Maybelline | The Creamy Mattes Fall 2015 (Limited Edition)

For Fall 2015, Maybelline has relaunched their Creamy Mattes lipsticks (original shades reviewed here) in 8 new limited edition colours ( CAN $9.99 each). Made with 3 precious oils and what feels like all kinds of buttery yumminess, there’s nothing shy about any of the colours, as they all come in a super pigmented formula with an ultra-creamy feel in application. Long-wearing, the finish is more of a lustrous matte as opposed to flat, with a Play-Doh like scent (at least to my nose) which I totally love, but which dissipates almost as soon as the shade is applied.

Maybelline | The Creamy Mattes Fall 2015 (Limited Edition)

Maybelline | The Creamy Mattes Fall 2015 swatches (in sunlight)

Maybelline | The Creamy Mattes Fall 2015 swatches (alternate light)

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656 Clay Crush | A warm leaning pecan nude shade with a smooth finish upon application, and a great swipe-and-go kind of colour. Neutral and so easy to wear.

Maybelline | The Creamy Mattes 656 Clay Crush swatch

675 Nude Nuance | A raisin nude shade, bearing a smooth finish and slightly more colour saturation than Clay Crush but still well within neutral territory.

Maybelline | The Creamy Mattes 657 Nude Nuance swatch

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681 Vibrant Violet | A cool toned violet shade (or ultra-violet in this case) with strong magenta undertones – looks patchier in the swatch photo than the actual application, which is in fact quite smooth (so difficult to capture in photos, let me tell you).

Maybelline | The Creamy Mattes 681 Vibrant Violet swatch

682 Blushing Pout | A white-based dusty pale pink with a tendency to settle in lip lines (of which I have TONS) and can appear slightly patchy at first – but which can be basically eliminated by blotting and re-applying. A total retro feel to this shade (think: Twiggy, the swinging 60s).

Maybelline | The Creamy Mattes 682 Blushing Pout swatch

683 Pink N Chic | A blue based (and therefore cooler-leaning) ultra pink shade that is like Blushing Pout in application, and can benefit from throughly blotting + reapplying, to achieve the smoothest finish. This one also gives me a retro vibe and I actually love the look best when most of the colour has worn off.
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Maybelline | The Creamy Mattes 683 Pink N Chic swatch

684 Electric Pink | As close to neon as pink can get, this shade appears to have both warm & cool undertones, making it wearable by a broad range of skin tones.

Maybelline | The Creamy Mattes 684 Electric Pink swatch

691 Rich Ruby | Drop.Dead.Gorgeous. This red is so lush and just so flattering on EVERYBODY. Depending on your skin tone, it may appear as either cool-based or warm leaning – and always amazing. Leaves a nice stain behind too, even after most of the colour has worn off (which takes forever, as this shade is quite long-wearing).

Maybelline | The Creamy Mattes 691 Rich Ruby swatch

696 Burgundy Blush | I’ve never been able to pull off a near-black lip (as much as I’ve wanted to) until THIS. Slightly blue based (you see hints of this during initial application), I’ve worn this shade full-on for mega vampy impact, as well as blotted down to subdue some of the drama, while still providing major colour to my lips. Insanely long wearing, as well.

Maybelline | The Creamy Mattes 696 Burgundy Blush swatch

I’m going to keep this simple: these Creamy Mattes are amazing, and when you consider that you’re paying a mass-market price (which can usually be scored on sale) for a luxury-performing product, well … it doesn’t get sweeter than that. From the eight, the 8 shades, the two bright pinks are the ones I can’t really wear (mainly because pink and my skin tone often clash), but the others? Well, let’s just say that they’re wearing down pretty quickly. Even that purple (how awesome is this? So needs to become permanent).

Available now at all mass-market locations where Maybelline products are sold. Visit maybelline.ca for more info on the brand.

Press samples kindly provided for my unbiased consideration

Burberry | Nude Blush N°12 Complete Eye Palette

November 12, 2015

When Burberry launched their beauty collection a few short years ago, it was almost painful (well, not really. Maybe. Ok, yeah…it hurt) that the range wasn’t carried in Canada (with the exception of only two Holt Renfrew stores in the country – neither of them close to me – that had carried the line for a short period of time) and I had no ready access to perusing the products. Thankfully that’s all changed now as Burberry is carried by Hudson’s Bay stores … insert major fanfare.

