This New Concealer Covers Up Everything While Leaving Skin Looking Natural!
Concealer is probably the most valued item in my makeup bag. Without it, I feel like the walking dead and I'd rather be invisible. I have medium-dark undereye circles and some hyperpigmentation that I'm obviously not fond of, so maybe you can understand where I'm coming from on feeling so harsh about myself sans concealer.
My second most valued item is lipstick, which doubles as both a lip colour and blush. Are you really surprised?
But let's go back to concealer because it's not often I come across one that leaves my skin looking natural and covers it all up!
The new one from BAREMINERALS works beautifully and got me mad compliments on my skin the first day I wore it. #truestory
BAREMINERALS BAREPRO® 16-Hour Full Coverage Concealer
PROS: It's full coverage but is lightweight in texture, doesn't crease, blends like a dream, doesn't clog pores, is water and sweat-resistance, and looks natural and not dry.
CONS: None. Seriously.
With fifteen shade to choose from, the new BAREPRO concealer is formulated with antioxidant-rich Raspberry Seed Oil, Blackcurrant Seed Oil, and Sea Lavender to nourish skin.
Apply it straight right onto the skin, yes, right from the tube and blend with a brush, BeautyBlender or your fingers. Anything goes with this formula.
Retails for: $30 CND and $24 USD
BAREMINERALS Gen Nude® Powder Blush
Occasionally I'll use lipstick as blush because I've been loving monochrome look these days. With the new GEN NUDE blushes, I really don't have to do this because they've come out with six ridiculously flattering shades.
Formulated with a special Blurring Mineral Complex and infused with light-reflective mineral pearls to brighten skin and blur imperfections.
Retails for: $30 CND and $24 USD
GEN NUDE® Patent Lip Lacquer
New to the GEN NUDE collection are these shiny liquid lipsticks that come in 18 flattering shades. I love how they look natural but also add that extra oomph to the lips thanks to the shine. For more info and swatches on these babies, make sure you head over to my lipstick blog, LIPSICK.ME.
Retails for: $23 CND and $19 USD
For a more natural look this spring/summer, the new BAREPRO Concealer melts beautifully into bare skin. For a flawless photo-ready look, I've been wearing it with the BAREPRO Performance Wear Liquid Foundation. My favourite way to apply it is by pressing the foundation into my skin using a flat, dense foundation brush. The look is honestly beyond flawless and will last all day!
Disclaimer: The products in this post are PR samples. All opinions and photography are my own.
Testing out Benefit's new BADgal BANG! Volumizing Mascara (with before & after photos)
I've been waiting (impatiently) to run out of my old mascara before diving into Benefit's new BADgal BANG! Volumizing Mascara.
Having already seen some before and afters on IG, I knew I wanted to share my own B&A with you guys here to see if these claims were legit.
First, here's what you need to know. Benefit promises intense black colour and massive volume in this mascara. It contains aero-particles, "which are one of the lightest known materials, derived from space technology". The brand claims the particles won't weigh down lashes, even after multiple coats. The slender, flexible brush is designed to coat lashes evenly, from root to tip, and fits comfortably into the corners of the eyes. The formula is said to be smudge proof, water-resistant (not to be confused with waterproof) and contains provitamin B5 "to support natural lash thickness and strength."
Okay, that's a lot of claims.
Alright, here's what I have to say after one use.
I'll agree with the brand about having my lashes coated evenly. With just the first swipe of the brush, my lashes were looking thicker and longer.
Now, normally I hate slender mascara wands because I find they don't do the greatest job at providing volume, but that wasn't the case with BADgal. The flexible brush didn't feel inferior upon application and overall, I was pretty surprised/happy with the results.
After a full day of wear, I did have some smudging on my lower lash line. This happens to me with almost every mascara though (with exception of CoverGirl and Dior), because I have long lower lashes. (Boohoo. I know.) Otherwise, no clumping or flaking.
Washing it off at the end of the day was easy. I did my double cleanse as per usual - milky cleaner first, followed by Olay Infusion Hydrating Glow Facial Cleanser and my trusty organic cotton face cloth from Muji. No traces of mascara were left over and it wasn't hard to get off either.
