March beauty favourites

In March I had the opportunity to try out a few new products from brands that are not widely available. Lets get straight to the point:
Vaseline Rosy Lips (not available in Canada)
Bourjois Bronzing Powder in chocolate format
Glissandra 3-step Skincare (loaded with good ingredients-Review to come)
Jan Marini Bioglycolic Facial Cleanser (serious cleanser to treat clogged pores-Review to come)
Hana Elite Professional Ceramic flat iron with tourmaline from Misikko.com (OMG! were my first words to come out of my mouth when this goddess of a flat iron touched my hair-gorgeous hair! Review coming & cross your fingers-xx-giveaway-xx)
Vasanti eye shadow palette in shade The Hamptons (reviewed)
What were your March beauty favourites?

(polyvore.com)

D.I.Y Brush Holder

This weekend why not organize your makeup brushes, here's an easy do-it-yourself makeup brush holder. Go to your nearest Dollar Store or its equivalent (depending what currency your using) & get a vase and pepples. Here I've made a brush holder for some of my eye makeup brushes, if your making a brush holder for your face brushes I suggest smaller pepples so that the thicker handles fit better. And voila! Easy right?

Vasanti Cosmetics {Spring'10}

I remember when Canadian owned and operated Vasanti Cosmetics was just a kiosk at Fairview Mall in Toronto. Not sure how I heard about the brand but I remember buying a few items; Baltic lipshine (when the packaging was alot smaller), Andes Blush (great as a bronzer) and Y2 Wonders of the World concealer (the formula was a bit dry perhaps its been changed). Vasanti Cosmetics has definitely come along way since they owned that kiosk, available online at vasanticosmetics, amazon.com, and drugstores Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall Pharma Plus. What first attracted me to try Vasanti was that their cosmetics catered to yellow-toned women (they have now expanded into more skintones since I remembered the line), and their makeup is highly pigmented. Fast forward years later and here I am posting about their Spring 2010 collection. A few items I was fortunate to "play" with;

Eye Colour Palette in shade The Hamptons (5 eyeshadows in versatile shades, very soft, pigmented, pressed powder. The 2nd shade (peachy/pink) makes a good cheek blush)

Blush in Swiss Alps (nice pink/plum shade gives you that pinched-cheek look, one of my February faves picks)

Lipsticks in Denmark (top) & Sweden (bottom), (very sheer, creamy lipsticks, texture & stain of Denmark reminds me of a tinted lipbalm)
Overall, Vasanti Cosmetics are fantastic products worth checking out. My favourite section on their site are the makeovers.
Have you tried Vasanti Cosmetics? If yes, what are your favourite items?
(image of blush: vasanticosmetics.com)

Forever Young {Spring 2010}

What is the cut off age to shop at Forever21? Being that I'm in my early thirties I sometimes feel a little ackward when I'm in the fitting rooms of such stores when I hear squeals of excitement from the teens in the rooms next to mine. But I also have a chuckle when I think of the money I'm saving on basic fashion pieces that I otherwise don't think I'll wear forever either. And to be honest Forever 21 has some really cute trendy stuff, the fabric is pretty good too, if you know how to choose. Tip: their Twelve by Twelve Collection is a must to check out!
Question is, when is it too old to shop at stores like Forever21? Is there a cut-off age?
Items purchased: the dress in the top pic and the two items on the bottom

(images: forever21.com)

get Glowing {SK-II Cellumination Essence}

This March SK-II launched an exciting new series of products called Cellumination, loaded with SK-II exclusive ingredients. The new SK-II Cellumination line:

SK-II Cellumination Series is a next-generation skincare ritual to help brighten the complexion. Both products help to condition skins surface cells to impart both evenness and radiance.

