Summer haul

Indie Spotlight - Glossier | The Painted Lip

Glossier.

As you already know, I am a makeup collector, a connoisseur if you will. So when a company is introduced into the sphere of makeup consciousness, I pay attention. Glossier is one such indie company From its minimalist packaging to its on trend ingredients, I piqued my interest. It also has to tick some of the right boxes - Easy, good price point,active ingredients and ships to Canada!

Into the Gloss....

The first step of Glossier's success was a successful blog, Into the Gloss. From there, Glossier culled, vetted and filtered the beauty ingredients and products that worked. This is handy when you are a beauty editor and have a plethora of free products to test. This led into the clean and "glossy" aesthetic that is now Glossier. You can see it in their advertisement,web page and packaging; it's not pretentious and it lets the product do the work.However, do not be fooled this is also a marketing strategy. More companies, such as Deciem,Glossier,and Milk realise that consumers are becoming more suscipicious and therefore more educated regarding ingredients and pushing for more "real"campaigns and less photo-shopped pictures,as Glossier's motto says "Skin and Beauty Products Inspired by Real Life" Instead they focus in on the buzz that influencers generate and the products' performance. 

I equate Milk and Glossier occupying the same circle. Both are cool girl makeup, with next to nothing coverage and glossy skin. Again, the ambience is slick, the look and feel is of a chic girl [or boy]minimalist who could care less about spending hours on their makeup. I picture tall, waif-like girls with stunning skin and beautiful hair, they may have tattoos, cute freckles and piercings. Again, this is my vision.  Its demographic is not mine with its focus, I feel, on teens to late twenties and that is pushing the outer limit. Its minimalist approach is beautiful and utterly appeals to my sensibilities. Don't get me wrong, I am a sucker for cute and pretty packaging too. Trust. Recently, it received kudos for featuring what appears to be an untouched photo of a plus size girl for their Body Hero range and they include diversity amongst skin tones in their advertising. Again, this is calculated and they are acutely aware of the its effect and how this generates attention and conversations. I applaud and encourage to show case more of this and diversity within the age groups please. 

Into the Products...

I decided to order some its highly touted products - Boy Brow (one oftheir best sellers), Cloud Paints, Skin Perfecting Tint and Haloscope.  I ordered the products February 10, shipped February 12 and it arrived February 16th. Shipping was free for orders over $40. 

They break down their products into two different phases. Phase one being skin care includes the Milky Jelly Cleanser, Solution (Chemical Exfoliant with AHA and BHA),serums,masks,Bomb DotCom Skin Salve, sunscreen,and moisturisers. The bridge between phase one and two is the Priming Moisturiser. Phase two consists of makeup products. The Boy Brow, Perfecting Skin Tint,Haloscope (highligher) Cloud Paints and Lip Products (Generation G -blotted looking lipstick). 

The offer packaged deals for less. For instance, Phase one package includes for $55 Cdn Milky Jelly Cleanser, Priming Moisturiser and your choice of flavour of the Balm Dotcom. Saving of $9 Cdn.Phase two includes Stretch Concealer, the Boy Brow and Generation G lip colour $50 Cdn. Cloud Paints can be bought in duo at $36 instead of $22 each. 

There are other packaged goodies such as the Boy Brow and Haloscope, the mask duo, and serum super pack.

Okay,so my purchases.....

The Boy Brow $20 Cdn - creamy wax formula is inspired by traditional hair pomade for soft, flexible hold that doesn’t stiffen or flake. 4 colours -clear, blond, brown and black

Colour:- black. 

small wand, I needed to wipe off the excess. The colour may be a little harsh for my colouring, but the brown looked too warm. It tinted my brows but there was not much adding to them. Not crusty nor flakey. The hold is very light.

Beeswax and Carnauba WaxNatural waxes that hold hairs in place without stiffness.

Oleic AcidAn emollient derived from olive oil that nourishes and moisturizes.

LecithinA natural fatty substance that adds a silky, smooth texture and a subtle sheen.

AtelocollagenA collagen derivative that helps condition and strengthen the hair fiber.

alcohol free, fragrance free, paraben free, cruelty free, appropriate for all skin types, hypoallergenic, ophthalmologist tested, dermatologist tested

Perfecting Skin Tint $32 Cdn 30ml -Evens out discoloration and leaves your face looking toned, smooth, and dewy. The breathable, ultra thin formula auto-fits to skin, making application as simple as throwing on moisturizer. What won’t it do? Hide your freckles, spackle your pores, or erase any other evidence that you are, in fact, a real human being. Adaptable 

5 shades 

Diamond PowderGives a brightening and blurring effect, while minimizing the appearance of pores.

