First Impressions & Review: Rimmel Scandal Eyes Eyeshadow Stick

 These babies are eyeshadow miracle workers. Let's get the boring stuff out of the way shall we? Firstly, these are drugstore products, so they retail (depending on where you live) for approx. $4-9. For the amount of product as well as how bloody amazing these are, I certainly think its worth the price. 

I'm going to start with my negatives on this one. I don't particularly like the texture these have while applying. You have to be really gentle and mindful not to press down on the sticks too hard, or the tips will break off (this has happened several times because apparently I'm not graceful with product usage). I don't like that I have to stop and make sure I'm being careful enough not to ruin these.

That being said, these are so versatile; they can be used as bases, liners or plain old eyeshadows. As bases, they set well and provide a good colour for under other shadows (they also don't budge). As a liner, this will not smudge. I've used it both as a tightline and waterline product and neither transferred or smudges significantly, making them an everyday product for me. They are waterproof, so keep in mind they can be a bit of a bother to remove. As plain old eyeshadow, I think they work best in the crease or as a pop of colour in the middle of the lid. They're easily blendable but once set, won't fade.

As far as pigmentation goes, it only takes one swipe for a full blast of colour. As you can see, I went wild on my colour choice (ha!). I picked up 001 Witness White, 003 Bad Girl Bronze, and 008 Blackmail.

001 Witness White

This is a shimmery, light white that brightens up inner corners and works as a great highlight. My favourite use for this colour is as a base because it gives an even colour.

OO3 Bad Girl Bronze

This one is great for a natural brown shadow look. Also great for smoking up a dark brown smokey eye. One of my favourites as a liner because it matches several looks.

008 Blackmail

Perfect for waterline and tighlining. Takes smokey eyes to a new level. Slightly shimmery, but not overly noticeable and can be blended out if that's what you're looking for. 

Also, I wanted to throw in the waterproof pencil because it's just amazing. This one is in the shade 005 Nude, which gives the perfect natural look to the tightline. It cancels out redness and lasts longer than any other pencil on my waterline. I also like to use this as  base if I don't plan on doing much to my eyes because it holds its colour and goes well with my skin tone.

Favourite Lipsticks!

Hey there folks! Sorry I've been MIA, but I'm back with my four of my favourite everyday lipsticks and swatches. (Sorry if the colours look off, my lighting ain't so good). I like to apply a chapstick before lip liner, and then follow with the lipstick. 

MAC A52 Creme Cup (approx. $15)

This is one of Mac's creemsheen lipsticks, which is a fancy way of saying that its pretty glossy without adding a gloss on top of it. Fun fact: this was actually my first ever MAC lipstick, hence the overuse and mistreatment of my tube (sorry!). This colour is gorgeous, really light pink and a really girly colour. It balances as a nude for me because I find that more skin toned colours wash me out. The one bone to pick with this one is its formula; I prefer matte to glossy lipsticks and this one can be very drying and gather in the dry crevases of your lips. Just something to keep in mind. 

Rimmel's Kate Moss Lasting Finish 109 (approx. $9)

This lipstick is for my more bold days when I'm looking for long lasting, bold lips. Let me start off by saying this formula is glorious. By far my favourite drugstore lipsticks at the moment simply because they have such a nice (matte!) finish and lasting colour. This colour is very coral and borderline orange, but paired with a pink lip liner I find it suits me well (as coral is hard for me to wear). This lipstick is so versatile; I like to dab it on my lips for days when I want more of a long lasting stain that doesn't look as harsh. Definitely give this line a try!

Make Up Forever Natural N19 (approx $23)

This is the go-to colour for those days when I'm running out the door and trying not to look like a mess! I like to say this colour is my lip colour, only better. It truly enhances the natural colour to my lips but adds a subtle pink sheen to them that just looks flawless. It's the sheerest of my favourites but definitely worth it. 

MAC AC2 Lovelorn (approx. $15)

This formula is definitely one of the better ones as far as Mac goes for me. It's not as glossy as the cremesheen, but not totally matte either. In fact, its probably the perfect in between. Its a much deeper pink than Creme Cup so again, for my more daring days when I want to look put together. More moisturizing than the cremesheen as well, overall a great lipstick (and for $15 you can't go wrong)

Left to right: Mac (Creme Cup), Rimmel (109), Make Up Forever (N19), Mac (Lovelorn)

What are your favourite lipsticks? Do you change colours seasonally?

