February Empties

This empties post (to accompany January’s Candles Empties post), along with the makeup version of my 2015 Favourites post, have been two posts that I’ve been musing about for ages and have been putting off onto the back burner, but now that it’s now February, it’s time to get a move on both of them. Today, I’m starting with the empties before I end up burning through half a dozen or so candles and am due another one of those.

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Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge ($8-9): I’ve mangled up my last one of these beauty sponges and have had no choice but to repurchase this more affordable version of those bouncy sponges that you dampen. It’s great especially for this time of year when my skin is even more parched than normal, because when you dampen the sponge, the foundation and concealer that you apply with it will be slightly sheered out, but stick to dry patches far less and look like skin.

Maybelline Brow Drama Sculpting Brow Mascara in Soft Brown ($11.99/7 mL): I really like the natural grey-leaning colour of this tinted brow mascara and I don’t even mind the large oddly shaped brush that it comes with – likely because I have bushier shaped brows – especially when I can’t be bothered to really do my brows but need some colour and definition in places. It’s also a nice one to set the brows in place on top of a brow product. It’s not life changing-ly awesome but I did repurchase it, instead trying out the darker shade in hopes of a bit more pigmentation.

L’Oreal Infallible SuperSlim Liquid Eyeliner ($9-10/1 mL): I really enjoyed this felt-tipped liquid liner because of just how easy it was to use, – even when caffeine had made me more than a little bit shaky – how fast it was to do a bit of a kitten flick and how the harder formula allowed for minimal mistakes when doing a simple line (and flick) along the lash line. The formula was a little harder and drier than I might always prefer, especially after the formula dried out from use – I suppose it’s still useable but my liner is over a year old now and it’s dry enough that I’m not pleased with the results. I recommend it and would think about purchasing it again – but I might try their newer liner first.

Diorshow Mascara ($34/0.33 ounces): Some months back, Sephora was offering a sample size of this cult classic mascara as a point perk and I couldn’t resist. I did actually end up really enjoying the formula and the brush – it had one of those huge brushes that I adore for building volume, a dry truly volumizing formula that was neither too difficult to remove or clumpy in the slightest, and one that offered some length and separation to boot. I’m not sure that I’m ready to shell out the cash for the full-size but I might consider it in the future, especially if it’s offered in a kit or something.

L’Oreal Sublime Soft Soothing Cleansing Wipes ($12.99/25): All things considered, these cleansing wipes are my favourite because if anything they are slightly hydrating – so they surpass the goal of being non-drying – and non irritating, either on my face or around my sensitive eye area. I’ll repurchase, even though I try not to be too much of a wipes person. The only ones that come close are the Bioderma ones that I’ve currently got on the go.

Sephora Perfecting & Brightening Pearl Sleeping Mask ($5/7 mL): I didn’t necessarily notice a profound difference in my skin after using it four or five times but I can say that it was not drying or irritating and did find it hydrating, soothing and plumping in the short term – and I enjoyed how I could get multiple uses out of the single mask (as compared to the sheets), along with how it was more comfortable to keep the mask on over time. I’ll perhaps repurchase – I’m just hesitant because there was not that significant of a difference and they are kind of heavily fragranced for my liking.

Paula’s Choice RESIST C15 Super Booster ($48 US/ 20 mLs): This concentrated 15% Vitamin C ‘booster-slash-serum’ product is expensive, especially for a product that supposedly only has a three month shelf life – I used it for six and did not have any sort of issues – because of how reactive the ingredient can be, but it has a sort of effect that I didn’t notice immediately but now can see when I went without it, that cannot be achieved for any less. It’s brightening, smooths texture and definitely reduces inflammation and irritation in a way that’s all around impressive enough to necessitate a desperate re-purchase from me. It’s one of those great antioxidant serums to boost the effect of your sunscreen when used in the daytime and fight against free-radical damage and the like.

Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Moisturizing Stick ($8/0.14 ounces): This chapstick-style balm I suppose is the first lip balm that I liked well enough to use on the daily and place enough care to ensure that I didn’t lose it before finishing the stick. I have really dry and sensitive lips so many balms I actually find irritating and/or drying but this one was an exception – despite being a more lightweight textured balm that could easily be applied throughout the day and layered underneath lipsticks, I found it soothing and hydrating on the lips, in a way that stayed for a few hours at least on the lips. Before I even think about repurchasing, I want to try the cult-favourite pot version of the balm.

Eucerin Calming Daily Moisturizing Creme ($8/14 ounces): While I found this cream decently hydrating and non-irritating on the eczema on my legs, it did nothing special to heal them or reduce itching. In other words, there was nothing wrong with this fragrance-free medium weight cream, but it was not exactly impressive either. I’m moving on. P.S. The whole oatmeal soothes and hydrates dry and itchy skin for 24 hours claim is bogus, if you ask me.

