Sothys Spring/Summer Collection ~ Review + Swatches

Hello beauties! It's been a hot minute since I posted and I think an explanation is needed. I wish I had an exciting excuse (ahem reason) but I don't. I've been feeling uninspired and it's been crazy hot so I haven't worn much makeup lately. I've also done the unthinkable and have been spending more time offline - yes you read that right.  I've been enjoying the real world and sorry, not sorry. Sometimes a girls gotta stop and smell the roses, swim in all the pools and just soak up the sun (with sunscreen on, obviously).

But as they say absence makes the heart grow fonder, and I've missed you all. As I ease my way back into regular posting, I thought I would share a short and sweet review of Sothys Spring/Summer Collection.

Sothys Spring/Summer Collection takes inspiration from Sothys garden and the super greens trend that showcases lush nature and an invitation to freshness. Personally I don't see the connection, but I must admit I do like the shade choices!

Ombre Sothys - Eye Quartette ($68.50) contains four new complimentary shades that can be used dry or moist, separately or in harmony. Each shade is iridescent and they are easily buildable and blendable. Although I like the shades, I don't find them to be the most exciting. I really wish that there were a matte transition shade because without it, this quad just feels incomplete. The shadows are quite nice and they wear well with minimal creasing or fading which is super important.

Sothys has two lipsticks in this collection, one satin and one matte. They look very similar in swatches and in real life as well. The main difference is that Rouge Intense Sothys 235 Rouge Roseraie ($35.95) has a semi opaque, satin finish whereas Rouge Mat Sothys 330 Orange Escapade Velours ($35.95) is more opaque, kind of matte and a touch warmer. The tone difference is super subtle so I wouldn't focus too much on it. For those who aren't makeup addicted, I recommend picking your finish preference as they are so similar in colour. Both wear well and are definitely comfortable. Sothys does lipstick well. Really well. They taste good, glide on and feel so amazing plus they wear for hours.

There are a few other items in this collection that are not included in my review; The Calligraphy Eyeliner ($33.50), Sun Glow Bronzing Powder ($61.50) and a Nail Lacquer ($19). Although I haven't tried these particular items, I will say that from experience,  Sothys nail polish is quite good (review here).

Sothys Spring/Summer Collection can be found in Institute and Spas throughout Canada. To find the location nearest you, call toll-free 1-800-361-3004

*Press samples were generously provided to me for editorial consideration. All opinions are my own.

Kat Von D Studded Kiss Crème Lipstick ~ Review + Swatches

Hey beauties! Today I'm sharing a short (and sweet!) post about the Kat Von D Studded Kiss Crème Lipstick I received complimentary to review. If you follow me on social (if not, let's be friends) you likely saw that I received Influenster's Kat Von D Beauty Voxbox. I was gifted the shade Misfit and I seriously love it!

"Studded Kiss Crème Lipstick features a high-chroma content for pure, vivid color in a revolutionary new base formula that’s crystal clear, super-soft, and virtually weightless. Made with smooth, spherical pigments and lip-nourishing ingredients, it’s never been easier to coat your lips in creamy, comfortable color." /source/ 

For the most part my lipstick collection consists of liquid lipsticks, however I do own one of the original Kat Von D Studded Kiss lipsticks. In short, the new version is definitely an improvement. I found the old formula to tug upon application and it felt pretty drying. I'm happy to say that the new formula is much creamier, smoother and still long wearing.

There are a whopping 40 shades to choose from and I received the shade Misfit. On the Sephora website it's described as a true scarlet, but in person I would have to say it's more of a warm, rust shade. A little brown, but still very much a red. The finish is somewhere between satin and matte - more matte in my opinion.

As far as wear goes, I can get a solid 6 hours out of it. It does transfer but it's minimal and as long as I don't eat anything oily I'm good. For a bullet lipstick it wears very well.

