Dior Addict Lacquer Plump ~ My Latest Obsession

After 2 years of wearing almost exclusively matte lips, I'm happy to say I've moved on. I never thought I would see the day that I was excited for glossy lips, but here I am. Even more shocking is that I've basically only been wearing the new Dior Addict Lacquer Plump - specifically 868 J'adior.

I have commitment issues when it comes to makeup, so when I wear the same brand, product and shade for more than a day, you know it's gotta be good great!

"It's a fascinating formula innovation. We have succeeded in pushing the limits of shine and extreme colour in various effects with a comforting lip care formula and an ultra fluid texture that you forget is there. Thanks to a lightweight texture, exactly the right quantity is intuitively applied to the lips in one sweep." 

-Peter Philips

Dior Addict Lacquer Plump is a lacquered lip ink that not only colours the lips with long wearing colour, it plumps the lips too. This miracle in a tube (my term) shapes, smooths, plumps and adds dimensional colour all while caring for my lips. Now you see why I call it a miracle! Plus it's available in 16 shades ranging from classics to neons and glitters.

Before I get into the nitty gritty, I have to fangirl over the packaging a bit. The tube is traditional Dior but the labelling is truly stunning.

"The packaging was designed to give place of pride to colour with a Dior signature that emphasizes each of the sparkling shades."

- Peter Philips

Luxe packaging aside, the formula is where it's at. If you're anything like me, when you hear glossy you automatically think sticky. That is my biggest qualm with glossy lips and I'm so happy that there is no stickiness to Dior Addict Lacquer Plump. Literally none. They have such a unique feel to them that reminds me of vinyl - smooth and surprisingly comfortable. I can feel it on my lips, but not in a bad way. I actually really like the feel of these.

According to Dior, 24 hours after application, lip hydration levels climb by 78% thanks to an oil and water emulsion that's infused with hibiscus extract and hyaluronic acid.

The plumping effect is noticeable immediately. The lines in my lips are filled and they look deliciously full - something I desperately need. I have noticed that these can bleed a bit, although it's not consistent, so I think it has more to do with what other products I'm wearing.

I've basically just started lining my lips with the bolder shades, just in case. Wear time is quite impressive (4-6 hours) and the transfer is minimal. They also leave behind a stain that I really like.

If I'm being honest the glitter shades of Lacquer Plump, although gorgeous, don't perform quite as well. They're not uncomfortable, but I can definitely feel the glitter. And they fade kind of weird and patchy. If I eat or drink, I'm going to need to reapply. After a few hours I need to reapply. A pain in the ass but worth it because they are really pretty.

You can find Dior Addict Lacquer Plump at Sephora, sephora.ca , Hudson's Bay, thebay.com and Dior counters nationwide.

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

Givenchy Live Irrésistible Blossom Crush EDT

This may come as a surprise to some of you because I rarely blog about it, but I'm a HUGE fan of fragrance. At any given time I will have at least 3 (usually 4 or 5) different perfumes open and I rotate them based on the season and mood I'm in. I don't have a signature scent anymore (it used to be Very Irrésistible in my teens/early twenties). Nowadays I opt to wear fragrances based off of my mood and plans for the day.

I am SO picky when it comes to fragrance and you will never catch me wearing anything that isn't a brand name - no body sprays either. Givenchy has and always will have a special spot in my heart. Naturally I was excited to try Live Irrésistible Blossom Crush.

"Live Irrésistible, Givenchy’s most joyful fragrance, boldly sings the praises of joy in its purest form. Its latest variation, Blossom Crush, is a sparkling and irresistibly charming Eau de Toilette that advocates spontaneity as an asset and freedom as power."

 /source/ 

Live Irrésistible Blossom Crush is a contrast between the freshness of Peonies and the bitterness of Chocolate.  If that sounds different, it is! This fresh - floral -  musky scent is quite  different than your typical spring rose scents. The peonies add a freshness to the rose, while the cocoa adds a bitterness to it that playfully clashes with the floral aspect. It's important to note that the addition of Cocoa Bean does not cause it to cross into the gourmand category. It maintains it's fresh floral start with a base of musk. It has an average sillage and wears for close to 6 hours on hydrated skin.

The packaging stays true to the Irrésistible line and features the Givenchy House trademark studs. The bottle is a gorgeous mauve-y pink shade and it looks stunning on display.

