drugstore

Preliminary Musings on L’Oreal Colour Riche Eye Shadow

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Although there are a few exceptions, the general consensus in the beauty blogging world (if there is such a thing) is that eyeshadow tends to be a product that is worth investing in as drugstore offerings are a gamble, typically with little pigmentation, glitter overload and/or dry textures. Being generally impressed with the L’Oreal brand, I’ve been eying these quads for ages but have been hesitant in forking over the $12 CDN on something that can’t be returned — you cannot return drugstore makeup in Canada, if you weren’t aware — and could likely be a dud, but the shades looked nicely put together with a variety of depth and texture in shades, coming with a good deal of product, housed in the nice gold packaging… Yesterday I went into Lawton’s (a Canadian drugstore) and spotted these on for $7.99, I couldn’t resist.

I haven’t heard really anything about these shadows despite the constant blog perusing that I engage in and considering how impressed I was with the shadows, colour me surprised. Here I am yet again, talking about a product without mentioning what it is actually called and any sort of details about the shade, — I can’t help that this has me rather excited. I quite enjoy how these L’Oreal shadows do not have a name suggesting some ridiculous claim (L’Extrordinaire, anyone?) but rather gave it a sensical name, Colour Riche Eye Shadows, that is. They had a great selection of shades but I was drawn to 527 Sultry Seduction for its inclusion of a light shimmery shade, a medium-toned shade reminiscent of MAC Satin Taupe and the inclusion of two dark colours with minimal shimmer.

I’m tempted to say that formula-wise, these are my favourite drugstore eyeshadows in this quad form, with strong pigmentation, a blendable texture that reminds me of Urban Decay shadows — albeit with a slightly drier texture in some darker more matte shades, but impressive as a whole. They remind me of the Maybelline Eyestudio Quads, except with slightly stronger pigmentation and longevity and more of a variety in textures (i.e. shimmer vs. mattes). From washing them off from swatches and seeing them wear throughout the day, I would say the longevity is good but not amazing on my crease-prone lids, comparable to Urban Decay shadows — I have heavy-lidded eyes that despite not being oily or having smudging problems, tend to be prone to creasing, for reference.

Sultry Seductress strikes me as an everyday palette that is on the smokier side and can definitely be transitioned into evening with the inclusion of the darker shades – there are much more ‘neutral and subtle’ palettes in the range, without the inclusion of darker shades but being a fan of outer corner definition, this sort of palette was of far more interest.

Out of the four there’s only one frosty shade but it’s not overly frosty. It’s a pearly shade with neutral undertones, slightly pink in tone but with a hint of silveriness to it. The texture and pigmentation was rather impressive of this one and as a whole it reminds me of the lightest shade in my MARC JACOBS THE STARLET PALETTE. The fantastically textured and pigmented, warm taupe shade reminded me of the cult favourite MAC Satin Taupe and didn’t disappoint on the quality front – it was shimmery but not frosty. The darker shades were where I was particularly impressed, to tell you the truth — the slightly-warm toned medium-dark plummy-purple shade was fantastically pigmented despite its sheeny texture and the graphite shade, with some micro glitter in the pan (but doesn’t really appear swatched) was surprisingly pigmented and workable on the lid. The two darker shades aren’t the softest of shadows, with textures reminiscent of MAC’s velvets such as Sketch, but they weren’t difficult to work with in the least and high end shadows of these textures tend to have the same shortcomings. Although it has no truly matte shade, this palette impressed me with its darker colours and less shimmery finishes and ability to create a defined slightly-smoky plum-toned eye without incorporating another palette. There was some fallout with the lighter two shades, but it was extremely minimal for the darker ones, I’m pleased to report.

So here I am in the library at school, compelled to write a post detailing the budget-friendly quad that worked to create my kind of eye with minimal effort and a flattering result.

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 Note: These swatches were not heavy but rather a moderate swipe on bare skin

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What are your favourite budget eyeshadows? Have you tried any shades from this line?

Maggie, x.

 

Haircare Additions #1

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Lately I’ve been in a bit of a hair mood; although adding Pureology’s Precious Oil Masque has made a world of difference, I’m still working on the routine (my hair is rather problematic), after our exam I celebrated with a few friends, going out to lunch and we decided to hit up the drugstore (Shopper’s Drugmart if you’re curious) as well and this happened. I have hair that resides in the space between wavy and curly and is perhaps the tangliest thing in existence (I get those horrid clumps) and it’s dry but can get kind of dead-looking so I’m someone who really can benefit from some product cocktailing and TLC…

L’Oreal Oleo-Therapy Oil Infused Conditioner ($10.50 CDN)

As life-changing as the aforementioned Pureology masque is, it costs $50 for a container and I have the kind of hair that just drinks up conditioner regardless of how concentrated it is and therefore I’ve been on the lookout for a lower-priced product to alternate with without sacrificing the nourishment. As I’m a fan of the whole sulfate-free range from L’Oreal and being someone whose hair loves oils, I snapped up this product as soon as I spotted it on the packed shelf. It smells divine and I’m feeling optimistic about the high concentration of oils in the ingredients.

