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!

Having oily skin is no fun! Especially when having a flawless complexion all day is a must. With the blotting papers and tissues conveniently stored in my purse, I run to the nearest mirror every chance I get. Touching up on the go is the norm and can be quite a nuisance if I have to do it so often. Yes, it can be so frustrating when I'm out and about and the makeup is literally melting. 

I've always been looking for a silky, lightweight finishing powder that doesn't increase the appearance of pores and doesn't make the skin look dry. Luckily, I think I've found the one! The industry's leading professional makeup brand, Make Up For Ever, has reinvented its best-selling HD Microfinish Loose Powder and has launched the HD Pressed Powder.

So very impressive - it does it right and does it well. It's lightweight texture softens the appearance of fine lines and pores. The exclusive formula is a combination of three premium powders (silica, vinyl crosspolymer and Micro & Spherical powders). Best of all, the talc free, professional touch up powder is perfect for use throughout the day helping reduce that dreaded shine while remaining completely invisible. 

Available in one universal shade, as it's translucent, the powder is suited for all skin types and skin tones and is formulated with hyaluronic acid to help prevent skin dehydration. 

Stay tuned for featured looks! I will be trying it out for all day events this week.

PROS:

• Sheer, chalk-free finish
• Oil-absorbing
• Lightweight
• Long lasting
• Completely translucent
• Compact packaging
• A little goes a long way
• Softens appearance of fine lines and pores

CONS:

• Don't over do it - may look chalky in photographs

Where to Find: in-store at Sephora, online at Sephora.ca, and MAKE UP FOR EVER Boutiques

Price: $41.00

How to Use:

• Swirl #124 Medium Kabuki Brush into powder.
• Beginning in the center of the face, press and roll brush onto the skin.
• Finish with gentle, downward strokes to blend.

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

Overall: 4/5 

Would I use it again? YES!

While so many of you have already tried the infamous Ipsy Glam Bag, the May bag was my first. I was pleasantly surprised and impressed by the quality of the products and the service.

Haven't heard of Ipsy Glam Bag? Each month, subscribers will receive a beautiful Glam Bag with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products. Members can watch and play along with the stylists with the same products that they are using. All for only $10 a month (or in my case, $15 including shipping to Canada).

Inside of May 2013 Bag:

• Zoya Nailpolish in Gie Gie
• MiraBella Colour Sheers Lipstick in Posy
• Pacifica Island Vanilla Perfume Roll-on
• Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel
• Yaby Concealer in Buff
• Cute, spring-y makeup bag

 

 

 

 

 

I've come across numerous tips featured in popular, mainstream magazines, but most were simply too difficult to achieve - I don't always carry around a hairspray to fix my wild mane, nor do I bring along a big pump of moisturizer and foundation. So, what's a girl gotta do? Here are some tips I've collected so far:

Dry or Frizzy Hair? Humidity and rain? When frizz and flyaways attack, reach for a little hand cream - dilute it with some water - and there you got some serum! Or if the hair is a complete mess, bring a hairband! Make a pony tail or a messy bun. Work with your tangles to rock a trendy, messy bun.

Defuse Booze Breath? Order a glass of water along with booze to counteract the effects of booze, and carry around mini brushlike tools, plus dental floss with mint flavour is great too!

Oily Skin in the Club - Hit up the bathroom for some toilet paper or purchase Clean & Clear Oil-Absorbing Sheets, tiny enough for the purse!

Greasy Hair? Pat roots with the face powder then tousle to blend it in. It will absorb the excess oils plus offer instant volume.

Racoon Eyes? Trying to rub away mascara or liner with a tissue will only irritate your delicate under-eye skin. Instead, reach for the hand lotion. Dab a little bit under the eye and gently swipe it away with a soft tissue.

Smelly Pits? The alcohol in hand sanitizer is perfect for killing the odor-causing bacretia. Rub a small amount onto each underarm, or if you just shaved, dab them with a little perfume. Those small easy to carry roller balls come in handy.

Dehydrated, dry lips? Wet your lips, then dab a little bit of petroleum jelly, like Vaseline lip therapy, as it seals in the water.

Melting Self Tanner? Dab some translucent face powder on the areas where you sweat the most. The light layer will help absorb sweat later on, minimizing the risk of a rub-off.

MUST HAVES staples in my purse:

• sanitizer
• face powder
• hand cream or lotion
• tissue paper
• lipstick
• mini-mirror
• mascara
• eye-curler
• concealer

A few months ago I did a photoshoot with Vancouver based photographer, David Circle, and makeup artist Victoria Ho - wanted to share these with you! Enjoy!

