#LoveMaybellineNewYork ~ Review + Swatches

Thanks to Chick Advisor, I was able to test out some new and cult-classic cosmetics from Maybelline. I received 5 products to review and after using them for a few weeks now, I'm ready to share my thoughts!

First up we have the Master Camo Color Correcting Kit in shade 100 light. This palette has 6 pans; 2 colour correctors, 2 concealers and 2 highlighters. I have some redness in my cheeks and the green colour corrector did a great job of concealing it. The concealers were a good match shade wise, and helped to conceal the slight shadows under my eyes. I did find that they creased, but when set with powder it was minimal. The highlighters were a bit of a disappointment. I prefer a blinding highlight and these were too difficult to build up. If you like a subtle highlight, then you would probably like them.

Next up is the Brow Precise Perfecting Highligher in the shade 300 light. After filling my brows in I always use a highlighter or concealer to help further define them and to conceal any stray hairs. I found the shape of this highlighter very user friendly. The formula is super creamy and easy to blend. The shade is just slightly lighter than my foundation so it provided very subtle and natural highlighting. This is a product I will be re-purchasing!

As a highlighter addict I was very happy to see the Master Strobing Liquid Illuminating Highlighter in my package. I received the shade 100 light and it's a very pretty pink hued highlighter. I love how versatile the Master Strobing Liquid is! I can add it to my foundation or lotion for an all-over glow or apply it to the high points of my face to highlight or strobe. This is a very bold highlighter (my favourite!) however it can be blended out for a subtle sheen. I plan on purchasing this in the gold hue to try next because I love it so much!

I was also sent the Colossal Big Shot Mascara and I'm sad to say that it didn't quite live up to the hype. I have long lashes, but they're straight and lacking in volume. I found that this mascara didn't add much volume and it clumped a bit. I could work around that, but it flaked when I applied more than one coat and that is a big no-no.

I was also sent the Fit Me! Matte + Poreless foundation. I've heard so many great things about this foundation and I was eager to try it out. Unfortunately, I received shade 122 Creamy Beige which was too cool for me (although it doesn't look like it in the photo). I was unable to wear it, so I don't have a review.  But.. I did swatch it for you all 😊

If you're not a member of Chick Advisor, I highly recommend you sign up! Chick Advisor is the place to go if you're looking for quality reviews on pretty much anything. From beauty to fashion and food, Chick Advisor covers it all. There's also a community forum where us chicks can chat about everything under the sun. And they have amazing review opportunities such as this! Visit www.chickadvisor.com to learn more and to join this amazing community of women (and a few men!)

*PR samples were provided to me in exchange for my honest review. As always, all opinions are my own!

MAKE UP FOR EVER's Brow Gel ~ Review

Brows; you either have them or you don't. If you fall under the latter like I do, luckily there are plenty of options to remedy it. I wasn't born with the most bountiful brows and thanks to excessive waxing/tweezing in my youth, I have even less to work with. I've recently transitioned away from the overdrawn instagram brow into more natural ones. I've tried everything from powder to pomade and I've found that the easiest and most natural brows are created using brow gel or brow mascara.

After using benefits gimmie brow for a few years I decided to branch out and try something new. I decided to pick up MAKE UP FOR EVER's Brow Gel during Sephora's spring vib sale and I'm so glad I did!

I chose the shade 25 dark blonde for two reasons; I recently dyed the ends of my hair golden blonde and although I'm a natural brunette, I find a lot of brow products that are marketed for brunettes to be too dark. Add in the fact that I have naturally frosted tips (i.e. brown/blonde brow hairs) lighter brow products are closer to my natural brows so they suit me best.

MAKE UP FOR EVER's Brow Gel (6ml, $25) is available in 5 shades, one of which is transparent. The Brow Gel helps to fill in, groom and strengthen brow hair. It also comes in a squeezable tube which I really like.

First of all I have to say that the shade I chose (25) is absolutely perfect! It's a dark, neutral blonde (read not too warm nor too cool) and it is suitable for blondes and brunettes alike. What you see is what you get shade wise; it doesn't darken upon application.

There are two different sides to the brush (angled and flat) to fill in and shape. If I'm being honest here, I have to admit that the brush is too big. Unless you have naturally large, lush brows, the brush may prove to be a challenge. The one positive about the brush being larger is that the gel doesn't clump up nor does it deposit heavy amounts of product at once like the smaller brushes tend to do.

