Review and Swatches: bareMinerals 100% Natural Mini Lip Gloss Set

bareMinerals 100% Natural Mini Lip Gloss Set, Plumtini, Muffin Top, Pink Lemonade, Apricot Nectar and Sugar Cookie

bareMinerals 100% Natural Lip Gloss Set. 

Plumtini, Muffin Top, Pink Lemonade,Apricot Nectar and  Sugar Cookie

I totally got suckered into grabbing this deluxe sample pack of bareMinerals 100% Natural Lip Glosses. How could I not? I heard a little bit about their Marvellous Moxie lip glosses, but nothing of these. To be honest, they were very difficult to track down information about. I could only find them being sold in select colours on Ulta's website, and in various value packages on QVC's website. Very odd... 

Review and Swatch: theBalm Instain Long-Wearing Powder Staining Blush, Argyle

theBalm Instain Long-Wearing Powder Staining Blush, Argyle (6.5 g/0.23 oz)

I have been eyeing theBalm's Instain blushes ever since they came out last year, but I just couldn't make the jump. To be honest, I don't find the packaging as cute as their other products. Yes, packaging matters and you know it. When theBalm had their 50% off sale a few weeks ago, I threw the colour Argyle into my shopping cart to round-out my cheek product haul. 

Haul-a! Massive bareMinerals Makeup Haul

bareMinerals Makeup Haul

It's haul time! This time around I'll be hauling all bareMinerals makeup. I got in on their huge sale they held for only a short period of time a couple of weeks ago. 

NYC's In a New York Color Nail Polish, Spring 2014 Collection

NYC In a New York Color Nail Polish, Spring 2014 Collection

Spring is just around the corner and you know what that means! No Snow? Well, yes. But also spring nail polish colours!!!

theBalm, How 'Bout Them Apple's, Lip and Cheek Palette, Review and Swatches

theBalm, How 'Bout Them Apple's, Lip and Cheek Palette (20 g/0.7 oz)

theBalm did it again! They always come out with the most adorable and slightly naughty packaging for their products. This time we got ourselves a sassy brunette bombshell on the cover and six handsome shirtless cowboys. Oh my!

Review and Swatches: Hard Candy All Glossed Up Hydrating Lip Stain

Hard Candy All Glossed Up Hydrating Lip Stain, Chic, Cupcake, Mauveous and Love Bite (3.2 g/0.11 oz)

I haven't tried much of Hard Candy's makeup, and I'm not all that sure why. I think I might have tried something years ago and had a bad experience...I do love their nail polishes though. They have a fantastic range of colours and glitters. 

Review, Swatch and Tutorial: L'Oreal Paris Extraordinaire Gel-Lacque 1-2-3 featuring Elegance is Innate Nail Gel-Lacque

L'Oreal Paris Extraodinaire Gel Lacque 1-2-3 System featuring Elegance is Innate Nail Gel-Lacque

L'Oreal Paris came out with innovative new solution to out gel-envy gals and lads out there. The three step system involves only three nails polishes - NO UV LIGHT! That's right, no fancy hi-tech UV light to set the gel in place. 

Haul-a! Drugstore Haul featuring Ardell, Revlon, Hard Candy, NYX, Annabelle and Real Techniques

Drugstore Haul featuring Ardell, Revlon, Hard Candy, NYX, Annabelle and Real Techniques 

Went to the store to pick up another nail polish from NYC that I missed the last time I did a Wal-Mart haul, and I kinda splurged...again. Ekk. Oh, well, I guess more for you all!

Review and Swatch: Wet N' Wild Color Icon Trio, No. 334 I'm Getting Sunburned

Wet N' Wild Color Icon Trio, No. 334 I'm Getting Sunburned (3.5 g/ 012 oz)

Continuing on with my little obsession with Wet N' Wild eyeshadows, I picked up the Color Icon Trio in I'm Getting Sunburned. It's a great addition to my growing collection. 

Review and Swatchs: Rimmel London Apocalips Lip Lacqur, Stellar, Nova andCelestial

Rimmel London Apocalips Lip Lacquer, No. 501 Stellar, No. 102 Nova, No. 101 Celestial (5.5 ml/0.18 fl oz)

So I picked these up back in the summer when they were first released in Canada. My love for them has not faltered. I own three of the 12 colours available - Stellar, Nova and Celestial.