First Impression & Review: Marcelle BB Cream (Light to Medium)

Hey there folks, today's up for another first impression and review of the Marcelle BB Cream, which has quickly become part of my everyday makeup routine. 

I love a full coverage when it comes to foundation, but you should know upfront that this product will not provide like a full coverage foundation. This BB Cream does, however, claim to moisturize, even out and brighten skin, and help protect and improve skin's appearance. 

When I use this product, I typically moisturize first because my skin does tend to get dry. I then apply it with my Real Technique's Buffing Brush to get more coverage, or with my fingers for a lighter application. It's a sheer enough coverage that I feel the need to add concealer on problem areas, and then I set with a powder and continue with my everyday makeup products.

The consistency is a little thicker than a typical liquid foundation but I'd still consider it a liquid. It smooths onto the skin beautifully and blends seamlessly, leaving a matte finish. There's no SPF in this BB Cream, which I'm not complaining about because I don't need to worry about flashback. 

Although this is a light coverage, it can be built up with a few extra layers to gain coverage without looking cakey. I also like to set this in place with Mac's Fix+, which contributes to a flawless look on the skin. 

I have two shades out of the three available. Light to Medium is a good match for my skin but since it is so blendable, I can also use Medium to Dark if need be. Also, since I've been getting a bit tanner, blending them together has made for a good shade as well. The last shade I believe is supposed to suit all skin tones, but I'm generally wary of those because everyone's skin tone is different. I really don't think there can be a single shade that would suit everyone. 

Have you tried Marcelle's BB Cream? What did you think? Do you prefer a foundation to BB Cream?

First Impressions & Review: Maybelline's The Falsies Big Eyes

This little bugger caught my eye straight away. I should mention before we get started that I did purchase mine in the waterproof formula (which tends to hold a curl better than non-waterproof formulas and doesn't smudge). Also, volume is important to me in a mascara. I'm ridiculously picky about this sort of thing, but it's just how I do. Anyway, on to the fun stuff!

I was mostly interested in this mascara because I've been searching for a smaller wand to use on my lower lashes. To be honest.. that was it. I'm more than happy with my Maybelline's The Falsies mascara for my upper lashes as it is. This one does give a different look however, so it's worth a try.

Upper Lash Wand:
This mascara goes above and beyond when it comes to lengthening and distinguishing each lash from the next. I was surprised at how well it separated and coated lashes within one or two swipes. One coat would have been enough but I opted for two, just to test. Although I didn't expect this mascara to volumize my lashes, it did. It was just about my perfect combination of length and volume all in one.The curl held up all day long; no smudges, no complaints. After applying this in the morning I can confidently say my lashes looked exactly the same as I was preparing to remove it at night. Needless to say, I was very very impressed.

Lower Lash Wand:
Nice and small for getting onto those teeny little lashes. My only complaint with this is that I found it didn't thicken or volumize my lashes at all, it kind of just made them known. I know lower lashes typically aren't as bold as the upper lashes but I was hoping for a little more with this wand. Regardless of this, it didn't smudge and that's an A+ in my book.

Removal: 
I was dreading removing this mascara. Dreading. It.
Can you blame me? It's the waterproof formula, and those are NEVER fun to remove. I used a no name waterproof makeup remover on one eye and Bioderma on the other, to make sure I wasn't testing the skill of my removers but rather the mascara itself. Both worked generally well, but Bioderma being a stronger solution was able to remove the product more successfully. Not as bad as I had anticipated though. In short, certainly not the worst.

Have you tried out this mascara or another Maybelline mascara? Do you prefer high end brands?

Favourite Brow Products

First up is applicators! Before doing anything else, I always brush out my brows with the Eco Tools Lash and Brow Groomer. When using a powder or gel to do my brows, I always grab my Real Techniques Brow Brush, which is angled for precision and perfect for filling in my brows. After using any of the products below, I also blend out with my Eco Tools brush to evenly disperse product. Tip: If you don't have a spooley brush, clean the wand of an old mascara and use that! Works just as well (make sure to get all the mascara off the wand though, if you don't you might look a little too bold). Personally, I don't set my eyebrows with any sort of gel just because I never felt the need to and hey, if it ain't broke don't fix it.

