Recent Purchases: Drugstore Buys, My Perfect Contouring Shade & A Fierce Pair Of Shoes

I have a performance coming up this Friday and I needed to stock up on some essentials; three of which, I've never tried before. There's always something exciting about testing a product for the first time, no? Which is why I found myself testing away at 10:30 PM a few nights ago.

Drugstore Buys

I've tried Quo lashes before, just not this particular style. I quite liked the ones I used prior; they were easy to work with and were very dramatic. The style didn't quite suit my eye shape though, so I was looking for a particular one to purchase instead: a dupe of MAC #21's (i.e.  shorter at the ends, longer in the middle). Let me tell you, I'm so glad I found these. They were half the price and while they may not be the same quality as MAC lashes, it's still an excellent product.

My (current) favourite eyeliner. It applies evenly & smoothly and doesn't give me a nasty rash like the Maybelline Waterproof eyeliner. That said, this product is definitely not perfect. The wand, for one thing; it's perfect after a few uses, but the first few times I use it to apply the liner are quite... Unpleasant. It's hard and feels abrasive on my eyelids; not good! Especially on an area with such delicate skin. Also, there is some slight migration going on after a few hours. It's easy enough to swipe a finger underneath the eye to clean up, but I wish I didn't have to. Other than that, I do like it.

I first heard about clear lip liner when I spotted one by Maybelline in the Drugstore. To say I was intrigued is an understatement. I mean, I have many different shades of lipstick and the thought of having to buy multiples just to match the shade was giving me a headache. I've done a short test on this and found that my lipstick definitely applied much smoother with this on. I'll make sure to review this again after I've tested it more thoroughly.

I've heard many people rave about Revlon ColorStay and now I know why. It's a really good product! Shopping for Drugstore foundation can be quite daunting but I was able to find my shade (without swatching, mind) thanks to Temptalia's Foundation Matrix. First of all, it blends so nicely (especially when applied with a duo fibre brush) and has great coverage (slightly more than Chanel Vitalumiere). 

It also has a nice, natural finish. There is a slight dewiness, but it doesn't make you look oily at all. It lasts quite a while, too; I wore it on Sunday for nearly 10 hours. Of course, I was wearing a primer and I did a very small touch up with bareMinerals foundation at the 8 hour mark (and I didn't even need it, I just did anyway :p), but still... 10 hours is impressive for any foundation, Drugstore or not. 

Did I mention after 5 hours of rehearsal in which I was perspiring, it was still intact? Well, it was. Brilliant!

My Perfect Contouring Shade

Contouring was new to me this year and all the products I use are matte bronzers. Which is fine if you want to look a bit tanner. Except I don't. Yes, my skin is quite light and I do like to keep it that way. Matching my blushes to my contouring powder was becoming a pain because the orangey tones would just clash too much (I was using Harmony by MAC and Physician's Formula Bamboo Silk Bronzer). 

So, I went on the lookout for a cooler shade. I initially wanted Taupe blush by NYX but none of my local retailers sell their blushes. I finally gave up on an inexpensive product and went to MAC. The lovely sales associate tried a number of blushes on me, none of which were promising. Too orange, too subtle, etc, etc. Then she decided on using an eyeshadow on my cheek, something I knew was perfectly fine to do, but never did. She picked Quarry and I fell in love.

It's the perfect cool taupe-y colour (MAC describes it as a "soft, muted plum-brown") and blends quite nicely (I use Sigma's F40 brush). All in all, it's a joy to use and is exactly what I was looking for. I love it so much already, I can only imagine how much more I'll love it as I continue to use it.

A Fierce Pair Of Shoes

I only own 1 pair of black high heels because I prefer to wear clothing that is more subdued in colour and really bring out the flash with accessories; specifically shoes. Well, the time came when I needed a pair of close-toed black high heels and I'm so glad I was able to find this pair by Chinese Laundry at my local Winners (basically it's Ross/T.J.Maxx but in Canada :p).

They're cute, no? A nice pair of black, platform pumps should be a staple in every woman's closet, I think. 

What are your recent purchases?

