Super Easy Holographic Eye

Hi everyone! 

Sorry about my little hiatus, things have been a bit hectic here.

This look is definitely more of a nighttime one (unless you rock glittery eyes during the day in which case more power to you). I think it would be great for parties, concerts, clubs (if that's your cup of tea) or New Year's.

*cue creepy closeup of my eye

If you've followed my blog for a while now, first off, thanks for that. Second, you'll probably know that my resources for photography are not that stellar. Please bear with me.

For this look, you'll need:

Eye Primer (Urban Decay Primer Potion)

A Silver/Grey Cream Shadow (NYX Jumbo Pencil in Pots & Pans or a combo of Maybelline Colour Tattoo 24 hr eyeshadows in Tough as Taupe and Audacious Asphalt)

A Purple or Blue Eyeshadow (Urban Decay Ransom)

A Black Eyeshadow (Urban Decay Creep)

Clear Glitter Liquid Eyeliner (Quo)

Loose Glitter

Plus black eyeliner, mascara, and all the other usual suspects.

*Oh hello there, strangest facial expression I've ever made

After priming the eyes, apply your silver/grey cream shadow all over the lid, keeping it below or at the crease and blend. 

Press your purple or blue shadow onto the outer third of the eyelid and pull it into the crease. 

Using your black shadow as a definer, place it in the outer V of the eye and bring it down into your lower lash line, limiting it to about the outer third.

Bring a bit of the blue or purple shadow down into the lower lash line, layering it on top of the black shadow and bringing it a bit closer to the corner of the eye. You don't want to go too much farther than the pupil.

Blend it all!

Take your glitter liquid liner and paint it on the lid, over the grey. I tried to concentrate it on the inner half of the lid but to get more of a gradient, I applied a bit of it up to the purple shadow as well. 

Using a stiff-bristled brush, press loose glitter over top of where you just applied the liquid glitter liner.

Line everything you usually line (tight line, waterline, lashline, whatevs)

I lined my tight line and then added liquid liner to the upper lash line. I actually didn't mean to line the waterline but there was a bit of transfer. In the future I'll probably use a white liner on the water line.

Curl your lashes, add mascara/fake lashes/ whatever you like!

*Nothing like a bathroom selfie to show you what the look is all about

I ended up wearing this with a soft nude lip (Mac's Hue) and a clear gloss to keep the rest of the look simple.

If you want a more detailed tutorial, let me know in the comments! I'm actually trying to get myself organized so I can start filming but who knows how long it'll take for me to get myself in gear.

Thanks for reading, if anyone decides to try this look, let me know how it works out!

Kendall

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Eeek! Eyebrow Bleaching

Hi guys!

I just completed the extremely nerve-wracking experience of lightening my eyebrows at home and I'm pretty happy with the results.

My eyebrows are naturally quite dark which means they do tend to look prominent against my lighter blonde hair. I didn't want to lighten them completely but I was aiming for a colour 2-3 shades darker than my hair.

I used Jolen Creme Bleach (the mild formula) which is designed for facial bleaching.  Keep in mind when using a facial bleach for your brows that this type of bleach is designed to make dark hair (i.e. unwanted facial hair) become transparent. Because you probably don't want transparent eyebrows, you will have to be more careful about the time than the instructions indicate.  The instructions said to apply the bleach for 8 minutes.  I began checking my brows every minute after an initial two minutes.  All in all, it took about 5 minutes with the bleach on my brows.

The bleach kit comes with a vial of powder activator, a pot of creme, and plastic spatula and mixing plate.  Using the spatula, all you have to do is mix the activator and creme together then apply thoroughly to your brows.

Make sure you don't get any of the product in your eyes or mouth!

Once you've achieved your desired colour, wipe off the product, then clean your brows several times with a wet cloth. It's also a good idea to wash the area a few times to ensure the bleach is completely gone.

Before

Right After

The next morning

(better lighting but no makeup! Ah!)

