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Bobbi Brown | My Hits & Misses

October 3, 2018

Hi Everyone!

These are my faves and not so favourite products from Bobbi Brown. I’ve done a Hits & Misses post for other brands, check them out below:

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

SKINCARE || Eye Creams

BRANDS || 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.

I realized I have tried quite a lot of Bobbi Brown products and I thought I would share my hits and misses from the brand. Of course, I might not like something that someone else loves and vice versa, but keep reading to hear my thoughts on the products I’ve purchased over the past year. Surprisingly, I think Bobbi Brown is the brand that I have the most products from (I originally thought it was Tarte, but after doing this post, it’s Bobbi). All products were purchased by me (the majority were purchased at the MAC Warehouse Sale). Let’s start with my favourites!

HITS

Skin Foundation Stick in Ivory 0.75 – This shade is too light for me, but I really liked this stick foundation. I really want to try other sticks to compare (like the Hourglass and Lancome ones), but this has a very nice finish and I would sometimes use it as concealer and dab the areas that needed a bit of coverage. Update: They’ve changed the corresponding numbers of the shades. I don’t know if they’ve reformulated, but I’m assuming Ivory is still the same shade. The corresponding number has changed from 0.75 to C-024.

Smokey Eye Mascara – I loved this mascara. The wand was the perfect size and it separated my lashes nicely. It made my lashes look natural, yet added some oomph.

Luxe Lipstick in Brocade – My grandma uses this and it’s her favourite lipstick out of 4 lipsticks that we boughht for her (NARS, Sephora and Urban Decay). It’s a beautiful purple-y pink and it looks really good on her.

Instant Long-Wear Makeup Remover – I liked this, but it’s expensive and I’m sure I can get one that performs equally well for a cheaper price.

LIKES

There are a few products that I didn’t mind, but didn’t love either:

Blushes in French Pink and Nectar – They are pretty shades, just not for me.

Bronzing Powder in Medium – Too dark for me.

Rich Lip Color in Bare Pink – This is a really pretty nude-pink shade with a satin finish (it’s described on the website as a beige).

Lip Color in Sandwash Pink – I hear Princess Kate wears this shade. It was a beautiful shade, just not for me.

Tube Tint in Naked – My mom uses this and she really likes it. I think she also likes how it’s a squeeze tube, so it’s easier to keep clean and it’s more hygienic than lip glosses with wands.

Eyeshadows – The eyeshadows are good and blend well, but I think if you’re going to buy a high-end eyeshadow palette, you should get an Urban Decay or Anastasia Beverly Hills one (a brand that’s known for their eyeshadows).

The Bobbi On Trend: Eyes and Cheek Palette – This was an impulse buy. I saw it at the Nordstrom sale for $120 and I had to have it. I didn’t do my research and that was my downfall. Next time I buy a palette, I will be making sure I love it before taking the plunge.

Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink – I am terrible at doing winged liner and I prefer kohl liner, but I got this for free when bought the Bobbi On Trend palette at the Nordstrom sale. I gave it to my friend so she’d get better use out of it. So, this goes in the IN BETWEEN section because I just don’t do wings and if I put liner on my lid, then I usually smoke it out (that’s why pencil liners are better for me). Performance-wise, I think this was an okay liner? I’m not really sure.

Lip Gloss in Rose Sugar 3

MISSES

Long Wear Cream Eye Shadow in Galaxy – This was so patchy and had no pigment. I don’t know if it’s because I bought it at the MAC Warehouse Sale or it got hot and melted or something because it’s so soft. Maybe if you have a different shade, it would do better, but this looked terrible on me. It didn’t blend well and it set fairly quickly, so when you tried to blend, you’d create a bald spot. I tried using this as a base for dark powder shadow, but the powder was not layering over it well.

Lip Gloss in Rose Sugar 3 -This lip gloss has shimmer in it. My mom used this one too and she didn’t like it at all. It was so sticky that her hair would get stuck on her lips. Also, you know when you talk and you get that trail of lip gloss between your lips? It did that.

Intensive Skin Serum Concealer in Warm Ivory – I think this was breaking me out. It’s really weird because when I swatched it, it looked beautiful and blended nicely on my hand, but when I put it under my eyes, it just wasn’t giving me that seamless application I wanted.

Nude Finish Illuminating Powder in Bare – This is a translucent powder with shimmer in it and I don’t like it. It just makes me look like I put highlighter ALL over my face. If this were just a translucent powder, I’d love it because it did look really beautiful without the shimmer.

Illuminating Bronzing Powder in Halo – I don’t like this highlighter. It’s chunky and has glitter in it which gets EVERYWHERE.

Out of all the products, I would consider purchasing the Skin Foundation Stick in my shade. I think that’s the only product I would consider repurchasing. I hope I haven’t offended anyone who is a Bobbi Brown lover and I hope I also didn’t put anyone off the brand. I love Bobbi Brown packaging and they have a lot of great products, but I just don’t think the products work for me.

What are your hits & misses from Bobbi Brown?

Love,

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Beauty Brands I Want to Try

September 17, 2018
Hi Everyone!

Whenever I’m scrolling through Instagram, I always see all these pretty flat lays with gold, black and silver packaging. High end products have such pretty packaging! A lot of drugstore brands’ packaging are getting prettier too, but there’s something about the look of a YSL or Dior lipstick tube that just makes you go “oooohhh!” As I became more obsessed with makeup, I bought more drugstore products to blog about because they’re more affordable. Ever since I wrote the post about streamlining my makeup, I’ve been decluttering makeup that I don’t use and doing my best not to buy new makeup. My plan is to find high-end favourites so that I have 1 or 2 holy grail items in each category (foundation, concealer, blush, etc.) and then, for the blog, I’ll buy drugstore products to review.

(items in bold have been purchased since this post was published)

There are so many brands out there that I want to try:
- Charlotte Tilbury
  - lipstick, lip cheat, blush, airbrush flawless finish powder
- YSL
  - lipstick, lip stain/tint, primer
- CND Nails
  - nail polish
- RMS Beauty
  - concealer
- Laura Mercier
  - foundation, caviar stick eye colour, blush
- Laura Geller
  - highlighter
- Jouer
  - highlighter, blush
- Hourglass
  - stick foundation, highlighter, translucent powder
- Marc Jacobs
  - lip gloss stick, nail polish
- Burberry
  - highlighter, luminous base, lipstick, eyeshadow sticks
- Huda Beauty
  - liquid lipstick
- Fenty Beauty
  - highlighter
- Becca
  - highlighter, primer
- Colourpop
  - super shock shadows, highlighter
- Anastasia Beverly Hills
  - eyeshadows, brow wiz
- LORAC
  - eyeshadows
- Chanel
  - nail polish, lip gloss
- Cover FX
  - custom drops
- Skindinavia
  - makeup setting spray
There are a lot more products I want to try, but those are the ones that I could think of off the top of my head.

