MAC Stereo Rose

November 2016 Favourites

I’ve mentioned before that I work in retail and with everything getting so busy at Christmas-time and the unfortunate luck of losing some employees around this time, I have been picking up the slack at work and I’ve had no time or energy to blog. Most of all, I’ve had no daylight to take pictures and I’m not the kind of person who is organized enough to take them all in advance. Regardless, I’m forcing myself to get this favourites post up and before long, I would expect another empties post around here – I’ve been finishing up even more products.

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NUDE Skincare Nourishing Cleansing Oil: Ever since getting this omega-rich cleansing oil as a gift last Christmas, I have enjoyed it but it wasn’t until November that I fully appreciated it. Rather than using mineral oil (which I have no problem with) and other emulsifiers and emollients to melt away makeup, its beauty lies in the gorgeous nourishing plant oils that it contains. It’s fairly good at melting away makeup – and it does this without irritation – but it’s real beauty is its value as a soothing skin treat.

Sunday Riley Juno Hydroactive Cellular Face Oil: Despite the fact that I find that Sunday Riley’s facial oils are extremely expensive and filled with some questionable claims, – mainly that they are Hydroactive and act on a cellular level in a way that lesser oils do not – I picked up her essential-oil-free offering during the Sephora VIB Sale. I’m pleased (or horrified, I’m not entirely sure) to report that it’s the nicest facial oil I’ve ever tried. I like the natural salad dressing scent (lol) but most of all, I like how rich it feels on the skin and how soothing and hydrating it is. It’s been a godsend in this cooler weather that has left my skin in a less than hydrated state.

Paula’s Choice Resist 10% Niacinamide Booster: I’m a massive fan of Niacinamide for its barrier repairing and cell communicating nature, along with its soothing and brightening qualities so obviously I couldn’t go without trying her fairly recently released booster. It’s water-light texture definitely was a learning curve for me but I’ve been loving applying it as a serum when my skin needs extra calming, a boost of hydration and some general oomph. I haven’t had pore issues in ages but I do believe that this has improved their appearance even more!

MAC Fix Plus: As someone with quite dry and dehydrated skin, I really like the instant impact that spraying my face has in terms of giving a glow. However, I find that most of these so-called ‘setting sprays’ fail to add longevity to makeup and are filled with alcohol and fragrance, making the skin look better before making it look worse in a few hours time. However, I find that the cult favourite MAC one to improve the way that my skin looks throughout the day while providing skincare benefits. It has loads of glycerin and a decent amount of antioxidants and bridges the line between skincare and makeup. The mist is also very fine, making it ideal for refreshing makeup and eliminating that powdery dull look.

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Moonstone: As someone who is always after naturally luminous skin, – especially this month apparently – it’s not exactly shocking that I’ve been enjoying the effect of this liquid highlighter. To be honest, I love the truly luminous finish of this golden highlighter – and the way that it has less visible shimmer particles than Becca’s powder highlighter offerings – all the time but it’s been with the cold weather that I’ve been willing to go to the extra effort with liquid highlighter.

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Stereo Rose: I had gone months without wearing this sheeny rosy-coral blush but as soon as I started reaching for it again, as a blush that adds some instant brightness and glow, I’ve remembered why it’s one of my absolute favourites. Unfortunately, it is limited edition and MAC releases it about once a year – with some shade variations. It can pull a bit red on the skin but there’s something about it that I find adds the right kind of rosy flush  on my moderately-fair skin.

NYX Lip Lingerie in Ruffle Trim: Surprisingly, my favourite lip product of the month was a liquid lipstick. The surprising part of this is that my dry, sensitive lips typically rebel against the drying nature of these lip products. The shade is a warm neutral rosy hue with some brown to it, but that isn’t what I liked most about it. The product dries down to a kind of texture-less finish that isn’t particularly drying and doesn’t feel productY either.

Bath and Body Works Flannel Scented Candle: After I missed out on this scent for a few years in a row in the full three wick offering, I started hoarding this candle – the one pictured is an unburned three wick from this year because I finished the medium jar and it’s not a particularly attractive sight at the moment. Now, it’s a scent that I love to burn the moment that I crave that cozy feeling which happened in November when the chilly Fall weather hit and slowly drifted into Winter. It’s a sweeter cologne kind of scent that features bergamot, a hint of vanilla and warm musk. It’s one that I certainly love and would also recommend even to those who are usually wary of so-called ‘cologne’ scents. I’ve been happily burning it throughout November and plan on burning more throughout the Winter.