Overall, I'd say BADgal is a fabulous mascara. Probably my favourite from the brand so far.
Two thumbs up Benefit! You did good!
DISCLAIMER: Benefit's BADgal mascara was provided as a PR sample. All photos and opinions are my own.
The shoes I'm currently obsessed with will surprise you!
A few years ago Diana and I went sneaker shopping. Little did I know it but she was looking to replace her worn out pair Vans slip ons with a shiny new pair of the exact same shoe! As someone who has four IKEA Billy bookcases full of shoes, this was totally foreign to me.
I watched her replace the rundown sneakers for years until I finally got my feet into a pair of Vans.
Suddenly I got her.
I didn't have to break these in like my Converse All-Stars (which are super cute but let's face it, hurt like hell). I can wear Vans for long periods of time and be fine, which is exactly why they have become a staple in my closet and why they're the only shoe I wear to the airport. Seriously.
Just the other day I picked up my first pair of classic black Vans. These have a platform though so I get an extra inch of height and they're still super comfy.
There are currently nine pairs of Vans on my IKEA shelves (including the limited edition Nintendo SK8-HI, which you can see how I styled here).
Finally, I get Diana.
A striped top, Zara jeans and Vans sneakers.
I just picked up this cute IRO leather bomber jacket the other day. It's oversized so I'm still thinking about it.
What's on my desk: an Umbra tray full of Chanel makeup.
My current favourite perfume - Coco Mademoiselle eau de perfum Intense.
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I'm getting mad compliments from CHANEL'S new Coco Mademoiselle perfume
Scent is a powerful thing.
A woman once followed me out of an elevator on a floor that wasn’t her stop to ask me what perfume was wearing. It’s amazing how fragrance has the amazing duality of being able to make and leave an impression.
Wondering what perfume I was wearing? It was CHANEL COCO MADEMOISELLE EAU DE PARFUM INTENSE.
I could get technical and tell you it’s a chypre-floral fragrance that captures you at the very first layer of sparkling orange with ghosts of rose, but what I really want to talk about is how this scent makes me feel. Once in a while, the stars align and you truly feel like your best self. Your outfit is on point, your hair is behaving, your makeup is on fleek and you’re just ready to run things. That’s how I feel every time I dab this perfume into my pulse points.
The lasting power of this fragrance is incredible and settles beautifully after a few hours. If you’re looking for the aroma of luxury, you really do need to try this scent.
Check out the latest campaign with Keira Knightly below:
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Yellow nail polish, Chanel Giallo Napoli, SS18
Watch, Larsson & Jennings
Bracelets, Tiffany & Co and David Yurman
Necklaces, lisbethjewelry.com
CHANEL Gives Us 3 New Ways to Experience Chance Perfume
When you meet someone for the first time there’s a bunch of criteria you use to judge them. Let’s be very real, scent is one of them. And if you smell amazing, that’s a plus.
If you’ve never tried CHANEL’S line of perfumes, there’s no better time to try them. This year the brand has released a variety of new ways to wear their gorgeous fragrances, depending on the moment of the day and your mood.
All-day, every day: CHANEL EAU TENDRE DELICATE FRAGRANCE TOUCH-UP
For the first time, CHANEL introduces a fragrance cushion. Elegant and sensual, and available in a limited edition, CHANCE EAU TENDRE Delicate Fragrance Touch-Up is an invitation to apply fragrance confidentially, discreetly and precisely, at any moment.
For self-care: CHANCE BODY OILS
Available in a limited edition, CHANCE dry body oils are instantly absorbed. Lightweight and ultra- sensorial, they leave the skin silky, while prolonging and intensifying the trail of the fragrance.
To travel in style: CHANCE EAU VIVE TWIST AND SPRAY
An energizing creation filled with vitality, CHANCE EAU VIVE now comes in a Twist and Spray format, perfect to keep in your purse, within hand’s reach, or to take with you on the go.
Ever have a stranger stop you and ask what perfume you’re wearing? Prepare to when you wear one of these stunning scents.
NARS makes finding the right foundation shade a breeze!
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Finding a good foundation is tough. Between narrowing down the right formula for your skin type and nailing the perfect shade, foundation shopping is exhausting to say the least. Luckily, NARS has just released their Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation, available in 33 shades to help you look like your best, flawless self.
