March Favourites 2014! ♥

           Welcome to my March favourites 2014! As showcased in my YouTube video below, I had a decent amount of products to share with you this month, so I thought I would do a mini review here of each, and provide some links for you! 

Watch me showing off my favourites here!

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Light & Blonde: Do I ever love this product! It gives off the perfect hint of colour, which can really help camouflage your roots in my opinion. The best thing about a dry shampoo with a hint of colour, is not only does it make your hair look and feel clean, but it provides that brightening effect, so it really can give the allusion of recently dyed hair. I picked this up at Boots when I was in Ireland!

Marc Anthony Hydrating Coconut Oil & Shea Butter Sulfate Free Conditioner: I have been absolutely thrilled with this conditioner this past month. I plan on purchasing all of the products in this series so I can do a proper review on it, as there is also a shampoo and a treatment. But this is amazing for bleached, colour treated and damaged hair. It immediately makes your hair super soft and manageable, and adds shine. I highly recommend this conditioner!

No7 Pore Refining Serum: I have mentioned this multiple times in my blog already, but I have just recently fallen in love with it. I use this more as a light moisturizer than anything else, as I believe that's what it works the best as. It really makes your skin super soft and silky, and does a really great job of diminishing your pores. I will definitely be repurchasing, as I just ran out! :( As far as I know, you can purchase it at Boots, Shopper's Drug Mart and Target. 

Essie Go Ginza: This has been a huge favourite of mine since the moment I picked it up! What a beautiful colour for spring! When you have it on, it looks more mauve than anything. I thought that I wanted to pick up a true lilac colour until I saw this. The website actually defines this colour as a "soft, cherry blossom pink". Hmmm. Either way, gorgeous colour, and I will continue to be wearing it throughout the spring and summer! It has a fantastic staying power as well, like all Essie polishes! 

Bourjois 1 Seconde Nail Polish in Rainbow Apparition 14: This definitely makes my all time favourite nail polish list. It is the most perfect purple, sparkly nail polish you've ever seen. In the photo above, I am actually wearing it combined with Essie's Go Ginza, which has been the most perfect combination this month. You definitely want to wear a pink or a purple underneath, as the colour looks significantly better when it's not just by itself. If you are a Bourjois fan or just a nail polish fan in general, PICK THIS UP.

Tarte Deluxe Marajuca Lip Glosses: I actually got these in the Tarte of Giving Collector's set, which is my favourite makeup gift I have ever recieved! I'll link my full first impression review of the set here, as it really is fantastic. They do finally make lip glosses in regular sizes now (LipSurgence Lip Gloss), which I am dying to try. I have yet to find a more perfect formula than these lip glosses. They're incredibly moisturizing, they plump up your lips, aren't too sticky and smell like mint. What more could you ask for? 

Lasting Finish Lipstick by Kate in 111 Kiss of Life: This is quite surprisingly my first ever red lipstick, and I think I made an excellant choice! I never really thought I could pull off red lipstick because I'm so pale, but I believe that there is a red lipstick to suit everyone. This colour is not too orangey, and not too deep red, it is just perfect. I also chose this lipstick over others because of the very reasonable price and the consistency. It is moisturizing, and stays put for a decent amount of time. This will not stay tattooed on your lips for the entire day, you will need to touch up in between eating, but that is certainly not a big issue for me. Love it!

Clinique All About Shadow Single in Sunset Glow: This shadow is in their Super Shimmer range, and I am so obsessed with it! This will probably be the only day to day colour I wear on my eyes for a long time, until I find something just as good. It's the perfect bronze colour for my skin tone in my opinion. I've been wearing it every day this month, and I will definitely continue to throughout the rest of the spring and summer! It has a great staying power, and beautiful finish.

Bourjois Little Round Pot Light Eyeshadow in No.03 Brume: I wear this in combination with my Clinique eyeshadow every single day as a highlighter. This is the most amazing highlighter you will ever use. If you like a shimmery, but not too out there brow bone highlight, than this one is for you. I use it in my inner corners as well, and it really helps brighten up my eye area. I am not sure if they have the Light range in Canada yet, as I got this in Ireland, but it is definitely worth ordering. 