Any thoughts or faves to share?
Maggie, x.

 

 

Stash Shopping #5

When you get easily overwhelmed by too much choice and have a larger than moderate sized makeup stash as I do, periodically rotating through products to use on a daily basis can be extremely helpful to ensure that you’re switching things up and using different products. It’s particularly helpful to do this rotation at the beginning of each new season, as to switch products up to match the change and avoid buying unnecessary shiny objects. Here we go.

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Revlon Colourstay Moisture Stain in Milan Moment

Last summer I was all about this slightly sheer tangerine balmy staining lip product, but I put it away after the summer was clearly over as it’s a shade that suits the spring and summer the most. I adore the easy brightening shade precisely because of how low fuss and comfortable the cushiony product is.

MAC Sheertone Powder Blush in Tenderling

I long ago reached the point that I could say I needed another blush like a need a whole in my head but that hasn’t stopped me from buying more so it’s easy for me to forget blushes that I have in my collection, even ones that I adore such as this one. I tend to gravitate towards my brighter, more exciting and sheeny blushes so although I love this matte neutral warm-pink leaning shade, I tend to ignore it in favor of more immediately illuminating options.

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Stereo Rose

Although I raved about this hyped limited-edition sheeny coral blush recently and I find it flattering even when I’m paler, I have to admit that I have scarcely been digging out this blush to wear during the winter seasons. Now that I’ve gotten a bit more colour – with sunscreen of course! – and have been gravitating towards more quintessentially summery makeup, I’ve dug out this luminous corally hue and have been loving it. I will warn that it’s not for everyone and it can look sunburn-esque on cooler skin tones, or particularly fair ladies.

L’Oreal Glam Bronze Mono in Universal Sun

Although my face is still fair thanks to my meticulous sunscreen application daily, I seem to have acquired a bit of a tan on my body so I’ve reached the point where I find warmer and deeper bronzers flattering and nice to unify the colour of my complexion and my body; last summer, I discovered the fabulously smooth bronzer with red undertones and I’m excited to pull it out again, after finding it difficult to use in cooler weather. Unfortunately, however, I haven’t spotted any of these bronzers in stores in Canada since last summer, although I know they remain available overseas.

Essie Nail Lacquer in Van D’Go

I might have taken a step back from nail polish in the last three weeks or so to let my nails grow and breathe (not literally, though), but I am excited that we’ve reached the time of year where we can comfortably dig out these bright summery hues. I’m perhaps the most excited to pull out this jelly polish that can only be described as a coral leaning salmon pink hue, particularly for the toes. It’s a pink that I can actually get on board with and I find it flattering with even a little bit of colour – whether natural or self-tanner-brought.

Have you rediscovered anything lately?
Maggie, x.

 

 

My Five Favourite Coral Blushes

For anyone else, or at least most of us, selecting your favourite coral blushes would not be a strenuous task involving a great amount of deliberation, however, I have a serious addiction to coral blushes of a sheeny luminous variety. Here comes the lowdown, beginning with the most expected choices:

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1. NARS Orgasm Powder Blush ($35/0.16 ounces) OR $218.75/ounce | review

Officially described as “peachy pink with shimmer”, this sheeny pink coral blush provides a strong golden glow with golden shimmer running throughout. As with all of my favourite blush choices here, I love the smooth texture and instant luminosity of the blush but this one is particularly easy because the pigment builds slowly and easily. I don’t believe that this shade is the most universally flattering blush out there like the previous hype would suggest but it is flattering even with its pinker rosy lean on my moderately fair warm toned skin. Out of the bunch this shade has the most visible shimmer but it’s not the most reflective of them all. This is perhaps the lightest shade of the bunch so it’s only suitable for fairer skin tones.