SK-II Cellumination Essence Hydrating Serum was developed with key ingredients Centella asiatica extract, Nicotinamide W and Pitera, which is singular blend of vitamins, amino acids, minerals and organic acids that works together infuse the skin’s surface with essential moisture, while providing radiance.
SK-II Cellumination Cream Illuminating Moisturizer is an intensive daily moisture gel. Designed to provide superior hydration, while instantly illuminating the complexion.(sk-ii.com)

I'm in the process of testing out the SK-II Cellumination Essence Hydrating Serum and will report soon! When I'm in the process of trying out sincare I make sure to use it for a good few weeks, in order to provide the most honest review based on my experiences. I will add that the SK-II Cellumination Essence is very different from any other product I've tried thus far, and am excited with the findings of the research from this product. A co-worker of mine swears by SK-II and from my experience with the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence (which I've finished & must get another one) I can add so far so good!
The SK-II Cellumination Series is available as of March 2010 at select Saks Fifth Avenue & Bloomingdales or check out SK-II.
(image: SK-II.com) disclaimer: no promtional commission is being paid, upcoming review is based on my own personal experiences and not influenced by outside sources.

Edit: My review...

The Sk-II Cellumination Essence smoothed out my skin however I didn't notice any glowing effect or natural radiance. This product actually works well as a primer but I wasn't thrilled with its hydrating effects. For me I much prefer the SK-II Essence Water over this product.

a flawless face {Chanel ProLumiere Professional Finish Makeup}

Flawless looking skin from a bottle? Yes its possible to fake a flawless complexion if you have the right tools. For me its Chanel Pro Lumiere Professional Finish Makeup with SPF15, this is my go to foundation for events, my not-so-great skin days, and if I know my photo is going to be taken. I don't usually recommend using a foundation with SPF for photos, as you can get that mask-like effect, however this foundation doesn't do that. Reasons why I love it? 

-oil-free formula therefore great for my combination skin type

-semi-matte finish just with the right amount of dewyness

-medium to full coverage, reason I use it just for special days (for everyday I prefer a lighter foundation) 

not really cons but reasons why it doesn't get full love points;

-shade is not an exact match, #30 Shell (very close but just a tad darker than I'd like & shade #20 is too light)

-best applied with a foundation brush (doesn't work as well for me when I use my fingers, just a personal preference)

-for long lasting finish set with a powder (not necessary but if you tend to be combination or oily &/or getting your photo taken)

Verdict= my favourite foundation, and Chanel Vitalumiere as the runner-up, the latter I only recommend for combo skin that's on the drier side or dry skin.

Price $54 US (I purchased mine at duty-free)

What is your go-to foundation for flawless looking skin? Or for special events?

(image: chanel.com)

Check it out {compact mirrors}

How cute are these compact mirrors? So cute! I've seen these compact mirrors on quite a few online sites and thought you'd might also find them quite cute and practical.  There are several styles to choose from and they are so practical for travel and/or touch-ups. The best part is that they light up! They're available online at Les Tai Tai (they ship to the US, UK, and Europe) or at several stores in Canada, Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

(images: LesTaiTai, polyvore.com to create the collage)

Nuts over nuNAAT {haircare review}

In the past I've complained about having dry and damaged hair, mainly because I love highlights. I've also recently toned down the highlights and now have a chestnut/reddish all-over shade, which also means that nourishing my hair is a must. Since I often travel to Brazil for work, one beauty item I notice alot is haircare, there are endless haircare supply stores in Sao Paulo and I never know which brand to try. Coincidently, I was asked to try haircare products by Brazilian beauty care company  nuNAAT. Formulated with keratin which aids in restoring dry and damaged hair I was definitely a candidate! In my kit I received:

•Karite Creamy Shampoo-Formulated with Shea butter, one of the richest emollients available, the Karite Creamy Shampoo gently cleanses while restoring shine and silkiness to dry and damaged hair. Price $6.49 US

•Karite Intensive Mask -Penetrates deep into the hair shaft to nourish and provide a layer of protection from further damaged caused by extensive styling or UV rays. For best results, use weekly by massaging a generous portion into your hair and leaving on for 20 minutes before rinsing. Price $6.99 US

•Karite Anti-Frizz- With its irresistible fragrance, Karite Anti-frizz is a heat-activated, leave-in product for all hair types that helps keep your hair soft while preventing frizz throughout the day. Price $7.49 US

I loved that the products contain shea butter, didn't weigh my hair down, no greasy feeling (not even with the leave-in Karite Anti-frizz) and hair smelled so good.  Hair does look healthier and shiny. Now I'm tempted to try their Chocolate Special line, numerous times in Brazil I saw haircare products formulated with chocolate but just thought of them being a marketing tool, I didn't realize that chocolate was good for dry hair too. On the wishlist:) You can order online or enter your zipcode to find locations near you.