L’Oreal EverCreme Intense Nourishing Sulfate-Free Shampoo ($8/250 mL): This sulfate-free shampoo reminds me loads of the higher end sulfate-free shampoos that I adore at a fraction of the price – it doesn’t irritate my sensitive scalp, doesn’t dry out my waves and doesn’t add to any tangling or unruly hair problems. It’s even comparable to the Pureology that I love at a fraction of the price – I just don’t find it quite as weightless. I’m partial to the perfume-y scent as well. I have too many shampoos on the go right now but I would repurchase this one or another from this range.

Pureology Curl Complete Moisture Melt Masque ($55/150 mLs): Usually I absolutely adore and endorse the splurge in Pureology haircare products but this masque was neither impressive enough or just plain concentrated enough to be worth the money. I’ll definitely purchase another Pureology masque but not this one. It was hydrating, nice and lightweight and had nice slip but didn’t have that impressive treatment aspect. I will say that it didn’t weigh down my waves at all on the positive side.

TreSemme Perfectly (Un)done Wave Creation Sea Foam ($6-8/236 mL): I was pleasantly surprised with this weightless but non-drying medium-hold mousse product – it left my hair weightless regardless of the products I cocktail-ed it with and it added lift and texture with some curl definition. It’s by no means holy grail but I would buy it again if I was yearning for that beachy effect. It’s also a product that I can see working universally across different hair types for that beach-y wave kind of effect.

Have you finished any products recently?
Maggie, x.

 

 

The Review | CND Vinylux Weekly Top Coat

Truth be told, it’s been a good while since I’ve blogged about polish and that’s likely because in the craziness over the last few months, I had not exactly found the energy to paint my nails. However, I’ve gotten back into it with gusto and I’ve realized that I want to sing the praises of a particular top coat – as I adore it, even though it’s going on a year old and I don’t use it as intended. While I don’t get a week of chip-less wear out of a single manicure with the CND Vinylux Weekly Top Coat ($12.25), I have noticed that I have the longest lasting manicures with this top coat out of any that I’ve tried, and that’s even using the system as unintended – the seven days is only promised in combination with the matching polish that I’ve never gotten around to trying. Before I get onto the other details, I have had friends use my top coat who have way less fidgety and chipping-prone hands and nails and they have consistently gotten a week of solid wear out of a polish when combined with this base coat. I’m coming to the conclusion that polishes just tend to chip on me faster than others, but with this top coat, it’s the least bad.

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The system promises chip-free wear for seven days when combined with polishes from the system – and while I can’t comment on this, I find that it gives me 3-5 days of solid polish wear without noticeable chipping, even with my constant scratching away and fidgeting. In terms of getting to the point here, the top coat works in my experience to add serious longevity to your manicure, even when you’re using it without the matching polishes. This top coat is one of those ones that hardens in response to natural light over time, making it more durable as time goes on; I can definitely agree with this claim, while I experience some minimal chipping because it prevents the polish from breaking down on my nails when in contact with surfaces and picking at them. It’s also intended to add serious shine, which it definitely does, often looking as glossy as a salon manicure.

The top coat is not specifically described this way, but in my experience, it’s definitely one of those thicker top coats and as a result, it smoothes out the texture of polishes in an instant and leaves behind gel-like shine. It’s not one of those fast drying polishes as a result, but I can’t complain given its other attributes – and it’s not like it’s the slowest drying top coat either. Because of the thicker formula, it can definitely get gloopier over time. However, I found my bottle did not do this until far after the sixth month mark and I was able to restore my bottle with ten or so drops of polish thinner. I guess even though I’m using this top coat in a non-label fashion, it is my favourite top coat.

What’s your fave top coat?
Maggie, x.

The Candle Review |Ribbonwick Small Rectangle Brownstone Candle

I’ve definitely been enjoying burning candles during these colder months and I’ve actually been taking the opportunity to try out brands other than Bath & Body Works, and more particularly, I’ve been trialling candles from the Virginia Gift Brands (WoodWick, RibbonWick etc.) and have been enjoying them enough to pay the slightly heftier price tag for them even. The particular candle that I have been burning is the RibbonWick Small Rectangle Brownstone Candle ($20/339.3 grams) although it does come in a plethora of sizes – this one being the smallest, accurately estimated at burning for the thirty hour range. The Brownstone Candles are part of Ribbonwick’s premium collection and likely do not provide as much bang for your buck as other candles from Virginia Gift Brands do. However, they do come in gorgeous blackened bronze decorative bowl container that serves as quite a pretty decor piece that could be repurposed – if you could be bothered with it. According to Virginia Gift Brands, “the Brownstone collection features an aromatic amber scent brightened with notes of citrus and amber musk” and while I don’t agree with that description, it’s not completely off the map – and I’m happy that I do love  the unique luxe-feeling scent so very much.

