamy lip gloss. This product has great color payoff but it can be sheered out. The applicator on this lip gloss is the perfect size to quickly swipe across our lips, but doesn't get the product all over your face. This product does have a strong smell but it doesn't seem to transfer to the lips.

Mitchell and Peach Fine Radiance Face Oil

This is a light oil with natural antioxidants and vitamins in it. You are supposed to massage this product into your skin. This face oil can be used alone or underneath a moisturizer. This product does have a natural smell to it.





Joya Perfume in Number 1

This is a tiny rollerball fragrance. I don't enjoy the scent of this product as it comes off as a very dry floral. The packaging is very cute and I like that it is in a rollerball form.

Model Co. Blush in Peach Bellini


This blush is a gorgeous peach color (like the name suggests). This blush does have a gold sheen that is picked up by the light. This gold sheen does not look to sparkly on the skin. The sheen just adds a natural glow. I do however believe this blush would be more suited for the spring and summer months.

Bare Minerals 5 in 1 BB cream eye shadow in Elegant Taupe.


After my January Ipsy bag I had over 1000 points, so I decided to trade them in. This eye shadow claims to prime, brighten, smooth, protect and provide long wearing color. This eye shadow is also supposed to not budge or smudge throughout the day. This product is a full size product.


That is everything that came in my Ipsy bag. Overall, I am rating this bag four and a half stars out of five because I am excited about the brush, face oil, blush and the lip stain. I took half a star away because I didn't like the small of the perfume but I did enjoy the fact that it was in a rollerball form. I didn't count the Bare Minerals product because it didn't come in my actual Ipsy bag. Are you a subscriber to Ipsy? What did you get in your February bag? Let me know in the comments below

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*

Friday, February 20, 2015

Empties + Mini Reviews

I haven't talked about my empties in a while. So be prepared for a longer post. I'm just going to jump right in, here we go.

Make Up For Ever HD Foundation

This foundation is my favorite high end foundation. I like that I can build the foundation up to a medium coverage but it still feels light on the skin. This foundation is also great at covering spots and the redness I have in my skin. This foundation does last for a while on my skin and it is still comfortable on my skin even when I wear it for a full 12 hours.


Nivea Gentle Toner

I love this toner. I have super sensitive skin with redness and sometimes after cleansing my face, my skin sometimes feels very tight. This toner makes my skin relax, it relieves the tightness and it calms the redness in my skin down. This toner also adds hydration to the skin.

Batiste Dry Shampoo

This dry shampoo is my favorite. It absorbs the excess oil in my hair and it provides a little bit of volume. Although this dry shampoo does leave a white cast in my hair, it is very easy to rub into the hair and scalp. The wild fragrance is my personal favorite.





Boscia Makeup Breakup Cool Cleansing Oil

I have very dry and sensitive, so using a cleansing oil is the best for my skin. This cleansing oil breaks up my make up and makes washing my face very easy. This oil also makes my skin feel very clean.

Make Up For Ever HD Primer

This a sample of this primer that I was given when I purchased a bottle of the HD foundation. This primer did make my HD foundation last longer but I found this primer really made any foundation last longer. I liked the way this primer felt on the skin and I did feel like it made a great difference to my makeup routine.



Rimmel Argan Oil Mascara

I did a review on this mascara (here). I thought this mascara added a lot of volume but it didn't add much length. I also found the formula to be on the wet side and it did get goopy at the tip of the brush. However, it is a good drugstore buy if you want a mascara that will provide you with volume.

Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara

To be short, I hated this mascara. I found this mascara to be too flakey and clumpy to get a decent application out of it. When I did get a half decent application out of it, I found that it didn't do anything for my lashes. It didn't give my lashes great volume or length. Because of this, I can't justify repurchasing this item. I really did have high hopes for this mascara.


