Diorskin Forever Undercover Foundation ~ Review + Swatches

Hello beauties! Today I'm talking about foundation and Dior, specifically the new Diorskin Forever Undercover Foundation. Before I get into my thoughts, let's take a look at the facts and the claims.

First up, the facts! Diorskin Forever Undercover ($64) is a water based formula that contains the highest level of pigments in the entire range; nearly twice that of the original fluid foundation. To avoid a mask like effect, the pigments are given a specific coating (plant based) to merge with the skin, providing an imperceptible finish.

And now the claims. Diorskin Forever Undercover is said to be an ultra-high coverage foundation that looks natural and wears for 24hrs of extreme correction.

First of all, the finish. In a word, heavenly! I can't get over how this foundation balances full coverage with a natural finish. It's matte yet somehow radiant, and my skin looks perfect. Literally perfect. And the best part is that it's completely undetectable (so long as you find a shade match).

I love how Diorskin Forever Undercover doesn't set right away; you have ample time to blend and adjust your coverage. To achieve a higher level of coverage, Peter Philips recommends applying with a foundation brush. 

As far as wear time, I will say that it's long wearing, but not 24hr wearing (at least not for me). I've tried it with primer, on its own, set with powder plus setting spray and I can't get longer than 8 hours out of it. I will say that it fades gracefully and evenly.

All in all I really like this foundation but...

The shade range (although better) is still very lacking. There are 24 shades that are mostly neutral toned. So those who are very fair or deep will likely have a hard time finding a match, as will anyone with a very warm or cool undertone.

In order for me to wear this foundation in the winter, I need to mix it. Even then, it's not perfect. I'm pretty pale with a yellow undertone. I tried Shade 015 Tender Beige as it was the lightest, most warm toned neutral shade, but it was still too pink. The lightest yellow based shade is 021 Linen and that's too dark for me right now. 023 Peach is too orange. Everything in between is too neutral or pink. In order for me to make this foundation work, I mix shade 015 with a touch of 021, add a couple drops of MAKE UP FOR EVER Chromatic Mix in 02 (review on those here). 

The good news is that shade 21 will definitely work once I get my faux tan on 😉

Do I recommend this foundation? Hells ya if you can find a match! The finish is one of the best I've ever tried. I seriously hope that they add some more shades/undertones to the range.

You can find Diorskin Forever Undercover in-store and online at sephora.com

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

NeoStrata Aqua Youth Filling Anti-Wrinkle Creams ~ First Impressions

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a naturally occuring substance found in our skin. HA has the ability to attract and hold large amounts of moisture, which help to keep our skin hydrated and supple.  At its peak in our youth, it tends to decline as we age. As our HA levels deplete we start to notice slackening of skin, loss of pliability and radiance. Luckily, you can add hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine!

NeoStrata, often on the forefront of drugstore skincare, has recently launched a specific line of products full of hyaluronic acid. Aqua Youth Filling Anti-Wrinkle Creams contain 2x  HA (0.2% to be exact) to fill in wrinkles, crows feet and to provide intense hydration. There are two products in this line; Aqua Youth Filling Anti-Wrinkle Cream and Aqua Youth Filling Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream. Both contain 0.2% HA and claim to provide intense hydration immediately and continuously for up to 48hrs. These creams are suitable for all skin types, but dehydrated types will benefit the most. They're non-comedogenic and non-irritating, so even those with sensitive skin can use them.

Aqua Youth Filling Anti-Wrinkle Cream ($49, 50 ml) is not a new product, rather a reformulated one. I've used the original and liked it, although I didn't find it to be super special. In all fairness, my skin was more combo then, whereas now I'm quite dry and dehydrated. It's probably not going to come as a shock when I say that I can appreciate this cream a lot more today than I did a few years ago. My skin soaks up the HA and feels amazing after. I'm hydrated, I glow and I'm smooth - a win.

I have a love-hate relationship when it comes to eye cream. I've been wearing them since turning 20 and it shows - my eyes look pretty darn good for someone in their 30s! But, my eye area is crazy sensitive and reactive. I have to be careful what I use otherwise I'll end up with eczema. I'm happy to say that NeoStrata's Aqua Youth Filling Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream ($39, 15 ml) passed the sensitivity test!

Usually I'm pretty 'meh' when it comes to fancy applicators on eye creams but I'm digging this one. I like how the cream comes out on one side and on the other there is a metal massaging tool. It actually fits my under eye well and feels really soothing. I don't get nearly as much sleep as I should, and my tired eyes appreciate the cooling sensation. The cream itself is lightweight, fast absorbing and very hydrating. I notice that the few line lines I have plump up and are less noticeable. I would (and likely will) purchase this in the future.

You can find these and other NeoStrata products in-store at Shoppers Drug Mart, online at beautyboutique.ca and well.ca

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

MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Color Eye Shadow ~ Review + Swatches

If you've been anywhere near social media, you've already heard about MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Color Eye Shadow. In case you haven't, Artist Color Eye Shadows are single eyeshadow pans that can be put into magnetic palettes. MAKE UP FOR EVER have their own branded palettes available and Sephora will give you a discount when you bundle a MUFE palette with Artist Color Eye Shadows (more on that later).

