Sephora by O.P.I- I Gotta Blush On You: Review

When it comes to nail polish I always tend to be attracted to similar shades. I usually lean towards pinks. Although I like a pop of colour on my nails, I also really enjoy more muted shades, such as neutral pink colours. To add to my nail polish collection I recently picked up Sephora by O.P.I’s ‘I Gotta Blush On You’.

Product: The Sephora website describes the colours as an opaque ballet pink. What I really like about this nail polish is not only that the colour is true to its name, but it also has a nice creamy formula. Cream nail polishes are bound to be streaky, but I don’t mind having to put a few coats on to get rid of the streakiness.  

Packaging: The packaging of Sephora by O.P.I nail polishes is similar to actual O.P.I nail polishes. They have a similar type of handle and glass jar. The only thing that is really different is the shape of the jar. The brush applicator is also the perfect size to cover the greatest amount of surface area on your nails.

Overall Rating: 5/5 Perfect shade of pink. Very neutral so it would be perfect for the office.

Sephora $12CAD

Korres Lip Butter- Jasmine: Review

I am a lip product hoarder. I own all different kinds of lip balms, butters, lipsticks, etc.

The Korres lip butters have received much attention, so I finally decided to see what all the hype was about. I ended up picking up the shade Jasmine. 

Product: Browsing through all the shades, the Korres lip butters are known for their delicious smells and tinted finishes. However, Jasmine is more on the sheer side. It gives a slight tint to the lips, but barely. Other than that, I really enjoy the moisture that this lip butter provides. It applies so smoothly (like butter) and is not sticky. I prefer to apply this lip butter before I got to bed because I wake up and my lips feel very well moisturized. 

Packaging: Although I do enjoy the lip butter itself, the downfall would have to be the packaging. I think the little container is cute, but really quite unsanitary and not ideal. I only use these kinds of lip balms before I go to bed because I do not like dipping my finger in the container throughout the day when I am out and about. 

Overall Rating : 4.0/5 The only thing that I do not like about the product is the packaging. It would be nice to have in a tube form. 

Sephora $16CAD

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzing Powder with Real Cocoa: Review

Bronzer. The product that can warm up your complexion, giving you a beautiful sun-kissed glow without stepping foot outside. However, if you use an unflattering shade, you can actually end up looking muddy or that dreaded ‘Oompa Loompa Orange’ :S.  

Many bronzers tend to have shimmer in them, which helps emphasize the glowing aspect of bronzer. However, matte shades, which are more ideal for contouring, are more difficult to come by, but you can still manage to find some if you look.

One of the cheapest matte bronzers is the infamous NYC Sunny bronzer which retails for around $3. Although I do own this product, I have to say that I am not a big fan of it. I find the colour to have too much of an orange undertone for my liking. Also, the product itself tends to break me out, so I try to avoid using it.

After doing some research I finally decided to invest in a bronzer that I think is the definition of what a bronzer should be: Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzing Powder with Real Cocoa.

Product: Let me just begin by saying that the aroma of this product after you open the compact is divine! This bronzer has traces of cocoa so it smells exactly like chocolate. I personally love the scent, and surprisingly the fragrance does not irritate my skin. However, if you are not a fan of fragrance in your make-up and have extremely sensitive skin this bronzer may not be for you.

Next, the bronzer is the perfect brown colour and completely matte. Too Faced also has another version of this bronzer called Milk Chocolate which is slightly lighter this Chocolate. I swatched that shade in Sephora, but I found that it was too light for me. If you are fair skinned though, I would recommend that one for you. 

When I apply this shade on my face, it automatically brings warmth to my face. I love it! This bronzer is perfect for the winter time. Also, for those of you who might use foundation that is too light for you, you can adjust the colour by using a bronzer like this.

Packaging: The bronzer comes in a cute compact with a mirror. It’s your typical compact packaging, but nonetheless realistic for traveling with. The cover has a metallic bronze finish, while the bottom is a sleek black colour. 

