NYX · Sweet Cheeks Blush Palette & Ombré Blush

NYX, a brand that by now has streamed onto everyone’s consciousness, continues to be leading edge where affordable makeup is concerned and as if that weren’t enough, the price point continues to amaze, especially when combined with really good quality.

As somewhat of a beauty elitist (yes, I can be snobby that way), I’ve always tended to stick to the more luxury brands but every now & then something comes across my radar to divert me. Case in point: the Sweet Cheeks Blush Palette and the Ombré Blushes shown here. By the way, if you’ve ever missed out on any of MAC’s ombré blush releases or like me, have picked them then can’t bear to use them (right? I can’t be alone in that), then here’s your chance to indulge without feeling guilty.

NYX · Sweet Cheeks Blush Palette & Ombré Blush

Sweet Cheeks Blush Palette (CAN $29.99) | An 8-pan blush palette with a range of warm to cool shades and a variety of finishes (satin to shimmer). The top row offers hues that lean warm with the two left shades also being able to perform double-duty as highlighters, while the bottom row is more suitable (for the most part) to those with cooler complexions. All display a good level of pigmentation, in particular the deeper tones, with the more shimmery colours applying smoothly and without any chunky fallout. Apart from the perk of having such a variety of blush shades in one convenient palette, you can also mix the shades to create completely new and customizable blushes — effectively stretching the value of Sweet Cheeks even higher. Not a bad deal, wouldn’t you agree?

The swatches below have been broken down in top & bottom rows respectively (shown in both direct & natural sunlight for variance), while the last swatches have the two rows combined (top over bottom).

NYX · Sweet Cheeks Blush Palette

NYX · Sweet Cheeks Blush Palette, top row swatches

NYX · Sweet Cheeks Blush Palette, bottom row

NYX · Sweet Cheeks Blush Palette, bottom row swatches

NYX · Sweet Cheeks Blush Palette, top row applied over bottom row swatches

NYX · Ombré Blush

Soft Flush Ombré Blush (CAN $13.00) | A trio of soft pink-coral shades that can be made to work on both warm and cool complexions, all depending on where in the pan you opt to concentrate your brush on; applying more of the darker bottom portion will suit warm skin tones while adding more of the top paler section is best for cooler skin tones.

NYX · Soft Flush Ombré Blush swatches

Sweet Spring Ombré Blush (CAN $13.00) | Definitely the more cooler-leaning of the three, this peony pink trio of shades is also surprisingly quite pigmented (for pink). I actually love applying a slight pop of a cool-toned blush such as this on the apples of the cheeks to add a nice flush of colour.

NYX · Sweet Spring Ombré Blush swatches

Feel the Heat Ombré Blush (CAN $13.00) | An obviously warmer leaning trio of shades, this sizzling tangerine/coral blush is made quite unique by the addition of the gold segment. Depending on how much of each shade you pick up with your brush, you can almost recreate a shade that’s reminiscent of NARS’ Orgasm (but at a way more affordable price).

NYX · Feel the Heat Ombré Blush swatches

I may be an equal-opportunity beauty lover, but if forced to choose then I’d have to say that my two weaknesses are mascara & blush. That being said, there’s no denying that nothing brightens the face quite like the power of blush and when I come across a product that A) looks visually appealing, B) is available in a good range of colours, C) performs beautifully, and D) widely available at a ridiculously low price then that’s a deal that needs to be shared. Then again, I’d have to say that these blushes sell themselves without any help from me; where else can you get an entire palette like Sweet Cheeks at such a low cost (and can most likely even score it on sale) or such artfully designed blushes like these Ombré versions, without breaking the bank? Is it a wonder then that stores can barely keep these in stock? I didn’t think so.

Available at NYX Boutiques, select mass market retailers & online

Press samples/All opinion are my own

Burberry · Runway Collection Fall 2016

September 22, 2016

What better way to usher in the first day of Fall than with beauty? Introducing the Burberry Fall 2016 Runway Collection, full of glimmer & shimmer that’s a harbinger of the holiday season just around the corner (eek!). I’ll have coverage of a few more pieces including the new Cat Lashes mascaras in upcoming posts, but for now sit back and enjoy these little lovelies.

