Cargo Fresh Face Complexion Kit

I love value sets because they allow me to try out new products for a reasonable price.

I recently purchased the Cargo Fresh Face Complexion Kit from Apothica which is a website that sells various brands of high end make up and beauty products. 

The kit, valued at $72, is only $42 and includes 4 different products- 2 travel size and 2 full size).

The only con about this kit is that it is only available in two shades (Light and Medium). I chose the Medium kit for my complexion.

Here is a mini review on the four products:
 1) Cargo blu_ray High Definition Pressed Powder (Full-Size)

I was actually quite impressed when I first saw the shade of this powder because it has yellow undertones that are suitable for my skin tone. The technology of this powder claims to make your face look flawless even when filming with HD cameras. I actually really enjoy this Cargo powder because it does not look powdery on my face. The particles are so finely milled that it blends into my skin effortlessly. Overall, since this pressed powder retails for $32 on its own, it's a steal with the kit! A definite re-purchase.

2) Cargo OneBase (Full-Size)

The Cargo OneBase is marketed as a concealer and foundation in one. It comes in a tube with a doe-foot applicator. I like the concept of having a 2 in 1 product, but I do not think people who are looking for more of a full-coverage look, will like this product. Personally I do not like wearing foundation on a daily basis anyways, so I have been using the OneBase more as a spot-treatment. Retailing for $27, the OneBase is a little on the pricey side for a concealer. Since I do not find it to work any better than any other concealers I have tried, I probably will not be repurchasing.

3) Cargo Bronzer (Travel Size)

I always think travel size packing is so cute! This little Cargo bronzer travel tin is no exception! It is perfect for throwing in your bag. As for the actual product, the bronzer is really pigmented so you do not need a lot. The colour is really nice to give you that beautiful sun-kissed glow. Cargo's full size bronzer retails for $29. 

4)Cargo blu_ray Activating Face Primer

This tube of primer is pretty decent in size for traveling. Mostly because you need a little amount each time you apply it. I was never really into primers until recently because they actually do make a difference in your make-up application. The Cargo Activating Face Primer does what many other primers claim to do- refine pores, reduce shine, etc. However, I do enjoy the formula and results of this product. The full-size retails for $34.

Overall, I think this kit is a great deal for your money. The best part is that you have all your face products in one kit!

Urban Decay Primer Potion

I never really thought primer was that essential to be part of my make-up routine.

As far as I knew my eye shadow did not crease and my colors were pretty vibrant as they were.

However, as the weather started to get warmer, and my skin got more oily, I realized that my eye shadow did not look up to par. As a solution I decided to purchase the original Urban Decay Primer Potion.

This product has been raved about for ages. When a product has so much hype I sometimes remain skeptical because I feel as though everyone is just jumping on the bandwagon. However, with the UD Primer Potion, I can finally give my own opinion.

I think the UD Primer Potion is indeed a staple to keep in your collection. Even though I do not use it everyday, I think it will definitely help me out in the summer time. 

As many people have said, you just need a tiny bit. Just apply it over your eyelid, up to your brow bone and on your lower lash line to make your eye shadow colors pop!

Where: Sephora- $24 CAD 

MAC Carbon Eye Shadow

The Smokey Eye is one of the most classic looks. The key color to achieve that signature Smokey Eye is black eye shadow. My pick is MAC's Carbon Eye Shadow.

I love how versatile and pigmented Carbon is. You can change up your looks simply by focusing the eye shadow in your crease or outer V or even in the lower and top lashlines.

I also like using Carbon to matify and intensiy my black eyeliner whether I apply liquid, pencil or cream liner.

MAC's refill pans retail for $14 CAD. The benefit of the pans is that you can customize your own palettes.

For $18 you can get the same eye shadow in a small compact. If you don't use a lot of eye shadow you can get this one to simply throw in your kit.

Overall, even though it may get a little pricey to buy numerous refills, Carbon is definitly one that will become a staple in your collection.

Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Polishes

You can usually find me in the beauty sections of stores even when I am not planning on making any purchases. This time was no exception.
I recently picked up two nail polishes from the Xtreme wear collection by Sally Hansen to add to my collection. The two colors have become part of my new favorite nail combo.

The first one I fell in love with is called Lacey Lilac. A beautiful pastel purple that reminds me of Essie's Lilacism.

Next, we have Strobe Light which has been compared to OPI's Teenage Dream from the Katy Perry collection. This polish has a pink undertone with a ton of glitter chunks. Some of the grains are fine pink while other larger ones reflect rainbow colors in the light

Next, we have Strobe Light which has been compared to OPI's Teenage Dream from the Katy Perry collection. This polish has a pink undertone with a ton of glitter chunks. Some of the grains are fine pink while other larger ones reflect rainbow colors in the light- so beautiful!
Lately I have been Applying Lacey lilac on all my fingers and then putting the strobe light on my ring fingers. I think it makes a gorgeous combo!
Do you have any favorite Nail polishes that remind you of other colours?

