MAKE UP FOREVER Artist Acrylip ~ Review + Swatches

Meet the muse. Acrylic paints were created in the 1930's and were made commercially available in the 1950's. Artist grade acrylic paint is highly pigmented which allows for medium manipulation. Available in a wide range of colours, acrylic paint can be used to subtly tint objects or transform them into something bold and vibrant.

Acrylic paint is the inspiration behind MAKE UP FOR EVER's Artist Acrylip.  Much like acrylic paint, Artist Acrylip can be used in a variety of ways. You can use them for a sheer wash of colour or build them up to full opacity. This highly pigmented formula covers lips with intense colour and has a thin, non-sticky texture.

MAKE UP FOR EVER's Artist Acrylip liquid lipstick is housed in a squeezable tube with a slanted cushion applicator for easy, mess-free application. The lipstick itself is the perfect consistency; neither to runny nor too thick and is easily buildable with a soft-shine finish.

For a sheer wash of colour (tint) you need only to apply slight pressure on the tube. If you've used the lipstick recently, you don't even need to squeeze it, just run it across your lips.

If you're looking for fuller, opaque coverage you simply layer it on until you've reached your desired finish. Unlike many other liquid lipsticks, you can apply layer after layer without any streaking, pilling or patchiness.

There are currently 10 shades of Artist Acrylip available ranging from pale pink to deep eggplant. I have the shades 200 Candy Pink, 301 Poppy Orange and 400 Iconic Red. I found that they are slightly lighter in real life than how they appear on/in the package.

301 Poppy Orange pulls coral on me, which isn't that surprising considering it's called poppy orange. 400 Iconic Red wears more like a deep pink than a red.

Swatches In Direct Sunlight

MAKE UP FOR EVER's Artist Acrylip has an amazing texture. It isn't sticky, tacky or heavy. In fact, it feels so light I barely notice it's there. Until I look in the mirror!

Swatches With Natural Lighting

As far as longevity, I find that MAKE UP FOR EVER's Artist Acrylip wears for longer than a bullet lipstick but shorter than a matte liquid lipstick. Depending on what you eat or drink, it will last between 2 to 4 hours before you need to reapply it. It fades gracefully and leaves a nice stain on the lips. If you want to prolong the wear time a bit, you can apply it over a lip pencil. I recommend pairing Artist Acrylip with MAKE UP FOR EVER's Aqua Lips pencil. You can find similar shade matches or go for an ombre look by using a darker (or lighter) pencil.

Although Artist Acrylip lipstick feels very comfortable on, I found it dried out my lips a bit. Not a lot to be honest, but worth noting. I like to apply lip balm prior to applying Artist Acrylip and again after I remove it to balance out the dryness.

You can find MAKE UP FOR EVER's Artist Acrylip both in-store and online at Sephora for $29 each 💋



*PR samples sent for editorial consideration

Bio-Oil, The Perfect Head-to-Toe Moisturizer! ~ Review + Giveaway!

Bio-Oil is a world renowned, specialist skincare oil that is clinically proven to improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tone. But it's so much more than that! Bio-Oil's moisturizing properties make it an effective head to toe moisturizer. From split ends to cracked heels, Bio-Oil can treat it all!

Bio-Oil has won countless awards (332 but who's counting) and is the No.1 scar and stretch mark product in 24 countries, including Canada - source

Formulated with proprietary PurCellin Oil, Botanical Oils (Lavender, Calendula, Rosemary, Chamomile) and Vitamins (A&E) to help maximize skin elasticity and to lock in moisture -this makes skin softer and smoother.

You can use Bio-Oil on your face to help minimize dark spots and hydrate your skin, regardless of skin type. Contrary to popular belief, those with oily skin can and do benefit from the use of beauty oils. Skin often reacts to dryness by creating an abundance of sebum (oil). Bio-Oil helps to restore skins natural oils that can be stripped away from washing or harsh weather conditions (hello Canadian winter) which can help prevent your face from producing extra sebum.

Admittedly I was nervous of using beauty oils on my face because I have combo skin and I was always told that oil would break me out. I now know that's a myth, but nonetheless I was still nervous. I took the plunge and I can tell you that you will benefit from it! Incorporating Bio-Oil into my beauty routine has helped my skin maintain balance and I don't see any more breakouts than I normally do.

The neat thing about Bio-Oil is that you can use it around your eyes and even on your lips which makes it perfect for those of you who don't want to use a gazillion products on your face.

You can also use it to remove your makeup! Bio-Oil completely dissolved all of my facial makeup with the exception of my mascara. In all fairness, I find most products can't handle mascara removal.