Burberry | Runway Palette, Nude Radiance & Gold Glitter Nail Polish for Fall 2016

Nude Radiance N°01 Fresh Glow Luminous Fluid Base (CAN $54.00) | Glowing skin is a hallmark of this brand’s beauty philosophy and Luminous Fluid Base — a staple backstage at all runway shows — was created to fit that bill. This is a water based illuminating primer (available in 2 shades, Nude Radiance shown here & Golden Radiance) that can be applied to bare skin for a radiant wash that also helps to blur imperfections (but in a very subtle way – don’t expect full coverage), or added to foundation for a soft-focus effect. Made with ‘mirror-flat intense reflection pearls’, Nude Radiance provides the skin with a fresh, dewy glow without any disco-ball shimmer and can also be used as a highlighter along the high planes of the face (upper cheekbones, bridge of the nose, inner eye corner). To note, the formula contains no:

parabens
sulfates
phthalates

I actually love using a pump of this primer mixed in with matte foundations, especially when I’m looking to add a bit more glide to the formula along with a hint of radiance. As much as I love the idea of that perfect & flawless matte complexion (hello, combo/oily skin), matte happens to be more ageing than something with a dewier finish, thus adding just a touch of this makes all the difference in the world (for me).

Burberry | Nude Glow N°01 Fresh Glow Luminous Fluid Base

Burberry | Nude Glow N°01 Fresh Glow Luminous Fluid Base swatches

Runway Palette Illuminating Powder, limited edition (CAN $72.00) | The undisputed star piece of the collection (and usually the one that sells out faster than you can blink), is this gorgeous Runway Palette, a face powder that it meant to act as a highlighter/setting powder. The surface pattern is a beautifully rendered replica of luxurious brocade fabric with silver and gold decorating the raised design, although that’s only an overspray and is quickly wiped off with the first swipe of the brush. By the way, how fabulous are the packaging details? Yes, I’m a total sucker for things like that.

The underlying hue of the powder is a beautiful neutral shade that should be suitable on both cool and warm complexions, with the particles finely milled enough that it can be applied all over, although I see this more as a finishing powder and not a true setting powder (the difference being that a setting powder is meant to ‘fix’ your makeup and keep it looking freshly applied, while a finishing powder is a little something extra you’ll add on top once your look is done).

Burberry | Runway Palette Illuminating Powder Face & Eyes

Burberry | Runway Palette Illuminating Powder swatches

Burberry | Runway Palette Illuminating Powder Face & Eyes

Gold Glitter N°451 Nail Polish, limited edition (CAN $23.00) | A sheer base filled with a multitude of small (and flat laying) brilliant gold glitter pieces. The formula has a good flow & density which helps to keep the glitter well suspended and you definitely pick up enough glitter per brushful that no ‘fishing’ is needed. Layerable, you can apply just 1 coat — or more, all depending on personal preference — to bare nails for a more understated sparkling touch, or applied over any other shade to jazz it up. A perfect shade to have on hand for the upcoming holiday season as well. Removal will take a bit of elbow grease, as expected for a glitter — or you can avoid the hassle and use a peel-off base coat first.

For the swatches below, I wanted to create a more non-traditional holiday nail look and opted to layer Gold Glitter over Stone — an unexpected pairing, but one that looks even more unique because of that (or so I believe).

Burberry | Gold Glitter N°451 Nail Polish

Burberry | Gold Glitter N°451 Nail Polish swatches (over Stone N°104)

Beauty trends tend to swing either towards subtlety or flamboyance with a few variations in between, and it appears that glittery products are on the upswing at the moment; possibly due to the recent spate of fashion runway shows where glitter was seen everywhere, or perhaps because festive times will soon be upon us (and that includes Halloween where glitter basically rules). Burberry’s vision is brilliant but done in true Brit manner: understatedly so. The Gold Glitter polish is easily the one product here that likely has a ton of doppelgängers but I’m still impressed with its application and price (for a luxury brand, that is). If you don’t already own an illuminating primer, then you need to give Nude Radiance a look – it’s the one I’ve been reaching for lately. Finally, the Runway Palette … well, I don’t need to say much at this point, do I? I think I’ll let this gem speak for itself (hint: get it now).