With seasonal collections being launched at lightning speed, not to mention all the ‘limited edition’ products thrown in the mix, today’s post is about the Nude Blush N°12 Complete Eye Palette, a product that is not only both gorgeous and totally wearable by so many skin tones, but also a member of the permanent collection. Can I have a Hallelujah?

Burberry | Nude Blush N°12 Complete Eye Palette

Nude Blush N°12 Complete Eye Palette (CAN $64.00) | Protected by a black velour sleeve with stitched external pockets for the three included applicators, the compact comes housed in a steely case that is etched with the iconic Burberry plaid on the cover – a motif repeated on the eyeshadow shades as well (I’m such a sucker for details like this). The four colours include (from bottom left):

deep mulberry/raisin (with ultra fine glitter)
dusky rose (satin)
coral/nude (metallic)
nude pink (shimmer satin)

When applied dry, the colours (even the darkest), lean towards the subtle side, albeit still showing good pigmentation. Going in with a dampened brush totally revs up the saturation factor, as well as improving longevity. All shades display an excellent blendability, although the darkest hue may have a touch of fallout if applied too aggressively (I suggest patting the colour on with a flat eye brush first, then going in with a fluffier blender brush). As there is a nice amalgamation of both cool and warm tones in this palette, I see Nude Blush N°12 as being wearable by a wide range of complexions, and another perk is how easily you can take these shades from day to night – it’s all about the layering. Another bonus? Try using these shades instead of the traditional black for a unique twist on a smokey eye.
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Burberry | Nude Blush N°12 Complete Eye Palette

Burberry | Nude Blush N°12 Complete Eye Palette swatches (dry)

Burberry | Nude Blush N°12 Complete Eye Palette swatches (dry, alternate light)

Burberry | Nude Blush N°12 Complete Eye Palette swatches (applied damp)

Burberry | Nude Blush N°12 Complete Eye Palette swatches (damp, alternate light)

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While limited edition products make my heart beat faster (I’m so weak that way. Sigh), there’s something comforting in knowing that there are also so many beautiful items that Burberry carries which deserve to have their own shining moment – and the Nude Blush N°12 eyeshadow quad is one of them. Not just for green-eyed girls (but if you do have green eyes, these shades will make your peepers stand out like beacons), the best part is that everyone can wear these colours, and in the event this compact becomes a go-to fave? It will still be available once you hit pan.

Which Burberry beauty items have become your must-haves? Let me know!

Burberry beauty products available through thebay.com and select Hudson’s Bay store across Canada. Find more information via www.burberry.com

Press sample kindly provided for my unbiased consideration/Post may contain affiliate links

MAKE UP FOR EVER | ULTRA HD Invisible Cover Foundation

November 11, 2015

Created to meet the demands of the new 4K technology, MAKE UP FOR EVER has once again upped the foundation game ante with the introduction of Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation (CAN $50.00/available in 40 shades, also offered in 15 stick shades). As a result of our fast-paced digital lifestyles, our foundation also needs to be ready to meet the challenge of this new image clarity; the beauty gauntlet has been thrown and subsequently picked up by Ultra HD, to help you master the art of the flawless face.

The buildable yet totally weightless formula allows you to go from sheer to a fuller coverage, but which always remains nearly invisible to be the naked eye as well as under the scrutiny of high-resolution film. With its ‘second-skin’ finish and feel, Ultra HD works beautifully when worn in tandem with a primer underneath first (I prefer using either MAKE UP FOR EVER’s Hydrating or Smoothing Primers, to help create the most even base prior to application). Depending on your preference, there are also a number of ways to apply this product; a flat paddle-style foundation brush helps in reaching all areas of the face quickly, and can then be followed up by a denser brush (such as a small kabuki) to buff the product thoroughly into the skin. Alternately, a dampened sponge not only ensures a sheer veil of colour perfectly applied to the skin, but does a wonderful job in creating the most seamless of finishes.

I was kindly sent three shades to test out and like the fairy tale says: (poetic license from yours truly) “the first was too light, the second was too dark, but the third was JUST right”, especially on my combination (oily T-zone) skin. I was initially skeptical of the pump delivery system, as experience has taught me that control is somewhat limited with these types of dispensers, but I’m happy to say that I’m able to squeeze out as little or as much as I want in this case. The texture of the unscented formula is slightly thicker than most liquid foundations, but very velvety smooth to the touch and able to glide easily along the face, without catching on any imperfections or dry bits (before buffing in, that is). The longevity is also quite impressive, lasting easily throughout the wearing and until removed, without any creasing, pooling into any areas of the face, or oxidizing.
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Number 123 turned out to be an exact match for my skin, and while I initially thought it might be too pink based, the colour turns out to be relatively imperceptible once applied, while still managing to smooth and even out my skin. On the days where I might need a touch more brightness, I actually mix in a tiny amount of #117; the darker nature of #127 will be held in reserve for when those times my skin has a bit more of a tan.