I have also swapped body lotion for Bio-Oil and my skin is thankful for it. After my morning shower I apply it to my body and my skin stays hydrated - all day. Unlike some oils (coconut for example), Bio-Oil absorbs into my skin and doesn't leave a heavy feeling. I can get dressed in a matter of minutes and know that the oil won't get all over my clothing. It also makes the perfect after shave treatment. My legs feel so smooth and I don't experience any irritation from it like I do with certain lotions.

Bio-Oil is also great for hand and nail health. Cuticles love oil and so do hands, just apply it sparingly (bedtime is best). Same goes for your feet. Bio-Oil can help with dry, cracked heels. I use a Pedi device to remove any build up of dead skin, apply Bio-Oil and a pair of socks before I go to bed. In the morning my feet feel much smoother and look way better. Buh-bye scaly, flaky skin!

I have a couple scars and a few small stretch marks that I've been applying Bio-Oil to but I haven't used it long enough to see any major results. I'm going to continue to use it and will update you all as to whether or not it improves them.


GIVEAWAY TIME!

One lucky subscriber of Mom Loves Makeup will receive a Bio-Oil prize pack valued at $65 courtesy of Bio-Oil and LexPR! This giveaway is open to Canadians only (sorry international friends) and will run for 2 weeks. Please read and follow the rules. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comment section below. Good luck to all who enter!


Mandatory Rules

Open to legal residents of Canada only
Must be subscribed by email
Absolutely no giveaway accounts!


All other entries are optional. The more you enter, the greater your chance of winning. Check back daily for additional entries and please don't follow/subscribe to enter the giveaway only to unfollow after it ends. If you follow just for the giveaway and unfollow after it ends, you will be blocked from all future giveaways and I've got some good ones planned.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


*PR samples were sent to me for editorial consideration. No affiliate links were used and all opinions are my own!

Thursday Plantation's Cold and Flu Emergency Kit #TPWinterRescue ~ Review

Essential oils. We use them in our bath water, we diffuse them into the air for fragrance, we use them to help us relax - but did you know that you can also use them to ward of pesky winter colds and influenza?

There are many different essential oils out there, but today I'm focusing on three powerhouse oils from Thursday Plantation; Lavender, Tea Tree and Eucalyptus. These three can help you maintain your health and combat colds and flu this winter (and all year round!)

I'm sure you're all familiar with Lavender Oil. It can be found in many different beauty products and is a well known calming therapeutic. We all know that stress can play a negative role on our health. In moments of stress and tension, try diffusing this calming therapeutic into the air. The sweet scent of lavender is sure to help settle the nerves and create a calm environment. If you don't own a diffuser, try placing a few drops in a bowl of water and set the bowl near a radiator or heat vent and voila! A make shift diffuser. Alternately, It can be massaged directly into your temples to help temporarily relieve your symptoms of stress or anxiety. I have been running my new diffuser every evening with a few drops of Lavender Oil and it really helps me to relax.

Did you catch a nasty stomach bug? or maybe you're just feeling a bit nauseated? Place a drop of Lavender Oil behind your ears or around your navel to help alleviate feelings of nausea. If you're feeling up for a bath (wonderful way to relax and soothe achy muscles) add a few drops to your bath water. The vapour will help to clear your head and leave your skin feeling soft. I also like to rub a drop on my lips to keep them feeling hydrated.

One of my personal favourite uses for Lavender Oil is to apply a few drops to my pillow before bed. It brings an air of calmness and helps me fall asleep quicker. If you haven't tried Lavender on your pillow you're missing out. Trust me!

Tea Tree Oil is known for it's anti-fungal and antiseptic properties. Heck you can even use it to help ward off head lice! Fun fact (well not so fun- more like useful fact) Tea Tree Oil can be used to ease the discomfort of a sore throat. One of the first signs of a cold is a sore throat and most people don't have throat spray or lozenges on hand (I never do) If you have Tea Tree Oil, try adding a drop to a warm glass of water and gargle with it, but don't swallow!

Adding a few drops to a hot bath filled with epsom salts will help ease aches and pains associated with a cold or flu and as an added bonus the steam will help clear congestion.

I've also heard that Tea Tree Oil can help heal cold sores. I personally don't suffer from them, so I can't say whether or not it works, but it's worth a try if you do!

Eucalyptus Oil. It smells lovely, it can help to boost the immune system and you can clean with it! This multi-tasking oil can be diffused into the air to stimulate the immune system and to help clear the sinuses. This potent (in a good way!) oil also makes a wonderful vapour rub. Just add a few drops to some coconut oil (or any other carrier oil) and you've got yourself a vapour rub. If you're not a vapour rub kind of person, you can always add a few drops to a face cloth and inhale as needed instead.