Fans of the iconic Radiant Creamy Concealer are sure to love this foundation. It’s medium-to-full coverage, buildable, and fade resistant with 16-hour wear. It conceals imperfections such as hyperpigmentation and redness like a dream. Best applied with a damp sponge, the Radiant Longwear Foundation also looks great when applied with a foundation brush using a stippling motion.
It looks beautifully on its own, but I like to add a little bit of M.A.C's Strobe Cream to mine for a luminous finish. (Read more on my fail-proof foundation beauty tip here.)
NARS Radiant Longwear Foundation comes in 33 shades and retails for $60 (Canadian). It's now available at major retailers where NARS is sold - Sephora, sephora.ca, Hudson’s Bay, Nordstrom, Murale, and Shoppers Drug Mart.
“
Formulated to improve skin hour by hour with skin optimizing complex - a blend of raspberry, apple, and watermelon extracts that help support elastic fibers to smooth and improve skin texture - while specialized pigments recognize and fuse with your skin for your closest match yet.
“
-NARS
Find The Right NARS Radiant Longwear Foundation for You, 33 shades available
Mali (espresso)
Zambie (deep with neutral undertone)
Namibia (deep with red undertone)
Iguaçu (deep with olive undertone)
New Caledonia (deep with olive undertone)
Manaus (dark with caramel undertone)
Marquises (medium-dark to dark with yellow undertones)
Macao (medium-dark with yellow undertones)
Belem (medium-dark with red and brown undertones)
Caracas (medium-dark with warm red and golden undertones)
Cadiz (medium-dark with caramel and red undertones)
Huahine (medium-dark with peach undertones)
Moorea (medium-dark with golden olive undertones)
Tahoe (medium-dark with caramel undertones)
Syracuse (medium-dark with brown undertones)
Aruba (neutral for medium-to-medium dark complexions)
Valencia (medium with golden undertones)
Barcelona (medium with golden, peachy undertones)
Vanuatu (medium with a neutral balance of yellow and pink undertones)a
Stromboli (medium with olive undertones)
Sahel (medium with golden peach undertones)
Santa Fe (medium with peachy undertones)
Vallauris (medium with pink undertones)
Patagonia (medium with light peach undertones)
Punjab (medium with golden, peachy undertones)
Fiji (yellow undertones for light to medium complexions)
Vienna (peach undertones for light to medium complexions)
Deauville (light with neutral balance of pink and yellow undertones)
Salzburg (light with golden undertones)
Gobi (light with yellow undertones)
Yukon (light with peach undertones)
Mont Blanc (light with pink undertones)
Oslo (far with pink undertones)
NARS Adds 6 New Shades To Their Radiant Creamy Concealer Collection
If you're in between shades and happen to love the iconic Radiant Creamy Concealer formula, fret not because the brand has just released six new shades:
Café Con Leche (light with yellow undertones)
Marron Glacé (light yellow for light to medium complexions)
Tiramisu (medium with pink undertones)
Sucre D'Orge (medium dark with yellow undertones)
Walnut (medium dark with golden undertones)
Truffle (medium dark with golden red undertones)
Disclosure: Products featured in this story were provided as PR samples. All images, photography, artwork, and opinions are my own, with exception of the NARS logo.
New Beauty You Need To Check Out (from designer to drugstore)
The beauty industry is always sending cool new shit our way but it’s hard to miss if you’re not regularly reading the latest beauty publications. In this series, I wanted to share some cool new beauty with you guys - from the first Gillette metal razor made for women (finally!) to Chanel’s first ever cushion fragrance compact.
At Home Manicures That Last
In a world where women would much rather go to the salon to get their nails did, I'm still very much a DIY type of girl. I figure if I'm saving on the manicures, I can splurge on designer nail polish and Chanel just happens to make some of my favourites. Not only is the iconic bottle beautiful to display, but the limited edition shades from their SS18 Neapolis New City Collection still get me weak in the knees.
Chanel polishes perform well without a base or top coat, but to minimize chips and extend my home manicure to a week, I opt for Sally Hansen's Base and Top Coats. True story: I was on a trip recently and everyone was asking where I get my nails done. Hah!
