Top 5: Dark Lipsticks for Fall

Hello again,

As you probably know, I've been meaning to write about my Favourite Fall Lipsticks for some time now. I have been holding off on writing this post because I keep finding new lipsticks that I think would be perfect for the fall season, but of course I have to try them first! 

Lipsticks (L-R):Wet N' Wild Cherry Bomb, MAC Media,
MAC Talk That Talk, Urban Decay Venom, YSL Violet Edition 

After doing some research and going through my current collection, I have compiled a list of my top 5 dark lipsticks for fall:

1. Wet N' Wild's Cherry Bomb
2. MAC's Media
3. MAC's Talk That Talk
4. Urban Decay's Venom
5. YSL's Violet Edition

Lipsticks (L-R):Wet N' Wild Cherry Bomb, MAC Media,
MAC Talk That Talk, Urban Decay Venom, YSL Violet Edition 

If you're interested in hearing more about these shades, then keep reading!

Small Beauty Haul: Essentials & A New Foundation!

Hello! 

I know I've been posting hauls galore over here, but I've been meaning to post this one for a while now...I recently went to Shopper's Drug Mart because I wanted to redeem my Optimum points on some essential products that I needed, and splurged on a new foundation that I've been wanting to try! If you don't know about the Optimum points program, it is a free-to-join points card program available at Shopper's Drug Mart that rewards you with 10 points for every dollar spent. I always try to take advantage of their points events (like 20x the points) to ensure that the program it actually worth it. Anyways, I had the highest level of points available for redemption (95,000 points which equalled $170.00 off) so I decided to pick up items that I needed to repurchase, but didn't necessarily want to spend the money on. I piked up a few other random things for my boyfriend, but this is all I managed to grab for $170! 

Haul (L-R): Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation, Philosophy Purity Cleanser, Guerlain Liquid Eyeliner, Macadamia Deep Repair Masque, L'Oréal Voluminous Full Definition Mascara  

Continue reading if you're interested in seeing what I picked up...

Massive Buffalo Beauty Haul!

Hello Gorgeous!

If you can't already tell from the title of this post, I went to Buffalo! I usually try to cross the border every year around this time (Canadian Thanksgiving)  because of all the amazing deals happening on Columbus Day in the States! We usually try to stay at least 48 hours in order to fulfill the $800 personal exemption limit that we are allowed. However, due to scheduling, we decided to stay for only 1 night (which allows us an exemption of $200 for 24 hours FYI). 

Because we were only going to be staying 1 night, I made a list of all of the places that were worth going to (Outlets, Walden Galleria, U.S. Drugstores), but I was most excited about going to ULTA considering we don't have one here in Canada. For those of you who don't know, ULTA is an awesome beauty store that sells both drugstore and high-end beauty products (Sort of like a Shopper's Drug Mart meets Sephora, but a million times better IMO) 

If you're interested in seeing what I picked up, as well as the crazy/unfair price comparisons between Canada and the U.S.A, then keep reading! 

Haul: Anastasia Beverly Hills Lavish Palette

Hello again! 

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend! I am super excited because I booked the weekend off from work and I am planning a quick overnight stay in Buffalo, NY with the family. I will most likely be purchasing a few beaut products there, so expect to see a haul from that! I love travelling to the States every so often because I get a chance to check out all of the beauty products that I can't get in Canada, along with the cheaper prices that accompany them. I probably should have waited to pick up this palette, as it is significantly cheaper in the States, but the makeup hoarder in me just couldn't wait!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Lavish Palette ($49.00 CDN)

Anyways, I had to run into Sephora the other day to purchase a new Anastasia Brow Wiz ($30.00 CDN) because I ran out of my last one, and I saw this gorgeous palette on display. The Anastasia Beverly Hills Lavish Palette is an all-in-one kit for brows and eyes, and retails for $49.00 CDN. I had been wanting to check it out for the past few weeks now, as I've been stalking the Anastasia section of Sephora ever since I saw this palette being featured by makeup artists on Instagram! The shadows looked so pigmented, creamy, and well, lavish! This was a palette that I didn't want to pass up! 

If you're interested in reading about this palette and all of it's awesome features, then keep reading! 

September 2013 Favourites

Hi!!

I know I am a little late on this post, but better late than never right? I am so excited to be writing about my monthly favourites for the month of September! Monthly favourite videos are some of the best videos to watch on Youtube, because bloggers always talk about the coolest products! I love making wishlists of all the new products people are raving about to remind myself to check them out in stores. 

