• First Impressions with BeautySense.ca | Sponsored

    November 18, 2022

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I’ll be reviewing products I received from BeautySense.ca! This post was sponsored by BeautySense.ca and the products above were sent to me for review, but all opinions are my own. The links below are NOT affiliate links. 

    Beautysense.ca is a Canadian-owned website that sells beauty and cosmetics products.

    We have deep roots within the beauty industry operating successful spas and salons in Canada.

    BeautySense.ca was launched in 2013 with a vision of providing Canadians with a trusted and reliable source of beauty products while contributing the same customer service and education found in our spas and salons.

    BeautySense.ca currently offers well over 4000 quality products from top Canadian and International brands and we continue to add new brands every month.  We cater to each of you, our customer, to reach a goal of 100% satisfaction.

    They sell a wide variety of skincare, home, bath & body, makeup and wellbeing products.  

    Free shipping on all orders within Canada, no minimum!!

    They have promotions every now and then. A free gift with purchase, discounts on certain brands, etc.

    I don’t know if they have sales throughout the year, but I have signed up for the newsletter to email me. So I will update this post if I am notified of any sales throughout the year.

    They have a loyalty program. Receive 1 point for every $1 you spend

    100 pts = $5 | 200 pts = $10 | 500 pts = $25 | 900 pts = $45  

    BeautySense let me choose the products to try out so I went with a 3 products from brands I’ve never tried before and 2 products from amika (love the scent of their dry shampoo and soulfood nourishing hair mask).

    Colorescience: Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Flex SPF 50 | $63

    A lightweight mineral sunscreen with tinted color coverage immediately evens skin tone for a flawless look. Available in four uniquely flexible shades for a range of skin tones, it features innovative, tone-adapting pigments that offer medium, buildable colour coverage with a natural finish.

    This is drier than I thought it would be. I think I could’ve tried the medium shade instead of fair because it’s very white on me. For sunscreen, I usually just squeeze it out onto my hand and then apply to my face, but I think maybe it’s better to do a little at a time for this one. Instead of trying the medium tinted shade, I think I would just try the original (non-tinted) one next time.

    Amika: The Wizard Detangling Primer | $34.50

    A weightless, multi-benefit priming spray that detangles, cuts blow dry time and protects against thermal and environmental damage. Leaves hair smooth, soft and radiant.

    This detangled my hair so quickly and my hair felt smooth and sleek. It looked shiny and smelled really nice. It has the same scent as the normcore conditioner and dry shampoo.

    Amika: Normcore Signature Conditioner | $26

    Boost hydration, softness and shine daily with this everyday conditioner, loaded with vitamins and antioxidants.

    I used to love the Perk Up Dry Shampoo, but I stopped buying products with aerosol cans. Since this has the same scent description, I figured this would be the same and it is. At the time, the shampoo was out of stock, but I would definitely get the shampoo. My hair is healthy because I don’t dye it and I don’t use styling tools all the time. So I usually stick to buying shampoos and conditioners from the drugstore. I have bought a few expensive shampoos and conditioners and I use them every couple weeks when I feel like a pick-me-up.

    jane iredale blush
    Blinc: Ultravolume Tubing Mascara

    Jane Iredale: PurePressed Blush in Barely Rose | $41

    A silky, easy-glide pressed blush that builds like a powder and blends like a cream for seamless, long-lasting color and a fresh, healthy glow.

    The blush is a pretty pink shade that looks like a natural blush to my cheeks. I did notice that the blush had faded by the 6 hour mark though. I purposely applied more blush than usual just to see how it wore throughout the day. So, by the 6 hour mark, it was no longer noticeable and by the 9 hour mark, it was definitely gone. I used a cotton pad to wipe the makeup and no blush came off.  

    Blinc: Ultravolume Tubing Mascara – Black | $32

    Whether your daily activities take you from the office, to your sweaty workout then out to dinner, Blinc Tubing Mascara Ultra Volume will make your lashes look as good in the evening as they did when you first applied it in the morning.

    I have typical Asian lashes that don’t keep a curl for very long so I was surprised at how well this mascara kept the curl. I was wearing the mascara for about 9 hours and my lashes were still curled. They might’ve gone down a little bit, but they definitely had a curve to them still (not sticking straight down). I did notice a few flakes on my eyelid and under eye by the 9 hour mark. I think I may have touched my eye at some point. The mascara removes easily with warm water. I would say to remove the mascara with warm water before removing the rest of your makeup. So the tubes don’t get all over your face.  

    They have a number of brands that I’ve never tried, so I’d be interested in buying those in the future and reviewing them on my blog.

    Some products I have on my wishlist:

    • Amika: Normcore Signature Shampoo
    • Joico: Moisture Recovery Shampoo
    • Joico: Moisture Recovery Conditioner
    • Colorescience: Sunforgettable EnviroScreen Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50
    • Colorescience: Sunforgettable Total protection Face Shield SPF 50-Original

    Love,

    Read More

  • Haul | Oct 2022 Sephora Friends & Family Sale

    October 8, 2022

    Hi Everyone!

    I found out about the Sephora Friends & Family Sale (US and Canada) and I was able to find a code on reddit. Thank you to Jenna for sharing her code. 

