Monday, June 24, 2013

Time to get dramatic!

As promised, here is a review of my current favourite moisturizer: introducing Clinique’s dramatically different moisturizing lotion. I received it as a sample with a purchase and instantly fell in love. Its creamy texture moisturizes my combination skin without adding any extra oil. Clinique’s formula is gentle on my skin; it does not cause irritation or any buildup. This moisturizer prepares your skin for layering primer, foundations and/or powders on top.  

Although it’s advertised for very dry to dry combination skin, this moisturizer is perfect for summer time. Unlike most moisturizers, it hydrates your skin without the sticky feeling. Clinique’s lotion is also very economical; you only need a small amount to moisturize your entire face.  

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion - picture displays sample size
Clinique’s dramatically different moisturizing lotion currently sells for $31 CDN (for 125 ml) and can be purchased from any Clinique kiosk, Sephora, or from your nearby department store.

Apart from a good moisturizer, your skin needs extra hydration so make sure to increase your water intake this summer!

Till next post,
S.

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Sephora Retractable Brow Pencil

Get perfect eyebrows on a budget with Sephora’s Retractable Brow Pencil. This collection of long-wear brow pencils come with a wingtip comb on the other end to allow brushing and blending for a more natural look. Sephora currently offers 4 colours: 01 Honey Blonde, 02 Nutmeg Brown, 03 Rich Chestnut, and 04 Midnight Brown.

Sephora Retractable Brow Pencil
These retractable brow pencils create fuller looking eyebrows and allow maximum control over creating precise hair-like strokes. To use the product, twist the pencil and use the sharp tip to perfectly define your brows.


Brow pencil with a wingtip comb on the other end
Brow pencil in 04 Midnight Brown 

Some pros and cons:

Pros
  • Creates fuller looking, yet very naturally-define eyebrows
  • Comes in a variety of different shades; perfect for all hair colours
  • Added wingtip comb; perfect for combing and blending afterwards
  • Waterproof, therefore will not smudge
  • No need to constantly sharpen your pencil
  • Currently selling for $15 CDN (it may be pricey compared to drug-store brands; however, it’s a perfect replicate of some higher end brow pencils offered by MAC or Anastasia Beverly Hills
Cons
  • Relatively less product compared to other brow pencils that can be sharpened  
  • Because of the softness of the formula, you have to be careful while twisting as the tip is more prone to breaking off
  • Some people might find $15 CDN a bit pricey for a brow pencil
Overall, I find this brow pencil precisely defines my brows without making them look too unnatural. The colour Midnight Brown is perfect for dark brown to black brows. The product further has a very strong staying power. 

Already used Sephora’s Retractable Brow Pencil? Comment below and tell us how you liked it.
Until next post,
S.

 


Sunday, June 16, 2013

Burt’s Bees - Anti-blemish Solutions – purifying daily cleanser

Burt's Bees - Anti-blemish Solutions - purifying daily cleanser
After trying almost everything on the market, I decided to opt for natural face cleansers. I have used everything from drug store products (like Neutrogena) to high end products, but to no avail! Most products dried my already sensitive skin. However, I recently came across positive reviews for Burt’s Bees products. I was specifically interested in its Anti-blemish Solutions – purifying daily cleanser. Formulated with Willow Bark and other natural ingredients, this product seemed promising. It has a very low (1.0%) concentration of salicylic acid; enough to deeply clean your pores without drying or irritating your skin too much.

The packaging reads: “this cleanser is proven to help wash away blemish causing bacteria, excess oil and impurities without over-drying or irritating skin. Salicylic Acid, derived naturally from Willow Bark Extract, penetrates pores to help reduce blemishes and prevent future breakouts. Evening Primrose and Beet Root Extracts help care for troubled skin resulting in clear and healthy-looking skin, naturally.”
 
Has a slight watery consistency
Although I recently started using this product, I find my combination skin does not react negatively to it. It cleans my face without over-drying it. I further like that the product is noncomedogenic; it will not block pores. However, like any supplement, medicine, or tropical ointment, it is best to slowly introduce it to your skin or body. Although the packaging directs that you wash your face (with the product) in the morning and evening, if you find your skin dry or tightened, I suggest you use a very small amount of product or only wash your face in the morning. This will allow the product to gradually introduce itself to your skin and settle in. 

The product retails for $14.99 CDN and contains 145 ml.

Overall, I find this cleanser deeply cleans my skin without causing any irritation. After washing my face in the morning, I apply a thin layer of Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion (my new favourite moisturizer; review coming soon). I think it’s too soon to say if it will prevent future breakouts. However, your skin pumps out what you are putting in your body; if you lead a very unhealthy lifestyle with poor diet, no cleanser, or any product for that matter, can clear your skin!

So remember, eat clean, be active, and drink lots of water!

Till next post,
S.



Friday, June 14, 2013

MAC Pro Longwear Lipcreme & Lipcolour

MAC Pro Longwear Lipcreme and Lipcolour are MAC’s longest wearing lip products. Although a little pricier than regular MAC lipsticks, both Longwear Lipcreme and Lipcolour holds the colour for up to 6-8 hours before any touch-ups are needed.

Pro Longwear Lipcreme has a lightweight texture with a creamy finish. It further helps lips stay soft and hydrated. MAC currently sells 19 shades which cover a good blend of reds, browns, and pinks. It retails for $21 Cdn at any MAC store.
 
MAC Pro Longwear Lipcreme in 'Prolong'

Prolong: a bright red with a slight blue undertone. Would look great on skins with pink undertones. 

MAC Pro Longwear Lipcreme in 'Love Forever'

Love Forever: a cool-toned fuchsia pink with a cream finish.
 
Pro Longwear Lipcolour comes with two easy applications: a formulated colour base and a clear lip gloss for extra hydration. This retails for $28 Cdn and comes in 8 shades.
MAC Pro Longwear Lipcolour in 'Unchanging'

Although the colour base is very moisturizing, I had to reapply the lip gloss every few hours to keep my lips looking hydrating and plumped.   

Overall, I find the texture and finish of these products to be very impressive. Both products feel creamy and retain moisture well so your lips do not appear dry, chapped, or chalky. Like me, if you are struggling to prolong the colour on your lips, I would give both these products a try.

Till next post,
S.

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Are you Camera Ready???

Hello everyone!

I hope you are all enjoying your summer so far! Sorry, I have been MIA for a very long time. However, I am back on track and very excited to post regularly on my blog. I have recently purchased and tried many beauty products, so stay tuned for a lot of product reviews, tips and tricks, and trends for the summer.

I am an avid shopper at Camera Ready Cosmetics (CRC) and thought it would be nice to share this amazing website with you all. Founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson, CRC provides professional makeup supplies offered at a discounted rate. It is based in US; however, international shipping is available.
I was introduced to CRC after seeing many reviews on YouTube by various makeup gurus.
 
Below are some of the products that I have ordered and absolutely love:
If you are looking for affordable, yet quality beauty products for your professional or personal makeup kit, I would recommend CRC. Their shipping is very fast, not to mention their excellent customer service.  
 
I would love to hear about your experience with CRC so please leave me a comment!
 
Till next post,
S.