Essence Eyebrow Designer Pencil in 04 Blonde: Although it is a pain to have to sharpen anything, this pencil is worth it to me. This is the only pencil I have been able to find in the drug store that is the perfect colour match for my eyebrows. It looks natural, has a great staying power, is under $3.00 and has a little brush at the end. What more could you want? (Besides a retractable pencil of course).There are just two other shades, which are 02 dark brown and 01 black.

PürMinerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup with SPF 15 in Light: I have been using this as a setting powder for my foundation this month, and it works so nicely. I am not a huge fan of wearing mineral foundations just on their own, although this would look amazing over top of a tinted moisturizer. It's extremely natural looking, and really gives your skin a flawless finish. It also controls oil really well! I rarely have to touch up during the day at all when I use this. I got this in the 5-Piece Start Now Kit, which I got an amazing deal on. The Chisel Makeup Brush comes with it, which is a really nice brush for applying bronzer and blush as well!

Indigo Large Pouchette in Red: Ahhhh, this is just the cutest little pouch! I received this as a gift from my boyfriend, and I just think it's the most precious thing. It has a top zip closer with a heart charm, as well as a key ring attached on the inside. The quote in the lining reads: "When I saw you I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew". How does that not brighten anyone's day?! It's still available at Indigo, so go buy it now!

Indigo Compact Mirror With Hearts in Light Pink: How adorable is this compact? I use this every day to check my makeup when I'm on the go. It has one mirror which gives you a close up, and the other is just a regular mirror. It's really sturdy and well made, so I'm thinking this is going to last me a long time! This is currently 34% off on the Indigo website at $9.50, so definitely grab it! This is for sure my favourite purse accessory at the moment. 

And that is all! Hope you enjoyed this post, and please check out my video! xx

Get Her Look: Ashley Olsen

A quick Get Her Look featuring the lovely Ashley Olsen!

NARS Single Eye Shadow in Lola Lola

Bite Beauty Luminous Crème Lipstick in Retsina

Tarte 

Skinny SmolderEyes Amazonian Clay Waterproof Liner in Onyx

Cover FX 

Bronzer in Sunkissed

xx

February Favourites 2014!

So here they are, my February favourites! I feel like I used quite a few different products this month, but here are the ones that really stood out for February!

Pürminerals Pout Plumping Lip Gloss in Crystal Pink: I actually purchased this because all Pürminerals lip glosses were on sale for 50% off at Shopper's Drug Mart. I think they might be discontinuing this collection. Either way, you can still find it on the Pürminerals website for $16.00. This is a really nice lip gloss. Beautiful colour, and not sticky at all. I did not notice if it made my lips 60% plumper like it claims to, but it makes up for it by being super hydrating.

Bourjois Rouge Edition Lipstick in 02 Beige Touch: It's really going to be hard for any lipstick to beat this one for me. No matter how many I buy, I just keep going back to it. It's such an amazing pinky/beige nude! It's also the most hydrating lipstick I've ever tried. It is freezing in Toronto this winter, and I really think it's thanks to this that my lips haven't gotten cracked or too dry. Love it!

Tarte Deluxe Maracuja Lip Gloss: These actually don't have specific names, which is probably because Tarte doesn't seem to sell lip glosses anymore, except in limited edition sets. I got this one from the Tarte of Giving Collector's Set that came out last Christmas (my review on that here). This lip gloss is a tad sticky, however it is my favourite nude colour out of any of the lip glosses I own. It also contain's Tarte's famous Maracuja Oil, so it's really hydrating as well.

Forever 21 Owl Lip Balm in Mint: I still can't believe how much I like this! I purchased 3 of these owls for $10, and they're some of the best lip balms I've ever owned. You do have to dip your finger into it which is not my favourite, so I only apply it in the morning before I leave the apartment. I don't know what it is in these that works so well, but they're definitely worth trying out.

Indigo Cosmetic Pouch With Hearts: I received this as part of my Valentine's Day gift from my boyfriend, and I'm in love with it! This goes in whatever bag I'm carrying around at any given day, and just holds the few makeup items I bring out with me. It's the perfect size for anything, and still doesn't take up much room in your bag.