As I mentioned earlier, you can use Thursday Plantation's Eucalyptus Oil as a disinfectant. Simply add 10-30 drops to distilled water to make a disinfectant spray. You can also mop your floor with it. I use a water-vinegar mix and add a few drops of Eucalyptus Oil. The addition of Eucalyptus Oil makes it much more bearable (I really dislike my house smelling like vinegar) and it leaves my hardwood floors gleaming. I definitely recommend doing a test patch before mopping your hardwood with it though. Better to be safe then sorry..

All of Thursday Plantation's Essential Oils are 100% pure and natural. They're free of synthetic parabens, harsh detergents and they're cruelty free. They also have a very long shelf life (the bottles I have are good until 2020).

You can find Thursday Plantation's Essential Oils at Walmart, Rexall, Whole Foods, The Big Carrot, well.ca and many other locations (click here for store locator)

To learn more about Thursday Plantation or to find more uses for their essential oils visit their website http://thursdayplantationcanada.ca/ and be sure to follow the hashtag #TPWinterRescue


#PR samples were sent for my consideration. No affiliate links were used and all opinions are my own!

Runway Rogue, Lip Products With An Attitude! ~ Review + Swatches

Runway Rogue is a new cosmetics company that's all about lip products with an attitude. Your attitude! From bold to subtle and everything in between, you can be sure to find a lip product to suit your attitude of beauty.

Runway Rogue is the creative vision of 90's supermodel Patricia Hartmann, whose favourite aspect of her modelling career was the incredible transformation that happens in the makeup chair. As a lover of all things that make lips luscious, Patricia carefully crafted each and every shade of this limited edition collection of creamy lipstick bullets, rich glosses and extreme long wear pencils.

All of Runway Rogue's lip products are made with high quality, mineral-based rich pigments suspended in hydrating butters and oils. They are cruelty-free and contain healthy ingredients such as Vitamin E, Jojoba oil and Chamomile extract. The lipsticks and lip glosses are paraben-free, talc-free, sulfate-free, gluten-free and are made with non-comedogenic ingredients.  

One of the first things that caught my eye was the packaging. The boxes are white with a picture of luscious lips showcasing the shade of the product inside. Simple yet beautiful.

The lip gloss comes housed in a sleek silver tube with a clear window to see how much (or how little!) you have left. The wand has a standard doe-foot applicator which picks up enough product that you don't really need to dip a second time (unless you're like me and need to be extra). There are currently 7 shades available and they retail for $19USD.

I have the shade Chameleon and it is absolutely gorgeous! It's a shimmery, golden rose that will flatter any skin tone.

"During my career I was given the nickname Chameleon, because depending on the hair, make up and fashion of the photo shoot, my look could go anywhere from sexy and sultry, to understated and minimalist. This sheer and super shiny shade is so multifaceted with shimmery tones of gold and rose, in a warm nude base that I had to name it Chameleon..."

As a lover of all things rose gold, naturally I fell for this gloss. It's very hard to capture each dimension of this gloss in a photo. It's glossy, glitzy, pinky, nudey (is that even a word?) and/or golden depending on how the light hits it. Chameleon is the perfect name for this shade because it's so multifaceted.

The formula feels comfortable on the lips, not tacky and not sticky. It feels like a gloss should feel-glossy! My lips feel hydrated while I'm wearing it and once it's worn off my lips are left feeling smooth. I don't usually wear gloss often, but I've been reaching for Chameleon a lot since I got it!

Now onto the lipstick!

Runway Rogue really outdid themselves with these lipstick bullets! They're a sleek silver-gunmetal shade and they have some weight to them, which I personally love. And they have a magnetic closure! There is nothing more satisfying (and practical) than a bullet that pulls itself closed. Tightly.

There are 8 shades to choose from and they sell for $21USD. I have the shade Casting Call and it's the most gorgeous deep burgundy shade I've come across in a while. It's not too bright or too dark; It's literally perfect!

"Ok, so I once had an audition where the client asked the models to show up with a dark red lip. Hmmm? Clients almost always ask the models to come nearly barefaced, so that they can basically view you as a blank canvas for whatever look they had in mind. What to do? I mixed and matched whatever I had available and showed up with this reddish burgundy lip. Well, guess what? I got the job, and ever since this has been one of my favorite shades. Now you don't have to mix and match, because I did it for you! Inspire serious lip color envy with this matte burgundy red, and if you want to give it an extra pop, top it with a layer of my High Shine Lip Gloss in Runway Red."