    Here’s what I bought with the 20% discount:

    Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil Waterproof Eyebrow Definer in Shade 6

    Shu Uemura Hard Formula Eyebrow Pencil in Stone Gray 05

    Urban Decay Mini Original Eyeshadow Primer Potion

    Sephora Collection PRO Powder Brush #50 + #50.5 Brush Duo Set

    Sephora Collection PRO 8 Piece Brush Set

    • PRO Foundation #56
    • PRO Powder #59
    • PRO Blush #93
    • PRO Highlight #98
    • PRO Concealer #57
    • PRO Shadow #15
    • PRO Crease #27
    • PRO Liner #22

    Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Medium to Full Coverage Radiant Concealer with Hyaluronic Acid in 4.5 – I ended up returning this because it was too light

    bareMinerals BAREPRO 16-HR Skin-Perfecting Powder Foundation in Light 25 Neutral – I returned this one as well because it was too dark lol

    Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil: Eye, Lip & Brow Pencil in 612 Dimension Dark Brown

    Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in Joy

    Urban Decay Mini Original Eyeshadow Primer Potion

    Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil Waterproof Eyebrow Definer in Shade 6

    Shu Uemura Hard Formula Eyebrow Pencil in Stone Gray 05

    Did you pick anything up from the friends and family sale

    Love,

    Read More
  • june 2022 makeup inventory

    My Makeup Inventory | June 2022

    June 7, 2022

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I have an updated makeup inventory list. These posts are more for me to track what products I have/had at a given time. The items in BOLD are unopened/barely used.

    Primers: 3

    • Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water
    • Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water
    • Pixi +C Vit Brightening Perfector*

    Foundations: 3

    • Maybelline Shine-Free + Balance Stick Foundation in Classic Ivory
    • Maybelline Shine-Free + Balance Stick Foundation in Natural Beige
    • Uoma Beauty Say What?! Foundation in Fair Lady T2N

    Concealers: 2

    • Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer in SC-2: Fair To Light Skin Tones
    • Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer in Neutralizer

    Powders: 3

    • Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder
    • Becca Hydra-Mist Set & Refresh Powder (mini)
    • Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder in Translucent

    Blushes/Highlighters/Bronzers: 10

    • Bare Minerals Gen Nude Powder Blush in That Peach Tho
    • Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Bronzing Base
    • Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter in 2 Fair
    • Honest Beauty Crème Cheek Blush in Rose Pink
    • Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek (mini) in Werk
    • Burt’s Bees The Luminizer in 1906 Starlight*
    • Milani Strobelight Instant Glow Powder in Afterglow
    • Wet N Wild Megaglo Highlighting Powder in Blossom Glow
    • Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer in Nude Bronze Light
    • Pixi Summer Glow Palette*

    Brows: 3

    • Anastasia Brow Wiz in Ebony
    • Maybelline Brow Fast Sculpt, Mascara for Brows in Clear
    • Uoma Beauty Brow-Fro Blow Out Volumizing Gel in 6

    Eyeshadows: 6

    • Anastasia Beverly Hills Single in Intense Gaze
    • Anastasia Beverly Hills Single in Rosette
    • Anastasia Beverly Hills Single in Sunset
    • Catrice Self Made Bae Palette*
    • Charlotte Tilbury Easy Eye Palette
    • Urban Decay Naked Eyeshadow Single in Half Baked

    Eyeliners: 3

    • Annabelle Kohl Eyeliner in 116 White
    • MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Color Pencil: Eye, Lip & Brow Pencil 502 Infinite Sand
    • MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Color Pencil: Eye, Lip & Brow Pencil in 100 Whatever Black

    Mascara: 2

    • L’Oreal Bambi Eye Original Mascara in 407 Extra Noir*
    • L’Oreal Bambi Eye Original Mascara in 400 Blackest Black*

    Lips: 5

    • Burt’s Bees Moisturizing Lip Balm in Tropical Pineappple*
    • Giorgio Armani Rouge Ecstasy Lipstick in 400
    • L’Oreal Colour Riche Les Nus Intense Nude Lipstick in 173*
    • L’Oreal Rouge Signature Matte Lipstick in I Create 416
    • elf Glossy Lip Stain in Fiery Red*

    TOTAL NUMBER OF ITEMS: 40

    I have quite a few items that I bought last year, but still haven’t opened yet. From the ones I’ve tried so far, I would probably repurchase the Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer and the L’oreal Rouge Signature Matte Lipstick.

    Products marked with * were sent to me.

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  • november 2021 sephora sale haul

    Haul | November 2021 Sephora Sale

    November 16, 2021

    Hi Everyone!

    I’m sharing my Sephora sale haul today! I bought a few things for my mom and then I finally purchased some products that have been on my wishlist for a few years.

    Currently, I have Sephora VIB Rouge status, but I haven’t bought much makeup or skincare in the past two years, so my Rouge status will be downgraded next year. I decided to make some purchases with the 20% off while I still have it.

    Charlotte Tilbury Darling Eyeshadow Palette | $72

    I have been looking at eyeshadows for a while, this one was a bit of an impulse purchase, but the shades are so pretty. lately, I’ve been leaning toward warmer colours.

    Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter in 2 – Fair | $53

    I’ve had this on my wishlist for a long time. I hope it lives up to my expectations.

    Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer in Nude Bronze Light | $69

    The bronzer came broken :/ I contacted customer service to get a re-shipment, so just waiting for the new one to come in. This has also been on my wishlist for a long time. It was sad to open it and see some powder on the outside of the packaging. I knew right away that it was probably broken.

    MAC Cosmetics Mineralize Blush in Sweet Enough | $35

    I bought this for my mom. She previously really loved the powder blush in Mocha, which I also bought. I thought she might like a baked blush more since she got hard pan quite often with the powder blush.

    MAC Cosmetics Powder Blush in Mocha | $32

    Sephora Collection PRO Powder Brush #50 | $45

    I got this brush for my mom. She mentioned that her powder foundation was providing more coverage than she wanted. She prefers a more sheer coverage. Right now, she’s using a denser brush, so I thought a slightly fluffier one might do the trick.