Below are some brands that I’ve bought 1-2 products that I love and plan to try other products from the brand:
- Lancome- I really like the Skin Feels Good Skin Nourishing Foundation (read my review)
  - concealer, foundation, highlighter drops
- Dior
  - foundation, highlighter, nail polish, lip glow, lipstick
- NARS
  - blush, tinted moisturizer, single shadows, radiant creamy concealer, eyeshadow primer
- Make Up For Ever
  - single shadows, concealer
- Tarte- I’ve pretty much loved everything I’ve purchased from Tarte
  - eyeshadows
- Smashbox
  - Primerizer, primer water, eyeshadow primer
- Urban Decay
  - concealer
- MAC
  - blush, highlighter, foundation, brushes
- Bare Minerals
  - blush, eyeshadow primer
Love,
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Beauty Products | Save or Splurge?

July 23, 2018

Hi Everyone!

If you’ve been reading my recent posts, you’ll know I’ve been doing inventory of my beauty products. Check out the recent posts below!

Primers & Foundations | Bronzers | Blushes | Mascaras | Highlighters

Makeup Goals: A Streamlined Collection

I’ve decided to compile a list of what beauty products I personally plan to SAVE or SPLURGE on. I’ll also have some products where I’ll be IN BETWEEN– which means I’ll either buy a mix of both high-end and drugstore or I’ll buy products that aren’t super expensive, but not super cheap either.

Skincare- IN BETWEEN

I was reading articles on which beauty products to save and splurge on and a few said to save on skincare. I think I will mostly save because there are some great products found at the drugstore. If I want some luxe items, I can always get samples from Sephora and Nordstrom without breaking the bank. I do love the Sonia Roselli Water Balm though (read my review), so I will continue to splurge on that because it’s a multi-use product.

Primers- SPLURGE

You need a good base for your makeup and that starts with primer.

Foundations- SPLURGE

More expensive foundations just look and smell better than drugstore ones (for the most part).

Concealers/Colour Correctors- IN BETWEEN

I think splurge on a good spot concealer I can wear without foundation. There are some good under eye concealers from the drugstore.

Setting/Finishing Sprays/Powders & Face Mists- IN BETWEEN

I think a mix of both is okay.

Makeup Brushes- SPLURGE

When I first started getting into makeup, I didn’t want to spend a lot on brushes, so I bought some on Amazon. They’re very soft and performed pretty well, but once I bought better quality ones, I could see the difference in my makeup application.

Makeup Sponges- SAVE

I think it’s kind of crazy to buy a $20 sponge. I have never bought a beauty blender, so I don’t know if it performs better than a cheaper sponge, but I feel like they’re all quite similar; some may be denser than others, but they all blend the same, don’t they?

Bronzers- SAVE

I love the Physician’s Formula one and it blends even better than the high end ones I’ve tried.

Blushes- IN BETWEEN

I think I might splurge on a good, matte blush I can use every day because blushes last so long. I love the Milani ones that have shimmer and I really want to try a Physician’s Formula one.

Highlighters- IN BETWEEN

Similar to blushes, I might splurge on 1 high end highlighter and then the rest of the collection will be drugstore brands. For the ones I own, the drugstore ones look prettier than my higher end ones (without having to wet them).

Brows- IN BETWEEN

I’m kind of torn because I like the NYX Micro Brow pencil, but that pencil lasted so long that maybe it’s worth it to splurge on a brow pencil. I will definitely splurge on brow gel though and get the Benefit Gimme Brow.

Eyeshadows- SPLURGE

I’ve noticed a difference in how my eyeshadow looks when using higher end ones especially with the fallout. I think I will invest in a few high end palettes- that have a good selection of neutral mattes and shimmery shades.

Eyeliners- IN BETWEEN

Similar to blushes, eyeliner lasts me a long time (I prefer pencil liners), so maybe I should splurge.

Mascara- SAVE

As much as I love some of the high-end deluxe samples of mascaras, there are so many drugstore ones I love that are a fraction of the price. Especially when you should dispose of it after using for a few months, it’s not worth it to pay $30 (unless you only own 1 mascara, then maybe it’s worth it, but I like to have several).

Lipsticks, Liners and Glosses/Tints- IN BETWEEN

I think I’ll get 1 or 2 for each of the 3 types (lipstick, liner, gloss/tint), but save on the rest.

Makeup Removers- IN BETWEEN

I like Simple makeup wipes and Garnier Micellar Water, but I really like Clinique’s Cleansing Balm. So, a mix of both.

Perfumes- SPLURGE

When I was in high school, I used to use body sprays from Victoria’s Secret, but no more of that. I have two signature scents at the moment (1 for spring/summer, 1 for fall/winter) and I also have one that’s a bit more spicy that I don’t wear daily.

Nail Polish- IN BETWEEN

I think I’ll find a good, wine red and a neutral to splurge on, but buy brands like OPI and Essie for the rest of my collection.

What products do you splurge on?

Love,

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Makeup Goals | A Streamlined Makeup Collection

July 20, 2018
Hi Everyone!

When I was doing my mid-year makeup inventory, I realized just how much makeup I had. It’s kind of ridiculous how much makeup I’ve accumulated in the past two years. 2016 was when I got more into makeup and it was only last year that started buying products like highlighter and bronzer. I went through my collection and counted how much I have of each type of product. I didn’t want to do a mid-year makeup inventory on all of them because let’s be honest, it would’ve taken a long time to swatch and write a mini review for each one. Especially when I don’t necessarily love all of the products I own.

I’ve decided to set some goals for myself in terms of buying makeup going forward. As I was doing my makeup inventory, I decluttered a few products that were past their expiry date and/or I just wasn’t using (basically just taking up space). Here are some goals that I have decided to apply:

Goal #1 | For primers, foundations, eyeshadows and makeup brushes – only buy high end ones
- Foundations
  - Find a few favourite ones with different finishes (powder, cushion, sheer coverage, medium coverage)
  - For liquid foundations- I need to have sampled it a few times and put it through a testing period (like I did with the Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation- read my review) before I take the plunge and buy it.
  - Test them out in-store and see how they look in natural lighting and how it wears for the day
For the other makeup products, I feel like a mix of high end and drugstore are acceptable. There are some amazing drugstore products that I absolutely love and drugstore foundations are great, but I have trouble finding shade matches and there aren’t always testers in store.

Goal #2 | Cut down on impulse buying

I’ll admit that 50% of the time, I am an impulse buyer (especially if there’s a sale). Luckily, most of the items I’ve bought on impulse were okay.