Josie Maran Argan Black Oil Mascara

I absolutely adore this mascara. I can not wait to purchase the full size (I'm waiting until I finish all the open mascaras I have first) I first wrote about this mascara in a Monthly Favorites Post (here). This mascara provides the best volume and length to my lashes. When it is layered over my forever loved Clinique Lash Primer, it lasts all day with out smudging and it holds the curl for a full 8 hours.

Lancome Clis Booster XL Mascara Base

This lash primer is designed to do the same job as my loved Clinique Lash Primer, however the Lancome one didn't do a great job. It did prime my lashes and it did cut down on the smudging some of my mascara were doing, but it didn't add any extra length or volume to my lashes. I am happy I only got a sample of this mascara base in a Sephora order. I personally would save a few extra dollars and get the Clinique one.

This is all my empties. What products have you finished recently?

Stay beautiful
Sarah

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Wish List Wednesday; Drugstore Edition

We all know that drugstore make up items are usually cheaper than the higher end equivalents, but there are still items at the drugstore that I haven't tried yet or that I am unsure about spending the money on. Here are all the drugstore items that are on my wish list.


1. Nyx Butter Glosses

I have heard so much about these glosses that this product has been on my wish list for a long time. I finally picked one up, which I will be showing in an upcoming drugstore haul (be on the lookout). However, having one of these glosses has made me want more. These glosses are silky smooth and apply sheer but can be built up for a medium color. I love that these glosses can be applied easily over lipstick.

2. ELF Mineral Pearls

I have only seen this product sold online but it is still on my wish list. These pearls create a sheer wash of color which will compliment any skin tone. These pearls come in two shades; the natural shade is supposed to boost your skin's natural radiance and the balancing shade creates a more even skin tone. I want both.

3. Maybelline Fit Me Shine Free Foundation Stick

This is a creamy gel foundation in a stick. This foundation creates a matte powder finish. This ultra lightweight foundation contains an anti-shine core that is supposed to instantly dissolve excess oil. The reason I have yet to purchase this product is I haven't heard much about it being good for dry skin.


4. Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede Lipstick

This lipstick has a velvety soft texture. This product is formulated with Shea Butter and aloe to provide moisture to lips and to create a comfortable wear. This lipstick is supposed to be food-proof and it doesn't quit. Once you apply this lipstick it is good to go all day long.


5. Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette

This palette can only be purchased at Target. With Target Canada closing (still not emotionally ready) I wasn't able to pick it up in time. This palette comes in both a light and medium shade. This palette contains two concealers, one more yellow in tone and the other more pink in tone, a neutralizer to cover any redness and a setting powder, to set everything.

What is on your drugstore wish list? Have you tried any of the products that are on my wish list?

Stay beautiful
Sarah

Monday, February 16, 2015

Review; L'Oreal True Match Lumi Foundation Review.

I hauled this foundation (here), a while back and after many trials, I decided to share my thoughts with you.

First off, I picked the perfect shade. This foundation is my exact match. I am wearing the color Porcelain/ Ivory or W1-2.

I love that this foundation has a pump which makes it easier to get the right amount. I use three pumps, which does my whole face.

I do find that this foundation is a light coverage which can be built up to about a medium coverage. If I need to build the coverage up, I do two layers of this foundation.




I love that this foundation looks natural on the skin and it doesn't feel heavy on the skin. To apply this foundation, I use a beauty blender and press the foundation into my skin. Using a beauty blender makes this foundation look even more natural.

Sometimes, I feel that this foundation does not provide enough coverage, so I will use a powder foundation over top, this Sephora one is my favorite right now.

This foundation does even out my skin tone and covers any redness that is on my face. However, I don't feel like it has changed my skin tone, like it claims too.

This foundation is also made with 40 per cent water to give the face all day hydration, which I do believe is an honest claim. My skin never feels tight or dry when I am wearing this foundation.

Overall, this foundation is a great drugstore pick and I highly suggest trying it out if you have the chance.

What is your favorite drugstore foundation? Have you tried any L'Oreal foundations?