Overall the process was quite simple and painless.  Bleach is something I'm always quite careful about so I'm super excited that I didn't end up with crazy orange brows or something equally terrifying!
Kendall
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Products I've Used Up II

I've finally hoarded enough empty containers to warrant another empties post!

The fact that I've been experimenting with a lot of different products lately hasn't exactly been helping my "use everything up" initiative but I've made a bit of progress.

I've talked about a few of these products before so I'll link to those posts for the curious.

Here we go:

Ojon Damage Reverse Restorative Conditioner (Sample)  I did enjoy using this conditioner but I feel like I didn't see any real changes in my hair during the time I tried it.

Bioderma Sebium (for oily/combination skin)- I didn't like it as much as the pink-capped one as my skin tends to get a bit drier.  I really only tried this because they were out of my usual

MAC Brush Cleaner- pretty standard.  This used to be my favourite but I've since found a much better alternative (I'll be sharing that in a future post!)

Josie Maran Cleansing Oil

Lush Sweetie Pie

L'Oreal Power Moisture Infusion Mask was really good for a drugstore mask.  It still can't compete with Macadamia Oil though

MAC Studio Fix in N3 -it finally died!

Organix Everstraight Brazilian Keratin Therapy Anti-Breakage Serum

I know feel a weird sense of pride at finishing a product- hopefully you guys can relate!

Kendall

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U.S. Shopping Haul! Ulta, Target, Nordstrom, CCO

Okay I am just too excited to share with you guys to wait anymore!

I was planning on finishing my Summer Glow Series before posting this but I was feeling a little uninspired by my picks for blushes/bronzers.  If you guys do want to see that sooner than later let me know!

In the meantime, let's all enjoy looking at what my bank account has turned into.

A little disclaimer: I've done a few hauls before but never one of this size.  I know I really enjoy haul posts so I'm hoping this doesn't come off as show-off-ish.  I recently was able to travel to Seattle (which was awesome!) and have been saving up for the trip for months. So without further ado- let's see the result of all that saving!

Target

Rimmel ScandalEYES Waterproof Kohl Kajal in (005) Nude and (002) Sparkling Black

Maybelline Color Tattoo 24 hr Eyeshadow in (25) Bad to the Bronze

Pixi Lash Line Ink (Waterproof) in Black Silk

Rimmel Lasting Finish Lip Pencil in Spice

Nordstrom

Nars Eyeshadow Duo in Portobello and All About Eve

Ulta

Lorac CC Colour Correcting Cream in (CC1) Light

Tarte BB Tinted Treatment 12-Hour Primer (fair)

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer in Ivory

Benefit Instant Brow Pencil in Light

Aqualillies for Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Eye and Cheek Palette

Too Faced Milk Chocolate Soleil Light/Medium Matte Bronzer

Stila Afterglow Lip Color in Electric Pink

Tarte Glamazon Pure Performance Lipstick in Wild

NYX Butter Gloss in Maple Blondie

Nivea Lip Butter in Vanilla & Macadamia Kiss and Caramel Cream Kiss

Cosmetics Company Outlet

Smashbox Blue Eyes Shadow Palette

Phew! I'm planning on doing individual reviews of quite a few of these items which is why I haven't gone into detail in describing them. 

If you want me to review any specific products in this haul sooner rather than later, let me know in the comments and I'll get on that first!

I hope you've enjoyed perusing my characteristic lack of willpower

Have you tried any of these products? What do you think?

Kendall

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Summer Glow Series Part III:Eyes

Hi guys, I'm back with part three of my Summer Glow Series! This post is all about my favourite products to help brighten up the eye area.  A lot of those products have been included in other posts of mine before so I'll try to keep it short.

My Stila In The Light Palette has been a huge favourite of mine for quite a while now- it's even named appropriately for this post. To add a bit of illuminating shimmer, sometimes a quick swipe of a cream shadow is all you need.  My personal favourites include: MAC Paint Pot in Vintage Selection, Maybelline 24 Hour Colour Tattoo in (70) Barely Branded, and Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in Birthday Suit. Urban Decay Primer Potion in Sin is another great option that looks beautiful under shadows or on its own.  