READ MORE - Recent Purchases: Drugstore Buys, My Perfect Contouring Shade & A Fierce Pair Of Shoes

Monthly Favourites - November 2010

In every Monthly Favourites post, I always say something along the lines of, "I can't believe it's ___ already!" or "Time is going by so fast!" Seeing as I would hate to break tradition, I have to say: November really really flew by for me. But I'm so happy it's December, because it means Christmas is right around the corner! But enough blabbering from me, here's my November Faves:

1. Revlon - Beyond Natural Skin Matching Makeup

I wasn't too jazzed about this foundation at first. I didn't feel there was enough coverage and I didn't really like the finish. But once I found the perfect way to apply it, I've been obsessed! I'd say it's around light to medium coverage and is absolutely buildable. It looks natural on the skin and really matches my skin better now that I use a brush instead of my fingers. I'll do a more in-depth review soon, but this has definitely been the base product I've reached for the most this month.

2. Sigma - F50 (Formerly SS 187) Duo Fibre Brush

It is thanks to this baby that I've fallen in love with the Revlon Beyond Natural foundation. But it works beautifully for other liquid face products as well. By stippling the product onto the skin and then blending it out, you achieve a gorgeous finish. Some say "airbrushed," but I've never used any airbrushing equipment on my face so I can't say for certain if that's the finish it achieves. But gorgeous is definitely a good word to describe the finish I achieve for myself.

3. Sleek MakeUP i-Divine Sunset Palette - Cranberry Shade

This entire palette is gorgeous; in fact, Sunset and Storm are probably 2 of Sleek's best palettes. But I've come to really enjoy this one shade in particular. I'm pretty sure it doesn't have a name, but it's a gorgeous red with a satiny finish. I've used it in two looks recently, one of which I posted yesterday. It's amazingly pigmented and the velvety texture allows it to blend quite easily. I never though I'd love a red eyeshadow, but there you go :p.

4. Lush - The Olive Branch Shower Gel

I've had this shower gel since the summer but I never used it until fall/winter rolled around. It just smells so amazingly warm that it feels more appropriate to use it when the weather's a bit chilly. No, it's not the most moisturizing of shower gels, nor is it a brilliant exfoliator; but it there's something so welcoming about it, especially when you shower with really warm water... That's why I love it so much!

5. Lush - Sympathy For The Skin Body Lotion

This lotion is definitely a staple for me in any season, but I've come to really  appreciate it this winter. Although it isn't technically winter yet, we experienced a period of below freezing weather and my skin has suffered for it. Sympathy for the Skin has kept my skin wonderfully moisturized; it retains moisture better and smells absolutely delicious. The combination of The Olive Branch and this lotion is especially glorious!

6. Lush - Angels On Bare Skin Cleanser

Angels on Bare Skin is really such a wonderful cleanser. It leaves my skin looking and feeling smoother and doesn't strip any moisture at all from my skin. Actually, I would feel comfortable saying it's moisturizing as well because I can get away with not applying moisturizer on my skin after using this product. Not only is it simple yet effective, it's also one of Lush's vegan products. It has natural ingredients and no parabens, sulfates, or any preservatives.

7. Nivea - Milk & Honey Lip Balm

Smells lovely (milk and honey? Come on!) and moisturizes just as well as my well-loved tinted lip conditioner from MAC. Also, it was less than $3. There is no losing with this lip balm! No fancy tricks here, but it's a very effective product. An more in-depth review is coming soon.

8. Revlon - Sugar Plum Nail Polish

Applies smoothly and effortlessly, plus it dries so incredibly quick! The shade is gorgeous, too. Perfect for the Holidays! 

Happy December, lovelies!

What were your favourites form last month?

READ MORE - Monthly Favourites - November 2010

NOTD: Revlon - Sugar Plum

This nail varnish is from Revlon's new(ish) line called Top Speed. Like the name suggests, it dries very quickly! Make sure to add a top coat, though! I didn't... Let's just say there's a lot of chipping going down on my nails right now. Nevertheless, it applies very smoothly & evenly and is so easy to work with.

But my favourite part about this nail polish is definitely the colour; how gorgeous is it? The deepness of the shade is perfect for the fall/winter but the shimmer "dresses it up" and makes it an awesome choice for holiday parties or events.

Plus, how can you not love the name Sugar Plum? 

What are you sporting on your nails right now?

READ MORE - NOTD: Revlon - Sugar Plum

Call It Beauty Does Halloween - Born In The 80's

Ahh, the 80s, with your big hair and garish makeup. Despite being supremely thankful I didn't have to go through my teens in the 80s, I must say I have a soft spot for that decade. So here's my take on the 80s look.