2. MAC Stereo Rose Mineralize Skinfinish ($35/0.32 ounces) OR $108.35/ounce

I’m sorry for this, including a limited edition product that is not currently available but this “coral with golden bronze shimmering nuances” shade is a longtime favourite of mine with an amazing sheeny smooth formula so I had to include it anyway – but luckily the cult favourite shade seems to be repromoted every year or two so I’d keep your eye out if you’re interested. It has impressive pigmentation for a Mineralize Skinfinish and no visible shimmer particles and a flattering rusty lean to it. The permanent MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Cheeky Bronze ($35/0.35 ounces) is extremely similar but has more of that bronzy copper hue to it and MAC Style might be even closer, but a bit different in formula. It’s suitable for fair skintones to the entire spectrum of medium skin tones.

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3. MAC Frost Powder Blush in Style ($26/0.21 ounces) OR $123.81/ounce | review

This ‘frost’ blush is nowhere near as frightening as the name would suggest, it doesn’t have any sort of dated or unflattering shimmer particles or overly intense sheen. It has that flattering strong sheen that is similar to MAC’s Mineralize Skinfinishes but without that baked mineral formula. It’s a peachy coral with strong golden sheen throughout that is luminous in the best way, providing that golden luminosity and doubling as a highlighting product, accurately described my mac as “coral peach with warmth”. The blush has a lovely smooth texture with a nice sheen to the cheeks, a glow and a hint of overall warmth. It has kind of a orange-y lean so it’s not suitable for fair cool skin tones or among the palest of complexions, but it would be flattering for most – either as a blush or as a highlight for those with deep skin tones.

4. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Diffused Heat ($41/0.15 ounces) OR $273.33/ounce

This rather expensive blush has the least shimmer in it but it somehow manages to give just as much radiance without the shimmer particles and it reads as a satin, likely because of the Diffused Light powder that the blush is marbled with. It’s  described as a “vibrant poppy” and while I agree with the vibrant part of the name – it’s definitely vibrant and with the most pigmentation of all of the included blushes – I would describe it as more of a pinky coral mixed with a watermelon hue. Also, while it’s pigmented, it can be applied sheerly with ease. It’s a more unique colour than the rest, perhaps the least traditionally coral, with neutral rather than warm undertones and the same brightening effect. This unique shade would suit fair skin-tones with a light hand all the way up to those with the lighter end of deep complexions.

5. L’Oreal True Match Blush in N3-4 Innocent Flush ($15.99/0.21 ounces) OR $76.14/ounce

In the last two years I’ve discovered a great number of amazing drugstore products along my trials, however, blushes are among the most difficult products to find excellent versions of on a budget but this one performs along with much higher end offerings. It’s a more muted version of MAC’s Style that has a touch more pink along with the peach that flatters fairer skin tones (up to medium ones) and a slightly less intense golden sheen. The texture is smooth and it provides that luminosity that I search for while still lasting all day long. It’s incredibly versatile, providing that glow and sheen that brightens the face while being easy to wear with more intense eye makeup and lip colour.

From top: NARS Orgasm | MAC Stereo Rose | MAC Style | Hourglass Diffused Heat | L'Oreal Innocent Flush
From top: NARS Orgasm | MAC Stereo Rose | MAC Style | Hourglass Diffused Heat | L’Oreal Innocent Flush
 What’s your favourite coral blush?
Maggie, x.

 

 

Summer Edit

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I’m not sure if I’m in the small minority of those who notice this or what, but since devoting more than a little bit of my portion of free time to this whole beauty blogging thing, I’ve become a walking contradiction, promising one thing one minute and then something contradictory the next. The significance of this seemingly abstract musing? A bit inspired by Anna’s “Summer Edit”, here I am bringing you the standard summer edition post despite declaring these standard posts overrated and going for slightly different ones in the past and I’m excited.

I’m sure I included this in my ‘Spring Edit’ post, but to be honest, the non-irritating mineral sunscreen only did make an appearance on my face on the sunny days so the Avene High Protection SPF 50 Mineral Cream ($30 CDN)is a much more accurate pick for Summer. The sunscreen performs like nothing else with its hydrating texture that isn’t greasy (but doesn’t exactly help to control oil) and has a tint to mask the dreaded white-cast, adding a bit of coverage with it’s slightly pink leaning beige cast. Although I’ve gotten a wee bit naughty on the whole getting sun front, the Jergen’s Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturizer ($9 CDN)has remained a staple for actually hydrating and soothing the skin my skin whilst adding some gradual colour that looks natural. In my opinion, this takes the edge off of the pressure to escape pastiness.