Available at The Bay, Sephora

Press samples/all opinions my own

Givenchy · Couture Edition Le Rouge, Prisme Libre & Khôl Waterproof

September 21, 2016

Luxury beauty brand Givenchy has been steadily climbing onto people’s radar, releasing not only top-tier products and unique innovations (they’re the creators behind one of the first ball-shaped mascara brushes), but also putting out some of the most exquisite packaging details. The finely rendered magnolia blossoms decorating the genuine leather of these Couture Editions turns them each into a display-worthy objet d’art, but it’s the performance of the products that makes them even more amazing, in my opinion.

Prisme Libre Edition Couture #1 Mousseline Pastel (CAN $66.00) | A four-colour face powder meant to set your makeup while also providing colour-correcting properties. The finely milled texture of the powder and its performance lies with the pigments, treated with ‘atomization technology’ which translates as being reduced to incredibly tiny particles, helping it to glide effortlessly along the skin and leaving behind a perfectly even ‘impalpable feel and natural result’. The luminous-matte finish also aids in extending the look and duration of makeup, keeping your entire look fresh and even helping to blot up some of your natural oils. The powder bears a light lilac/white musk scent that dissipates relatively quickly once applied and includes a small velvety puff for application, although that’s probably best used to pat the product onto the skin only; any vigorous buffing with the puff may move your foundation around. Best part? The actual feel of this powder along the skin: unbelievably luxurious and kitten-soft. The shade breakdown:

pale mint green
icy baby blue
delicate peach
light cool violet

Givenchy · Prisme Libre Couture Edition #1 Mousseline Pastel

Givenchy · Prisme Libre Couture Edition #1 Mousseline Pastel swatches

Givenchy · 306 Carmin Escarpin & Le Rouge Perfecto 01 Perfect Pink

Le Rouge Perfecto 01 Perfect Pink (CAN $42.00) | Inspired by Givenchy’s leather Perfecto jacket, this is a 3-in-1 product that combines the moisturizing qualities of a balm, a lip plumper, plus tailor-made natural colour via an ingredient that reacts with your unique lip ph levels. Encased in a genuine leather pink case and made with ultra-nourishing shea butter, this universal shade can be worn either alone for a butter soft shine with a just a hint of colour, or applied under lipstick to act as a hydrating primer. Unscented, there’s an initial slight tingling felt upon application but which dissipates within minutes after that. Totally backup-worthy on every level.

Givenchy · Le Rouge Perfecto 01 Perfect Pink

Le Rouge Edition Couture #306 Carmin Escarpin (CAN $44.00) | Described as a warm poppy red, this is definitely a warm-leaning hue but still universally wearable by a broad range of skin tones. Housed in a limited edition leather case that’s printed with magnolia blossoms, this shade is nevertheless part of the permanent range (but seriously, who wouldn’t want THIS case?!). The texture is sublime: buttery smooth and offering full opacity even at the first stroke. Staying power is excellent as well, without the colour bleeding off or migrating in surrounding lip lines (of which I’ve definitely got more than my share. Sigh).

Givenchy · Le Rouge Edition Couture #306 Carmin Escarpin

Khôl Couture Waterproof 05 Jade (CAN $30.00) | A retractable eyeliner in a long-lasting waterproof formula that’s available in 6 shades (not shown: black, brown, turquoise, cobalt & lilac). With and integrated pencil sharpener to help keep the point sharp (and thus avoid messy shavings floating about), the creamy texture of this pencil makes it glide effortlessly along the delicate skin around the eyes and even provides good colour payoff when worn along the waterline. While I can’t attest to how waterproof this liner truly is, I will say that it wore beautifully without any smudging or creasing (over primer) and showed up quite well along the waterline, even hours after being first applied. By the way, I’ve actually been on the hunt for a vibrant emerald/jade green eyeliner exactly like this. Seek and ye shall find, they say (although in this case, it found me).

Givenchy · Khôl Couture Waterproof 05 Jade

The classically timeless beauty of Audrey Hepburn comes to mind whenever I think of Givenchy, given her close ties with founder Hubert de Givenchy who dressed her for some of her most iconic looks. That same elegance and sophistication is seen with these Couture Edition products, albeit with healthy dollops of new technology and modern pigments thrown in, as mandated by today’s consumer. If you’ve yet to discover this brand or are looking for something outside of the more commonly seen luxury brands, then get thee to a Givenchy counter and play. Have fun … just please don’t shoot the messenger, especially when handing over your credit card.

