Clarins Palette 4 Couleurs In 03 Brown | Review + Swatches

When it comes to makeup, I typically default to nude eyes and a bold lip. It's a classic look that I'm comfortable with. But one of the biggest joys of makeup is pushing boundaries. I've decided to play up my eyes with deeper colours, the timeless smokey eye and the cut crease looks that are everywhere on Instagram.

Admittedly, I'm not overly comfortable wearing deep, intense eye looks. Instead of diving into discomfort, or giving up entirely, I've decided to gradually work myself up to it. I've been experimenting with Clarins Palette 4 Couleurs in 03 brown and I have to say, it's pushed me closer to my makeup goals!

Available in 3 different shade choices (01 Nude, 02 Rosewood and 03 Brown) the Clarins Palette 4 Couleurs does not disappoint! These versatile palettes come in a variety of finishes (matte, satin and pearl) and can be used dry for a natural look or wet for an intense look. Either way you choose to wear them, they provide intense pigmentation that is very blendable, with minimal fallout. They are dermatologically and opthamololigically tested and offer skin improving ingredients.

As I've recently hit a milestone birthday, I've started to notice subtle changes in my skin, mainly to my eye area. Textural changes. It's not noticeable until I apply eye shadow, mainly shimmery or metallic finishes. Primer or not, it's there. For some reason, these eye shadows don't highlight it (thank god). I'm not sure why, but I'm not complaining!

When applied dry, these eye shadows looked classic and natural. They applied evenly and blended like a dream. To be honest, this palette out performed so many cult classics in the pigment/blending area. I found it incredibly easy to transition shades, from lid to crease to brow bone, my shadow and blending looked almost professional.

It is important to mention that the lightest shade doesn't show up well without primer. As you can see in my swatches, it's practically nonexistent.  When worn on my lids with a primer, it does indeed show up. Without a primer, it just blends into my skin.  I think a lot of that has to do with my skin tone. I feel like it would show up better on someone with darker skin. Just a thought 😉

Applying it wet took a little more finesse. The shades were much deeper and very intense, although still very blendable. I did find it to settle into my crease when wet whereas it didn't when applied dry. 

Once set (I always set my makeup with setting spray) my eyes looked great all day. I did find that when I applied the shadows wet they looked better at the end of the night opposed to when they were applied dry. This is due to the the added intensity you get when you use them wet.

Verdict? This palette is worth it in every way! The shades are beautiful, blendable and truly a delight to wear. I highly recommend Clarins Palette 4 Couleurs for fall!

You can find these palettes at The Hudson's Bay Clarins counter and online at www.clarins.ca for $43

Have you tried any of the Palette 4 Couleurs? Is there an eye shadow palette you're crushing on? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

*I received this palette as a gift. As always, all opinions are my own!

Contouring Made Easy With Lancôme's Teint Idole Ultrawear Foundation Stick | Review + Swatches

Today's post is all about contouring made easy. Although contouring in and of itself is fairly easy, finding the right products and techniques make a world of difference.

To me, contouring is all about accentuating the features you have and playing with light and shadow.  I'm not a fan of harsh contouring and overly noticeable lines. Some of you might be, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that, It's just my personal preference for my face. 

My contour routine consists of three steps that I do after I apply my foundation. The first is to apply my contour shade to my forehead just below my hairline, the sides of my nose, hollows of my cheeks and along my jawline. I then apply a matte highlight to the center of my forehead, along the bridge of my nose through to my cupids bow, under my eyes and just below my cheek contour to my jawline. I then blend, blend and blend some more until there are no visible lines. After I'm done blending I apply a shimmery highlighter to the top of my cheeks and the bridge of my nose.

Up until recently I've only ever used powder products to do my contouring. Mainly due to the fact that I have combination skin and most cream products slide off of my face midday. I was recently given the opportunity to try the latest foundation from Lancôme which just so happens to come in stick form. I was sent my preferred contour shade which is 2 shades deeper than my foundation shade and let me tell you, I was beyond excited to step out of my comfort zone!