Review and Swatches: NEW NYC Expert Last Lipsticks in Modern Love and Smooch

NYC Expert Last Lipsticks, No. 437 Modern Love and No. 446 Smooch (32 g/0.11 oz)

I've never been a big user of New York Color products...not sure why though. They are affordable and have a variety of products, but I guess somethings always got to give. Now, as I am a bit of a beauty addict, I couldn't resists the three letter word - NEW, on the display for these lovely lipsticks. 

Haul-a! Featuring NYC, Wet N' Wild, Revlon and Maybelline

Makeup Haul: NYC, Wet N' Wild, Revlon and Maybelline

Opps. I did it again...I played with cosmetics, got lost in the aisles. Oh baby, baby
Opps. You think I'm obsessed. That I'm spending too much.I'm not that addicted!

Review and Swatch: Tarte Cosmetics Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation

Tarte Cosmetics Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation (50 ml/1.7 fl. oz)

As far as full coverage foundations go, Tarte's Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation is ranked pretty high. For good reason too. Its does a great job at covering discoloration, hyper pigmentation, scaring and blemishes. 

Review and Swatches: Flower Beauty Kiss Stick Velvet and High-Shine Lip Color

Flower Beauty Kiss Stick Velvet and High-Shine Lip Color (2.83 g/0.10 oz)

Without saying Flower Beauty has the cutest packaging. The Kiss Sticks above, are shaped like a flower petal on the top and have rose gold detail. Who doesn't love rose gold right now? Drew Barrymore did a wonderful job with this line of products and I only wish that they were sold in Canadian Wal-Marts. As of now, you can only purchase them in the American Wal-Marts. Sad face. 

Review and Swatches: Tarte Cosmetics Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Exposed

Tarte Cosmetics Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush, Exposed (5.67 gr/0.2 oz)

One of their most raved about products is their Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blushes. And for good reason. They really do stand the test of time. While they are on the pricey side, they are well worth your money. I owned two of their blushes and during their 20% off sale I grabbed a bunch of goodies I had my eye on, including a new blush - Exposed. 

Review and Swatch: Wet N`Wild Color Icon Trio, Walking on Eggshells

Wet N`Wild Color Icon Trio, Walking on Eggshells (3.5 g/0.12 oz)

Another great neutral palette from Wet N`Wild. Walking on Eggshells is a great little trio to have in your makeup collection as it really does have all the colours you need for a basic everyday eye look. 

Review and Swatches of Tarte Cosmetics, BeMATTEnificet

Tarte Cosmetics Amazonian Colored Clay Matte Collector's Palette - BeMATTEnificent! 

So I totally got sucked into the packaging on this bad boy. How could I not? Tarte isn't exactly know for their sleek packaging, but their limited edition BeMATTEnificent palette has exactly that - cute, sleek, compact and practical. All the things you look for in a palette`s packaging. But what about the product within it? 

Review and Swatches: Revlon Nail Enamel No. 736 Elusive, No. 933 Chameleon, No 678 Daring Graffiti

Revlon Nail Enamel No. 736 Elusive, No. 933 Chameleon, No 678 Graffiti Top Coat (14.7 ml/0.5 fl oz)

Revlon came out with some new nail enamels that I just couldn't resist. I only picked up three, but there was a whole whack of them. The three that I grabbed vary in texture and finish as I wanted to get a good feel of the newbies. I picked mine up at Wal-Mart.

Review and Swatch: Wet N' Wild Color Icon Trio, Sweet as Candy

Wet N' Wild Color Icon Trio, Sweet as Candy (3.5 g/0.12 oz)

Sweet as Candy is a great palette that you can use for your daily look. It reminds of me the Naked 3 as it is pink toned. If you are looking for a less expensive palette to give you a similar look you could achieve with the Naked 3, then pick this up! It's about $3.00 at at Wal-Mart and Superstore vs. Naked 3's $62.00 price tag. Check out my other reviews of on the Wet N' Wild Trio, Silent Treatment and Walking on Eggshells!

Review of Tarte Cosmetics Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Waterproof Brow Mousse

Tarte Cosmetics Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Waterproof Brow Mousse (3.4 g/0.12 oz)

I'm a big fan of gel/mousse/pomade eyebrow products. I find they are the a lot easier to work with and give me the shape I'm going for. A lot of people argue that these types of brow products are best for a perfected look and not necessarily a natural look. I don't seem to have any problems achieving a more natural look. 

Haul-a! Goodies from Tarte

I remember the very first time I walked into a Sephora and saw the Tarte section. I fell in love immediately. I hadn't even used any of their products, but I knew it was true love. Okay...so I fell in love with the packaging. Haven't we all?

