Recent Find: Becca Foundation

From my recent mini sephora purchase I had received a mini sample of Becca's Radiant Skin Satin Finish foundation in the shade Medium.  The sample came with 6 shades of medium foundation and you basically choose which one you feel would match you.  The sample is quite small, a round blob of foundation for each of the 6 shades, however at least you get to choose which one would suit your skin tone best.  I also liked how the foundation line that Becca has includes an array of shades for darker skin tones and an array of foundation types (satin finish, matte finish) and also powder versions as well.  I have not heard of this brand however I am glad that I got to sample it for myself.

While trying the foundation for the first time I realized the shade I had chosen was a bit dark for me, however I loved the overall look the foundation had on my skin.  The foundation is definitely `build able medium to full coverage.  Before applying the foundation I applied my holy grail primer by Benefit called "Porefessional" and applied the foundation using a dense round stippling brush.  I love how the foundation glided onto my face and really covered up my blemishes.  The foundation also lasted me through many of the wedding functions I had to attend.  I would definitely recommend trying out this foundation and seeing the results for yourself!

http://www.sephora.com/product/productDetail.jsp?skuId=1462449&country_switch=ca

Dry like the Sahara?

Cure for dry skin?

I have recently been experiencing unusual dry skin particularly on my face and have been searching for a remedy.  Yes, I have all the lotions and face washes to moisturize my skin however it just was not curing the problem.

One remedy which has helped me so far is using Olive Oil on my skin as a moisturizer or night time treatment.  Crazy right?! Well although combating oily/combo skin with oil sounds ridiculous it is actually an amazing remedy.  I realized that after using so many products which are oil free they have parched my skin of the essential oils it needs.  All you need is a basic type of Olive oil about a teaspoon or less and massage it onto your face.  I usually do this at night before bed and then I apply a tiny bit of moisturizer on top and I wake up with soft and smooth skin.  I have not noticed any breakouts from this remedy however you can also apply olive oil on your face before you shower and then rince it off accordingly.

Due to my location I cannot try any of those fancy face oils you get from Sephora but nonetheless this remedy has proven to work and probably much cheaper.  One of my friends also suggested grapeseed oil which would probably work as well.

Any remedies you have for your dry skin?  Let me know :)

Lost and Found: MAC Trip 5 Neutral Eye Palette

My new "Lost and Found" blog posts will be about old products which I have recently started to reach for and have found a new place in my makeup routine.  

I have been recently loving my MAC Trip 5 Neutral Eyes palette and I just can't get enough of it.  I am a total neutrals girl and on occasion I reach for colour shadows.  However, recently I have reaching for this particular MAC palette and I thought to share my views on it.

I do not think MAC carries this particular palette anymore however I am sure eBay might have some sellers who you can purchase it from.  MAC also has all these shades that can be bought separately in their stores or online.  This palette retailed for $38 and I bought mine at an airport stall.

The quad comes in a rectangular shape container and comes with five neutral shades, four of which have some shimmer to them. The palette also comes with a 213SE MAC brush for application and a huge built in mirror.  This palette comes with the eye shadows Bisque (Matte), Say Yeah (Veluxe Pearl), Sable (Frost), Mineralism (Lustre) and Bateau (Satin).
This palette is small enough to fit into your pocket and any makeup bag for travelling.

The eyeshadows have a good staying power and are pigmented.  

The shadows are versatile and can be used to create numerous eye combinations from day to night look.  

Swatches:

(Left to Right)

 Bisque (Matte), Say Yeah (Veluxe Pearl), Sable (Frost), Mineralism (Lustre) 

and Bateau (Satin)

First Impressions: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask

Hello Lovelies!

Today I will be doing a first impressions post on First Aid Beauty's (FAB) Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask.  This product comes in a tube container with 56.7g of product.  This product retails for $30 and I purchased mine at Sephora.

This mask is intended to nourish your distressed skin and rejuvenate it.

How to use: 

Apply a layer of the mask onto your face and wait ten minutes, then rinse off.  Use mask 2-3 times a week.

