2018 Makeup Declutter- foundation / The Painted Lip

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

Underrated Products

Sometimes watching YouTube is like watching a paid advertisement on TV. Some products work and are worth the hype that surrounds them. Others, well we all have a drawer full of products that we do not use. Then there are those products that are hardly talked about but are absolutely amazing. 

I've compiled a list of those either lesser known companies and/or products. 

Koh Gen Do - Maifanshi Aqua Foundation- My absolute favourite foundation. When I wear this, I know my skin looks amazing. 

https://www.beautylish.com/s/koh-gen-do-maifanshi-aqua-foundation-113

Brush Guards- they keep my brushes in shape and allow them to dry more quickly.

https://www.beautylish.com/b/the-brush-guard

Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel Alcohol-Free Toner  - acts as a toner, refresher and it's cheap. Found at most health food shops. amazon etc. I generally hate toners, but this doesn't strip the skin and the rose adds a lovely scent.

https://www.amazon.ca/Thayers-Alcohol-Free-Petal-Witch-Hazel/dp/B00016XJ4M

Ciate Blush Pop-  love these cream blushes even with my normal combo skin. They blend easily and last on the skin. 

http://www.sephora.com/blush-pop-tm-creme-blush-P393852?country_switch=us&lang=en

Face Atelier - Ultra Foundation - medium coverage, slightly dewy finish and easy to blend. Love the coverage and look 

https://www.faceatelier.com/product/ultra-foundation/category/complexion/

Ultra Sheer - liquid highlighter that can be mixed or used on its own. It is subtle but beautiful

https://www.faceatelier.com/product/ultra-sheer/category/complexion/

Facade - multi use product for cheeks and lips. Mousse texture and matte.  

https://www.faceatelier.com/product/facade/category/lips/

Yaby eyeshadow - small but mighty, very pigmented and inexpensive. I travel with these all the time.

http://www.yabycosmetics.com/

Daniel Sandler -  Watercolor blush. So natural and easy to use.

http://danielsandler.com/collections/makeup-for-cheeks

Shiseido Facial Cottons- 165 sheets of Egyptian Cotton. They don't absorb all of your product and no fluffs :) 
http://www.sephora.com/facial-cotton-P173726?skuId=101220&icid2=products%20grid:p173726

M.A.C. lip mixes - creamy, pigmented, and does not feather. No peppermint to irritate. Love these to mix new colour and easy to use. 

http://www.maccosmetics.ca/product/14768/916/Products/Makeup/Pro-Products/Lips/Lipmix#/shade/Red

M.A.C. Patent Lip Polishes- subtle colour with a creamy, glossy finish. Not sticky.

http://www.maccosmetics.ca/product/13853/29745/Products/Makeup/Lips/Lip-Gloss/Patent-Polish-Lip-Pencil#/shade/Clever

Thanks for reading and dropping by
Megs x

What's New - M.A.C. Bangin' Brilliant Lipstick

M.A.C. is one of those companies that promotes creativity and innovation with their looks, formulation, collaboration and programs. So it has been a surprise that other than their pro products, M.A.C. has not had a permanent collection of funky lipstick colours i.e., black, white, navy, light blue etc. However, the Bangin' Brilliant lipstick collection, inspires and provides ample shades to satisfy those cravings.

M.A.C. recently introduced 18 new shades to their permanent lipstick collection; varying from Dew - a periwinkle blue to In the Spirit - pure black. The finishes remain true to the core M.A.C collection which include mattes, satins, frosts and lusters, with mattes making up the majority.

My thoughts 

I added seven to my stash, with all but one being matte. They glide on smoothly and feel creamy; they do not feel like a typical matte lippie. However, Dreampot, was unable to reach full opacity and was streaky and Dew was similar, but slightly more opaque.  Additionally, other than Really Me, the other colours have this fragrance reminiscent to Colour Pop's lippie stix - playdoh vanilla; however, it isn't as strong. I feel these do not have the lasting power of  a typical M.A.C  matte. These have lots of slip and seem to feather. A lip liner is a must.

http://www.maccosmetics.ca/collections-bangin-brilliant-lipstick

Cdn $21/ US $17.