The best part? Not only can you create your perfect palette, you can build more than one since there's 121 shades to choose from (hello choices!) If the idea of a customized palette doesn't get you excited, I don't think we can be friends. Seriously though 😋

Now I definitely have a type when it comes to eyeshadow, but I do like to branch out. I decided to try to fill in some gaps in my collection and chose shades that are different from what I own. Meet M-924 Purple (matte purple), I-918 Lavender (iridescent purple) and I-722 Mandarin (iridescent orange) 😍

Purple is a hard shade to get right. And let me tell you, MAKE UP FOR EVER got it right. M-924 is pigmented, buildable, blendable and true to tone. I love to use it as a crease shade.

I-918 is a stunning lavender shade that's very on-trend for spring. I like to wear it as an all over lid colour paired with M-924 in the crease. This iridescent shade is very creamy, pigmented, blendable and just flat out awesome!

I will never tire of orange and coral. They make up a huge part of my eyeshadow collection yet I can never have enough of them. The moment I saw I-722 Mandarin I knew I needed it. This beautiful shade is a little peach and a whole lot of orange, if that makes sense. This iridescent shade looks gorgeous on its own as an all-over lid colour. It also looks amaze with contrasting shades, such as purple. If you like warm, peachy tones then you will want to be adding this to your collection asap.

Earlier I touched on the discount Sephora is offering if you purchase an empty palette plus 2 or more Artist Color Eye Shadow. Here's the official deets, as found on the Sephora website!

To redeem your set:

1. SELECT YOUR EYESHADOWS AND PALETTE: Select 2 to 6 Artist Color Eye Shadows and any size of refillable palette.

2. ADD EACH ITEM TO BASKET

3. GET A DEAL: Discount will automatically apply at checkout. Your final set will be:

- US $29 ($36 value)/CAN $37 ($46 value) for 2 Eyeshadows & any size palette.

- US $39 ($53 value)/CAN $50 ($68 value) for 3 Eyeshadows & any size palette.

- US $49 ($70 value)/CAN $63 ($90 value) for 4 Eyeshadows & any size palette.

- US $59 ($104 value)/CAN $77 ($134 value) for 6 Eyeshadows & any size palette.

Note: Each item will display separately with the original price when added to your basket. The discount will display above your order total. Additional promotions and discount offers do not apply to this set.

Have you tried Artist Color Eye Shadow? Would you like to? Let's chat in the comment section below 👇

*pr samples were generously provided for editorial consideration. As always, 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.

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.

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.

Givenchy Teint Couture Balm Blurring Foundation

One of the biggest trends coming this spring in makeup is a fresh and natural complexion. The no makeup, makeup look with an emphasis on glow. Well actually more of a glossy look.. but we'll save that topic for another post 😉

To achieve the look you need to start with a good base. The idea is to cover imperfections, while allowing your skin to peek through. In other words, pass on the full coverage foundation and opt for light to medium coverage instead.

Givenchy recently launched a few new foundations in Canada that have been very successful in the US. Today, I'm sharing my thoughts on Givenchy Teint Couture Balm Blurring Foundation ($58, 30ml). I'm also swatching every single shade!

Before I get into my review, I have a few things I need to get off my chest. For starters, I really love this foundation! But...the shade range is terrible. There's currently only 8 shades available. That means a whole group of people won't get to try this foundation, and that's a shame because it's good. Like really good.

To put it in perspective, I'm usually considered 'light' with warm yellow undertones. I wear 2W1 in Double Wear in the spring/fall and Y225 in MUFE in the dead of winter . I'm currently wearing 1 Nude Porcelain, the fairest shade of Givenchy Teint Couture Balm Blurring Foundation. On the flipside, I can totally see myself wearing the darkest shade in the summer when I have a deep (faux) tan. So if you're super fair or deeper than medium, you probably won't be able to find a match.

Shade selection aside, the formula is amazing! It has a beautiful fragrance to it (seriously, Givenchy always smells good) and the packaging is luxe. I'm a huge fan of the squeezable tube - it stays clean and keeps it fresh longer.

As the name would suggest, Givenchy Teint Couture Balm Blurring Foundation has the texture of a balm with the coverage of a foundation. It's on the thicker side, but easily spreadable. A little goes a long way and it's definitely best to apply it with your fingertips. I find that it just melts into my skin when I use my fingers. As much as I love my brushes, it feels so organic to apply foundation by fingertip!

Shades 1 & 5 have warm, yellow undertones

Shades 2 & 4 have cool, pink undertones

Shade 3 has a neutral balance 

Shades 6 & 8 have gold undertones

Shade 7 has caramel undertones

Although you can build this foundation up, you really don't need to. I find it evens me out and covers any small bumps and spots perfectly fine with one layer. I have applied a second layer, and it still looked good. If you have a pesky zit or serious dark circles, you're going to need concealer.

Shades 1 & 5 have warm, yellow undertones

Shades 2 & 4 have cool, pink undertones

Shade 3 has a neutral balance 

Shades 6 & 8 have gold undertones

Shade 7 has caramel undertones

Givenchy Teint Couture Balm Blurring Foundation has a radiant and natural finish. It doesn't accentuate dry patches - unless they're super flaky. It feels so damn lightweight that I can't feel it at all which I love. To extend the wear time, I apply it on top of hydrated and primed skin and set it lightly with powder.

I'm so happy to have discovered this foundation and I'm not kidding when I say I love it. I've been wearing it every day and I don't see that changing anytime soon!


You can find Givenchy Teint Couture Balm Blurring Foundation online at sephora.com

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