    Sephora Collection PRO Highlight Brush #98 | $40

    I have a Sephora PRO powder brush and it’s one of the softest brushes I own. I currently have a highlight fan brush from Winners. I thought it was time to get one that had a name brand.

    What did you purchase from the sale?

    Love,

    Credit: slideshow pictures taken from internet.

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  • Revisiting my 2019 Favourites

    Revisiting My 2019 Favourites

    February 2, 2021

    Hi Everyone!

    I am revisiting last year’s favourites. There were some products I really enjoyed, but I don’t love them enough to repurchase. Others are favourites and I will repurchase again in the future. Keep reading to find out which products from my 2019 favourites made the list!

    Check out my other posts revisiting my old favourites!

    Revisiting My 2017 Favourites

    Part 1 | Part 2

    Revisiting My 2018 Favourites

    Part 1 | Part 2

    This year, I’ve taken a look at those “Revisiting” posts and reviewed them again. I’ve decided that every year, I will take a look at all of my favourites to see how my tastes change as I get older.

    Revisiting My Old Beauty Favourites

    January/February

    Maybelline Lash Sensational Full Fan Effect Mascara (read my review)

    Repurchase? Maybe.

    CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara (read my review)

    Repurchase? Maybe.

    Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder in 15 Light

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer

    Repurchase? Yes. I’ve bought it twice since I first tried it.

    Lancôme Brow Powdery Shaping Pencil in 09 Soft Black

    Repurchase? No.

    March/April

    Lancôme L’Absolu Lacquer Lip Gloss in 236 Pour Toujours

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil

    Repurchase? No.

    May/June

    Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder in Medium

    Repurchase? No.

    Sigma F30 Large Powder Brush

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Colourpop Super Shock Shadows

    Repurchase? Probably not. I feel like buying too many of them would take up a lot of room.

    Pixi On-the-Glow Multi-Use Moisture Stick*

    Repurchase? No.

    Laneige Lip Glowy Balm in Grapefruit

    Repurchase? I would repurchase in a different flavour. I wasn’t a fan of the grapefruit. I would probably choose the Berry.

    Jouer Essential Lip Enhancer Balm

    Repurchase? Yes.

    July/August

    Bare Minerals Gen Nude Powder Blush in That Peach Tho

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Perricone MD No Lip Gloss Lip Gloss*

    Repurchase? No.

    Touch In Sol No Poreblem Primer

    Repurchase? No.

    Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner

    Repurchase? No.

    Eczema Honey Nut-Free Skin-Soothing Cream*

    Repurchase? Probably not.

    Colourpop Brow Boss Gel in Clear

    Repurchase? Yes.

    September/October

    Dolce & Gabbana 3 L’Imperatrice Eau De Toilette

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Goldfaden MD Bright Eyes*

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Sephora PRO Featherweight Powder Brush #91

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder

    Repurchase? Yes.

    November/December

    Volition Beauty Strawberry-C Brightening Serum*

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème

    Repurchase? Maybe.

    Good Molecules Ultra-Hydrating Facial Oil*

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Do you spot any of your favourites?

    Love,

    Products marked with * were sent to me for review or gifted.

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  • Makeup Inventory | Jan 2021

    January 20, 2021

    Hi Everyone!

    It’s time for another makeup inventory update! I bought a few makeup items in January 2020 (which I haven’t even opened yet). I was lucky enough to be sent some makeup and that’s the reason my collection grew a bit last year. I wasn’t able to reach my goal of getting down to 50 items like I wanted.

    Makeup inventory posts from previous years:

    Dec 2018 | June 2019 | Jan 2020

    I’ve done some posts on my Hits & Misses for a few different categories, check out the posts:

    Primers | Powders | Foundations | Concealers & Colour Correctors

    Brows | Mascara

    I’ve also done a few brand Hits & Misses posts:

    Bobbi Brown | Burt’s Bees | Maybelline | NYX | Nude by Nature

    July 2018Dec 2018June 2019Jan 2020Jan 2021
    Primers1211743
    Foundations137663
    Concealers115654
    Setting Sprays/Powders1111573
    Contour03110
    Bronzers63317
    Blushes145526
    Highlighters139459
    Brows33632
    Eyeshadows12960231716
    Eyeliners129232
    Mascara102322
    Lipstick287741
    Lip Liners75400
    Lip Glosses/Tints/Balms104214
    Makeup Removers131424
    Perfumes54532
    Nail Polishes4319700
    Total Items3401681006668

    Even though I didn’t reach my goal of 50 items, it’s amazing to see that my collection is a fraction of what it was in the summer of 2018.

    The bronzer, blush and highlighter categories went up because I decided to count the pans as 1. Before, I used to count 1 palette as 1 blush/highlighter/bronzer. Even if it was a mixed palette, I just chose to count it as 1 bronzer/blush/highlighter.

    I haven’t used my perfumes since early last year. I bought 2 of them during a warehouse sale and they were probably older inventory at the time. I’m wondering if I will get to use them up. I stopped using one of my old perfumes because the scent changed after a few years. I still have it on display though because it’s such a pretty bottle.

    I haven’t worn nail polish in a couple years now. I would definitely consider buying a neutral colour and maybe a red/wine in the future.

    What are your makeup plans for 2021?

    Love,

    Read More
  • burt's bees makeup review

    Burt’s Bees | My Hits & Misses

    August 17, 2020

    Hi Everyone!

    Today I’m reviewing Burt’s Bees products. Out of all the brands I’ve tried, I think Burt’s Bees is now #1 in Most Products Tried with 19 products. I was lucky enough to receive all of these products complimentary from Topbox, but I’m giving my honest opinions on the products. I have a few Hits and Likes, but I’ll be honest and say nothing from the brand has blown me away. I don’t think I would buy any of the products myself.