Not all the colours are currently in stores. International release is slated for Fall.

In the Spirit- black matte - took a few layers to achieve the desired opacity

In My Fashion - deep chocolate brown matte

Deep Rooted - taupe grey brown- matte

Lightly Charred - light grey matte

Dew - light purple/blue -satin

Dreampot- light turquoise blue- matte - streaky, hard to get fully opaque

Really Me- pale, muted pink nude -matte

Liquid Lipstick Part 2.

For the last 2 years, liquid lipsticks have been one of the most popular products. To the point, that it is hard to get through an instagram feed without a mention of Gerard Cosmetics, Jeffree Star ,Dose of Colors or LaSplash Lip Couture. Also, beauty giants like L'oreal, Maybelline, MAC, among others have finally introduced their versions. 

I am not an avid lipstick chick, but when I do apply a little colour, I want it to last and be comfortable.  Since my last post, I have tried more formulas from Indie brands and honestly, some of these are the best out there. 

Makeup Monsters Cosmetics  

http://www.makeupmonsters.net/

Amount: 6ml

Price: $15.95 US - from Washington State

Texture: Light, thin, liquid formula.

Top to bottom Flutter, Heavy Artillery, Muddled.

Thoughts: Layers nicely. Highly pigmented. 

Lasts for about 6 hours - not oil proof, but mostly transfer resistant. 

Vegan and Cruelty free

Their Claims:

4-12 hours wear - depending on routine

Our unique touchproof formula was designed on the idea that no one should have to sacrifice comfort for durability. Our thin and lightweight formula is different from any other brand out there bringing comfortable wear while giving a pigmented and long lasting touchproof look. 

Jeffree Star Cosmetics

Left to Right Redrum and Abused

http://jeffreestarcosmetics.com/

Amount: 5.6ml

Price: $18 US

Texutre: Light, thin liquid

Thoughts: Pigmented,  non drying. Easily layers. 
Not oil proof but mostly transfer resistant

Vegan and Cruelty Free

Their claims:

Our liquid lipstick goes on opaque, dries completely matte and stays on for hours! This product is 100% vegan & cruelty-free!(tips before use: exfoliate with lip scrub then apply to bare lips! avoid food with oil… and no making out, kisses are ok!)

LASplash 

http://www.lasplashcosmetics.ca/

Amount: 3 ml

Price: $18.95 Cdn

Texutre: Very liquid, layers moderately and very drying.

Left to right Ghoulish, Sirius, Venom, Nagini, Charmed

Thoughts: Lasts for at least 8 hours, but crumbles and hard to remove, very drying

Their claims:
Lip Couture's rich waterproof shades will leave a velvety, matte finish that never transfers. Experiment with our boldest high pigmented shades -- from neutral to solid black. With its innovative formula that glides on as liquid and dries matte, you are sure to turn heads! Use the Lip Couture Remover to effortlessly remove the lipstick and leave your lips super moisturized and cushiony soft.

Bathe your lips in intense color! The Smitten LipTint Mousse seals color on the lips for a waterproof, smudge-proof result that will not transfer or fade. Its innovative weightless formula glides on effortlessly over lips, laying down bold vibrant color with exceptional longevity and feels feather-light over the lips. When applied, the initial liquid texture immediately dries to a velvet matte, lightweight tint. The angled, dense sponge applicator makes applying the lipstick fast and easy, and precise application

Maybelline Vivid Mattes

Amount: 7.7ml

Price: $11.99 Cdn

Texture: Creamy, liquid does not dry to matte or fully dry down. 

left to right Nude Flush and Vivid Violet

Thoughts: smooth application except Vivid Violet is patchy, comfortable as it doesn't fully dry, transfers, not a true matte

Transfers

Their Claims:

Mattes go vivid
Infused with pure pigments for high-impact colour
Lip color glides on smooth to a matte finish

NYX Lingerie

http://www.nyxcosmetics.ca/en_CA/lip-lingerie-lipgloss/NYX_237.html?cgid=lipstick#start=1&cgid=lipstick

Amount: 4ml

top to bottom Honeymoon and Lace Detail

Price: $9.00 Cdn

Texture: light, mousse texture.