September 2013 Favourites

I have found myself switching up the products in my makeup routine lately, so thought that I should talk about them. I have been using a mix of both drugstore and high-end products this month, so there should be something for everyone in this post! 

If you would like to know more about the products I have been loving for the month of September, then keep reading! 

Haul: Riri Hearts MAC Fall 2013 Collection

Hello beautiful ladies! 

I wanted to get this post up ASAP for good reason! As most of you may know, the world's favourite bad gal Rihanna paired up with MAC to launch a series of collections showcasing some all new and limited MAC products. Sadly, the last two collections have both been online only (which was a huge hassle and disappointment to many customers) This release however (which I believe will be part 3 of 4) was released both in stores and online. 

There was some slight confusion as to what the release dates were (the online release took place on September 30th at 12:00 P.M.) and was released in free-standing stores last week (September 26th). However, it didn't arrive at counters until yesterday, October 3rd! 

Items are selling out crazy fast, so if this collection is something that interests you, I suggest you run to your local counter to grab something while you can! (FYI, when I swatched the eyeshadow palettes in store, I was actually quite impressed with the pigmentation of them if you're willing to spend the $52.50 CDN for them) I also LOVE the #35 lashes (which were also repromoted in the Marilyn collection) and i'm pretty sure you can still find these in stores

If you're interested in seeing what I picked up, please keep reading! 

MOTD: MAC Fall 2013 Trends

Welcome back! 

Sorry that I've been M.I.A for a few days...I'm still feeling sick and it's especially hard to write blog posts feeling like this. I also started a training position at work this week so I've been a little busy. I am still working on my September Favourites and hope to have them up by tomorrow. For now, I have another MOTD for you all using all MAC products. 

If you're interested in this look, keep reading for a list of products used! 

Saturday MOTD: Sick with a Red Lip

Hi!

I hope you're all enjoying your weekend! Unfortunately I got the flu so I've been sick in bed these past few days. I managed to pull myself together to bring my daughter to another birthday party for a family friend on Saturday. I tried uploading this post yesterday but I couldn't figure out how to upload photos from my phone (so simple yet so difficult)....

Here is my MOTD! 

 

Because I'm sick, I decided to throw on some red lipstick to make myself feel better! I don't wear red lips all that often because I really have to be in the mood for it. However, since the release of MAC's Retro Matte collection, I thought I should get some good use out of all the bold lipsticks I decided to hoard buy! (See what I bought from the collection here)

If you're interested in seeing more pictures of my MOTD as well as a list of products used on my face, then keep reading!

First Impression: Garnier Skin Renew Dark Spot Treatment Mask

Hello again!

I wanted to write a quick first impression post on the new Garnier Skin Renew Dark Spot Treatment Mask ($19.99 CDN for 6 masks), which beauty bloggers have been raving about since it was released a couple months back. I have been interested in trying this product ever since I saw it in stores, but honestly didn't want to spend the $19.99 CDN for them. I decided that I would wait until they were on sale to try them out, so when I saw them at Rexall Pharma Plus for $14.99 I thought I would pick them up! (These masks are still currently on sale until tomorrow, September 26th if you're interested in picking them up at 25% off) 

Garnier Skin Renew Dark Spot Treatment Mask ($19.99 CDN for 6 masks)

 Individually wrapped mask (1 of 6)  

According to Garnier, the Skin Renew Dark Treatment Mask is a 10-minute intensive treatment tissue mask which promises revitalized and more luminous skin, as well as hydration and dark spot correction. 

Garnier claims that this 10-minute tissue mask:

• Deeply hydrates for 24 hours
• Boosts radiance 
• Smoothes & revitalizes

They also claim that each mask contains a 1/2 bottle* of hydrating serum (*Based on a 30ml bottle, therefore containing 15ml of serum per mask)

If you would like to read more about Garnier's claims as well as my first impression after trying it, please keep reading! 

MOTD: Everyday Neutral Eye (Fall Inspired)

Hello again!

Hope you all had a relaxing weekend!

I just wanted to post a quick MOTD of a simple eye look I saw on Instagram using only 2 eyeshadows!  Most of the products used are by MAC, but the look is simple enough to switch up with colours of your own!

If you want to see more photos and a list of products used, then please keep reading!

Must Have Products Volume 1: All About Brows

Hello again!