On the polish front, Essie’s Van D’Go ($9 CDN) has been brought into the rotation, especially on the feet. It was a gift that I received for my birthday from family friends and it was a much-appreciated one, considering that the pink hue isn’t usually something that I’d usually try. The lighter pink has a coral tinge to it and leaves a flattering salmon pink hue to the nails that compliments a bit of colour. It doesn’t hurt that the formula is a standard great Essie one that’s fully opaque in two coats and is relatively goof proof. Because I haven’t been completely converted to the pink side, I’m sure that I’m also going to be rocking the muted cornflower blue, Essie Bikini So Teeny Nail Lacquer ($9 CDN)that has the same great formula but might be slightly sheerer.

Moving onto the makeup, not only has the Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet Smooth-Effect Makeup ($48 CDN)found a place in my heart as this foundation-obsessed girl’s latest obsession but I’m convinced that for my dehydrated skin (and for loads of different skin condition’s) it’s the Summer foundation that gets as close as possible to perfection. I’m the lightest shade (10) so it’s definitely not one that caters to the fairest of skins and it does contain a good amount of fragrance with some alcohol thrown in (less than Chanel VA, though) but it feels like absolutely nothing on the skin (even in the hottest of weather) and looks like perfected bare skin. More than this, it offers surprisingly good coverage (medium that’s buildable) and controls oil with its velvety but luminous finish that somehow doesn’t cling to dry patches. Hallelujah. Even though I’m a drier and dehydrated gal through and through, one of those non-powdery powders is a godsend in the summer with the increased heat and my normal t-zone. I might not need one to set the foundation but if I’m wearing the Avene underneath, it’s nice to have one to freshen things up with and for this I like the L’Oreal True Match Mineral ($14-16 CDN).

I’m not strictly a warm-weather bronzer girl by any means, so they’re a constant in my daily makeup rotation but as soon as the warm weather comes around, the uber-affordable NYC Sunny Smooth Skin Bronzer ($3 CDN)never leaves my sight. Whilst the bronzer isn’t exactly orange-y, it does have stronger warm undertones to it that make it much more flattering on skin with a bit of colour to it and despite it’s price, the matte bronzer lasts and applies like a champ with its pigmented and creamy texture. The Maybelline Master Hi-Light Hi-Lighting Bronzer in Deep Bronze ($12-16 CDN)might be sold as a bronzer but as I said in my initial review during the Winter, it’s a bronzier blush in my opinion and is an amazing offering for the summer as it provides that bronzy glow like nothing else. The rosy copper hued formula offers on the longevity, texture and glow front and no doubt will be found on my face constantly in the warmer weather as it’s one of my favourites regardless of the weather and this is the season for it. Being the blush-addict that I am, I couldn’t confine myself to one (or even two). The second blush worthy of mention is my favourite, the unfortunately limited -edition MAC Stereo Rose Mineralize Skinfinish ($38), the lovely sheeny rosy coral pot of magic that instantly brightens up warm skin and adds a glow like nothing else. And of course I couldn’t resist mentioning a third one that to-be-honest is not miles different from the former, the cult-favourite NARS Orgasm Blush ($33 CDN)that I talked about my love for yesterday in great depth here. And although liquid illuminators such as Revlon Photoready Skinlights Face Illuminator in are typically more of a Spring (or even winter) product with the subtle dewy luminosity that they provide because things can much to easily enter into sweaty territory but I’ve been going for less overtly glowy foundations as of late and enjoying more of a highlighted look. And look I did more swatches here:

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                                                                    Left to Right: NYC Sunny, Maybelline Deep Bronze, MAC Stereo Rose, NARS Orgasm

Moving onto the eyes, I’ll be bringing the expectedly coppery, MAC Coppering Eyeshadow ($12/18 CDN) into the rotation, both as something a little bit different on the lid on an everyday basis and perhaps as the base colour for a more interesting smoky eye. I’m aware that I’m not really a minimal eye makeup kind of girl but as Summer rolls around, I definitely tend to go for less fuss (and less in general) in this region and my-go to product for this is the ever-hyped Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad To The Bronze ($9 CDN),  for it provides that gorgeous bronzed-taupe hue to the lids that is flattering without looking like you’re trying or putting in loads of effort. Another fantastic shadow that I always go for in these warmer months constantly is that golden bronze sheeny shade named MAC Woodwinked Eyeshadow ($12/18 CDN) and I’m sure many of you have this laying around. In terms of summer shadows, I definitely go for these warm and bronzy hues and if I’m not reaching for these three shades, I assure you, I’m sporting the good ol’ Urban Decay Naked Palette ($64 CDN).