The lipstick has a sharp point that ensures crisp lines and makes lining the cupids bow a breeze. It doesn't feather and it feels amazing on the lips. It's a nice change from the oh-so-drying matte liquid lipsticks I'm (we're) always wearing. One swipe provides opaque coverage and it doesn't accentuate any dry patches. My lips feel so hydrated when I wear it thanks to the blend of jojoba oil, safflower oil, and aloe vera in it. 

For a bullet lipstick it's long wearing - obviously it will transfer/when eating or drinking, but it does so gracefully, leaving behind a nice stain. I can get a few hours of wear before I need a touch up and that's fine by me!

I'm very impressed with both the packaging and quality of Runway Rogue's lip products. I already have my eyes on some of the other shades in the line and I'm hoping they introduce some more in the future.


To learn more about Runway Rogue or to purchase any of their fabulous lip products, go to https://www.runwayroguebeauty.com or visit them on Instagram. You can also look up the hashtag #socialrogues to see their products in action!

*PR samples were sent for my consideration; no affiliate links used and all opinions are my own!

Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation ~ Review + Swatches

I was recently given the opportunity to test out Oxygenetix's Oxygenating Foundation and I'm excited to share my thoughts on this very innovative product!

Here's a description as found on Oxygenetix's website:

"Oxygenetix Breathable Foundation is powered by our patented Ceravitae™ oxygenating complex. Ceravitae stimulates skin cell production and supports the healing process following a wide range of aesthetic procedures or skin problems. Oxygenetix Foundation covers, soothes and protects damaged skin thanks to skin-loving ingredients including: Aloe barbadensis gel-base, vitamin E, grape seed extract, green tea, salix alba extract and more. These oxygenating, natural components in harmony create a light, breathable second skin..."

Unlike other foundations, Oxygenetix can be applied to skin immediately following C02 laser resurfacing, micro-needling, chemical peels, injectables, IPL, laser hair removal, facelift, rhinoplasty and more to conceal any redness, scarring or bruising to the skin. It can also be applied over rosacea, wounded/injured skin, acne, cracked/dry skin and various other skin conditions. You can even wear it while working out because it allows your skin to breathe!

Some other features and benefits (as found on Oxyenetix's website) include:

• Conceal and camouflage skin imperfections while supporting healing the skin.

• Ceravitae™ helps proliferate skin cells, aids collagen formation and connective tissue growth.

• perfect for rosacea, redness, acne, psoriasis, eczema and surface wounds or blemishes.

• Vitamin E helps heal the skin.

• Aloe vera barbadensis calms, soothes, supports healing and cools skin.

• Breathable mesh network maintains and replenishes the skins moisture levels all day.

• Doesn’t smudge due to sweat or humidity.

• Water and transfer resistant.

• SPF25 UVA/UVB protection.

• Stays on all day - no need to reapply.

Oxygentix Oxygenating Foundation is available in 14 shades and in two undertone categories; blue and yellow. Don't be put off by the name; it won't oxidize into an orange mess on your face (that's what came to my mind when I first heard the name). Just throwing that out there..


I chose the shade Opal which is the lightest shade available with yellow undertones.

The formula has the perfect consistency; it's thick enough to provide coverage but thin enough that it's easy to spread. I applied it with my fingers, foundation brush, oval brush as well as with a real techniques sponge. Each method provides a different level of coverage and finish.

Swatch blended out

My favourite application tool for this foundation is my oval brush. It applies evenly, with fuller coverage and gives an airbrushed finish.

When applied with a damp beauty sponge, you get medium coverage with an even finish. If you want fuller coverage, you will need to apply a second layer.

I found that the use of a regular foundation brush yielded uneven results and when applied with my fingers the coverage was very light, similar to a BB cream.

It's important to note that this foundation doesn't dry quickly, which allows for a second layer if needed. The finish is somewhere between satin and demi-matte and not at all flat. It does dry a bit tacky, so I like to set it with a translucent setting powder (which also helps it to wear longer.)

When worn with primer, powder and setting spray I got around 6 hours of wear before it started to separate in my t-zone. Without primer or powder, I got about 4-5 hours out of it. Oxygenetix Oxygenating foundation feels very comfortable on the skin and looks beautiful. I will be posting some selfies with me wearing it on my Instagram very soon so make sure to follow me on there to see it in action!