Stay beautiful
Sarah

Happy Family Day to all my Canadian Readers.

Friday, February 13, 2015

Valentine's Day Look Two

In my first Valentine's Day look, I did a simple neutral eye (here). This look is going to be a  light Smokey eye with a pop of pink and a bold lip. I have a mix of drugstore and high end products that I will be using, but feel free to swap out brands and or colors to make this look your own.

First, I am going to start out by exfoliating my lips, using the E.L.F Lip Exfoliator and then applying a chap stick, I love the Burt's Bees original. Then applying a primer all over the face, this is going to help our makeup last through the night. Some of my favorite primers are this or this

Next apply your foundation. I am using the Make Up For Ever HD foundation and my beauty blender to do this. I'm pressing the foundation into my skin, to build up the coverage.


I am then going to use my Maybelline Instant Age Rewind under my eyes, making sure to make a triangle shape. I will use the Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer to hide any other spots.

I will then set all of my concealer with the Rimmel Stay Matte Powder, using the Sonia Kashuk Blush Brush. Finally, I will set my face with the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray.

Now for the eyes. You can apply an eye primer if you need one but I am skipping that step and going straight into using the Maybelline Color Tattoo in Inked in Pink. I am just using my finger to spread this all over the lid. Next, I am taking the darkest shimmery pink shade from the Maybelline The Smokes palette and placing it all over the lid. To do this, I am using a flat eye shadow brush from the Body Shop and patting the color onto the lid.


Then, I am going to take the matte brown shade from the Maybelline The Smokes palette (purchased at my local drugstore) and put it in my crease. I am using the Sephora Pro Domed Crease brush to do this. I am using the grey shade on the outer V of my eye, I am using an E.L.F Shadow brush to do this. Finally, I am using a fluffy blending brush, mine is by Sonia Kashuk, to blend all of the colors together and making sure there is no harsh lines. For this look, I am also taking the shimmery pink shade from the Maybelline The Smokes palette and placing it on my lower lash line. I am using a Sonia Kashuk Smudge brush to do this.

I am now going to curl my lashes with my Tarte eyelash curler. Following this with my Clinique Eyelash Primer and finishing it off with many coats of the Tarte Lights Camera Lashes Mascara. After this mascara step, you can apply false lashes if you want to.

I am going to use the Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Powder in Highlight 01 to highlight my brow bone and the inner corner of my eye. I am just using my fingers to do this.

For my lips, I am going to prime them with the Bite Beauty Line and Define Lip Primer. Then, I am using the Stila Lip and Cheek stain in Acai crush.







This is the final look.


Do you enjoy a more neutral look or do you like the Smokey look?

Stay beautiful and Happy Valentine's Day
Sarah

PS. Check out the guest post I wrote on Product Review Mom (here)

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Valentines Day Look 1

Today, I am sharing an easy and neutral  look for Valentines Day. I have a mix of drugstore and high end products that I will be using, but feel free to swap out brands and or colors to make this look your own.

First, I am going to start out by exfoliating my lips, using the E.L.F Lip Exfoliator and then applying a chap stick, I love the Burt's Bees original. Then applying a primer all over the face, this is going to help our makeup last through the night. Some of my favorite primers are this or this

Next apply your foundation. I am using the Make Up For Ever HD foundation and my beauty blender to do this. I'm pressing the foundation into my skin, to build up the coverage.


I am then going to use my Maybelline Instant Age Rewind under my eyes, making sure to make a triangle shape. I will use the Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer to hide any other spots.

I will then set all of my concealer with the Rimmel Stay Matte Powder, using the Sonia Kashuk Blush Brush. Finally, I will set my face with the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray.

Now for the eyes. You can apply an eye primer if you need one but I am skipping that step and going straight into using the Maybelline Color Tattoo in Barely Branded. I am just using my finger to spread this all over the lid. Next, I am taking Sand Dollar from the Too Faced Bonjour Summer palette and placing it all over the lid. To do this, I am using a flat eye shadow brush from the Body Shop and patting the color onto the lid.


