Mini Haul!

I was at Walmart yesterday and decided to pick up a few things this is what I got

Swatches

- Rimmel Lip Liner in "Rose Quartz"

- Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner in Black

- Wet n Wild Lipstick in "Rose-Bud"

- Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick in "17"

After I tried the lip liner I wasn't a huge fan. It's not horrible, but it's a bit drying, however I did not try it with a lip balm underneath. When you apply lipstick over top of it, it gives your lips a very nice rosy colour. The one thing I didn't like, when I didn't smile you could see the cracks on my lips but when I smiled my lips looked perfectly smooth.

I'm loving this Maybelline Master Precise Eyeliner! I always put an eyeshadow on my eyes to make sure everything stays in place. The felt tip is extremely easy to work with and this eyeliner will not bleed. However I do not recommend this for a "waterproof" eyeliner. It stays on very well but if you accidentally rub your eye too hard or get it wet then it does smudge very slightly. Having said this, it wont just slide off your face or come off if you accidentally touch your eye. On the plus side it comes off easily with makeup remover.

I'm really liking these lipsticks! I've always been a fan of the Kate Moss lipsticks. They're very nicely pigmented, smell great, and don't dry out your lips. Their staying power is medium. They stay on nicely but if you go out for a night of eating and drinking you will have to reapply. I was pleasantly surprised by the Wet n Wild lipstick! I've never tried one before but I decided to buy one because they're super cheap. I actually love the consistency of this lipstick. It goes on super smoothly with an very vibrant colour and it has nice staying power. It doesn't settle into the lines on your lips. I think I might have to go out and get more!

Shaving Tricks: No More Redness!

For years I've suffered from dermatitis which has made my skin constantly itchy and red and of course shaving would just irritate it more and cause me to get scars all over my legs. After years of trying different things I finally found something that worked and now I will share it with you!

Whenever you shave always use luke warm or cool water, this will automatically create less irritation because it brings down your body temperature. When you shower with hot water it will create redness and inflame the skin.

I always wash my body with an Aloe and Vitamin e soap. You can find these at your local health food store. These are very natural and extremely gently on sensitive skin. It doesn't dry out your skin like normal soap does and it also helps to moisturize and even fade scars.

It's always a good idea to use a shaving cream/gel when you shave so that it creates a smooth canvas for your razor and it will create less abrasion on the skin. I use Aveeno Skin Relief Shave Gel. I have used so many shaving creams in the past and they've all made my legs itchy but this one uses colloidal oatmeal which is very calming and it helps reduce razor burn.

The key to shaving is finding a good razor. Many people have different preferences but for me personally I hate women's razors! They always leave my skin irritated no matter what brand I use. Then I discovered the Gillette Fusion razor! It has 5 blades plus 1 trimmer. It's good to have a razor with more blades because it helps lessen irritation. I am in love with this razor! It also has a moisturizing strip at the top which leaves your skin silky smooth. You wont be disappointed.

Remember to shave in a downward motion going with the grain of your hair. This will reduce irritation. 

What you do after shaving is also extremely important! I use both of these products regularly. Even though I don't have dry skin I love to use Eucerin Dry Skin Calming Cream. It absorbs super fast and really moisturizes well and it will help reduce redness and itchiness. I use this cream on days where I'm in a hurry or when I don't have time to wait for a moisturizer to sink in. I also love using coconut oil on my legs. It's extremely moisturizing and in a matter of about 1-2 months it has actually dramatically reduced the appearance of the scars on my legs. The only downside is that it doesn't soak into the skin very well so you have to let it air dry for a long time.

For those of you that get those itchy red bumps on your bikini line this will definitely help! I was always skeptical about trying Bikini Zone but then I finally broke down and bought it and I absolutely love it! I've always tried using natural moisturizers like shea butter around my bikini area but it only produces a short term effect. Bikini Zone cream instantly stops itching and reduces redness. I've used a lot of other bikini area creams but none of them have worked as well as Bikini Zone.

Date Night Makeup

Step 1: Prime face with Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer

Step 2: Prime eyes with Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

Step 3: Apply your favourite foundation. I'm using L'Oreal True Match

Step 4: Cover the lid with a champagne coloured eyeshadow, I used "Champagne" from Smashbox The Masterclass 2 Palette

Step 5: Blend a purple eyeshadow into the crease and in the outer corners of the eye. I used "Vice" from Urban Decay's Vice Palette

Step 6: Blend a bright pink colour into the crease and blend upwards towards the browbone. I used "Noise" from Urban Decay's Vice Palette

Step 7: Use a light white coloured eyeshadow for the browbone. I used "Anonymous" from Urban Decay's Vice Palette.