The Natural Look:
For natural brows, I always gravitate towards the L'Oreal Studio Secrets Eyeshadow Quad in 824 Landscape. I use the colour on the top right (#1), which is an ashy, cool toned taupe sort of colour. I think it looks really natural in my dark brown hair and would work well for lighter hair colours as well. Any colour similar to this would work pretty well. I like to apply it with my brow brush in small strokes, normally only where the hair is more sparse and needs some colour. If you want a natural look, brush the hair up with a spooley brush and follow the natural arc of your brows. Fill in only where necessary and don't extend the tail. Brush through again with the spooley to disperse product evenly.

The Bold Look:
If I want brows to look strong and last, I use Make Up Forever's Aqua Brow Waterproof Eyebrow Corrector.  I can't stress this enough, a little bit of this product goes a long way. I normally barely squeeze a small dot onto my hand and this lasts me both brows and then some. I usually exaggerate the arc of my brows with this, easily making them look fuller and extending the tail slightly for a bolder look. This stuff is waterproof, sweatproof, heatproof whatever you want to call it. It lasts. I have also used it for lighter looks but it can be wonderfully built up to as bold as your little heart desires. I always brush it through with a spooley to make it look a bit more natural and less drawn on.

In the Middle:
This is probably the brow product that I use the least out of my favourites. Mac's Penultimate Brow Marker  is great for fast application. I don't particularly like the colour payoff as it is a warmer tone, but perfect if I'm on the run and all I care about is not having sparse eyebrows. It's also great to throw into your purse and do on the go. Small strokes is key, and always always blend out with a spooley. I also find this doesn't last as long as a powder does on my skin, but again, gets the job done. 

How do you do your brows? Which look do you prefer?

Favourite Drugstore Concealers

The following four concealers are by far my favourites from the drug store. Just a quick note, I set all my concealers with Make Up Forever's Pro Finish Multi-Use Powder, so this may contribute to the longevity of the products mentioned. Also, I vary in application from my ring finger, to the Real Technique's Foundation Brush or Domed Shadow Brush. So here are my favourites! (in no particular order)

Maybelline's Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser: 
This product doubles as a concealer and highlight for me as it is very light and thin. Light coverage. It's very easy to blend as well as apply. The packaging twists the product into the sponge applicator at the top making it pretty effortless and good for precision. As far as pricing goes, I believe I picked this up at Shoppers Drug Mart for approx. $10. As you can tell by the image it's been used and abused so it's definitely a lasting product. There isn't much of a colour range from what I've seen but they all look very similar in hue and I think it matches most skin tones nicely.

I typically use this under the eyes as a highlight rather than concealer and on the top of the cheekbones. Personally, I'd never put this on a blemish simply because it's brightening properties would only cause attention to the area. On days when I want less coverage, this is the concealer to grab. It gives a bright, airbrush sort of finish that looks glowy and radiant. Be sure to blend the edges out well because I find that it can sometimes be a bit too bright. Beware that these sort of products can flashback however, so if pictures are going to be taken I'd leave it out. 

As fas as long wear goes, this concealer has lasted me all day long without creasing. It does tend to fade, which is why I layer it with another concealer.

Revlon ColorStay Undereye Concealer:
This concealer is my go-to along with Maybelline's Dark Circle Eraser. They work wonderfully together. This product has about light to medium coverage and blends out beautifully. I bought this for approx. $11 at Shoppers Drug Mart, and it has lasted me for quite some time. The applicator is similar to Maybelline's, so again, easy to apply. I'm not totally sure about the colour range. From what I've seen I don't think it was extensive, but don't quote me on it.

I use this product only under the eyes. It gives a matte finish and manages to cover my dark circles decently well, both with the Dark Circle Eraser underneath it and without it. It can be drying, and at the end of the day can crease on me occasionally. I'd recommend making sure to moisturize the eye area before using this product or skipping it if you have very dry skin or very fine lines.

Revlon PhotoReady Concealer:
This concealer contains SPF 20 and cost me approx. $10. Its packaged in a tube resembling a lipstick (which I think is always cute) so it's easy to throw it in your purse for touchups. Its consistency is what you'd expect of a stick concealer, a little thick but blends out nicely. I'd say light to medium coverage.

The formula itself can be drying, so if you have very dry skin or dry patches, I'd steer clear of this one. I typically apply this to blemishes or my acne scars, around my nose and anywhere that looks too red for my liking. It can look cakey if you apply too much and also if it is not thoroughly blended out. Although SPF is a good thing, again I'd be wary of photos because it does tend to flashback. 