GlycerinHelps skin attract and retain moisture.

Polymer XOur secret weapon; gives an ever-so-slight lifted look to the face.

Colour- light and Medium

It is definitely a "wash" of colour. Very sheer and light in texture. Evens complexion fairly well. I had to add a second layer to even out the area of discolouration around my nose and chin. Not sticky and felt light on the skin. Very dewy. A couple of hours in, my skin looked very shiny. Not cute. 

hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, appropriate for all skin types, non-settling, non-creasing, non-poring, non-irritating, paraben free, alcohol free, fragrance free, cruelty free, vegan

Cloud Paint $22 each or 2 for $36 Cdn

The pillowy, gel-cream formula is designed to be the most user-friendly cheek color in existence. 

4 shades - beam, dusk, puff, and haze

Colour - dusk, puff and haze

CollagenRetains a high amount of water to hydrate and visually plump skin up with moisture.

Smooth-Gel SystemOne-of-a-kind, lightweight gel-cream texture makes for silky, even application.

Blurring Powder PigmentsProvide a soft, diffused, seamless finish—no more streakiness.

They are smooth, non-staining and easy to blend. Almost too easy. You may blend them away into nothing and they do not stay on the cheek that long. Full of dimethicone and derivatives. 

hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, paraben free, fragrance free, cruelty free

Haloscope $27 Cdn dew effect highlighter

It’s a dual-delivery formula: the outer halo is infused with genuine crystal extracts for all-day enlightenment, with a solid oil core of vitamin-rich moisturizers for a hydrated, dewy finish

3 colours - Topaz, Quartz, Moonstone

Colour - Quartz

Actual CrystalsOuter ring is enhanced with real Rose Quartz or Golden Topaz —pretty cool, even if you’re not a crystal person.

Coconut and Castor Seed OilRich in vitamin E, they give the solid oil core dewy sheen and easy glide.

Sweet Almond OilSuper moisturizer rich in fatty acids.

Gives a nice sheen to the skin, no glitter no sparkle. Great if you have texture. Not great if you are oily. Lasting time is okay. 

hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, paraben free, fragrance free, cruelty free

Comes in a box with cute affirmation and stickers. Within the box is the ever present pink and the pink bubble ziplock bag. 

Overall Thoughts

I liked the products but I do not love them and I will tell you why. Honestly, I do not feel cool enough to wear them nor do I feel young enough. This is not marketed to my demographic and its products are for those who want to look like they are makeup free. I like that aspect but I also need products that last and that do not make my skin look super oily within a couple of hours. I like the ease of these products. Not having to rely on brushes, which also might turn people off to it, is lovely. I am a firm believer of using fingers for makeup application, it gives the most natural result. Not having tried any of their skin care, I cannot speak to their efficacy nor the level of active ingredients in their product. I also feel there is a level of sophisticated marketing and gimmick to Glossier, that also could be my cynicism talking.  Overall, I will recommend them as their ease, price points and quality is good. 

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Sephora Rouge/ VIB Sale Suggestions and Other Goodies

While this was a compilation of  new goodies, there are some standards that I feel are worth looking into.
I approach Sephora sales with the mindset of buying things I need that are expensive, I am looking at you Drunk Elephant C-firma $100 Cdn and some limited edition holiday products. To be honest, I try not to purchase too many LE as their quality is typically poor and repeats from years prior.

Here are some items that I think are worth it:
Drunk Elephant skin care - C-firma
NARS concealer - soft matte (in the pot) love this for under my eye
Shiseido Cottons. I have been a fan since 2006 and will continue to purchase them.
Koh Gen Do foundation - gorgeous Japanese skin care and makeup in one. Love Love Love

Autumnal Suggestions

For the past couple of years, the Pumpkin Spice Latte indicated Autumn's arrival. However, I am not a fan of pumpkin or any gourds really. So for me, Autumn's presence means seeing berry coloured lipstick and knee high boots.

Books

I have a couple of goodies that I want to talk about for those grey days of November.  First, is a book that fits right in - colours are autumnal, right? The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck. Based off his blog https://markmanson.net/, Manson makes sense and is tuned in to what I believe. It's not a book telling you to not to give a f*ck, but to choose more judiciously about what you actually value. Sarcastic and had me chuckling to myself in public. Furthermore, so many people, complete strangers, would approach me just to say how awesome it is. Oh the things that connect people......