Available exclusively at Sephora early October

Press samples/All opinions are my own

Dior · Rouge Dior

September 20, 2016

For Fall 2016, Dior has just launched a new Rouge Dior range of lipsticks (CAN $43.00/each), available in 4 colour families (reds, corals, pinks & natural nudes) in both satin and matte finishes, along with 4 extreme matte shades in hues that may be far from traditional, but perfectly relevant for today’s woman.

The casing has also been given a tweaking, with striking metallic touches on the outside and the brand’s iconic 999 Red hue colouring the interior of each cap. But it’s the formula that takes centre stage: enriched with hydrating Mango Butter for moisture, hyaluronic acid spheres for their filling properties, [something called] ‘aroelat samphira‘ that provides a revitalizing action, and Decox, an ingredient that creates a volumizing effect. What that really means, is that each shade is not only highly pigmented but also incredibly comfortable to wear, without ever drying out your lips — and that includes the mattes.

The following swatches have been broken down into several colour groups and/or finishes for convenience, and I’ve also thrown in my version of Dior’s ‘Arty Looks‘ to show the versatility of some of the more eccentric shades (hello grey? navy?)

Dior · Rouge Dior

An ultra matte formula that’s as far from the moisture-draining genre as one can possibly get, these go on highly colour saturated from the very first swipe and while they never dry down to a truly matte state, they nevertheless come to more of a velvety finish. Extremely comfortable, there’s no bleeding or migration into fine lines throughout the wearing, with the more bolder shades leaving behind a light stain once the majority of colour has faded.

Of the two Extreme Matte shades shown, 602 Visionary Matte – a lush & dark navy, is surprisingly the more wearable of the two, providing even coverage and that perfect editorial look. The paleness of 207 Montaigne Matte makes for a chalky application when applied solo (and the reason why I haven’t shown it swatched alone), making it a much better option for layering: you can use this shade to transform/lighten other colours, or to create different lip effects (see the Arty Look swatches below)

964 Ambitious Matte – burgundy wine
787 Exuberant Matte – hot intense pink
772 Classic Matte – neutral rosewood
602 Visionary Matte – deep navy
207 Montaigne Matte – pale concrete

Dior · Rouge Dior (the mattes)

Dior · Rouge Dior 207 Montaigne Matte

Dior · Rouge Dior swatches (the mattes, in sunlight & natural light)

Dior · Rouge Dior swatches (The Mattes)

Regardless of colour, the satin finishes all have several commonalities: a buttery smooth feel upon application, a light sheen at the finish, and a continuous hydrated feel throughout the wearing. I haven’t had a chance to test any of the paler nudes for longevity, but even the lightest shade here went well beyond the 5 hour mark without any significant fading.

060 Premiere – baby pink
028 Actrice – soft coral
047 Miss – pale fuchsia pink (metallic accents)
854 Concorde – lush carmine red

Dior · Rouge Dior

Dior · Rouge Dior swatches (in sunlight & natural light)

Dior · Rouge Dior swatches

If you’re on the fence about what to do with the more unusual extreme matte shades, here is a sampling of 4 looks that can be created — but truly, the only limitations are your imagination and/or colour preferences. All I know is that I never thought of lipstick as being such ‘fun‘ before attempting these looks.

005 Lilac Lip Glow applied all over with 207 Montaigne along the lip line and corners only (centre of lips left free)
047 Miss applied all over with 602 Visionary at the upper lip line then delicately blended along the the outer edges & corners using a finger
Tranformation: 047 Miss applied as a base with a light swipe of 602 Visionary layered on top, then the two blended together to create a unique murky mauve shade
854 Concorde applied all over with 207 Montaigne dotted at the centre of the lips and lightly blended out for a ‘blossoming‘ effect

I’ve said this before but it bears repeating: this is fast turning out to be the ‘Year of the Lip’ and these latest Rouge Dior releases are not only fully on point with that statement, but all definitely worthy of including in one’s lipstick wardrobe (yes, that’s totally a thing.) For those who tend to avoid matte lip products due to the usual havoc they can wreak, then you need to give the Dior version a try – I guarantee a conversion of ideology. And if wild shades aren’t your cup of tea, I hope that seeing their versatility in action (the Arty Looks, above) may help you rethink that as well. As to the satin finish, the shades I’ve tested may not all be in my colour comfort-zone (I’m not a pink person) but the sensorial feel of each is so amazing that I’m willing to make an exception. Final word: this is one range you owe it to yourself to check out.