Thoughts: smooth application, transfers, good number of nude colours, comfortable. 

Cruelty Free

Too Faced Melted Matte

http://www.sephora.com/melted-matte-liquified-long-wear-matte-lipstick-P407636?skuId=1789411&icid2=search_search_p407636_image

Amount: 7ml

Queen B

Price: $25 Cdn

Texture: light, liquid texture. Layers well. 

Thoughts: short longevity, removes easily, moderate transfer, comfortable on the lips. 

Without:

- Parabens 
- Sulfates 
- Phthalates 

Their Claims:

Too Faced’s innovative formula glides onto lips like a gloss but dries to an ultra-matte, opaque finish. Melted Matte ensures that your lip color always looks rich, full, and kissable—and is never dry, shriveled, or cracked. The doe-foot applicator comfortably coats lips in bursts of intense, vivid matte color that lasts for hours. It’s infused with Volulip for a no-sting plumping and smoothing effect and antioxidant-rich avocado oil and vitamin E to moisturize, while hyaluronic filling spheres smooth the look of lip lines. It comfortably coats lips with a wash of intense, high-impact, super-saturated color that lasts for hours.

M.A.C. Retro Matte Liquid Lip

http://www.maccosmetics.ca/product/13854/37620/Products/Makeup/Lips/Lipstick/Retro-Matte-Liquid-Lipcolour

Left to right:  To Matte With Love, Lady Be Good,
Feels so Grand, High Drama, Oh Lady

Amount: 5ml

Price: $24

Texture: light, thicker liquid. 

Thoughts: Wears evenly and stains lips, lack of colour choices, dark colours are patchy. 

Their Claims;

Long-wearing, eight hours
Colour wears evenly and smoothly, eight hours
Provides stay-true colour, eight hours
Non-feathering, non-bleeding"

My favourite liquid lipstick is Makeup Monsters. With its light, liquid texture and durability, this is truly a great formulation and company.  I love the range of colours - blue, pinks, greens and nudes. 

Marsala - Pantone 2015 Colour of the Year

Marsala  conjures the images of an earthy and full bodied wine. And according to Pantone, it is the new colour of the year. Past colours include last year's Radiant Orchid, 2013 Emerald,  2012 Tangerine Tango, 2011 Honeysuckle, and 2010 Turquoise.

The colour is beautiful and complimentary to many skin tones. Furthermore, to find a true Marsala is difficult -  images show wine, aubergines, burgundy, and brick red. However, this colour is more like a brown, plum, earthy deep rose - a "robust nude".  Personally, I love it for lips and cheeks. Eyeshadow might be a little more difficult, but it can be done. 

I decided to go through my own collection and surprisingly enough, I have quite a few items that will satisfy The Colour. They are not perfect but close enough.

Illamasqua :  Beg and Kiss blushes
Estee Lauder : Alluring Rose blush
MAC: Sea Me, Hear Me Blush
Tarte: Dazzled Blush
Make Up For Ever HD Cream Blush- 310 Rosewood
Bite Beauty: Musk Lipstick - medium brown, pink
MAC: Del Rio - deeper in colour, Amorous - medium plum/cranberry, Modesty- slightly pinky, Viva Glam III
Clarins: Earthy Pink

Other colours Sephora suggest:
Nars Blush - Outlaw
Kat Von D lipstick - Lolita
Urban Decay - Naked 3
Zoya - Marney

