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