Impressions: 

I really enjoyed putting this mask on, the consistency is very creamy and the mask contains bits of oatmeal in it.  The mask smells pretty good, doesn't really linger onto to the face after you wash it off.
The mask really moisturized my skin as I just came back from a mini vacation filled with tons of sun exposure and late nights.  I felt like it rescued my skin and brought some of the moisture back into it.  It also left my skin feeling very soft.  One major plus point about this mask was the fact that it did not tingle or burn my skin, putting the mask on felt as if I was applying a moisturizer.  Also, this mask is perfect for sensitive skin!

This is a the first product that I have tried from the FAB line and I am really impressed.  I also heard great things about their Ultra Repair Moisturizer which is on my list of products to try.

Take care!

Foundation Series #8: Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF 15

Foundation Series #8: Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF 15

I will be adding another foundation review to my Foundation Series posts, this time I will discuss Bobbi Brown’s Skin Foundation SPF 15 in Natural 4. This foundation retails for $60 CAD (Canadian dollars) and comes in a 1oz container.  It comes in a glass bottle with a pump, which is very convenient.  The foundation comes in a variety of shades to match your skin color. 

So how to use this foundation? 

This foundation can be applied with a brush or by hand.  The foundation is a bit runny so I would be careful when applying it. I apply this foundation with a dense flat top foundation brush, which helps me blend the foundation evenly on my skin. In addition I also set the foundation with a powder or translucent setting powder. 

Results?

Firstly, what I like about this foundation is that it is very lightweight and has a creamy consistency.  Often I have mixed this foundation with my sunscreen and have gotten a really nice tinted moisturizer combining the two.  The foundation applies evenly on skin and it does not feel cakey or suffocating.  I like how my pores were somewhat diminished while using the foundation which is something that I am always insecure about.  

The coverage of the foundation is light to medium coverage but it is very buildable and you can set the foundation easily with a powder.  The foundation looks natural on the skin and as it states it actually feels like it has blended in with your skin so that your skin can breath under the makeup. 

Also, a bonus the foundation has an SPF, which is always good because protecting your skin from sun damage is very important.  I have not gotten any break outs while using the foundation and my skin has not reacted to any of the ingredients.  

Keep in mind that you may need to touch up if you have oily skin so keep a powder always handy. 




Cons?

If a primer or moisturizer is not applied before putting on the foundation the foundation does not last very long which is something to keep in mind.  I have noticed that I get really oily around the nose area and I need to touch up during the day.  

Also, you have to be very mindful of the glass bottle because if you knock it over from your makeup vanity it will shatter leaving you with a mess to clean up.   

The price is a bit steep for those on a budget however the way the foundation makes your skin feel amazing so it's worth a try.  

Tips:

As always before makeup application always remember to apply a good primer or moisturizer before putting on the foundation! 

You can also go to your nearest Sephora store and if they carry Bobbi Brown products and ask for a sample of the foundation to try before you make the big purchase.  They can also match you with your shade and advise you if the foundation is best for your skin type. 

Hope this helps and happy foundation searching =) 

Product Review: Bobbi Brown Cleansing Oil

Today’s review will be on Bobbi Brown’s Cleansing Oil.  I got this first as a sample size from a Bobbi Brown counter when I was purchasing some products.  This product retails for $32.00 for a 200ml bottle and it comes with a pump.  The Cleansing oil contains olive, jojoba oils and ginger root extract. 

The cleansing oil is supposed to rid of the dirt and makeup from your face after a long day.  I normally just used this for taking off my eye makeup and it does the trick.  I soak some product onto a cotton ball or cotton pad and I soak it onto my eyelid for a about 30 seconds and then I would wipe off my eye makeup.  I found this way to be very effective in terms of taking off my eye makeup efficiently and without irritating my eyes.  I have used this product to take off my makeup however because of my sensitive skin I just find that this product is not something for applying over my entire face.   I have tried MACs cleansing oil as well and that product completely broke out my skin and I did not repurchase it again. 

Overall Comments:

Thank god I got this as a sample as I would not purchase this product full size.  I think that there are better and cheaper brands out there that can remove eye and face makeup without spending so much money and doing just as good as this one. I have been recommended by my facial lady to try using face oils as a moisturizer and that is something that I do intend to try the next time I am in Toronto.  