Organix Kukui Oil Frizz-Defying Curl Cream ($8 CDN)

I believe this curl cream is also a new product, as I haven’t seen it before and I was pleasantly surprised to find it for a few dollars off. I’ve always been a fan of curl creams (generally used along with a holding product) as they tend to nourish the hair while defining it and preventing it from going as crazy as my hair usually does but after being completely disappointed with the Garnier offering, I haven’t been tempted to pick up another one but my dry tangly hair needs all the help it can get right now.

John Freida Frizz-Ease Dream Curls Daily Styling Spray ($11 CDN)

I’m someone whose hair becomes flat and undefined after being slept on but my hair is much happier when it’s washed quite minimally (twice a week on average) so I struggle with my hair in the morning. I always thought that these refreshing sprays weren’t worth their price tag and then I almost convinced myself to pick up the much pricier Bumble and Bumble alternative but then I saw this – the magnesium sulfate should help define curls, the glycerin and olive oil should help condition the hair and the use of amodimethicone should prevent it from weighing my hair down.

It feels weird doing another ‘products I bought’ type post so soon but I was excited for these three things and I’ll definitely keep you all posted. Have you tried any of these? Hair recommendations for me?

Maggie, x.

 

Drugstore Disappointments

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I’m someone who finds it rather difficult to give a scathing and negative review of a product as we experience products differently and I’m always skeptical of whether a product is really as bad as I’m making it out to be and we have different praises, but there are some products that despite my best attempts and prior research, do not work for me. As in the last four months or so I’ve tried a great deal of drugstore products (in the name of research of course…), I have some to share.
Garnier Fructis Style Curl Calm Down Anti-Frizz Cream

I had heard from people I know in real life that this was a nice product and I tried it, excited by the prospect that it contained a silicone that did not weigh down the hair and promised to provide moisture while defining my curls. I do have fine loose curls and this product weighed them down (which is rather hard to do to this degree) and left a heavy film on my hair rather than moisturizing. And it’s definitely not strong hold…

Tresemme Fresh Start Volumizing Dry Shampoo

Prior to picking this one up early in the fall, I had never tried a dry shampoo but I wanted to know what they were all about because I suffer from limp or flat hair and need some instant texture. I’m not someone whose hair gets dirty easily whatsoever so I was not necessarily looking for a product to cleanse my hair but I was surprised to not find it refreshing in the slightest. I can’t see this working at all on the fine/oily hair that its intended to and above that, despite being advertised as a volumizing product, it doesn’t seem to add any volume to the hair. I’ve since moved on to better things in this department, I’ll have you know.

Rimmel Exaggerate Undercover Shadow Primer

After spotting this one at Walmart when I was going through my eyeshadow creasing crisis, I had to pick it up. I had heard some good things about this so I gave it a go, thinking that there was nothing to lose. I was wrong, let me tell you. This is the only primer that I’ve ever tried that leads my eyeshadow to crease more severely more quickly than if I were not wearing any primer. After maybe four hours, my eyeshadow was a creasy mess on both occasions when I wore this. The Maybelline Colour Tattoos knock this one out of the water in terms of helping shadow to stay.

Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal in 003 Brown

I’ve mentioned my disappointment in this product before but I had to include it here especially considering that everyone raves about these. I don’t find it super longwearing but more than that it’s a waxy consistency that doesn’t transfer well onto the lids or the waterlines. For me this is one of those pencils that despite how often I sharpen it, I can never achieve the desired amount of colour without pressing hard enough that it hurts. I do not understand the cult-favourite status of this product at all.

Have you tried any of these products? Were your experiences with them positive or negative?

Maggie, x.

January 2014 Favourites

Pureology Precious Oils Masque, MAC Studio Careblend Pressed Powder, Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse Foundation, By Nature Organic Rosehip Oil, Maybelline Hi-lighting Bronzer in Deep Bronze, L'Oreal Lineur Intense in Carbon Black, MAC All That Glitters Eyeshadow, MAC Coquette Eyeshadow
Pureology Precious Oils Masque, MAC Studio Careblend Pressed Powder, Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse Foundation, By Nature Organic Rosehip Oil, Maybelline Hi-lighting Bronzer in Deep Bronze, L’Oreal Lineur Intense in Carbon Black, MAC All That Glitters Eyeshadow, MAC Coquette Eyeshadow

I’ve mentioned stress in passing before but I’m someone who legitimately suffers from anxiety and I’ve been anxious this month, not sleeping well, constantly tired and the like. It’s been one of those months when I’ve both felt and looked disheveled constantly, barely able to remember to wash my hair, apply nail polish and to slap some makeup on my face on the regular. However, I’ve had some good discoveries and rediscovered some products this month – this is a lengthier list than my usual but I’ve been loving some different things and continuing loving some of the same.

Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse Foundation ($11-14 CDN)

This was one of those products that I bought at the worst possible time for testing it; It was during that sore and irritated winter skin phase that I’m sure we all can relate to hating every product during – even more than that I was having texture issues from breakouts, you know how that goes. Pretty much I arbitrarily thought that this foundation was worsening my skin frustration and was convinced it was the wrong shade when in fact, although it’s not absolutely perfect it is still pretty good. I wear the lightest shade, 110 Porcelain Ivory, which I will note is not a particularly fair shade but rather a moderately fair one with relatively neutral undertones. This formula is dewy but not so overwhelmingly so that I don’t think a combo skin could wear it and provides medium coverage that is slightly build able but what I appreciate about the cream foundation is its hydration factor and it’s ability to sit nicely on drier skin after being worked in. The only thing about this foundation that is slightly irritating is that it takes some work to apply and isn’t a slap-and-go kind of foundation.