I’ve been regularly hitting the pan, in other words, finishing up the products. In the last few months, I have finally completed quite a few. It feels rewarding to be able to finish. Finally! I’m glad I rarely throw out beauty items into the garbage, unless of course, it’s something that absolutely has to be thrown out. Take a look at the full list:

• Dove Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash: 4/5 - skin feels smoother
• Sexy Hair Curly Sexy Hair Shampoo: 4/5 - perfect for wavy hair
• Philosophy Holiday Lights Aglow Shampoo and Body Wash: 3/5 - smells great, but somewhat drying and pricey, although, perfect for a bubble bath
• Befine Skin Care line - provided by GlossyBox: 5/5 - excellent quality, natural, leaves skin glowing. I may purchase full size products, but it's hard to find, and their online assortment seems limited. 
• Clarks Botanicals - from Glymm bag: 4/5 - a very good resurfacing moisturizer, but very expensive at full price
• Herbaflor Organic RoseHip Oil: 4/5 - the oil is quickly absorbant, nourishing, prevents skin damage, and smoothes out wrinkles
• Lancome Bienfait Multi-Vital Moisturizing Cream: 4/5 - affordable, high quality, non-greasy cream that  is perfect for daily use - with spf 30
• Joico K-PAK Revitaluxe: 3/5 - it's OK, I didn't find it all that great.
• Cyberderm Moisturizer Samples from Glymm: 4/5 These are very potent and creamy, and seem like a good investment in the future.
• Got2B Got 2 Be 2 Sexy Voluptuous Volume Mousse: 3/5 Works well, but feels somewhat sticky
• John Frieda SheerBlonde Lightening Conditioner: 5/5 This is my favourite conditioner. It leaves my hair feeling smooth and silky, and makes the blonde highlights much brighter. 
• Naked Princess - Naked Shine Luscious Lip Gloss in Barely Nude - this was such a small sample from Glymm that I could barely notice a difference 
• Rimmel Hide the Blemish Concealer in Ivory 001: 4/5, full Review coming soon
• Principessa - Bacio Me Lip Balm: Click Here for Review
• Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Conditioner: 4/5 Great product for the price
• Macadamia Natural Oil Healing Oil Treatment: 5/5 Amazing!
• Macadamia Healing Oil Spray: 4/5 Amazing! full reviews to come
• Vitamine & Sea Clay Mask: 3/5 - felt like any other clay mask 
• The Body Shop Natrulift Firming Day Cream with organic pomegranate: 3.5/5 Nothing special
• Tom Ford Lavender Palm: 2/5 Smells like soap!
• Atelier Cologne Trefle Pur: 4/5 Love it!
• Olay Regenerist Moisturizer: 3/5 OK, but not great. Will not buy again.
• Social Butterfly Hair Perfume: 3/5 Convenient to have in case of emergency hair day
• CK One Eau De Toilette
• Dove Damage Therapy Burst Conditioner
• John Frieda Frizz Ease Sheet Solution Lightweight Frizz Control
• Olive Oil Replenishing Conditioner
• Sebastian Volupt Shampoo: 4.5/5 Love, love love it! This is perfect for my hair, and I don't have to wash it as often. 
• Mai Couture Foundation Papier: 3/5 I like the idea, but it needs something more
• Got2B Kinky Curling Mousse: 4/5 I love most products by Got2B. They are incredibly affordable and work very well. This one was no exception. 
• Victoria's Secret Island Waters Coconut Water & Pineapple Moisturizing Cream: 3.5/5 The scent is too strong, and I may have developed allergies. 
• Amir Argan Oil Moisturizing Conditioner: 2/5 Did absolutely nothing and it's quite pricey!

GlossyBox September edition arrived on time, weighed a lot, and looked superb! I've been more than happy with the September's box. In Canada, the monthly price for GlossyBox is $15. So far, it's been worth it. The highlight of this box, is most definitely NYX the Crimson Amulet Set palette inspired by Dark Shadows. The palette is actually great for everyday use as it has many neutral shadows. I'm definitely in love. This is my first ever NYX palette and I'm looking forward to using it. I have heard many great things about NYX, and most recently, purchased their popular HD foundation. No complaints there! I hope to create a few interesting looks soon. As for the rest of the box, it wasn't as exciting. Most of us received a Wella hair product, nonetheless, I quite like Wella products, however, they've been appearing in the GlossyBox a bit too often. What do you think?

The July GlossyBox Canada was disappointing. The products did not seem high end at all - in fact, most of the brands can be found in Superstore, London Drugs or Shoppers Drug Mart at a discounted/sale price. So, in a way, this wasn't much of a deal nor was it exciting. The approximate value of this box is $25. This must've been the weakest month yet. I really hope to see a better selection next month.

It's only August, but September is creeping up on us. Spring/Summer clothing is on clearance, while New Arrivals are in-stock and ready to be worn. So what should you invest in this upcoming season? Well, there's definitely leather, reds and blues, as well as some minimalism and layers.