L'Oreal True Match Super Blendable Crayon Concealer:
This concealer is similar to Revlon's Photoready concealer stick although I'd say it is a little more blendable. The product twists up which is great because it means no hassle with a sharpener. I find that this concealer when first applied is light to medium coverage but it can definitely be built up a few extra layers without looking cakey. It has never dried out my skin and blends seamlessly into my foundation.

I like this concealer mostly for blemishes and redness, but I have used it under the eyes before. When under the eyes it is a bit drying, but nothing too drastic. I like this one just a teeeensy bit more than Revlon Photoready. 

What are your favourite drugstore concealers? Do you think high end brands have better concealing products?

Night Time Skin Care Routine

Well folks, here it is; my very first post. This is my nightly routine for makeup removal as well as skin care. My skin is dry to combination but very very acne prone. My main issues right now are acne scars and hyper-pigmentation so this routine revolves around treating both these issues. 

Step 1: Makeup removal
The dreaded time of day when you know that waterproof mascara will be a pain to scrub off your delicate little eyes. Have no fear, my latest love in removing both eye and face makeup is none other than the much raved about Bioderma (approx. $7). Now I live in Canada, and having known about this product for ages (but it being universally unavailable here), you can imagine my rapid heart palpitations in the middle of the Shoppers Drug Mart aisle when I saw this tiny bottle. It is by far the best makeup remover I've ever owned. Totally soft, easy to use, and leaves skin feeling soft and clean. A little goes a long way with this product so just dab a few drops on a cotton pad and you're good to go.It's definitely a holy grail item. 

Step 2: Cleanse
This product is recent in my collection but has easily made its way to my favourites list. I was told it was dermatologist recommended so naturally I took a stab at it. The Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (approx. $20) is great for those with sensitive skin. I've had this for about three weeks and I can already notice a slight improvement in my skin (particularly my acne scars). Although I should warn you, this does not remove makeup as it claims. Always always always remove your makeup before using this cleanser or I'd suggest cleansing maybe two or three times to get all the gunk out. A couple tips for this step: cleanse for about 60 seconds. This sounds like nothing but while washing your face, 10 seconds flies by. It is important however, because it ensures that the cleanser has completely worked into the skin. Listen to some music while you cleanse and it'll pass by in no time. Another tip: adding some epsom salt to this cleanser makes a great exfoliator as well as acne fighter. Just sprinkle a little into the palm of your hand and cleanse as usual. I try to do this once or twice a week. 

Step 3: Tone
Clinique's Clarifying Lotion (approx. $16-27) is part of their 3-step skincare recommendation. Not much to this part, just put some on a cotton pad and drag over the skin. It's very cooling and non-drying, and since I pair with a gentle cleanser the gentle exfoliation is appreciated.

Step 4: Treat
This step is optional for me. I use Sudocrem which, yes, is baby butt cream intended for rashes but I swear to you that it works. This stuff has faded my acne scars, shortened the life span of zits, evened out my skin tone and reduced redness. Apply this sparingly to problem areas and let it sink into the skin (you may look like a ghost but it's worth it). If your skin dries easily I'd suggest using this as a spot treatment only as it can be quite drying. Holy grail item. Also, the tub practically lasts forever so it's really a cost-efficient way to treat acne as well as scarring (although I can't remember it's retail price, it is a drugstore product). Note: you will smell like a baby's bottom for a minute or two.

Step 5: Moisturize
Always start with the eyes, if you're crazed enough about your undereye area to have a moisturizer dedicated to that one spot (like I am). No.7 Lifting & Firming Eye Cream (approx. $20) is the one I'm currently using. This one is pricey for my liking, but it does the job. Dot along the undereye area and pat in with your ring finger.Next up is my all over face moisturizer. It's a very underdog brand because well even I hadn't heard of it. The Bee By the Sea's Sea Buckthorn and Honey Face Cream (approx. $30) has been wondrous for me. I know, the price is up there but for skin care I'm usually willing to splurge. I'm no expert but the ingredients in this moisturizer are virtually all natural. It has a light honey scent and smooths into the skin beautifully. Applying this at night makes my skin radiant in the morning; it reduces redness and calms any zits that may have shown up while you slept. Another holy grail. 

Thanks for tuning in. Feel free to comment or send me a message with any of your personal experience with these products or any others! What are your holy grail products?

Please Note: Any prices listed are based off the individual store I bought the products and prices will vary depending on the country you live in.