Goal #3 | Read or watch 3 (or more) positive reviews before making a purchase

I know this isn’t the best way to tell if I will like something because I might not like something that someone else loves, but it will help cut down the impulse buying too. I’ve bought a few duds (that were planned purchases) because YouTube or Instagram made me buy it (*cough* L’Oréal Lash Paradise *cough*). Before buying a product from now on (especially a drugstore item because you can’t return it once it’s been opened), I will check out some reviews online. Usually, I look at Influenster to see what it’s rating out of 5 is and if it’s rated on their list (i.e. Lash Paradise, the non-waterproof one, is rated #1 in mascaras and 4.56/5). Personally, it’s not my #1 mascara, but I don’t hate it.

Goal #4 | Keep Track of My Makeup Purchases and Set an Annual Makeup Budget

This sounds kind of scary, but I think I should set one. Last year, I became a VIB Rouge member at Sephora and I have no idea how that happened. The majority was skincare or makeup tools, but there was a fair share of makeup which is surprising because a lot of my makeup is from the drugstore or Winners. For a lot of products (like makeup brushes or foundation), they may seem expensive, but they last a long time. The initial cost may sting, but once you have it, you don’t need to buy more for a while.

For my blog, I have a monthly budget ($25) to spend on products that I buy for the blog. I prefer to get drugstore products because that’s the most accssible to everyone. I mean, there are tons of beauty lovers who are students- they can’t necessarily afford to get a Dior foundation or a high end palette.

GOAL #5 | A Streamlined Makeup Collection

I was going to plan on a Minimalist Makeup Collection, but after writing the numbers down, I wouldn’t consider what I plan to be a Minimalist Collection. So, we’ll go with a streamlined collection of what I have now. I want to find some favourites that I can always rely on so that I can just buy good, high end products (foundations, concealers, etc.) and not worry about buying all these different products to see what works with my skin type.

I’ve already shared some of my makeup collection in my mid-year makeup inventory. So, I thought I’d share the numbers with you for the rest of my products. Some of my numbers in this list may be different than the mid-year makeup inventory. This is because I was only counting the products that I had opened at the time. Since then, I have opened a few things and gotten a few deluxe samples. Please keep in mind that not all products are full-sized, but I still counted them as ‘1’. So, here are the inventories for each category:
- Primers: 12 (includes an under eye primer and eyeshadow primers)
- Foundations: 13
- Concealers/Colour Correctors: 11
- Setting/Finishing Powders & Face Mists: 5
- Illuminating Powders/Creams: 4
- Bronzers: 4
- Blushes: 13
- Highlighters: 14
- Brow pencils: 3
- Eyeshadows: 37
- Eyeliners: 12
- Mascaras: 6
- Lipstick: 25
- Lip Liners: 7
- Lip Glosses/Tints: 10
- Makeup Removers: 10
I know these aren’t makeup, but I’m going to include them too:
- Perfume: 5
- Nail Polish: 43
I was going to total the whole number of products, but some are double-counted i.e. Bobbi Brown palette has blush, highlighter, bronzer and eyeshadow. Give or take, there are 200 items.

NEW MAKEUP GOALS & FAVOURITES

I want to streamline my makeup so that I don’t have 200 items in my drawers. I only have so much space in my room if you include makeup, skincare, hair and nail products. The following numbers are what I hope my collection will go down to once I find favourites in each. Under each category, I have included favourites that I think will be included in my Minimalist Collection.
- Primers: it’s hard to say a number for this one because you want different primers for different uses (mattifying, illuminating, hydrating, eyeshadow, etc.). I’ll say less than 10 for sure!
- Foundations: 6 at the most (that should be enough for different finishes and coverage)
- Concealers/Colour Correctors: 5
- Setting/Finishing Sprays/Powders & Face Mists: 5
- Illuminating Powders/Creams: 2
- Bronzers: 2
- Blushes: 3 (1 with shimmer, 1 peachy, 1 pink)
- Highlighters: This is hard to decide because there are so many amazing highlighters out there that are different shades and they can double as eyeshadows (6?)
- Brows: 3 (2 pencils, 1 gel)
- Eyeshadows: This is hard to decide too because singles count as 1. I will say that I want at least 2-3 good palettes with matte neutral shades and shimmery shades and I like cream shadows and sticks, so maybe 4-5 of those.
- Eyeliners: 5
- Mascaras: 3
- Lipstick: 10
- Lip Liners: 2
- Lip Glosses/Tints: 3
- Makeup Removers: 3
- Perfumes: 3
- Nail Polish: 5
For all of the categories, they’re estimates of what I think I should own and adding all of those up, it’s about 80 products. So, my goal for next year is to cut my collection in half and maybe I can aim for an even smaller collection for 2020.

Would you ever streamline your makeup collection?

Love,
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2018 Mid-Year Makeup Inventory | Blushes

July 9, 2018
Hi Everyone!

Continuing my makeup inventory, today’s post is on blushes! Check out my other mid-year makeup roundup!

Primers & Foundations | Bronzers | Blushes | Mascaras | Highlighters

Current blush inventory:
- 11 powder blushes + 1 Smashbox palette I haven’t touched (includes 2 blushes)
- 1 cheek & lip stain
I think it’s safe to say that I won’t be needing blush any time soon. I won’t be purchasing any new blushes until I finish at least 5. I have a combo of matte and shimmery shades. Shimmery shades can be nice for the daytime during the summer, but I feel like they’re more for the night time. I think next time I buy blushes, I will get matte shades because you can use highlighter to add shimmer.

Bobbi Brown Blush in French Pink & Nectar

French Pink is the hot pink shade on the left. Both are beautiful shades.- great for summer time!

Burt’s Bees Blush in 1210 Shy Pink

I received this from Topbox Circle along with a bunch of other Burt’s Bees products and I’m so glad I did! I love this blush and it’s from the drugstore too!

Bella Pierre Mineral Blush in MB002 Autumn Glow

This was the first blush I bought that wasn’t from the drugstore…in fact, it may be time to declutter/dispose of it (I bought it when I was in university :/). It’s really pretty, but since it is more of a brown shade, I use it in the Fall/Winter. I don’t really like that it’s a loose powder, it takes up so much more space and it’s more messy than a regular, pressed blush.

Miniso Flawless Baked Blusher in 02 Rosy Pink in 02 Rosy Pink

You can’t get any better than this Miniso blush. It was $2.99 and it’s such a beautiful, shimmery pink.

Milani Baked Blush in 01 Dolce Pink

This is so pretty, it’s a gorgeous, shimmery pink.

Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Blush in 03 Pink Ingenue

Since this is in a ‘kit/palette,’ I tend to forget about it. It’s a beautiful pink though and I need to use it more often.

