{Sephora Favorites} Lash Stash To Go

I love trying new mascaras, but nothing bothers me for than spending money on a product that I think is going to be fantastic... Just be disappointed.  Insert the Lash Stash To Go, a Sephora promotion I swear by and what I believe to be the best value for high end mascara you can find!

"Lashstash To Go [retails for $30CDN and] includes five beloved, must-try mascaras for thicker-looking, voluminous, and perfectly separated lashes. From the ultranourishing, to the long-wearing, and from the multidimensional to the blackest black, each luxurious formula builds voluptuous perfection. Try them all, pick your favorite, and then bring the enclosed voucher to your local Sephora store to redeem for a full-size version."

Too Faced Better Than Sex "An intensely black, volumizing mascara with an hourglass-shaped brush that separates, coats, and curls each lash to voluptuous perfection"
This is my second mini tube of this mascara and it is one of my all time favorites.  I actually went in to buy a full size version when I found the Lash Stash instead.  The wand has an hourglass shape that creates thick, beautiful, black, voluminous lashes and builds really easily. Retail: $30.00

Lancome Hypnose Drama "The ultimate instant-volume mascara for lash drama."
Hypnose Drama is also a volumizing mascara but I found it to have a very wet formula.  The wand is curved and tapered which makes application on those itty bitty lashes easy, but also messy if you're not careful.  The color is "excessive black" and that it is!  Perfect for thick, dramatic, voluminous lashes.  Retail: $31.50

Blinc Inc. Mascara "The famous pioneering, tube-technology water-resistant mascara."

I can honestly say that this is my least favorite mascara out of the five.  I found it messy to apply and apposed to tubing individual lashes, it gripped small bundles and tubed them all together which gave me a look as if I had applied mascara and then cried immediately after.   Plus, in order to remove it I ended up literally pulling tubes off of my lashes.  Which I did not like!  Retail: $30.00

Bare Minerals Lash Domination  "A do-it-all mascara for larger-than-life lashes."
This is the only mascara in the collection with a plastic wand, which I don't usually gravitate towards.  The wand is chubby and twisted in it making it perfect for the "twist in blink" application method and getting close to the root of you lash.     Retail: $23.00

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes "A lengthening, curling, volumizing, and conditioning mascara."
This is a great go- to mascara.  I wouldn't say it gives incredible length but a good combination of subtle length and full buildable volume.  A deluxe sample this size retails for $12.00 Full size retail: $24.00

I can honestly say it's been a really long time since I've owned any full size mascara.  I guess I would rather have five minis than one full size!  I find that deluxe samples last a really long time and considering that mascara is supposed to go bad after three months they're the perfect size to allow you to use up the product before it gets sticky or dries up!

I am still undecided but will probably opt for a full size of Better Than Sex or Lights, Camera, Lashes when I'm ready to redeem my voucher.  The best part is it doesn't expire- just make sure you don't lose it!

  Have you tried any of the mascaras included in the Lash Stash To Go?  

Is this a promotion you'd be interested in? 

| Twitter | Instagram | Bloglovin |

xoxo

MAC Pedro Lourenço Collection

It seems that lately MAC has been releasing collection after collection; its almost impossible to keep up!  The most recent being Moody Blooms (available online now), MAC Lorde, and of course the Osbournes. But before the much anticipated "Kelly and Sharon Osbourne Collection" the Pedro Lourenço collection was released online.  Although the majority of the collection is sold out there are still a few select items available online, including one of the lipsticks featured below and a few nail lacquers.  The collection has an old Hollywood feel with beautiful shimmering nudes, and bold reds.  Since red is my go to evening lip color; both for an evening out and work I chose two out of the three red lipsticks available... but now I wish I had opted for all three!

The packaging in this collection is absolutely stunning.  The lipstick is encased in black rubberised bullets (very similar to the iconic NARS packaging) with beautiful deep gold accents; even inside the boxes!  They're sleek but not flashy.  I may even prefer it over the Alluring Aquatic packaging *gasp*

Ruby: "A midtone blue red"   This lipstick is what I consider to be a true red and I think every woman needs at least one red like this in their collection.  It looks beautiful paired with a neutral eye, bold lashes and liner.  This is the only lipstick from the collection still available for order!

Roxo: "Deep red"  This shade is a deep berry red; comparable to Diva.  It, along with the four other lipsticks released, is an amplified finish; my fav!

I adore both of these shades, but I regret not purchasing "True Red" from the collection before it sold out.  It was a beautiful orange toned red very similar to Lady Danger but with that creamy amplified finish I love too much.  Personally, I would chose an amplified lipstick over a matte any day.