Step 8: Using a liquid eyeliner create either a small or dramatic wing eyeliner. I used Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner.
Step 9: Finish the eyes using Maybelline The Rocket Mascara
Step 10: For lips I have used "Hot Gossip" by MAC.
Step 11: Even though it's hard to see in this picture, I applied Nars "Orgasm" blush to my cheeks.

Revlon Colorstay, Hit or Miss?

Since I have very oily skin I tried Revlon Colorstay for Combination/Oily Skin. For me this foundation is a miss. I had an extremely hard time finding a shade that would match my skin so I ended up buying 2 colours but the weird thing is that they both had different consistencies. The first colour "Ivory" was extremely watery and it had an extremely light coverage. The second colour "Nude" had a thick consistency and was a bit hard to blend into my skin. I felt like all the samples at the store seemed to have different consistencies which was very strange. Also this foundation made me break out with tiny little bumps all over my face which are extremely itchy. I'm not sure if many of you know but Revlon has changed their formula for this foundation. I love drugstore products but was not impressed at all by this foundation. I know many people love it but it didn't agree with my skin.

Yup it's here, the Beauty Blender dupe!

One of the most popular items that people have been looking for a dupe. We've finally found one that has a very similar quality to the original beauty blender, you wont be disappointed! Check it out under "Dupes"

Nail Art Reviews

Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen

Price: $8

I wanted to love these but I've never been a fan of Sally Hansen products and I was not impressed with this nail art pen. It is very easy to use and is great for creating cool designs on your nails. The reason I don't like it is because it doesn't dry! I waited almost an hour after using this pen to do my top coat and it took the nail art right off my nails. It definitely does not dry quickly and I don't recommend this product. 

L.A. Colors Art Deco

Price: $3

I love this product! It comes with a very thin brush which makes it easy to create designs on your nails and it comes in a huge variety of different colours. I currently have Black, White, and Silver. This is a must have and it's great for the price!

Subtle and Sexy Clubbing Makeup

Sorry for the bad lighting, the colours appear more vibrant in person

Step 1: Apply Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer to the face, and apply Urban Decay Primer Potion to the eyes.
Step 2: Apply foundation, I'm using L'Oreal True Match in "N2 Classic Ivory"
Step 3: In circular motions with a fluffy brush apply "Nars Orgasm Blush" to the apples of the cheeks
Step 4: Put a white base on the eyelids, I used NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in "Milk"
Step 5: Put a champagne colour eyeshadow on the eyelids. I used Smashbox "Champagne"
Step 6: Put a light taupe colour eyeshadow in the crease and blend upward towards the brow bone, I used Smashbox "Dusk"
Step 7: Put a darker muddy taupe colour in the crease and blend upward, I used Smashbox "Haze"
Step 8: Use a black liquid eyeliner to create a slight winged look on the upper lid. I used Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Eyeliner in "Black"
Step 9: Finish off the eyes with 2 coats of volumizing mascara. I used Maybelline the Rocket Mascara in "Black"
Step 10: To finish off the look put a thin layer of lip balm to the lips and apply a bright pink lipstick, I used Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick in "06"

Perfume Must Haves

I've never really been into those strong floral or musky perfume scents but these are my top 3 must have perfumes. You have to try them out!

(Left): Juicy Coutour "Viva La Juicy"

Price: $80

(Middle): Jennifer Aniston 

Price: $31

(Right): Kat Von D "Saint"

Price: $70

Drugstore Powders

I've always had a hard time finding a nice powder to go over my foundation that will keep me matte throughout the day. These are 3 drugstore powders that I have tried.

(Left) Rimmel Stay Matte: Everyone raves about this powder and how it keeps them staying matte all day. I bought the colour "translucent" and for me it was nothing special and is comparable to every other powder. It definitely didn't keep me matte throughout the day and I would have to reapply it at least 4-5 times a day and then it would look a bit cakey.

Price: $6.71

(Middle) L'Oreal True Match Super Blendable Powder: I really like this powder, it doesn't keep me matte all day, I still have to reapply it a few times per day but I find it does make my foundation stay on longer and it never leaves your face cakey looking.

Price: $9

(Right) Marcelle Monochromatic Pressed Powder: I love this powder but it's a bit pricey for drugstore products. I've been a fan of Marcelle cosmetics for years, I personally love their original pressed powder formula better but it's discontinued. It's super lightweight and it instantly leaves your face shine free when you apply it, but you will have to reapply it a couple times throughout the day. Overall this has always been my favourite pressed powder. 

Price: $19.95

Holy Grail Red Lipstick

Clinique "Red-y To Wear"

Price: $19

I have very pale skin but this colour compliments every skin colour. 

It has a matte finish and will last all day even after eating and drinking.