Today's blog post will be dedicated to eyebrows! Over the past few months, I have become more aware of my barely-there brows, and have made more of an effort to fill them in. After all, eyebrows frame your face and can honestly make or break a makeup look. They just bring everything together and help your makeup stand out more in my opinion. 

Different Brow Styles using Anastasia Brow Pencil & Powder (left, middle) and MAC Dipdown (right) 

After having tried and tested various eyebrow products and after switching up my routine a bit, I have discovered certain eyebrow products that I can't live without! If you would like to know more, then keep reading!

MAC Retro Matte Collection for Fall 2013

Hi ladies! 

As promised, I have another quick blog post for you today on MAC's most recent collection. MAC launched the MAC Retro Matte Collection for Fall 2013 last Thursday, September 12th in stores, and I had the chance to pick up a few items.

MAC Retro Matte Collection for Fall 2013 (promo image)

According to MAC, "Inspired by Ruby Woo's overwhelming popularity and one-of-a-kind texture, MAC introduces new bold shades in its 'Reteo Matte' finish. Eye-catching colours like Dangerous and All Fired Up create a look that's fiercely feminine. MAC also premieres Pro Longwear Lip Pencils in a vibrant colour palette, giving this long-lasting and transfer-proof pencil an exhilarating makeover" 

I must say, I own Ruby Woo and it is a fantastic lipstick formula! It doesn't appear to be as drying as most matte lipsticks, and it is so incredibly vibrant and bold. Needless to say, I was excited to hear that MAC would be launching 7 new colours, with some of them being permanent! Below is a list of shades that MAC released with this collection:

MAC Retro Matte Lipstick ($18 CDN for 3 grams)

- Steady Going - light pink (limited)
- Runway Hit - nude (limited)
- Dangerous - orange-red (permanent)
- Relentlessly Red - bright coral-red (permanent)
- All Fired Up - bright fuchsia-red (permanent)
- Flat Out Fabulous - bright plum (permanent)
- Ruby Woo - bright blue-red (permanent)
- Fixed on Drama - deep wine (limited) 

MAC Pro Longwear Lip Pencil ($23.00 CDN for 1.2 grams)

- In Anticipation - soft pink (repromote) 
- Staunchly Stylish - nude-pink (repromote)
- Shock Value - bright pink (repromote)
- Dynamo - bright coral red (permanent)
- High Energy - bright orange-red (permanent)
- Trust in Red - bright red (permanent)
- More to Love - blue-pink (repromote)
- Fashion Boost - bright purple (limited)

Sephora Haul: Too Faced Pretty Rebel Palette, Nars Bellissima Eyeshadow Duo, Etc.

Hello again! 

I have been meaning to upload this post for a while now! I recently went to Sephora and picked up a couple of items that I have been lusting over...

The first item is something that I have been interested in since I saw photos of it on Instagram! It is the Too Faced Pretty Rebel Palette ($54 CDN for 15 grams) 

Too Faced Cosmetics launched this palette with their Pretty Rebel Collection for Fall 2013 near the end of August, and I have been wanting to purchase it since! I have been holding off because I didn't want to spend the $54.00 CDN for a colourful palette that I may not get much use out of (I am a neutral eyeshadow girl at heart). However, I had a change of heart the moment that I swatched it in store! 

The packaging is without a doubt gorgeous, but the eyeshadows themselves are SO incredibly pigmented and buttery! I couldn't resist! If you haven't got the chance to swatch this palette in store, I urge you to do so immediately! Also keep in mind that this palette is limited edition, so if you're interested in it, I would get it while it lasts. 

The palette comes with a total of 10 full sized eyeshadows (each shadow contains 1.5 grams of product) which Too Faced describes as "10 after-hours approved (and all new) shadows in the deepest jewel tones, the most badass metallics and one scene-stealing pink" I had trouble photographing the swatches of this product, but be sure to check out the always amazing Temptalia for additional photos, swatches, and possible dupes! 

MOTD: Wedding Guest

Hello Everyone!

I just wanted to post a quick MOTD (Makeup of the Day)! I went to a wedding yesterday for an old friend of mine and I was seeing a bunch people I haven't seen in forever, so I wanted to look and feel extra special! 

I got my hair done at a salon in the mall that I work at, and she did an amazing job! My hair usually never holds a curl but I woke up this morning and it still looked perfect! When I was at my MAC counter the other day, they suggested that I get my makeup done there so I decided to just for fun! Below are a few photos of the makeup look the MUA did. 