Review and Swatches: Wet N' Wild Color Icon Trio, Silent Treatment

Wet N' Wild Color Icon Trio, Silent Treatment (3.5 g/0.12 oz)

I'm late in the Wet N' Wild eyeshadow game, but boy am I glad I finally grabbed some. Silent Treatment has one of my favourite colours from all of the Wet N' Wild palettes I own - the lid shade. It is a silver mauve colour that it very difficult to describe. I suppose that is why I like it so much. You can find Wet N' Wild products at Wal-Mart and Superstore.Check out my other reviews of on the Wet N' Wild Color Icon Trio, Walking on Eggshells and Sweet as Candy!

Milani Color Statement Lipsticks, Fruit Punch, Uptown Mauve and Sangria, Review and Swatches

Milani Color Statement Lipsticks (3.97g/0.14 oz)

Milani's Color Statement lipsticks have been talked about a lot in the beauty blogging world for being fantastically pigmented and affordable. With 35 shades available, you can find the one that's perfect for you or any occasion. You can find them at some Wal-Marts and Superstores. You can also buy them off their website for $5.49. 

Ipsy Glam Bag, February 2014, Review and Swatches

Ipsy Glam Bag, February 2014

Glam bag time! And boy was it a gooder. Loads of full size products that are wearable colours. Nothing like getting stuff for cheap that you'll actually use!

So let's get into it.

Julep Maven, February 2014, Modern Beauty, Review and Swatches

Julep Maven, February 2014, Modern Beauty

Just as promised, below are some swatches of the products I got from the February 2014 Julep Maven Subscription Box. 

Julep Maven February 2014, Modern Beauty

Julep Maven February 2014, Modern Beauty

It's that time of the month! And no, I'm not talking about THAT time...it's Julep time!

e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer Review

e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer (14 g/ 0.49 oz)

Awe, e.l.f., one of my favourite inexpensive makeup brands. I wish you were sold in Canada so my fellow canucks could enjoy your cost saving products. At least you ship internationally for free with a purchase order over $35. Very happy about that - take note other brands!

Haul-a! Nail Polish Haul Featuring Revlon and L'Oreal

So does anyone else find it impossible to enter a Wal-Mart without making a b-line to the beauty department? I sure do. It's a like a magnetic pull. I could be in the dairy section at the total opposite end of the store just to get milk and I will still wind up in the beauty section. Okay...I have a very real problem, but it feels good to be bad. 

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream, Amsterdam, San Paulo, Antwerp, Stockholm, Review and Swatches

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream, Amsterdam, San Paulo, Antwerp, Stockholm (8 ml/0.27 fl oz)

I really have a thing for NYX lip products...can you tell? 

These Soft Matte Lip Creams by NYX are super comfortable to wear and the colour lasts a good 5-6 hours. That's pretty impressive for a matte lipstick that feels like a lip gloss. 
That's probably the best way to describe how these wonderful little lip creams feel - just like a lip gloss. 

NYX Butter Gloss, Tiramisu, Eclair, Maple Blondie, Strawberry Parfait, Review and Swatches

NYX Butter Gloss, Tiramisu, Eclair, Maple Blondie, Strawberry Parfait (8 ml/0.27 fl oz)

Ummm. Butter. Who doesn't like butter? But on your lips? 

NYX came out with there Butter Glosses last year and the blogger world went wild. For good reason too. They are amazing. Hands down my favourite glosses. I only own four. Sad face. But I'll be stocking up once the new collecation hits the shelves in Canada. 

NYX Extra Creamy Round Lipsticks in Indian Pink, Tea Rose and Thalia, Review and Swatches

NYX Extra Creamy Round Lipsticks in Indian Pink, Tea Rose and Thalia (4 g/0.14 oz)

If you haven't tried any NYX products, you should really get your hands on a few of their Extra Creamy Round Lipsticks. 

I only own three, but I love the heck out of them. I hear there may be some new shades on our, so I'll hold off until then...I'm sure I'll do some major damage when NYX's new collection comes to Canada.

Valentines Day Nail Tutorial using Sally Hansen's Xtreme Wear Nail Color

Just in time for Valentines Day! A super easy nail design to celebrate all things LOVE! All you need is two colours, a top coat and a dotting tool. If you do not have a dotting tool, you can use a pen. 