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IMG_9040The company’s scent description fails to mention the prominence of warm vanilla in the scent and the slight bakery pastry note, and I’m not detecting any sort of citrus note in the warm and cozy scent. I do definitely get the potent but somehow subdued amber notes and the hint of musk in the background of the scent. This is one of those scents that I adore yet struggle to describe because its scent does not fit simply into any typical scent category. I might call it a subdued gourmand though, if I were asked, but there are those warm notes that can’t be ignored as well…

Essentially, if this scent sounds like it might tickle your fancy, I definitely recommend giving it a try, if you’re willing to maybe spend a few more dollars than your usual Bath & Body Works Candles or are fancying a change. It burns flawlessly – and I rarely use that term. I was concerned with the rectangular shape of the container because I’m not known to be particularly patient in waiting hours and hours for that first even wax pool, but I was impressed that any sort of tunnelling corrected itself after the first couple of uses – I think this is because of the length of the wick itself. The scent itself is a medium one, potent but not overpowering, but it throws close to a 10 and lingers hours after being blown out – at least in my small-medium bedroom. Note: it does try to escape the confines of my room so I think this would be a great one for filling a larger space.

The burn itself was clean and it produced essentially no soot, – even with me only cleaning up the wick once or twice throughout the burn – all with really nice wax pools and flames that are neither too low for my liking or dangerously high either. I’m not one to be bothered by the performance of Bath & Body Works candles but this one blew them out of the water and lasted for a comparable amount of time.

Have you tried any Woodwick/Ribbonwick Candles?
Maggie, x.

A Round-Up: Most Popular 2015 Posts

The process of deliberating my favourites from the entire 2015 year in the last week or so and the process of writing the favourites posts themselves has left me in a reflective mood. I’m not usually one to do these posts, but I thought I would take a look back at my posts from the last year, and rather than picking my favourites to feature, I’m going with the most popular. Let me tell you, I’ve learned that my reviews are the most popular, and I now have some more motivation to buckle down and do more of these full-on reviews…

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  1. The Review | MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Cheeky Bronze

2.MAC LIPSTICK COLLECTION + LIP SWATCHES, MUSINGS & FAVOURITES

3. The Review: DiorSkin Star Studio Makeup

4.The Review: NYX Butter Lipstick in Licorice 

5. The Review | NARS Audacious Lipstick in Brigitte 

6. The Review | Bath & Body Works Medium Candle in Brazilian Blue Waters

7. The Review | Paula’s Choice RESIST Daily Smoothing Treatment

8. The Review: Becca Beach Tint Shimmer Souffle in Raspberry/Opal 

9. The Review | Caudalie Vinosource Overnight Recovery Oil 

What are your favourite posts to read/write?
Maggie, x.

 

 

 

Top Fifteen of 2015: Beauty

I’m taking a page out of Kick Arse Red Lips’ book and am splitting up my yearly favourites from last year into two different posts of fifteen products each – I’ve done the thing where I have narrowed down my products to slightly over a dozen on a couple of occasions and while I probably do have the restraint to do the same again, I thought sharing a less restrained collection of favourites would depict the products that were essential throughout the year more clearly. Today, I’m starting with the non-makeup and I should probably warn you that I fell in love with Paula’s Choice this year and a whole lot of products are skincare items from their lines…

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1.Paula’s Choice RESIST Daily Smoothing Treatment ($32 US): I’ve been using this lotion textured combination AHA/BHA exfoliant on a daily basis since I received my very first order from Paula’s Choice last spring with pleasure during the day. It’s one of those great combination acidic products and it stands out because it contains a non-sensitizing but still effective amount of each – 5% glycolic acid and 0.5% salicylic acid – and it has treatment benefits that extend beyond the expected exfoliant classification. Despite containing acids, the product is gentle and even soothing, and serves a kind of serum-y function whilst exfoliating with its hydrating texture and concentration of ceramides and antioxidants. | review here

2.Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner ($20 US): This milky soothing toner was the toner that was solely responsible from making me believe that toners are powerful essential products to the daily routine, and making me deem this step essential. Like the exfoliant above, it almost serves the function of a serum, with a lightweight hydrating texture and high concentration of beneficial ingredients – but it’s even better with a serum applied on top. I adore how calming, plumping and instantly hydrating this essence-like toner is, particularly after using sensitizing ingredients or going through irritated skin patches. | review here

3.Differin 0.3% Gel ($$): At the beginning of 2015, I switched my retinoid to a higher concentration overall, and one that was cheaper for me with insurance coverage, still formulated in alcohol-free base but without an antibiotic ingredient and I’m still pleased about it to this day. I’m not someone who finds their breakouts to be caused primarily by bacteria, though, so I love the gentler adalpalene as the retinoid ingredient and the smoothing and resurfacing results that it provides. Used every other night, this retinoid has definitely helped to create a more even textured complexion overall, brighten my skin and most of all, vastly limit the formation of blemishes and bumps on my skin. Although it’s a gel texture, I appreciate how the prescription is hydrating and non-irritating – unless I’ve overdone it, which I tend to do on occasion.