Available at all The Bay, Sephora and Dior counters nationwide

Press samples/All opinions are my own

MAC x Star Trek Studio Nail Lacquer

September 16, 2016

In celebration of the original tv series Star Trek’s 50th birthday, MAC has teamed up with the franchise and released a limited edition collection based around 4 key female characters from the show (Lt. Uhura, Deanna of Troi, Seven of Nine, and Vina the Orion girl). At the collection’s media pre-launch that I attended back in May, I was totally drawn to the nail polish trio where all 3 shades immediately made me think of Uhura and her glam talons that you just couldn’t help but notice in each episode. Sporting chrome and glitter like it was nobody’s business, that woman certainly went where no other woman had gone before.

Previously reviewed from this collection:

Nichelle Nichols as Lt. Uhura & her amazing nails

MAC x Star Trek Studio Nail Lacquer

Enterprise, limited edition (CAN $16.50) | A brilliant metallic silver-chrome with a white undertone to keep it on the cooler side of the spectrum. The formula has an excellent flow & density — but does dry relatively fast as this type of polish is usually prone to — so you do need to work quickly & keep a steady hand, in order to minimize any visible brush strokes. Highly reflective at the finish with minimal shimmer spread at removal.

Coats: 2, no top coat — also shown with one coat of Skin of Evil layered on top

MAC x Star Trek Enterprise Studio Nail Lacquer

MAC x Star Trek Enterprise Studio Nail Lacquer swatch

MAC x Star Trek Enterprise & Skin of Evil Studio Nail Lacquer swatch

Holla-Deck, limited edition (CAN $16.50) | A gold foil/metallic hue with glitter flecks in gold and bronze in the mix, bearing an excellent flow & density and which applies in a self-levelling way. There’s almost a 3D quality to the finish that makes it appear somewhat textured, although this effect only adds visual interest and overall depth to this über-brilliant shade. Take care in removal to keep any shimmer spread to a minimum.

Coats: 2, no top coat — also shown with one coat of Skin of Evil layered on top

MAC x Star Trek Holla-Deck Studio Nail Lacquer

MAC x Star Trek Holla-Deck Studio Nail Lacquer swatch

MAC x Star Trek Holla-Deck & Skin of Evil Studio Nail Lacquer swatch

Skin Of Evil, limited edition (CAN $16.50) | A semi-transparent base filled with ultra fine green/gold “lizard skin” shimmer (sounds weird, I know) and black hexagonal glitter pieces in tiny & small sizes. The formula falls a touch on the thicker side (as compared to both Enterprise and Holla-Deck) but is still quite easy to work with and applies in a self-levelling way. The final look has a unique multi-tonal greenish shift that’s almost prismatic and you pick up enough glitter per brushful that no ‘fishing’ is necessary, although you may need to nudge a few pieces in place (along the sides and/or free edge of the nail) with an orange stick. Some elbow grease will be required for removal, but nothing excessive.

For the swatches below, I’ve opted to show it at 1 coat (which gives off a dainty yet still strong presence), 2 coats (basically fully opaque at this level), and with a matte top coat that may tamp down the brilliance but serves to make all the glitter pieces stand out instead. No top coat on any of the swatches.

MAC x Star Trek Skin Of Evil Studio Nail Lacquer

MAC x Star Trek Skin Of Evil Studio Nail Lacquer swatch (1 coat)

MAC x Star Trek Skin Of Evil Studio Nail Lacquer swatch (2 coats)

MAC x Star Trek Skin Of Evil Studio Nail Lacquer swatch (mattified)

MAC has really upped their nail polish game, and this trio is a complete standout for me. With the holidays coming up, you really can’t go wrong with a good silver and/or gold metallic shade and both Enterprise and Holla-Deck fit the bill perfectly. Skin of Evil is one of those hues that’s oddly compelling, regardless of whether you’re a glitter fan or not, and I find its combination of tones very unique in my collection. So, forgetting the fact that I’m a 100% bonafide Trekker, I still give all three a thumbs up — I’m so ready to channel my inner Uhura. And Seven of Nine. And Deanna of Troi. I’ll even do Vina, minus the green body paint (but holy moly did that girl had some serious mojo).

Available at The Bay, Mac boutiques and online