Jergens BB Body Perfecting Skin Cream in Light Skin Tones: I actually didn't expect to like this as much as I do either (as you can see, the bottle has been well-loved). I find that it does do everything it says it's going to do: hydrate, illuminate, even, firm and correct. What I'm most concerned about right now is hydration, and it does an amazing job at keeping your skin super soft. When I first put it on, I wasn't sure if it was going to do anything for my skin, as it's not very thick, but it works just as well if not better than thicker creams. It goes on as a light flesh colour, and becomes sheer when you smooth it out. I'll definitely be using this all through the spring and summer months as well, which will probably help me notice the other benefits even more.

Shiseido Perfect Foundation Brush: This may be my absolute favourite this month. This is SUCH A GOOD FOUNDATION BRUSH. It is so worth investing in a good, flat-top foundation brush. It took me a couple tries to learn how to use it properly, but I don't think I'll go back to anything else after using this brush. I have noticed no fall out whatsoever, even while washing it. This brush is also an Allure Best of Beauty award winner of 2013!

Paul Mitchell Round Trip Liquid Curl Definer: I've actually had this for quite a long time, and never really gave it a chance until recently. My hair is actually more wavy than it has been for quite some time, so that's likely why it works so well for me now. This really conditions your waves/curls without weighing them down. This doesn't leave your hair crunchy at all, if you're into soft, flexible waves like I am.

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Light & Blonde: This dry shampoo has been saving me lately, for more reasons than one! I have tried a variety of different dry shampoos, and Batiste is definitely the best for making your hair look clean and refreshed. But what I especially love about this one, is the hint of colour is actually helping me hide my roots, and making my hair look brighter! I purchased this can in Ireland, but I'm sure you can get the Light & Blonde in Canada too. A must for those with blonde hair. They also come in medium and dark!

Pürminerals Correcting Primer: First, let me just say, I really do not like the way this primer feels when you apply it to your face. I'm not a fan of the texture at all, I can't even describe it, but it's not anywhere near as silky as you'd like a primer to feel. Having said that, everything else about it is really nice! I've basically been mixing it with my foundation, which has given me much more of a natural finish. My skin loves it as well, as it really gives you a smooth, even base to work with. I'm not sure if they sell this primer on it's own, but it came in the Pürminerals 5-Piece-Beauty-To-Go Collection!

L'Oreal Paris Sublime Cleansers Gentle Micellar Solution: I have finally found my affordable dupe for Bioderma, my Vichy thermal cleansing water, etc! I truly find that this works just as well as any high end cleansing water/solution anywhere. It's extremely gentle, doesn't sting my eyes or upset my skin, and makes my skin so soft. This cleanser removes your makeup flawlessly, especially any kind of eye makeup. So glad to have finally found this!

Clinique All About Shadow Single in Sunset Glow: Last but not least, the eye shadow that I've been wearing everyday, all month long. This particular one is in the super shimmer collection. Unfortunately, the pictures above do not do it justice at all, as it really does look amazing when the sunlight hits it. This colour has hints of bronze, gold and pink in it. It's super easy to blend and very pigmented. Definitely looking forward to trying more Clinique eye shadows, as somehow this was my first one!

Goodnight! xx

Sephora Spring Wishlist 2014

               There has recently been a huge amount of new beauty launches for the spring, and they are beautiful. Spring is probably my favourite season for makeup launches, as the colours are bright, beautiful, and really signify the changeover from winter to spring to summer. Going through the Sephora website, I was pretty much drooling over the new arrivals. Any girl who really loves makeup knows what I mean! Here are some of my top picks for my spring wishlist of 2014!

Clinique Cheek Pop in Peach Pop, $24

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Dim Infusion-Subdued Coral, $41

 

Bite Beauty Matte Crème Lip Crayon in Kumquat, $28

NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Floralies, $30

Yves Saint Laurent Gloss Volupté in 20 Nude Carat, $35

Sephora Collection Rouge Infusion Lip Ink in No. 3 Pink Essence, $17

      

Formula X The Cut- Spring 2014 in A Little Sexy, $13

Nails Inc. Gel Effect Polish in Mayfair Lane, $17

NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Kauai, $39

Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eye Colour in Pale Shell, $32

I'll be back with my February favourites soon!! xx

First Impression Review: Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation

         Let me just say, I did not think I would end up liking this foundation as much as I do. Whenever I look for a foundation lately, I always look for a brightening effect or a glow. So when I saw that Rimmel had come out with the Wake Me Up Foundation, I decided to try it. The reason why I did not have high hopes for this product is that firstly, I did not think Rimmel was known for having great foundations. And secondly, I've come to think that a foundation that only costs $7.99 can't be that great. Even my L'Oreal True Match Lumi Foundation, which costs $17.99 wasn't comparable to my Bourjois Healthy Mix Gel Serum Foundation ($27.99). The Wake Me Up Foundation is meant to be light, moisturizing, contains vitamins and has an anti-fatigue effect.