Givenchy Live Irrésistible Blossom Crush EDT is available in Canada exclusively at Beauty Boutique and beautyboutique.ca it retails at $113 for 75mls

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

wet n wild perfectpout Gel Lip Liners & megalast Liquid Catsuit ~ Review + Swatches

Do you wear lip liner? I own at least a dozen, but I rarely reach for them. I find most lip liners to be too dry and cumbersome to apply. And frankly, I'm just too lazy to bother sometimes. I've been making an effort to line my lips lately, and the new wet n wild perfectpout Gel Lip Liners are making me actually want to do it.

Wet n wild claims that the perfectpout Gel Lip Liners deliver a seamless, flawless application with no tugging and no dragging. They also claim to deliver never-ending color that goes on for days. Pretty big claims for a lip liner that costs $4 pencil! So do they perform as well as they claim?

Short answer, yes!

These lip pencils are ultra creamy and pigmented. They glide across my lips with ease and absolutely no dragging. But colour that lasts for days? No way. They are definitely long wearing, but they don't last me more than 4 or 5 hours. Tops. The only downside to these is that they're almost too creamy, meaning that it could be hard to get a sharp line. Luckily, I'm not a fan of sharp lines.

Since we're talking lips, might as well talk about wet n wild's Megalast Liquid Catsuit. These liquid lips are available in quite a few shades and cost roughly $7 CAD. I have the shades Coral Corruption and Pink Really Hard. Both are stunning shades for the spring/summer. They have a doe foot applicator that has a bowl shaped reservoir to hold the lipstick and each tube holds a generous amount of lipstick. I find application fairly straightforward, although I do find that Pink Really Hard is a bit thicker and slightly harder to spread.

When first applied, megalast Liquid Catsuit appears glossy but dries down to a matte finish within a few minutes. It transfers a bit, but stays intact for the most part. It can hold its own against drinking and light eating, lasting a solid 5 hours before it starts to dry out. I find the formula a tad bit drying, and the longer I wear it the worse it gets. It will start to crumble after extended wear. It's not as bad as it sounds and a little lip prep goes a long way.  For the price, I'm not complaining.

In all honesty, I can see myself purchasing the Liquid Catsuit but not the Gel Lip Liners. It's not that I don't like them, I'm just not a huge fan of lip liners in general.

You can find these products in store at Rexall, online at well.ca and wetnwildbeauty.com

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

Dior Capture Youth

Yesterday is over.

Tomorrow is too late.

The time is now.

A motto: take action now - no regrets. The Dior skincare (r)evolution is here! Dior science has taken inspiration from modern medicine, to delay signs of aging before they appear. So instead of only treating the damage done, Dior's Capture Youth is actively preventing future damage - before it even shows up!

Take action now. Anticipate, control and maximize the youthfulness of our skin. A selection of the most powerful natural ingredients that are gentle on the skin, and eco designed packaging are just a few features of this line.

Each regimen is individually personalized, allowing you to cherry pick what you need and pass on what you don't. At the heart of this range is Dior Capture Youth Age-Delay Advanced Crème ($120, 50ml) an ultra prevention crème that helps to delay visible signs of aging. Formulated with Iris Florentina (an antioxidant) to stimulate the skins internal resistance process. Capture Youth Age-Delay Advanced Crème deeply nourishes the skin, leaving it retexturized and toned.

I didn't think it was possible to fall so deeply in love with a facial cream, until now. This crème to me is what PB is to jelly, what a bee is to honey... But seriously though - it's a must have! The texture is lightweight and smooth, yet deeply hydrating. My skin was in a bad place when I started using this. It was dry, dehydrated and suffering all kinds of nightmare breakouts. Now, it's hydrated, soothed and with no painful breakouts. I have gotten a few whiteheads, but that's normal for me. My bank is dreading the day this crème runs out because I don't think I can live without it!

To make the most out Dior's Capture Youth Age-Delay Advanced Crème, you should need to pair it with their Targeted Expert Serums. There are 5 serums to choose from, and you can use as many (or as few) as you want. In order to maximize efficacy, you should limit it to 2 serums at a time to suit the skins needs. If you have multiple skin concerns, make sure to divide them into a morning and a night routine.  For example, I use Plump Filler + Redness Soother in the morning, and Plump Filler + Lift Sculptor (or Glow Booster) in the evening.