(image: nuNAAT.com) disclaimer: although products were sent gratis no compensation was received to review positive or negative. Review is based on my own personal experience and no commission is made based on sales of the above forementioned.

ocean fresh {bellapella perfume oil}

One advantage of being a flight attendant is discovering new stores by happenstance. I could be in the smallest town in Canada and I will find a quaint boutique. Rarely do I ever stay couped up in my hotel room because I love going for walks and picture taking, one day I will start a travel blog to showcase all my beautiful pictures (so I'm no professional photographer and I own a crappy camera but pictures do tell a story). Before I get off topic! On these walks, I really should leave the wallet back in my hotel room, I always seem to find great beauty products. This time it happened in Montreal, Canada at a bath and body store called Bella Pella. Here's an excerpt from their site.

A few years ago, a small, innovative team committed itself to the creation of fresh, handmade food products for the skin. Thus marked the birth of Bella Pella.
Infusing aromatherapy, culinary expertise, scientific research and some Italian traditions- the four keys in bringing you high quality personal care products.
Hand-crafted with care, Bella Pella uses many natural ingredients, pure essential oils, and high quality fragrances to produce our medley of soaps, shower gels, shampoos, lotions, and Bain Champenois. Used on a regular basis our aromatic products will nourish your skin and stimulate your senses like no other.

Although Bella Pella was located in an underground mall the store itself felt homely and the staff member who helped me was extremely friendly without the pushy sales pitch. Oh and the products! Everything smelled so good...they even carry skincare that I regret not buying but I just couldn't fathom more skincare when I still have alot at home. I told myself ONLY one item....and one item I found, Le grand Bleu Perfume Oil perfect for work as its very subtle and I don't like to wear or carry my existing perfume bottles. Le grand Bleu Perfume Oil comes in a little frosted-glass roll-on bottle which fits in my uniform's blazer pocket. And smells divine, like you just stepped out of the shower! Literally like ocean (minus the fishy smell) with a mix of Ylang Ylang essential oil. Unfortunately, Bella Pella stores are only located in Montreal but you can buy online too, minus the scent! (note: I didn't see the perfume oils online)

For more info:

http://www.bellapella.com/

(store image: bellapella.com)

No stripping required {Olay ProX Restorative Cleanser}

How many times have we stood in front of the skincare aisle at our local drugstore contemplating which new cleanser to try? Well I'm here to tell you that I've done the guess work for you. Olay's new Pro-X line has wonderful products to try, the latest I've been using (check my February faves post) is Olay Pro-X Restorative Cream Cleanser which was released just last month. Excellent facial cleanser! Does not strip your face, suds lightly, face doesn't feel tight or dry afterwards, and removes makeup well (heavier eye makeup looks might need a separate makeup remover).  This milky-gel cleanser is PH-balanced, fragrance-free and contains gentle cleansing agents. Also, I like that it comes in a pump-style plastic bottle so its easy to travel with.
The suggested retail price for Olay Professional Pro-X Restorative Cream Cleanser (150 mL) is $28.99 approx. (psst! I saw this recently on sale at Shoppers Drug Mart for $24)
Have you come across any good drugstore facial cleansers lately?

Put your Green face on today {makeup}

Put on your green face today for St. Patrick's Day, great day to celebrate the gorgeous shades of green.  The following makeup was created by legendary makeup artist Billy B, perhaps a few of you haven't heard about him but I'm sure you've seen his work.