    Check out my other Hits & Misses posts!

    MAKEUP || Primers | Foundations | Powders | Concealers | Brows | Mascara

    SKINCARE || Eye Creams

    BRANDS || Bobbi Brown | L’Oréal | Maybelline | Nude by Nature | NYX | TULA | Volition Beauty

    Before you read this post, please remember that we all have difference preferences and skin types. These are MY hits, misses and likes. You might love something I don’t like or dislike something I love.

    HITS

    Blush in 1210 Shy Pink* – It’s really pretty! It’s a subtle pink, but gives you a beautiful, blushed look.

    LIKES

    The Luminizer Nourishing Highlighter in Star Light* – I like this highlighter for a natural glow/highlight.

    Moisturizing Lip Balm in Tropical Pineapple* – It’s like any other lip balm. Keeps my lips moisturized and this one smells like a Piña Colada.

    Gloss and Glow Glossy Balm in Winning in Pink* – This is a nice balm that makes the lips look glossy, but not sticky.

    Natural Mattifying Powder Foundation in 1115 Sand* – This powder was quite pale on me, I need to get a darker shade. I did a light powdering of it on my t-zone after using the foundation and it instantly mattified my skin.

    Natural Eye Liner in 1405 Soft Black – This was a very nice black liner. You can take your makeup look from day to night by applying it on the outer V and smudging it out.

    Nourishing Lengthening Mascara in Classic Black* – I like the brush of this mascara. The mascara added length to my lashes, but still looked natural and it wasn’t clumpy. It came off easily with water, so it’s definitely not waterproof.

    All Aflutter Multi-Benefit Mascara in Classic Black* – Similar to the nourishing mascara, this is a nice mascara that doesn’t make your lashes clumpy. It also came off easily with water. After wearing it for a day, my lashes were still curled. Between the two mascaras, I think I prefer this one.

    MISSES

    Sensitive Facial Cleanser* – This one isn’t really a ‘miss,’ but I didn’t like it that much either. It had a creamy texture which I didn’t really like. I prefer a gel cleanser. It leaves your skin with a bit of an oily feel. Not quite a film, but your face isn’t squeaky clean.

    Burt’s Bees Renewal Refining Facial Cleanser* – I didn’t like the smell of this one.

    Sensitive Gentle Day Lotion* – This also isn’t a ‘miss,’ but I didn’t find it to be anything special. It’s fragrance-free and it has a nice texture, but it didn’t really do anything for my skin. 

    Hydrating Facial Towelettes with Watermelon* – These are very strong/thick towelettes, but the watermelon scent is so strong that it gave me a headache.

    Goodness Glows Liquid Foundation in 1025 Natural Beige* – It covered the redness around my nose and chin, but you definitely need a concealer to cover up acne or dark spots. This is NOT waterproof. It washes off easily with water which I don’t like.

    Goodness Glows Tinted Moisturizer in 2025 Natural Beige* –  This didn’t cover much for me and just like the liquid foundation, it washes away with water very easily.

    Defining Retractable Eyeliner in Mulberry & Onyx* – This eyeliner pulled on my skin as I applied it to my waterline and it smudged so much. I tested it out for a day and after a few hours, the eyeliner was patchy. By the end of the day, the eyeliner had rubbed off. I hadn’t rubbed my eyes at all. I did close my eyes tightly a few times to see if any eyeliner or mascara would transfer. I was also disappointed in the Mulberry shade because it just looks black/brown on the eyes.

    Natural Eyeshadow Trio in 1505 Shimmering Nudes* – The eyeshadows were okay. I prefer to have a palette that has at least 1 matte shade.

    Natural Brow Pencil in 1610 Brunette* – This was too light for me, it almost looked reddish brown on my brows. I prefer to use a darker pencil. I didn’t love that it was waxy because the hairs would get matted down.

    Matte Sticks in Buttery Blush & Liquid Honey* – These are a comfortable matte lipstick that doesn’t feel drying. Although the lipstick can be a bit crumbly. (I used to have these in the LIKES, but they got moldy very quickly).

    Glossy Lipstick in Peony Dew* – It’s a sheer lipstick that’s a bit waxy. It’s like a morph of a gloss and lipstick because it’s a bit tacky.

    Lip Gloss with Avocado in Tulip Spring* – This lip gloss had a passionfruit scent, I believe. It looked nice and gave a bit of tint to my lips, but I wouldn’t purchase this on my own. It felt moisturizing and wasn’t too sticky which was good, but I prefer a lip gloss with a wand for a more precise application.

    Squeezy Tinted Balm in Mandarin Granita* – The shade of this is nice and it does keep my lips moisturized for a bit, but I’m not a huge fan of the scent. Also, when I was sent this, I was told that it’s best to apply with a brush or fingers. If you’re on the go, you don’t really want to use your fingers to apply lip balm. So I find that a bit annoying. I’d rather just use a stick lip balm.

    burt's bees makeup

    Burt’s Bees is fairly new to the makeup game and they need to expand on their shade ranges. If you are looking for a brand that sells natural products, then this is a great drugstore brand to consider.

    Love,

    Products with * were sent to me for review.

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  • 2020 Beauty Wishlist

    March 3, 2020

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I’m sharing some brands and their products that I have on my wishlist. Most of the products I want to try aren’t new, but I haven’t had a chance to try yet. I wanted to cut down on my makeup buying this year and finish up what I have before buying more. I have a lot of lip and cheek products on this list.