Ruby (left) Roxo (right)

Did you manage to get any of the beautiful pieces in the Pedro Lourenco collection? 
What other MAC collections have you been drooling over lately?

Photos inspired by: Julia's Allure; she always has the most beautiful lip swatches

| Twitter | Instagram | Bloglovin |
xoxo

MAC Alluring Aquatic Collection

The hype around MAC's latest summer collection has been unavoidable and it's easy to see why.  The entire collection consists of nude colors with limited edition packaging that is beyond gorgeous; metallic teal textured with 3D water droplets. 

It was released online May 15th and in stores one week ago today (May 22nd).  I arrived at my local MAC store at 11:00 am the day of it's release and items were already sold out! The sales associate mentioned that people were lined up at the door to get in when they opened at 9am (you crazy makeup junkies!)  

There are two parts of the Alluring Aquatic collection; "color" and "face", also released were two unique split fibre makeup brushes (a 233 eye shadow brush, a 127 face brush) and a medium size makeup bag.

"Sirens of the deep inspire an aquascape of shades, as waves of tarnished olive, seafoam and darkened plum surrender to water’s enticing spirit. Sultry eyes take on a subtle radiance, while luminous Extra Dimension Blush washes over cheeks, creating a goddess glow. Under the sea, nails glisten in aquatic chrome and metallic Nail Lacquer, as Lipstick, Lipglass and Lip Pencil dive deep into colour. Limited-edition teal packaging, dramatically accented with sheer water droplets."

Left to right: Mystical, Water Deities, Black Line

Mystical: "Midtone creamy rose"

Mystical is the perfect my lips but better color; soft and subtle.  It's a cremesheen formula which is my favorite for during the day, and perfect for when all you want to wear is a couple coats of mascara and a lippie.

Water Deities: "Light bronzey pink"
If you're familiar with MAC Nymphette this gloss is somewhat similar.  A gorgeous peachy rose gold but with more bronze and silver tones in it versus Nymphette's gold tones.  I've been loving this color gloss this season.  It also reminds me of NARS Orgasm lipgloss (I have a post in the works comparing Orgasm and Nymphette!)

Black Line: "Black with gold pearl"
Black Line is a "Pearl Glide Intense" eyeliner, and my first ever MAC liner!  The texture is unbelievably soft. It's described on the website as a "black with gold pearl" but in my opinion it is an dark forest green liner with gold flecks.  It's beautiful.  It reminds me of my old favorite Arbonne eyeliner in "Olive" but the texture is a lot smoother, thus easier to work with.  I like using dark green toned liners apposed to blacks because I find them less harsh and that it compliment on my blue eyes.  

"Bronzing Powders and Extra Dimension Bronzer in gentle, pearlized shades set skin aglow for summer. Limited-edition compacts in aquatic teal are dramatically accented with crystal clear droplets. Anticipate waves of adoration when carrying the coordinated chic, teal clutch, with a texturized water droplet finish and translucent sides in aqua."

Left to right: Mystical, Water Deities, Black Line, Refined Golden

Refined Golden: "Finely spun golden with soft pearl"

This was actually the first MAC product I ever bought.  I went through two because I used to use it every day but when I ran out around Christmas last year I never repurchased it for a third time (I replaced it with NARS Laguna instead)  So when I saw it repackaged in the teal packaging I couldn't help but buy it one last time.  Its a dark warm brown with tiny gold flecks throughout it.  In the summer months I love a bronzer with shimmer in it because I think a little sparkle looks gorgeous with a tan.

233 Split Fibre Eyeshadow Brush: "Small, paddle-shaped flat brush ideal for applying and laying down product on the eyelid.  Features a split of natural and synthetic fibres that deliver two unique results"

The final item I picked up from the collection is something I'm really excited about.  This brush is a flat eyeshadow brush with natural hairs on one side, and synthetic on the other.  I was talking to the sales associate and she said she uses the synthetic side for cream products (like a paint pot or eyeshadow primer) and then flips it over and uses the softer natural side for blending everything out.

Did you pick up anything from the Alluring Aquatic collection or pass this time around?

xoxo

| Twitter | Instagram | Bloglovin |

Jaclyn Hill + Sigma Beauty Expert Box

I've been dabbling with the idea of ordering some Sigma brushes for a while, so when Jaclyn Hill came out with her limited edition Expert Beauty Box I couldn't help myself any longer (fan girl over here).  

The kit included seven Sigma brushes which were hand selected by Jaclyn and then sold at a discounted price.  If you watch Jaclyn's YouTube channel you're probably familiar with them because they are brushes she uses in almost every one of her tutorials. Unfortunately, this box isn't available any more but I thought I would still share my thoughts on these much talked about brushes since they can be purchased individually from the Sigma website.   