Beauty

Resurgence of the matte liquid lipstick. I thought their time had passed. But alas, not. More companies are still going strong with these bad boys. The one I think you should pick up is the holiday offering from Kat Von D mini lipstick set. The colours are nude in all ranges and a black. Who doesn't want a black?

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick $66 Cdn everlasting-mini-liquid-lipstick-set

In other related products, I love a rosy cheek for fall and winter, it looks healthy and fresh.. If your skin doesn't eat them, a liquid or cream product works best. Nars Liquid blush in Dolce Vita is beautiful as is the Makeup Forever HD Cream blush in 510.  Please excuse the actual indication of use with the cream blush on the right. 

NARS liquid blush in Dolce Vita $38 Cdn and Make Up Forever HD Blush 510 

This is also the time of year where our skin becomes dull looking. This isn't the spot where I recommend highlighting your face to the heavens, but instead suggest using great skin care to assist with that ashy and perhaps flaky skin. A good AHA like lacticor glycolic acid will help the skin turn over, which then allows for products to absorb better and make the skin look great. Using a Vitamin C serum will also aid with dull complexions looking brighter. My favourite AHA products are Drunk Elephant TLC Sukari Babyfacial with 25% AHA and 2% BHA (not available in Canada; however, The Ordinary has 30% AHA 2% BHA Peeling Solution for for $7.20 Cdn), The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% . As for Vitamin C, Drunk Elephant C-firma Serum is wonderful.

C-firma Day Serum $100 Cdn

Lactic Acid 5% $5.50 Cdn

https://www.drunkelephant.com/collections/shop/products/t-l-c-sukari-babyfacial

Taking care of the outside is important but for me, nurturing my inside is paramount. The grey truly affects my mood and energy, therefore this is a time where I need to take care of myself mentally, spiritually and physically. Yoga and meditation check off all the boxes. 

Thanks for coming by

M

xx

Skin Care Regime

The past couple of years my love of makeup is apparent with all the colours, products and trends I have posted or worn. Lately, my focus has been on skin care. As to the change, I do not know if it is to do with my ageing or the fact that without good skin, it does not matter what kind of makeup you put on your face, it will not look good.

When I lived in Korea, I was acutely aware of their products and how diligent Koreans were/are about their skin regiments. As a teacher, I would receive whitening products from Chanel and chastised for even a slight tan. I wished I would have taken advantage of their products, because Korean skin care and their "steps" are very much the popular choice and current trend.

Morning Routine

Currently, my morning routine changed from splashing cold water on the face and maybe some moisturiser, to thorough cleansing and moisturising.

Morning Cleanse -  Farmacy Green Clean, makeup melting cleansing balm




Toner-  Indie Lee Co Q10 toner,



Drunk Elephant C-Firma day serum,












SPF 30 (physical)
Moisturiser - Sunday Riley Tidal cream or Drunk Elephant La La Retro Whipped Cream. This last step completely depends on my skin's requirements. 

Night Routine

My night routine was one of always taking off my makeup, without fail.

Micellar Water (Bioderma Sensibio),













Night Cleanser -Nude Clarifying oil cleanser, then the same toner










Drunk Elephant TLC Sukari Babyfacial






or lactic acid 5% by the Ordinary











or The Ordinary 2% Retenoid Emulsion.










Then the DE marula oil or LaLa Retro Whipped Cream

With combination oily skin, I was concerned the aforementioned would be too much, but I feel my skin looks really bright and clear.

I also incorporate sheet masks. These are a great way to add moisture, brighten or tighten skin.

Skin Care - L'Oreal RevitaLift Bright Reveal

So I recently signed up for Influenster Canada and received a VoxBox from L'Oreal to test. Within the box, was their new JLo spokesperson Bright Reveal line. As I am becoming older I realize how important skin care is and I take great pleasure with a skin care routine, as it allows me to wind down before bed and relax. I have used it for a couple of days and truly, you cannot review a skin care line until you have used it for at least a month. Instead, I am going to discuss my first impression and then follow it up with a full review after using it for a while.

Brightening Scrub Cleanser - is a daily scrub cleanser containing Glycolic acid and Perlite. First, what is Perlite? Google to the rescue. According to www.perlite.org, it is "a naturally occurring siliceous volcanic rock". Therefore, I am assuming the "grit" is this.  Secondly, the glycolic acid does not have an indicated percentage.
I am not a proponent of daily scrubs. I say this because too much physical exfoliation can lead to micro tears and inflammation of the skin, thus more break outs. Additionally, I prefer chemical which this line already has with its glycolic pads. The cleanser is perfumed with a clean, fresh scent and also contains sodium laureth sulfate. Both of which are irritants to the skin, with the latter potentially drying out the skin.
My thoughts so far are mediocre due to the scent, the recommended daily exfoliation and the ingredients.