Small MAC Haul: MAC Pro Longwear Collection for Fall 2013

Hi!

I stopped by MAC the other day to check out the new MAC Pro Longwear Collection for Fall 2013, which includes Pro Longwear foundations and concealers in new shade additions, as well as Pro Longwear Paint Pots and Eyeliners that I believe will be permanent! *I use MAC's Pro Longwear Concealer on a daily basis (it is my favourite under-eye concealer of ALL time, it is amazing and I have repurchased it over and over again) I wear shade NW15 FYI...

MAC released 12 Pro Longwear Paint Pots in total, 5 of which are brand new shades! I was most excited about these because I own a few (and LOVE) them as eyeshadow bases (that can also be used as stand-alone cream eyeshadows) According to the MAC website, 

"Pro Longwear Paint Pots deliver highly dimensional colour with a luxurious finish while Pro Longwear Eye Liner defines eyes with a dense water-resistant formula that glides on comfortably and stays for 12 hours, in seven new shades from eggplant to brilliant sheer gold"








Below are a list of all 12 shades (with descriptions), taken from Temptalia 

MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pots ($24 CDN for 5 grams)

• Chrome Angel - Platinum silver
• Let's Skate - Pale pink with pearl (repromote)
• Perky - Cream coral with white pearl (repromote)
• Rubenesque - Golden peach with gold pearl (repromote)
• Layin' Low - Creamy beige (repromote)
• Clearwater - Sea foam
• Antique Diamond - Frosted olive silver (repromote)
• Camel Coat - Muted beige
• Tailor Grey - Muted grey
• Stormy Pink - Muted grey purple 
• Constructivist - Metallic brown with red pearl (repromote)
• Blackground - Black grey with multi-colour (repromote)

Benefit Haul: New Benefit Products for Fall 2013

Hello again!

Today I wanted to share my excitement for the new Benefit products that vloggers/bloggers have been lusting over for weeks! ..... If you guessed "Rockateur" you're right!

Ever since I saw posts about it on instagram, I've been trying to get my hands on this lovely rose-gold blush that seriously rocks! I believe that this blush launched at the beginning of September at Sephora. Because I work in a mall, I was stalking the Benefit section of Sephora every day until I found it! (a little excessive, I know)

And here she is! 

Benefit Rockateur Blush ($36.00 CDN for 5.0 grams)

Beautiful rose gold blush with shimmery overlay & "Rock" imprint, included brush 

Small High-End Beauty Haul: Nars & Chanel

Hello gorgeous!

I wanted to start my first official blog post with a small haul! It is only three items but they are quite pricey items and are all splurge-worthy in my opinion! 

The first item is the NARS Artisan Kabuki "Ita" Brush ($58.00 CDN) 

NARS ITA Brush ($58 CDN @ The Bay)

I have been wanting to purchase this brush since Jaclyn Hill of Youtube raved about it in her contouring video! It is a very unique brush made of black goat hair that is super soft and dense, perfect for contouring! 

I purchased mine at The Bay on a whim while I was looking at Nars blushes. I didn't expect them to have it! However, after looking at it online, I saw that Nordstrom is selling it for $43 CDN! (which is a steal compared to the $65 price tag I paid after tax) However, it was on Backorder last time I checked...

According to the description on Nordstrom's website, 

Modern concept and function unite with traditional Japanese culture, creating unique and versatile Kabuki Artisan brush designs. Featuring super black goat hair known for its softness and strength, NARS' brushes are designed for a variety of uses including color application, blending, contouring and highlighting. Ita Brush is a small, flat and angular design ideal for blending and contouring - NARS.

I haven't got the chance to try it out yet, but I will let you know how I feel about it when I do! Maybe I will feature it in a first impressions video. Let me know if you are interested. 

(*Update: I'M IN LOVE! This brush is so soft and blends perfectly, I have only used it for contouring but it's incredible!) 

The next two items are both blushes from CHANEL. 

Welcome!

Thanks for stopping by! I have always been an avid fashion and beauty lover, but not until recently has it become an all out obsession! My makeup hoarding collecting has significantly increased this past year, and I owe that to the fact that I work in a mall with a Sephora and MAC constantly calling my name... I obviously don't seem to mind, as my love for coffee and makeup are at my bank account's constant disposal...

Here you will find all of what I have learned about makeup and beauty including tutorials, first impressions, reviews, favourites, tips & tricks, and all other things related to beauty! So grab your MAC 217, sit back, and enjoy!

XO

B