The Estée Edit The Barest Blush in 03 Purr Pink

This is a very bright pink and I need to use a very light hand with this. I few times I put way too much on and looked like a clown. I’ve had to dab my face with my sponge to add some of the residual foundation to dial it down.

Smashbox Blush Soft Lights Duo in Passion/Shimmer

I like that this is a 2-in-1 blush and highlighter. 2-in-1 is great for travelling and this is a very nice mauvy pink.

Smashbox L.A. Lights Palette in Culver City Coral

I haven’t touched this palette (I didn’t swatch it below), but I’m excited to use it. Once I finish a few blushes, I will take it out.

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Paaarty & Concept

I love the Tarte blushes. This one that came in the Sephora birthday present is so pretty for a naturally blushed look. I haven’t used the shade Concept yet.

Bella Pierre Cheek and Lip Stain in Coral

I haven’t used this much because I don’t know if I love cream blushes that much. Sometimes cream products just make my face feel oily. Maybe I’ll use it as a lip stain and sheer it out with vaseline.

From L-R: Milani Dolce Pink (shimmery), Miniso Rosy Pink (shimmery), Tarte Paaarty, Tarte Concept, Burt’s Bees Shy Pink, Bella Pierre Autumn Glow (shimmery), Bobbi Brown French Pink, Bobbi Brown Nectar, Smashbox Passion, Estee Lauder Pink Ingenue (shimmery), Estee Edit Purr Pink, Bella Pierre Coral

I think my favourites are Tarte, Burt’s Bees, Miniso and Milani. Surprisingly, the higher end ones swatched a bit patchy.

I really want to buy a NARS and a Physician’s Formula blush. If you read my post on Beauty Recommendations from Instagrammers, I was recommended a few different blushes to try.

What are your fave blushes?

Love,
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Beauty Recommendations from Instagrammers

July 2, 2018

Hi Everyone!

Every now and then when I post a pic on Instagram, I’ll ask my Instagram followers for beauty recommendations and sometimes when I post about a new blog post, someone who recommend a brand they like that has a similar product. Here’s a list of products recommended by my fellow beauty Instagrammers. I provided links to the Instagram accounts of the ladies who recommended the products too.

As you know, I like The Body Shop’s Tea Tree Oil products. Check out my reviews of two of their products below!

Targeted Gel Blemish Stick | Anti-Imperfection Daily Solution

I was recommended several other products from the line.

Tea Tree Anti-Imperfection Night Mask

Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil Skin Clearing Foaming Cleanser

Tea Tree Oil Skin Clearing Mattifying Facial Toner

Recommended by @brittdanielsbeauty, @mia.ind & @themakeuptreasury

After posting about the Vasanti BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator, I was recommended a similar product. This is the only recommendation where I hadn’t heard of the brand before. It’s always nice to learn about new brands.

Ongaro Probiotic Enzyme Exfoliator

Recommended by @thewellnessmama

After posting my This or That post on Cleansing Balms (comparing Clinique’s and Pixi’s), someone said the It Cosmetics balm was good. I can’t find the comment now, so I don’t know who recommended it.

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Makeup 3-in-1 Makeup Melting Balm

I was asking for recommendations for favourite CC Creams and tinted moisturizers, I was recommended two:

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF50+

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF30

Recommended by @mariiacanoa & @celiniblini

I love facial mists, I have the Cucumber Water Hydrating Face Mist from Pearlessence that I got from Winners and the Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist (Read my review).

Saturday Skin Daily Dew Hydrating Essence Mist

Mario Badescu Facial Spray

Recommended by @rubiredlipstick & @girlandtheblossom

I love the Garnier Micellar Water and I was recommended the one with Argan Oil.

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Water with Argan Oil

Recommended by @jeanicaxx

NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation

Recommended by @thewelshchic

Bobbi Brown Blush

NARS Blush

Revlon Powder Blush

TheBalm Blush

Recommended by @editionalbeauty & @icxbeauty

MAC Lipstick in Modesty (cremesheen)

MAC Lipstick in Velvet Teddy (matte)

MAC Lipstick in Peach Blossom (cremesheen)

Recommended by @swatchesbyeva, @lipglossnlashes82 & @shellsmakeupchair

What are some of your beauty recommendations/favourites?

Love,

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June 2018 Faves

June 29, 2018

Hi Everyone!

Here are June’s beauty faves!

I really love this Clinique Sonic Systems Purifying Cleansing brush (read my review). It really gets off all the makeup that I missed with wipes, micellar water, and makeup cloths. I use it with my fave cleansers from The Face Shop. The charge lasts a really long time (but it also takes forever to charge it too). It has an auto shut off feature after 30 seconds and I love that it isn’t battery powered so it doesn’t have a backing. It’s okay if you accidentally drop it into the water (although it’s probably not a good idea to submerge it).

Now I know why Glow Recipe is so popular. I love both of these products: Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask and the Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser (read my review)!

This Canadian Indie brand, Clionadh Cosmetics, has one of the prettiest marble highlighters I’ve ever seen! This is the Mother of Pearl highlighter (read my review). The bottom swatch is when it’s wet and the top is swatched from the pan. I find it’s more vibrant when it’s dry.

The gang’s all here…or at least my Tea Tree Oil products that I own from The Body Shop. I swear I’m not an ambassador or anything!! I just really love the products and they’ve been great at keeping acne away. Of course, I get the occasional breakouts before that time of the month. The Daily Solution (read my review) has been a great step in my skincare regimen and the Blemish Stick (read my review) is great for spot treatments.

I’ve been testing out the Body Wash because unfortunately, my face isn’t the only place that gets acne…I also occasionally get it on my back and in the cleavage (TMI?) especially during the summer time. It’s been really good so far, but it’s quite stinky. It also concerns me that it says “not to use it on the face”. I wonder how strong it is, but it does say that it’s okay to use daily. With my sensitive skin, maybe I will use it 3 times a week.

I will definitely be picking up more tea tree oil products (perhaps the cleanser) in the future!! I’ve been told the toner is good.

I really love the Burt’s Bees Blush in Shy Pink (read my review). It’s so pretty and it blends nicely!

What were your faves this month?

Love,

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Natural Makeup Look & First Impressions with Burt’s Bees Products

June 27, 2018
Hi Everyone!