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Left to Right: Maybelline Bad To The Bronze, MAC Coppering, MAC Woodwinked

I assure you this lengthy post is nearing its close now, as I come to you with my narrowed-down lip options. I talked about my love for the muted tangerine MAC Sweet & Sour Lipstick ($19 CDN) during the spring season but I think this shade is equally on point for the summer as it has that oranginess to it but is more than a little bit more wearable. In terms of a sheerer balm-colour hybrid offering, I’m sure the medium-toned pinky coral L’Oreal Sunset Angora Colour Caresse ($12 CDN) is the surefire winner, not only because the formula is spectacular on chapped lips like mine but that it offers on the pigmentation front as well. It might not seem like it but it did actually require some deliberation to narrow down my picks for lips down to these four and on some level I knew that choosing the Revlon Colorstay Moisture Stain in Milan Moment ($15 CDN) was more of a questionable one given that I haven’t had it for a week yet but the colour and formula screamed summer perfection and I couldn’t resist; the balmy liquid-lipstick that impressively doesn’t seem to have a scent both felt weightless on my lips and offers on the longevity front with its muted papaya hue so I suspect that it won’t be leaving my sight for long. Going along with the more minimal eye makeup theme, a nice bold lip is essential and my pick has to be the vibrant warm pink hue from my favourite balmy-crayon line — the Revlon Lacquer Balm in Vivacious ($9 CDN).

DSC_0619Left to Right: Revlon Vivacious Lacquer Balm, Revlon Milan Moment Moisture Stain, L’Oreal Sunset Angora Colour Caresse, MAC Sweet & Sour
For those of you who have stuck around to the end of this post, you’re kind of sort of amazing and I’m sure you know the drill already – I’m curious and want to know a few of your Summer picks below in the comments!
Maggie, x.

 

 

 

 

 

The Daily Face #18

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This was not the post that I initially planned to write today but I was pleased with the result of my makeup today, I managed to get a decent picture or two of the result and it kind of captured that breezy, low-key but flattering kind of makeup look that I’ve been after as of late but hadn’t yet found success with. Although it was beyond unnecessary, I decided to begin with my eyes, using the NYX HD Eyeshadow Base over my lids and then filling in my brows with MAC Coquette Eyeshadow while the primer set. Although I haven’t been using it consistently by any means, I pulled out the Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette. As a base of sorts and to brighten things up, I went for Burnouton the inner portion of the lid. Nooner was then blended through the crease and Liarwas packed onto the lid, concentrating on the outer-half. Because I can’t resist some outer corner definition even on these kind of makeup days, I patted Factory,the plummy hue into the outer corner and blended it out softly. Because liner is essential for me, I went for the Annabelle Smoothliner in Blackboth to tightline (because it actually doesn’t transfer) and on the upper and lower lashlines in a slightly-blended fashion. As always, I went for a few coats of the Revlon Bold Lacquer Mascara to both upper and lower lashes. I finished the eyes, then, patting the Bobbi Brown Light to Medium Bisque Corrector into the areas of darkness underneath my eyes and blended as per usual.

As I’m continuing to enjoy the primer, I massaged the Annabelle “CC” Colour Control Luminous Finish Instant Perfecting Baseinto the skin to help with makeup sitting seamlessly on the skin and to add a subtle luminosity. The foundation used shouldn’t be a shocker to anyone, as I’ve been using the velvety but luminous and skinlike Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet Smooth-Effect Makeup in 10— I’m still in absolute love. I’m not usually one to apply highlighter before other cheek products but given the cream consistency of the subtle but instantly-glowy Revlon Photoready Skinlights in Pink Light,I patted it onto the tops of my cheekbones. Rather than going in with my usual Real Techniques Contour Brush, I used a much larger kabuki brush with the NYC Smooth Skin Bronzer in Sunny for less of a contoured effect and more of a bronzed one and then I used my old stand-by, MAC Stereo Rose MSFon my cheeks.