    Biossance

    • Squalane + Peptide Eye Gel
    • Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer
    • Squalane + Rose Vegan Lip Balm
    • Squalane + Tea Tree Balancing Oil
    • Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil

    I might get the Top Shelfies Kit from Sephora since it has 3/5 items I want to try.

    Briogeo

    I’ve only tried a sample of Briogeo and that was a long time ago.

    • Be Gentle Be Kind Banana + Coconut Nourishing Superfood Shampoo & Conditioner
    • Be Gentle Be Kind Kale + Apple Replenishing Superfood Shampoo & Conditioner
    • Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
    • Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-exfoliating Shampoo

    Charlotte Tilbury

    • Eyes to Mesmerize Cream Eyeshadow
    • Hollywood Contour Wand
    • Hollywood Flawless Filter
    • K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick
    • Lip Cheat
    • Magic Vanish Color Corrector

    I’ve only tried two products from Charlotte Tilbury. While I do like both, I’m not sure I would repurchase them (Legendary Brows Eyebrow Gel and Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder).

    Em Cosmetics

    • Color Drops Serum Blush
    • Micro-Fluff Sculpting Brow Cream
    • True Gloss

    Glossier

    • Balm Dot Com
    • Boy Brow
    • Cloud Paint

    Jouer

    • Blush Bouquet Dual Blush Palette
    • Essential High Coverage Concealer Pen
    • Essential Lip Enhancer Shine Balm
    • Soft Focus Hydrate + Set Powder
    • Sunswept Bronzer Duo

    I might get the Essential Lip Care Duo since I like the Essential Lip Enhancer Balm.

    Lilah B

    • Divine Duo Lip & Cheek
    • Lovingly Lip Tinted Lip Oil

    Volition Beauty

    • Hibiscus Unspottable Correcting Oil
    • Snow Mushroom Water Serum

    Wander Beauty

    • Mile High Club Mascara

    This mascara is a favourite for a lot of people. I don’t usually like to spend more than $15 for a mascara, but I might consider trying it once to see if I like it.

    YSL

    • Glossy Stain Lip Color
    • Rouge Volupté Shine Oil-in-Stick Lipstick
    • Tatouage Couture Liquid Matte Lip Stain

    There’s more on my wishlist, but these are a few I’m considering trying this year.

    What’s on your wishlist?

    Love,

    Read More
  • makeup collection january 2020

    Makeup Inventory | Jan 2020

    January 8, 2020

    Hi Everyone!

    I thought I would do an update on my makeup collection. I’ve gotten my inventory down to a reasonable number. I think it’s reasonable enough that I don’t feel the need to participate in a Project Pan or 20 in 2020 challenge. I’ve also decided not to do a Low/No Buy this year because I think I can control myself now. I don’t really get swept up in new makeup releases. I might get samples at Sephora, but I don’t feel the need to buy the newest product until I’ve read or watched reviews.

    In 2017 and 2018, I bought a bunch of products from Winners and the Mac Warehouse Sale. I didn’t even do full reviews on most of the items because they were old or discontinued. I did do quick reviews on some makeup items in my mid-year makeup inventory:

    Primers & Foundations | Bronzers | Blushes | Mascaras | Highlighters

    Makeup inventory posts from previous years:

    Dec 2018 | June 2019

    July 2018Dec 2018June 2019Jan 2020
    Primers121174
    Foundations13766
    Concealers11565
    Setting Sprays/Powders111157
    Contour0311
    Bronzers6331
    Blushes14552
    Highlighters13945
    Brows3363
    Eyeshadows129602317
    Eyeliners12923
    Mascara10232
    Lipstick28774
    Lip Liners7540
    Lip Glosses/Tints/Balms10421
    Makeup Removers13142
    Perfumes5453
    Nail Polishes431970
    Total Items34016810066

    My plan is to get my collection down to 50 items by the end of the year. It’s shocking to think that I once had 340 makeup items (this number includes individual eyeshadows). It’s even more alarming to think that I paid for most of those items too. While I have been lucky enough to be sent products over the years, I’m sent more skincare products than makeup. Most of those items were impulse purchases because they were on sale or a good deal.

    What are your makeup plans for 2020?

    Love,

    Read More

  • Makeup Inventory | June 2019

    June 21, 2019

    Hi Everyone!

    This time last year, I had 340 makeup products (check out my post). By December of last year, I decluttered a lot and finished quite a few products (check out my post). I cut my collection in half and now my collection is down to 100! I hope to continue streamlining my collection. Maybe next year, I’ll have 50-75 products.

    Primers: 7 (I had 11 in December)

    Setting/Finishing Powders: 5 (8 in Dec)

    Illuminating Powders/Creams: 0 (3 in Dec)

    Foundations: 6 (7 in Dec)

    Concealers/Colour Correctors: 6 (5 in Dec)

    Contour: 1 (3 in Dec)

    Bronzers: 3 (3 in Dec)

    Blushes: 5 (5 in Dec)

    Highlighters: 4 (9 in Dec)

    Brows: 6 (3 in Dec)

    Eyeshadow Pans/Sticks/Creams: 23 (60 in Dec)

    Eyeliners: 2 (9 in Dec)

    Mascaras: 3 (2 in Dec)

    Lipsticks: 7 (7 in Dec)

    Lip Liners: 4 (5 in Dec)

    Lip Glosses/Tints: 2 (4 in Dec)

    Makeup Removers: 4 (1 in Dec)

    Perfume: 5 (4 in Dec)

    Nail Polish: 7 (19 in Dec)

    TOTAL: 100 (170 in Dec)

    How many products are in your collection?

    Love,

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  • Haul | Shiseido Warehouse Sale 2019

    May 7, 2019

    Hi Everyone!