L’Oreal Lineur Intense in Carbon Black ($9-11 CDN)

If you’re both as fickle and as beauty obsessed as me, there are very few products that remain constant in your routine as the months go by and the seasons change but this has proven to be one of the rare exceptions for me. I’ve used it almost daily ever since I picked it up a few months ago. It’s a rich black shade that is long wearing and the felt-tip applicator is foolproof for creating thin kitten flicks on the regular in under a minute.

By Nature Organic Rosehip Oil ($13/26 CDN)

This would be another choice of mine that should not be a surprise as I’ve featured it in a few posts in the last little while but it’s deserving of mention here. I’ve used oils in the past with minimal success as all-over facial moisturizers but after I picked this one up to use on top of moisturizers and nightly treatment, my feelings changed. It brings that much needed luminosity to the face, has impressive soothing powers and really helps to heal skin irritation and fade fresh scars that are left behind. It’s dry oil texture took some getting used to, however – it’s not that typical oil-y texture that I’ve come to expect.

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MAC All That Glitters eyeshadow ($12/18 CDN)

This has been granted a few mentions here in the past month  so I’ll try to give a quick recap but I can’t promise that it’ll be truly brief. After going through two of these in the past and repurchasing this at the start of the month, I’m confident to say that this is the perfect everyday lid colour. It’s a sheeny, nicely-textured peachy gold shade that is darker than a traditional champagne but darker than say a gold or brown shade. It instantly makes me look alive when I apply it.

MAC Coquette eyeshadow ($12/18 CDN)

At the very beginning of the month, I walked into MAC and after not buying anything there in what felt for ages, impressed myself by only picking up a few things and this “satin” shade that is matte in my view but exceptionally blend able for the finish was one of the shadows. I complained to the MAC girl about my brows always looking too ‘red’ and she said she suffered from the same thing as well until she used this shade and I was sold even before she put it through my brows. It’s a disgusting-looking cool toned medium grey-brown that looks quite ashy but it’s perfect on – natural while still providing definition. Charcoal Brown, you’ve been replaced; cool-toned brunettes take note.

Pureology Precious Oils Masque ($50 CDN)

If you haven’t just stumbled on this post by chance, you had to know that this was coming. After experimenting with more affordable conditioning treatments for months and suffering dry hair and tangles galore, this wow-ed me upon first use – and I’m not easily wowed. It’s a concentrated treatment, rich and nourishing containing a good quantity of oils that both helps to detangle the hair and helps to stop the tangles from forming and manages to keep my fine wavy-curly hair nourished without being weighed down and looking limp. I know it’s ridiculously expensive but I’m pleased to report it’s worth it.

MAC Studio Careblend Pressed Powder ($30 CDN)

One of my first posts on this blog was my review for this powder which I wear in Light, which is the fairest shade with yellow undertones. I had stopped using powder at all for ages but I rediscovered this one and fell in love all over again. It’s one of those rare finely-milled powders that does not highlight dry patches and minimizes the appearance of imperfections and takes shine down slightly without leaving the skin ‘matte’ and devoid of radiance.

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Maybelline Face Studio Master Hi-light Hi-lighting Bronzer in Deep Bronze ($12-16 CDN)

I can honestly say that I wore this “bronzer” – I wear it as a blush – twenty days this month and this is not something regular for me. This was a big moment for me on the grounds that it’s the first drugstore blush that I’ve ever loved. The luminous rosy copper shade had the nicest texture and pigmentation without being overly dramatic and adds much-needed warmth to the face. I’m restraining myself from going on now because I’ve rambled on about this more than enough…

Civilization V Game ($30 CDN)

Yes, I’m talking about a computer game here. I’m not a huge gamer by any means and I’m selective but there are a few I really like and this month I was addicted to playing the strategy game. I find it challenging and for some reason its a thrill and the whole world domination concept starting from the ancient world to present day is always interesting. If you enjoy ancient things or history-based games, I recommend this one. It’s addicting and is flexible in the ways that it can be won (victory through culture, social policies, science, war etc.) — what more could you want?

What have you been loving this month?

Maggie, x.

The Daily Face #6: Warm and Smoky

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It’s amazing how irrational we can be when taxing matters are involved. I have a confession; I don’t clean my makeup brushes anywhere near the minimally recommended and required amount and I tend to be rather delusional about it. Case in point, I haven’t been feeling my eye makeup for a week or two, noticing that it was looking rather muddy but that little voice in my head that allows me to hold on to my sanity was determined to convince me that it wasn’t. Well it was. And I finally convinced myself to clean a few of my brushes and make some effort. The laborious task was worth it, let me tell you. However the amount of product that emerged in the sink during the washing process was borderline terrifying. Is anyone as lazy as me?