Cheers
xo Megs

Makeup, Makeup, Makeup

Hi my lovelies, I know I have been absent for a little bit. Work has been busy and I decided to take a little vacation from work and makeup, which also included buying (I know, shocking).  Sometimes one needs to take time away and reassess. For me, I literally took inventory of my "collection". Additionally, I have fallen in love with something other than makeup <3

However, with the aforementioned said, Holiday Collections will soon arrive and I am looking forward to M.A.C's Heirloom Mix. With pearls and Cameos as a part of its campaign stills - it conjures rich, luxurious and ornate textures and colours.  The packaging appears to be black with a glitter inlay with cameos adorning the palettes.

available Oct 23 online in North America

 Urban Decay's annual Vice palette offers a decadent mix of mattes and shimmers. We have become accustomed to UD's quality shadows and I hope this remains true. 
$70 Cdn

image source: www.xsparkage.com

Kat Von D Star Studded Eyeshadow Book $66 Cdn,  includes a mix of vivids and neutrals. This little palette might be a nice introduction to Kat Von D. Her shadows are generally silky that includes textures of matte, shimmer, iridescent and satins. .

Tarte Bon Voyage set $71 Cdn. Tarte typically offers ridiculous value sets at Christmas. This year isn't any different. Valued at $508, this limited edition includes:
20 x 0.07 oz Amazonian clay eye shadows
 0.13 oz Deluxe lights, camera, lashes 4-in-1 mascara
 0.17 oz Limited-edition deluxe cheek stain in Muse (soft nude)
 0.27 oz LipSurgence lip gloss in Visionary (apricot)
 0.06 oz LipSurgence lip tint in Romantic (peachy nude)
 0.23 oz Deluxe maracuja oil
 0.07 oz Deluxe smooth operator Amazonian clay finishing powder
 Limited-edition collector’s travel bag
as per Sephora.ca

M.A.C. Alluring Aquatic

 

M.A.C., you little sea nymph. How dare you lure me with your siren song of metallic turquoise packaging.....damn you!! Ahhhh I digress. Packaging aside, this year's summer collection is just swimming (like that eh ;) )  Check out my latest video about it.

cheers Megs xo

M.A.C. Patentpolish Lip Pencil

Love these new Patentpolish Lip Pencils from M.A.C. They are sheer, glossy, moisturising and easy to use. Anything that can be tossed in my bag and not need a mirror for application, gets an A+ from me. I gobbled up four colours :

Innocent - nude beige
Sultana-sheer grape
Spontaneous - plummy rose
Revved Up- peachy-pink coral

They are touted as a lip gloss in stick form and therefore, their lasting power is about the same as one. However, that doesn't put me off as I enjoy a good, non-sticky gloss for hotter months. They also have a twist up end and can be used for Back to MAC.

$24 Cdn Limited Edition available online, in freestanding stores and counters.

xo Megs

Haulin'- Kevyn Aucoin, Hourglass, M.A.C., and Drugstore!

I just can't help myself, I had to give in. Over the past couple of months,there have been some beautiful collections and wonderful new products. 

2013 Beauty

Happy New Year Lovelies.

I feel that New Year's Day, most people look back on the past year and reminisce. For me, it is about looking forward to the adventure that awaits. With that said, the year in beauty has forced me to be slightly nostalgic.

www.sephora.com

Toronto Makeup Finds

Since moving to Toronto, I have access to beauty products like never before. I haven't done as much damage as I thought - much restraint. With that said, "With much power (knowledge) comes much responsibility", so I feel it is my duty to share with you the vast number of fabulous makeup finds.