The Lancôme Teint Idole stick is a cream to powder type foundation. It is available in 20 shades and can be used as a foundation, concealer, contour or highlight. It is said to be transfer proof, long wearing and it also contains an SPF of 21.

As I mentioned earlier, I received my preferred contour shade which is 410 Bisque W. It is just the right amount of warm without being too yellow. Since I have only used it to contour, I can't say for sure how transfer resistant it is.  I did find it to be long wearing, lasting me the whole day into the evening. The finish is matte which I prefer for contouring as well as foundation. Dewy finishes just don't go well with my combo skin..

410 Bisque W heavily swatched in natural, indoor light

Compared to powder contouring, this was way easier to apply and blend. I learned early on that a little goes a long way and the best way not to over do it is to use the edge opposed to dead on.  I used a medium sized oval brush to blend it out (side to side for forehead, upwards on cheeks and downwards on my jawline).  Minimal effort was needed to blend it out which makes this stick perfect for rushed mornings.

As you can see in the picture below, the result is subtle definition. My face looks slightly chiselled without harsh lines and it looks very natural. This is my kind of contour!

You can find Lancôme's Teint Idole Foundation stick at Sephora, The Hudson's Bay and at select Shoppers Drug Marts for around $50 a tube.


*I received this foundation for free as part of Chick Advisor's Product Review Club. As always, all opinions are my own!

MAKE UP FOR EVER's Artist Rouge Line | Reviews + Swatches #MYARTISTROUGE

I'm sure you've noticed that MAKE UP FOR EVER has released some very innovative products this year. From the new Water Blend foundation to the Artist Rouge lipstick line, MAKE UP FOR EVER has had social media buzzing. Today I'm sharing a photo heavy review of 6 of the Artist Rouge lipsticks. Before I get into my review, this is what MAKE UP FOR EVER has to say about the collection.

"MAKE UP FOR EVER's Artist Rouge line is a new, expertly curated lipstick collection offered in 45 show-stopping shades. Packaged in new signature casing, the lipstick is available in two simple, but beautiful finishes - 31 lustrous creams and 14 velvety mattes. Artist Rouge offers highly pigmented colour with spectacular wear, and a non-feathering, non-drying, nourishing feel for endless comfort."

The first thing that caught my eye was the new packaging. The lipstick is encased in a gorgeous black bullet that opens to showcase a silver toned tube stamped MAKE UP FOR EVER. The lipstick has the perfect tear-drop shape to ensure precise lines which makes lining the lips easy. With the bolder shades (C603, C506 and M401) I found that the use of a lipstick brush was the best way to get crisp edges. When you wear a red, berry or blue lip, it needs to be applied as perfectly as possible to look the best!

Both the creams and the mattes apply smoothly and with the exception of C603, one swipe is all it takes to achieve opaque coverage. I found that with C603 I needed to swipe a second time to get full, even coverage. The formula indeed feels creamy and comfortable. I was able to get a few hours of wear with these lipsticks without any feathering or fading. I did find them to transfer a bit, but that is to be expected when eating or drinking.

I took the photos below in the same spot, back to back so that you could get a true feel for the shades. I'm not using any primer on my lips nor did I use a brush.

C603

C506

M401

C502

C211

C105

Out of the six shades I received I'm definitely partial to C506 and C211. I'm really loving the berry tones for fall and C506 is gorgeous. C211 is my current go to nude for day-to-day or when I want to play up my eyes. Honestly, I love them all, although I don't know how often I'll be wearing C603. I'm just not that comfortable with blue lipstick. Yet...

You can find Artist Rouge lipstick in stores and online at Sephora for $27 CAD

Have you tried any of the Artist Rouge lipsticks? How do you feel about blue lipstick? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

*I received this box as a gift, all opinions are my own!

Shiseido's Rouge Rouge Line | Review + Swatches

Can you believe it's October already? I for one am excited for warm days, cool nights and all things pumpkin! As the temperature drops and the leaves change colour, so does our makeup. Eye looks get deeper and lipsticks gets bolder.