Have you tried Bobbi Brown’s Cleansing Oil?  What are your thoughts on it?

Product Review: Origins Active Charcoal Mask

Today’s review will be on Origin’s Clear Improvement Active Charcoal mask.  This mask is to clear pores.  I got mine as a 100 point beauty gift from Sephora and it came in a 30ml tube.  I have not tried Origins products before and I was very excited when I saw this as a perk when I was purchasing items on their website.  
This product does come in a 50ml tube and retails for $16 (origins.com)

How to Use:

Use once a week or as often as needed.  Open pores with warm moist towel and layer on.  Allow to dry, rinse well.(Instructions printed on product)

I do like applying this mask with a brush as I can get the product all over my face and into the crevasses without having to use my fingers.  

Results:

Too be honest I am very reluctant to try masks on my face as I find that my sensitive skin does react to some ingredients, however I have been using this mask for a couple of weeks and I would say so far so good.  The mask has a smooth consistency and is gray in color.  As applying the mask your skin tingles and absorbs the product.  It took about 7-10mins for the mask to be completely dry which is when I rinsed my face off.  The mask rinsed off well without me having to scrub my face of the residue and I patted my skin with a clean towel. 

This mask is intended to unclog your pores and get rid of the dirt that tends to built up as we put on makeup and because of all the toxins in the air.  After observing my skin I did feel like my skin felt more breathable and brighter.  I did find my skin to be a bit dry after rinsing off the mask so I applied Korres Wild Rose moisturizer to balance everything out.    I also had a blemish on my cheek and I realized the next day after using the mask the redness from the blemish had reduced and the blemish had also reduced in size. Overall I can say that the mask has left my skin smooth and radiant and feeling and looking very clean. 

I would definitely repurchase this mask once my sample is finished.  I apply this mask on the weekends and it really pampers my skin from all it has endured through the week.  

Want more review on the different masks I have tried? Let me know! 

Product Review: Garnier's Body Intensive Lotion

Today I will be reviewing a recent lotion that I had purchased in December when I went for a short trip back to Toronto.  I purchased Garnier Body Intensive 7 days Repairing Lotion for Extra Dry Skin with Shea Butter.  This lotion comes in a 250ml bottle.  The lotion contains L-Bifidus which is suppose to protect skin and prevent moisture loss.  The lotion claims to be fast-absorbing, weightless, rich nourishing formula and non greasy. 

I purchased this lotion because the packaging was really eye catching and also because it seemed to be a product that would work for what I was looking for.  Also, I purchased it on sale for $3.99 at Shoppers Drug Mart and I thought it was a great deal for a lotion especially something that had just entered the market.  I live in a really humid place so I thought it would be best to purchase the extra dry skin formula as the sun is always sucking the moisture out of my skin and we are always going to the beach to swim and the salt water also leaves your skin very parched. 

While using this lotion I realized that it is very fast absorbing once you lather it onto your skin.  I apply this lotion all over my skin usually after I take a shower.  Also, the lotion is very lightweight, non-greasy and keeps your skin hydrated and moisturized for days.  The lotion does claim that once you apply it the hydration can be felt for up to 7 days and it really does leave your skin hydrated however I do apply the lotion every other day on my skin so I am yet to put that to the test.  I really like the scent of the lotion, as it is not an overpowering on the skin or to the nose.  Due to my over sensitive skin I did not find my skin to react to any of the ingredients which is always a plus.  This lotion has left my skin smoother and more vibrant.  Overall, I would say that all the claims that this product makes are accurate and I was not disappointed. 

I would recommend this product to anyone looking for a good moisturizer to purchase.  

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butters

Today’s blog post will be a review on Revlon’s Colorburst Lip Butters.  I purchased these a while back and I thought they were worthy of a blog post and review.  When I first heard about these lip butters I went a little crazy and purchased 6 from their collection.  The collection does contain 20 amazing array of shades and I was super tempted to purchase them all. 

