I can't imagine the makeup world without brushes. Having the right makeup tools is essential to achieving the right makeup look. With that in mind, I absolutely agree that it's important to invest in high quality makeup tools for applying makeup. In my experience, the best premium brushes came from NARS. A few months ago, NARS introduced new line of exquisite makeup brushes designed with the finest quality hairs. This 16 piece comprehensive Artistry Brush Collection features iconic design - the matte black finish with sharp debossed logo and signature pop of red - it's stunning, sexy, and seductive!

These brushes are perfect for achieving a full look:

Bronzing Powder Brush #11 - $58
- a natural, soft bronzing powder brush.
An essential for controlled application, this bronzing powder brush has a dense concentration of high-quality goat hair that holds and applies product evenly for an allover glow.  

Contour Brush #21 - $47
- an angled brush ideal for contouring.
Expertly angled for sculpting and contouring the cheekbones, this brush is an essential for highlighting. High-quality, premium goat bristles blend and define for controlled product application. 

Eye Shadow Brush #40 - $36
-a versatile brush ideal for application of eye color.
An essential for a masterful sweep of allover shadow, this brush is made of high-quality sable hair. It picks up and deposits the perfect amount of pigment to create a polished look.  

Precision Contour Brush #44 (for eyes) - $32
The firm, flexible hair design of this brush is ideal for applying concentrated color. A must for creating a smoky eye, it deposits color perfectly in the eye crease.

These brushes are beautiful. I have them on display in my bathroom and it's been such a pleasure using them everyday. Overall, they rate very well on both Sephora.com and other channels. I would highly recommend most of NARS brushes as they are so well designed. If the price wasn't a factor, I would get all 16!

Value: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 5/5
Design: 5/5
Price: $$$$$

Overall: 4/5 

Would I use it again? YES!

The Canadian leader in eco-friendly products, Live Clean, has developed two new hair oil products: Exotic Vitality Monoi Oil Leave-In Treatment and Exotic Silk Keratin Oil Leave-In Treatment. The two work beautifully, taming frizz, without weighing hair down or creating product build-up and residue. The best part, of course, is that these oils are silicone-free, 100% plant based, and deliver exceptional results.

I almost always avoid hair treatments, as I have coarse, thick long hair, and find most products do not work well on me. With the new Live Clean oils, my hair certainly doesn't feel greasy, but smooth and less frizzy. Plus, both of the products rinsed out easily and completely. Sounds great!

Live Clean Exotic Vitality Monoi Leave-In Treatment

-Strengthens hair

-Prevents breakage and increases elasticity 

-Made with Jojoba Oil and Bamboo extract

-Hydrating 

Live Clean Exotic Silk Keratin Leave-In Treatment

-Works well on dry hair

-Smoothing

-Protective

-Creates shine

-Strengthening

And another favourite of mine is the Live Clean Age Resist Miracle Nutrition Oil

-Designed as a pre-shampoo treatment, it increases sheen, lustre and density of each hair strand to appear thicker and fuller!

How to use:

Apply to damp hair that’s freshly washed and conditioned. Non leave-in oils (like Live Clean Age Resist Miracle Oil) are best on wet hair as well.

Place 1-2 drops of oil in palm of hand and rub your hands together. This will ensure a thin layer. Lightly comb your fingers through your hair from the mid-section to the ends, distributing as evenly as you can. Start with one side of your head, then the other.

Do not apply all over. It’s the damaged or frizzy areas that need help.

Leave-in treatments like Live Clean Monoi and Live Clean Keratin can be used after each shampoo and conditioning. Rinse-out Miracle Nutrition Oil can be used as a pre-shampoo treatment every time you wash your hair. With Live Clean oils you don’t have to worry about build-up. Live Clean’s formulations are water soluble, rinsing out easily and completely; they won’t build up on the hair as hair oil products with silicone do.

You can apply a few drops to dry hair before swimming to protect it from the harsh effects of chlorinated water.

PROS:

99 percent plant derived

Eco-friendly

Paraben free

Silicone free

Earth-friendly packaging

Affordable at $11.99
Multi-use and long lasting

CONS:

None!

Value: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 4/5
Packaging: 4/5
Price: $$

Overall: 4/5 

Would I use it again? YES!

Our skin regenerates at night, and while that beauty sleep is crucial and makes so much difference, it's often not enough to make significant changes to our skin tone or help those dreaded dark spots disappear. Although most of us associate dark spots with aging, it's actually common for skin hyperpigmentation to result from sun damage (aka tanning), so it's important to avoid exposure to UV rays altogether. I keep reminding myself to apply that sunscreen before I step outside this summer!

All that sunshine - the main cause of dark spot formation. But don't despair - there is hope. With so many of us concerned over uneven skin tone, Vichy has stepped up to the game with yet another amazing product, the ProEVEN Night concentrate. 

ProEVEN Night's formula is concentrated with molecules, Vitamin C, and other ingredients to help treat visible dark spots and also prevent future spots from appearing. Use it every night as a night treatment and you'll start seeing results from the 1st morning. For me, it was subtle, but definitely felt like my skin was a lot smoother and lighter. 

PROS:

• Suitable for sensitive skin
• Paraben-free
• Formulated with Vichy Thermal Spa Water
• Fresh hydrating gel texture
• Can be used as a mask when applied in thick layer
• Exfoliates the skin
• Great for light skin tones

CONS:

• Takes a few weeks to see a difference
• Can be pricy at $49

Overall, Vichy ProEVEN Night is a promising product. After doing some research I've found other consumers who've seen amazing results. I will be patiently using this product for another month or so to see if I'll get even better results!

Value: 4/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 4/5
Packaging: 5/5
Price: $$$$

Overall: 4/5 

Would I use it again? YES!