If you were a fan of the brand’s iconic HD Foundation range, note they have all been replaced by the Ultra HD versions, although the names on the new bottles also reflect their original counterparts to make it easy to find your usual shade.

MAKE UP FOR EVER | ULTRA HD Invisible Cover Foundation (40-range chart)

MAKE UP FOR EVER | ULTRA HD Invisible Cover Foundation

MAKE UP FOR EVER | ULTRA HD Invisible Cover Foundation swatches

MAKE UP FOR EVER | ULTRA HD Invisible Cover Foundation swatches (lightly & heavily blended out)

With so many varieties of foundation available to consumers today, it’s a challenge (and then some) trying to find one that meets so many exacting criteria; of course, your skin type and personal preferences will play the ultimate role in determining what you’ll wind up using, but I encourage you to swing by your nearest Sephora store and test drive a few shades of MAKE UP FOR EVER’s new Ultra HD, then sit back and admire the difference a truly great foundation can make to your finished look. As someone who’s had her fair share of makeup mishaps, all I can say is that THIS is a winner.
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Available now at all Sephora and sephora.com stores across Canada. Find more information via makeupforever.com

Press samples kindly provided for my unbiased consideration/Post may contain affiliate links

Giorgio Armani |Luxe Is More Palette & 508 Pearly Nude Lip Maestro, Holiday 2015

November 9, 2015

Inspired by the flawless 30s & 40s Hollywood glamour of legendary screen icons such as Marlene Dietrich and Jean Harlow, Giorgio Armani introduces the Luxe Is More Collection for Holiday 2015 (all limited edition) and I have the Eyes & Face Palette as well as one (of three) new Lip Maestro shades to show you. While sparkle & shimmer may be dominating many holiday beauty collections this year, so Mr. Armani has opted to focus on what he does best: produce a holiday collection underscored by his trademark understated, yet totally luxurious glamorous style.

Marlene Dietrich (credit)

Jean Harlow (credit)

Giorgio Armani | Luxe Is More Palette, Holiday 2015

Luxe Is More Palette, Limited Edition/eyeshadows (CAN $160.00) | Housed in a protective velvet sleeve, this is a two-tiered pale gold lacquered compact printed with Giorgio Armani’s signature on the cover and a full-sized mirror on the inner lid, bearing ten eyeshadows on the upper level + 2 accompanying sponge-tipped applicators (held in place on the sleeve), and three face products + 2 black flat sponges on the bottom level. The eyeshadow shades range in tones of pale to dark, in a [mostly] pearlescent finish:

Top row:

bone (matte)
nude (pearlescent)
pale apricot (pearlescent)
champagne (pearlescent)

Middle row:

black (satin matte)
silver (metallic)

Bottom row:

white frost (metallic)
fawn (pearlescent)
taupe (pearlescent)
mauve brown (pearlescent)

The 10 shades all display a silky and extremely easy to blend texture, with barely any powdery kickback upon swirling my brushes through them, and even the size of each hue makes it easy to reach without worry about cross-contamination of colours. The neutral range of this palette lends itself to a variety of looks (and for basically all skin tones across the board), from effortless daytime to more impact for evening (the black shade will play a key role in this capacity to help create a perfect smokey eye or applied damp and worn as a liner, while the metallic silver applied on the mobile lid becomes an instant attention-getter). Excellent wear time on all, especially when worn over a primer.

All eyeshadow swatches shown in direct sunlight (left) and alternate light (right).

Giorgio Armani | Luxe Is More Palette, Holiday 2015

Giorgio Armani | Luxe Is More Palette, eyeshadows top row

Giorgio Armani | Luxe Is More Palette, eyeshadows top row (swatches)

Giorgio Armani | Luxe Is More Palette, eyeshadows centre row

Giorgio Armani | Luxe Is More Palette, eyeshadows centre row (swatches)

Giorgio Armani | Luxe Is More Palette, eyeshadows bottom row

Giorgio Armani | Luxe Is More Palette, eyeshadows bottom row (swatches)

Giorgio Armani | Luxe Is More Palette, Holiday 2015

Luxe Is More Palette, Limited Edition/face | The bottom tier of the compact holds the face portion, with a generously sized face powder at the top in a neutral hue and ultra finely-milled velvety texture, with two cream foundation shades at the bottom, one paler and more suitable for those with cooler complexions, and the other a few degrees darker and perfect for warmer skin tones.