Revlon’s Colorburst Lip butters are in between a lip gloss and a lipstick.  They are very moisturizing and pigmented .  The packaging is very chic and resembles that of a lip stick.  The lip butters have a very smooth application and glide onto the lips without any force.  Also, the lip butters are a lustre finish.  

One con about the lip butters are that they do not last all day, however they are super hydrating like a lip balm and can be applied whenever needed.  While wearing the lip butters I noticed that they lasted about three hours. 

I would really recommend this product to all those who are looking for a lip product, which is in between a lip, gloss and a lipstick.  The lip butters are definitely a product worthy of purchasing and repurchasing ;)

Hope this review helped!

From left to right:

Sweet Tart, Candy Apple, Cherry Tart, Berry Smoothie, Tutti Frutti, Pink Truffle. 

Product Review: Marc Anthony's 2nd Day Clear Dry Shampoo

Today’s blog post is going to be a review on Marc Anthony’s 2^nd Day Clear Dry Shampoo.  The product claims that it instantly cleanses, absorbs oil, adds volume and protects color without the wash.  This product retails for $11.99 and I purchased mine at Wal-mart.

Now, I normally am not a fan of dry shampoo and I just don’t find the need to put it on my hair however recently my friend told me that she uses dry shampoo not only for its purpose but also because it gives great volume to the hair.  Before moving to Tanzania I decided to buy a couple of hair care products and I thought dry shampoo was definitely something that I would not be able to get here. I have tried it numerous times and I am totally on the dry shampoo bandwagon!

Five Reasons to Buy this Dry Shampoo:

1.     It smells amazing!

2.     This dry shampoo comes in an aerosol container which is more convenient then those powder forms that I have tried in the past and can become messy and leave your hair looking white. 

3.     The dry shampoo leaves your hair with great volume and does not leave your hair feeling sticky or heavy.  I have flat hair and this product gave me the results I was looking for.  

4.     My hair did not look greasy and it reduced the oiliness of my hair

5.     The formula of the shampoo is clear so you will not see any residue on your hair or throughout the day

I would recommend purchasing this product as it does serve a dual purpose that of a dry shampoo and a spray, which adds volume to your hair. 

FAQ:

What is Dry Shampoo?

Dry shampoo is formulated for those who do not have time to take a shower everyday and also because it has been claimed by the beauty world that taking a shower everyday can reduce the essential oils from the scalp that your hair needs.  Dry Shampoo is supposed to be used on the 2^nd day as you have already showered the day before.  Dry shampoo has become a worldwide phenomenon and there are many dry shampoo products out there for you to test and try. 

Have you tried any dry shampoos?  Comment below and let me know!

Handbag Essentials

Hello Lovely Readers!

Today’s blog post is going to be about my handbag essentials.  I believe it is important to always carry some essential items in your handbag before you leave for the day, so here are my must haves.