After you've selected your serum(s) you can decide your application method.

1. Layering

   Apply the serum, then the crème

     ‎

     2. Mix & Match

     Mix 2 to 3 drops of serum directly in the crème (in the palm of your hand)

             3. Intensive Treatment

     Apply a serum then the crème for 30 days as a cure when the skin is particularly stressed                     (change of seasons/skin issues/repeated irritation)

As I mentioned earlier, there are 5 serums to choose from and they're all priced the same ($120)

Glow Booster Illuminating Serum. Restore Radiance - Vitamin C 

100 times more concentrated in vitamin C than oranges, Murunga Plum combined with AHA combine to brighten the complexion and to even skin texture irregularities.

The Plump Filler Plumping Serum - Hyaluronic Acid

Three different weights of botanical hyaluronic acid from fermented wheat hydrates and replenishes the skin to make it appear fuller and more supple. Ideal as an intensive treatment (in winter) or to fight against environmental stressors (dryness, sun)

The Lift Sculptor Lifting Serum

Sculpt + Lift - Polyphenols

Polyphenols derived from a tea blend (green & white) boost elastin production to visibly lift and sculpt the skin for firmer, more defined skin contours.

The Redness Soother Anti-Redness Soothing Serum

Natural peptides from cotton reduce redness and irritation for a smoother, more even complexion . The ideal anti-aggressor shield it calms and relieves irritated and sensitized skin.

The Matte Maximizer Mattifying Serum

Matte + Refine + Lactic Acid (for oily skin)

Lactic acid derived from sugar cane regulates excess sebum to help reduce shine and refine pores. A soft focus matte blur and complexion refiner.

My typical morning Capture Youth routine is super fast and incredibly effective. I typically skip washing my face in the am (just a quick rinse with water) and dive right into Capture Youth Plump Filler. I add two drops to my hands and apply it directly onto my face. It has a light scent and my skin drinks it up right away. After a minute or so, I spot treat my cheeks with a drop of Redness Soother and then mix another drop into Capture Youth and apply all over (eye area too). My skin is instantly hydrated and my face looks calm. I'm not going to lie and say that my redness vanishes into thin air, but it's certainly reduced.

In the evening, I remove my makeup and wash my face with Dior Hydra Life Lotion to Foam Fresh Cleanser ($49, 190 ml) apply Plump Filler all over (same method as am) and then follow with 2 drops of Lift Sculptor. I do this four days a week. The other 3 days I swap out Lift Sculptor for Glow Booster and follow with Capture Youth Age-Delay Advanced Crème. After using this combo for a few weeks I have to admit that my skin is looking pretty darn good. I started to notice an ever so slight slackening of skin around my jaws (yikes x 1000) and this has pretty much froze it in time. I'm glad I caught it,  and I hope that it will delay any further slackening. When I use Glow Booster I notice an immediate radiance - one that lasts! I prefer to use it at night since it is an AHA - in case you weren't aware, they make your skin so much more sensitive to sun. Even though I use it at night, it's still on my face the next day so I make sure to load up on sunscreen. Always, and I mean always wear sunscreen when you use AHA's!

One of the most common complaints I hear from people is the heavy 'scent' of certain products. I personally enjoy a nice scent, but so many people don't. With Dior products, you will notice that they have a natural/botanical scent to them. DO NOT BE ALARMED! These scents are naturally occurring and they will not harm sensitive skin. People mistakenly believe that all scents are added and that 'scent free' is better and that's not always the case. A Dior Pro explained it this way: coffee beans naturally contain caffeine. In order to make them decaf, the beans need to be processed - often chemically - to remove it. This is not natural, and it's over-processed. Dior does not process their products to remove their natural scents. Doesn't seem so bad now, does it?

Oh and I almost forgot! Dior has revamped their packaging to be more eco-friendly. Long gone are the cardboard inserts and cellophane sleeves. Dior is aiming to use as little as they can when packaging their products. And their inks are vegetable based!