I liberally apply MAKE UP FOR EVER's Brow Gel and use a Q-Tip to clean up around the edges. It only takes a few seconds and I don't see it as an inconvenience. Honestly, I do this with all brow gels/mascaras anyways.

As far as wear goes, MAKE UP FOR EVER's Brow Gel holds my brows in place for the whole day without feeling crunchy, fading, smudging or flaking. Honestly, I can live with the oversized brush because the product itself is so good👌 (although I would like to see the brush downsized a bit).

Have you tried MAKE UP FOR EVER's Brow Gel? What's your ride or dye brow product? Let's talk in the comment section below 👇

#AdventuresAreGold ~ Gold Bond's Medicated Anti-Itch Products

There is so much to look forward to in summer. Gorgeous weather, longer days and countless outdoor activities (read festival season 🙌).

It's important to protect yourself while spending time outdoors. Sunscreen is so important not only to avoid uncomfortable sunburns, but to prevent skin cancer and premature aging. But sometimes we forget to apply sunscreen or reapply it after swimming or excessive perspiration. Life happens.

I've recently discovered Gold Bond's Medicated Anti-Itch products. Not only do these products treat minor skin irritations, they help to soothe sunburns, minor cuts/scrapes and bug bites (another unpleasant summer experience).

Gold Bond's Medicated Anti-Itch Cream (28g, $6.50) is a fast acting cream that temporarily stops itching and helps to take the edge off of minor boo-boos (can you tell I'm a Mom?) This quick fix cream contains a unique blend of emollients, Aloe and Vitamin E to gently soothe irritated skin and two medicated anti-itch ingredients: Menthol 1% and Pramoxine Hydrochloride 1% for fast acting itch and pain relief. Gold Bond's Medicated Anti-Itch Cream is a first-aid kit must have and is just the right size for your purse, diaper bag or gym bag.

The cream is relatively thin, easy to spread and has that typical menthol scent which is similar to vaporub. It is definitely fast acting, providing immediate relief from itching. My youngest daughter likes to hug our cat and if you have cats you know how that ends - scratch! I've used this cream on her and it takes the pain and subsequent itch away. If you have kids and cats or just kids you're going to want to keep this handy. And don't forget to bring it with you to outdoor festivals or while camping to stop the irritating itch from mosquito bites!

Gold Bond's Medicated Anti-Itch Lotion (155ml, $9.99) is similar to the anti-itch cream in that it provides relief from minor irritations, bug bites, sun burns and more but this one is better for wide spread skin issues as well as dry skin. This lotion is what your going to want to put on your sun burns or anywhere you have larger surface area irritation. Gold Bond's Medicated Anti-Itch Lotion contains emollients Aloe, Vitamin E and Vitamin B5 to soothe dry, chapped skin and to moisturize. It also contains medicated ingredients Dimethicone 5% to protect skin, Menthol 0.5% and Pramoxine Hydrochloride 1% to provide fast acting pain and itch relief.

I suffer the occasional bouts of eczema and dry skin. I have used this on my itchy, irritated skin and have loved the instant relief. It removes the itch and leaves my skin feeling hydrated - what more can you ask for? Gold Bond's Medicated Anti-Itch Lotion has the same medicated menthol scent as the cream, however, I find that it's not quite as strong and it fades fairly quickly.

Both of Gold Bond's Medicated Anti-Itch products are dermatologist tested, steroid-free and fragrance-free. You can find Gold Bond products at most mass retailers and drugstores. For more information, visit www.goldbond.ca

Have you tried Gold Bond before? Do you have any exciting plans for this summer? Let's talk in the comment section below 👇

Summery Treats ~ Lypsyl's Newest Lip Balms and Bodycology's Creamy Vanilla Line

We had a taste of summer last week and it got me thinking of all things summer. Sweet treats, lighter fragrances and of course, the beautiful weather! In honour of summer I'm sharing some sweet treats for your lips and body. All of these products are available at your local Walmart stores and are very much affordable. High-five!