PIR- Praise Jesus Google Maps exists, or else I would not have found this little gem of a boutique. Tucked within Yorkville on a side street, contains a full hair salon and makeup store. Within it, contains niche products such as  Kevyn Aucoin, Eve Lom, Paula Dorf and Mario Badescu. 
http://www.pircosmetics.com/

R. Hiscott- Purveyor of theatrical makeup and wigs. Whilst its former digs was cluttered and cramped, the location on the Danforth is small but better laid out. They still provide incredible experience and knowledge with companies such as Mehron and Ben Nye. If you need Pros Aid or 1st degree, you can find it here.
 
Blur Makeup Room- Meeting the creator of Yaby cosmetics and the staff at this great little find, was a fantastic experience. I was able to purchase the ever elusive Embryolisse Creme Concentre as well as other lovely little products otherwise scarce; Yaby cosmetics, OCC, Graftobian, Bdellium tools, Lit Cosmetics, Stilazzi, Face Atelier and Kim Green line of bags.
Blur Makeup Room

Pacific Mall - It brought me back to my days in Korea. Love the stalls containing many health and beauty stores. Here is where I found true BB creams like my beloved Lioelle Waterdrop.

M.A.C. Pro Store- Before moving here, I visited this store whenever I was in Toronto. Love it and will always find a place in my heart for this one on Bloor Street West

Jealousy - Cute store on Queen Street West, where there are tons of Asian Beauty products but also Me, Me, Me line of cosmetics

Kryolan Makeup Store - Kryolan store with an Acadamey within the building. Knowledgeable staff and tons of products. Finally, found Z-palettes in Toronto!

Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutiques - the mega store is located in the Eaton Centre. It definitely received a make over. It is sleek and sexy, with lacquered black and stations intricately placed winding throughout the store. This has Darphin, Chanel, L'Occitane, Philosophy as well as the usual Biotherm, Clarins, Smashbox etc.

Kohl Rimmed Eyes

We all know that the eyes are the windows to the soul and with a little Kohl those windows bring the heat. A little bit rock n' roll, sexy and smokey,the kohl rimmed eye dates back to the ancient Egyptians where it was used to protect the eyes from the sun and ward of the Evil Eye. Other parts of the world used it as a cosmetic. For instance in India, kohl brought attention to the eyes and dancers' movements. Whether you call it kohl or kajal, the look creates a sensual look and both sexes have been using it for years. Look at johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow or the past punk and rock n' roll gods - it draws you in, creates mystery and wantonness.

 
Skip to now and the sexiness of it isn't going anywhere. Just hit a club or a couple out on a date, the eyes will be smoked out with the blackness of kohl or a variation of it. The way kohl was made was a little suspect, now modern formulas are safe and beautiful. It comes in variations such as the traditional powder and the ease of a pencil. Such companies as Guerlain make an ornate packaged powdered version that intimidates me. For me, the pencil version is the easiest and gives me the desired look. Rimmel makes a fabulous version, as do MAC and Lancome. Be forewarned kohls are soft and will smudge, but that is what makes it sexy ;)

Recommended:

Guerlain Terracotta Kohl

Rimmel Kohl Kajal -Black

M.A.C Kohl - Feline and Smoulder

Lancome Le Crayon Khol - Black Ebony, Black Lapis

Thanks for dropping by.

xo Megs

Faves and Fails

Faves and Fails....

Faves
M.A.C Opulash Optimum Black Mascara
M.A.C. Pro Conceal and Correct
Revlon ColorStay Whipped Foundation
Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre
Bioderma Sensibio
Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal
OCC Lip Tars
M.A.C. Lip Mixes
Caudalie S.O.S Vinosource
M.A.C. Prep and Prime Lip Conditioner
Lush Sweet Lips Exfoliant
Nuxe Reve de Miel
Vikings - History Channel
The Following- TV show
If I Had a Heart- Fever Ray

Fails:
Essence Fine Eyeliner
Physicians Formula Felt Eyeliner
NeoStrata Toning Solution 1
L'Oreal True Match Foundation
M.A.C In Extreme Dimension Mascara