Little Things Come in Chic Packages
Glittery, candy-coloured razors for women are a thing of the past my friends and Gillette Venus has just released one with a metal handle for women. Come to think of it, why did it take so long? The metal handle looks so much nicer in our bathrooms and the weight of the handle gives us a more comfortable grip, therefore a smoother shaving experience.
New York-based Nest Fragrances has just released their Wisteria Blue perfume. The owner was inspired to create the scent after a visit to Charleston, South Carolina's historic district and then took the idea to a legendary perfumer who was able to bring her vision to life. Available in a 50ml spray bottle and an 8ml rollerball the scent is light and floral and perfect for spring.
“
Wisteria Blue: Delicate notes of French wisteria are blended with the essence of Bulgarian rose, Imperial jasmine, and fresh watery nuances.
”
It's CHANEL, Baby!
One of the coolest things I've seen this year is so simple, it's actually mind-blowing. The fragrance cushion compact from Chanel Beauty is the first of it's kind for the brand. Available in a limited edition, Chance Eau Tendre Delicate Fragrance Touch-Up, the compact is ideal for the woman on the go. I took it with me on my recent travels and really enjoyed how delicate the scent is. Bonus, no spills thanks to the cushion. The compact comes with a handy mirror, convenient for makeup touch-ups, making it the ideal travel buddy.
If you love eyeshadow palettes, you'll want to check out Les 9 Ombres, also from Chanel. The limited edition compact comes with nine shades, from matte browns to satin blue-greens, and golden shimmer, perfect for creating day and night looks. In case you missed it, check out my Les 9 Ombres post here.
Liquid Lip Balms Are Hot For 2018
On my most recent PR trip with beauty editors from all over Canada, I noticed all of the girls had beautifully glossed lips. They looked healthier and happier thanks to the hint of colour paired with rosy cheeks and dewy skin. YSL Beauté drives the point further with their latest release, out next month, called the Volupté Liquid Colour Balm. Tinted, juicy, and long-lasting, these balms come in 16 beautiful shades that keep lips hydrated. View the review and full collection on lipsick.me.
Disclosure: Some items in this story are PR samples.
All photos and opinions are my own.
SPONSORED: How to Combat Dry Winter Hair
Did you know that many women out there don’t use conditioner because they don’t think they need it? I know! My jaw dropped when I first heard this because I can’t live without conditioner.
Winter haircare is challenging enough as it is between static, dryness, and breakage. Add hats, scarves, and if you’re like me, tucking your hair into your coat to the mix, and that’s a heck of a lot of stress on our hair. Luckily, the solution is actually pretty simple and that includes using conditioner as a regular part of your haircare routine.
If you’re a newbie to conditioning your locks, you’ll notice the benefits right away – beautiful shiny hair, that’s hydrated with less breakage, and less frizz!
Knowing that, why would you want to skip this step?
TIME-SAVING HAIRCARE TIP
Did you know that using conditioner cuts down on drying time?
I recently learned from Justin German, Pantene’s Consulting Stylist, that conditioner “helps release excess water, known as de-watering. This actually speeds up the drying process, and a shorter dry time equals less heat damage!”
Just another reason to condition your locks this winter!
6 Haircare Tips For Beautiful, Healthy, Shiny Hair This Winter
1. Treat Yourself to A Hair Mask!
Try hair masking once a week! This is actually super easy and any conditioner that’s suitable for your hair type will work. Before a shower, simply brush your hair and apply conditioner.
Start by applying the conditioner to the ends of your hair, working up to the roots.
Fun fact: Pantene features “smart technology” that micro-targets the damaged parts of your hair.
Any excess conditioning that your hair doesn’t need just rinses away so don’t be afraid of “over-conditioning”.
Turns out the whole “apply conditioner only to your ends” thing is a total myth.
Because even hair at the roots can be exposed to damage and stress from daily elements, you’ll definitely want to condition all over.
Be sure to use a conditioner that targets your hair needs for the best results. For example, my hair tangles easily and the ends are dry, so I use Pantene’s 3 Minute Miracle.
Now let that conditioner sit for a couple of minutes and you’re ready, wash your hair as you normally would and then condition again in the shower! It might seem like a lot, but trust me, you’ll want to do this and the results are totally worth it.