When you first pump out this foundation, it's relatively thick and not runny at all. The colour looked a little too dark on my hand, but thankfully it lightened up to my perfect shade when applied to my face with my fingertips. I'm not someone who will take the time to blend my foundation extremely well, so I like there to be an exact match right from the get go. I purchased the shade 100 Ivory, which is the lightest they have. There are only about 6 shades available, so not the greatest colour selection so far. This foundation contains 1 fl oz, which is the average for any foundation. The container is extremely breakable (as I learned by smashing a bottle open at the drug store by accident). 

Natural Lighting

As it turned out, this foundation is pretty much perfect for the winter months! There really isn't anything bad I can say about it. It's quite moisturizing, which is something that the L'Oreal True Match Lumi doesn't have. It's about medium to high coverage, making your skin look flawless. It's light enough so that you can't even feel it, and looks relatively natural. This is definitely a great foundation to take photos in. 

With Flash

The only slight criticism I have about the actual foundation, is that you have to blend extremely well underneath your eyes so it doesn't crease, as you can see above. I would recommend this foundation to anyone with normal to dry skin, of any age. This will most likely be my go to foundation for the rest of the winter! I love it!

Hope you had a great weekend! xx

Mini Drugstore Haul: Skin Care and Lipstick

       Now that I've gotten my skin used to more expensive face wash, I've come to slightly dread the time where I'll need to buy one again! I have seen a big difference in my skin since I've invested a little bit more, so I'm not too willing to go back to the products I used to use. However, I decided to try a new face wash this time, and picked up a few other little things from Shoppers Drug Mart that I needed while I was there.

I decided to stop purchasing full face wipes, as they're not the greatest for your skin, so I chose these instead. These are the Quo Mini Eye Make-Up Remover Pads. I find that it works just fine if I take my eye makeup off with a remover pad or eye makeup remover lotion, and use a washcloth for the rest of my face before going in with my cleanser. Quo is a Canadian brand exclusive to Shopper's Drug Mart, and I generally like their products. These come with 30 in a pack for $5.00, so it wasn't a bad deal. Hopefully these don't sting my eyes, as I've been having quite a problem with that lately!

I didn't go with my usual Biotherm this time, and picked up the RoC Multi-Action Makeup Remover Milk instead. I have never tried this brand, and don't know much about it besides the fact that it originates in France. It has everything I'm looking for in a cleanser for the winter months. As much as I like Biotherm, it always made my skin feel tight afterwards, and I'd have to apply a heavy moisturizer. This 3 in 1 cleanser is meant to remove face and eye makeup, tones and refreshes your skin, and moisturizes your skin for 24 hours. I will likely do a review on this once I've tried it out a few times. It's for all skin types, which is fine for me right now. This cleanser was about $17.00, $2.00 less than my Biotherm one.

Possibly a little TMI coming your way, but I've been having some skin related issues lately. I really needed something that would cleanse as well as soothe and calm my skin. I was originally going to go for the Avene Thermal Spring Water, which I'd tried before and liked, but they didn't have any available in the smaller size. So, I picked up the 1.69 fl oz size of the Vichy Thermal Spa Water for about $7.50. People buy these products for all kinds of reasons, normally to spray on their face in the summer time. I decided to use this for other reasons, as the Vichy Thermal Spa Water has 15 rare minerals, is 100% natural and soothes and protects your skin. I used this when I got home, and right away experienced some relief. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is experiencing sore, irritated skin. 

Finally, I picked up Rimmel's Lasting Finish Lipstick in Airy Fairy. I actually wanted to try this colour, because it's the colour Anna Saccone Joly aka the Style Diet wears all the time, and it looks fantastic on her! This colour is so pretty when swatched, so I'm really looking forward to wearing it. It feels creamy and moisturizing, which I need right now, so let's hope it works out. I'm tired of searching for the perfect lipstick!

That's it for my little haul, hopefully some good reviews coming soon!

xx