FACE: Lancome La Base Pro Primer, Make Up For Ever HD Foundation in 115, MAC Studio Careblend Pressed Powder in Light, Rimmel Match Perfection Highlighting Concealer in Ivory, Rimmel Natural Bronzer in Sun Light, Benefit Girl Meets Pearl Highlighter, Maybelline Hi-Lighting Bronzer in Deep Bronze
BROWS: Urban Decay Naked eyeshadow w/ a bit of Buck on the outside portion
EYES: NYX HD Eyeshadow Base, Urban Decay Naked 1 Palette (Buck, Sin, Toasted, Smog & Darkhorse), Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeliner in Brown, Lancome Le Crayon Khol in Black Ebony, Maybelline The Falsies Mascara
LIPS: MAC Patisserie Lipstick

 I’ve been in more of a smoky eye mood lately and today I was surprisingly happy with the subtlety of the result. As I have been in the last couple of days, I pulled out my longtime pre-blog favourite but now oft-neglected, Make Up For Ever HD Foundation and I’ve been really enjoying it for its skin like finish and ability to smooth over texture imperfections of the skin. I know many seem to say that the ever-popular foundation emphasizes dry patches but I don’t find this to be true in the slightest. As I seem to have this compulsive need to add some shape to my face, I pulled out the subtle offering by Rimmel and of course I topped it with my current “blush” love the warm coppery Maybelline Hi-Lighting Bronzer in Deep Bronze – I’m sure you’re sick of me talking about this but it’s deserving of every mention and more. For my chapped and worse-for-wear lips I put on the effortless warm nude that isn’t actually any paler than my lips, MAC Patisserie.

Knowing me, it shouldn’t be a shock that a, I didn’t make a huge departure from my go-to shades and that b, I used the Naked Palette for the daytime smoky eye in question, however I did something different, placing Toasted all across the lid, only putting my typical go-to shade, Sin in the inner corner. Keeping with the warm theme, Buck went in the crease but was then followed with Smog in the outer portion and Darkhorse was the finishing shade, blended into the outer corner and lower lashline. I had been planning to wear the Rimmel brown liner in both the inner rims of my eyes and on the lash lines but due to it’s waxy texture, I can never get it to transfer onto the waterline so I went for my Lancome standby I’ve had for ages. The Rimmel liner is one product that I do not understand the hype of for the life of me. On the mascara note, I doubt you even need to ask.

I was surprised with how the makeup turned out – the eyes were subtly smoky while still looking awake and the skin had a nice warm glow. And the lipstick of course was divine. I devote an entire book to my love of Patisserie…

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Thoughts? What makeup have you been reaching for lately?

Indeed Labs Peptabright (spoiler: in a world of lacklustre products, it’s brilliant)

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Skincare products can be difficult to judge as they’re not something that you’re measuring the results of for merely the time the product is sitting on your skin. I’m aware I’m not having my most articulate moment here but I refuse to give up on this post that is long enough overdue as it is. Retry time. Skincare is difficult to review fairly because its effects are more difficult to judge because they tend to be long-term, rather than merely covering-up the skin they aim to improve the skin itself and said difficulty is why I don’t write many skincare reviews but I feel confident enough to provide my verdict on the Indeeds Labs Pepta-Bright, as I’ve been using it since October and have seen results without making any other significant changes to my skincare regime. The serum retails for $40 CDN (at Shoppers), 25 GBP (at Boots) and can be picked up in the states as well in Walgreens. Long-story-short this is a brightening cream serum containing 30 mLs of product in a compact white tube.

the ingredients
the ingredients

The official description of the cream-serum, taken directly from the box is as follows:

Our promise is to deliver the most advanced peptide based skin brightening treatment. Pepta-Bright is a  combination of 7 powerful active ingredients which target 7 biological factors. This cream-serum is designed to improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation, age spots and uneven skin tone. The unique formula is lightweight yet rich in texture. Pepta-bright helps to reduce the intensity of dark spots while promoting overall skin clarity and brightness, leaving a luminous and radiant complexion. You’ll be surprised by how fast you will see results!

From my previous research and trial and error along with checking the always-helpful cosdna, there does not seem to be any overly harsh or commonly irritating ingredients in this offering – but as always everyone has different skin but mine is incredibly sensitive especially to drying alcohols and I’m pleased to report there are none. This serum is essentially a chemical exfoliant with lactic acid as its active ingredient with a hydrating base containing glycerin. It’s as intense as promised but gentle at the same time (not an oxymoron, I promise)  in the sense that it’s free of harsh additives yet it’s a concentrated chemical exfoliant so you’re getting a whole lot of bang for your buck. It doesn’t irritate my easily irritated skin but it can tingle uncomfortably on skin that is already irritated.

In my trial of chemical exfoliants in the last year, I’ve learned that results are not immediate but with continued use dramatic results do occur. I’m not going to hide my bias toward this product; with continuous use since the beginning of October, it’s become one of my very few hero skincare products. Now I can safely say that it’s provided dramatic results that I’m happy with but I didn’t really see results until two-three months of use regardless of how frequently I applied the product, yet the results were dramatic when I could see them.  It’s a testament to this products effecacy that since the results have become visible to me I’ve also received lots of compliments on my skin from friends that I see on a daily basis and this has been the only variable in my routine.