My lips are in that horrific state, chapped and peeling so I knew that I honestly shouldn’t be wearing anything other than balm but I didn’t listen, instead pulling out the balmy L’Oreal Colour Caresse in Sunset Angorathat I hadn’t used in forever seeing as the formula is both forgiving and hydrating. The pinky coral hue also is a bonus — I have to use this more in the future. I’m kind of fixated on the brightening and flattering hue and certainly I need more of these in my life…

So, here’s my attempt at more of a low-key everyday-appropriate makeup look (and not just to my standards). What’s your go-to makeup for days like these? I’m curious?
Maggie, x.

 

 

 

Products I’d Be Incomplete Without

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I apologize about the lack of posts lately but it’s been a crazy week and one that I’m glad to be finished at that – Happy Friday to you all! Although I cringe about using the word “Holy Grail” let alone use the abbreviation that reminds me of nails on the chalkboard, I wanted to share a few of the products that I can’t see myself as being content with functioning without and therefore I felt obligated to use the wretched term. As always, I’m sorry if this post is a little repetitive — if you’ve been a regular reader for more than a few months, you’ll have heard me ramble on a good amount about these — but I find these posts incredibly interesting and helpful. As I enjoy reading them so much, I’ve decided to write more of these long-time favourites that remain my go-to’s for months on end.

Bioderma Sensibio H2O ($22 CDN)
I know I know I know I know, I’m fulfilling the stereotype of the blogger obsessed with Bioderma’s famous micellar water but my love of it is genuine and not moved by the tremendous amount of hype that the product has. I have dry and extremely sensitive eyes and this is the only makeup remover that I’ve tried that both removes makeup effectively and does not irritate, sting or burn my eyes. I’ve been using this almost for a year and my only complaint is that I go through a bottle every three or so months. I haven’t tried any of the new micellar water alternatives that tend to be cheaper that have popped up in stores recently because I have a few backups left…

Indeed Laboratories Pepta-Bright Serum ($40 CDN)

Although I don’t mention this product nearly as much as I mention the above product, I don’t love it any less. This serum is moisturizing with its creamy consistency but contains a high concentration of exfoliating AHA’s and over time, it’s radically improved the texture of my skin, has helped to even out my skintone and has really brightened my complexion. This is one of those no-fuss products that work in the way that they’re intended but with none of those extra frills that can sometimes irritate the skin despite their luxuriousness. It’s gentle yet concentrated yet effective; what more could you want?

MAC Coquette Eyeshadow (12/18 CDN)

Although this eyeshadow has only been in my life since the beginning of this year but I’ve absolutely fallen in love with it; It is “the product” for my cool-toned brows. Most shades go rather red on me unless they are not dark enough but this shade is perfect for filling in my brows with – the medium-dark khaki taupe shade may look somewhat gross in the pan but it works both in the brows and as a fantastic shade to add definition to the crease.

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

After repurchasing the golden-peachy shade at the beginning of the year, I’ve remembered why I adored it in the first place and it has to be my favourite no-fuss lid colour that doesn’t look super noticeable on the lids but adds that flattering brightness to my blue eyes. It’s my perfect lid colour and plays well with other shadows. What more can I say?

L’Oreal Lineur Intense in Carbon Black ($8-10 CDN)

I’ve mentioned this in loads of favourites videos and I’ve mentioned it for good reason. It’s the only liner that I’ve ever tried that creates the precisely-lined kitten flick without the effort of gel-liner. I’ve mastered the jet-black liner so that even with my shaky hands, I can pull of winged eyeliner in notably less than a minute.

MAC Patisserie Lipstick ($18 CDN)

This oft-mentioned shade might just be my favourite lipstick of all time and easily is my most-worn shade. It’s a flattering everyday no-fuss kind of shade with a comfortable and glossy formula. It’s a darker nude with warm pink undertones that adds some brightness to the face. It’s almost a my-lips-but-better on my ghastly pale lips. It’s a lustre formula and it’s extraordinary.

the lipstick in action!
the lipstick in action!