Lypsyl has released three new scents/flavours of Yummy Sticks Lip Balm (4.4g, $1.49) and they scream summer to me. There's Sweet Mint & Basil, Sea Salt & Caramel and Passion Fruit & Chocolate. My favourite of the three is the Sweet Mint & Basil. I love the tingle you get from mint lip balms and this one delivers! Unfortunately these lip balms didn't really have much flavour to them, though they do smell good. They are very hydrating and feel amazing on my lips which at the end of the day is the most important factor to me anyhow. If you're looking for a fun, affordable, paraben-free and vegan lip balm, these are pretty darn good!

Bodycology is a brand that's new to me so I was pretty excited to try their new Creamy Vanilla Line (various weights, $6.97). Upon opening these bottles I was instantly in love! The vanilla scent is so delicious, it reminds me of cake and ice cream. So good! The Moisturizing Body Wash lathers well and leaves a very light fragrance of vanilla on the skin. The Moisturizing Body Cream is very rich and quite thick - a little goes a long way with this stuff. I find it is a bit heavy feeling at first but it does absorb into the skin and doesn't feel so heavy after a few minutes. When initially sprayed the Fragrance Mist smells rather strongly of alcohol, likely because it's the first ingredient. Luckily the alcohol evaporates quickly and whats left is the sweet and subtle scent of vanilla and light florals. When layered with the body wash and lotion, you'll be smelling amazing all day. Another bonus is that they're cruelty-free!

Have you seen any of these products in your local Walmart? Would you try them? Let's talk in the comment section below 👇

MAKE UP FOR EVER'S Water Blend Foundation ~ Review

Last week I shared how I achieve a flawless, natural complexion with MAKE UP FOR EVER's Ultra HD line (see here) and today I'm sharing another one of my favourite MAKE UP FOR EVER complexion products, Water Blend Face & Body Foundation.

MAKE UP FOR EVER's Water Blend Face & Body Foundation (50 ml, $54) is a lightweight, water-gel face and body foundation that provides sheer to buildable coverage. The finish is natural looking, slightly dewy and is formulated with over 80% water. This foundation is available in 20 shades that are divided into two categories; Y (warm undertone) and R (cool undertone). I wear the shade Y225 Marble.

Water Blend Face & Body is extremely lightweight and versatile. It can be worn very sheer for a slight wash of colour to even out my skin, or built up for more coverage on days where I have a bit more redness in my cheeks. I have some acne scarring and although this foundation doesn't completely conceal it, it certainly helps to make it less noticeable. If I have any active breakouts, I just use MAKE UP FOR EVER's Ultra HD Invisible Cover Stick Foundation to conceal them.

I love the finish and feel of Water Blend Face & Body Foundation! It's so lightweight and feels like water on my skin. It's very fluid, spreads and blends easily, looks natural and it adds instant luminosity to my face. Due to it's high water content, it tends to separate in the bottle, so it needs to be shook well before use. I prefer to apply this foundation with my fingers or a foundation brush. I have tried using oval brushes and beauty sponges but I feel that they absorb too much of the product.

I have tried using a few different primers with Water Blend Face & Body and my top two to pair with it are MAKE UP FOR EVER's Step 1 Skin Equalizer Primer (the Hydrating one) and Burberry's Fresh Glow. If I'm really wanting to glow, I'll add in some of MAKE UP FOR EVER's Star Lit for some serious glow (review here).

Typically anything labelled 'dewy' won't last more than a few hours on my face since I have combo skin. When I wear this on top of primer and set it lightly with MAKE UP FOR EVER's Ultra HD Microfinishing Loose Powder (review here), it will last the whole day. I honestly wasn't expecting it to wear for that long, but it surprised me.

If you're looking for a lightweight, buildable foundation that looks just as good as it feels, I suggest you give this one a try.

MAKE UP FOR EVER's Water Blend Face & Body Foundation is available both in-store and online at www.sephora.com

Have you tried Water Blend before? Do you prefer light, medium or full coverage foundations? Let's talk in the comment section below 👇



*PR sample was provided to me for editorial consideration. As always, all opinions are my own!

NeoStrata's Hydrating & Plumping Sheet Mask ~ Review

I never quite got the hype around sheet masks until a little box from NeoStrata showed up at my door. I've tried many sheet masks and found them to be uncomfortable, awkward and the end results never really 'wowed' me. Being a beauty lover and blogger, I have held out hope for the one that would change my mind. It looks like NeoStrata's Hydrating & Plumping Sheet Masks did!