 

Overall Rating : 4.9/5 The only thing that keeps this bronzer from receiving a perfect score is the price. However, if you are a beauty insider at Sephora you can manage to get a discount sometimes during their B.I. or V.I.B. events.

Sephora $36CAD

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

I have finally caved in and purchased the Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette!

One of the major reasons I postponed this particular purchase was because of the price. At $60CND, I found it hard to convince myself to follow through with buying this popular palette. However, with my Birthday coming up in a few weeks, I decided now was the time, if ever, to get my hands on Naked 2.

I have to say, I have had my eyes on this pallete for quite some time, so I have had enough time to decide if I really wanted it. Most of the time I looked for alternatives to the Naked palettes, yet when I went to Sephora I would always walk by them.

What attracted me most were all the beautiful neutral colours. I am not a big fan of colourful eye shadow. In fact, my Coastal Scents 88 shimmer palette remains untouched because I can't find use of the colourful shadows. 

Both Naked palettes are quite similar in terms of the eyeshadows they contain. In fact, many of colours closely resemble each other. Also, Half Baked appears in both palettes. However, I preferred the Naked 2 to the first Naked Palette for a couple of other reasons:
1. Naked 2 comes with a matte black- essential for a smokey eye
2. Naked 2 comes in a sturdy metal tin that snaps shut
2. Naked 2 comes with a dual-ended brush. One side can be used for packing on colour, while the other side will help you blend.
3. Naked 2 has a full-size mirror on the compact itself

Overall, I am happy that I have finally bought Naked 2. Even though the price was an issue for me at first, I look at the palette as more of an investment. I think that you are getting your money's worth because you are getting 12 decent-sized eye shadows that will not only last you quite a long time, but you will also get great use out of all the colours.

A definite-must in your make-up collection.

Naked 2 Palette includes:

12 eyeshadows:

1. Foxy (cream bisque with matte finish)
2. *Half Baked* (golden-bronze with shimmering finish) appears in Naked 1 palette
3. Booty Call (shimmering cork)
4. Chopper (copper shimmer with silver microglitter)
5. Tease (creamy pale brown with matte finish)
6. Snake Bite (dark bronze shimmer with metallic base)
7. Suspect (pale golden beige with shimmering finish)
8. Pistol (light gray-brown with shimmering finish)
9. Verve (oyster with shimmering finish)
10. YDK (cool bronze shimmer with metallic base)
11. Busted (deep brown with shimmering finish)
12. Blackout (blackest black with matte finish) 

1 Dual-ended (Shadow/Crease) Brush

1 Lip Junkie Lipgloss in Naked (pinky neutral)

Bioderma Sensibio H20 Solution Micellaire- Make-up Remover

After hearing so many good reviews about Bioderma's Sensibio H20 I decided to check out what all of the hype was about. I ended up purchasing the 250ml bottle from Shoppers Drug Mart on sale for around $20.

Now, this is definitely the most expensive make-up remover that I have purchased. At first glance the solution literally looks like a bottle of water, so I was skeptical about what exactly I was paying for. I contemplated whether it would be worth the price. However, after using it for a couple of months, I have many good things to say.

First and foremost, I love how gentle this solution is. As the name of the production suggests (H20), the Sensibio H20 is described as a 'cleansing water'. These properties are apparent when you actually apply the solution on your face. Unlike many other makeup removers that I have tried, this one does not leave an oily film or irritate my eyes. When I apply the solution to my face, it literally just feels like water.

Directions: What I do is soak a cotton ball or cotton pad and gently press into my skin. I do not scrub my face. I let the product absorb into my skin so that my makeup breaks down and literally slides off onto the cotton ball/pad. Many other make-up removers I have tried spread the make-up around my face. This ultimately means I have to use multiple cotton balls/pads to completely clean my face. Even after that, I usually do not feel like my face is clean. Things are completely different with the Bioderma Sensibio H20. Every last bit of make-up comes off- even stubborn eyeliner!