You can probably extrapolate my general skin condition and concerns from what I’ve said here but I thought further detail would be helpful; I have dry, dehydrated and easily irritated skin prone to redness, congestion, clogged pores, scarring and all sorts of lumps and bumps. In other words, my skin is naturally uneven and dull, lacking clarity and this has tremendously helped. The most dramatic difference has been in the decrease of those annoying clogged-pore bumps on my forehead, cheeks and chin but I’ve noticed fading of the scars that always accompany my breakouts as well as a more radiant and even complexions. As most products seem to be, Pepta-Bright is marketed with almost-otherworldly claims (“the most advanced”, anyone?)  but I think it actually does achieve on said claims. If you suffer from dullness, unevenness and the like, you need this treatment. It’s made its way into my nightime routine 3-4 times per week and I cry when I think about it leaving anytime soon. Take this from a skeptic and cynic like myself, this falls into the magical baby unicorn tears category.

left: without face makeup when I started using right: makeupless after five months of use
left: without face makeup when I started using
right: makeupless after five months of use

Have you tried this or anything similar? I’m always open to recommendations!

x, Maggie

Base Bonanza: Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation

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I have managed to talk about this foundation very frequently here without giving an actual review. Whoops. This was the first Drugstore foundation that I tried and was wowed by the great quality of – it’s better than many higher end ones I’ve tried. In short, in my view Rimmel Wake Me Up is a fantastic foundation, well for me at least.

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INGREDIENTS: AQUA/WATER/EAU, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, TITANIUM DIOXIDE, GLYCERIN, TALC, ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE, DIMETHICONE, CRAMBE ABYSSINICA SEED OIL, BIOSACCHARIDE GUM-1, DIMETHICONE PEG-10/15 CROSSPOLYMER, MICA, VINYL DIMETHICONE/ METHICONE SILSESQUIOXANE CROSSPOLYMER, LAURYL PEG-9 POLYDIMETHYLSILOXYETHYL DIMETHICONE, DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, LECITHIN, PHENOXYETHANOL, SODIUM PCA, DIMETHICONOL, MAGNESIUM SULFATE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, DISODIUM STEAROYL GLUTAMATE, PARFUM/FRAGRANCE, UREA, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, SILICA DIMETHYL SILYLATE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE, POTASSIUM SORBATE, POLYQUATERNIUM-51, SODIUM HYALURONATE, TREHALOSE, GLYCERYL POLYMETHACRYLATE, DISODIUM EDTA, HEXYLENE GLYCOL, PEG-8, HEXYL CINNAMAL, DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL, LIMONENE, BUTYLPHENYL METHYLPROPIONAL, TOCOPHEROL, TRIACETIN, BENZYL SALICYLATE, LINALOOL, BHT, GERANIOL, ALPHA-ISOMETHYL IONONE, CITRONELLOL, BENZOIC ACID, SODIUM LACTATE, PALMITOYL OLIGOPEPTIDE.

Well I couldn’t find this foundation on Rimmel’s Canadian site oddly enough so I had to make due with the UK one even though the UK formulation is slightly different, as in it contains SPF whereas the one I have does not. Basically it claims to be light and moisturizing on the skin, gives an instant flawless natural-looking finish and has a visible anti-fatigue effect with peptides and a “moisturizing vitamin complex”. To me this sounds like it was made to be in the vein of Bourjois 10 Hour Sleep Effect with the radiance claims and vitamin ridiculousness – Bourjois is known for its claims to do with vitamins and antioxidant which I am quite skepical of. Nevertheless, I find that these foundations differ. Wake Me Up isn’t quite as dewy in my opinion but has the radiance nevertheless with increased longevity and coverage. On the UK website Rimmel describes the product as “Rimmel’s first liquid foundation that instantly reawakens skin with a healthy, radiant glow” and the “light, moisturising texture applies smoothly and leaves skin feeling soft and comfortable all day” and “gives an instant flawless, natural-looking finish” with its “visible anti-fatigue effect with peptides and a Vitamin Moisturising complex”. Like with every other foundation on the market, it does not make the skin look instantly flawless and I’m skeptical of the ingredients doing anything magic, but I believe it achieves on the rest of its claims.