All in all I'm quite happy with this lipstick and am planning on picking up a few more. OG Lolita, I'm coming for you 😉

You can find these lipsticks in-store and online at sephora.com

*I received this lipstick complimentary from Influenster. All opinions are my own.

Givenchy Lunar New Year 2018 ~ Prisme Libre + Le Rouge

In honour of Lunar New Year, Givenchy has taken two of its best sellers and adorned them with limited edition packaging. Prisme Libre Powder in 01 Mousseline Pastel and Le Rouge Lipstick in 305 Rouge Égérie. The formulas remain the same, just the packaging has changed!

Prisme Libre Powder in 01 Mousseline Pastel ($69) is a made-to-measure, colour correcting loose powder. It features 4 different pastel hues that complement each other, leaving the skin with a radiant yet matte finish. To use, you gently shake the container (with the lid closed) and then apply with the included puff or a fluffy powder brush.

If you've never used Prisme Libre, you need to get your hands on this! It's finely milled, sets makeup beautifully and leaves skin matte, but radiant. The opal effect makes my skin look almost ethereal and almost flawless. It really is unlike any other powder I've ever tried.

The LE Lunar  New Year edition features an imitation leather lid that has a vibrant, and extremely eye catching, red floral print. It also has a customized puff. Kudos to you if you can use the puff - I can't bring myself to dirty it 🙈

If you can't get your hands on the LE version, I still highly recommend you pick up the original - you won't be disappointed! It's available in a few different shades for deeper skin tones too.

Givenchy Le Rouge in 305 Rouge Égérie ($45) is a stunning coral-red shade that is not too bright nor too dark. It's literally perfect 🙌

First of all, the packaging..oh my! The cap features the same red floral pattern, but it's printed on genuine leather. I can't even begin to explain the sensory experience - it's smooth and sensual. The luxe cap isn't the only special feature either - just look at that embossed lipstick. Stunning!!

Beautiful packaging aside, this lipstick has to be one of the most luxurious and comfortable lipsticks out there. It's creamy, pigmented and glides onto my lips with ease. The finish is demi-matte and it wears for a long time - much longer than most bullet style lipsticks. Even after back-to-back coffees and a light lunch, it's still there. When it does fade, it does so gracefully and evenly.

This beauty is only $2 more than the regular Le Rouge Lipstick in the same shade and it's worth every penny.

What I love about this collection is that it's only LE packaging and not products. There's nothing worth than falling in love with something that's limited edition, only to be  unable to repurchase it. Are these products budget friendly? Not really. But they certainly are special and have withstood the test of time. Besides, don't we all deserve a little pampering sometimes?


You can find these beauties in-store and online at Sephora 💕

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

Dior Precious Rocks Holiday 2017

Each year, the house of Dior releases a limited edition Holiday Collection that you can't help but fall in love with. This year, Dior took inspiration from precious gems and teamed it with the rock attitude of the modern Dior woman. The result? Precious Rocks Holiday 2017

The Precious Rocks Collection features two 5 Couleurs Eyeshadow Palettes, one Nude Air Luminizer, 4 Diorific Matte Fluid Lip & Cheek Tints, 5 Diorific Rouge Khôl, a Dior Vernis Liner and 4 Dior Vernis. Today I'm sharing my thoughts on the Diorific Matte Fluids, Diorific Khôl and Dior Vernis.

"The sparkling, vibrant tones of Diorific Vernis nail polishes reflect the brilliance of precious rocks." /source/ 

Dior Vernis 745 Grenat

I've never used Dior Vernis (nail polish), so I immediately dove right in! The bottles are incredibly gorgeous and have a vintage flare that I seriously love. I do find the wand a bit awkward to hold, which in turn makes me slow down and focus more while I'm painting my nails. That's not necessarily a bad thing - I end up with a super clean mani because of it! The brush on the other hand, is fabulous! It's wide and rounded which is perfect for my naturally long nail beds. One coat is enough for opaque coverage and I get a solid 3 to 4 days before it starts to show signs of wear. What's more impressive is that I applied it completely solo; no base and no top coat!