Formulated with 0.15% hyaluronic acid and a blend of botanicals, NeoStrata's Hydrating & Plumping Sheet Masks rehydrate the skin and replenish it's moisture barrier.

These masks feel thicker and fit better than most sheet masks I've tried. There's enough space around the eyes, nose and mouth to allow me to see and breathe comfortably. When applied I experienced a calming and cooling sensation which was very pleasant!

After leaving the Hydrating & Plumping Sheet Mask on for 15 minutes, I removed it and rubbed the side that wasn't in contact with my face on my neck and decollete (why waste that precious serum when you can treat these often neglected areas too!)

The first thing I noticed was that the wrinkles that are forming on my forehead were far less noticeable. My face looked plump, radiant and my skin looked even. There wasn't much residual serum left on my skin, but I massaged my face gently anyways. My skin felt smooth and hydrated, not sticky at all.

I typically use hydrating masks before bedtime, but this is a mask I'd use in the daytime before going out. The hydrating and plumping effect makes my skin look great and I want to show it off!

I'm incredibly impressed with NeoStrata's Hydrating & Plumping Sheet Masks and will be purchasing them again and again. If you're not a fan of sheet masks, I recommend you give these a try, they may just change your mind (they certainly changed mine!)

NeoStrata's Hydrating & Plumping Sheet Masks are sold individually for $8.50 and are available across Canada in most major drugstores. To find a store near you, click here to visit NeoStrata's store locator.

Are you a fan of sheet masks? Do you have a favourite mask? Let's talk in the comment section below 👇


*PR samples were provided for editorial consideration. As always, all opinions are my own!

Conair's Curl Secret ~ Review

Conair's Curl Secret has been around for a while now, but I was hesitant to try it because I felt like my hair was too short. Thanks to Brill Communications and Conair, I was given the chance to try it risk-free and so I did!

I'm sure you've seen the commercials but in case you haven't, It's essentially a curling tool that does all the work for you. To put it simply, hair goes in straight, hair comes out perfectly curly. And yes, it is that simple!

My hair is currently on the shorter side of medium length and is cut in an asymmetrical angled bob. My hair is naturally very fine, straight as can be and very curl resistant. I'm terrible at doing my hair in general, let alone curling it. The curls are always uneven and in different directions. I gave up trying to curl it a while ago but the Curl Secret sounded very promising.

The Curl Secret (SRP is $119.99) has 2 temperature settings (low and high) as well as 3 timer settings (8,10 and 12 seconds). For tighter curls, you would use the highest heat setting and the longest time setting. For looser curls and waves, you would use the lowest settings. Basically you select your settings based off of your hair type, texture and desired outcome. There's a handy how to guide in the box to help if you're not sure. Once it's ready to use the red light will stop blinking and go solid. There's only one way to insert your hair and there's a label on the unit letting you know which side faces your head. You place your hair inside the Curl Secret, squeeze the handles and wait. Once your hair is curled, the unit will beep 4 times and you can release the handles. To allow the curl to set, you can't brush it or comb it until it cools down.

Conair's Curl Secret has a few safety features that I love. For starters, it has an anti-tangle feature to prevent hair from tangling in the chamber (that was a huge concern of mine), auto shut-off after 60minutes, sleep mode and motion sensor to bring it out of sleep mode. It also has a 6 foot swivel cord!

 /Source/

After washing and drying my hair I thoroughly combed my hair. plugged in the Curl Secret, switched it on and selected the highest heat setting because my hair does not like to hold a curl. I found it incredibly easy to curl the hair on the sides of my head but the back was a lot more challenging. I don't think that it has anything to do with the design of the Curl Secret, rather my lack of experience curling my hair. The curls turned out consistent for the most part, aside from the back where my hair is shorter. Unfortunately my hair resisted the curl and it didn't last as long as I had hoped. I think with the proper styling products I may be able to prolong it. On the bright side, I had some super trendy waves going on!

I'm very impressed with how easy it is to use Conair's Curl Secret and the fact that it can be used on shorter hair too. It took me about 20 minutes to do my hair because I'm not used to curling, but with a bit of practice, I could probably get it done in 10 minutes. I can't wait to play with it more and perfect my technique, I'm sure I'll be a pro in no-time!

