Tag Archives: cosmetics
Bare Minerals · Be Beautiful Ready Face and Eye Palette
I’ve only recently begun exploring the Bare Minerals range, and if the skincare products I’ve tried to date have impressed me (more on that coming in future posts), this palette was an unexpected — and totally pleasant — surprise. The Be Beautiful Ready™ Face and Eye Palette holds pretty much everything you’ll need for a completed look (barring foundation & mascara) and what makes it even more unique? Everything has a matte texture, but not the flat light-absorbing kind; think more radiant-matte and you’ll get a better idea.
Be Beautiful Ready™ face and Eye Palette (CAN $58.00/value of $162.00) | This all-matte limited edition palette features products for both face and eyes in a travel friendly compact. The case is made of a rigid plastic that closely mimics metal and has an oversized mirror on the inner lid, along with a secure snap closure.
The shades for the face are all well sized and spaced apart enough that they’re easy to get to with a variety of brushes. The blushes all boast an 8-hour buildable colour along with skin-nourishing properties, and while the Finishing Powder appears somewhat yellow leaning in the pan, it applies fairly sheerly — just don’t be thrown by its chalky texture, since it can still be easily buffed into the skin for an nice setting touch.
The four neutral-leaning eyeshadows all have intense saturation and an almost creamy texture, with pigment-packed colour that’s stated to last up to 12 hours; that said, I still recommend applying primer first for the best wear (especially if you have oily lids like I do).
- Presence – parchment (actually this is an eyeshadow shade, but can double as a matte highlighter as well)
- Promise – palest mauve/white
- Finishing Powder – neutral flesh tone
- Golden Gate Matte – dusky rose
- Inner Beauty – ballerina pink
- Faux Tan Matte – soft mid-sheer tan
- Graceful – dirty lavender
- Exhale – taupe
- Beautiful – dusty rose
- Confident – deepest aubergine
I love shimmer, I really do … but matte shades are my sweet spot. For starters, I find that as I’ve gotten older, matte is much more flattering for me to wear, although I won’t say no to a little pop of shine here and there. The blushes in this palette apply sheerer than what’s seen in the pan — not an issue since the colour can easily be deepened. The pigmentation and effortless blendability of the eyeshadows makes them all winners, not to mention how flattering they’ll be on a wide range of skin tones. Final verdict? An excellent value palette and definitely worth looking into (or picking up as a Christmas gift, perhaps?)
Available at Sephora
PR Sample/As always, all opinions are my own
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MAKE UP FOR EVER · Pro Light Fusion Highlighters
When MAKE UP FOR EVER launched their Pro Sculpting Duos last year, fans of the brand went absolutely wild for the highlighter segment in each pan and begged for single versions; their cry was masterfully answered in the form of these newly released Pro Light Fusion Highlighters (CAN $48.00/each).
Available in 01 Rose Gold (for light to medium skin tones) and 02 Gold (for medium to dark skin tones), these unique highlighters each have an ultra-high concentration of emollients generated by a ‘Gellifying System’ technology in the formula that creates a luminous creamy powder gel-like texture. Synthetic mica are added to help reflect light for major radiance, while synthetic spherical powders provide staying power and a soft-focus effect.
Highlighters are not going away anytime soon, and I for one am glad. That said, not all highlighters are made equal and even though I’ve tried more than my share of fails, I’m happy to say that both Pro Light Fusion shades pass the test with flying colours (so to speak). Application is literally effortless as this unique texture seems to fuse beautifully with the skin without overly emphasizing pores, and even seems to get better with the wearing as it warms up with one’s natural oils. This gossamer-light powder is virtually impossible to overdo, although those inclined can certainly dial up the wattage by layering it on. The best part can be summed up like this: they’re permanent. Thanks for listening, MAKE UP FOR EVER.