As I mentioned in my Drugstore Favourites Post, I really dig the L'Oreal Color Infallible Eyeshadows (pictured here in Hourglass Beige) because while they are quite shimmery, the quality of the shadows is quite high.  Sometimes when cheap, poorly formulated shadows are high shimmer, you just end up looking like a glittery mess.  These shadows look and feel more luxurious than the price tag would have you think.

Finally, a well-placed highlight with a white or flesh-toned pencil can make you look much more awake and alive. For the waterline, I love Rimmel ScandalEYES in (005) Nude or Revlon Matte Kohl Eyeliner in (04) Pure White. For the brow bone and inner corner, NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in (604) Milk and Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte Highlighter Crayon in Camille are two beautiful options.

Okay guys, one more Summer Glow post to go.  I realized these posts are sort of serving as a very detailed favourites series so hopefully it's working for you! 

Kendall

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Summer Glow Series Part II: Bases

This part of the Summer Glow series is focusing on my favourite bases for a luminous, natural look.  

I love these foundations because they are light, luminous and dewy and still offer a decent level of coverage.

(L-R): Urban Decay Naked Skin Liquid Makeup in 0.5, Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation in (110) Ivory, L'Oreal True Match Lumi in W1-2*, Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation in (100) Ivory

*Though I loved the finish and coverage of L'Oreal True Match Lumi, I think one of the ingredients in it might have caused me to break out, so I could avoid this one if you're sensitive.

Before I apply my foundation, no matter which one I choose, I always start with a combination of Clarins Instant Light Complexion Perfector (00) Rose Shimmer and Elizabeth Arden Visible Skin Difference Skin Balancing Lotion for Combination Skin (what a mouthful!).  Sometimes I will add a bit of primer to the mix and maybe even a few drops of foundation for a light, "home made tinted moisturizer".

Lately I have been loving these two concealing products to bring a bit of extra light to the under-eye area.  Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser (Fair) and Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer (Very Fair) and both tried-and-true favourites for many people in the beauty world.  I'm currently testing a couple of higher-end options but as far as drug store products go, these are difficult to beat.

I hope you've enjoyed part two of my favourite products for achieving a glowing look.  I'm sorry it was interrupted for a while but I was actually away for a week.  On the bright side, I brought back quite a few cool American products to share with you so stay tuned for a haul post or two in the near future!

Kendall

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Summer Glow Series: Highlighters

Today I'm starting a new series of posts all about my favourite summer products for a fresh, glowing look.  Recently, I posted about my Sunny Day Cosmetics Essentials so these posts are going to be along the same lines, but a bit more detailed to give you all some more options.  

I'm starting with my favourite highlighters because they really are the quickest, easiest way to add that little something extra to make you look fresh and glowing.

It was difficult for me to limit it to five as my love for highlighting products runs quite deep but here we are:

MAC MSF Lightscapade

This is a great cool, pearly highlight that I think would be quite similar to Benefit's Moonbeam.  Although I've had this one for quite a while now, you can see it doesn't appear to be over-used.  That's not because I don't like it but more because a little bit of the product is all you need to get a great highlight.

MAC Beauty Powder in Play it Proper

I bought this when it was part of the Chenman collection at MAC last year, but it looks like it is still sold (at least on the website).  This highlighter looks more like a blush but the pink pigment does not really transfer onto the skin.  It is more of a slightly pink-toned pearly shimmer.

Dior Shimmerstar Amber Diamond

You can read my ode to this glorious highlighter here.

CoverFX RadiantFX Luminescent Powder in Platinum

This is quite an interesting product.  I would almost describe it as a blush/bronzer/highlighter in one as it has pink, bronze, and shimmery tones without being too much of one or the other.  It definitely is not overly-pigmented but a little goes an extremely long way as it has very high shimmer.  I (very self-sacrificially) posted a photo of me wearing it so you can see the look.  Please ignore the messy bun, dopey smile and my eyebrows (this was a couple years ago).