I joined Topbox Circle which is like the Topbox version of Influenster and I was sent a collection of Burt’s Bees products to try out and do a natural makeup look. I was amazed at how many products they sent, I thought I would only be receiving 1 or 2, but they sent 8! I thought I would do a first impressions review of all the products while I’m at it.
- Goodness Glows Liquid Foundation in 1025 Natural Beige
  - 13 shades available
- Natural Mattifying Powder Foundation in 1115 Sand
  - 6 shades available
- Blush in 1210 Shy Pink
  - 3 shades available
- Natural Brow Pencil in 1610 Brunette
  - 2 shades available
- Natural Eyeshadow Trio in 1505 Shimmering Nudes
  - 4 shades available
- Natural Eye Liner in 1405 Soft Black
  - 3 shades available
- Nourishing Lengthening Mascara in Classic Black
  - 2 shades available
- Glossy Lipstick in Peony Dew
  - 6 shades available
On the website, they say that their makeup is formulated without parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, SLS or synthetic fragrances, and made with recyclable packaging. They’re 100% natural makeup products and never tested on animals.

Lipstick (Peony Dew), Blush (Shy Pink), Powder Foundation (Sand), Liquid Foundation (Natural beige), Eye Shadow Trio shades (Shimmering Nudes), Brow Pencil (Brunette), Eye Liner (Soft Black)

I’m going to start out by saying that I find the scent of Burt’s Bees a bit too strong for my liking and if you’re a regular reader on my blog, you’ll know that I am selective with what scentes products. Luckily though, once the products are on, you can’t smell them as much. They all have a scent except for the eyeliner and brow pencil. All of the products are fragrance free, so the scents are all natural. The blush, eyeshadow trio and powder foundation all have the same scent (I don’t know if it’s just the packaging or the actual products). It’s weird, but it sort of smells like a popsicle stick after you’ve eaten the popsicle (a bit sweet, but woodsy). The liquid foundation is kind of stinky, I’m guessing it’s the Meadowfoam Seed Oil. The mascara has a smell that’s not like other mascaras, I’m guessing it’s the Jojoba Oil. The lipstick has Red Raspberry Oil and Mimosa flower wax, so it has a very light scent of floral and fruity.

Goodness Glows Liquid Foundation in 1025 Natural Beige

When I first put this on, it looked like a perfect match for my skin, but after applying it to my whole face, I think I could go up a shade. 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. Don’t go out in the rain (if you can help it) and don’t set it with a spray or the foundation will just come off and all your hard work will be running down your face. When I was cleaning my beauty sponge, I noticed that the foundation washed out much easier than other liquid foundations. You know when you clean your sponge and sometimes it takes a while to squeeze out all of the foundation? Well, you won’t have that problem with this foundation!

Glowing skin is always in. Burt’s Bees Goodness Glows Liquid Foundation is a full-coverage, mineral makeup that leaves skin smoother and more radiant with a natural finish that’s never heavy, cakey or greasy. This 98.9% natural moisturizing foundation instantly hydrates and nourishes skin and stays on all day. Made with responsibly sourced Meadowfoam Seed Oil, known for its moisturizing benefits, it gives you naturally beautiful results both inside and out. Goodness Glows Liquid Foundation is perfect for dry or combination skin.

Blush in 1210 Shy Pink

The website says Sky Pink, but it’s Shy Pink. I don’t have much to say about this (in a good way)- it’s really pretty! It’s a subtle pink, but gives you a beautiful, blushed look.

Glow beautifully and naturally, wherever you go. Our Blush applies and blends easily and evenly. This 100% natural, lightweight mineral makeup features Bamboo, Honey and Vitamin E to nourish skin and enhance your cheeks’ natural glow for beautiful results, inside and out.

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.

Shine from within, not on your skin. Our 100% Natural Mattifying Powder Foundation in Bamboo controls shine with buildable and blendable coverage to give you a smooth and even skin tone. Lightweight and non-comedogenic, our Mattifying Powder Foundation is perfect for oily or combination skin, effectively absorbing oil without drying out your skin. Made with Bamboo to blur imperfections, this mineral makeup blends easily to even out your skin. Use the included custom sponge applicator and mirror to build coverage gradually.

Natural Brow Pencil in 1610 Brunette

You can smell the cedar when you sniff the pencil! This was too light for me, it almost looked reddish brown on my brows. I prefer to use a black or gray black. I hope they come out with more shades. The product itself was okay, it filled in the gaps well. I didn’t love that it was waxy because the hairs would get matted down. I’d rather use a brow gel to keep my brows in place.

Get naturally beautiful brows that wow. Our Brow Pencil easily fills, defines and shapes brows to ensure you look your natural best. Made with Jojoba Oil and Shea Butter, our formula is 99.9% natural, long-lasting and gentle enough for the delicate eye area. First, fill in sparse, light or over-plucked brows. Then, use the brush to blend the colour and groom your brows. The natural cedar wood pencil is responsibly sourced.

Natural Eyeshadow Trio in 1505 Shimmering Nudes

These shades are so pretty! The lightest shade is a really nice for the brow bone and as a highlight. I don’t think I would use it as an all-over the lid colour because it’s shimmery and it just sort of looks powdery on my monolids. The two darker shades are really pretty too- not too dark, but perfect for an everyday look.

It’s time to go natural, without a shadow of a doubt. Our Eye Shadow Trios are a 100% natural formula that’s both easy-to-blend and long-lasting, resisting creasing, fading and smudging for all-day wear. Made with Bamboo, Honey and Vitamin E, this mineral eye makeup nourishes skin and enhances your natural glow for beautiful results inside and out.

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.

Our Nourishing Eyeliner is easy to apply and resists smudging and fading for long-lasting wear. 99.9% natural and specifically formulated for your delicate eye area, it’s made with Jojoba, Mango and responsibly sourced Meadowfoam Seed Oils to help nourish your skin. The unique cedar wood pencil is also responsibly sourced.

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.

Our 100% Natural Nourishing Mascara lengthens and defines lashes. The brush and formula work together to give you longer, healthy looking lashes instantly. Made with Jojoba Oil and naturally moisturizing Glycerin to nourish lashes, this 100% natural mascara is gentle enough for your delicate eye area. Burt’s Bees Nourishing Mascara is safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

Glossy Lipstick in Peony Dew

This has a sheer colour that gives a subtle tint for a “My Lips But Better” look. The lipstick is more waxy than other lipsticks (i.e. MAC lipsticks), it feels like a morph of lipstick and gloss since it’s a bit tacky, but applies like a lipstick.

Our Glossy Lipstick gives you full coverage, glossy lip colour you’ll love, with natural, moisturizing ingredients that love your lips in return. These long-wearing lipsticks make lips super lustrous and keep them hydrated. Nourishing Red Raspberry Oil, Moringa Oil and Mimosa flower wax moisturize, leaving lips smooth and beautifully soft.

In the pic, I am wearing fake lashes because my lashes just weren’t showing up in the pics I was taking. In person, the mascara definitely makes a difference with my lashes. I did apply mascara after applying the lashes too and it definitely made the fake lashes look longer and thicker. I used all of the Burt’s Bees products and I also used Nude By Nature’s Perfecting Primer- check out my review here, Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer to warm up my face a bit (because it was so pale) and Cosmania Lashes for Days in Natural Black (I grabbed them from Winners). I used the lightest shade of the eyeshadow as a highlighter on the brow bones, cheeks and nose. I used the eyeliner to tightline my upper lash line and applied it on the outer half of my lower waterline. I also applied some on the lid and smudged it out

If you’re planning on wearing Burt’s Bees products, check the weather forecast and make sure there’s no chance of rain! All of the makeup came off with just water (even the liquid foundation), so don’t use setting spray and don’t go for a swim with this makeup on. It’s probably best not to wear it if you’re going to be working up a sweat too.

I did a test where I wet a cotton pad with micelllar water (after washing my face with just water) and there was no trace of makeup left behind. Usually, after I use my makeup cloth, there’s still some residual makeup on my face. So, if you want very natural products, this is a great line to pick up and it’s all very affordable since it’s a drugstore brand!

Based on my first impressions, I’m quite impressed and I would consider buying these products and trying other shades. I think my favourite is the blush. It’s a good start to the line, but they definitely need to expand on their shade range so that everyone can benefit from their natural products!

Have you tried Burt’s Bees makeup? What are your faves?

Love,
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Review | Clionadh Cosmetics Mother of Pearl Highlighter

June 14, 2018

Hi Everyone!

Last weekend, I attended Indie Expo Canada (independent beauty brands showcase their products- it’s mostly Indie nail polish brands). The majority of the vendors sell nail polish, but some had essential oils, wax, bath bombs, etc.

From one of the vendors, Clionadh Cosmetics, I picked up an absolutely gorgeous highlighter that you can also use as eyeshadow or on the body, but it’s not intended for the lips. I got the Mother of Pearl highlighter (which is on sale right now for $13 CAD). It’s stamped with a seashell impression. The products are 100% Vegan and Cruelty-Free and 100% Talc and Paraben-Free.

The Mother of Pearl highlighter is part of the Tropic of Capricorn Collection (a set of five summer-inspired marble highlighters).

Mother of Pearl: A five-toned marble consisting of grey-silver, pastel pink, green, blue and peach. The end result is a frosted pink-lilac with pearlescent notes of blue and silver.

I got home and tried it out and realized it was scented. You can choose to order scented or unscented. It smells like those sweet tart candies. Since I don’t love scented products that are sweet, I think I’d choose the unscented.

I did two swatches with my finger: the top one is what it looks like normally and the bottom one is when it’s wet. Unlike other highlighters and eyeshadows I’ve tried, it sort of sheers out if you wet it. So, if you want the maximum payoff for this highlighter, don’t wet the brush or your finger when applying it

RATING: 4/5

This highlighter is so pretty and I love the marble effect when you mix the colours. I also love to support my fellow Canadians, especially when it’s an independent brand. A lot of the times, it’s just easier to buy the mainstream products from the drugstore or Sephora because they’re so easily accessible and you see their ads when you scroll through Instagram and Facebook. Indie Expo Canada is a great way to find new brands. I also picked up some nail polishes which I will review in the coming weeks.

Love,

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My Mom’s Everyday Makeup | 2018

March 26, 2018

Hi Everyone!

I thought it’d be cool to do a post on what makeup my mom uses! Before I got into makeup and before my sister’s wedding, most of my mom’s products consisted of Clinique. Over the past few years, my mom’s makeup stash has expanded to higher end products and more diverse in terms of the brands. Now she has MAC, Smashbox, Estee Lauder, etc.

Her skin type is oily and she uses powder foundations (she tried a cushion one, but ended up giving it to me). She dislikes eye makeup (especially mascara), so she only ever curls her lashes. Although, for my sister’s wedding, I did a bit of a bronze/gold eye to match her dress.

My mom asked the Sephora associate to help her choose a shade for the Sephora MicroSmooth Baked Foundation and out of curiosity, during a different visit to Sephora, I asked the associate to match me for the foundation and she chose the same shade my mom uses.

Primer & Colour Corrector

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer- Pore Minimizing

L’Oreal Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream- Anti-Redness

Check out my review on the BB Cream!

She uses the anti-redness BB cream to cover up redness on her cheeks and around her nose. It’s a cool BB cream that starts out green and then blends into your skin and turns skin-coloured. I liked it too, but I didn’t love the smell of it and it was a bit dark on me.

Foundation

Sephora MicroSmooth Baked Foundation Face Powder in 25 Beige

My mom doesn’t like liquid or cushion foundations, so the only option is powder!

Concealer

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Flawless Wear Concealer in Warm Light Medium

My mom doesn’t have dark circles to correct, so she just uses this concealer for spot concealing.

Eyes

Tweezerman Lash Curler

She doesn’t wear eyeshadow or mascara.

Blush

MAC Cosmetics Powder Blush in Mocha

Clinique Soft-Pressed Powder Blusher in 02 Honey Blush

She likes blush shades that aren’t too pink. The MAC one is described as a ‘plum-pink.’

Lips

Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in 07 Super Strawberry

Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick in 411 Pink Berry

Sephora Collection Ultra Shine Lip Gel in 06 Deep Rose

My mom loves a mauve lip colour. Some of the ones listed above are more pink, but her fave shade is a mauve-pink-nude. If it has the word ‘mauve’ in the name, chances are she’ll love it.

Makeup she has in her purse to touch-up throughout the day:

Clinique Superpowder Double Face Makeup in Matte Neutral

Vaseline

What do you use for your everyday look?

Love,

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Where Were Your Beauty Products Made?

February 5, 2018
Hi Everyone!

A few years back, my mom mentioned to me that it’s better to buy products that are made in North America or Europe instead of China, Taiwan, etc. because you never know what they’re putting into the products. Ever since then, I’ve always been a bit conscious about checking where a product is made before purchasing, but sometimes I do slip up and accidentally buy something Made in China.

Do you check the back of cosmetic and skincare products to see where they are made before you purchase them?

There are so many different brands out there that have products that are made in North America or Europe. So, why buy products that are made in China when you don’t know what kind of rules and regulations they have? Especially when it comes to makeup that absorbs through your skin and that you could accidentally ingest from putting on your lips. Even drugstore brands are made in Canada or Germany, so it’s not like you have to splurge on high end products.

For powder products like highlighter or blush, it’s not as bad because I don’t use the same products every day. Same with eyeshadows because the ones I have from China are more vibrant colours that I wouldn’t wear on a day-to-day basis.