Sally Hansen Satin Glam, Metal Iced, Review and Swatch

Sally Hansen, Satin Glam, Metal Iced (10 ml/0.33 fl oz)

As if I don't already own enough nail polish as it is...I got a new one...just one though. As if that even matters right? Anywho! Sally Hansen came out with yet another textured nail polish - this time in a satin finish. I picked up the Satin Glam nail polish in Metal Iced, because I didn't have a colour like this. 

bareMinerals SPF 20 Eye Brightener, Well - Rested, Review and Swatch

bareMinerals SPF 20 Eye Brightener, Well-Rested  (2 g / 0.07 oz)

Who doesn't want a bright under eye? I mean, it's practically a make it or break it for a perfect makeup look. Bags and dark circles are really not cute, so I'm always on the lookout for a product that will brighten my under eyes. 

Maybelline Color Show Kohl Liner No. 130 Graphite Grey Review and Swatch

Maybelline Color Show Kohl Liner No. 130 Graphite Grey (1g/0.035 oz)

Oh, hello there. I see that you are a kohl eyeliner...nice to meet you. I don't normally get involved with kohl liners...but for you, I think I could make an exception. 

I stumbled upon a new kohl liner collection from Maybelline's Color Show line at Shoppers Drug Mart down on 17th Ave and kinda got suckered in. To be fair, there were so many pretty colours - how could I not? I grabbed one in Graphite Grey as I was in the market for a grey liner and it seemed like it would be a nice one to try. 

Rimmel London Stay Blushed Liquid Cheek Tint No. 001 Pop of Pink Review and Swatch

Rimmel London Stay Blushed Liquid Cheek Tint No. 001 Pop of Pink (14ml/0.47)

Awe. Cream blushes. My Achilles Heel. I just couldn't resist picking up one of Rimmel London's Stay Blushed Liquid Cheek Tints. I almost bought all five, but I controlled my makeup junkie urges. That's not to say I won't go back to the store in the near future and indulge. Believe me, they are worth it!

Wish List

I have never been a huge MAC Cosmetics junkie like most of my peers, but as I become more and more addicted to all things beauty, it seems I have started a little crush. These are just a few of my latest wishes. Interestingly enough, they are all highlighters of sorts...

Mineralize Skinfinish in Stereo Rose and Soft and Gentle

Prep + Prime Highlighter in Radiant Rose

Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-On Manicure Nail Cover, Media Darling, Review and Swatch

Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-On Manicure Nail Covers, Media Darling (24 nails)

Impressive new manicure trick or lazy girl fantasy? Maybe a bit of both. Press on nails are nothing new to the beauty world. I remember watching my older sisters, cousins and aunts put their press on's on and thinking they were so glamorous. The early nineties were a confusing and influential period for me. Hairspray, shoulder pads and press on nails were the trends and I was a sponge. 

Maybelline Master Hi-Light by FaceStudio, Hi-Lighting Blush, No. 30 Coral, Review and Swatch

Maybelline Master Hi-Light, No. 30 Coral (0.31oz/9g)

Highlighting blush from the drugstore? Yeah! It seems like all the great highlighting products tend to hang out in the high-end section. Well, my frugal readers, now we have a lovely option from Maybelline to give our cheeks a flush of colour and glow. The Master Hi-Light collection from FaceStudio has six colours to choose from, with four being blush shades and two bronzer shades. 

NEW from Benefit Cosmetics - Big Easy

Benefit's Big Easy is a multi-balancing complexion perfector broad spectrum SPF 35 sunscreen.

Benefit's official spiel:

Why we love it!

BIGGER than BB! Why? Two reasons. First, big easy contains ingredients known to help balance moisture & control oil. Second, the cushiony liquid-to- powder formula melts in like a cream, yet finishes lightweight & velvety like a powder.

On Display! New Rimmel London Products, Winter Collection, Salon Pro Nail Colour With Lycra

On display at Shoppers Drug Mart: New Rimmel London Products, Winter Collection, Salon Pro Nail Colour With Lycra. $6.49

NEW! Rimmel London Lasting Finish Color Rush Balms, Review and Swatches

Rimmel London Lasting Finish Color Rush Balms (2.5g 0.095oz)

Whooza. Who would have thunk that Rimmel would be hiding such an amazing product at the bottom of their displays? The Color Rush Balms are a fantastic product. I'm amazed at the lack of promotion they are doing with them. Maybe they know how amazing they are and they'er letting the product speak for themselves. I dunno...I freaking love them!

I originally picked up just one of the balms in Drive Me Nude thinking it would be like all of the other ones I've tried over the past year. I was incorrect. It was so much better. I have tried Revlons Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains and their ColorBurst Matte Balm, along with Cover Girls Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balm. None compare to Rimmels Color Rush Balms in texture, pigmentation or lasting power.