It’s a thicker yet somewhat weightless tacky (until it sets) liquid consistently. It’s even more viscous than MUFE HD. It provides medium coverage that is somewhat buildable on the skin. As promised, the formulation is light and hydrating and the ingredients are the ideal ones for my skins particular needs. It’s free of irritating alcohols, although it does include some fragrance and contains a high concentration of silicones, which I know break some people out but on my dehydrated skin, they help the foundation to sit more nicely over the skin. The good amount of glycerin in the foundation explains its hydrating properties. I really can’t see the shimmer in the foundation unless I squint really hard at the bottle under harsh lighting and I definitely cannot see the shimmer on my face in any sort of lighting. In other countries, the foundation seems to contain spf but in Canada it does not appear to – this is a godsend to me because my skin tends to be reactive to formulations including chemical SPF.
As a whole, the colour range of Rimmel’s offering leaves much to be desired even compared to other ranges at the drugstore but the lightest shade of the six, ivory, a moderately fair shade with yellow undertones suits my skin perfectly which is a rarity for me. The shades really only cater to those with moderately fair skin to those with medium skin tones.
Keep in mind here that I do have perpetually dehydrated skin, but I do not think that this foundation can be described as truly dewy, as say Bourjois 10 Hour Sleep Effect but it does provide a bit of radiance and glow to the skin. It’s slightly glowier than a satin finish and the shimmer particles that I can’t detect seem to highlight the naturally high points of my face and powdered (although I rarely wear it this way) it looks like a natural finish. However, I know the finish of a foundation varies across different skin types and it generally applies glowier on an oilier skin. I would describe it as luminous-looking on the skin.
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Because this foundation is not truly super-dewy and has surprising lasting power on the skin – I find that on it’s own it lasts 12+ hours everywhere except on inflamed blemishes -, it’s suitable for a variety of skin types. Those with  slightly dry skin, normal skin and combination skin would suit this foundation the best if they are looking for some natural-looking luminosity with longevity and coverage. It does not cling to dry patches but does not effortlessly and invisibly glide over major ones either.
I’m tempted to say this is my favourite foundation. For my dry skin, it’s a failsafe option regardless of the state of my skin is, for instance whether I’m suffering through blemishes and abundant dry patches or if it’s acting its slightly dehydrated self. I don’t think a single week has gone by where I haven’t worn this foundation when I got it in the spring and there are months when I pretty much wore this exclusively.
The packaging is quite nice-looking especially for the price point, albeit quite large and impractical for travel. It comes in an asymetrical glass bottle with a large orange cap and has a matching orange pump. I’m happy to say this affordable foundation actually has a pump!
worn with full-faced makeup
worn with full-faced makeup
both taken with flash: right after application on the left and twelve hours after on the right
both taken with flash: right after application on the left and twelve hours after on the right
The Claims: 9/10
Formulation: 9.5/10
Longevity: 9.5/10
Packaging: 9.5/10
Overall Quality: 9.5/10
Total: 46.5/50 or 93%, A+

x,

Maggie.

If you’ve tried this foundation, tell me your thoughts below! I’m also always open to recommendations 🙂

5 Current Lusts

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I’m one of those pathetic girls who always as some sort of notebook on me to record my latest wish list and have about ten on the go at any given time on the phone and am constantly looking at the wish list but I’ve never done one of these posts because quite honestly I’m horribly fickle and have limited skill at putting the collage picture together – I have no shame.

Revlon PhotoReady Skinlights Face Illuminator in Pink Light ($15 CDN)

I’ve heard that this “new release” from Revlon was actually the rerelease of a product they had discontinued but it’s irrelevant to me, all I knew was that I wanted this liquid highlighter. I’ve mentioned my love for the subtle but much-more-expensive Benefit Girl Meets Pearl but I wanted to try something more obviously luminous and this seems to fit the bill. I don’t have any true pinky highlighters and wanted to try one out but I must note that my lusting for this shade is probably some sort of justification to “need” yet another face product.

Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette ($62 CDN)

I’ve resisted getting this palette thus far but it’s no secret that it’s a struggle to not go to Sephora and nonchalantly “see if it’s in stock”. From my abundant posts on the Naked 1, you can see that I get a lot of use out of the warm-toned shades and I love their variety in shades but I struggle with the limited lid shades and Naked 3 is abundant in these. I don’t have a bunch of warm rosy shades but I really do like them and I find them flattering. It’s just so beautiful.

Urban Decay Blackheart + Darkside 24/7 Double-Ended Pencil ($19 CDN)

Urban Decay strikes again. This current lust has nothing to do with the fact that it’s the matching liner to the palette above but rather that I’ve been wanting to get into more interesting liner shades particularly for the waterline and the plummy-black and dark plum brown seem to hit the spot. As much as I like the formula of these liners, they’re not my absolute favourite as I have the driest eyes known to man and liner stays put in my inner rims like nothing else and these are hell to remove at the end of the night for me, their creamy texture makes you go through them so quickly and their waxy texture can be difficult on occasions but all in all I do like them and the shade selection makes it worthwhile.

Bumble & Bumble Pret-a-Powder ($31 CDN)

Roughly-speaking I have long, very dry and fine curly hair that tends to get limp and I’ve tried dry shampoos before to add volume in between my infrequent washings with little success, finding that they only dried out the hair and caused horrendous tangle without adding volume and I’m wanting to give this a try. I remember trying a similar powder from Aveda years ago and I remember it working well and this one gives more product and Bumble and Bumble make fantastic texturizing products in my experience.

Makeup Geek Eyeshadow in Creme Brulee ($6/8 CDN)

I haven’t ordered any Makeup Geek before and I don’t really have a reasonable excuse other than the fact that I’m not much of an online shopper but I’m really debating taking the plunge for this beauty. I’ve seen so many bloggers and vloggers talk about the warm brown transition shade and wear it that I’m convinced that I need to have it. I actually don’t have any of these warm transition shades that everyone goes on about because in store they seem to bore me.

x,

Maggie.

What are you currently lusting after? Have you tried any of these?

Daily Face #5: I Sort of Have a Routine *Gasp*

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Although I’m self-professedly not the kind of girl who sticks to a daily makeup routine without changing it up a bit on the daily basis, lately I’ve been sticking to quite a “routine” of sorts and I thought I’d share as I haven’t done a daily face this year – what horror, har har har. This is the kind of makeup that seems to happen when (a) I make the effort to actually apply something and (b) I don’t want to think on autopilot.