4.Caudalie Vinosource Intense Recovery Oil ($55): Although I’m currently without this intensively hydrating and repairing facial oil, as I finished it some months back, and am trying out a different facial oil at the moment, I could not imagine leaving this oil out of my favourites. It does have some essential oils – with rose oil as one of the main oils in the blend – and some other fragrance ingredients, but nevertheless, I find this oil soothing, replenishing and intensively moisturizing. It’s a fantastic one that does not cost a fortune but fills the needs of someone whose skin is in perpetual need of an instant drink and the benefits of antioxidant-rich oils. | review here

5.Paula’s Choice Clear Acne Body Spray ($24 US): Longtime readers might already be aware that I’ve always struggled with stubborn body acne on my back and shoulders and I can honestly say that a couple months after using this 2% salicylic acid spray, I noticed a significant reduction in the number of blemishes that were coming through. Even more pleasantly, it did not lead to irritation as most products of this kind do. Also, I’ve been adding it to the exfoliation rotation on my face – but I spray it into my hands first – and I’ve noticed that it’s particularly helpful for any spot-prone areas or clogged pores.

6.Paula’s Choice RESIST Intensive Repair Cream ($32 US): In the early fall, I picked up and fell in love with this retinol-enriched intensely nourishing moisturizer, and although it’s a recent product in comparison to the rest, it has impressed me to a degree that I can’t go without mentioning it. As has been my experience with other products in the RESIST line, it’s loaded with antioxidants and other beneficial treatment ingredients at the same time as intensely nourishing with emollients and plant oils. It does have a thicker texture but it does not clog my pores or feel overly heavy in the slightest, leaving me with soothed and hydrated skin when I wake up the morning after.

7. L’Oreal Sublime Soft Soothing Cleansing Wipes ($12.99): My dehydrated sensitive skin does not typically get along with makeup removing wipes but sometimes the allure is far too appealing to go for them when I’m at my laziest and most tired, and these affordable ones are my favourite. They are alcohol-free, soothing and do not dry out the skin in the slightest, while being ‘wet’ enough to remove makeup adequately, even without stinging in the eye area. I’m not a cleansing wipes lover on principle, but these ones are the exception.

8. Paula’s Choice RESIST C15 Super Booster ($48 US): I originally was going to leave out this vitamin c treatment/serum because I felt that this post was Paula’s Choice heavy enough and it wasn’t one of those products that I noticed an immediate life-changing difference with. This in mind, I felt a tremendous deal of anxiety at the prospect of being without this 15% vitamin c fluid that I had to place an order for another one – even with the dollar being more than slightly painful. When you deal with a dull complexion, uneven texture and generally inflamed skin like I do, a potent antioxidant can help in  a multifaceted manner, especially when combined with a sunscreen.

9.Calvin Klein One Summer Eau de Toilette 2015 ($65): Annoyingly, this fragrance is no longer available, as Calvin Klein releases a different limited edition scent each year, as ‘One Summer’, but my mother generously gifted this to me at the end of my exams last year, and it’s become a daily staple ever since – and particularly in the spring and summer. It’s a unisex scent that fits into the fresh and aquatic category without the usual traditional feminine notes but I loved it regardless. It has notes of cucumber, citrus and a hint of light musk, and it reads as fresh and clean. It holds a special place to me because it’s what got me into the perfume game in the later months of the year.

10.Elizabeth & James Nirvana Black Rollerball ($30): It all began when Sephora offered the rollerball as a point perk and I sniffed the heavier warm androgynous-leaning perfume. It’s three notes seem simple – violet, sandalwood and vanilla – but it’s been worn nearly as much by me as the Calvin Klein, and makes me feel like myself but more confident and pulled together when I wear it. It  has nice lasting power, does not require much product and smells warm with a spicy musky kick to it. It gives me that cozy feeling that is all kinds of awesome too.

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11.Living Proof Curl Detangling Rinse ($32): This conditioning product – it’s not exactly a conditioner in the conventional sense that you would likely expect – was a surprise favourite for me, not because I didn’t enjoy it for as long as I’ve had it, but because I’ve been so hesitant to declare my love for any hair product in the last year. I haven’t given this weightless serum-textured conditioner enough love – it defines curls like a champ, manages to detangle my crazy tangly wavy curls better than anything else and leaves my hair hydrated and not weighed down in the slightest.

12.Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Cream ($23): Throughout 2015, I went through the process of trying out a number of different curl creams and styling products to define my curls the best without losing volume, and I’m now realizing that I didn’t give this lightweight cream the praise it deserves. It’s nourishing but does not weigh down hair in the slightest, while having light to medium hold on it’s own and frizz-taming abilities. It’s silicone free, as well, for those who might be interested.