One of the biggest trends this fall is a red statement lip which I wrote about here. Anyone who knows me knows that red lips are my thing so obviously I'm beyond excited for this trend! Red lipstick is my neutral lip colour and I've always been a firm believer that everyone can rock a red lip.  Shiseido shares my opinion and has released a gorgeous new line of lipsticks aptly named Rouge Rouge. This collection created by Dick Page (Artistic Director for Shiseido's makeup) boasts an impressive range of red based lipsticks for all skin tones. With 16 shades to choose from, there truly is a red for everyone!

RD504 Rouge Rum Punch

The formula combines optimal pigments (basic red and blending red) and light technologies (vivid, strong and diffused red) that work differently to offer vividness, intense colour and prevent dullness. They're also infused with S Hyaluronic Acid Complex and S Hydro-Wrap Vitalizing  DE EX for rich moisture and smoothness. They also claim to be fade resistant and long wearing.

I have the shade RD504 Rouge Rum Punch* and it is such a perfect red for fall! It has a berry feel to it and it's not too light nor too dark. It has a shiny, almost glossy finish and it indeed feels very hydrating. I've gotten a solid 4 hours out of it before it needed a touch up (no primer or liner). I've worn it when my lips have been dry and it didn't feather as much as I was expecting it too. It's definitely a good idea to exfoliate and moisturize before application though because the shine will accentuate any dry patches on your lips.

The packaging is great too. It's in a very sleek looking bullet that has magnets to keep it closed tightly. Aside from being extremely practical, the click it makes when shut is incredibly satisfying.

There really is a lot to love when it comes to these lipsticks and I plan on picking up a few more. If you would like to try a red but aren't very comfortable this line is a great place to start!

You can find these lipsticks at the Hudson's Bay, Sephora and https://www.shiseido.ca/

Are you a fan of red lipstick? Let me know your thoughts below 💕

*I received this lipstick in a gift bag courtesy of Dave Lackie. As always, my opinions are my own!

#TeeezBeauty | A Dave Lackie Event Recap

Last Wednesday night I was honoured to attend the official launch of the Teeez Cosmetics counter at the Hudson's Bay flagship store on Queen St W in downtown Toronto. The new counter hosts all kinds of interactive beauty fun, but before I get into that, I'd like to introduce you to the brand.

Teeez Cosmetics is a fashion forward, edgy brand from Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Rooted in fashion, their collections are anything but boring. Their packaging boasts brightly coloured skull motifs and has an eccentric flair that you can't help but love. The products themselves are high quality, pigmented and long wearing. Often compared to M.A.C, this is a brand that you don't want to sleep on!

The creativity doesn't stop with the products either. Meet the new Teeez counter!

It looks like a regular counter right? Wrong! This high tech, interactive space is like nothing you've seen before.  Boasting the latest technology, not only can you look at and swatch beautiful products, you can scan them to get a step by step tutorial with their new iOS app. The fun doesn't stop there either!

Do you want to try on a new lipstick but cringe at the thought of putting a tester to your lips? Instead of grinning and bearing or holding a swatched finger to your lips, you can now scan your face and digitally try it on. Pretty neat right! The screen scans your face and then allows you to 'try' on products without actually 'trying' them on.

And if that isn't enough, wait til you hear about this! Have you ever gone for a makeover, purchased the products and brought them home only to forget how to use them? Or maybe you don't remember what shade of eye shadow went in the crease and what went on the lid. Even the most talented of us have trouble recreating our makeovers. Well that's no longer a problem thanks to this handy dandy video recording station aptly named VanityVid.  While getting a makeover you can opt to have it recorded and emailed to you.  It's like having your own personaliazed YouTube tutorial. Amazing!

VANITYVID

After our tour of the new counter we were brought upstairs to the Arcadian Lofts for cocktails, gourmet meal, presentation and gift bag.  The signature cocktail was very unique and also super tasty!

Dinner was absolutely scrumptious and dessert was amazing. These meals never disappoint, believe me!

During dessert Dave interviewed our surprise guest of honour Paul van der Wall, Senior Global Makeup Artist for Teeez Cosmetics. Paul is the man behind the collections, hand picking the shades and infusing his love of fashion into it all. He's also a super fun and an incredibly down to earth guy. It was a pleasure meeting him!