So I might have lied; well kind of. I’ve gotten into a routine in terms of what products I apply and what I go for buttt as I’m not completely broke as I’ve picked up a few things lately there have been a few recent additions as well. The overall routine, however, has remained constant.

I’m convinced that I was delusional before when I thought I didn’t like Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse Foundation. Since doing my “shopping my stash” post, I’ve been reaching for this foundation exclusively – and that’s saying something because I’m a foundation hoarder and I can never seem to stick to one. It has a hydrating creamy consistency providing medium coverage that can be built and a slightly dewy finish. Particularly when paired with the Lancome La Base Pro silicone-y primer, it sits on my dry skin nicely, providing coverage without it looking obvious or making my skin look dull.

I’ve done something shocking, I’ve fallen back in love with my MAC Studio Careblend Pressed Powder , which I wear in the lightest shade after passing powder off for months because I don’t “need it” and worried about cakiness and the like. Maybe now since I’ve been a little more frugal with my foundation application or something, it’s made its way into the daily rotation. Applied with a powder brush, it adds a tiny bit of coverage and sets the skin and helps with imperfections such as pores and texture while providing a natural (not matte) finish. Unless I have an absolutely frightening dry patch, it does not highlight them at all and it’s amazing. Concealer has been my standard highlighting Rimmel Match Perfection underneath my eyes in the lightest shade.

For the last little while I’ve rambled on about my love of MAC Harmony Powder Blush for the daily contouring and bronzing job, but recently I’ve been reaching for the creamy Sonia Kashuk Undetectable Creme Bronzer in Warm Tan because there is something magical about the way it sits on the skin that’s worth the extra effort to blend in. Benefit Girl Meets Pearl Highlighter ends up on my cheekbones daily automatically for that healthy dewy sheen.

So I was at MAC a week ago and somehow I found myself at the register with a few products I’d been lusting after in my bag. I have no idea how this happened. Even though the last thing in the world I need is blush, I picked up the duo palette and had to pick up a blush to go inside along with the eyeshadows and I chose MAC Powder Blush in Tenderling and I’m glad I did. It’s my first truly neutral blush that livens up the face without looking like blush and is that perfect complement to wearing a bolder lip in daytime life. It’s matte-but-not-flat and the warmish brown shade leans peachy in a flattering way. If you have colouring like mine, you need this in your life. 

Although I do tend to rotate between specific eyeshadows, I’ve been reaching for this “eye” exclusively. After priming, I filled in my brows with my latest addition, MAC Coquette eyeshadow , which I purchased at the reccomendation of the salesgirl after I complained of my brows looking too red-toned despite whatever shadow I used. Hallelujah,  she was right. I also used the shade in the crease. On the lid I wore the product that I’ve used up two times and have been lusting after to repurchase since I began this blog, MAC All That Glitters which has the nicest sheen to it without being over-the-top and sits halfway between a champagne and a copper. There’s nothing like this shade to wear on the lid when you want a lighter neutral colour but are bored of the usual champagnes. In the inner corner and browbone, MAC Dazzlelight has been my go-to as it’s not overtly shimmery and looks natural. For definition in the outer-corner of the eye, I used Club but this shade I tend to switch up. I’ve been wearing a thin but slightly-winged line of my well-loved L’Oreal Lineur Intense and as always, I’ve been coating my lashes with good ol’ Maybelline The Falsies. This is one of those types of eye makeup that looks fairly natural on the lid but really defines the eye and looks polished.

If you know me, I’m not usually one to wear the same lip daily but lately I’ve been wearing darker lips (the blush makes this far easier) and particularly I’ve found myself going for MAC Dubonnet. Because of the amplified creme finish of the lipstick, it’s moisturizing but the formula does tend to slide around the lips with any sort of eating or drinking. I’ve discovered that blotting it slightly doesn’t reduce the hydration and really helps the lipstick to last longer with minimal maintenance – because of the creaminess of the shade, I used to find that if I wasn’t careful I could rub the lipstick off of my lips before it stained them creating that dreaded lipstick ring around the edges of the mouth.

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It’s difficult for me to get the balance right while wearing the darker lips that I adore; I need to add definition to my eyes and cheeks to balance out the face or bold colours tend to look hideous on me and what I’ve been doing has helped me to get the balance right (in my opinion!) and I wanted to share. This is my low-key and effortless dark lip sort of makeup choice and I will continue to wear it, I swear.

x,

Maggie.

Have you tried any of these products? What makeup products have you been reaching for daily?

Winter Essentials Edit – The Miscellanious Edition

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It’s taken a bit of adjustment to get back into the swing of things blogging-wise now that school has started up again even though I was only off for a month and this post was long overdue, a companion to my recent makeup post. This is going to be a little more chaotic and disorganized – a summary of the beauty bits that have proved essential to me in this winter weather when it’s difficult to muster the effort to lift yourself out of bed in the morning.