    Over the weekend, I went to the Shiseido Warehouse Sale in Markham. Thanks to my friend who let me know about it, I was able to score some goodies. They have a lot of high end brands like NARS, Bare Minerals, Buxom, Laura Mercier, Clé de Peau, obviously Shiseido and other hair and fragrance brands.

    It’s a three day sale starting Friday for VIPs who have tickets and then on Saturday and Sunday, it’s open to the public (no ticket needed). It’s located at 303 All State Parkway in Markham.

    If you’ve seen my haul from the MAC Warehouse Sale from 2017, then you’ll know that I went crazy buying stuff (especially lipsticks) back in 2017. This time, I had more self control (it was also because I just spent a lot of money during the Sephora sale. My Sephora haul will be up on the blog on Friday! For the MAC Sale, you need a ticket to get in for all three days and my sister got me tickets in September and December 2017. For the Shiseido sale, you don’t need a ticket for Saturday and Sunday, so it’s more accessible and I don’t have to rely on my sister to get it from work.

    At the MAC sale, the first time I went, I probably bought over 20 products. At the Shiseido sale, I only bought 9 products while my mom bought quite a few skincare products because she loves Shiseido’s Benefiance WrinkleResist line. I’ve banned myself from buying any eyeshadows until I hit pan/finish a few shades first. Maybe I can get some next year.

    I was pleasantly surprised that they had so many products left. While I’m sure there was a much bigger selection of complexion products on Friday and Saturday, they still had my shades in two of the products I wanted to try.

    Buxom Full-On Lipstick in Dolly | $10

    I couldn’t pass on this deal and the shade is so beautiful. It’s my kind of nude-pink lipstick!

    NARS Full Vinyl Lip Lacquer in Santo Domingo | $12 (not pictured because I accidentally missed it)

    This is a pretty shade and I wanted to try a lip lacquer.

    NARS Liquid Blush in Luster | $15

    This is such a pretty shade, I had to get it. I also want to get more cream and liquid products because they’re easier to blend and won’t look powdery.

    NARS Velvet Matte Foundation Stick in Fiji | $18

    I have been wanting to try the NARS foundation stick for a while to compare it to my others.

    Clé de Peau Concealer in Beige | $55

    I’ve heard good things about this concealer, but it retails for $95 in Canada and I’m not about to spend that much for a concealer stick. While $55 is still quite expensive, I wanted to try it and they had a shade that matched me pretty closely.

    Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Foundation in Golden 3 | $18

    I was so excited to see that they had my shade in this foundation. My mom said this was the shade that has been the closest shade match to my skin out of all the foundations I’ve been testing out lately.

    Shiseido Ultra Sun Protection Lotion for Face/Body SPF50+ (For Sensitive Skin & Children) | $20

    I thought I’d give this a try since it was more than half off the retail price.

    Dolce & Gabbana 3 L’Imperatrice Pour Femme | $35

    I liked this perfume a few years back and I had a sample of it. While it’s more floral than I usually prefer, I still really like it and it was $35 so I had to get it.

    Joico Moisture Recovery Conditioner | $10

    I know Joico is a higher end brand of hair products at the drugstore so I wanted to try it.

    I would definitely go again next year and we probably will be going so my mom can stock up on her Shiseido products. I think I would go on a Saturday, but it’s nice to know they have so much stuff left after the two days. They did have a lot of complexion products sold out (especially NARS foundations), but they still had some really nice products left over.

    Love,

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  • Makeup Inventory | Dec 2018

    December 21, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I’m checking in with my makeup inventory to show you how much progress I’ve made since my Mid-Year Makeup Inventories (click the links below):

    Primers & Foundations | Bronzers | Blushes | Mascaras | Highlighters

    I finished and decluttered half of the items I had in July; mostly decluttered.

    CURRENT MAKEUP INVENTORY

    Primers: 11

    Setting/Finishing Powders: 8

    Illuminating Powders/Creams: 3

    Foundations: 7

    Concealers/Colour Correctors: 5

    Contour: 3

    Bronzers: 3

    Blushes: 5

    Highlighters: 9

    Brows: 3

    Eyeshadow Pans/Sticks/Creams: 60

    Eyeliners: 9

    Mascaras: 2 

    Lipstick: 7

    Lip Liners: 5 

    Lip Glosses/Tints: 4 

    Makeup Removers: 1

    Perfume: 4 

    Nail Polish: 19

    TOTAL: 168 (started with 340 – I finished and decluttered 172 items in the past 5 months)

    I haven’t bought any new products in the following categories since taking Inventory of my collection in July:

    • Blush
    • Bronzer
    • Highlighter (I have a new one, but I didn’t buy it for myself…so it doesn’t count)
    • Illuminating Powders
    • Eyeshadows
    • Lip products (lipstick, balm, gloss, tint, liners)
    • Makeup Remover
    • Perfume
    • Nail Polish

    MAKEUP INVENTORY GOALS

    You’ll remember from my Makeup Goals post, that I set a number for each category of what I should aim for and I said that I wanted to cut my collection in half (which I did!). I hope to continue decreasing the number of items on my collection and maybe reach 100 items by the end of 2019.

    • Primers: 8-10
    • Foundations: 6
    • Concealers/Colour Correctors: 5
    • Setting/Finishing Sprays/Powders & Face Mists: 5
    • Illuminating Powders/Creams: 2
    • Bronzers: 2
    • Blushes: 3
    • Highlighters: 6
    • Brows: 3
    • Eyeshadows: 3 palettes
    • Eyeliners: 5
    • Mascaras: 3
    • Lipstick/Balms: 10
    • Lip Liners: 2
    • Lip Glosses/Tints: 3
    • Makeup Removers: 3
    • Perfumes: 3
    • Nail Polish: 5

    Have you set any makeup goals for yourself or resolutions for the new year?