13.Colab Sheer Invisible Dry Shampoo in London ($10): In 2015, I fell in love with dry shampoo and in particular, I fell in love with Ruth Crilly’s range of dry shampoos. I use it to add texture and grit after a few days rather than to absorb any serious quantity of oil, so I can’t speak much to it’s performance on refreshing hair, but I do love that it adds texture without that grungy feeling and the white cast that it leaves is mild, and easily combatted. The scent is remarkable too, like a sophisticated non froufrou perfume.

14.NUME Classic Reverse Wands ($139): Speaking of my crazy unpredictable and unmanageable mane, I have always had issues with my hair holding heat styles for any length of time – and even conforming to the ideal style in the first place. On a whim, I picked up this conical wand at Winners a year or so ago, and ever since, it’s been a prized staple for when I want to do something extra to my hair. It styles my hair quickly and lasts for days somehow, with it’s high heat, and magical ability to keep my hair in a style overnight.

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15. Bath & Body Works Flannel Medium Candle ($13.50): Given my obsessive candle burning and candle loving throughout 2015, – especially that of Bath & Body Works – I could have very easily dedicated a post to my favourite candles of the year, but if I don’t think too hard, I can narrow this one down as my favourite. I’m pretty sure that my mad rush for the three medium candle at my Semi-Annual Sale when they restocked, even before learning that they were 75% off, indicates my depth of love for this “cologne-y” scent. It doesn’t quite smell like your typical masculine-leaning  musky and woodsy scent with extra warmth that’s comforting like a cozy sweater, a pear note that leads it away from smelling too ‘mandle-y’ and a hint of vanilla maybe.

 What were your faves? Maggie, x.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The January Weekend Wishlist

Today being Sunday and all, and me, being exhausted by my return to my first full week back to classes and all that, there was no way that I was going to get the preparation and adequate photography in order to get up a more traditional full-on post. However, I’m determined not to get completely slack on my resolution for more consistent posts in the new year, so I’m sharing the few products that are the highest on my radar at the moment.

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Paula’s Choice Calm Redness Relief Calm Repairing Serum ($32 US): So this is one of the products that isn’t exactly a wishlist item because I’ve technically already ordered it – and this is by no means the first time I’ve fudged on the rules a little bit in this way. I’ve been beyond eager to try products from the Calm range as soon as I heard of its launch, as they are targeted towards dehydrated sensitive skin, and I couldn’t resist nabbing up this hyaluronic acid rich serum.

L’Oreal True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation ($25): This foundation is definitely otherworldly expensive for the drugstore (especially because it only contains half the usual amount of product) but I’ve heard such great things about this lightweight luminous base lately, I’m tempted to try out their take on the cushion compact.

Sunday Riley Juno Hydroactive Cellular Face Oil ($112): I can hardly believe that I’m even considering going for a $112 dollar facial oil but over the last month or so, I’ve gotten back into my love affair with facial oils, and this essential oil free one seems universally deemed the best of them according to many. I feel the need to try this oil just to know if it really is better and more concentrated in nutrients and antioxidants and I’m thinking about it for the Spring Sephora VIB Sale.

Hourglass Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder in Incandescent Strobe Light ($48): I’ve always been a glow fiend, but in the last six months or so, I’ve become a highlighter fiend. After resisting the Hourglass holiday palette that contained a sneak peek of their first traditional highlighter, I’m really tempted to go for one of their newly released shades of the product. I’m really eager to try this subtle pink-hue subtle highlighter because of my love of Hourglass’ powders, its appealing fair shade and the promise of subtlety – as in, it might be more flattering on imperfections.

Bath & Body Works 3 Wick Candle in Mocha Latte Swirl ($24): In the last couple of months, I’ve been burning candles obsessively with pleasure, and as Bath & Body Works has offered great sales, I’ve stocked up on a good amount of new candles as well. By no stretch of the imagination can I truly justify purchasing another candle, but I’ve been reading up on the test candles that Bath & Body Works will be releasing most of pronto – and one of these candles that I’m most intrigued to try is this re-promoted classic latte scent. I’m a massive latte fan and I’m rather excited at the prospect of burning a candle of the same scent.

What do you have your eye one at the moment?
Maggie, x.

 

 

December 2015 Favourites

Despite my erratic posting schedule in the last few months, I don’t believe that I’ve ever missed a favourites post in the entire duration of my blogging life, and I was not going to start with December. Oh, and I have two spoiler alerts… One: My favourites post is coming and this year it will be split into two instalments… Two: There might be two products included in this post that are making the cut.