For liquid products like foundation and concealer, I am very careful to check that it’s made in North America or Europe because your skin absorbs the product and these are the products that cover the largest area of your face. Same goes for mascara, eyeliner, lipstick and lip gloss. Eye products can easily get into your eyes when you rub them or when you’re removing makeup and lip products are easily ingested.

I went through my makeup stash to see where everything was from and I’ve mapped it out in purple. Most of my products were from the usual countries like the US, Canada, Belgium, France, Germany, and then there were a few Made in China. Some products surprised me- I had eye products made in Czech Republic and Mexico.
- North/South America– Canada, USA, Mexico
- Europe– UK, England, France, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Luxembourg, Poland, Czech Republic
- Asia– China (also listed as PRC- People’s Republic of China), Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia
- Mexico
  - Maybelline EyeStudio Brow Precise Shaping Pencil in Deep Brown
- Czech Republic
  - L’Oreal Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner in Grey
  - Annabelle Kohl Eyeliner in White
- Poland
  - Essence I Love Stage Eyeshadow Base
- Indonesia
  - Benefit Cosmetics Prima Donna Fake Lashes
Although I do my best not to buy products from China, I have purchased a few here and there. The following are Made in China:
- Coastal Scents products
  - Winterberry palette
  - Eclipse palette
  - Shadow pots
  - Revealed 3 palette and Lipstick don’t say where they’re made and I no longer have the boxes they came in, but I’m assuming China because the lipstick is less than $5 and the Revealed 3 palette goes for $20 (and goes on sale for less).
- Wet N Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder
- NYX Matte Setting Spray
I went through my makeup collection to see if I had any other products Made in China/PRC and I was shocked to find some Tarte products had been made in China. Here are the products I have:
- Essence Light Up Your Face Luminizer
  - Most of the other Essence products are Made in Europe, i.e. Germany or Luxembourg
- Eyeko Fat Eye Stick (Made in PRC)
- Smashbox Blush Soft Lights Duo
  - other Smashbox products I have are made in US or Belgium
- Tarte products- it really surprised me that my Tarte products are Made in China, however; the Tarteist Lip Paint from the Sephora Birthday Gift is Made in US
  - Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Paarty (deluxe sample)
  - Tarte Amazonian Clay Matte Waterproof Bronzer in Park Ave Princess (deluxe sample)
  - Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder
- Wet N Wild Mega Protein Mascara
My friend has multiple full-sized Tarte products and she let me know where they were made and I also went to Sephora to take a look at the full-sizes of the blush and bronzer:
- Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blushes (full-size)- USA
- Amazonian Clay Matte Waterproof Bronzer in Park Ave Princess- China
- Tartelette Tease Palette- USA
- Shape Tape- Korea
- Amazonian Clay 12-Hr Full Coverage Foundation- USA
- Maracuja Cheek Tint- Formulated in Japan, Made in China
Other things I found when going through my products:
- Milani’s Retouch + Erase Lightlifting Concealer (Made in US with US & Non-US components)
- Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation (Made in US with US & Non-US components)
- Wet N Wild Photofocus Foundation (Foundation Made in USA, Filled in China)
- Tarte Lights, Camera Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara (Manufactured in Italy, Assembled in Taiwan)
- Tarte Gifted Mascara (Manufactured in Italy, Assembled in Taiwan)
Although the concealer and foundation from Milani both say Made in US with US & Non-US components, I think that’s just for the liquid products. The Color Statement Lipstick was Made in USA, and the XL All Over Glow Bronzer and Baked Blush were both Made in Italy.

I remember I had a Bella Pierre Mineral Foundation and Mineral Blush that I bought from a mall kiosk and they were made in the US. But, I have seen kits at Winners for $14.99 that have smaller sizes of the foundation, bronzer, illuminator and concealer. I checked the back of one and it was made in PRC, but there was another kit with other products and it was made in the US. So, make sure you check where kits are made. Even if full-sized products are made in the US, the smaller, trial-sized ones could be made elsewhere.

Do you avoid buying products depending on where they’re made? Are you more cautious with certain types of products?

Love,
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Best of 2017 | 14 Day Beauty Challenge

December 14, 2017

Hi Everyone!

I was tagged on Instagram by the lovely, @rubiredlipstick to join her and @crystalsmakeup for their Best of 2017 Challenge. #challengesbyjandc

Sometimes my IG posts aren’t daily and it’s too much commitment to do 30 day challenges, but I decided to join them for this one since it’s a two week one and the list of items to feature are fairly easy for me to come up with. I do have trouble choosing favourites so there may be multiple items for each day. Here’s the list of products to do each day, I know two days have past already, but join us for the remainder of the challenge!

So, let’s get started, I’ve already posted a few days and will update this post until the last day of the challenge.

Day 1 • Primers // I chose four primers because they all do different things. Make Up For Ever Step 1 Equalizer Primers smell amazing and I love the hydrating and smoothing ones. I also chose Smashbox’s Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer and Essence’s I 🖤 Colour Intensifying Eyeshadow Base. The Smashbox helps brighten under eyes and the Essence makes my shadow colours even more vibrant and it’s less than $6.

Day 2 • Foundation // I did a feature friday on this, but I love this Lancome foundation. For days when I need more coverage than a BB cream, but don’t want a full coverage foundation, I use the Lancôme Miracle Cushion Foundation in 025 Beige Naturel. It’s a buildable coverage and doesn’t feel like I’m wearing makeup. It doesn’t get cakey either because it’s so light.

Day 3 • Setting Powder/Spray // I just tried out the Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray. I was using a cream shadow and usually after a few hours it’s creased or smudged, but it held up for the day and the rest of my makeup still looked intact. Some parts were a bit smudged, but it was just because I was a bit tired and touched my face. As a setting powder, I’ve actually been using Cake Beauty’s Everything Powder and the powder is so fine that it sets my liquid foundation and concealer without settling in the lines. I am still a bit inexperienced with setting powder and have a few samples that I haven’t put to the test yet, but so far the Everything Powder is doing well to keep my face shine-free. It’s talc-free and has a light sweet scent.

Day 4 • Brow product // My brows are dark to begin with so I just need something to fill in the gaps. The NYX Micro Brow Pencil in Black is great because the tip is really small so the strokes look like hair. I love that it’s not waxy either. The Benefit Gimme Brow Volumizing Eyebrow Gel in 05 Deep is a great tint for those that need some colour…even my grandma uses it!

Day 5 • Mascara // It’s hard to choose just one…so I chose 4: 2 drugstore and 2 high end ones.

1) I love the Buxom Lash Mascara because it still makes my lashes look and feel natural.

2) The Essence Volume Stylist 18hr Lash Extension Mascara can curl my super straight lashes without using a curler.

3) I love the Revlon Mega Multiplier Mascara (read my review) because it can easily be removed with warm water and doesn’t give me panda eyes. *I received it in an Influenster VoxBox, but I will definitely be purchasing it with my own money.