Giorgio Armani | Luxe Is More Palette, Holiday 2015

Luxe Is More Palette/face powder | Neutral-hued bearing a good mix of both cool and warm tones (those with very pale complexions may find this too dark to use as a face powder, and I suspect this colour might come off as too ashy on those with the darkest skin tones). The texture is dense and so finely milled, that I experience hardly any powdery kickback when swirling my brush through the pan (which of itself is a good size, making it very easy to use) – applying the powder with the sponge, will provide more opaque coverage. Also makes an excellent setting powder when worn over foundation.

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Luxe Is More Palette/cream foundations | With regards to using either of these two shades in a foundation capacity may be a bit of a stretch; first of all, the size of each section is much too small for that, although it’s still doable in a pinch. I’ve found that both colours actually make for awesome concealers, whether worn individually or combined for a customized hue. Ultra creamy in texture, I experience no separation or oxidation with either. Easy to apply, easy to blend, and long wearing without creasing.

Giorgio Armani | Luxe Is More Palette, face powder & cream foundations (swatches)

Giorgio Armani | Luxe Is More Palette & 508 Pearly Nude Lip Maestro, Holiday 2015

508 Pearly Nude Lip Maestro (CAN $39.00) | I have one of the three new shades released with the Luxe Is More Collection, 508 Pearly Nude which is a lush pink-nude colour with incredibly fine pearlized particles and which comes to a radiant/matte finish, in a shade that should compliment all skin tones. Made with a “‘Fire Spectral’ pearl-enriched formula, iridescent pearl particles have been added to the classic format, enhancing the original matte finish with a new luminosity“. The plush sponge applicator pulls out enough product to provide full coverage at one swipe, although you will need a few more swipes for a fully opaque finish. The texture is unbelievable; gliding across the lips and like a cross between velvet & buttery — very balm-like, in fact. Lips continue to feel moisturized throughout the wearing and even after all colour has faded (unlike other matte lip shades that can become quite drying), and while wear time with a light hue like this will be obviously shorter than a darker colour, I did manage to get a solid 3.5 hours before I needed to reapply (which includes drinking & eating).
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Giorgio Armani | 508 Pearly Nude Lip Maestro, Luxe Is More Collection Holiday 2015

Giorgio Armani | 508 Pearly Nude Lip Maestro (applicator detail)

Giorgio Armani | 508 Pearly Nude Lip Maestro (swatch, natural light)

Let’s face it; Giorgio Armani ANYTHING does not come cheap, but I’ve always been a firm believe in the saying “you get what you pay for” and even though $160.00 does sound steep, when you consider the fact that you’re getting 13 products in one compact – and all extremely useable shades at that, then it doesn’t seem to be such a hard pill to swallow after all. And while Giorgio Armani Beauty has produced other compact collections before, the oversized nature of the Luxe Is More Palette is a first for the brand, as well as one of their most wearable I’ve seen to date. I’m always on the lookout for that perfect nude shade, one that will provide a hint of colour but will still manage to stay neutral … and I think I may have just found it with 508 Pearly Nude (Bonus: no mirror needed for application). Perfect for travel as well (seriously, I can’t even begin to tell you how often I’ve been reaching for this palette lately) and with the holidays around the corner, it will also make the absolutely perfect gift for any beauty lover. If you can part with it, that is.

Available at Holt Renfrew and Nordstrom stores across Canada, find more information via giorgioarmanibeauty.com

Press samples kindly provided for my unbiased consideration

NARS x Steven Klein | Vengeful Dual-Intensity Blush, Holiday 2015

November 6, 2015

It really shouldn’t come as any surprise that François Nars, a man known for pushing the beauty envelope, collaborated with American photographer Steven Klein for the Holiday 2015 Collection. Klein, who’s also worked with Madonna & Lady Gaga, is known for edgy, provocative, and somewhat subversive work – all attributes that mesh perfectly well with the NARS aesthetic; that being said, I begin my series of reviews of this collection, with Vengeful Dual-Intensity Blush, a duo that’s not only powered by high-voltage pigments, but turns out to be surprisingly versatile as well. You’ll see.

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