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Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in 2 ($66): I purchased this constantly-praised luminous foundation at the Sephora VIB Sale back in November and I haven’t put it down or stopped loving it ever since. Believe it or not, it’s not the glowiest foundation that I own – instead, it has a subtle inner glow – but I do believe it when those with oilier patches find that it develops throughout the day and breaks down. For me, though, it has an inner radiance and satin-to-glowy finish, medium to full coverage and ridiculous lasting power (borderline 24 hours) on my dry-combination skin. And get this, when applied with a beauty blender it looks skin-like. 2 might just be a wee bit pale for me, but it was a good guess on my part and at the very least matches my neck when I’m at my palest fyi. Good thing I have a tendency to get quite bronzer-happy. 

Sephora Collection Colourful Contour Face Powder in Tranquil ($19): Another love of mine that I acquired at the Sephora VIB Sale, this contour is just as good as others report on fairer skin, looking for sculpting via an actually cool grey toned powder. It’s so cool toned that it almost leans purple – just as people have said about the long gone Chanel Notorious – but it has such a silky smooth texture that it blends effortlessly – possibly also like the Chanel, as I’ve heard. It’s definitely one that I’ve been enjoying to sculpt out my features, especially my cheekbones and temples – but given that I’ve gained a pound or ten in the last month or so, I’ve been using it to contour my jawline and slim things out a bit.

Becca x Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Champagne Pop ($46): Again, with the Champagne Pop – I know. The simple truth is that I cannot stop using this golden champagne borderline-metallic highlighter and I can easily say that I reached for it every single time that I wore makeup in December – as a highlighter and/or a lid eyeshadow. I’ve somehow managed to make a dent in the product in a relatively short time which is remarkable in itself. I love the glow and radiance it instantly adds to my skin – and how it transforms me from looking dull and tired in an instant.

Benefit They’re Real Tinted Primer ($31): I normally would be the type to scoff at a mascara primer product, deeming it pointless and adding a needless layer of makeup onto my already sensitive eyes but after receiving a sample size in my Winter Luxe Box, I’ve completely changed my mind. For one, it’s tinted brown and adds enough natural-looking drama to my lashes on the daily that I don’t reach for a mascara on the top. I love that it’s lightweight, natural looking but volumizing and separating. And it works wonders with another mascara on top.

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara ($16-$31): I shouldn’t be so surprised that it’s possible that I’ve been so impressed by the latest Benefit mascara, but it is to me, nevertheless, after years of not understanding the They’re Real hype. Years ago, I had a major love affair with the volumizing beauty, the Benefit Bad Gal Lash Mascara, and although this one is different, more dramatically lengthening, curling and separating, I might possibly like it more. It gives dramatic lashes without looking clumpy in the slightest, especially when paired with the primer.

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser ($15-16): I might just say that I found my ultimate gentle morning or second-cleanse cleanser in December and I must just not be lying or even doing that -extending-the-truth-thing. It’s mild, creamy and hydrating, formulated without fragrance or irritants, while rinsing clean. It’s not a spectacular makeup remover, but I have oils and micellar waters for that, but it does remove makeup somewhat and I have to say that it’s everything that Cetaphil is praised to be and more for me.

NUDE Skincare ProGenius Omega Treatment Rescue Oil ($85): Last month, I couldn’t resist redeeming my points at Sephora for a deluxe sized sample and I’m glad I did, as I’ve been reaching for it often as the weather has gotten drastically colder and my skin has gotten drastically drier. This oil has a light but soothing and nourishing texture and leaves my skin plumped and more radiant afterwards. I can feel the effects of the antioxidant-rich oils and I love how much nicer makeup applies over this oil. I might actually consider splurging on this one.

Nivea Dry-Very Dry Skin Nourishing Body Milk ($8-9): I fell in love with that whole in-shower body conditioner thing with Lush African Paradise a while back, but I found the product too ridiculously expensive and inconveniently packaged to repurchase – but I’m pleased to report that I like this product better because it’s cheaper and for its convenience. Also, my eczema might get along better with its heavy concentration of mineral oil and sweet almond oil rather than fragrant essential oils. I’ve adored the hydrating and calming film that it leaves on my skin after the shower or bath, particularly during this colder time of year.

Elizabeth & James Nirvana Black Rollerball ($30): December has definitely been a big fragrance month for me – I rediscovered this three note wonder and purchased two new rollerballs along with a post-Christmas perfume gift to myself. I love this deep, warm and slightly spicy vanilla scent, especially for these cooler weather months. This one hits the right spot with the masculine-feminine mix for me with its mix of musk and the floral note. There’s something about the fragrance that evokes that instantly cozy feeling for me.

What were your December standout favourites?
Maggie, x.