 Here's a preview from ELLE Canada August 2012 issue:

I've dramatically decreased my makeup and skincare spendings in the last few months because I've been subscribing to both Glymm and GlossyBox Canada. I am using the samples that came in sampling boxes, and everything else I own until it's all empty. I feel such extreme guilt if I don't use the products I buy. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to resist these impulse buys:

• Missha M Vita BB Cream with SPF 20 - I love it! Skin felt so smooth afterwards
• Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream in Light - not too shabby, review to come!
• theBalm Shady Lady eye shadow in Caught in the Act - impressive! and it was on sale
• Sally Hansen Salon Effects Polish Strips in Kitty, Kitty - these are purrrfect for a night out!
• Nicka K Body Shimmer - perfect for that bronzed body look
• Revlon Grow Luscious by Fabulash with Colorstay Eyeliner - this mascara is awful, and one of the worst for summer weather. I think I will be throwing it out, but keeping the eyeliner
• NYX Shadow Eye Pencil in Cottage Cheese - I love it! I've been using it daily. 

P.S. Don't forget to enter my Summer Giveaway!

Congratulations to Donna Dell  for winning! :)

Hi all!

It's been awhile since my last giveaway. I've been swamped with work, and had very little time to set up a new giveaway, but today is the day! And I hope you will love it. I'm giving away an array of goodies - all inside a lovely box.

Ah, the excitement! The May Edition of Glossy Box was yet another exciting surprise. The amount of products received was exceptionally generous, included was a big 250ml shampoo by Sebastian that smells absolutely amazing and left my hair incredibly bouncy.

The GlossyBox team did not disappoint! The products will definitely make me feel clean and refreshed. And I was definitely in need of a makeup remover.

PRODUCT LIST:

• Curel Foot Cream / Significantly improves the look and feel of even the driest heels and feet / $3.99
• Simple Kind to the Eyes Eye makeup remover / sample size at 56ml worth $3
• Simple Facial Wash Gel / 50ml sample worth $3
• boxx Cosmetics Cream Corrector in Melina / full size for $24
• Sebastian Professional Volupt Shampoo / full size at 250ml for $15.78

Overall, this box cost me $15, but worth approximately $50.

I am looking forward to next month!

Click here to subscribe.

Here is my month long haul! I have shopped at Shopper's Drug Mart, London Drugs, Amazon, Winners, and Sephora - always looking for something new to try! I will be reviewing each product individually after I try it out for a month. Stay tuned!

PRODUCT LIST:


Nature's Gate Advanced Care:

• C for Yourself vitamin C texturizing Serum 
• Oh What a night Walnut Therapy for overnight renewal
• Have a vine day Chardonnay Hydrator for daytime

• Weleda WildRose cleansing lotion
• Biore Deep Cleansing Pore strips
• Vichy DermaBlend Ultra-Corrective Foundation Cream-Stick in Porcelain
• GlamGlow Mud Mask
• La Roche Posay Lipikar Balm 

La Roche Posay Effaclar giftset includes:

• Effaklar K moisturizer and makeup base
• Derm AHA
• Effaclar foaming Gel

• Lady Million fragrance by Paco Rabanne
• Sephora Color of the Year - Tangerine Tango Prisma Chrome Blush

The May 2012 Glymm box was a total surprise! Firstly, it's no longer in a box, but comes in a makeup bag, which looks a lot classier and can be re-used. However, I did enjoy having boxes and used them as storage. Secondly, their logo has been re-designed! It looks a lot more sophisticated and 'older.'
Note: There's been a price increase for new customers, perhaps due to the fact that we're now receiving makeup bags instead of boxes.

The highlight of this box/bag is definitely the high pigmented Cargo eye pencil in navy blue with golden sparkles! Ah! It's quite lovely and very soft.

The rest of the samples were quite small and I have already used them all up!

PRODUCT LIST:

• CK Shock for Her / I've used this up this weekend and it's very nice! I may buy it.
• CK Shock for Him / Also smells amazing
• COOLA Organic Suncare / Mineral Matter Cucumber Sunscreen / It's very matte and non greasy.
• NUME HydroPunch Hydrating Conditioner / It made my hair soft and silky. I'm intrigued!
• CARGO High Pigmented Pencil / Rich color, soft, but not smudge resistant. FULL SIZE.
• Caudalie Gentle Buffing Cream / A high end exfoliator, that makes skin soft and refreshed.
• Caudalie Vinosource SOS Thirst Quenching Serum / There wasn't enough product to test it out.
• Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet / Felt great on my skin, but again, not enough!

Overall this box gets a B! I was happy about the eyeliner.

If you would like to try it, click here.