NEW! Danier Sping Collection: Crossbody Bags

I have been looking for a crossbody bag for some time now.

I first discovered crossbody bags at the Roots store. The signature 'Flat' bags are gorgeous! They also come in a variety of colors. The only thing is, they retail for $138...

http://canada.roots.com/leather/flat-handbags/leatherFlatBags,default,sc.html

I loved the idea of having a sleek little bag that I could put across my body instead of struggling with a heavy bag on my shoulder. Typically, I only use a bigger bag when I go to school. However, if I'm running errands or going shopping, I usually just like to bring a little wristlet to carry the necessities.

Recently, I was on my way to school, when something caught my eye in the display window of the Danier store. It was a gorgeous crossbody bag.

The first thing I noticed was the gold hardware that glistened in the light. I immediately knew this was the bag I wanted. 

I love the style of this bag. It has plenty of compartments to store what you need.  For me, it will be perfect to keep the things I need and use most like my wallet, lip balm, and gum. The best part is that it was only $69!

On the front of the bag there is a beautiful gold turnlock and two buckle straps with magnetic snaps that close the outer pocket.

In the center and the back there are gold zippers that close off the other compartments. 

The strap for the bag is on the thin side, but I don't think it will be a problem, since I am not planning to carry heavy things. The bag also came with a silky, chocolate brown Danier dust bag that I will store my bag when I am not using it.

If you are looking for a new bag, then I would highly suggest you check these ones out. They come in gorgeous colors like Taupe, Teal, Tan and Black. 

http://www.danier.com/leather-accessories-women-handbags-131011090-P6186.aspx?lang=en

Escada Rockin' Rio Perfume

I recently rediscovered one of my favourite perfumes that I used to wear in high school. It’s called Rockin’ Rio by Escada.

If you like scents that are fruity, tropical, sweet and citrusy then you will definitely enjoy this one.  Rockin’ Rio reminds me of a signature scent of summer. It takes me to the beach with all the sunshine and plays it up with the scent of fruity cocktails. 

The top notes include pineapple, sweet mandarin orange, and papaya, followed by juicy peach and sugar cane as the middle notes. The base notes are dominated by coconut, sandalwood and musk. Overall, I would say this perfume is more of a daytime perfume because the notes are a little more playful than flirty.

As you can see I have a little bit remaining in the bottle. A while ago I realized that this scent was actually limited edition so that it was unavailable to repurchase unless I looked around. However, I recently saw that Rockin’ Rio has been re-released as a limited edition scent again- just in time for the summer!

The apparent difference is the bottle, which remains the same shape, but the texture is more smooth and the colours do not have the same gradient effect from fluorescent pink to yellow. Instead we see a bright orange to yellow gradient with the bottom of the bottle transparent.

Rockin’ Rio is available for $61 at Shopper Drug Mart for a 50ml bottle.

Wet n Wild Mega Last Lipsticks

I have been on the search to find the perfect 'nude' lipstick for some time now. Awhile ago, thinking that I needed a literal 'nude' colour I purchased MAC's myth - an ULTIMATE nude lipstick.

Myth completely mutes out my lips and makes me look washed out. The colour is almost concealer like and I find that it does not work with my skin tone very well unless I apply some type of a gloss over it.

MAC Myth with sheer gloss on top

After thinking more about what I was looking for as a 'nude' lip color- I realized I wanted a lipstick that was closer to my natural  lip colour. 

After searching, I have finally found something that I am content with- WetnWild's MEGA LAST^® LIP COLOR. I picked up 2 colors (Rose Bud 904B and In the Flesh 912C) from Zellers which is the only place I know that sells WnW cosmetics in Canada.

Left: 912C In the Flesh, Right: 904B Rose Bud

Left: 912C In the Flesh, Right: 904B Rose Bud

Left: 912C In the Flesh, Right: 904B Rose Bud

In the states these lipsticks retail for $2.99. Living in Canada, I had to pay $3.99CAD. Even for that extra dollar I would say that these lip sticks are worth the price. 

These colors are the perfect neutral shades. They are matte which I love and they glide on quite smoothly. I typically wear a lip balm underneath so they don't feel drying whatsoever.

 904B Rose Bud

Rose bud is a slightly more pink color which matches the natural pigmentation of my lips quite well.

912C In the Flesh

In the Flesh is a bit more warm with a brown undertone to it. Out of the two, I would say I like this one the most!

Overall, I'm pretty impressed with these lip sticks. The only downside I would say involves the packaging. The actual name is not on the lip stick itself. There is only the numbering system which is on the bottom of the tube. Other than that, I am looking forward to trying some other Wet n Wild cosmetics!