Brightening Peel Pads- claims to resurface uneven skin. Immediately brightens. Reduces wrinkles* (in terms of looks).  It contains 10% Glycolic Complex, a combination of citric acid, glycolic acid and HEPES (-hydroxyethyl)-piperazineethanesulfonic acid). For me, I would like to know the percentage of  each acid within the complex.
My first impression is a good one, but I am a little biased as I enjoy a chemical exfoliation. These are gentle and do not make my skin sting. These are great for glycolic virgins.

Brigtening Daily Lotion with SPF 30-  this contains Glycolic acid, Vitamin Cg (Ascobyl Glucoside) and Pro-Rentinol (Retinyl Palmitate). I love the idea of Vitamin C with my moisturiser; however, I am not a fan of using retinols nor glycolic acid during the day. For me, using retinol  and glycolic acid during the night where cell turnover is at is most efficacious, is best. Again, the packaging does indicated the amount of glycolic acid, which is irksome. However, I am glad it contains a broad spectrum sunscreen Octocrylene 7%, Homosalate 5% Octisalate 5% and Avobenzone 3%. All of which are chemical sunscreens. In addition, one the ingredients closest to the beginning is dimethicone, which is a silicone and will give the skin a soft, velvet feel.
I can appreciate a broad spectrum especially if it contains pro-retinol and glycolic acid. It would be irresponsible of them not to. However, I do not like silicone in my moisturiser as it leads to a false sense of smoothness and silicone can block pores. It absorbs nicely into the skin without the white cast that many sunscreens give. The scent is very light and clean.

Brightening Dual Overnight Moisturiser -  this contains 4% glycolic acid and pro-retinol, which is where it should be. It has a dual chamber, one is transparent, while the other is semi-opaque with a pearlescent quality. Once pumped, the texture is silky and slightly thin.
Looking at the ingredient list, you find glycolic acid near the beginning, which is fantastic but the pro-retinol near the bottom. Furthermore, dimethicone is also near the beginning.
Even though it has silicone in it, I am enjoying it thus far. While at first it feels slightly tacky, this fluid texture eventually absorbs well into the skin, leaving it smooth and feeling hydrated. Anytime, you moisturise  your skin at night, your skin will thank you.

These are just a few of my thoughts and observations
Megsx

Bite Beauty- The Multistick

You know those days when you just want a little colour or can't be bothered to do a full face. I love easy, fuss-free beauty. Let me further explain. I love makeup that can be used multiple ways. And no, I don't mean when you are in a pinch, using your lipstick as a blush. There have been many products that has been marketed as such, but Bite's, The Multistick, is something a touch different.

First, the colours flatter lips, cheeks and eyes. All too often, companies will imply that they can be used as such, but in reality, it looks horrible on the eyes. Bite's Multistick colour line up contains mostly nudes;  nude rose, nude brown, nude pinky peach, you get the idea. Secondly, the texture of the bullet is soft but dry. Using it on the lips creates a matte dry feeling, and not greasy for cheeks and eyes. Third, it blends  easily and almost "sets". However, the formula does not last, at least, not on me. I have normal to oily skin and it stays for about 3 hours at most. The colours are so flattering and soft, that it is forgivable and easily reapplied. 

With more research regarding harmful ingredients, I love Bite's philosophy, i.e., food grade makeup. I also love that a Canadian company is innovative and creative with their ingredients textures,packaging, and colours. I am talking about you Kale and Squid Ink. It is reassuring to know that what you put on your face and ultimately, into your body is not harmful. 

I purchased Gelato at my local Sephora prior to the display, therefore I wasn't able to try the textures nor colours. Gelato is a nude mauve rose. Perfect for lips,cheeks and eyes.  It felt a little dry on the lips but not like liquid lipstick dry. $28 Canadian gives you 0.17oz/4.75g.  Furthermore, the product has a shelf life of 24 months. Additionally, I bought two more colours, papaya and cerise. Both goregous with papaya a bright coral pink and cerise a deep neutral red/rose.

Specs:
4.75g for $28 Cdn
Organic Food Grade product
18 colours

http://www.sephora.com/multistick-P411038?keyword=BITE%20BEAUTY%20Multistick%20P411038&skuId=1855261&country_switch=ca&_requestid=250092

Enjoy
Megsx