Face Brushes:

F80 – Flat Kabuki: "This is my all-time favorite brush. I have used this for my foundation application for four years and nothing can compete - this is the secret to flawless skin!" - J.H.

I have never been a fan of using foundation brushes- I was a ride or die Beauty Blender fan BUT I have to hand it to Sigma because after using it just once I was sold. It's so fast to buff your foundation into your skin for even coverage (which I find takes a little more effort with a BB) AND the best part is it actually allows me to use LESS product. For example, with BB application I need 3 pumps of my Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation and with the F80 I only use 1.5! 

F86 – Tapered Kabuki: "I use this brush for my concealer. It may seem big, but that is what makes it so great! It blends beautifully and quickly because of its size. Its shape allows you to blend effortlessly in the inner corners!"

This is the only brush in my set that I'm not so sure about. While I said I was happier with the F80 for my foundation I strongly believe that there is no better way to blend under eye concealer than with a BB.  However, this brush is synthetic which means it won't absorb product especially like a sponge does which is definitely something to consider. 

F35 – Tapered Highlighter: "I use this to set my under eye concealer AND to highlight my cheekbones. I own two because I go back and forth every day! It’s the perfect size and shape for precision highlighting."

I don't highlight my cheekbones everyday but this brush is perfect for when I do. It applies a powder highlight exactly where I want it whereas before my highlighting skills were a bit hit or miss because I didnt have a brush small enough to do it correctly.  I'm yet to use it to set set eye concealer because *gasp* I don't usually! Buuuut, I am waiting on BareMinerals Well Rested powder to arrive in my mailbox so I will definitely be using this brush to apply it!

Eye Brushes:

E55 – Eye Shading: "This is the best brush for whatever color you choose to put all over your lid. Whether the shadow finish is shimmer, glitter, pigment or matte, this brush will apply the perfect amount of product smoothly and effortlessly."

Before ordering this kit I only had 2 eye brushes. The Urban Decay Naked 3 double ended brush and my tried and true Estée Lauder travel size blending brush which I made work for everything.  I know a dense short bristled packing brush like this should have been a staple in my collection a long time ago but it was worth the wait. I know my mum uses a similar one from MAC but this one is larger which makes it easy to work quickly. The dense hairs pick up just enough product- not too little and not too much.  

E25 – Blending: "Because of the shape and natural hairs of this brush, it can pack on an intense amount of color or a light wash depending on how you choose to use it. It is the ultimate blending brush and necessary for any makeup application!"

Blending brushes are my favorite. They're  big, easy to use, and most importantly soft! This is the smallest blending brush I own and because I'm drawn to using fluffier brushes I've been finding it extremely helpful to have a smaller more condensed one. It makes precise application really easy, especially for the crease, but still gives that flawless blended out appearance you want with your eyeshadow. 

E40 – Tapered Blending: "This is always the final touch! Running this brush over the edge of your eye shadow will guarantee you no harsh lines and a flawless blown out effect. I cannot do my makeup without this brush."

My first thoughts were that this brush was ridiculously large but once again I proved myself wrong. I have used this brush everyday since I received it and it's true that it blends everything out effortless.  This brush quickly escalated to holy grail status.   

E30 – Pencil: "Everyone needs a pencil brush for makeup application. This is used for a variety of things, highlighting the inner corners of the eye, blending out the lower lash line and getting dark colors deep in your outer crease for a smokey look!"

Finally, this is the brush I was most excited about. Without a small pencil brush like this it's almost impossible to smoke out shadow on your lower lash line. It also carves out the outer v like a dream to add depth to any look. 

BONUS: Travel Size E05 Eyeliner Brush

Every month Sigma offers a different bonus gift if you spend $30 or more before shipping. For April it was the eyeliner brush shown above.  May's gift is an E25 white blending brush. 

The quality of these brushes is above par and met every expectation that I had for them. For all the Canadians out there it's good to keep in mind that the charge on your Visa will be converted to Canadian dollars after the purchase is made. Even so, I would be happy to purchase more a Sigma brushes. I've been looking at their precision line, and I also would love the May gift!!

My final note is that if you're planning on ordering any Sigma brushes (or any Sigma product) make sure to take advantage of their 10% off discounts.  This month use "MAY2014".

Do you use Sigma brushes? 