4) And last but not least, I love the wand of the Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara.

Day 6 • Eyeshadow palette // I don’t own any full-sized high end eyeshadow palettes because I just can’t decide which one I want to actually purchase…there’s so many that I love! Most of the eyeshadows I own are singles and from the drugstore. I really love the Winterberry Palette from Coastal Scents and I love how pigmented and buttery the shades are. Check out my review here. I also really like the Bite-Sized version of the Too Faced Chocolate Bar. There are three eyeshadow shades plus the Chocolate Soleil Bronzer in the palette: Champagne Truffle, Salted Caramel and Semi-Sweet. All of the shades in the full-sized Chocolate Bar palette are really pretty so I’d consider getting that one.

Day 7 • Blush // Both of these are beautiful blushes that blend well and give the perfect pop of colour to my cheeks. The Smashbox Soft Lights Duo in Passion/Shimmer and the Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hr Blush in Paaarty.

Day 8 • Bronzer // I love both of these powder bronzers that I got as deluxe samples from Sephora. I would definitely buy the full-sized versions. I have loved everything I’ve tried that’s from Tarte (except for the Opening Act Lash Primer), so it’s no surprise I love this bronzer. I have Tarte’s Amazonian Clay Waterproof Bronzer in Park Ave Princess and Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer in Medium/Deep Matte. Both blend well. Check out my bronzer post for swatches.

Day 9 • Face Mask // I love Lush’s Cup O’Coffee Face and Body Mask and The Face Shop sheet masks (not pictured). The coffee mask lightly exfoliates my skin to make it feel nice and soft. The Face Shop masks refresh and hydrate my skin.

Day 10 • Highlighter // I absolutely love both of these highlighters: Wet N Wild’s MegaGlo Highlighting Powder in Precious Petals (read my review) and Maybelline’s Face Studio Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter in Molten Gold. They are both absolutely beautiful and pigmented, and they were a fraction of the price of a high end highlighter. I’m fairly new to the highlighting game, so I haven’t tried a ton, but a fave high end of mine is Urban Decay’s Afterglow 8-Hour Powder Highlighter in Sin. I really want to try a MAC highlighter, I have the Luna Luster Trip the Light Fantastic Powder and it’s also gorgeous (although not as creamy as the Wet N Wild or Maybelline ones), but since it was limited edition and would be hard to find, I decided not to include it in my faves.

Day 11 • Eyeshadow Singles // I don’t own a lot of eyeshadow singles. I have the Coastal Scents ones, but those are a hit and miss (some are more creamy and pigmented than others…although I do love the ones that come in the Winterberry Palette, Jewel Teal and Teal Green. Read my full review on the Winterberry Palette to see which shades are my faves.

I picked this Stila shadow up at Winners. It’s pigmented, creamy and absolutely beautiful. I have the shade Golightly. It seems like they don’t sell the shade on the website, but they have other beautiful shades. I got two of these for under $10 each.

Day 12 • Skincare // Skincare is such a broad topic, I decided to only choose products that I use on my face. The EradiKate Acne Treatment and COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches are great for pesky pimples. Read my review for the COSRX patches: here. The Cucumber Water smells really good, and refreshes and hydrates. I got it from Winners for $10, it’s by Pearlessence which I’ve never heard of before, but they also had Coconut and Rose-scented waters. The Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector has improved my dark circles over the past few weeks and my under eye area feels smooth and hydrated. The Pixi Peel & Polish gently exfoliates and makes my face feel soft. And of course, Vaseline Cocoa Butter Lip Therapy keeps my lips unchapped during the dry winter season.

Day 13 • Makeup brushes // I think it’s always a better deal to buy brushes in sets instead of separately. A few times, I’ve split a brush set with my friend or mom because I’ll need eyeshadow brushes, but my mom needs the powder brush or blush brush. I’ve only bought two high end brushes on their own: the Tarte Bronze & Glow Contour Brush was the most expensive brush I’ve purchased. It was definitely worth it though, it blends really well and it’s so soft. My second most expensive brush that I’ve purchased is a Bella Terra Bronzer brush, but the lady at the kiosk sold it to me as a powder foundation brush. It was the first expensive brush that I purchased and first one that was super soft. I love it and use it for powder foundation.

The Simple Glam Girls Lush Rose Gold Oval Brushes are so soft and much sturdier than a 3-pack that I bought at Winners. The “B” brush is the one in the picture. The smaller brushes (for eyeshadow, lips and concealer) take some getting used to, I still haven’t gotten the hang of them. It’s quite hard to blend eyeshadow because you don’t have the same control as a regular brush.

I included two brushes that I love, but the brand isn’t necessarily important, I just think everyone should have an angled blush brush and a fluffy powder brush to set your face. I got my angled blush brush from Arbonne and a huge fluffy brush from Winners for $10 (I think the brand is IB -Innovation Beauty, I’ve never heard of it, but it was so fluffy and soft, I had to get it). Same with the Shadow Brush from Sephora- it’s not necessarily the best brand and I’m sure other brands have better ones, but I got this in a set and it’s great for packing on shadow.

Day 14 • Lipstick // I love so many lipsticks, it was hard to choose just one, so I chose four nude/pink lipsticks because those are the two shades I wear most often. I also decided to go with ones that I just discovered this year. If you follow me on IG or read previous blog posts, you know that I love L’Oréal’s Colour Riche Collection Exclusive Lipstick in 370 J Lo’s Nude.

(L-R): Milani, Coastal Scents, Pixi, MAC

I prefer sheer/satin coverage, although I’ve added one matte lipstick. I love a red lip though and the L’Oréal Infallible Le Rouge in 337 Refined Ruby is a beautiful red for my skin tone (I don’t like orange-reds or pink-reds, I prefer blue-reds). First is the Milani Color Statement Lipstick in 26 Nude Creme. I love that the tube is gold, it looks so sleek and more expensive than it is, it also smells like watermelon jolly rancher. If you want to see a swatch, click here. Second is the Coastal Scents Lipstick in 2. The shade is very sheer, almost like I’m not wearing anything and it’s moisturizing like a lip balm. The tube is super light for some reason and it also reminds me of Hourglass packaging. Next is Pixi Mattelustre Lipstick in Plump Pink. Last is the MAC Lipstick in Brave (satin finish). Both the Pixi and MAC lipsticks are a bit more pink than I prefer, but they’re both beautiful shades and I love the finishes, I just prefer more nude shades.

Find out if all of these products are still my faves! Click here!

What are your fave products that you discovered this year?

Love,

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HITS

LIKES

MISSES

Primer & Colour Corrector

Foundation

Concealer

Eyes

Blush

Lips