Mini Sephora Haul

1. Smashbox The Master Class 2 Palette
2. Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tanner
3. The Art of Shaving, Shaving Cream

I'm in love with this palette! The left side contains 28 eyeshadows and the right side contains 4 eyeliners, 6 blushes/bronzers and 2 shimmers.

The pigmentation of the colours are amazing and I love how you can create a simple or dramatic look with this palette! If you want to see swatches let me know.

Urban Decay Vice 1 vs. Vice 2

Note these are not my personal images

 Top: Urban Decay Vice 1

Bottom: Urban Decay Vice 2

Is the Vice Palette 2 worth it? According to Urban Decay the Vice 2 palette contains all new colours. All the colours are very unique and I found 3 colours that are similar to each other in both palettes. The colour that are similar are:

1. "Blitz" and "Strike"

2. "Junkie" and "Damaged"

3. "Jagged" and "Stash"

A couple things I personally don't like about the Vice 2 palette is that some of the colours are similar to each other. For example the pinks seem to be kind of close in colour and same with the 2 purple colours. I'm also not a fan of how many glittery/shimmery colours it has. The Vice Palette 2 only has 2 matte colours (Habit and Rewind) whereas the Vice Palette 1 contains 5 matte colours (Desperation, Chaos, Black Market, Anonymous, and Laced). What first impressed me with the Vice Palette 1 is how unique it is. Some of the colours and bright and unusual with a mixture of neutrals. The Vice Palette 2 has a bit more neutral colour scheme and I think it would be a great starter kit for someone who wants to experiment with colour.  They both come with an amazing double ended amazing quality brush. The colours in both are extremely pigmented and you will never be disappointed with the quality of their eyeshadows. Would I purchase the Vice 2 Palette? I personally wouldn't just because I love the versatility of Vice 1 and I know I wouldn't get as much use out of the Vice 2 Palette. However this is just my personal preference and I would definitely recommend this jewel toned palette. You can make both neutral and bold looks and the quality is worth it.

October Favourites

Sorry I'm a bit late on this!

Here's a few products that I find myself using more and more this month and I couldn't live without them.

Bee By The Sea Body Cream: I love this body cream, it's super moisturizing and it uses natural products which are great for the skin. It contains honey and sea buckthorn seed oil which is highly moisturizing and is great for fading scars. People with eczema will also love this! Price: $11

EcoTools 6 Piece Essential Eye Kit: I love EcoTools, they're great quality and are eco friendly. The bristles don't fall out when you use them and it holds a good amount of product. Price: $10

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser in "Neutralizer": I love this product! I actually picked it up on sale for $3! I've never had luck finding an under eye concealer that wasn't cakey. This formula is very creamy and it hides dark circles and it also wont crease!

Maybelline The Rocket Mascara: I find the brush is a bit weird but it goes on very smoothly and it really volumizes the lashes. I got it in the non-waterproof formula. It reminds me of Benefit's They're Real Mascara but it's a lot cheaper! Price: $7

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in "Milk": This is an amazing white eyeshadow base that makes eyeshadow colours pop. It has a nice creamy consistency and is very gentle on the eye area. I use a primer underneath it. Price: $5

My Skincare Routine

I'm in love with Simple Skincare products! For years I have suffered from dermatitis and sensitive skin. I swear I have spent hundreds and maybe thousands of dollars to find a cleanser that wont irritate my skin, and I finally found one! The best part is that all these products are very cheap! All of these products use skin friendly ingredients and vitamins. These are very gently products and you wont see results right away, but you will see results gradually after a few months.

Refreshing Facial Wash Gel: I love this product and a little goes a long way. It has a very smooth texture and glides nicely on the skin. It does not leave your skin feeling dry and tight. It contains no soap and no perfume which makes your skin feeling highly nourished. I use this twice a day (morning and night).

Soothing Facial Toner: I apply this to my skin using a cotton pad and gently moving it in circular motions around my face. It leaves your skin slightly tight feeling but that's what toners are supposed to do. It contains witch hazel which is great for pores and it removes any excess dirt from your face. This toner is also alcohol free! I use this twice a day (morning and night).

Hydrating Light Moisturizer: This is my holy grail skincare product. I love this moisturizer so much! I have very oily skin but this moisturizer sinks into the skin in only a few seconds and does not feel greasy and it will not make you look shiny. It leaves your skin feeling moisturized all day long. It contains vitamin e which is very moisturizing and healthy for your skin. I use this in the morning after I cleanse and tone my face.

Coconut Oil: Coconut oil has truly saved my skin and I use it religiously. Since I have dermatitis over the years I have accumulated many scars all over my body which has always made me very self conscious and I could never find a product that would help. I began using Maison Orphee Organic Virgin Coconut Oil twice a day on my body and my scars have drastically faded. You can also use coconut oil in your cooking as a replacement for butter and oil. It can also be used as a leave in conditioner for your hair to help repair damage and bring back moisture. 