1. Anti-bacterial Hand Wipes – I have the WetOnes brand.  These wipes are always handy when I finish up after my lunch or for one of those messy days.
2. Oil Absorbing Wipes – These wipes are useful for those really humid days and also for anyone who has oily skin and wants to keep it under control.
3. Tissue – It is always a good idea to keep some in your bag or to buy those convenient Kleenex packs, which fit into any purse.
4. La Fresh Wipes – These wipes have been an absolute savior, I currently have the “deodorant for women” wipe in my bag but they have plenty of varieties to choose from.  
5. Hand Sanitizer – working with children all day I am constantly washing my hands and applying hand sanitizer.  Also, germs are always present wherever you go and it’s nice to be a little protected with clean hands.  I use Bath & Body Works Hand Sanitizers and they also have really cute holders that you can buy to go with them.
6. Gum – It is always nice to have fresh smelling breath and just something to refresh your mouth and chewing on gum can also keep you away from unnecessary snacking.  Currently Chewing: Trident Layers in Fresh Peppermint
7. Pad/Panteliner – Sometimes you just have to be prepared for those moments and keeping an extra pad in your bag will just save you on those unexpected days.  On a side note I store mine in an super cute holder which I got from www.shopglitzyglam.com   
8. Purse size Perfume – It is always nice to smell good throughout the day and purse size perfumes or even sample sizes are perfect to fit into any purse or clutch.  Juicy Couture has a gift set that comes with 3 purse size perfumes and is a perfect way to try their amazing scents.  
9. Hand Cream – Moisturizing your hands keep them healthy and young looking and help them from cracking and feel dry.
10. A pocket mirror – I got my pocket mirror from the UK at Marks and Spenser and I absolutely love the packaging of it.  It is always nice to take out a cute mirror while fixing your makeup.  
11. Compact Powder – I don’t always carry a compact powder however when I do I like to carry my Maybelliene powder which is good for touch ups or I carry my MAC Mineralized Skin finish Natural.
12.  Headphones – Whenever on the go and whenever I have some spare time I like to pull out my headphones and listen to my Ipod.  
13.  Sunglasses – Living in such a sunny country I find myself reaching for my sungalsses more often.  Also, wearing sunglasses protects your eyes from the sun’s rays and just adds sophistication to any look.  
14.  Pen – I always find that when I need a pen it is never in my bag, which is why I now keep pens in every bag I know.    
15.  A small clip and a Hair tie – I cannot tell you how many times I have lost or broken my hair tie and had not a spare one insight.  I now always keep a small clip and hair tie for those days.  
16.  My favorite tea – I have an obsession with any kind of tea and I always keep a single tea bag packet in my bag for those days that I just need a cup of tea on the go or while I am working.  My current favorite: Twinning’s Pomegranate Black Tea, smells so good and tastes just as good!
17.  Lip Balm – I always carry either lip balm or a Lip gloss as I find my lips tend to get dry and it’s always good to keep them moisturized.  Current Lip product: EOS Lip Balm.  
18.  Medication – Last but not least I always like to carry some advil with me in case I get an unexpected headache.  I also keep gravol and allergy medication because I do sometimes feel nauseous and you never know when allergies pop up.  I also keep after bite wipes with me because I live in the land of mosquitoes and always find myself getting bitten by these pests. 

Hope you enjoyed a little insight into my handbag essentials.  

Post yours below in the comment section! 

Product Review: Korres Wild Rose 24hr Cream

Today’s blog post is going to be a review on Korres Wild Rose 24-Hour Moisturising & Brightening Cream, for normal to dry skin.  This cream comes in a 40ml round cylinder glass container. The cream retails for $44.00 on www.sephora.com.  I

I first started using Korres products when my friend introduced me to their foundation, which is also called Wild Rose Foundation.  I absolutely loved the foundation and I loved the fact that their products smelt and felt great.  On a plus point Korres claims that almost 80% of their products are from natural ingredients which is always a good thing when it comes to lathering on products on your face.  I bought the cream about 3 months ago because I have relatively dry skin and Korres skincare line seemed good to try out. 

Korres states that the cream contains wild rose oil which is a natural source of vitamin C and helps with fine lines and skin discolorations.  I absolutely loved the cream its lightweight and your skin really absorbs it well.  Also the cream smells amazing and you're left with soft smooth skin.  The cream also does not leave your skin feely sticky or greasy which I sometimes find with moisturizer especially living in such a humid country.  In reference to the brightening part it does give my skin a little bit of a glow but not something that I have noticed significantly.  Another thing which I love about this cream and Korres skincare brand in general is that their products particularly this cream has not broken me out which is a plus to my sensitive skin.  I usually apply this cream in the daytime along with an SPF and I also apply it at night and when I wake up my skin feels really moisturized and soft.  I would recommend applying this cream with a spatula just to keep everything hygienic because the cream does come in a container. 

Some cons about this cream would be that it comes in a glass container as most of Korres creams do and this can be tricky when travelling, you have to be extra precautious.  Another con is that the cream does not have an SPF which is disappointing, I know that the old Korres packaging of this cream did have an SPF 6 however I guess when they revamped their skincare line they did not add an SPF.  Lastly, some may say that this cream is a tad expensive and I can see the truth in that however a little does go a long way with the cream and it is a product worth trying.  

On a side note Korres does also have a whole collection of the Wild Rose skincare line and you can try out not only the cream but also other products. 

Hope this review was helpful.  Have a wonderful day! 

Photo courtesy of www.sephora.com.