Not only did we receive an amazing gift bag but our own handmade bracelet and key chain thanks to the super talented Daniel aka @djdrm1972 of Earth Elements. Each bracelet is unique in its own way and you can really feel the love that got put into making them. Daniel has some stunning pieces and if you're into jewellery (who isn't?) I highly recommend visiting his Facebook page here to see some of his creations.

Myself, Grieta, Connie and Jenn (photo cred to @griechux) 

Thanks again to Dave Lackie, Teeez Cosmetics Canada, Daniel and the Hudson's Bay ❤❤❤

September's Topbox | Review

Septembers topbox

I just realized that I forgot to post about last months box..oops! I'm not going to go over it, because well, it's old news. But if you're curious about what I received last month, you can view my post on instagram here. Moving forward, let's talk about this months box and the delay in shipping that saw it arrive on the 20th instead of the 15th. Apparently one of the items I was receiving in my box was delayed. It happens. What confused me a bit was that I saw other subscribers posting on IG the exact same box that I was to received but on the 15th. Odd...

Anyways, they threw in a Unilever box for free which was nice and if I'm being honest, made up for the fact that this months box sucked. Yup, I said it. It sucks. Out of 5 items there was only one that I like, and sadly it's a sample that I could get for free from Sephora. If you guessed it's the Makeup For Ever Ultra HD, you're correct.

Bonus Unilever box

So this is what I received this month!

• MUFE Ultra HD foundation in the shade 127=Y335 5ml
• Boo Bamboo shampoo 15ml
• Boo Bamboo conditioner 15ml
• BVspa by Bon Vital body lotion 30ml
• Delectable everything balm 7ml

As I mentioned earlier, I like the foundation. This shade is a perfect match for me and I will never complain about getting makeup in my topbox, especially if it's from MUFE! The shampoo and conditioner are OK, but I'm sick of getting teeny little bottles of it. I have thin, medium length hair and i'll be lucky if I can get a second use out of these bottles. The body lotion is just meh. It's not horrible but it's not good either. It smells cheap and performs like any other lotion out there. I will use up the sample but i'm not going to purchase it. Lastly, the everything balm by delectable.

First of all, what the hell is an everything balm? It says you can use it from tips to toes and after opening it and discovering that it looks and feels like runny Vaseline, I decided to put it on my lips. OMG no. This stuff tastes horrible. It tastes like 10 year old lipstick. Gross. It doesn't smell much better either. Needless to say that I wont be purchasing this anytime soon.

So there you have it. This months box was a fail for me and i'm hoping that next month will be better. Do any of you subscribe to topbox? Would you like to? Feel free to use my referral link here!

Fruits & Passion Moisturizing Lip Patches | Review

Hello everyone! Sorry for the delay in posts,  our family got hit hard with a cold last week and I have been trying to recover.  I'm back now and I'm working on some more detailed reviews but in the meantime I'd like to share a quick review of Fruits & Passion's Moisturizing Lip Patch.

These lip patches are from the targeted solutions line and are sold individually or in packs of four. Similar to a sheet mask, they come in single use packets. They claim to hydrate dry lips and restore silky softness. The instructions say to remove the film from the patch,  apply to lips and leave on for 10-20 minutes.  Sounds easy enough right? Wrong!

First of all these patches are very oddly shaped and too large (at least for my thin lips).  They're also very wet and clingy, making them hard to apply. Once on,  oh my god are they ever uncomfortable. Imagine a sheet mask, but on your lips. No thanks. Forget eating, drinking or talking while wearing them. Even while doing absolutely nothing, the patch slipped and slid around. Don't even get me started on how awful they taste.  I managed to wear it for the bare minimum of 10 minutes. As per the instructions, I gently tapped the remaining solution onto my lips.

So were my lips restored to silky softness? In a word, no. Sure they felt better than they did, but in no way were they repaired. In my opinion, these are not worth the hassle. I'd rather religious apply my lip balm and lay off the matte lipsticks for a few days.

Have you tried these patches before? Did they work for you. I'd love to hear your thoughts!