You’ll notice how insanely soft your hair is after! Tangles will brush out so much easier now! If you’re prone to frizz, like me, you’ll notice smoother, more manageable hair.
2. Try A Moisturizing Shampoo
Because winter is so dry, and we’re dealing with dry winter air outdoors, and the extreme dryness from heaters indoors - our hair can go through a lot this time of year. Try a moisturizing shampoo to keep locks hydrated and and nourished. One of my go-tos is Pantene’s Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo because it strengthens and moisturizes hair and is formulated for everyday use!
CHOOSE THE RIGHT FORMULA FOR YOU
Not all conditioners are created equal, but the key is to look for a formula that’s right for your hair type. Skipping conditioner all together isn’t the answer.
“
Make sure to use the collection that’s right for you. It’s a mistake women make all the time, and often they’re reaching for conditioners that are too rich for them. Then, they think they’re too rich so they stop using them, then their hair gets dry and brittle and starts to break and they go back to that rich conditioner and it’s a vicious cycle. Choosing the right product is so important.
”
- Justin German
3. Protect, Strengthen, And Hydrate with Conditioner
My hair is long, thick, frizz prone, and the ends get really dry this time of year. My go-to conditioner and haircare savior is the Pantene 3 Minute Miracle Moisture Renewal daily conditioner. I love how easy it is to comb my hair right out of the shower, and how it detangles. It’s packed with vitamins and anti-oxidants and the ingredients actually penetrate the hair to strength on the inside (not just the surface). My hair feels stronger, more manageable and I have less breakage now. Plus, my hair looks and feels hydrated and shiny.
If you have thin hair and are looking for volume, you’ll want to condition with a lightweight formula that won’t weigh hair down. Opt for a volumizing formula like Pantene’s Sheer Volume to get a full-body style that you’ll love. Remember, the key is about finding the right formula for you.
4. Use A Wet Hair Brush
Yes, wet hair brushes are a thing and if you don’t already know, there’s a whole industry out there dedicated to them.
“
When hair is wet it’s way more fragile than when it’s dry. With a wide-tooth comb, because the space between the “teeth” of the comb is wider, it doesn’t pull and tug on hair (which can lead to breakage).
”
- Justin German
You’ll want to use a brush designed for wet hair brushing to minimize breakage and frizz. My favourite personal is a wide tooth comb that I’ve had since childhood.
5. Always Use Heat Styling Protection
Did you know that common heat styling tools can actually melt metal? Considering the average styling tool can reach 450°F, it’s no wonder.
Heat damage from styling tools such as hair dryers and flat irons can leave hair vulnerable to breakage and split ends. Using a conditioner every time you wash is a great way to have built in protection, but if you’re heat styling your hair often, consider using a heat protector first, like Pantene’s Smooth Heat Protection Spray. It protects and shields hair from heat damage with the micropolymer packed formula.
Choose to blow dry over flat iron whenever you can. Blow dryers can reach 225°F while flat irons can heat up to 425°F so be sure to always keep that iron moving to avoid hot spots!
Finally, styling creams can also help smooths fly-aways and add a boost of shine to dry ends leaving hair soft, manageable, and healthy all winter long!
6. Air Dry
Put down the hair dryer and try air drying when you can to minimize the stress you put your hair through with heat damage.
Wash your hair in the evening and give it enough time to naturally dry before going to bed. Long-term, skipping the blow dryer will minimize split ends and breakage.
Also, invest in a good quality blow dryer that has good airflow to cut down on the drying time.
Beauty Bonus!
If you’re truly serious about getting your hair in shape this winter, invest in a silk pillowcase! Sleeping on a silk case is said to protect hair from breakage, and also helps fight the signs of aging on your face. Just make sure it’s one hundred percent, pure silk and not one of those polyester blend imposters.
Even if you don’t have time try out all of these steps, the easiest, and the best thing you can do is include conditioner as a part of your regular hair care routine. You’ll see the difference right away, and your hair will feel so good, that you won’t be able to stop running your fingers through it.
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Pantene. All photos and opinions are my own.
Does This Drugstore Makeup Really Last 25-Hours?!