For more information visit http://www.oxygenetix.com



*PR sample provided

Sole Patches ~ Review

When it comes to fashion, I'm known to sport vintage inspired clothing and sky-high heels. Unfortunately, my choice of shoes are highly impractical and often uncomfortable. I've been known to carry flats in my purse to change into after events because my feet end up hurting so badly. Stubborn as I am, I refuse to give them up!

I was recently sent a sample of Sole Patches to review and believe me, I put them to the test! Before I get into my thoughts, I think a brief description is in order.

Sole Patches are essentially a sticker that you can apply directly to the balls of your feet or inside your shoes for a more permanent pain reducing solution. They're flower shaped and made of PORON which is an anti-moisture/antimicrobial/antiodour cushion material that will help to absorb the shock and subsequent pain of walking in high heels.

I decided to add Sole Patches to the inside of my shoes opposed to my feet. Unlike most inserts, these are aesthetically pleasing and they don't take up the whole shoe. The patches aren't overly thick so they won't change the way your shoes fit, unless your shoes are too tight to begin with.

I definitely noticed the cushion effect and found them to make my shoes slightly more comfortable. I'm not going to say that they transformed my killer heels into the coziest shoes I've ever worn, but they made them more bearable, which is all I can really ask for.

Did I mention that they're only $9.95 for a pack of 6?!

For more information visit http://solepatches.com/

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The Most Expensive Face Cream I've Ever Used! Fresh's Creme Ancienne ~ Review

As someone with combination skin that leans towards oily most of the time, it came as a surprise when my skin started to dry out.  Blame it on winter or just another skin phase, I needed to revamp my skincare routine in order to address these changes.

I decided to open up my jar of Fresh's Creme Ancienne that I was so kindly gifted. The following is a description of the cream as found on Sephora's website

This supremely effective formula is the ultimate age-delaying solution. It is proven to reduce the depth and length of wrinkles, increase skin elasticity and firmness, and provide instant and long-lasting hydration. It is enriched with meadowfoam seed oil, a unique, nourishing fatty acid that plumps and firms the complexion and improves overall elasticity. A dose of vitamin E provides antioxidant protection against free-radical damage, and beeswax and chamomile wax eradicate dry spots, soften the skin, and create a light moisture-preserving veil.

The history behind Creme Ancienne is quite interesting so I thought I'd share another excerpt about it as found on the Sephora website

This exclusive complex is inspired by the world's first cream, created by Claude Galen, esteemed doctor to Emperor Marcus Aurelius, in the 2nd century A.D. to heal gladiators' wounds. To preserve its rich history and supreme quality, each jar is hand-blended and hand-filled in a European monastery. The precious waxes that give the cream its rich consistency require hand-blending to maintain their delicate structures. They have varying melting points, absorbing into the skin at different rates to deliver continuous, long-lasting moisture.

This cream retails for $170 (1oz) or $350 (3.5oz) making it the most expensive cream I've ever used. But the question is; is it worth the cost?

As you can see in the photos the cream has ripples of what I gather to be wax or oil and it's very fluid. The cream on the other hand is quite thick. It feels very rich and it looks luxe in appearance.

Due to the thickness and density of the cream, the use of a spatula is necessary. Unfortunately, Fresh doesn't include one. When I tried to apply it straight from the jar, I found it very difficult to spread. I've since discovered that it's best to allow it to warm up in my hands a bit before application.

When applied it feels heavy, and I mean heavy. Not only does it feel heavy but it looks very oily. Sadly, that feeling does not disappear. I've used creams that apply similarly but eventually they absorb into my skin. Fresh's Creme Ancienne does not, at least not in a reasonable time frame. After 3 or 4 hours it becomes less greasy, but I don't feel hydrated. I feel oily. Like I smeared coconut oil on my face.

Aside from looking like I've been working the deep fryer at a fast food restaurant, my face still feels dry. Really dry. Likely because the cream is sitting on my skin opposed to sinking in and nourishing it.

See that shine? That's what my face looks like after applying this cream

The icing on the cake? I've been breaking out like crazy since using this cream. I'm no stranger to breakouts, but this is bad. Prior to using this cream I'd typically get a small pimple or two during my cycle. After using Fresh's Creme Ancienne for just 3 weeks, I've had more blocked pores, pimples and cystic pimples than I've had in months.

Verdict? Not worth the money. I'm not sure what skin type would benefit from this cream, but it's certainly not mine. I will be finishing this off as a hand cream because I really like the jar and want to keep it on my vanity.

Have you tried Fresh's Creme Ancienne? Did it work for you? What's the most you've ever spent on a facial cream? I'd love to hear your thoughts below 👇