 

January Empties: The Candles

Once again, I seem to have hung on to my bags of empty items for far too long and I have no choice but to write a post entirely dedicated to the candles that I’ve finished up in the last few months. I hope you enjoy! I will warn you, now that it’s gotten cooler I’m in a candle burning frenzy…

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Yankee Candle Home Classics Pillar in Island Getaway ($10/340 g): My first foray into Yankee Candles was fairly successful and I did enjoy the scent, I didn’t love it nearly enough to consider repurchasing it. The scent threw pleasantly as one of those fresh and water soapy scents but I quickly grew tired of the soap-y allure. It burned nicely until the sooting problem emerged and lasted for ages. I prefer other fragrances in this scent category, though. This belongs to Yankee’s collection of candles that is sold at Winners and TJ/TK Maxx, as well as other more affordable retailers.

Brookside Candle in Driftwood ($10/510 g): This huge jar candle was another one of my Winner’s finds and I have similar thoughts about it on the whole. In terms of scent appeal, I preferred this one as it belonged to the aquatic family and instead of leaning on the soapier side of things, it had a soft musk note, but it was much of a subtler throw and did not burn as nicely. Most of this burning I would chalk down to the huge size and wide jar shape of the candle – it hardly had a choice but to tunnel – and the soot probably was a result of having to wait so long for the wax to pool. I thought the three scent layers were interesting. I can’t complain from an economic standpoint because of just how long it lasted and while I wouldn’t rush out to buy it again, it was enjoyable.

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Woodwick Sand & Driftwood Medium Candle ($20/275 g): Given that I paid significantly more for this wood-wicked candle, I’m rather pleased that its performance knocked every other candle out of the park. I loved the scent – it was a soft musk meets woodsy scent that had none of that cliched ‘cologney’ sweetness to it – and it threw for days. It definitely fit into ‘mandle’ territory as many of my favourites do, but it’s a little different. More impressive than the scent and the throw was the candles performance; it burned flawlessly and evenly, even though I did not trim the wicks once or pay attention. It burned cleanly to the bottom, without a hint of soot. If you can’t already tell, I would definitely purchase from this brand again – and I would consider this particular scent.

Bath & Body Works Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin Medium Candle ($12.50/ 180g): I know that for many Bath and Body Work’s signature ‘pumpkin spice’ scent is overrated, but for me, there’s nothing as deliciously quintessentially fall as this candle. It smells like creamy pumpkin with a nice dose of cinnamon and doesn’t have that caramel gourmand note that many seem to. It performed nicely, bringing out a medium throw and burning to the end. I can definitely see myself buying again for next year.

Bath & Body Works Flannel Medium Candle ($12.50/ 180 g): Even though it did not burn the greatest – or even as well as Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin – I can’t find myself to regret burning it in the slightest because the masculine-leaning scent is among my favourites of all time. It definitely has some sandalwood and bergamot in there but I’m partial to the interesting mixture of pear musk and warmth. Likely because I had issues with the candle not tunnelling and pooling evenly, there was more of a soot issue – I didn’t trim the wicks enough obviously. The throw was great and lingered spectacularly. I will be repurchasing the moment that I see it in my life. I would actually have cried tears of joy if I saw it at the 10.50 Candle Sale or the BBW Semi-Annual Sale…

Have you burned through any home fragrance as of late?
Maggie, x.

 

 

Winter 2015 Luxe Box Review

I have seen the allure of the monthly (or seasonally where this one is concerned) allure of these beauty boxes but I’ve always been determined that they were not for me on account of their high cost and no guarantee of what products you would receive; in other words, I thought I was too much of a control freak in order to fork over the money for unknown products, regardless of the value. Somehow, though, I decided to try out the seasonal Luxe Box by Loose Button seasonal subscription box back in August, after hearing about how it shipped for free, was less of an investment and focused on higher end products, and I haven’t looked back since. I’ve been really impressed with the two boxes that I’ve received, as they have interesting products and contain enough quantity for me to be willing to fork over the cash. It costs $24-$26 CDN per box, depending on the subscription and unfortunately is only available in Canada.

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Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real Tinted Primer ($31/ 3g) [$10.33]: I was not exactly expecting to adore this lash primer, as I am not a lover of the mascara formula of the same name – and not loving the They’re Real Mascara was my hesitation about going with the switching out of four products for ones from Benefit option that I ultimately ended up going for. However, I found myself very impressed by this brown-tinted mascara primer. It functions as a nice volumizing and separating mascara on its own, even without any mascara on top, and layers to create dramatic lashes, all while being not as impossible to remove as its namesake mascara. What I love is that it feels lightweight on the lashes, yet covers all the bases.

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara ($31/8.5 g) [$16]: I’ve heard all kinds of fabulous things about Benefit’s latest mascara release, however, I was hesitant to go out on a limb and try it for two main reasons: namely that I’m skeptical of higher end mascaras in general and that I’m even more skeptical of Benefit’s mascaras, especially those with rubber wands. I will say that it is worthy of all the hype because of the curl it provides the lashes, moderate separation and thickness it provides, and most of all because of the otherworldly length that it provides. I do enjoy that it’s less hellish to remove.