Products Used:

Revlon PhotoReady Foundation - Shell

bareMinerals Foundation - Light

MAC Studio Finish Concealer - NW25

MAC Paint Pot - Soft Ochre

Annabelle Cosmetics Mono Eyeshadow - Revolver

Sleek MakeUP i-Divine Palette (Circus) - Purple, Pink & Matte Black

Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes! Mascara - Black

MAC Blush Ombre - Vintage Grape

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish - Petticoat

Sephora Eye Shadow - Aspen Summit No23

Revlon Colorburst Lipstick - Fuchsia

Since I was in an experimental mood, I decided to mix some mineral powder (bareMinerals - Light) and liquid foundation (Revlon PhotoReady - Shell) together to get a better shade match for my skin (Shell is too light). I just mixed them together on the back of my hand and applied the foundation to my face with a Sigma F60 Foundation Brush.

For the eyes, I started off by applying Soft Ochre Paint Pot all over the lid. Then, I applied Annabelle Cosmetics' Revolver eyeshadow on the lid up to the crease and flicking out the outer edge.

Next, I applied a shimmery purple eyeshadow from Sleek MakeUP's Circus palette on top of Revolver. This eyeshadow starts a bit further in the inner corner than Revolver. Again, this eyeshadow flicks out in the outer corner.

Then, I applied the shimmery pink eyeshadow from Sleek's Circus palette from the inner corner up arching up to the brow bone, as seen in the photo above. Afterwards, I blended some Aspen Summit eyeshadow from Sephora to the brow bone to give a bit more shimmer to the eye. 

To finish up the eyes, I used some matte black eyeshadow to line the upper and lower lash lines, as well as the lower water line. After applying a few coats of mascara, the eyes were done.

For the cheeks, I first applied MAC's Blush Ombre in Vintage Grape very heavily to the back of the cheek. To add a bit of shimmer, I layered MAC's Petticoat MSF on top of Vintage Grape and applied Sephora's Aspen Summit eyeshadow to the cheek bone. The more garish, the better :p.

Lastly, I applied Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in Fuchsia straight from the tube. The 80s were about bright lipsticks, so this shade was absolutely perfect. 

And now for the finished look:

Hope you guys like this look!

READ MORE - Call It Beauty Does Halloween - Born In The 80's

Monthly Favourites - September 2010

I can't believe it's October already! Time sure does fly... I personally can't wait to bust out the sweaters, scarves and boots. And I love when the leaves start changing colour! 

Anyway, without further ado, here are my favourites from September:

1. MAC Powder Blush - Pinch O'Peach

I wanted a true pink blush and remember tossing around the names Well Dressed and Pink Swoon. However, when I swatched them in store, they just seemed much too cool for my complexion. Pinch O'Peach is perfect because shows up as pink on my skin, yet the hint of peach makes it wearable for someone like me. Plus, it's more pigmented than other pink blushes I've tried.

2. Bare Escentuals - bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation 

So when my skin suffered through a Meltdown, I pretty much gave up on bareMinerals ever giving me the coverage it used to. I replaced it with the Laura Mercier Mineral Powder, which I still adore. However, despite my best mediocre efforts, I did get a tad darker. So I gave bareMinerals another go (at this point, my skin was almost back to normal) and guess what? It's "working" again! It really does give great coverage and makes my skin look dewy and fresh. 

3. MAC Powder Blush - Harmony

That mangled piece of sadness is actually a blush (I assure you). I've started using Harmony to contour my face (which I've never done before, shock horror!) a few months ago and I'm a bit addicted to contouring now :p.

4. Origins - Mega Mushroom Moisturizer

As I've mentioned here, this moisturizer was a bit of a disappointment at first. However, lately (as I've since mentioned here) I've started using it again and I have to say i gives me the perfect amount of moisture. It leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth and doesn't make my face feel greasy after a few hours (unlike my Daywear Plus Creme).

5. MAC Eyeshadow - Cork

As I've already mentioned, I've been addicted to contouring, and that includes contouring my eyes. I've taken to using this for the socket and also between my nose and eyes to create more of a bridge (I seriously have none). Cork is pretty much perfect for this.