Which are your holy grail brushes and which are on your wish list?

xoxo

MAC Playland Collection

I feel like I always say this... but I really wasn't planning on buying anything from MAC's most recent Playland collection!  This is because even though I  like bright colors some of the neons weren't exactly for me (yellow lipstick?? not quite there yet) buuuuut  as usual I got sucked in by the bright lights, loud music, and pretty colors and found myself hopping aboard the Playland train.  I find with bold limited edition collections like these I am almost always drawn to the lipsticks (maybe they're the safe choice), which is why I picked out two amplified lipsticks while shopping. I just know I will get way more wear out of a florescent lipstick then any neon pigments or pencils.     

 "Welcome to M∙A∙C Playland, a funtastical wonderland of enchantment and delight. Luscious shades of Lipstick and Lipglass liven lips in playful pinks, brilliant purples, and bright corals.  Tease and toy around with a carousel of Casual Color pots in neon orange and hot pink, to stand out bright as balloons in a blue spring sky.  Pigments and Chromographic Pencil add a cotton-candy cascase of color to this season's stylish, fun-packed fantasty."

Toying Around (left) Happy- Go- Lucky (right)

Toying Around:
Amplified finish.  "Hot coral pink."
Can you say coral?  If you're not quite ready for full blown orange lips then this is the color for you.  It is the perfect balance beween pink, orange, and red; not to mention perfect for summer.   

Happy- Go- Lucky: 
Amplified finish.  "Hot pink."

This color is everything.  The color itself is really similar to Candy Yum Yum but with a creamy amplified finish (opposed to full blown matte) which, in my opinion, makes it more wearable. I'm still on the fence about whether or not it suits me per say but I decided to pick it up anyway to play around with it and make up my mind up once and for all about such obnoxious blue- based pinks.

These are my first Amplified lipsticks from MAC and I must say that I love this finish.  When you first apply them they are so creamy and so comfortable, but as they set, they dry to a long wearing matte finish.  I didn't use a lip liner, even though it was recommended to me in store and I noticed they didn't bleed as much as some of the other reds, and purples in my collection.  I wore Happy- Go- Lucky during a 6 hour shift and I touched it up once, more so for fun then necessity.

Toying Around (left) Happy- Go- Lucky (right)

While I was swatching in store I had a hard time chosing between Happy- Go- Lucky and Red Balloon which was a beautiful pinky red (or "hot fuschia" on the MAC website).  Since Red Balloon was the safe choice for me I decided to go for Happy- Go- Lucky because I wanted to step out of my comfort zone a bit... this being said, I might have to go back for Red Balloon as well.

Did you pick up anything from the Playland collection or did you pass?

Happy May!

xoxo

My "Secret" to Long-Wearing Comfortable Red Lips

Red is my go-to for lip color, especially at work.  I actually wore a more neutral color recently and had a co-worker take a second glance before saying she barely recognize me without it.

My favorite reds of the moment are MAC Viva Glam I, which is a deep almost burgundy red with a matte finish, and the limited edition Rihanna Viva Glam which is another blue based red with a beautiful frosted finish.  It's the perfect  ruby-red slipper color. 

Viva Glam I (left) Viva Glam Rihanna (right)

However, since I often work 8 hour shifts I find that both of these colors can start to feel dry about half way through my shift...  I know some prefer a more "dry" matte lip and while I do both love and appreciate a matte finish there's a fine line between beautifully matte and uncomfortably dry.  I'm sure I'm not the only one who has a habit of rubbing my lips together which with a matte lipstick can result in a cake-y looking lip color- and nobody likes that... So sometimes my cherry pout needs a bit of a kick start!


I don't  like layering lip balm over lipstick because I find that it removes some pigment, and can move lipstick around creating an uneven look- that is UNTIL I discovered a solution to all my (first world) problems.

Its so simple, and kind of foolish but I swear by it.  What you need to keep your red lips looking fresh and feeling comfortable is actually a red tinted lip balm (duh Danielle).  I use my Clinique "Almost Lipstick" in "Luscious Honey" almost everyday now.  

  

I received  it in a free bonus gift with purchase from the Bay and I just may have to repurchase a full size when its gone.  The color is buildable and the texture is silky which adds moisture, but not a lot of shine.  Tons of other lines also have moisturising lip products that provide that sheer wash of color as well so I'm sure many of you probably already have a similar product at home or wouldn't have a hard time finding one in either the drugstore or department store.  I find that the tint of color just adds enough moisture for me to carry on happily without moving around and displacing the pigment from previous applications. 

Left to right: Viva Glam I, Viva Glam Rihanna, Luscious Honey

While I'm sure I'm not the first one to make this realization it was a game changer for me.

What do you do to keep your matte lips comfortable during long days/ nights?

xoxo