For more information on Conair's Curl Secret, including where to buy, visit www.conaircanada.ca

Have you used Conair's Curl Secret before? Do you have any suggestions on styling products to hold curls? Let's talk in the comment section below!

*A PR sample was provided for editorial consideration. As always, all opinions are my own!

I Love My Followers ~ Instagram Giveaway!

As a small token of my appreciation, I've decided to host my first ever Instagram giveaway! All of your likes and comments don't go unnoticed, I see them all and they mean the world to me. I've met some truly beautiful souls online, people whom I call my friends with pride. I've even met some of you in person; an experience I'll never forget. I wish I could gift you all something. Maybe one day..

I could go on, but I might tear up (and we all know that this mascara is too expensive for tears 😂) so without further ado, let's get into the fun stuff; the giveaway 🎉

This giveaway is not sponsored; I bought all of the full sized and travel size products with my own money. The deluxe samples were GWP's (I spent money to get them) and the samples, well I didn't pay for those (they're just little extras). I may (at my discretion) add more to the prize. No substitutions will be made.

This giveaway is open Internationally to those over the age of 16 (with parental permission) and will be shipped via Canada Post. If there are any customs or duty fees, you will be responsible for them. I will package the items as best as I can, but I can't guarantee they won't get damaged during shipping.

Rules

• Must follow me on Instagram
• Like the giveaway photo
• Tag three friends who love beauty (no celebrities or famous accounts)
• ABSOLUTELY NO GIVEAWAY ACCOUNTS
• No DM's, if you have a question, leave it here or on the giveaway post 
• Account must be public

and that's it, you're entered! If you would like bonus entries, check out the rafflecopter form below!

*Do not follow to unfollow after the giveaway ends. I keep track and you will be blocked from any and all future giveaways. I 👀 you.. don't be that person 🙅

a Rafflecopter giveaway



A note about winner selection..

I will be combining the entries I received on Instagram with the rafflecopter entries and assigning them all a number. I will then be using a random number generator to select a winner. Please allow up to 72 hours for a winner to be declared. Once the winner is chosen, they have 24hrs to respond; if not, I will select a new winner. Play nice and good luck!

My MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Routine ~ Review + Swatches

It's no secret that MAKE UP FOR EVER is one of my favourite brands (see here, here, here and here) so naturally I had to try their foundation. I'm late to the party here (which is a shame because this line is really, really good!) but as they say; it's better late than never!

Skincare is very important when it comes to creating your perfect canvas. I start off by applying MAKE UP FOR EVER's HD Skin Booster (12ml, $51) as the final step in my skincare routine. The HD Skin Booster is a hydrating serum rich in hyaluronic acid and argan oil extract to hydrate skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines. This booster illuminates the skin and makes your makeup work harder and last longer.

This hydrating face serum has a nice, silky texture and absorbs quickly into my skin. It illuminates my skin immediately on contact, imparting a healthy glow and it leaves my face feeling hydrated.

After allowing the HD Skin Booster to set, I apply MAKE UP FOR EVER's Step 1 Equalizer Primer (30ml, $45). The Step 1 Equalizer Primer is available in 11 different formulas/finishes to suit your skins needs. In the cooler months I like to use the Hydrating Primer to combat dry patches and add a little extra hydration to my skin. It's very light-weight and is perfect for normal to dry skin-types; hence the reason it's considered the universal primer in the line.

I've recently discovered the Smoothing Primer and I absolutely love it! If you have enlarged pores and fine lines, MAKE UP FOR EVER's Smoothing Primer is perfect for you. It's similar in texture to Benefit's POREfessional, perhaps a little bit thicker, but it applies much smoother and feels way lighter. It helps to fill in my pores and minimize the appearance of the few fine lines I'm developing. The Smoothing Primer helps to create the perfect canvas for my foundation and it helps to ensure my makeup lasts all day (a major must-have for me). An added bonus is that it smells great! It has a delicate botanical scent that I love.

With hydrated and primed skin, I move on to MAKE UP FOR EVER's Ultra HD Invisible Cover Stick (12.5g, $52). With 20 shades to choose from, it's easy to find your perfect match. Ultra HD foundation is divided into 2 categories; R (red or cool undertone) and Y (yellow or warm undertone). The finish is described as natural, it provides medium to full coverage and is formulated with hyaluronic acid spheres for time-released hydration. This foundation is geared towards normal to dry skin types and thanks to advanced technology, it's invisible to the 4K lens. If you like to take selfies or make videos (whatever kind, no shade here 😝) you need this in your makeup bag!