Benefit High Beam

Obviously, this product is massively popular so I'll try to keep it short.  I love the versatility that comes with a liquid highlight- it's easy to use not only on the cheekbones but on the browbones, cupid's bow and really anywhere else you want to highlight.  The pink tones allow for a very natural looking pearly glow.

That's it for highlighters but stay tuned for my foundation favourites coming soon!
What are your favourite highlighting products?
Kendall
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Sunny Day Essentials: Cosmetics Edit

A couple days ago, I shared some of my sunny day essentials with you guys.  Today I'm sharing some of the products that I tend to gravitate to in the summer.  In the summer, I try to keep it pretty natural (it always surprises me how many products it takes to get the "natural" look) but it's important that a product can stand up to heat and water.

Lips

For the lips, my favourites are mostly cult favourites from the past little while so I'm sure most of you are pretty familiar with them.  For hot days, I like products that are moisturizing and easy to apply (read: low maintenance).  Revlon Lip Butters (pictured here in 053 Sorbet & 047 Pink Lemonade),  and Maybelline Colour Whispers ( 50 Cherry on Top & 35 Coral Ambition) are really moisturizing but also have great colour payoff.  The shade range is quite impressive, meaning they have great "everyday colours" as well as tones to take your look from day to night.  For something a bit longer-lasting, I think I've raved more than enough about Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains (pictured in 020 Lovesick & 040 Rendezvous).  Finally, Maybelline Baby Lips (070 Coral Crush) are a great range of balms that are tinted just enough to give your natural look a little something extra

Pinks and corals continue to be my favourite shades for summer so be sure to check out my pink lips and coral lips posts.  You can also check out some of my favourite lipstick alternatives here if you want to avoid that "lipstick feel" on hot summer days.

Face

During the summer, I try to keep my look to a bit of concealer (Rimmel Wake Me Up in Very Fair) and some bronzer (Benefit Hoola) but for the days where I need a bit more coverage, I try to opt for a BB cream or foundation with a more natural finish (SPF is a bonus).  So far I'm liking Revlon Photoready BB Cream but I've also been mixing a bit of Revlon's Nearly Naked Foundation or Rimmel Wake Me Up in with my moisturizer to sheer it out (you can see reviews on both of those foundations here).  To keep it all from sliding around on my skin, a mattifying primer like Sephora Anti-Shine and a setting spray like Urban Decay De-Slick work wonders.  Of course, when it comes to oil control, blotting sheets are perfect to keep in your makeup bag.  I've been experimenting with a lot of different types but right now I'm using Boscia Green Tea Blotting Linens.  Finally, I'm not very much of a blush person in the summer as I'm quite often a bit too "rosy" from the sun as it is.  However, if I do decide to use a blush, I much prefer cream blushes as they blend beautifully and it's a bit more tricky to overdo.  Benefit Fine One One is a great option.

Eyes

Keeping with my minimal makeup theme, I also tend to get a bit lazier in the summer.  Especially if you're hanging out by the water, you don't want to spend a load of time creating the perfect smokey eye and winged liner just to have it run off once you go for a swim.  A quick swipe of a cream shadow and a coat of waterproof mascara are enough to look "done" without taking up too much precious time enjoying the weather (especially in Canada where no one is quite certain how long nice weather will last).  I'm pretty sure most of you are familiar with Maybelline Colour Tattoos (my favourites are Bad to the Bronze and Barely Branded) but Benefit and MAC both make great cream shadows as well. Plus they double as an eyeliner!  I've been ranting and raving quite a bit lately about L'Oreal Telescopic Shocking Extensions lately so it probably won't be much of a surprise that I am also loving their waterproof option.  However, most of the waterproof option's from Maybelline's Colossal Volume range are great too.

I hope this post has helped you guys find a few new summer favourites!

If you guys have a favourite product for the summer, I'd love to hear about it in the comments

Kendall

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Sunny Day Essentials

As it starts to warm up, the call of patios, swimming pools, and weekends at the beach starts to become irresistible.  After spending months indoors hiding from the seemingly relentless winter we had this year, there is something so exciting about digging out some tried-and-true summer favourites.