(images: billybbeauty.com)

F is for Fail {beauty report}

beautyreport by beautyparler on Polyvore.com

Although I post more positive beauty reviews than I post negative ones, its not for a lack of dislike. Over the years I've tested out quite a few products that according to beauty insiders, fashion/beauty magazines, and online beauty forums have rated quite positive. However, once I've purchased these products thought, what the heck were these women smoking.... Nope! Not for me.  Above are just a few of the most famous beauty products that personally just didn't get the passing grade.
Items;
Clinique Facial Soap (I don't like putting bars of soap on my face & this one is no exception, too drying & left soap scum)
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara (Great...Yeah right! What's so great about a mascara that smudges, makes you look like a racoon and clumps)
Creme de La Mer (big tub of expensive lard with marine extracts much rather use my cheap version of German-made Nivea in a tin)
Benefit Benetint (a rose-scented/coloured watery mess)
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizer (sells every minute across the Globe...yeah ok. Plain, yellow tinted moisturizer...blah)
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion (potion yes to take your money! Primer no...did nothing for my super oily eyelids. OK grant it I have the oiliest eye lids so I know this works for alot of you)
Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser (gentle yes very! But so is water...)
On a last note, just because I'm not a fan of any of the above products does not mean that I'm not a fan of their respective brands. There are good and not so good products in any of these mentioned name brands. And what might not work for me might work for you! Disclaimer:Opinions expressed are solely of the owner of this blog.
I want to know what beauty products you have tried that failed?

Noir is the new Black {Noir Cosmetics}

If every gal needs a Little Black Dress than surely every gal needs a good black eyeliner! Its the #1 staple in every makeup kit, one you can't go without. Canadian company Noir Cosmetics is betting it all on black! Montrealer Caroline Cohen was fed up with trying to find that perfect black eye liner, so what did she do? Cohen used her expertise in marketing with the help of her beauty professional family members and created Noir Cosmetics. Which specialize in...you guessed it Black hence the name Noir, french for black. I was generously sent the Noir Cosmetics collection for review and truthfully write that these cosmetics are fantasic products. The quality and the pigment of the products are professional grade, and, although the colour range is obviously black the range of looks you can create are versatile. The only product that has colour is the Jewel Box Eye Shadow Trio which is designed to bring any look together. For the quallity of the products the prices are also very reasonable. Items I received for review;

Jewel Box Eye Shadow Trio (shades Ivory Pearl, Silver Quartz & Diamond Black)

Pencil Sharpener 3-in-1

High Precision Eyeliner brush

Gel Eyeliner (in Royal Black)

Smooth Blend Eyeliner with Sponge Tip (in Smog)

Kohl Eyeliner (in Black Mania)

Long-wear Eyeliner (in Forever Noir)

Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner (in Jet)

Glimmer Liquid Eyeliner (in Starry Night)

Lifeline Liquid Eyeliner (in True Black)

Lash Lust Mascara (in Black Out)

Ultra Rich Black Eye Pencil

Do any of you have a favourite brand of black eyeliner?

Noir Cosmetics is available online at http://www.noircosmetics.com/ and at Jean Coutu pharmacies throughout Quebec.

(image with model: noircosmetics.com)

disclamier: although product was received gratis for review I was neither influenced to post a postive review nor paid

final masterpieces {Alexander McQueen 2010 Fall/Winter Collection}

This past Tuesday in Paris there was a private showing of the late Alexander McQueen's Fall/Winter 2010 Collection. McQueen had completed 16 pieces at 80% complete before his passing. His inspirations, the Dark Ages;

What McQueen was preparing had a poetic, medieval beauty that dealt with religious iconography while recapturing memories of his own past collections. He had ordered fabric that translated digital photographs of paintings of high-church angels and Bosch demons into hand-loomed jacquards, then taken the materials and cut stately caped gowns and short draped dresses. In its ornate surface narrative, that might read as a kick against the plain and restrained direction fashion is taking, but in their own way, the fluted, attenuated lines of his long dresses suggested a calm and simplicity. Instead of aggression, they transmitted the grace of the medieval Madonnas and Byzantine empresses McQueen had been studying. (style.com)

The workmanship, textiles, and embroidery are just beautiful! Truly masterpieces!

(images: style.com)

getting ready for Spring time with help from Mango

Earlier today I posted a few Fall/Winter 2010 looks but now its time to Spring forward...my boyfriend says that I don't wear enough skirts and dresses so I surfed the net and found a few at one of my favourite stores, Mango.  I see a pattern here...jean & blue.