Upon doing the write up for this blog post, I sat down with the press release, like I normally do, and I did a double take when I saw Rimmel's latest makeup claims to be 25-hour wear.
I'm always hesitant when it comes to drugstore foundation and concealers because I'm on the yellow side, having olive skin tone. From my experience drugstore makeup tends to be a bit cooler and pink based but times-are-a-changing!
I found Rimmel's range from cool to warm tones to be pretty decent in this collection. As for fair to dark makeup - the darkest Rimmel goes is Mocha. I think a lot of drugstore brands still need to broaden their shade range in that regard.
Application & Wear Test
When it came to testing Rimmel's Lasting Finish Breathable Collection, I wanted to do it on a day where my skin was going to be exposed to as many elements as possible. I applied it late in the morning and then walked to the nearby shop to run errands.
That day it was cold and raining outdoors, but really dry and warm in the stores. By the time I walked back home, I was overheating in my parka and sweating.
My combination skin is on the drier side these days because I've been using a retinoid in my nightly skincare routine. I was hesitant about the foundation clinging to my dry spots, but it just smoothed over the areas and looked natural.
BTW - I skipped the Breathable Primer because I don't really use primer unless I have a special event. I applied the foundation with the doe foot applicator, which actually turned out to be awesome. I liked it much better than the pump foundations I'm used to.
I found the foundation to be lightweight in texture. It smoothed over my skin nicely with my fingers. Again, this is part of my daily routine. I only use a sponge or brush if I have a special event.
I wouldn't say it was medium coverage though as Rimmel states, but I read some reviews on Makeup Alley saying it's buildable.
For reference, I used the shade 200 Soft Beige, which seemed comparable to my NARS foundation in Figi (a light-medium warm shade).
Next the concealer. I used shade Light. I should mention here that I'm really, really snobby when it comes to concealer, and I don't like leaving visible dark spots and dark under eyes to chance, so I prefer the higher end stuff. Some of my favourites are NARS, Becca, M.A.C, and Laura Mercier.
I dotted the concealer and dabbed it with my fingers like I normally do. The only drugstore concealer I've ever liked and re-purchased is Maybelline's Fit Me concealer. I found Rimmel's Lasting Finish to be comparable, if not better, on my first impression. It's creamy and covers up nicely. I did have to go in with my NARS pot concealer in some areas, but I always layer my concealer.
I checked my makeup again at around 7 pm. The foundation seemed to be fading a bit but still looked pretty good, as did my blush. There was no patchiness, but there was a little bit of oxidization. I should have gone for a shade up with True Ivory. Keep this in mind when you shop for it.
The concealer had worn down a bit though. I had to reapply it and opted to use my trusty Tarte Shape Tape concealer instead to freshen up. People who need light-medium coverage will really dig Rimmel's Lasting Finish Concealer. I prefer medium-high coverage.
So, Is it Really 25-Hour Wear?
Let's be real. Makeup fades throughout the day and unless you're going to bed without washing your face, how are you going to know whether or not your makeup is 25-hour wear. Seriously?
While I personally can't vouch for Rimmel's 25-hour claim, I can tell you this is a pretty good bottle foundation for $12. I've tried some designer foundations that cost over $60 that aren't nearly as good. Rimmel gives us a decent range of shades too and has cool and warm skin tones covered, from fair to medium-dark. Again, keep in mind it does oxidize so go a shade lighter.
As for the concealer, I love how it applied and covered up initially, but it did fade mid-day. Perhaps this was is best suited for those who need less coverage.
Overall, this is a great little drugstore gem that's already a hit with lots of people boasting about it on Makeup Alley and is suitable for oily to dry skin.
Rimmel London's new Lasting Finish Breathable Collection consists of 15 shades of foundation ($11.99 each), 6 concealers ($10.99 each), and a Breathable Primer ($10.99). I'm not claiming it to be breathable, this is what the actual name of the product.
The foundation comes in a glass bottle and convenient doe-foot applicator that's really nice and convenient, especially when in a hurry. The concealer comes in a squeeze tube with a sponge tip applicator, while the primer comes in a squeeze tube.
Disclaimer: The products in this post are a PR sample. All photos and opinions in this post are 100% honest and my own.