Here are some of my top picks:

Along with the fun times that come with a sun allergy, my skin is generally just very sensitive.  So far, when it comes to facial sunscreen, I've found two options that work well.

Chanel UV Essentiel SPF 50/+++ is not the cheapest but protects amazingly and it very non-irritating.  It is liquid-y but dries to a powder finish.  Because it is a physical sunscreen (rather than chemical), it is a great match for sensitive skin.

Also for the face, Coppertone Faces Sensitive Skin Sunscreen SPF 50 has been working well for me.  I typically hate the feel of most sunscreens on my face but this absorbs somewhat quickly and feels more like a moisturizer than a greasy mess.  Coppertone sunscreens are primarily chemical which means it absorbs more easily but is more likely to react with sensitive skin.  Another downside to chemical sunscreen is that you typically have to leave more time in between application and sun exposure (about 30 minutes is recommended).

You can read more about physical versus chemical sun protection here.

It may seem funny given how picky I am when it comes to facial sunscreen, but when it comes to SPF for the body, I don't have too many requirements.  I like Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration with Hydrating Ribbons SPF 30 because it smells fantastic (probably childhood memories of family vacations or something) and is moisturizing.  I'm sure you've heard this all before but I don't want to leave any ground uncovered so make sure you apply liberally and often.  If you've been swimming or sweating (regardless of waterproof claims), you need to reapply after.  I know it sounds excessive but it's pretty important.  Of course, some are lucky enough to tan rather than burn and while you may not need to apply as often or as much, sunscreen is still a great idea to prevent aging and skin cancer.

Now, there are probably going to be days where you aren't as diligent with the sunscreen as you maybe should have been (somehow it's already happened to me twice this year and it's only May).  If you do end up burnt, there is nothing better than pure aloe.  I picked up some 100% aloe vera gel that has no colour added (to minimize risk of sensitivity) and it's a great soothing, moisturizing solution to burns of all sorts.

Don't forget: your lips, eyes, and even your hair all need protection too.  The sunglasses pictured are from Aldo Accessories and I think they're adorable, but to prevent eye damage you want to look for a polarized lens with full UVA/UVB protection.  For my lips, I love California Mango Lip Balm 100% Natural with Sunscreen.  Lip Balms with SPF are extremely easy to find and if you've ever woken up feeling like one of the "real housewives" because of puffy, painful, sunburnt lips, you'll remember to look out for them.  When it comes to protecting hair from UV rays I'm not as strict, especially because my hair is already quite light and one of the main effects the sun has on hair is colour fading.  If you do have darker coloured hair, you may want to check out one of these products.  When spending a lot of time in the sun and water, it's good idea to keep your hair well-conditioned.  When I hit the beach, I  bring along a hair mask* and put it in after I've been swimming.  The sun's heat helps it melt into your hair and when you hop back in the water you can rinse it out.

For fairly obvious reasons, it's a good idea to keep a mini body spray with you when you're out and about in the summer heat.  I like Secret Scent Expressions Body Spray in Cocoa Butter Kiss.  Finally, if you've been stuck in doors because of work, school, or other obligations (or if you've been super-dilligent with the sunscreen) you may want a little help with getting that 'glow'.  I'm not super into the whole fake tan deal but for a quick fix, it's hard to beat Victoria's Secret Beach Sexy Instant Bronze Body Spray.  Just spray it on and work it into the skin, a little goes a long way to making you a bronze goddess in the most natural, un-orange way possible.  For a slightly longer lasting tan, I'm a big fan of gradual tanning moisturizers such as Jergens because it's not a catastrophe if you're like me and aren't the best with application.

I'm really sorry if this has felt like a bit of a lecture on sun protection but years of fair, sensitive skin combined with a family history of skin cancer has made me pretty conscious of it.  If you have any questions about any of this, please feel free to ask in the comments- I'm always happy to help.

I hope you all have a great Friday!

Kendall

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*When using a hair mask, if you're going to rinse it out in the water (i.e. lake, river or the ocean), try to only use a small amount and pick a natural option without sulphates.  It's better for your hair and the environment.