    Love,

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  • Beauty Products I Regret Buying

    November 26, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I’m going to share some of the makeup and skincare products that I’ve regretted buying over the past couple years. Most of the products were impulsive and ever since writing my post on how I want to streamline my makeup collection (read it here), I’ve done my best to cut down on the impulse buying (especially for the blog).

    Bobbi Brown Bobbi On Trend Eyes & Cheek Palette

    While it’s a beautiful palette, the eyeshadows don’t wow me. Bobbi Brown isn’t necessarily known for amazing eyeshadows (like Urban Decay). The blushes and bronzer aren’t the right shade for me. The illuminating bronzer is chunky.

    NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Deauville

    While I can’t say 100% if I liked or didn’t like this foundation, I know the shade was a terrible choice that made me look pale as a ghost. Because of the bad shade choice, I think it made me not like the foundation. I didn’t like that it had no pump. If I’m paying that much for a product, I want a pump

    Thayers Witch Hazel Toners

    Everyone loves this, so I thought I would too. I did like that they had unscented ones and I like that the spout on the lid wasn’t like other toners. Unfortunately, this made my skin breakout even more because of the witch hazel. I tried the Cucumber one and also bought the Unscented one. After using the Cucumber one though, I won’t even try the Unscented because I don’t want another breakout.

    L’Oreal Lash Paradise Mascara

    I knew it was like a dupe for Too Faced Better Than Sex and I just don’t like that mascara. It dries out too quickly and I don’t like the brush.

    The Estee Edit products

    I bought 3 different products: a blush, eyeshadow sticks and an illuminator. The shadow sticks are nice, but the blush I got was way too bright and the illuminator was no good.

    Formula X Polish The Twenty-Two Limited Edition Set

    It was just such a good deal, but I ended up giving away half of the shades and I never liked how skinny and round the brushes are; I prefer fat, flat ones.

    I also regret buying most of the products from the MAC Warehouse Sale when I first went. At least the products weren’t full price. I did my best to use up the products (even when I didn’t like them). Most of the products I purchased were the wrong shade, but it was a good way for me to find out if I like the formulas/applicators. I bought a lot of lipsticks because they were only $7.50 and at the time, the shades looked good. Most of the lip products I bought were way too coral/pink for me.

    • Estee Lauder Pink Perfection Kit for Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign
      • The blush is too pink and it’s shimmery
      • The eyeshadow shades are nice, but they didn’t have a nice transition matte in the quad
      • The lipstick- love the formula, not a good shade for me
    • GLAMGLOW THIRSTYCLEANSE Daily Hydrating Cleanser
    • Estee Lauder Double Wear Makeup To Go Liquid Compact in 1N2 Ecru
      • this one was accidental. I picked it up to look at it and I must’ve thrown it into my shopping bag when I was deciding and forgot about it.
    • MAC Lip Glass
      • I bought three different types of lip glosses by MAC and I didn’t like the doefoot applicator on this particular one. I do like the applicators on the Mineralize Glass and the Cremesheen glasses.
    • Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Hi-Lustre Light Sculpting Lipstick
      • While I regret buying the shades I got, I did like the formula of the Estee Lauder lipsticks
    • MAC Huggable Lipcolours
      • These are similar to the Benefit Lip Balms. I liked the formula of the lip balm, but did not like the shades I chose
    • MAC x Helmut Netwon Point ‘n’ Shoot
      •   I was so mad that I bought one of these because it ended up being in the $20 charity bag (and you get two of them)
      • I didn’t like the shades, they were too cool for me
    • Mac x Star Trek Luna Luster Trip the Light Fantastic Powder
      • This was a bit chunky for my liking.
    • Smashbox Photo Filter Powder Foundation
      • I can’t even say whether I liked the formula of this powder because the shade I bought was too light. I can’t give it a fair review unless I bought the correct shade
      • The powder did feel very smooth though

    I’ve come to the realization that I don’t like palettes that have everything, i.e. blush, eyeshadows, bronzers, highlighters. Especially if the bronzer or blush is matte and then you get the shimmer from the highlighter on the matte blush/bronzer.

    What products have you regretted buying?

    Love,

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  • Revisiting My 2017 Favourites | Part 1

    November 12, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    Last year, I was tagged in a Best of 2017 Challenge on Instagram. Today, I’m going to be revisiting my picks from last year. Since then, I’ve tested and reviewed a lot of makeup. Like I said last year, it’s hard to choose favourites from each category because different products do different things for you, i.e. a hydrating vs. a smoothing primer or a lengthening mascara vs. a mascara that can keep a curl. I’m still trying to find my holy grail products, but I have found some great products over the last year.

    Primer

    • Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Primers (hydrating primer and smoothing primer)
    • Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer
    • Essence’s I 🖤 Colour Intensifying Eyeshadow Base

    The MUFE smoothing primer is still a fave of mine. The hydrating one wasn’t quite hydrating enough for my dry skin, so I picked up the Nourishing one to see if it’s better. The Smashbox under eye primer does help to slightly illuminate and hydrate my under eyes, but I’m not sure if it actually helps that much. I think you could just replace it with a good eye cream. The Essence eyeshadow base is great for intensifying colour, but it doesn’t really prevent creasing.

    Foundation

    • Lancome Miracle Cushion Liquid Cushion Compact Foundation in 025 Beige Naturel

    This is definitely still a favourite of mine. I haven’t purchased it since I finished, but I plan to buy it in the future once I’ve finished my Laneige BB Cushion.