Maybelline The Falsies Mascara ($8-10 CDN)

I know I know I know that it’s no secret that this is my favourite mascara but it is a fantastic everyday one for me. Without being difficult to remove, the easy-to-apply buildable thickening formula applies like a dream in seconds. It’s not a particularly wet formula and this might be why it works so well for my long and curled wimpy lashes.

Maybelline Master Hi-Light Hi-Lighting Bronzer in Deep Bronze ($12-16 CDN)

I didn’t intend for this to happen but I couldn’t narrow down any more from these three blushes but to be honest I’m not surprised being a blush fanatic. Last month I was rambling on and on about this blush and my love for it has not wavered – it’s a smooth textured blush that blends seamlessly into the skin and gives it a glow and it’s at a drugstore price. The warm coppery rose shade is to die for and I highly recommend it if coral shades suit you.

Benefit Boxed Powder in Rockateur ($36 CDN)

Ever since picking this up in early fall last year, I haven’t been able to remove it from my most loved makeup stash piled on my desk. It gives the skin that gorgeous glow that I love and sits seamlessly on it. The glowy rusty pink shade with warm undertones has never steered me wrong and with its versatility, it just works.

MAC Stereo Rose Mineralize Skinfinish ($35 CDN)

I’ve been going on and on about this lately and even though it’s available right now, I understand that it’s limited edition but I couldn’t be happy with this post without it. It has a similar formula to the two above – finely-milled and smooth as anything as well as pigmented on the skin and leaves the skin with the luminosity that I’m looking for – and it’s that rosy coral with a copper lean to it that instantly brightens my face. If I’m looking zombie-like and only have a few minutes to get ready, I always apply this and it solves it all.

What products couldn’t you live without? Have you tried any of these?

Maggie, x

Weekly Medley #5

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This has been a week of impossible paradoxes – both productive and wholly unproductive in totality; holed up at home on “spring break” (neither of those words seem to be a fair depiction of the time) with nothing to do but be productive and accomplish what I haven’t had time for in the usual rushing about that we call life. However, somehow when all you have to do is be productive with no distractions I’ve found myself to be completely unproductive in doing anything of profit as I become so focused on my unproductivity and my already high anxiety levels skyrocket. It has gotten to the point where I miss the escape in going to school and all the exhaustion that ensues because it’s sort of an escape from the whole solitude with your mind as your only company that drives me at least completely bonkers.

For some reason that I cannot comprehend (rationally at least), I’ve always had this vendetta against brown eyeliner – I never quite saw the point of it, as I never found black all that harsh on me – and after trying the Rimmel one that everyone adores with disappointing success, I was not planning on picking up another one but it was surprisingly affordable and there was a tester and it swatched amazingly well. Because I’m so scatterbrained, I’m afraid that I forgot to provide any details about the actual liner I’m talking about – whoops. Well, it’s the Annabelle Smoothliner in Brownie ($6-7 CDN) which is a creamy pencil that you sharpen with a consistency, pigmentation and texture that reminds me of the Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliners except slightly less waxy and creamier. The shade is actually a whole lot more unique than expected as it’s an ultra-dark espresso brown that provides enough definition to act as liner on my dark lashes without looking as harsh as jet black. I picked mine up at Walmart and it was actually on sale for a bit over five dollars and let me tell you, that is rare in Canada. Oh and it’s available at drugstores throughout Canada but the website ships to the US with very reasonable shipping.

The fact that I included the MAC Stereo Rose Mineralize Skinfinish ($35 CDN) as the sole blush in my top thirteen products of 2013 post should communicate the depth of my love for this shade but I must say that in my current zombie-like state I’ve been reaching for this daily. It’s a true coral shade with just a hint of pink to it – it pulls slightly orange-y – that imparts a gorgeous glow to the cheeks without emphasizing dullness and makes me look alive. I actually think this shade is worth the hype. Alert the media.

The Maybelline Color Tattoo Eyeshadow in Bad To The Bronze ($9-10 CDN) is one of those products that I always recommend to others even though I can go ages without using it without ny sort of problem. Everyone loves this taupe-bronze shade I know and it functions well as a base (but it does crease on me after a good days wear) but is one of those rare few shades that I can just slap on the lid on it’s own and then throw on some eyeliner and mascara and be satisfied with the look. I’ve been reaching for this loads lately, both as a base and as a standalone shadow on those all-to-frequent days when I’m suddenly running out of time.

