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

Garnet Eye

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

Brand Focus: Makeup Geek

Makeup Geek

https://www.makeupgeek.com/

When it comes to makeup, YouTube and Instagram are great places to find new trends and indie companies. Makeup Geek (MUG), is a Social Media Brand that became hugely popular due to Marlena and her YouTube makeup channel, Makeup Geek. 

 From the beginning, Marlena's bubbly personality, provided educational tutorials, whilst developing her online store, which then progressed into producing beautiful shadows. She used her successful platform and built in customers to expand her fledgling beauty company . With quality shadows and a fantastic price point ($6 US per eye shadow), MUG has exploded and continues to expand its customer base and product line. Some believe that M.A.C actually lowered their eye shadow prices due to MUG's rise in popularity. 

Her product line includes 

Shadows: mattes, satins, shimmers, duochromes $6 US  1.8g

                Foil eye shadow $10 US  1.8g

Blushes $10 US  4.25g

Contour powder $10 US 4.25g

Eye liner Pencil $9 1.2 g
Gel eyeliners $9.99 US 3g

Pigments $8.99 US 2g

Sparklers (glitter) $10 US 4g

brushes $8.50-18 US are synthetic

Shipping to Canada - $5.99

Talc and Paraben Free, Cruelty Free and many colours are Vegan. Made in the USA

barcelona beach- great transition,crease and all over colour

beaches and cream - all over colour and transition

brownie points -crease,outer v colour

cherry cola -crease,outer v and smokey eye

cosmopolitan - movable lid, spotlight colour

dirty martini - smokey, outer v colour

creme brulee - transition colour

enchanted forest - outer v and smokey colour

mirage- all over lid, highlight

moondust - outer v, spotlight colour

peach smoothie- all over lid, crease,and transition colour

preppy -transition, all over lid, crease colour

pretentious- outer v, spotlight colour, smokey bronze 

secret garden- outer v, all over smokey colour

shimma shimma - highlight and spotlight colour

shore thing- all over lid, spotlight colour, inner corner highlight

steampunk- smokey eye, outer v

vanilla bean- all over lid, highlight and spotlight colour

bada bing- outer v, smokey, and crease colour

Okay, now for my review. Let me preface this with that MUG has spoiled us with such good quality shadows, that when other colours are not at the same standard, they stick out. That isn't to say they are not good, they just do not measure up to the others. Even though, I had the most trouble with her mattes, I feel they are one of the best formulations out there. While, the majority of the colours I purchased are creamy,  they easily blend and are highly pigmented, there are a few that need some work.


Dirty Martini- olive green matte. It a little stiff and harder to blend. It can be a little patchy.
Enchanted Forest - dark blackened forest green matte - stiff, hard to blend and you need use a few layer to get the rich dark colour.
Peach Smoothie - light peach beige matte - I found this a little chalky and I needed to build up the colour.
Cherry Cola - deep cherry brown matte - need to build and slightly hard to blend.

Shore Thing - mint aqua matte - chalky, need to build. 

Makeup Goodies- Natasha Denona, MUG, Sugar Pill, M.A.C, NYX | The Painte...

The Painted Lip

Review: MAC Pro Beyond Twisted Mascara

When I find something that works for me, I generally do not waiver, especially when it comes to mascara. My love for M.A.C's Opulash and Extended Play Gigablack, is well documented. So, when I ventured to the M.A.C. store and saw they had a new mascara displayed, I was tentative to try it. However, me being me, had to see what made this one special.

Wand -check, brush- check. However, on further inspection, M.A.C decided to be innovative and make the neck of the wand flexible. Yes, it bends up to 90 degree. It is comprised of a flexible metal-like neck with a fairly long brush head with very short bristles. The bristles are not plastic and remind me of Maybelline's Lash discovery.  Never really thought I needed a malleable mascara wand, but obviously it is an issue we face with mascara application. Who knew?!

So, I took it home, and gave my little genius friend a try. Here are my thoughts:

The formula is wet and very black. However, I have to scrape the majority off the bristles. Have I mentioned I am not a fan of the clumpy lash look? Not scraping this, will give you that if  you desire it. Pour moi, no thanks. It definitely defines the lashes and lengthens them a bit. According to M.A.C it is also suppose to lift and curl the lashes. Nope, cannot agree with that and in fact, it doesn't hold the curl I have. However, because of the spiffy new wand, I am able to apply product to the base of my lashes.

Price: $27 Cdn.

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. 

Foundations I am Loving

So I am a foundation trollop. I will admit it, I love me some good base. I probably have about nine foundations on the go. It can be drugstore or high end,however in order to make it into my foundation drawer,  it needs to satisfy my little list of criteria: perfect colour, goes on smoothly, doesn't sink into my pores and makes my skin look flawless. No big deal, right?