Packaging- The only con I really have concerns the packaging. You have to pour the product onto your cotton ball/pad, which means you risk spilling it. I believe the 500ml bottle comes with a pump which is much more efficient. It allows you to control the amount of product you use. I really wish the 250ml bottle also had a pump.

Overall Rating- 4.5/5 I would highly recommend this make-up remover. Although the price is steep, I believe it is worth every penny. I have sensitive skin and this solution is so gentle that it does not irritate it whatsoever.  I took off 1/2 a point because of the lack of a pump.

Have you tried any other Bioderma products that you would recommend?

Bath and Body Works Haul

Since I have never done a haul on my blog before I decided that I wanted to share some of my goodies that I recently bought from Bath and Body Works.

Just in time for the Fall season, I picked up 5 new candles from Bath and Body Works. I really enjoy burning candles because they not only make your home smell delightful, but they are also really relaxing.

 Here are the candles that I purchased:
1. Pumpkin Caramel Latte- a frothy blend of creamy pumpkin, sweet vanilla cream and rich pralines topped with a spiced caramel swirl. This candle reminds of a drink you can get a Starbucks!

2. Cinnamon Sugared Donut- This candle smells like the real thing! I love burning it!

3. Sandalwood Vanilla- a powdery soft and sensual fragrence that blends the warm, woody essence of sandalwood with creamy vanilla. I enjoy burning this candle on those chilly days.

4. French Baguette- This literally makes your home smell like you've been baking bread! So yummy.

5. White Barn- Nutmeg and Spice- A cozy concoction of spiced caramel and nutmeg evokes delightful memories of relaxing weekend getaways in the country. This candle is by far my favourite! The smell lingers in my room for a long time.

Since it is also that time of year where people are getting sick, I also purchased 3 Pocketbac Hand Sanitizers and a keychain for them to hook on my bag:
1. Pink Chiffon
2. Caribbean escape
3. Midnight Pomegranate 

Overall, I am really happy with my purchases. The candles I bought are the 4oz ones. I prefer buying the small sizes compared to the 3-wick handles because I am able to try multiple ones without getting sick of the fragrance.

What are your favourite candles to burn?

Sephora Primal Instincts Palette

About a month ago I purchased the Sephora Primal Instincts Palette for $34CAD from Sephora. 

What I love about this palette is that it is very versatile. It comes with a variety of colours for creating everything from an everyday neutral eye to a smokey eye for a night out.

 Some other aspects that I enjoy about this palette includes that:

• it comes with 14 shadows compared to Urban Decays Naked Palettes, which only come with 12 shades
• the shades are very pigmented and apply very smoothly
• it comes with 3 matte colours in addition to the 11 shimmery shades
• it comes with a full mirror making this pallette perfect for traveling
• it has cute packaging! :)

Colours in the Palette:  

       Top Row listed from Left to Right 
Universal Beige No.8: (Matte) a creamy,off-white shade. This colour is great for highlighting your brow bone
Sand: a satin beige
Gold: a metallic, bronzy gold
Apricot: a metallic champagne shimmer
Tea Rose: a rose champagne shimmer
Matte Brown: (Matte) a deep, rich brown 
Camel: a mid-tone shimmery taupe

      Bottom Row listed from Left to Right 
Bronze: a rich, satin bronze
Mahogony: a warm, rich metallic brown
Deep Burgundy: a deep, satin purple brown
Plum: a rich satin purple
Steel: a mid-tone, metallic silver
Must Have No.6: (Matte) a charcoal black
Taupe: a deep, satin taupe

Overall I give this palette a 5/5. I really don't think you can go wrong with the palette, especially at the price. 

You can get this limited edition palette at Sephora stores or on the website 
http://www.sephora.com/primal-instincts-eyeshadow-palette-P374274?skuId=1430503