"A Dior essential, Diorific Matte Fluid tints lips and cheeks with a matte texture in four exclusive shades." /source/ 

Diorific Matte Fluid Lip & Cheek Tints ($47) is, as the name suggests, a lip and cheek tint. It's available in 4 shades and today I'm talking about Charm #005 and Intensity #008. The bottles are so elegant and add a touch of class to my vanity. They're not ideal to travel with, but thankfully they wear long enough that that's not necessary!

Charm #005

This is a neutral shade that looks great on my lips, but even better on my cheeks! It has a typical doe foot applicator that makes lining and filling my lips an easy task. The finish is matte and it feels like a liquid lipstick opposed to a tint. It does cling to dry patches a bit, but a scrub and some lip balm will stop it from being obvious. Wear time is decent; a good 4-5 hours including eating and drinking.

I love to use it as a blush. I put a dab on my finger and blend it in gently. It dries quickly and leaves an incredibly natural looking flush. The amount of time it wears depends on what base makeup I'm using. To prolong its longevity, I reach for full coverage foundation as my base and set it with powder.

Intensity #008

This shade is a deep purple that reminds me of rich velvet. I found it took a few swipes to get even coverage on my lips. The finish is matte and it feels much like a stain - slightly drying, but nothing prepping with lip balm can't fix. It wears for quite a few hours before fading and it does transfer slightly. I didn't try this shade on my cheeks because it's a bit too avant garde for my liking, but that's just my personal taste.

Top-Bottom
Diorific Khol #991, Diorific Matte Fluid #008, Diorific Matte Fluid #005

"For the first time ever, Diorific is now available as a kohl for lips. Delivers intense color with a powdery, matte finish. 

Simply irresistible. Pure glamour. The faceted bullet makes applying lipstick almost magical." /source/ 

Diorific Rouge Khôl ($46) is available in 5 shades and I'm sharing my thoughts on Bold Amethyst #991 This shade is way prettier on than it is in the tube. It's a vampy, dark purple that looks almost blackened in certain lighting. I love the unique shape of the lipstick; it reminds me of a pencil and it applies so precisely. It feels creamy on my lips and not at all drying. I need more of these lipsticks. Seriously!

You can find these and other Dior products nationwide at Sephora, Hudson's Bay and Nordstrom.

Press samples were generously provided for editorial consideration. As always, all opinions are my own.

Ready. Set. Holidays! Shoppers Drug Mart Holiday Gift Guide

One of my favourite things to do is browse the aisles at Shoppers Drug Mart during the holiday season. I can always find something for everyone on my wishlist (myself included) and even better, the gifts are affordable!

Every year Quo releases a selection of gift sets with varied tastes in mind. From lipstick to brow products and brushes, there's something for every beauty lover!

The Matte Lipstick Bar ($20 CAD) is sure to be a hit with lipstick lovers! You get 8 deluxe-sized samples of liquid lipstick, ranging from nudes to bolds with a matte finish. The lipsticks are pigmented and long wearing, however, they're not transfer proof. They do feel a bit sticky until they dry down, so it's a good idea to blot after application. Alternatively, you can dust your lips with translucent powder.

Quo Beauty On The Go ($35) is perfect for the traveller in your life. This set contains 3 palettes that cover all the basics! You get an eyeshadow palette with 6 neutral shadows in shimmer and matte finishes, a palette with two highlight shades plus a blush, and a lip gloss palette containing 6 pigmented lip glosses ranging from nude to bolder. The only thing missing from this set is applicators. It would have been nice to get a brush for the gloss, but I'm sure we all have tons of those already 😜

The Quo All About Eyes Shadow Palette ($22) contains two matte base shades, 7 mattes and 5 shimmery shades. This palette is great for day-to-day looks as well as smokey eyes. This palette pairs very well with a nice bold lip. I recommend pairing it with the red liquid lipstick from the Matte Lipstick Bar for a classic Christmas look.