Thanks for dropping by. I hope you enjoy.
xo Megs

Shop and Share - MAC, NYX, Revlon, Daniel Sandler, Embryolisse

After the makeup madness of Christmas, *sigh* I really didn't think I needed anything else. Maybe "needed" isn't quite the word......I didn't think I would desire anything else for a while. Guess I was wrong ;)

 

Shop and Share (Haul) - YouTube video

MAC - All Woman palette - from the Strong Collection. Limited Edition
Palette refills:

• texture- medium caramel brown
• brown down (being discontinued)- dark warm brown
• mystery- cool tone dark brown
• swiss chocolate- medium warm brown
• soft brown- light caramel brown

Lipsticks- Plum Dandy (frost) purple plum with shots of metallic silver and gold, Dare You (Cream Sheen)-sexy, ruby red creamy and hydrating

Revlon Colourstay foundation 150 Buff. Brilliant foundation. Great coverage and satin finish

NYX  Bush Taupe- great for contour, cool grey, purplish taupe

Real Techniques Eye Brushes- high quality for good price. Synthetic and wonderful for application and blending

Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre- moisturiser for all skin types. Fantastic for cold weather

Daniel Sandler Watercolour Blush Flush and Cherub- watery cream blushes. Flush -berry pink, Cherub- light pink. Very natural on the skin

Maybelline Eyestudio Cream Liner - Lovely, lovely liner. Comparable to MAC's fluidline and Bobbi Brown's Gel liner. 

Let me know if you have tried any of the aforementioned. Any recent discoveries?
xo Megs

Canadian Beauty Brands

Looking at my makeup collection, it is heavily loaded in MAC's favour (still  Canadian???). I decided to look at other bits of my collection to see how much of it was from here. Afterwards, I felt it was time to give kudos to Canadian beauty companies and their products.

Canadian Brands

Cake Beauty - their hand cream and body lotion (Desserted Island) smell heavenly and work very well on the skin.  They absorb nicely = no greasy feel. Yay.

Cargo - cosmetic company, known for their HD makeup, mascaras and foundations. Personally, I enjoy their eyeshadows and Plant Love Lipsticks

Marcelle - one of Canada's drugstore skin and cosmetics companies. Their BB Cream is wonderful and my favourite out of all them on the market. 

Annabelle - great trendy based drugstore company. It offers palettes, great eyeliners and lipsticks.

Quo - Shoppers Drug Mart in house brand. It has improve its quality immensely. Known for its brushes, the brand also works with Orly for nail tools and nail varnish. 

Cover FX - this hardworking little company has made some great strides and products. I am partial to their Natural FX, Skin Prep serum and primer, and the original Cover FX cream foundation. Good for the skin and great coverage. 

Lise Watier - the madame of them all. Well known in Canada, Lise Watier has grown into a competitive company. I use the Portfolio and the Metamorfix (liquid transformer)

Ojon - this hair company has a loyal following. Their line helps with damaged, dry and chemically treated hair. Hard to keep on the shelves. I use the Rare Blend Oil.

M.A.C - everyone knows this company from Toronto. In the 90's, Estee Lauder bought them, but they still remain true to Canada. I have too many products to list. Eyeshadows, Lipsticks, Viva Glam and so much more. 

Other Canadian Companies include:

Neostrata 
Moroccan Oil
B. Kamins 
Fusion Makeup
Bite Beauty
Balmshell 
Joe Fresh
Lit Cosmetics
Face Atelier
Vasanti 
Yaby 
Beaute
Stellarti
The Ordinary
Deciem
Nude Stix


Do you think Canadian Cosmetic and Beauty companies have what it takes? What is your favourite Canadian Hero product?
Take care,
xo Megs

2012 Favourites

2012 Beauty Favourites Part 1

2012 Beauty Favourites Part 2 - Makeup

Relaxing on my sofa and waxing philosophical about 2012, I found myself making a list of things I want to accomplish and change for 2013.  For instance traveling more, spending more time with friends, and eating less Jelly Belly jelly beans. Then there is my love and some say passion/obsession for makeup and beauty.  In 2012, this has only further intensified with starting my blog and new products on the market. So, without further procrastination, here are my favourites for this past year.