In in love with this line - 100% and I know that you will be too. If you can only choose one product, go with the Capture Youth Age-Delay Advanced Crème  If you can get 2, add in a Glow Booster Serum and thank me later 😉

You can find the Capture Youth Range in store & online at sephora.ca in store at Shoppers Drug Mart & online at beautyboutique.ca in store & online at thebay.com and Holt Renfrew & holtrenfrew.com

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

Dior Glow Addict Collection ~ Spring 2018

Hello beauties! Although it certainly doesn't feel like it, spring is around the corner! Today I'm sharing my thoughts on some items from Dior's spring makeup collection. Next week, I'll be sharing my first impressions on new Dior skincare (you definitely don't want to miss that 😉)

Anyone who knows me, knows that I have a weakness for eyeshadow - especially pretty, embossed shadow. Dior knows how to create beautiful palettes and that's a problem for me. Why? Because I don't end up using it. No I'm not joking, and I know it sounds silly. Fortunately for you (and me too), I was recently gifted the new 5 Couleurs Glow Addict Palette in 887 Thrill to review, so I had to use it. Before I begin my review, let's just admire the beauty of this palette 😍

The Glow Addict Edition: 5 Couleurs - Spring Look 2018 Limited Edition High Fidelity Colors & Effects Eyeshadow Palette ($73) is available in 2 variations, 667 Flirt (greyish pastel) and 887 Thrill (pinky brights). Both are stunning, and feature a Dior embossed centre as well as Gorgeous detailing on the shadows. As always, these palettes include foam applicators and a small brush.

no primer, swatched by finger

887 Thrill is beautiful beyond words! The shades work well together, and you can create day looks as well as night looks with ease. Each shade has a gorgeous shimmer to it that gives off a glowing appearance. You can build and blend them easily, to be as subtle or as dramatic as you like. My only issue is that this palette is limited edition - It should be a part of the regular lineup of 5 Couleurs!

You can't have a Glow Addict Collection without a banging highlighter, so naturally we need to talk about the Diorskin Nude Air Luminizer Powders. Available in two shades, 001 Holo Pink & 002 Holo Gold, these are what (highlighter) dreams are made of!

Diorskin Nude Air Luminizer Powder in 001 Holo Pink ($75) is not for the faint of heart. The name says it all; this highlighter is holographic! It catches the light and bounces it in such a unique and pretty way. It goes on creamy, smooth and intense. You can blend it out, but you can't really make it subtle (especially if you plan on spending any time outdoors). If you like your highlight poppin' then you need this. Just look at how direct sunlight bounces off of it...

If you've never had the pleasure of trying Dior Lip Glow, you need to go out and do that. Like now.

Dior Lip Glow ($41) was born in 2009 and combines the benefit of a slightly coloured ink, with the comfort of a balm. They're the perfect balance of lip care and makeup - plus they're so simple to apply, you don't even need a mirror! This season we see new shades and effects to suit the needs of women (and men!) worldwide. Before I get into the new finishes, let's talk a bit about the formula.

The Colour Reviver technology reacts to the PH level of the lips, to create a customized pink flush. The formula is concentrated in mango butter to provide optimal hydration for up to 24hrs. You can wear it on its own as a tinted balm or under lipstick as a hydrating base. Lip Glow has been the balm of choice for years. Did you know that one is sold every 3 seconds around the world?

Dior Lip Glow sees the addition of 10 new shades, as well as matte and holographic finishes.

"By playing around with the formula in the laboratory we found that we could create a Lip Glow with a  Matte Glow finish. It's a tinted balm with a blurring effect that enhances lips without giving the impression you're wearing makeup" Peter Philips

As a matte lipstick lover, I have to admit that I was (still am) stupid excited for this (matte) Lip Glow. I have the shade 102 Matte Raspberry and it's amazing. It reacts with my PH and turns a deep, almost berry, pink. It feels just as comfortable as the regular Lip Glow and it looks natural - I'm obsessed!

The holographic Lip Glows are phenomenal. Unlike the dewy and matte Lip Glows, these do look like makeup on. And you know what? That's totally fine! They have the most stunning iridescent finish that reflects light to bring about a shimmering radiance. The best part is that they're wearable - the holographic finish isn't over the top which means you could totally wear these to work. 

I can't recommend Dior's Lip Glow enough. If you only pick up one thing from the collection, let it be a Lip Glow - you won't be disappointed!

You can find these products in-store and online at thebay.com , sephora.com , Nordstrom and Dior Counters worldwide.

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