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Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet Dior Roller-Pearl

April 20, 2018
Beauty, Dior, Dior Parfums, Perfume
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In 1947, Miss Dior was born, an ebullient, cajoling fragrance in which Jasmine from Provence mixes with sensual mosses and a surprising green note of Galbanum. Sprayed generously around the rooms, the first Dior perfume instantly charmed the audience at the New Look show. And hooked countless women, who flocked to 30 Avenue Montaigne to offer themselves this youthful, elegant Miss Dior.

Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet is a subtle floral composition that celebrates the beauty of flower buds and the velvet softness of petals. It is a delicate evocation of Christian Dior’s legendary love of flowers.

And now, as the world changes at high speeds, reinventing daily life and removing boundaries, the House of Dior rolls out its new Roller-Pearl bottle. An innovative design, this new application method provides sensual, casual perfume application for an instant sensorial hit that adds new pleasure to perfume.  A miniature and portable version of the original, Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet Roller-Pearl is small but generous. Featuring a wide crystalline bead atop a gorgeously elegant and architectural bottle, Dior Roller-Pearl is also hermetic thanks to a screw-on cap.

One of the biggest challenges of on-the-go perfume application is the bottle size, which is beautifully addressed by this miniature Miss Dior accessory-style bottle. Fitting not only in the palm of your hand, but also in a purse, there will be no more carrying around a large 50 ml or 100 ml bottle. And removing another barrier to public perfume application (or PPA 😉 ), there is no spray to potentially offend another! PPA away with this beautiful Roller-Pearl! I personally cannot wait to throw this stunning bottle into my purse, and use it to my heart’s content. (An aside from a new mom: spray perfume can sometimes also be offending to apply around baby. This gem will make it so much easier for me to apply a dab of my favourite Miss Dior as I’m running out of the house.)

Miss Dior Roller-Pearl is available in Limited Edition in Blooming Bouquet ($49) and Absolutely Blooming ($59), in a perfectly-sized 20 ml bottle, exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart stores and beautyboutique.ca starting today, April 20th!

For more information (no shipping to Canada), head to Dior.com!

What is your favourite Dior perfume or cologne?

~xo

If you liked this post, please take a moment to ‘like’ this post and/or comment! I love to read what you think.

(Products were provided for consideration and review. All opinions are my own.)

Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Full-Coverage Concealer

March 11, 2018
Beauty, Obsessed, Urban Decay
1 Comment

I’ve had an amazing run with concealer lately, loving the last few new concealers I’ve tried (to the point of getting multiples!). When Urban Decay announced they were releasing All Nighter Waterproof Full-Coverage Concealer, inspired by their cult favourite All Nighter Liquid Foundation, I knew I wanted to try it. I have never tried their All Nighter Foundation, so I don’t necessarily have that to compare it to, but waterproof, 24 hour wear to last through all the troublemaking a night can bring?? Providing matte coverage that lasts all day and night?? Get me a tube of All Nighter Concealer!

UD promises that All Nighter Concealer is ultra-pigmented and blendable, drying to a matte, stay-put finish that not only controls shine but also hides dark circles. It even promises to cover tattoos! The formula features light-diffusing pigments to blur flaws with a soft-focus effect, without settling into fine lines. Urban Decay recommends pairing All Nighter Concealer with their All Nighter Liquid Foundation or Naked Skin Liquid Makeup for high coverage as needed. And to make sure everyone can enjoy All Nighter Concealer, it comes in 14 shades that range from pale to deep.

Urban Decay’s recommended application: there is no need to build up coverage, instead, apply a very small amount of product, after foundation, and tap, tap, tap it into skin with either a finger or a brush.

So, just how did it fare?

First off, can we talk about the tube? What a beautiful (and beautiful-to-photograph!!), intricate metal-effect bottle! (I’m partial to all of UD’s gunmetal packaging, though…) The concealer has an angled paddle wand applicator within its cap, and because of that, travels nicely. That always gets bonus points from me. The wand applicator provides a generous amount of product, which is amazing for large areas. I found that I could dab on a drop of product, then pat it out to cover the area I was working on. All Nighter really is pigmented, so a little goes a long way.

Let’s talk about the finish. The product seems to dry quickly, which made me slightly nervous the first time I used it. I quickly realized though that I was still able to blend All Nighter without issue, and without leaving behind telltale outlines of heavy concealer. It is a matte-finish product, and will dry and set if you don’t work quickly, but not so quick that I had difficulty finishing my coverage. With it being matte, I was also concerned about it settling into my fine lines (let’s face it, I’m not 20, not matter what *I* think! lol). I’ve had challenges with heavy concealers in the past and have mostly stayed away from anything overly drying.  I found All Nighter finishes looking dry, but not cakey, and though there was some slight settling, it did not cake deeply into lines or crows feet. (I used it both alone and over foundation, and added a dab of eye cream when I patted it under my eyes. I found the eye cream helps to make the product even more blendable – a nice touch for the delicate eye area!) All Nighter is also excellent as a base for your eyeshadow; my eye makeup did not budge until I washed it off!

Urban Decay recommends choosing your shade by testing the product on skin, letting it dry completely to see the true colour, and going with the lighter shade if you’re in between two colours. Here are the 14 shades:

I will say that the product dries a touch darker than in the bottle, and I personally found some of the gaps between shades a little large. For example, the jump from Fair or even Light Warm to Light-Neutral was at least a couple of shades, while Light-Warm is a steadier climb. With my slightly tan olive skin tone I could go between Light Warm or Med-Light Neutral. What I love to do is use two shades of concealer for different parts of my face; for example, while going maybe half a shade lighter under the eyes, I like a full shade lighter for my eyelid, and true-to-skintone on my face. With two tubes, I can achieve multiple hues for all my coverage needs. All Nighter Concealer blends out so nicely at its edges that you can even skip foundation, and just apply concealer where you need it (as I often do on ‘low-makeup’ days).  And the wear was amazing for me. It stayed right where I applied it, did not budge, kept my eyeshadow from creasing or fading, and came off beautifully when it was time to wash my makeup off at night. I used both an oil-to-milk cleanser (seen here) as well as a face wash; both times the makeup came off beautifully.

The one thing I did not test was All Nighter’s waterproof coverage, but I can promise you  that based on its wear so far, I’ll be taking it on my next vacation!

Available now wherever Urban Decay is sold, including Sephora, Shoppers Drug Mart and Urban Decay ($35 Cdn).

What’s your favourite Urban Decay foundation or concealer?

~xo

If you liked this post, please take a moment to ‘like’ this post and/or comment! I love to read what you think.

(Products were provided for consideration and review. All opinions are my own.)

Vita Liberata Trystal Pressed Minerals & a Giveaway!

February 21, 2018
Beauty, Giveaway, Obsessed, Skincare, Vita Liberata
8 Comments

Vita Liberata is the current go-to brand for all things safe tan (read: self-tan). I’ve been obsessing over this brand since discovering their Trystal Minerals Self-Tanning loose powder (which I must restock!), and more recently, their incredible Ten Minute Tan and Body Blur – both reviewed here. Ten Minute Tan launched early last year and really delivers what it promises, a medium-coloured tan in 10 minutes. (Read my review for more!)

Today I wanted to tell you about the Trystal Pressed Minerals Powder, a gorgeous bronzer that you can take with you wherever you go. Described as a super-sheer face colour that applies and settles like skin, this on-the-go matte bronzer can be used to contour the face or as an all-over bronzer. Much like its sister loose powder, when used over a moisturizer or foundation, the organic DHA within the powder activates and will lead to a subtle tan that will last up to five days.

I’ve already shared that I love the loose powder version of Vita Liberata’s Trystal Minerals, and this Pressed Powder does not disappoint. The pressed powder provides a slightly more controlled application than a loose powder, with less opportunity for the powder to fall/waste. With a couple of swipes with a kabuki brush, it easily builds up to provide the desired bronzed look, or, with a stiffer brush, the desired contoured look. I love pressed powders due to the fact that they travel much easier than loose powders, and I love that the quality of this powder is very similar to its loose version. It applies smoothly, without streaking, for a gorgeous golden glow – without sparkle for those of you looking for a matte bronze! And what’s better than a bronzer that, with continued use, will leave you with a hint of a tan? Amazing side-effect if you ask me!

Trystal Pressed Minerals swatched on my arm (left) & blended out slightly (right)

And now for the giveaway! 

I’ve partnered with Vita Liberata to bring you the chance to win some of my favourite products from them! One winner will receive: One Ten Minute Tan, one Body Blur, and one Trystal Pressed Powder! Prize value is approximately $150.

How to enter: Leave a comment on this blog post telling me your favourite way to self-tan!
Additional chance to win! Head over to my Instagram page and find the Vita Liberata contest post, and follow the directions there!

Contest rules: Contest open to Canadian residents (sorry international friends. Though if you have a Canadian address, you can enter), 13 years of age or older. Contest ends on March 4, 2018 at 11:59 pm ET. All entries will be verified. Winner will be announced on my Instagram stories on Monday, March 5, 2018 and will have 48 hours to claim their prize!

Vita Liberata luxury at-home tanning solutions are available exclusively at Sephora stores and at sephora.ca. Learn more about Vita Liberata at VitaLiberataCanada.com!

So what’s your favourite way to self-tan?

~xo

(Products were provided for consideration and review. All opinions are my own.)

Diorskin Forever 2017

September 19, 2017
Beauty, Dior, Obsessed
2 Comments

For this season, Dior has composed a new facet for Diorskin Forever foundation and goes even further in long-wear complexion perfection, fulfilling women’s expectations in terms of texture and skin finish, from the most luminous, to extreme matte.

Diorskin_Forever_Collection

According to Peter Philips, Creative and Image Director for Dior Makeup, correction, wear, colour and matteness are the essential foundations of all perfecting makeup. 

With the Perfect Makeup Extreme Control Compact, Dior creates an extra-matte complexion that stays vibrant and shine-free from morning to night, even in extreme conditions. Containing Smart Blotting Powders ™, a mesh of incredibly fine mattifying mineral powders, this compact promises to bend seamlessly with the skin, deliver perfect matte correction with lightweight comfort. Available in 12 shades. ($70 Cdn)

Diorskin_Perfect_Makeup_Compacts

My thoughts: Usually preferring compact/pressed powder foundations for on-the-go, I was super-excited to try Dior’s new Forever compact! Having already tested the Diorskin Forever Fluid foundation, I had high expectations when starting to use this compact…

Not at all “foundation-like,” the Forever powder is extremely finely-milled, applying lightly and evenly. In areas where I wanted a little more coverage, I was able to build up the powder; however, in my opinion, it does not build up to a cakey or 100% opacity finish. I found the powder to blend and almost disappear into your skin, providing a soft, blurred finish to the skin. I used this powder over Diorskin Forever Undercover concealer, and it provided the perfect amount of coverage. I did not feel like I was wearing anything throughout the day, and found myself touching up my t-zone only once to return it to a matte finish.

Pros for me:

  • lightweight compact, easy to travel with
  • matte, blurry finish to the skin
  • seamless and great finish even over Forever Fluid foundation or Undercover Concealer
  • beautiful-feeling soft powder

Cons:

  • definitely not heavy coverage, if that’s what you’re seeking
  • lightly-scented, for anyone averse to scent
  • on the expensive side

See below for swatches.

 

As a finishing touch that leaves no room for unexpectedly jeopardizing the perfect complexion, Diorskin Forever Undercover Concealer adds indispensable correction. Promising to provide instant camouflage for imperfections, water resistance and 8-hour wear, this highly-concentrated concealer was designed to adapt to all Forever foundations. It can be used after the Fluid or the Cushion, applied locally to imperfections or as a genius contouring concealer to add highlight or sculpt. Available in 10 shades that cover the full range of skin tones. ($42 Cdn)

Diorskin_Forever_Concealer_Compact

My thoughts on this concealer:

I thought that Dior’s FixIt 2-in-1 Prime & Conceal was my favourite concealer from Dior until Diorskin Forever Undercover came along. This concealer is magic! Where do I start… application with the wand is easy to control, even for the smallest of corrections. The product applies in a cream, and blends beautifully based on the amount of coverage you are seeking. When I was looking for heavier correction in an area, I would pat rather than spread the product, or reapply a dot of concealer. This concealer also dries on the quicker side, then sets and does not budge. In addition to concealing and correcting, I used it as a base on my eyelids, and my eyeshadow stayed put for the entire day without a single crease. In my swatches below you can see how nearly invisible the product is when blended out, even when the colour is too light for my skin (see 021 Linen). I have absolutely nothing negative to say about this product – I love it!!

Diorskin_Forever_swatches1

Promising a luminous matte finish for 16 hours, Diorskin Forever Perfect Makeup Everlasting Wear Foundation brings with it flawless correction and comfort for all-day wear. Throughout the day, the complexion remains smooth and the skin is more beautiful. The non-oily emulsion provides SPF 35 coverage to not only correct the skin, but protect it from the harmful elements of UVA/UVB rays. Available in 24 shades. ($64 Cdn)

 

My thoughts?

I have used quite a few Dior foundations over the years, and have loved both Diorskin Airflash and Dior Capture Totale Serum de Teint. While each of those have their perfecting qualities, Diorskin Forever Fluid Foundation is IT if you’re looking for a matte, but non-drying finish. Applying and blending easily, this foundation is very buildable so I start lightly then add to areas that may need more coverage. Like its concealer sibling, the foundation dries to a beautiful finish, almost not needing the usual dusting of powder because it dries matte. The foundation has lasted all day for me, without feeling gross or cakey as foundations sometimes can… the only thing I will say is that I did touch up my t-zone once or twice with the Forever compact on hot, humid days. Overall, I definitely recommend this foundation and hope you love it as much as me!

Diorskin_Forever_Foundation_Swatch_041

Also available is the Diorskin Forever & Ever Wear Primer ($60 Cdn).

 

Diorskin Forever is now available at Dior Counters nationwide, including at TheBay.com, Sephora and Holt Renfrew.

What is your favourite Dior foundation and concealer?

~xo

 

If you liked this post, please take a moment to ‘like’ this post and/or comment! I love to read what you think.

(Products were provided for consideration and review. All opinions are my own.)

Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette Review

August 24, 2017
Beauty, Urban Decay
2 Comments

Urban Decay recently launched their latest (and probably HOTTEST) Naked Palette, Naked Heat, to much fanfare. Naked Heat dropped at the beginning of July, just in time to add some sizzle to your summer!

UD Naked Heat Palette

I wanted to use the palette, play with it and wear it, before writing my review, even though I absolutely adore Urban Decay eyeshadow palettes (I have yet to find one that disappoints). An “auburn-inspired, warm, steamy, sultry set of colors” as per UD, Naked Heat is filled with 12 new shades ranging from warm champagne and taupe, to burnt sienna, brick red and even a blackened copper. There is literally something in here for every – single – skin – tone! And right on trend, too, what with the burst of warm-toned, rusty palettes of late.

UD Naked Heat Palette1

Another thing of beauty with this gorgeous palette is the range of looks you can create. I loved using my Naked Heat palette for a simple swipe of one or two shades for a soft daytime look, to playing with intensity of various smoky eye looks from soft and warm, to a deep, blackened metallic. And don’t let the Heat fool you. I feel like this palette is a perfect transition from the sweltering summer months into fall’s crisp leaf-changing golden and rust hues.

Below I have swatches in both daylight and sunlight:

UD Naked Heat Swatches shade

Naked Heat swatches in shade

 

Look at these metallics glow in sunlight!

UD Naked Heat Swatches sun

Naked Heat swatches in sunlight

As I’ve come to expect from Urban Decay, the shadows are buttery and creamy, super-finely milled, and rich and densely pigmented. I will warn you that there is a touch of fall-out when using the Urban Decay dual-ended brush provided in the palette; however, I did not find this to be the case with any of my other eyeshadow brushes. A simple tap of the UD brush before application will minimize shadow falling, and a good base (like UD’s Eyeshadow Primer Potion) with help you get serious wear and longevity. The eyeshadows, especially the mid- to deeper shades, are highly buildable, allowing subtle colour for even the shyest eye makeup-wearer among us, to cayenne-pepper intensity for the big Heat lovers.

My favourite tip? I love applying the metallics with a slightly dampened stiff shadow brush for an incredible WOW effect and to seriously amp up the shine!

What’s your favourite way to wear Naked Heat? Did you have a chance to snag this beautiful palette?

 

The UD Naked Heat Palette ($66 Cdn) is now available at urbandecay.ca, sephora.ca and Beauty Boutique by Shoppers Drug Mart. 

Oh, and if you hurry, you may still be able to snag one of three Limited Edition Heat Collection Vice Lipsticks: Fuel (a warm, peachy nude), Heat (a metallic rust), and Scorched (a shimmering copper), as well as two new 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils: Alkaline (a deep burgundy) and Torch (a burnt cayenne) on urbandecay.ca!!

 

~xo

 

If you liked this post, please take a moment to ‘like’ this post and/or comment!

(Products were provided for consideration and review. All opinions are my own.)

Dior Glowing Gardens – Spring 2016

February 15, 2016
Beauty, Dior, Dior Vernis, Nailpolish, Obsessed
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Dior Glowing Gardens

“After women, flowers are the most divine creations,” said Monsieur Dior. Mr. Dior never ceased to reconstruct the poetry and magic of the original garden of Granville in his creations. Faithful to the love of Christian Dior for blossoming gardens, Peter Philips, Creative & Image Director for Dior Makeup, has created a ‘glow manifesto’ for the Dior Spring look. Elements of Mr. Dior’s magical Granville Garden flourish in this collection designed to create both graphic and natural looks that are at once radiant, luminous and bright. Floral and neutral shades blossom together in a fresh colour palette, balanced with deeper tones.

Dior Glowing Gardens Spring 2016

Peter Philips created three incarnations of Glowing Gardens palettes including two shades of 5-Couleurs, two shades of Diorskin Nude Air and one flattering shade of Diorblush, each imprinted with a floral pattern inspired by the beautiful gardens of Christian Dior’s childhood home in Granville. He also designed the brand-new Diorshow Colour & Contour eye duos, a two-sided pencil with a luminous, long-wearing eyeshadow on one end and an easy-glide eyeliner on the other.

Dior 5-Couleurs Glowing Gardens Eyeshadow Palettes

The two harmonies of 5-Couleurs Glowing Gardens palettes are:

Rose Garden #451 (top right in photo below) features shades of lilac, soft pink, vibrant yellow & crisp green
Blue Garden #031 (bottom left) features shades of peach, sky blue, blue iris and subtle Dior grey. $70 Cdn each.

I am absolutely blown away by the bright-yet-subdued shades selected for this collection, making them highly versatile and wearable. I absolutely LOVE the combo of green and yellow against the brown in Rose Garden, while I love the soft grey, peach and white of Blue Garden. And as if that were not enough, the Glowing Gardens motif is breathtaking. Zoom in for the stunning detail!

Dior Glowing Gardens 5 Couleurs

Diorshow Colour & Contour Eyeshadow & Eyeline Duo

This ingenious eyeshadow and liner duo creates an instant eye makeover in a few simple movements, for a quick contrasting eye look with a soft colour glow underlined by a graphic stroke. On one side a luminous silky and long-wearing eye shadow swaths the eyes in colour, while on the other side, an easy glide, pigment-rich long-wearing eyeliner sets the look. Available in shades of lilac, peach and flattering taupe, $40 Cdn each.

Diorskin Nude Air Glowing Gardens Illuminating Powder

Introducing two shades of Diorskin Nude Air Invisible compact powders, enhance with subtle shimmer for Spring 2016 to create two iridescent beige and rosy nude highlighters. The powders boast a weightless formula with sweet orange extract, vitamins and minerals to support a toned complexion. Glowing Pink #001 (below right), Glowing Nude #002 (below left), $64 Cdn each.

Glowing Pink has a subtle duochrome that makes it extremely wearable for a soft finish, while Glowing Nude provides a soft bronze highlight. The powders are so softly milled and apply like butter.

Diorskin Nude Air Glowing Gardens

Just look at this INTRICATE DETAIL! I absolutely LOVE the floral motif under the ‘nude’ insignia. These Illuminating Powders are almost too gorgeous to use:

Diorskin Nude Air Glowing Pink

Diorblush Glowing Gardens Vibrant Colour Powder Blush

Dior’s iconic blush imprinted with intricate florals for Spring 2016. The unique Diorblush formula allows for maximum colour expression with a texture that blends seamlessly with the skin, leaving nothing but a veil of pure weightless colour. Floral Pink #844

 

Dior Vernis Glowing Gardens Spring 2016 Shades

Two new shades of Dior’s bestselling gel-like nail lacquer enriched with organic silicon for extra-long wear and formulated without toluene, formaldehyde, phthalates or camphor. Bluette #301 and Lilac #491, $31 Cdn each.

Dior Glowing Gardens Dior Vernis

I knew right when I saw Bluette and Lilac that I wanted to do a gradient with them… but first, a nude and Lilac mani was needed. So I selected Dior Vernis in Lily (121) as my ivory base and created this gradient mani.

Dior Glowing Gardens Vernis Lilac Gradient

and is it not so candy-like? : )

Dior Vernis Lilac Gradient twist

Dior Addict Lip Glow Colour Reviver Balm

Dior Addict Lip Glow — the Dior Backstage must-have to enhance lips and bring out their natural colour. Formulated with Dior’s Colour Reviver Technology, SPF 10 and enriched with Wild Mango and Luffa Cylindrica to protect and moisturize. Wear alone as a lip balm or primer, or team with Dior lipstick or gloss for even more radiant results! Two permanent shades: Pink #001 or Coral #004, and a limited edition Spring shade: Lilac #005, $40 Cdn each.

 

I don’t even have words for my Lip Glow addiction. It’s an incredible balm or nude finisher if you don’t want to bother with lip products… and as the amazing Ricky Wilson, Dior Celebrity makeup artist extraordinaire, taught me, a softly blended pinkish liner like Dior’s Swan topped by Lip Glow results in the perfect rosy pout!

And now it’s here in limited edition Lilac, with a Lip Glow liner to boot. Run — don’t walk — to your nearest Dior counters!!

Dior Glowing Gardens Spring 2016 Collection is Limited Edition, and is now available at Dior Counters nationwide, including at The Bay.com, Sephora and Holt Renfrew.

Which of Dior Glowing Gardens pieces are you going to pick up?

 

~xo

If you liked this post, please take a moment to ‘like’ this post and/or comment! I love to read what you think.

(Products were provided for consideration and review. All opinions are my own.)

OPI’s The Venice Collection Pictures & Swatches!

November 14, 2015
Nailpolish, OPI
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ESCAPE TO ITALY
WITH THE VENICE COLLECTION BY OPI

THINK: Romantic color inspired by Baroque period decadence

WHAT THEY ARE: New lacquers and gels that pay homage to one of the world’s most beautiful cities. The leading nail professional and color experts at OPI have created a collection this Fall/Winter 2015 that captures the essence of one of Europe’s most romantic ancient capitals. A city of opulent pleasures, lavish artwork, and breathtaking Baroque architecture, for centuries Venice has inspired artists and composers to create works of timeless beauty. The world’s number one salon brand has created its own tribute to the famed “Queen of the Adriatic” with the all new Venice Collection. Featuring 15 new lacquer shades with matching GelColor to evoke the sumptuous elegance and grandiose splendor of the floating city, the OPI Venice Collection brings the alluring spirit of Venice to life anywhere.

OPI Co-Founder & Brand Ambassador Suzi Weiss-Fischmann explains, “Dreaming of Venice calls to mind people- watching in the piazza, sipping champagne in a gondola, or enjoying a gelato in an outdoor café as you stroll and float through this extraordinary city. So we created a collection of romantic reds, decadent blues, striking corals, dreamy pastels, elegant nudes, dramatic darks, and luxurious metallics that celebrate this vision of over-the-top indulgence.” This bold and elegant collection will introduce 12 new shades to the permanent OPI color family, and three limited edition offerings to ignite and renew your passion for color with a touch of Italian seduction.

OPI Venice Collection

The Complete Venice Collection Includes:

  • Venice by OPI Nail Lacquers ($4.75 salon, $9.50 retail) ($5.95 CAN salon, $11.50 CAN retail): Enjoy 15 shades of on-trend color that puts Venice at your fingertips. Available as part of the permanent OPI color offerings in lush melon A Great Opera-tunity, persimmon crème It’s a Piazza Cake, shimmery copper Worth a Pretty Penne, coffee cream Tiramisu for Two, ravishing red Amore at the Grand Canal, red shimmer Gimme a Lido Kiss, opaque crème Be There in a Prosecco, pale gray I Cannoli Wear OPI, icy-sweet Gelato on My Mind, pastel lilac Purple Palazzo Pants, bold eggplant O Suzi Mio, luscious black My Gondola or Yours?. Catch these three LIMITED EDITION shades of bold aquamarine Venice the Party?, glittering gold Baroque…But Still Shopping, and deep navy St. Mark’s the Spot.
  • Venice by OPI GelColors (salon price $15.99): Enjoy the same 15 Venice Collection lacquer colors in long wearing, durable OPI GelColor: A Great Opera-tunity, It’s a Piazza Cake, Worth a Pretty Penne, Tiramisu for Two, Amore at the Grand Canal, Gimme a Lido Kiss, Be There in a Prosecco, I Cannoli Wear OPI, Gelato on My Mind, Purple Palazzo Pants, O Suzi Mio, My Gondola or Yours?, and the LIMITED EDITION shades of Venice the Party?, Baroque…But Still Shopping, and St. Mark’s the Spot.

I have to say, OPI’s preview boxes of the Venice Collection were adorable, with an Italian theme including a gold masquerade mask, Dean & Deluca tiramisu caramels along with some Ferrero Rochers to tantalize your taste buds.

How cute was this box??

OPI Venice Collection box

OPI Venice Collection contents(If you noticed that the two reds on the left look the same, you have a great eye. 🙂 My box is missing Amore at the Grand Canal, instead having two Gimme a Lido Kiss {probably the cutest name ever!}. Now I want just a “lido kiss…”)

Now for a few swatches of some of my very favourites from this collection!

Two immediate standouts for me (as you can see from the above photo of the Venice Collection box where I had displayed the two bottles) were I Cannoli Wear OPI and the sweet Gelato on My Mind. I mean… I LOVE these two shades! Of course I had no choice but to combine them into one of my favourite looks, an easy sponge gradient. Seriously though, how stunning are they together?

OPI Venice I Cannoli Gelato Mind GradientDaylight

OPI Venice I Cannoli Gelato Mind Gradient2Artificial light

Another standout, and sure to be a hit for years to come, the pink-leaning nude Tiramisu for Two… truly a colour for divinity:

OPI Venice Tiramisu for Two sun

Direct sunlight

OPI Venice Tiramisu for TwoIndirect natural light – Drooling yet??

The beauty of the Venice Collection continues with A Great Opera-tunity, a pale salmon that makes for a darker nude.

OPI Venice A Great Opera-tunity

To learn more about OPI visit http://www.opi.com. Follow OPI on Twitter and Instagram and become a Facebook fan!

Which of the Venice Collection shades are your favourites?

~xo

If you liked this post, please take a moment to ‘like’ this post and/or comment! I love to read what you think.

(Products were provided for consideration and review. All opinions are my own.)

Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter

August 2, 2013
Beauty, Kiehl's
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Deliciously whipped and decadent like a scoop of vanilla ice cream, Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter is as buttery as they come. Truly a luxuriously scented cream, it is light on skin yet rich in 24-hour hydration. Decadently air-whipped for instant penetration to restore, protect, and soften skin, its formula is quickly absorbed leaving behind  an addictive scent.

KiehlsKey ingredients include shea butter, Squalane, jojoba and beta carotene:

  • Shea Butter is the natural fat obtained from the fruit of the African Karate tree and is widely used in lotions and cleansing products for its hydrating properties. Protects skin from dehydration, restores skin’s suppleness and improves the appearance of dry skin.
  • A signature Kiehl’s ingredient, Squalane is a botanical lipid that is similar in molecular structure to natural skin lipids. It has an exceptional affinity to skin, and because it’s easily absorbed, Squalane helps restore skin’s natural moisture balance to keep it extra soft and supple.
  • Jojoba Oil is extracted from the beanlike seeds of the desert shrub Simondsia Chinensis and has been traditionally used by both Mexicans and Native Americans for skin care purpose. It reduces transepidermal water loss without completely blocking the transportation of water vapor and gasses, providing suppleness and softness. It is nurturing for the skin and helps to restore skin’s natural lipid barrier.
  • Beta-Carotene is a naturally derived antioxidant predominantly found in many orange/red vegetables such as carrots. It is used in Vitamin A production and gives an orange tint when used in skin care products.

The formula contains NO parabens, glycols or silicones.

Following Kiehl’s tips to apply on damp skin to seal in moisture, I started using the Body Butter immediately after a shower or bath, on slightly damp skin. Being whipped, the product does not require emulsifying; simply dip into the jar and apply. It leaves behind a slightly moist finish that absorbs slowly into skin, with a hint of its delicious, soft, warm luxurious scent. Unlike some other body butters that feel great immediately but only sit on top of skin, leaving you feeling dry within hours, this body butter actually absorbs and leaves your skin hydrated, even the next day. And I truly don’t know how Kiehl’s does it, but their softly scented products are intoxicating!

It’s time I pick up a smaller jar for my desk…

For more information or to purchase, please visit Kiehl’s online for Canada or USA, or anywhere that Kiehl’s is sold!

~xo

(Product provided for consideration and review. All opinions are my own.)

göt2b Rockin’ it Dry Shampoo

July 14, 2013
göt2b, Hair, Schwarzkopf
3 Comments

Having long, colour-treated hair like I do, it can sometimes feel like an agonizing chore to wash and blow-dry it. And cutting it is not an option – I just love long hair too much! (I know, I know, I just can’t win with myself!)

So what options does a girl have? Well… as it turns out, we have one really good one.

I recently had the opportunity to try göt2b’s Dry Shampoo from Rockin’ it, a high-quality professional line based on Schwarzkopf technology that includes the Dry Shampoo, Rockin’ it Hairspray, and Gel, all at affordable prices.

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A little about the product:

Rockin’ it Dry Shampoo effectively removes oil from hair to instantly refresh your style without having to shampoo.  Perfect for women-on-the-go, those whose styling routine is too extensive for daily washing or those looking to preserve their hair colour.  As an added bonus, Rockin’ it Dry Shampoo offers incredible hold and volume.  Suggested retail price is $7.99, 122g.

Final Verdict:

Having relied on dry shampoo to freshen up my hair for some time now, this was admittedly my first attempt using a spray-on dry shampoo. My previous products were wonderful, but were messy to apply and difficult to control as they were in a loose powder form (think, baby powder-like). Rockin’ It Dry Shampoo applies with an even mist, in strong, powerful bursts. It smells fantastic, and does apply whitish (due to the powder); however, the white quickly dissipates with a quick brushing. I found the product freshened up my scalp and hair immediately, and it really delivers on its volume promise.  This might have become my new favourite dry shampoo….

The new Rockin’ it line is available at mass retail locations including Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart, Loblaws PharmaPlus, London Drugs, Metro, Sobeys, Jean Coutu and Zellers across Canada.

(Product provided for consideration and review. All opinions are my own.)

Elizabeth Arden New York in Bloom

June 13, 2013
Beauty, Elizabeth Arden, Elizabeth Arden, Nailpolish
3 Comments

For Spring/Summer 2013, Elizabeth Arden released the New York in Bloom Limited Edition Color Collection. Inspired by the vibrancy of blossoming flowers in the city, New York in Bloom blends a kaleidoscope of bold, urban colors and soft neutrals. Eyes are lined and brightened with shimmering nude, pink, violet and blue/green shadows. Cheeks are flushed with a golden bronze glow. Nails dazzle with brilliant shades of purple and teal. The limited edition packaging is inspired by fresh cut flowers: a mix of delicate blooms and strong pops of beautiful color.

The packaging is absolutely beautiful, especially on the bronzing powder and eyeshadows. And the colour selection is pretty and spot-on for the season.

LIMITED EDITION Bold Eye Pencil ($22.00)
Conveniently packaged with a pencil sharpener, this dramatic liner delivers high-pigment color in just one stroke.
Shades: Iridescent Teal, Platinum Glow and Terra

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The Bold Eye Pencils colours I have above are Platinum Glow (left/lower) and Iridescent Teal. I have tried many different eye pencils over the years, and have found chunky or bold pencils to be hit or miss. Some are too soft, some are too thick to use as a liner, some smudge too much. The Elizabeth Arden Bold Eye Pencils are, in a word, perfection! Packaged in a box with its own sharpener (huge bonus in my opinion), each pencil arrives sharp and pointy as in the photo above, and they apply like a dream. I had no trouble using them as liners, applying thin to very thick lines, and when the point eventually dulled, it sharpened right back to a nice point.

Application is flawless: the pencils are not quite as soft as kohl pencils (which tend to smudge a lot), but are not as hard as some eye pencils can be; they are a great medium hardness that soften a touch on warm skin. I loved the combination of Platinum Glow as a thick base colour with a thinner line of Iridescent Teal, as in the photo below:

EA-liners3Platinum Glow also makes a perfect highlighting shadow under the brow bone or in the inner eye corner! Bonus? It’s more purse-friendly than a shadow! And I wore Iridescent Teal alone, over-top of black liner for a pop of colour, used it to line my inner rim, and loved it every single way. I will try and share more looks using the pencils!

 

LIMITED EDITION Eye Shadow Trio ($38.00)
A palette of three eye shadows, in matte, metallic and shimmer finishes, offers a range of looks. Highlight, contour and accentuate eyes with multi-pigment powder shadows. Created through a proprietary process, each pigment is coated with emollients and long wearing ingredients. Hues can be applied dry or wet, and are embossed with an intricate floral texture.
Key Ingredients:

  • Mineral Mica and Nylon act as optical diffusers, softening the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

Shades: Viridian Bloom, Violet Bloom

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Is that not a stunning compact?? The gold, the colours, the flowers, even the tiny red door symbol that is so synonymous with Elizabeth Arden!

Open it up to reveal the gorgeousness inside:

EA_makeup_shadowThis is the Violet Bloom Trio, embossed with pretty sunflowers. It looks like a piece of art! Inside the mirrored compact are three coordinated shadows: a shimmery taupe, a muted satin bright pink, and a matte deep plum, all meant to be used dry or wet. I am dying to wear these shadows, but have a confession: I have not been able to rub a brush over the prettiness of its surface yet! I will create a look soon and share with you. 🙂

 

LIMITED EDITION Nail Lacquer Duo ($22.00)
This double-sided polish offers a salon-quality manicure at home. With beautiful, trend-inspired color on one end and an ultra glossy, clear gel-like topcoat on the other, this nail duo imparts lasting color with a professional, high-shine finish.
Shades: Purple Orchid, Teal Blossom

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Shown above is Purple Orchid, a medium-hued plum that will suit a huge variety of skintones. I applied two coats and added the glossy top coat provided. Look at that shine!

Application was easy, and I found the duo to be really useful, especially as it’s in such a small package. The polish dried very quickly, and was shiny even before topcoat.

 

Also included in the New York in Bloom collection are a Bronzing Powder, Color Radiance Blush, Luminous Lip Gloss and Lash Enhancing Mascara.

 

Final verdict? Elizabeth Arden has launched a cohesive collection, perfect for spring and summer, centering on a few beauty essentials in two tonal families. The application was fantastic in all the products I tried, and I think I will pick up the bronzing powder next!

The New York in Bloom Spring/Summer 2013 Color Collection is now available for a limited time beginning at all Elizabeth Arden counters nationally. For more information, check out www.elizabetharden.ca or www.elizabetharden.com!

 

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