OPI Lincoln Park After Dark Nail Polish ($9-10 CDN)

Recently I’ve mentioned that I’ve turned into a usual nail-painter but I haven’t been mentioning particular products because I can’t commit to anything, ever but this polish may be the exception to the rule – before starting the blog, this was the only nail polish that I mustered the effort to apply over and over again but then I lost it and it was tragic but luckily I got a mini-size for Christmas again. As cliched as it is, I love the vampy almost-black-but-not-quite shade, particularly in the winter with purple-undertones and a opaque cream finish. It has good longevity on the nails and is almost fully opaque after one coat. Because of the darkness of the shade, it makes a statement of sorts but doesn’t involve the effort of pairing everything with of a red or bright.

Essie Maximillian Strasse-Her Polish ($8 CDN/ 6)

I know I’m horrible for including a limited edition polish from what I believe was the Spring 2013 but I picked this up recently at the Canadian version of the TK/TJ Maxx enterprise called Winners which I’ve recently become very interested in rummaging around through. In the last few months, I’ve grew a little bit tired of the red polish and I think this is an alternative option that still is seasonally appropriate with it’s wintry iciness. The formula of the polish is phenomenal, very opaque and it lasts on my nails for the longest of any polishes I’ve tried – I can get a week out of this on my chipping-prone nails. The colour is a paled-out dirty green with a greyish lean to it, which does not sound attractive but I love it. It’s a lighter and dirtier version of the famous (but also limited edition) Mermaid’s Tears, that is my staple summer polish.

China Glaze Nail Polish in Ingrid ($8 CDN)

Years ago, when I was going through one of my brief periods when I was determined to give nail polish a go (before quickly abandoning the seemingly futile effort) I picked this one up after OPI You Don’t Know Jacques was sold out pretty much everywhere and the salesgirl told me this one was very similar. The formulation is fantastic (as all of these mentioned are as I’m very impaired at nail polish application), not quite as long-lasting as the Essie but it wears for a long time and applies very opaque with minimal streaking. I’m beginning to notice that I seem to like slightly-grungy and dirty colours; yet again this is a dark taupe with fine golden-brown microshimmer running throughout and it’s much more amazing than this description is suggesting. I usually hate shimmery and absolutely detest sparkly polishes but this one is the exception for me. It’s easier to wear on my warm-leaning skin because it leans slightly more on the brown side.

Aveeno Skin-Relief Body Wash ($8 CDN)

I suffer from eczema along with generally very sensitive body skin and this is a great gentle body wash that does not irritate my skin even in it’s fragile state. I didn’t realize that this contained fragrance as it’s hardly detectable and non-irritating but I do want to give the fragrance-free one a go sometime. The worst eczema I suffer is on my legs and it’s quite painful and by far this is the best thing to shave my legs with due to it’s gentleness and the instant hydration in provides. I sort of can’t believe I’m talking about body wash but alas…

Indeed Labs Pepta-Bright Serum ($40 CDN)

With sore winter dry and irritated skin, a chemical-exfoliant with acids sounds like the last thing you need but it’s been a saviour for me. The formulation of this serum is hydrating but concentrated with the lactic acid that exfoliates the skin without being abrasive and it’s one of the only things that has helped to reduce the severity of the dry patches I do get. It doesn’t burn on the skin either and beats manual exfoliation in ways other than gentleness, as it helps with pigmentation and dullness – the latter which is a large concern of mine and I imagine it to be an issue that many face with winter pale skin.

By Nature Organic Rosehip Oil ($26/13 CDN)

I’m an avid blog reader myself and before I was always dismissive when I read posts boasting about the wonders of oils on the complexion. It’s not that I was worried about the oiliness or anything of that sort but more of that I’d been down that road before with minimal success. This one has been a recent addition in my routine every night and every morning or two, bringing much-needed radiance to my face paired on top of moisturizer (or the serum above). It really seems to moisturize and soothe irritated and dry skin but also works wonders on angry breakouts – but mine are the dry itchy kind so keep that in mind. This was another purchase from Winners.

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment ($26 CDN)

This glorified lip balm is very expensive and I haven’t purchased a tube as I’m still working on the sample from the Sephora birthday gift but as much as I hate to say it, it’s worth it. I have naturally dry and chapped lips and this performs the best at hydrating them after the balm wears off rather than just coating the lips which many others do. It outperforms the close contender, the more affordable and popular EOS balms.

Pureology Precious Oil Softening Hair Masque ($50 CDN)

Yes, this masque is ridiculously expensive and I’ve only used it a handful of times but I already know it’s worth it. I have the kind of hair that is death to untagle, eats up conditioner and is difficult to keep hydrated and this product is worth it to me. It has that amazing spa-like scent but I would purchase this even without the scent – It’s one of the rare masques that actually is concentrated and a quarter size is more moisturizing than palmfuls of other (not cheap) intensive conditioners and I rarely find that. It doesn’t weigh down my insanely dense mass of fine-textured wavy hair while leaving it feeling nourished for longer than a few hours. I find it keeps the hair soft and helps my hair to curl in the way I like. It’s beautiful, that is all; it’s that perfect wintry hair-saving treatment.

Bumble & Bumble Texture (Un)dressing Creme ($17/34 CDN)

I’ve rambled on about this before but in the winter my hair really begins to lack life and just hang and regardless of your hair type, this treasure adds texture and vitality without tangling and drying the hair. This has really become a staple product when you’re headed out the door in a minute or two and your hair is catastrophically flat and dull.

x

Maggie

What are your winter essentials? Have you used any of these?