Contouring isn't going anywhere, so why not gift someone a chiseled complexion this year. The Quo Face Sculpting Palette ($22) has 3 highlighting shades and 3 sculpting shades in a mix of warm and cool tones. The powders are creamy, pigmented and blendable. I personally find it hard to get a contour palette that isn't too dark for my fair complexion, so I'm happy to see that this one is quite light. I'm also glad that it's a completely matte palette. If you're fair to light skinned, you're seriously going to loooove this palette!

Another fabulous stocking stuffer is the Quo Brow Essentials Kit ($10). It contains a dual ended pencil to shape and fill in sparse brows, a highlighting pencil and a brow gel. I am absolutely, positively, smitten with this set! The pencils are sooo creamy, pigmented and they blend so well! The shades are perfect in every way possible and look really natural (well the Brow pencil does lol). I'm seriously considering clearing out the stock at my local SDM 💸

Quo by ORLY Breathable 12 Days Of Colorful Healthy Nails Advent Calendar ($40) is a must-have for any beauty lover. This grown-up version of an advent calendar features 11 polishes and 1 treatment product. This is my first beauty advent calendar, and I want to savour it. Which means no spoilers! If you want to see what's inside, be sure to keep an eye on my insta stories in December 😉

If you're looking for a stocking stuffer, you should check out Quo by ORLY Marvelous Minis ($16). You get 4 colours that compliment each other beautifully. When you do the math, it works out to cost only $4 per polish which is a great deal. Fairy Godmother is such a gorgeous shade and I seriously can't get enough!

Last, but certainly not least, is the Quo Lip Gloss Ornament ($5). This cute little lip gloss comes housed in a small box that you can hang off of your tree (or put in a stocking). I'm seriously considering decorating my tree with makeup and this would be a great start 😉

Quo has 30 limited edition holiday items this year, so you're sure to find something to appease the makeup lover in your life. And don't forget, Shoppers carries all sorts of products ranging from food to electronics. You might just be surprised at how much of your holiday shopping you can get done there.

Have you picked up anything from Quo's Holiday Collection? Which items tickle your fancy? Lets chat in the comment section below 👇



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

Paul & Joe Holiday 2017

Cat lovers rejoice, Paul & Joe Beauté have released their holiday beauty collection and it's purrfect!

This super adorable set comes with a feline print makeup bag, a lipstick embossed with a red cat,  liquid eyeshadow and blusher. Before I get into my reviews, behold the beauty that is the Paul & Joe Holiday Lipstick 😍

 The Paul & Joe Lipstick Limited 003 comes complete with a red cardboard tube with feline print and a clear, shimmery lipstick, with a red cat face inside of it. Apparently the face will stay if you use the lipstick, but it's too pretty for me to test it. This lipstick is going straight into my collection vault!

The neat thing about Paul & Joe lipstick is that you purchase your tube and then the lipstick separately. This allows you to customize your lipstick however you like. Should you decide to use this holiday lipstick, you can keep the LE tube and buy another lipstick to put inside of it!

Paul & Joe Shimmering Blush 001 is a stunning coral shade that adds natural flush and radiance. It's sheer but pigmented and applies like a dream. It's housed in a small compact and the blush is embossed with a floral design. This blush is a real winner!

Paul & Joe Eye Gloss 001 is a shimmery, golden eyeshadow that comes housed in a clear tube with a doe foot applicator. The packaging is quite luxurious and I love it's compact nature. It's easy to apply, but takes awhile to dry down and will settle into your crease. I use a bit of translucent powder to minimize creasing and it helps. If you try to blend it, it will lose its base pigment leaving you with just glitter. All in all, I like it but I don't love it.

This holiday set is just too cute to pass up. So if you see it, grab it before it disapears!

You can find this and other Paul & Joe products online at beautyboutique.ca and in-store at select Shoppers Drug Mart's.


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