My current loves include:

• Koh Gen Do  Aqua Foundation
• Dior Skin Air Nude Serum
• YSL Fusion Ink
• Dior Airflash

I have fairly normal skin that can become dehydrated and now with the warmer months approaching my skin can be a little oily. While I haven't tested some of these in the humid summer months, there are others that just rock no matter.

Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation

This little bitch is expensive, we are talking $74 Cdn. Thank God for VIB sales. However, it goes on smoothly, gives me a healthy glow without making me look like an oil slick, contains great skin ingredients and is a perfect colour match.
The down side is its accessibility. It isn't found in Canada and the only way to purchase it, is through Sephora. Although Sephora delivers to Canada, you can't touch it and try your shade. I had to look at swatches and guess. If you live in the States, Koh Gen Do will provide you with samples.

Dior Skin Air Nude Serum

The texture and consistency is part of the new trend that you can find in YSL Infusion Ink. It is extremely liquid and thin but has good coverage. It is a demi matte and my freckles still show. It blends easily and doesn't sink into my pores. I like to use my primer water and my fingers to apply.


Dior Skin AirFlash

I haven't heard much about this aerosol spray foundation and I have had it for about 2 years now. I think it is one of the best foundations out there. Other than the lack of shades, this is kind of the perfect foundation. I always receive compliments when I wear it. I like to use a regular foundation brush and then apply it to the face. Please dear god do not spray it directly from the can to your face. Good way to get it in your hair and eye brows. At $50 Cdn it isn't cheap, but I am generally a pretentious foundation snob who is willing to spend the bucks on a great one.

YSL Fusion Ink

The applicator I can do without; however the formulation and colour I cannot. The texture is extremely similar to Armani Maestro, Dior Air Serum, Maybelline Dream. It goes on easily and I prefer to use my finger to spread and blend. The finish is demi- matte with a medium coverage. Unlike, the Dior foundations, YSL a number of colour except for those with very dark complexions. At $64 Cdn, I would hope companies would be more inclusive.

As you can see, I enjoy expensive foundation and willing to invest in good ones. I aim to have my skin at its best as nothing else will apply properly or look well if I don't.

VIB 15% 2015

Okay, so us makeup trollops know that in April and November Sephora has a sale. I'll take 15% off anytime. I didn't want to go nuts and I actually didn't buy that much. 

Kat Von D Chrysalis Palette - a colourful cool-toned palette. Soft, creamy and blends beautifully

Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation 113 - well worth its price tag. Gorgeous finish and long lasting

Cover FX Custom Cover Drops G20 - Love Love Love - put these in any lotion, serum or primer.

Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray - get that don't care, disheveled look with this sea salt spray. 

YSL Tint-in-Oil - Rose for You - light tint to the lips packed with moisture. 

Sephora Luster Matte Long Wear  Lip Colour - Nude Pink Luster - creamy and opaque

Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer light medium - full coverage and creaseless

Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter - smells like summer and absorbs quickly into the skin

Too Faced Chocolate Soliel Bronzer and Better than Sex Mascara- mascara can go a bit clumpy if not careful, wet formulation but give long, sexy lashes. The bronzer is matte and blends beautifully with a gourmand scent

Brand Focus - Cover FX

#dropportunity

Cover FX started out in 2000, with products that were free of irritants, thus suitable for those with truly sensitive skin. Lee Graff, a co-founder and corrective makeup specialist working at Sunnybrook Hosptial, helped create a product that provides a wide range of colours that is full coverage, while still looking like skin.

In 2003, Cover FX launched in Shoppers Drug Mart. This is where I became involved with the brand in 2006. Beauty Boutiques allowed the public easy access to their Cover FX cream foundation, which helped those with vetilago, rosecea, acne scarring and other skin issues. From here, they expanded their line to include bronzers, blush, more foundations, lip products, primers (which is still one of the best serums/primers), powders, and brushes.  Honestly, their reputation, quality of product and vast colour selection made it a favourite among us makeup artists and our clients.  I have to say, when this company had schools, many of us clamored to go. Additionally, anytime I have freelanced for weddings, I have only used Natural FX as a foundation. It photographs beautifully while still providing coverage and allowing the skin to show through.

Finally, this little Canadian Company continued to grow and wound up in Sephora. It relaunched with new packaging and developed new products, but stayed true to its foundation and philosphy. Their primers are still amazing, as is their Natural FX foundation and illuminating setting powder.

As you can tell, I am a little biased and love this company.

My favourites:

Natural FX
Illuminating Setting Powder
Anti-Aging Primer (repackaged used to be their Serum/Primer)
Custom Cover Drops

You can find them at Shoppers Drug Mart
 www.coverfx.ca 

www.sephora.ca

GRWM: Smoky Eye Using Melt Dark Matter Stack