    Setting Powder/Spray

    • Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray
    • Cake Beauty’s Everything Powder

    The UD setting spray is great, but I want to find one that’s a bit cheaper if I can. The everything powder smooths, sets and mattifies very well, but I just don’t love the smell anymore.

    Brow products

    • NYX Micro Brow Pencil in Black
    • Benefit Gimme Brow Volumizing Eyebrow Gel in 05 Deep

    These are still both faves of mine.

    Mascaras

    • Buxom Lash Mascara
    • Essence Volume Stylist 18hr Lash Extension Mascara
    • Revlon Mega Multiplier Mascara (read my review)
    • Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara

    These are all great mascaras, love all of them.

    Eyeshadow palette

    • Coastal Scents Winterberry Palette (read my review)
    • Too Faced Chocolate Bar (Sephora Rewards mini palette)

    At the time, the Winterberry palette and Too Faced mini were the only ones I had. After trying out other brands, these are no longer faves. I still like shades from both palettes, but the Coastal Scents palettes doesn’t have any neutrals in the palette and I no longer have the Too Faced palette.

    Blush

    • Smashbox Soft Lights Duo in Passion/Shimmer
    • Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Paaarty

    The Smashbox blush was nice, but it was a bit too dark for me (I bought it at Winners). The Tarte blush was a fave of mine, but I didn’t love that it was Made in China (check out my post about Where Your Products Were Made). I still love Tarte blushes, but you just have to be careful to get the full-sized permanent collection ones.

    Bronzer

    • Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Bronzer in Park Ave Princess
    • Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer in Chocolate Soleil

    These were the only two bronzers I had last year and both were from Sephora rewards, so they weren’t in shades that I would’ve chosen. While the Tarte one did work with my skin tone, I didn’t like the sheen on it, and I know they have a matte one, but I’d rather use the Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer. The Too Faced Bronzer was too dark for me, I needed the Milk Chocolate one, not the Chocolate.

    Face Mask

    • Lush’s Cup O’Coffee Face and Body Mask
    • The Face Shop sheet masks

    I still agree with these face mask choices. I haven’t bought the Lush one since I finished it, but I would get it again.

    Highlighter

    • Wet N Wild’s MegaGlo Highlighting Powder in Precious Petals (read my review)
    • Maybelline’s Face Studio Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter in Molten Gold
    • Urban Decay Afterglow 8-Hour Powder Highlighter in Sin

    Still absolutely love these highlighters. I would repurchase the Wet N Wild and Maybelline ones in different shades because both Precious Petals and Molten Gold are a bit too dark for me. The Urban Decay one is nice, but I don’t know if I would purchase the full-sized (I have a mini).

    Eyeshadow Singles

    • Coastal Scents Single Shadow in Jewel Teal (read my review)
    • Coastal Scents Single Shadow in Teal Green (read my review)
    • Stila Shadow in Golightly

    I still like all three shades of these, but I haven’t actually just worn the Stila shadow to test out the longevity of it. The Coastal Scents ones definitely need a primer. Even with a primer, they sort of faded a bit on me after a few hours. But they are very nicely pigmented and great to practise doing vibrant colours on your eyes. I have bought a few Anastasia eye shadow singles and those are beautiful, although I haven’t tested out the longevity of those either, but if they’re as good as the palettes, I’m sure they are great. I also have some Make Up For Ever shadows that you can buy as singles, I really love those.

    Skincare 

    • Kate Somerville EradiKate Acne Treatment
    • COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches (read my review)
    • Pearlessence Cucumber Water
    • Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector
    • Pixi Peel & Polish
    • Vaseline Cocoa Butter Lip Therapy

    I still agree with all of these choices except for the Pearlessence Cucumber Water. A few times, I’ve gotten it on my eyelids and it stung a little. Also, if you accidentally get some in your mouth, it tastes horrible.

    Makeup Brushes 

    • Tarte Bronze & Glow Contour Brush
    • Bella Pierre Powder Dome Brush (this isn’t the exact brush I have, but it’s similar)
    • Simple Glam Girls Lush Rose Gold Oval Brushes (read my review)
    • Arbonne Angled Blush Brush
    • Fluffy Powder Brush
    • Sephora Shadow Brush

    I love the Tarte brush and my Bella Pierre brush, although I think it’s time to replace it because the handle’s plastic is chipping off. I enjoy the Simple Glam Girls brushes, but I think oval brushes are a pain to clean because it’s packed so tight. I’ve actually realized that I don’t love angled blush brushes. It’s a lot easier to use a slightly fluffy one to blend. I’m not good at dipping my brush lightly into the pan, so I end up looking like a clown until I blend my blush out. I still agree that a fluffy powder brush is needed to set your face and a shadow brush is great for packing on colour.

    Lipstick

    • L’Oréal’s Colour Riche Collection Exclusive Lipstick in 370 J Lo’s Nude
    • L’Oréal Infallible Le Rouge in 337 Refined Ruby
    • Milani Color Statement Lipstick in 26 Nude Creme (read my review)
    • Coastal Scents Lipstick in 2
    • Pixi Mattelustre Lipstick in Plump Pink
    • MAC Lipstick in Brave (satin finish)

    The L’Oréal Colour Riche lipstick is still an absolute fave. The Refined Ruby one is a beautiful shade, but it’s a bit too dark for me. The shade of the Milani one is beautiful, but I’ve realized that I don’t like scented lipsticks that much. The Coastal Scents lipstick…I don’t know what I was thinking putting in my faves. It was patchy and didn’t look good. I don’t really like the Pixi Mattelustre lipstick anymore. The shade wasn’t right and it didn’t smell that nice. The MAC Lipstick is still a fave of mine.

    What are your fave products that you discovered this year?

    Love,

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