Halloween Baking

I had a craving for cupcakes and if you know me you will know I'm not much of a cook lol. I decided to make these chocolate cupcakes with reese's peanut butter cups in the centre. They were surprisingly delicious! My boyfriend came over later on and helped me decorate them. Enjoy!

Pencil, Gel, or Liquid?

There is always a debate as to what type of eyeliner is the best. I tested 5 different eyeliners from 4 different brands to see which brand and eyeliner works the best.

In order from left to right

• Almay Intense I-Color in "Black"
• Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil in "Zero"
• Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in "Intense Black"
• L'Oreal Infallbile The Super Slim Liquid Eyeliner in "Black"
• Stila Smudge Pot in "Black"

Swatches

• Almay is very buildable and can easily be used to smudge and make a smokey eye. Nice consistency and lasts all day on the upper lid and will wear off in a couple hours on the waterline.

• Urban Decay has a very nice creamy consistency which feels totally different from the Almay pencil. It's very intense and has nice color payoff. It does smudge even though it says they're smudge proof. Lasts all day on the upper lid but does not last in the waterline like people claim. I personally don't really like this eyeliner because it's expensive and you have to sharpen it after every use because the creamy consistent wears out extremely fast.

• Stila liquid eyeliner has a very shiny black intense colour. However it bleeds waaay too much on the skin and on the upper eyelid. It's hard to get a smooth line because it bleeds. The felt pen is easy to use and it has amazing colour payoff. It will not smudge and is definitely waterproof. 

• L'Oreal has a very intense black colour that isn't as shiny as Stila's. The felt tip is easy to use and it does not bleed on the skin! It will not smudge at all throughout the day. My only complaint is that it dries out a bit quicker than normal liquid eyeliners, but it still lasts quite a long time. It is somewhat waterproof but it will still come off quite easily in water.

• Stila's gel eyeliner is a bit softer in colour. It's more of a very dark grey than a black. The consistency is nice and smooth. I think it goes on better with an angled brush compared to a thin eyeliner brush that is shown in the picture. I find that you have to use a lot of product in order to build up the intensity.

After Smudging

As you can see Almay's pencil and Stila's gel liner smudged the most. Both liquid eyeliners stayed in place which are what they claimed to do, and Urban Decay pencil does smudge even hours after you apply it which Urban Decay claims "it will not budge".

The Verdict

Pencil Winner is Almay Intense I-Color

The price is great and it lasts forever. Perfect for smudging for a smokey eye or it can make a strong crisp statement when sharpened.

Liquid Winner is L'Oreal Infallible The Super Slim Liquid EyelinerThe price is amazing and so is the quality. It wont bleed and it's very easy to control and perfect for doing winged eyeliner. It wont smudge when you rub it with your hands and you get a very intense black colour with one stroke.

I couldn't be bothered repurchasing Stila's Smudge Pot. For the price it's not worth it. It has a great consistency and texture but the color payoff isn't the best and it's harder to work with.

My overall favourite would have to be L'Oreal Infallible Liquid Eyeliner. I hope this helped you when choosing a new eyeliner

In love with this dress

I got this gorgeous dress at Dynamite on sale for only $20! I can't wait to wear it out. What are some of your bargain finds?

Good Deal

I picked up these 2 lipglosses today for just over $2 each! I've never really liked wearing lipgloss because it's always so sticky but these are great buys. The colours I got are "Soft Wine" (left) and "Soft Coral" (right). They aren't too sticky which is nice and the colour payoff isn't bad. Soft Coral is more of a clear colour and looks nice over lipstick.

New Shoes!

I got these cute black ankle boots and cobalt blue flats today. I'm totally in love! I can't wait to try these out, they will be great for the Fall season.

Best Dark Circle Concealer Ever!

Today I finally tried the Maybelline Dark Circle Eraser Concealer in "Neutralizer" and I must say it's the best concealer I've ever used! I've used many concealers in the past and they've all never covered my dark circles and they've looked dry, cakey, or settled into the lines under my eyes. This Maybelline concealer has the perfect creamy consistency that isn't drying but isn't greasy. A little goes a long way and it instantly covered my dark circles. I even got comments on how bright my eyes looked today. I would suggest trying this if you haven't already.

Changing it up

Hello! Some of you might remember my old blog on weebly. I've changed over to blogger but I will be posting all of the same things that I had on my old blog. For those of you who don't know me, my name is Shauna. I'm 21 years old and from Canada. I have no professional beauty training but beauty is a huge passion of mine. I graduated from college a year ago in interior design. I've created this blog to share my love of makeup and to share some beauty secrets that I've come across. I hope you enjoy reading my blog and don't be shy to talk to me! (: