Mascara showdown | Drugstore Summer 2015

It's that time of the year again, tons of interesting new releases at the drugstore! Let's celebrate with another Mascara Showdown (you can check out the winter edition here). This summer, there are some trends I just don't get though? Apparently, messy, clumpy lashes are all the rage? I think by "Sexy Mess" they mean, "Hot Mess", but that's just me! For some reason I was still compelled to try it... Therefore, I got two seemingly identical (in concept) mascaras from L'Oreal and Maybelline and another unrelated mascara from Covergirl. 

Brand Overview | Colourpop Cosmetics

Holy Toledo! I don't think I've ever been this excited about a brand, like ever. Colourpop Cosmetics has worked it's way into my heart in about 0.5 seconds, absolutely ridiculous. And this love affair is completely justified and rational, trust me, I'll prove it to ya!

 I'm gonna start ahead by saying that this brand is stupid affordable, yes less expensive than your favorite drugstore brands (most likely), so don't worry if you get tempted to splurge after this post ;)

The have lipsticks (lippie stix), lip liners and eyeshadows (5$ each) and also offer blushes,  highlighters and bronzers ($8 each). See, crazy cheap! But you know what's not cheap? The quality of their products.

First the Lippie Stix, I love that they are skinny! Makes for a more precise application, and until your product is done at that! The scent is extremely sweet, which I like, but might be a bit overwhelming for some people. I got cream & matte finishes so I can only vouch for those, but they are pretty comfortable on the lips (not really hydrating, but also not drying) and last for days! Well obviously not really, but the staying power was really impressive, and not just for a $5 lipstick, for a lipstick in general, so I'm pretty sure that's unbeatable. 

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream | Swatches, Try On & Review

Where in the world have I been? I knew these existed, I saw them become sort of a big deal, and I still sat there like ; Eeehh, I don't need that. WRONG. 

Then I started a love affair with the Rimmel Show Off Matte Lip Velvet, which are essentially the same. BUT, the NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams are cuter (packaging wise), smell better (cupcakes!) but most importantly, they come in a wider variety of colors. Don't worry, I still truly do love the Rimmel ones, and nothing can replace Burning Lava, it's just the best red. End of discussion.

As always, I started things slow and only got two. And then I went back for 2 more within a week, oops! Yes it does make me sounds crazy and like I need help, which I do, but what's great for you, is that it proves that I really fell in love with them, hard.

Just like the Rimmel, the texture is just...It's so light and thin and just glides on. You feel like you are wearing nothing! They are also obviously insanely pigmented and can last quite a few hours. Basically, until you eat, you're good. However, whatever doesn't wipe off kinda acts like a stain, so it's there to stay (especially the bolder colors). Oh and they actually feel really comfortable on the lips.

The Perfect Summer Foundation | Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless

Things are heating up and maybe it's time to rethink your foundation routine! 

Want a foundation that keeps you matte and minimizes pores without drying you out, that's not cakey and feels light on the skin? Look no further!

I bought this foundation prepared to hate it. Odd I know, but what can I say, I like to live dangerously. Considering I wasn't swooned by the L'Oreal Infallible Pro Matte nor the Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous, I figured this being the same category, or the Maybelline counterpart, I would not be impressed with this one either. Wrong.

Brand Showcase | Chelsea Dawn Lipsticks

I know I know, I've been a bit MIA, and might be in the near future too, but I got important stuff to deal with! Like top secret government stuff, only not really, but kinda. 

ANYWAYS! Exciting things today :

A) This marks my 100th post! Woohoo!! Thank you so much for your support, I never thought I'd get past 10, so I feel very blessed and motivated thanks to you dear readers!

B) Today's featured brand is right from my hometown of Montreal! Represent!

I have had the chance to meet the lovely Chelsea as we both worked in the same mall  way back in the day. She went on to become a talented makeup artist and hairstylist and I went on to...Well I'm doing my own thing haha 

Point is, when I heard she was coming out with her own line of lipsticks, I was super stoked. The Chelsea Dawn collection is composed of 8 lipsticks so far, with a mix of finishes. They are cruelty free, paraben free and hypo-allergenic and retail for 20$ each.

Photo credit : Chelsea Dawn Chawsky

Products I Regret Buying | Vol. 3

I was due for another one of these! I'll try to do these more often because sometimes it piles up and a throw things out without talking about it, which I regret later. BUT to give your wallet a nice break, here are a few things I've been trying out lately that I really wish I hadn't spent money on...

Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Foundation - Now when I first put this on, I was EXCITED! The coverage was nice, the color match was on point, the finish was pretty natural...But what happened in the next few hours was nothing short of horrifying. I can't even explain it, I'd have to take a time lapse video and let you see for yourselves. In a nutshell : cakiness, oiliness, oil break down, dry patches. The worst part is I KEPT trying it, several times, after the first fail. Every time I was about to toss it out, somebody would talk about how great it was, and I'd think, maybe I'm doing it wrong? I've tried with different primers, different ways to apply it, mixing it in with stuff. I just didn't work for me. PASS. 

Product Review | Lacôme Miracle Cushion Foundation

So there's hot new foundation from Lancôme out! With a "never before" seen concept. Except, the concept has been around in Asia for a while, and some brands are even available here BUT I guess it's new to the American market/brands.

As I've mentioned in my skin care routine, I went to a fancy shmancy party (again the only cool thing that's happened to me in LA, my life is NOT glamourous) where Lancôme was one of the sponsors. They had a little kiosque at the venue, where you could get free touch ups and win prizes. Not to brag, but the lady said she didn't want to touch up my makeup cause it was too perfect. OKAY I'M TOTALLY BRAGGING #sorrynotsorry. I did play a little game (the free cocktails erased the memory of what said game was) and won this foundation! Yay!

Ok long story short, been testing it since February and I never spoke about until now since it was only released last week. So without further ado may I present the Lancôme Miracle Cushion Foundation

Skincare Roundup | Best "10 Minute" Face Masks

Shockingly enough, I'm actually pretty low maintenance (or at least I like to think I am). So I'm very excited to have found powerful masks that work quickly. The days of leaving clay masks for 20-30 minutes are behind me, I'm all about the 10 minute facials.

I've recently been using  two new masks, and I felt it was important for me to talk about these. I think I might actually get to the bottom of these and then repurchase them (or you know, until the next cool thing comes out haha).

Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud Purifying Black Mask - As you may know, I LOVE the Peter Thomas Roth face masks. So when I saw they were coming out with the Irish Moor Mud Mask, I had to contain myself. Months passed, and face masks emptied, it was finally time to make this one mine. Right now, I need to contain myself not to swear because, HOLY SH**. Okay, let's break it down, this mask is designed to purify, unclog congested pores and hydrate. So it's composed of Irish moor mud  which helps "to draw out dirt, oil, and impurities as it infuses skin with moisture and vitamins.", Hijiki Seaweed to nourish and hydrate and Volcanic Ash and Activated Charcoal to really deeply purify the skin. Holy results Batman! I don't think I've ever been this impressed by a face mask upon the first use. My skin was instantly brighter and ridiculously smooth. I kept freaking out and my husband was telling me it was in my head because I wanted to like it so much. I made him touch my face, and even he noticed how much softer it was. You really feel like your skin is super deeply cleansed. Best part? It doesn't dry hard and only takes 10 minutes. It's this thick, pudding like, black goo. Oh and it makes you look scary as hell though, like the Black Warrior. Over time, it's really helped to keep my skin fresh and glowy (with the help of my Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate I'm sure). I think it's excellent for ALL skin types. Rapidly becoming my all time favorite mask.

Product Review | Tarte Showstopper Palette

I got this Tarte Showstopper palette (yes I know, another palette...I have problems!!) during the VIB sale at Sephora. In my defense, I needed (well wanted) a good all around palette to travel with since we have a few out of town weddings coming up. I know travel friendly is always a "pro" I mention with all other compact palettes that have been showcased recently, but this one is tiny, has eye shadows, blush, bronzer and highlighter! It doesn't get much better than that!

April 2015 Favorites

What the what?! I feel like I JUST did my last favorites...Time sure does fly! Like always, I gravitated towards/discovered a few different products this month, so let's jump right in!

Maybelline Rebel Bloom Lipstick in Blushing Bud & By Terry Baume De Rose in Toffee Cream - As I mentioned in my By Terry Baume De Rose post, I've created some of my favorite combos with these glosses, this being one of them. Sooo good.

BareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss in Life of the Party - The other lip product I've been reaching for this month is this gloss I got in a 500 point BI reward BareMinerals kit. It's just lovely. I apply it pretty sheer cause it's REALLY pink, but I really like how it looks on me. It isn't too sticky either and it's fresh and minty and feels really comfortable on the lips and for a long time!

Left to right : Life of the Party, Blushing Bud, Toffee Cream, Blushing Bud + Toffee Cream