I Was Bad 4: Target Canada Haul

Hi guys!

I'm not going to lie, I've been waiting somewhat obsessively for Target Canada to open for quite a while now, so yesterday when stores opened in my city, it was difficult to contain my excitement.    I tried not to go too crazy (as I mentioned, I'm saving for a road trip in a few weeks) but I was able to find most of these items for great prices!

Let's dive in

I first picked up a Remington Keratin Therapy 1" clipless curling wand.  Lately, I have been curling my hair just by wrapping it around the barrel of my curling iron (without using the clip) so I thought it was high time to invest in a clipless version.  It didn't hurt that it was only about $27 CAD.

From the same section, I bought a Conair Reflections lighted makeup mirror for $12 CAD

Onto the makeup

With the opening of Target, I was extremely excited to have both Pixi and Sonia Kashuk readily available in Canada.  Unfortunately, the products that I was most excited for (Pixi lash line ink and Sonia Kashuk hidden agenda concealer palette) were either not in store or sold out.  I managed to make up for that.

Just to try it out, I grabbed Maybelline Volum'Express Mascara the Colossal Cat Eyes (223 Glam Black) I generally really like the Colossal Volume line.  

I'd also been wanting to try L'Oreal True Match Lumi Foundation (w1-2) for ages, but the near $20 price tag at Walmart and Shoppers Drug Mart had scared me off.  At Target, this bad boy was only $12. 

 The concept of a BB powder really interested me but once again, at Walmart and Shoppers, The Physicians Formula Super BB Powder was about $21.  At Target it was $13 (though I think they're on sale right now at some Shoppers).

Target has priced different shades of the Maybelline Colour Tattoos differently (I'm guessing based on how new the colours are) meaning that the older, staple shades such as Bad to the Bronze are only around $5.  I picked up (70) Barely Branded.

As I mentioned, I was super excited to finally have Sonia Kashuk products in Canada, but I managed to limit myself to the eye quad in (16) Shimmering Sands, four beautiful pink and beige nudes.  

I also finally gave in to the Maybelline Colour Whispers and got (35) Coral Ambition and (50) Cherry on Top.  I don't know why I waited so long to try them, I'm adoring them so far!

L-R: Maybelline Colour Tattoo Barely Branded (70), Maybelline Colour Whispers (50) Cherry on Top, (35) Coral Ambition

I also just found at the bottom of my shopping bag NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk, sorry for leaving that one out!

I hope you've enjoyed reading about my retail weakness.  Have you tried any of these products? What do you think?

Kendall

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Quick Comparison: L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara

Hi guys, I have a really quick comparison post for you today.

I've been a fan of L'Oreal Telescopic mascara for a while now.  I think it's great in terms of lengthening and pigment, but I tend to layer it over another mascara to up the volume.

Anyway, they've recently launched a version called Shocking Extensions and after finding it on amazing offer at London Drugs (sold with a free eyeliner that I reviewed here) I kind of...bought three of them. Thank goodness I love it or I'd be in a bit of trouble.

Compared to the original (which I have pictured in Carbon Black), the wand is quite a bit bigger.  It is also more contoured and has more bristles.  I find in terms of separation, the original does a slightly better job but it's hardly noticeable.  In terms of length, which is the real reason I love Telescopic, the Shocking Extensions is kind of amazing.  I've typed and re-typed this bit, trying to explain how dramatic its lengthening powers are and finally decided that the product name "Shocking Extensions" really is the best way to sum it up.  

I still like to layer this product over a volumizing mascara (I'm using my beloved Boots No7 Lash Adapt) and together, they give a look that rivals false lashes.

A quick note if you haven't tried any of the Telescopic products before: they tend to make your lashes a tiny bit crunchy feeling which can be a deal breaker for some people.  Fortunately, I'm not one of them and I think the look you get is more than worth it.

What do you think of the Telescopic range? Do you have another favourite mascara I should try?