6. Revlon Nail Polish - Plum Seduction

I'm in love with this colour! It's a great consistency (thin, but reaches opacity within two coats) and doesn't leave brush strokes on your nails. It doesn't last long without a top coat, but the gorgeous colour more than makes up for it!

What are your September faves?

READ MORE - Monthly Favourites - September 2010

Revlon Colorburst Lipstick - True Red

So I was looking through my lipsticks a few weeks ago, I realized that I was missing a red lipstick. 

No, I lie. I own Media by MAC (an "intense reddish-purple"), but as the description suggests, it's much too strong for regular use. Well, at least for me, it is.

I decided on getting a drugstore lipstick because I know I won't be rocking a red lip all the time and it didn't make sense for me to spend up to $20 on a product I will hardly use. So I had a few products in mind aside from True Red: Revlon Super Lustrous in Ravish Me Red and Love That Red, Revlon Colorburst in Ruby, Maybelline Color Sensational in Red Revival... But they were either too orange, too deep, or too stinky (Red Revival, if you're wondering :p).

I wanted Dita Von Teese red lips, and the closest I got was True Red.

It's bright, it's amazingly pigmented, it's beautiful, it's everything I wanted in my first red lipstick. I remember reading a review that said this isn't a great red to go for if you're going red for the first time. I have to say, I kind of agree. This lipstick is bright and it certainly makes a statement. If you've never gone red before, you may want to ease yourself into it before picking up this shade.

However, if you don't mind people spotting your lips before the rest of you, go pick this up!

If you take a look at the right side of my lip, right at the top, there's a bit of feathering. As with all bold lipsticks, it's important to apply lip liner first to prevent bleeding. That being said, I love that the top of the Colorburst lipsticks are wide and flat because it allows for precise application; again, a very important aspect of wearing a red lip.

I previously thought the Colorbursts weren't that moisturizing (my lips felt pretty dry an hour after first applying Lilac). Maybe it was that particular batch or maybe my lips were just extra dry that day, but True Red doesn't feel drying at all. I'll have to whip out Lilac again to be sure.

Anyway, I personally can't wait to wear this lipstick out! I may have to pluck up a bit of courage, but I'm sure I can muster up enough :p. I may even wear it during the day and rock a "casual red lip" as Joy from Makeup Junkie likes to call it. I know, I'm a rebel...

What's your fave red lipstick?

READ MORE - Revlon Colorburst Lipstick - True Red

Revlon: Super Lustrous Creme Lipstick - Mauvy Night

Bonjour, lovelies! 

If you haven't already, please vote for my look in the Ultimate Makeup Junkie contest. I'm currently only at 30-something votes and I'll need all the help I can get in order to make it to the semi-finals. You can vote once per day until 8:59 am of the 20th. So please help a girl out! 

Now, off to the lipstick:

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick, according to the website, is:

Infused with silk and vitamins for smooth, conditioning colour.

I've never tried the Super Lustrous lipsticks before, although I have tried lipsticks from the Moon Drops (disappointing) and Colorburst (love) line. However, thanks to the lovely Rae of The Notice, I became aware of a gorgeous shade called Mauvy Night. 

The texture is lovely; it's very creamy and it applied so smoothly, especially considering my lips were quite dry when I took the photo above. But as you can see, it doesn't accentuate the dry parts and just gives your lips a great finish.

I also love how pigmented it is; I don't need to swipe multiple times just to achieve opacity and the pigments don't migrate to any lines; which, if you notice, i have a lot of! I got a solid 4 hours (no eating or drinking) before seeing any wear along the seam of the lips, which is pretty impressive to me. Then again, I'm not too keen on long-wearing lipsticks because I like to remove lip products before eating and will have to reapply anyway.

Now, all of this, plus a $5.99 price tag? Picking this up was kind of a no brainer. So if this all sounds good to you (and why shouldn't it?), then you need to pick this colour up. It's very Fall-friendly without being too dark and I feel that it's one of those universally flattering shades. If Mauvy Night isn't your thing, then at least try out the other shades. The Super Lustrous Creme's are great quality and the price is so fantastic, you really can't go wrong (unless you pick the wrong shade :p)!

Have you tried the Super Lustrous Creme Lipsticks before?

Any must-have shades?

READ MORE - Revlon: Super Lustrous Creme Lipstick - Mauvy Night