MAKE UP FOR EVER's Ultra HD stick is portable which makes it great for touch-ups and travelling. You can use it as a foundation, highlight or contour depending on the shade you choose. I have the shade Y225 Marble and it suits my light, warm-toned complexion perfectly.

Heavy swatches of the conceler (top) and foundation (bottom) in direct sunlight

Concealer (top) and Foundation (bottom) blended out. See how they're not visible? That's how you know you have the perfect match! And all that redness is gone 

MAKE UP FOR EVER's Ultra HD stick is probably the easiest (and cleanest) foundation I've ever used. I basically draw a line on each section of my face and blend it in with a buffing brush. If my skin is looking good that day (not a lot of redness or active breakouts) one layer is enough to give me medium, natural coverage. If my skin isn't looking so great, I'll build the coverage up to full by adding another layer (after letting the first one set for a minute or so). I love that I can layer and blend to my desired level of coverage without looking cakey. The finish is perfect - not matte, not dewy, just natural. Like my skin but better. And it looks amazing on camera, perfect for those Instagram selfies!

Once I'm satisfied with my foundation, I move on to concealer. I like to use MAKE UP FOR EVER's Ultra HD Invisible Cover Concealer (7ml, $34) under my eyes to hide the fact that I don't get enough sleep. This formula features an anti-dark circle complex with radiance boosters , pure focus pigments that reflect light to erase shadows and hyaluronic spheres to prevent moisture loss. There are 6 colour correcting shades and 8 concealer shades available.

I use the shade Y23 and it's perfect! If you have light to medium skin with yellow undertones, this is the shade for you. This concealer has a great consistency - not too thick and not too thin. A little goes a looong way (seriously) and it doesn't crease when set with powder. I didn't find that it creased that bad without the powder, but still, better safe than sorry. I like to put a small drop on the back of my hand and use a concealer brush to apply it to my eye area. Once it's on, I lightly tap it in to blend.

I also use it to highlight and clean up my brows (prior to applying foundation). This is a great way to hide those baby hairs in between plucking or waxing. Plus it really looks good! Hello Instagram brows 🙌

The final step in my MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD routine is setting it with the Ultra HD Microfinishing Loose Powder (8.5g, $44). This is a very important step if you want your makeup to last all day or if you have combo/oily skin. The Microfinishing Loose Powder has been revamped for more optical blurring and to be even more transparent. The silica and silicon-based formula delivers a naturally matte finish, light-diffusing effect all while minimizing the appearance of pores and fine lines. This HD powder is translucent, suitable for all skintones and is invisible under a 4K lens. Pretty impressive, right?

The first thing that caught my eye was the unique mesh top. It's not only cool to look at, it's practical and efficient. Inside of the lid there's a stopper thing that covers the mesh opening. This prevents the powder from coming out while travelling or getting knocked around in vanity drawers. In order to get the powder out, you need to either push the mesh down gently with your finger, a sponge or a brush. What I love about this (and I'm not using the word love lightly) is that it's virtually impossible to apply too much powder. You get just enough on your brush to set your face without looking like Casper. Plus, when you swirl your brush you clean the powder off of the sides of the container. The OCD in me appreciates that.

MAKE UP FOR EVER's Ultra HD Microfinishing Loose Powder feels super soft and silky and is very much transparent. It doesn't look powdery on and it keeps my t-zone shine free. It also prolongs the wear of my foundation by 2 to 3 times. When I wear all of the products above, not only does my face look flawless, it stays that way for the better part of the day.

I'm seriously impressed with MAKE UP FOR EVER's Ultra HD line. It works and it works well. I highly recommend getting colour matched and asking for a sample the next time you visit Sephora, you won't be disappointed!

You can find MAKE UP FOR EVER both in-store and online at http://www.sephora.com

Are you a fan of the Ultra HD line? What's your favourite product from MAKE UP FOR EVER? Let's talk in the comment section below 👇

*PR samples were sent to me for editorial consideration. As always, all opinions are my own!