Then, I am going to take Naked 2 from Urban Decay's Naked Basics palette and put it in my crease. I am using the Sephora Pro Domed Crease brush to do this. Finally, I am using a fluffy blending brush, mine is by Sonia Kashuk, to blend all of the colors together and making sure there is no harsh lines.

I am now going to curl my lashes with my Tarte eyelash curler. Following this with my Clinique Eyelash Primer and finishing it off with many coats of the Tarte Lights Camera Lashes Mascara. After this mascara step, you can apply false lashes if you want to.

I am going to use the Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Powder in Highlight 01 to highlight my brow bone and the inner corner of my eye. I am just using my fingers to do this.

For my lips, I am going to prime them with the Bite Beauty Line and Define Lip Primer. Then I am using MAC Snob, topped with the Gerard Cosmetics Lip Gloss in Butter Cream. I am loving this lip combo recently.






This is the final product

This is just a simple makeup look that doesn't involve fussing over liner. What are you doing on Valentines Day? And What lip combo are you loving?

Stay Beautiful
Sarah

Monday, February 9, 2015

Valentines Day Nails

So Valentines Day is on Saturday. This week's post will be dedicated to all things Valentines day. I decided to start with the nails.

I am using Sephora's Formula X Nail Polishes, they are mini because they are point perks. I find this nail system works the best with my nails, but please use whatever polishes you feel comfortable with or that work for you.

The Tools; Formula X The System, Formula X nail polishes in the colors A+ and Invincible, a dotting tool or toothpick or nail art stickers. A+ is a raspberry color and Invincible is a cream color. Any pink/red color and any white/cream color will work.

I got the nail stickers at my local drugstore, they are by Essence, I will link to them here.

I can't remember where I got the dotting tool but you can get this one at Sephora or this one off of Amazon.

I am following the Formula X the system steps, applying the nail cleanser first, then base coat, then color, then top coat. But do what you are most comfortable with.

Once I have applied my base color, in my case A+, I am going to wait for it to completely dry. Then taking your cream/white shade, in my case Invincible, and your dotting tool/toothpick, place your dotting tool into the cream polish.

On your nail create two dots side by side. Then drag the polish down to form a V shape, this will make your heart. This guide has better pictures than the ones I took.

Your nails should look something like this

Finish your manicure off with a top coat.

Now if you are like me and cannot use your non dominant hand for anything, then nail art stickers will be your best friend.

Once your base coat color is dry, place your ails art stickers. I placed mine on my ring finger.

Your nails should look something like this

Finish your manicure off with a top coat.

If you would like to try your hand (see what I did there?) on harder designs, I highly suggest checking out Sandi, from Cutepolish.

Are you into nail art? What is your favorite design to create? Let me know in the comments below.

Stay beautiful,
Sarah

Friday, February 6, 2015

Maybelline The Smokes Palette Review

I picked this Maybelline The Smokes palette up at my local drugstore for 14.99 dollars Canadian. I have been calling this the sister palette the Maybelline's first palette called The Nudes.

The Smokes palette has cooler toned shadows and looks like the perfect palette to create a Smokey eye.

I am in love with the pink and purple shades this palette contains. The palette also has both shimmer and matte shadows.

I have yet to dip a brush into this palette but as you can tell from my swatches below it looks like dark colors are going to give you more pigmentation than the lighter colors. You can barely see the sparkly champagne color and the pink color I swatched.

Can kind of see the champagne & pink (left)


All Shadows Swatched


The shadows are a bit of fallout but nothing crazy.  Like the first one, this palette is divided up into quads, trios and duos.

Overall, I think this is a great cool toned palette from the drugstore and it will be the perfect pair to the Nudes palette.

However, if you enjoy extremely pigmented shadows then I would pass on this.


Stay beautiful,
Sarah

* Maybelline does not have this product listed on their website, so I could not link it*