Have any of you started your Spring/Summer wardrobe shopping?(images: mangoshop.com)

a little too early for Fall/Winter 2010 or is it? {Plutocracy Collection}

I'm aware that Spring/Summer hasn't officially arrived but when I got a sneak preview of the Fall/Winter 2010 collection from PLUTOCRACY I had to post. I'm in love with this collection, for its 1940's suit inspired looks with a modern twist. Behind the PLUTOCRACY label is Anitra Michelle, her inpsiration for Fall/Winter;

“When I started “Rising Revolt” I was inspired by those women who had to take their husbands’ places in the workforce during the 1940’s,” says Anitra Michelle. “When the men came home, these women were faced with who they had become and what they were expected to return to. Those who embraced their new roles were definitely fighting their own war. It was a revolt between what they were and what they were supposed to be. I don’t think much has changed in today’s age style-wise. Women are too often expected to look and dress in a way that is contrary to their true essence and this collection is both a means of self-expression and empowerment.” (plutocracy PR release)

PLUTOCRACY’s “Rising Revolt” Winter/Fall 2010 collection is available for purchase at select online boutiques and stores. (images: bellapr)

Stronger, fuller, thicker looking lashes! {L'Oréal Lash Boosting Serum giveaway}

Who doesn't want stronger, fuller, and thicker lashes? Not you than no need to enter but if you said yes enter my L'Oréal Lash Boosting Serum giveaway. I received a couple to giveaway to my friends and since I consider you all my friends I decided to give ONE away here on my blog. Use it for 4 weeks and lashes are to appear fuller, stronger, more lush, and less eyelash lost. The formula contains; a pro-keratine complex + pro-vitamin B5 + pro-peptide + arginine and centella asiatica, all ingredients that aid in healthy eye lashes. Test it out for yourself as I am still in the process of reviewing the L'Oréal Lash Boosting Serum.  

Rules:

(1) Open to International readers

(2) If your the winner would love to get your feedback on the product

(3) Hopefully, you follow my blog

(4) Enter before April 1st midnight

(5) Leave a comment, "what are your eye lash concerns?"

GOODLUCK! One entry per person please:)
(image: lorealparis.ca)

get covered {Smart Cover Concealer review}

Do you have dark under eye circles like me? Most beauty junkies have heard of Smart Cover Cosmetics and for those that haven't its a product that covers not only dark under eye circles but acne marks, tattoos, varicose veins, basically anything that you feel needs covering. I can't attest to the latter but in terms of dark under eye circles this product passes the test. What I like about the concealing creme is that its exactly that, creamy. Doesn't cake or crease and looks natural. Its also waterproof so perfect for brides to be! Thankfully, I received the Smart Cover-Up Kit in the light combo:

3 concealing shades-light beige, medium beige, dark beige + a colour corrector

1 Moisture Primer Lotion

1 Cover Stick in Natural beige

1 Vitamin cover stick (no colour)

2 blending wedge sponges

1 camouflage brush

& a clear travel plastic bag

= $29.75 US

For all those products that's a great deal, sure you get alot of product but the idea is that you can mix the shades with the colour corrector depending on your skintone & the season to find the colour match for you. The Light Beige was a good match for me so I didn't need to do any mixing. What to do with the other two shades, just mix it in with either the Moisture Primer Lotion or your own moisturizer to make a tinted moisturizer. Also, a little goes along way, seriously I suggest a dot for under each eye. What really peaked my interest in wanting to try Smart Cover was that its has been used by celebrity makeup-artists in Hollywood (check out the link & actressses). In the future another of their products that interests me is the Perfect Touch Camouflage Creme & the Bronzer (have I mentioned that I'm hooked on bronzers), but those purchases will have to wait I'm suppose to be on a "no-buy" policy. Yikes! see how long that lasts.
Have any of you heard of Smart Cover Cosmetics? Thoughts?
Dislcaimer: although I received the products for review I was not influenced to write a positive review nor was I paid.

a girl and her makeup sale {Estee Lauder Warehouse event}

This past weekend I went to my first ever Estee Lauder Sale, by invite only, in the Toronto area. Luckily, I went on Friday (the first day of the sale) and found most items that I wanted in stock. I also went mid-afternoon missing the morning and evening rush, perfect! The event was very well-organized and calm. My plan of attack...nothing really. I didn't know what to expect but I did have a budget that I went over by a "little".