I wasn’t expecting to include her post here but because of essay-and-assignment-craziness, this post is a wee bit late and I felt compelled. I love Suzie’s blog, HelloOctober (she makes fantastic videos though, too!) for it’s impeccable style and easygoing manner but today’s “Off Duty Makeup” stands out to me as a phenomenal one. Being someone who struggles with minimal makeup but is fascinated by it nevertheless, these kinds of posts hold my interest and seem to be valuable as they lay out the essential quick-fixes.

wearing the blush on the cheeks and maybelline as a base
wearing the blush on the cheeks and maybelline as a base

What were the standouts from your week, beauty or otherwise? Let me tell you I’m glad this week is over!

Maggie, x.

The Daily Face #9: I’m not buying into that idea that it’s spring now but I’ll pretend for the sake of coral and to escape the winter blues

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I needed some cheering up and a change of scenery from staring blankly at the screen of my laptop and rather bland books and articles and naturally this resulted in a full-face of makeup that I was rather impressed with and featured probably my favourite way to wear my current obsession the Naked 3.

FACE: REN Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream, Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation in Rose Ivory, Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer in 125 Very Fair, MAC Stereo Rose Mineralize Skinfinish, Sonia Kashuk Undetectable Creme Bronzer in Warm Tan EYES: Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette (Buzz, Nooner, Blackheart, Darkside and Trick), Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner in Perversion, L’Oreal Lineur Intense in Carbon Black, L’Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes Excess Mascara in Black, MAC Eyeshadow in Coquette (…brows….) LIPS: L’Oreal Colour Caresse in Sunset Angora

In the last ten days or so my skin has been extra dehydrated and irritated and on the days I’ve worn makeup at least, this has posed a few problems with my makeup application — there have been a few days when I stuck to my typical standbys and had ended up wishing I didn’t have anything on my face at all because it looked better before. I was feeling like a little more coverage so I went for the Laura Mercier Silk Creme which luckily is a fantastic match for my skin at the moment and was extra careful with the amount used and buffed it into the skin with my Real Techniques Buffing Brush that I adore for this kind of thing but always forget to mention. I’m quite pleased, however I hate how careful I have to be with this foundation. And I purposely applied the foundation right over moisturizer, allowing it to work as a primer of sorts to smooth it out all over my dehydrated skin.

Now that everyone seems to be saying that spring is just around the corner and all that jazz, I figured it would actually be justifiable to break out the coral shades that I adore and obviously I went for the limited-edition cult product that is available now by the way, MAC Stereo Rose which I have been faithful to for the last few weeks as my go to guy/gal.

The eyes were my usual but I’ve realized that I haven’t actually done a post showing this ‘eye look’ which might just be my favourite from the palette and likely one of my favourites of all time. The coppery rose-gold Trick is a favourite of mine worn all over the lid and I know I don’t even need to discuss my love of the matte crease and transition shades in the palette. Wearing Darkside in the outer corner with a little bit of Blackheart closer to the lashline might make my favourite slightly smoky eye ever and that is a large statement coming from a smoky eye lover like myself. I strangely felt like tightlining so I went for Urban Decay Perversion along with my usual, the loved L’Oreal Lineur Intense for a subtle kitten flick. No comment on the brows, other that I’m still loving the ashy shade from MAC aaaaand oddly enough I’ve been really going for the L’Oreal Mascara and it hasn’t even begun to dry up — I think this one will be a keeper.

I’m not exactly sure how it happened, as I’ve been pretty diligent with the lip balm application but my lips went from being slightly chapped to quite chapped and decided to crack for good measure and they are starting to heal but I’m only starting to wear any kind of lip colour on them and I’ve been pretty careful with what. I was thinking as it’s nearing the end of February, coral might be appropriate and let me tell you, my poor lips and my working brain (as well) are loving L’Oreal Sunset Angora; the comfortable and actually moisturizing formula does not irritate the lips further and provides the perfect pinky coral hue. You know how I feel about coral.

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What have you been reaching for on a daily basis? If you have this palette, how do you like to wear it? I hope your Saturday is a little bit more exciting than mine…

Maggie, x.