Available at Sephora
PR sample/As always, all opinions are my own
NARS · Rita Audacious Lipstick, Sephora Exclusive
François Nars got it so right when he stated that “the perfect red lipstick is a woman’s best accessory” and Rita Audacious Lipstick is definitely all that … and more. Inspired by Hollywood’s ‘love goddess’ Rita Hayworth, this particular version comes in limited edition sultry red packaging (a Sephora exclusive/also available with the regular packaging as part of the permanent range) that just begs to be taken out in public, although I’m betting that this colour will definitely help channel your inner movie star. #ScreenSirenGoals
MAKE UP FOR EVER · 9 Artist Shadow Palette Volume 4
MAKE UP FOR EVER recently launched the 9 Artist Shadow Palette Volume 4, a collection of 9 matte jewel-rich tones that will brighten the hearts of both shimmer-phobic types and matte aficionados alike. The slim profile compact is nicely portable, making it a great option to have around in the event a last minute holiday invite, while the personally selected colours from founder Dany Sanz, will definitely suit a broad range of complexions — as well as personal tastes. Finally: a matte palette that doesn’t rely strictly on neutrals #thankyoumakeupforever
9 Artist Shadow Palette Volume 4 (CAN $52.00) | The fourth generation palette in this series from MAKE UP FOR EVER – and quite possibly my favourite thus far, it’s comprised of 9 matte shades in the brand’s Artist Shadow advanced gel-powder formula, all housed in a rigid cardboard compact that has a large mirror on the inner lid and a magnetic closure for added security. Arranged in three vertical trios for ease of use, the shades have all been chosen to specifically compliment each other, but obviously you’re free to create your own combinations. The texture on all is sublime: richly pigmented, a buttery smooth application, and excellent staying power (when worn over primer). There’s such a nice diversity of tones that you won’t even miss having a shimmer to play with.
- M-100 – black
- M-620 – grey brown
- M-126 – chalk
- M-842 – wine
- M-806 – antique pink
- M-546 – dark purple taupe
- M-240 – Prussian blue
- M-536 – milk tea
- M-530 – eggshell
MUFE · Artist Shadows 4 vs Artist Shadows 3 (currently on sale) & Artist Shadows 1
Created with some of the highest level of pigments available, each shade in the Artist Shadow series is simply amazing to work with. Effortlessly blendable as well, the 9 hues in this palette are versatile enough to create the softest of looks, or take you all the way up to mega-smoky territory. All in all, this is an excellent investment from a brand that has taken eyeshadows to a whole new level of quality. Another advantage to this palette? With the rather large array of colours to choose from, it takes the stress out of having to pick 9 shades on your own. So thoughtful, no?
Available at Sephora and Sephora.ca
PR samples/As always, all opinions are my own
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Revlon Brushes
I have a serious weakness for makeup brushes and over the years, I’ve managed to put together a rather decent collection. That said, I’ve always lived by the “you get what you pay for” school of thought and have tended to lean towards the luxe brands, but I’m always open to trying out new things, such as this latest range from Revlon.
Created with Designworks which happens to be a BMW subsidiary, there is a level of thoughtfulness to quality & detail seen here that was surprising, given the price point. The EXPERTFX™ brush heads have soft & luxurious synthetic bristles that not only make them easy to clean, but help with an effortless application. Adorned with red metallic accents, the Diamond Grip Handles™ have small bevelled diamond shapes that are not only aesthetically appealing, but serve another purpose: this design helps to keep the brushes from rolling off of any flat surfaces (and before you ask, yes, I’ve had plenty of brushes disappear under various pieces of furniture that way. Usually when I was in the middle of an application). Another key feature is that there’s a wide enough assortment to choose from — but not overwhelmingly so — providing everything you need for face, eyes and lips.
REVLON Brushes | Diamond Grip Handles
Lash & Brow Brush (CAN $14.99) | This is a dual-ended brush with a spoolie on one end and the other with a metal lash comb & brush (the brush on this side can also be used to tame brows — works like a charm in smoothing flyaways, especially near the hairline as well).
- Blush Brush (CAN $24.99) – its densely rounded shape can also be used to buff contour products seamlessly into the skin
- Kabuki Brush (CAN $24.99) – can be used with either face powder or bronzer
- Concealer Brush (CAN $14.99) – can also be used on lips and/or with cream eyeshadow
- All Over Shadow Brush (CAN $14.99) – small enough to easily reach the inner part of the eye
- Crease Shadow Brush (CAN $14.99) – nicely domed and flexible enough to make blending at the crease effortless
- Smoky Eye Brush (CAN $14.99) – excellent for detail work and creating a smudgy line
- Eyeliner Brush (CAN $14.99) – precise angle for use as a liner brush or for applying brow powder
Retractable Lip Brush (CAN $14.99) | Never lose a brush cap again with the unique design of this lip brush, which makes it not only completely portable, but ensures the bristles will be free from debris.
While I’m not planning on giving up collecting luxury makeup brushes anytime soon, I must say that Revlon has upped the stakes with the release of this collection and has created a range that is both of very good quality plus the benefit of giving you major bang for your buck. For anyone just starting to invest in beauty brushes, these are an excellent option and unlike their higher-priced cousins, you’ll most likely be able to score them on sale as well.
PS: since it is holiday season, I’m thinking that these brushes will make a fabulous (& thoughtful) gift for the budding makeup artist on you list.
Available at mass-market retailers
PR/As always, all opinions are my own