Benefit They’re Real Mascara ($31/8.5 g) [$16]: I might have been a wee bit disappointed to receive the popular and impossible-to-remove Benefit mascara but now that I think about it and have the lash primer of the same line to try, I am somewhat excited to give it a go again. It does give nice lengthened and volumized lashes but my issue with this is just how difficult it is to remove.

Benefit They’re Real Remover ($22/ 50 mL): The unquantifiable foil sample of Benefit’s makeup remover designed for their mascara did kind of make sense given the theme of Benefit products, however, it was my biggest disappointment with the box. Foil samples are always messy to use and the product quickly deteriorates for one, but most importantly, I’m really fussy about the products I use to remove eye makeup from my sensitive lids, and this is not the kind that I would even try. The amount of product is also very tiny.

Philosophy Hope in a Jar ($54/ 60 mL) [$54]: This product was unlisted on my card, so I presume that this is the bonus full-sized product that that extra $10 optional charge paid for, and I was impressed as it was a cult-favourite moisturizer that I had always been curious about, in a full size. It’s a cosmetically elegant moisturizer housed in attractive jar packaging but from my experience, I now know that it does not compare to my favourites, nor does it have a scent that I can stomach – it has a super strong herbal scent that does not seem to go away over time. I have been pleased to try it and I’ve been even more pleased that they seem to listen to my product preferences in my profile before sending out products.

The Face Shop Moisturizing Character Mask ($9/3) [$4]: I’ve been loving trying out sheet masks lately – even though they are mighty expensive for a single use product – so I was thrilled to see the nourishing mask in my box, especially when I saw that the ingredients were impressive, with glycerin and panthenol – and few irritating ingredients. I will admit that I haven’t actually used it yet so I can’t report back on that front, mainly because I wanted to make sure it was looking nice for the picture…

Star Looks Luxe Longer Eye Liner Pen ($19/ 10 mL) [$19]: I did not have high expectations for this brand, for some odd reason, but I was actually quite impressed with this liquid pen liner because it’s easy to use and doesn’t skip. My only complaint is that it is not an intense black shade, but I have been using it happily lately.

Teez Trend Cosmetics Read My Lips Lipstick in Roulette Red ($28.94/ 2g) [$28.94]: It’s nothing particularly unique or life-changing of any sort, but I have worn this deep muted plum-toned red lipstick and do quite like it. The formula is comfortable but did last on the lips and I found the muted quality of the shade flattering.

Paid | $34: Value | $148.24

What are your thoughts on beauty boxes? Maggie, x.

The Review | Aroma Actives Omega Rich Facial Oil

I really really am sorry about how I dropped off of the face of the earth this month. There were papers, exams and holiday season work craziness that prevented me from being able to do anything other than survive. I might have bit off a bit more than one can chew. Regardless, I’m coming at you today with a review of a facial oil. I’m kind of ridiculously into facial oils – it doesn’t matter what season it is, but I will admit that I’m particularly into them in dry winter weather – so when I had the opportunity to try the Aroma Actives Skincare Omega Rich Facial Oil ($28/15 mLs) through work I was all kinds of excited.

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The Aroma Actives line is the more affordable (but still marketed as natural line), created by Geraldine Howard, the creator of the well-known luxury brand, Aromatherapy Associates. And as you would expect, her products are loaded with essential oils, which essentially (hahahahah) is my only issue with the product. I don’t mind a few essential oils in moderation, but I find this facial oil slightly too irritating on my sensitive skin, because of how many known irritating essential oils feature heavily into the product. Namely, these are the Wood Oil, Patchouli Oil, Ylang Ylang Flower Oil and the Bitter Orange Oil.

I will admit that the essential oils do contribute to a lovely herbal scent – that reminds me so much of an Aveda Salon Spa – and the lightweight but nourishing texture of the oil is appealing, but given that I reach for an oil for their hydrating slash healing properties, anti-inflammatory action, soothing properties and antioxidants this fails to reach my expectations. After all, any sort of irritation from overly fragrant and possibly problematic oils is opposed to the purpose of oils in my routine as I find it irritating, which causes inflammation.

Ingredients:Prunus Persica (Peach) Kernel Oil, Cinnamomum Camphora Linalooliferum (Ho) Wood Oil, Borago Officinalis (Starflower) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Oil, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower Oil, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Leaf/Twig Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil, Schinziophyton Rautanenii (Mongongo) Kernel Oil, Ximenia Americana Seed Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Anthemis Nobilis (Roman Chamomile) Flower Oil, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Tocopherol, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Citral, Citronellol, Eugenol, Farnesol, Geraniol, Isoeugenol, Limonene, Linalool.

With all this in mind, however, if you are a fan of essential oils and do not find that even the most fragrant ones cause a reaction in your skin, I might suggest giving this one a try. The formula is really sophisticated, nourishing while being lightweight and provides a luxurious experience without breaking the bank.

What are your thoughts on facial oils?
Maggie, x.