Here's the list:
Origins Clean Energy Gentle Cleasning Oil (awesome stuff!)
MAC Charged Water skin Hydrating Mist in the Youth Aura version (liking this too!)
haven't tried any of the other items yet
MAC Nail Lacquers in Seasonal Peach, and Love & Friendship
MAC pigment in Blue/Brown
MAC eye shadow in Apres-Ski
MAC shadestick in Pink Couture
MAC blushcreme in Sweet William
Bobbi Brown Luminous Moisturizing Foundation in Beige
MAC lipsticks in Hue, Way to Love, Party Mate
Estee Lauder lipstick in Tender Mauve
MAC Charity bag (minimum donation of $5.00) came with 4 items & depending on what day you went it varied, all MAC items:
lipstick in Hipster, eye liner in Fly-by-Blu, blush in Notable, eye shadow in Glamour Check
Free Gift:
MAC mineralize skinfinish in Perfect Topping
Have any of you've been to cosmetic warehouse events in your area? Any of your favourites in my list?

new uniform

When I'm not in uniform I love wearing jeans thus this look is my new uniform....

the only thing I would add would be a berry coloured lipstick. Perhaps if I added a silk scarf I could get away with it looking like my work uniform...now that would look cool. Coffee, tea,.....

image via the Sartorialist

Across the Pond {just a few things}

Last week while in London I picked up just a few things...just a few! Most of you must think all I do is shop but I will add that I rarely shop while at home because I love purchasing items in other countries for two reasons (1) I won't be caught wearing the same thing (2) I love a bargain. The second reason is not always true but if I can get cosmetics and skincare items at duty-free shops than I tend to save for those trips (I also get an airline crew discount at most duty-free). Also, depending on the exchange rates, bargains are to be found even in London where the Canadian dollar doesn't go very far! And for no other reason sometimes there is not much to do on a layover, especially if I've already done the tourist thing, thus "window-shopping" keeps me company. Atleast that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!

A new discovery for me in London was Primark (all my co-workers rave about this store) and I had never been. I almost walked out when I got to Primark, why? It's a madhouse!! Imagine ants everywhere in search of crumbs...but I endured and found a few cute items. Lets be honest here, stores like Primark are for those looking for fashionable disposable clothing and as I get older I'd rather shop for quality over disposable. However, if you know your textiles you can find decent quality pieces that won't tear after the first use. Purchased, a flower t-back loose tank and a sleeve-less rainbow bright light-weight sweater which can also be worn as a mini-dress with leggings or bare legged. After that I crossed Oxford street and found makeup of course! Originally I was hoping to buy Jemma Kidd makeup but the SpaceNK I went into didn't carry the line so I walked into Boots Pharmacy.

Items purchased:

Boots Botanics Quick Fix cleansing wipes

Vaseline tinted lip balm in Rosy Lips (never seen these in Canada) Love it!

Bourjois bronzing powder in #52 (fantastic shade & looks like a chocolate bar, slight sweet fragrance)

Sleek blush in Flamingo (looks like NARS mata-hari blush...hot pink!)

Any makeup purchases lately?

hecho in Colombia {accessories haul}

Colombia, not just for coffee lovers! Medellin, Colombia unbeknowest to me is a textile hub. Which also means I did quite a bit of shopping! One shopping mall in particular that I love is El Tesoro Parque Comercial, this mall is one of the nicest I've seen in the World. A few shops that I fell in love with were:
NafNaf (a French brand, no free-standing stores in Canada) I purchased a gorgeous pair of pleated tapered at the ankle jeans
StudioF
Tennis (lots of great basic tee's & jeans)
Chevignon (another French company which is very popular in Colombia)
Touché (gorgeous swimwear)
Leonisa
Ondademar
Velez
GEF (denim, basics, clothing for the whole family)
And now onto my favourite purchases (I haven't included clothing or swimwear because it would be too many pics):

hand-made leather sandals by SergioTomani (these actually look much better on the feet)

purse by Limon Piel

Any favourite brands/stores that you love which you can't find in your hometown?