Hair

Hair- Kevin Murphy Angel Wash and Rinse

Treatment- Kevin Murphy Young Again

Face

Sunscreen- SkinCeuticals Physical fusion UV Defense

Mask/Exfoliator- Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant

Eye Cream- Nuxe Nirvanesque Contour des Yeux
Serum - Day - Korres Wild Rose Face and Eye
Serum - Night - Estee Lauder Advnace Night Repair

Face Cleanser - Korres White Tea Cleanser and Bioderma Sensibio
Primer - Urban Decay Primer Potion, Smashbox Photofinish
Foundation - Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum
Blush - Lancome Cedar Rose, Chanel Pink Cloud, Claris Multi-Blush Litchi
Eyeshadow - Patina, Copperplate, Coquette, Shroom, Brule
Eyeliner -MAC Coffee
Brows - Sephora Lash and Brow Gel

Mascara - Opulash Optimum Black

Liquid Eye Liner- Physicians Formula

Lips

Lip stick- MAC Gleam, Clarins Pink Lilac

Lip Liner - MAC Subculture

Lip gloss- MAC Florabundance

Tools

Real techniques brushes

Brush Guards

Shu Uemura Lash Curler

Beauty Blender Sponge

What are your 2012 favourites? Anything the same?
Take care,
xo Megs

Makeup Madness

Happy New Year!! I hope you all had a lovely holiday with your family and friends. I know I certainly did.

Okay, I knew when I landed in Toronto I was going to do some serious makeup shopping. It's not that where I reside doesn't have Sephora, Holt Renfrew or MAC, but Toronto just has more of it. Plus, I received tons of gift cards and I couldn't let them go to waste ;)

MAC Pro Store

I was almost giddy. I had my list and I was ready to get started.

Mineralize Blush $28 Cdn - Warm Soul- I am underwhelmed by this. I was happy it was more of a glow, but the colour shows too orange on me.
Lip Mix $18 Cdn- white and black
MAC Pro Powder Blush $21 Cdn- taupe for contour. Works perfectly for fair girls.
Pigments (glitter) $25 Cdn- reflects gold, reflects transparent teal
Paint stick $25 - Deep Brown- for contour. Blends easily and creamy. Love this for contour


Holt Renfrew

Chantecaille Just Skin (Bliss)- $82 Cdn. Pick up your jaws,  I know. It is lovely but it is a tinted moisturizer - nothing more. In Canada, the SPF 15 is covered, no DIN.  I will happily use it and Bliss is a good match. However,  I can only wear this in the winter, as I would look very greasy in the summer. Sheer coverage and "anti smog" claims. My problem is with the price tag, not the product.


Burberry - $33 Cdn for eye shadows, $54 Cdn for blush. rosewood, taupe brown, almond eyeshadow and tangerine blush
I have to say these products are luxurious and I adore Burberry's aesthetic. Burberry powders are finely milled and heavily scented. The eye shadows are sheer and blend beautifully. Same for the blush. Gorgeous but I feel I can find these colours and textures elsewhere for less.

Sephora at the Eaton Centre was a gong show- crazy busy but it had everything -Illamasqua, Shu Uemura, Becca, Armani, and oh so much more. The Make Up For Ever section was incredible, it contained pro products and it was set up as a makeup studio.
I have to say I was a little disappointed with Illamasqua. I wanted their skin base, but once I saw mineral oil in its ingredients, I had to leave it there.


I picked up the Shu Uemura UV Under Base Mousse in beige $46 Cdn. I love the lightness of it and it doesn't leave a grey/white hue behind.

 Thank you for reading and please comment.

xo Megs