Kendall

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Maybelline Master Duo Eyeliner

Hi guys, hope your weekend is going well!

If you've been following me for a little while, you'll probably be familiar with my love of NYC liquid liner (NOT the felt tip, the brush tip one). Recently, I decided to branch out a little bit and picked up a few other drugstore options to test out.  One that intrigued me the most was Maybelline Master Duo Eyeliner.  Offered in a fairly wide range of colours, the claim is that the unique shape of the applicator allows for both thin, precise lines and thick, dramatic ones. The applicator looks somewhat like a flat circle with the thin edge designed for thin lines (what a surprise) and the circle-y bit for thicker lines.  

First off, it's very important that you shake the product well before you use it.  I'm not used to that, meaning my first real try with the liner ended up very watery and weird.  Once I bothered to actually read the bottle and gave it a good shake, I noticed the product was actually still quite thin and liquidy, but the pigment was much better.  This liner gives a patent shine finish with a relatively intense black.  Once it dries, this stuff will not move until you take to it with makeup remover.  This is a big plus for me as I do occasionally forget I'm wearing makeup and give my eyes a rub so it's great to have a liner that stays in place.  When you do remove it, it kind of peels/flakes off which is a bit different. The removal process takes a bit longer than most other liquid liners as well. I didn't notice a lot of flaking while I was wearing it though.

As for the applicator, I really do like the idea and with a little practice, you can get quite a precise line going.  As expected, I find the wide end a little more difficult to get a clean line with.  The spongy tip does mean that you can get quite close to the lash line and between the lashes pretty well.

I find you can get a very nice look by using the thin side in the inner half, then transitioning to the thicker side for the outer half.  This will give you the classic feline look in no time.

Overall, I think it offers something a little bit different than other liners I've tried but I think I'm going to keep experimenting before I re-purchase.

Kendall

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Drug Store BB Creams Part Two: L'Oreal Magic Skin Beautifier

Happy Saturday!
A few weeks ago, I reviewed a couple drugstore BB creams (you can check that out here).  During the process, I admitted that I haven't been the biggest fan of BB creams thus far, but Revlon's offering was able to tick the most boxes.  Recently, L'Oreal products were on sale at my local Walmart (sale items shouldn't count during a spending ban!) so I thought I'd give their Magic Skin Beautifier a try.  I've only used it a few times now so this will be more of a first impressions post.
The first thing that I noticed is that the packaging seems to be designed in a way that implies a little goes a long way (very narrow nozzle, thick product).  However, I find it doesn't spread as far as you'd think.  It starts off white, then adjusts to your skin tone, which I have to say works quite well even on my very fair skin.  The finish feels very powdery, verging on dry-  probably why it doesn't spread as far as some other BB creams.
The coverage is extremely sheer, in fact I think it works best under a foundation.  It does somehow make your skin look better but it doesn't do a great job of covering redness, evening skin tone or masking blemishes.  I think it would be a great first step in a foundation routine.
All in all, I'm still feeling a bit iffy.  Thankfully, summer is around the corner, meaning I'll likely be reaching for this type of product: light coverage with a powdery finish.  If you like a bit more coverage from your BB cream or have very dry skin, I'd give this one a miss.  However, if you're looking for a bit of extra "beautifying" in your foundation routine, or just feel like your skin needs that something extra, you could do a lot worse.

Have you tried this or any other drugstore BB creams? Thoughts?
Kendall
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Second-Chance Winners

As an acknowledged makeup hoarder, there are often times where I'll pick up a product and I'm not immediately wowed by it.  Most times, I'll work with it a little bit more before deciding if it's rubbish but occasionally I just decide it's not worth it and toss the product into the depths of my makeup storage.  

As I mentioned in my previous post, I'm currently in the middle of a makeup-spending ban, meaning I've been exploring the deep recesses of my collection in search of products I haven't used very much.  During this process, I've actually found a few new favourites that I had written off long ago.

Sleek Au Naturel (601) Palette

I ordered a few Sleek palettes about 6 months ago and was really impressed with the quality of the eyeshadows.  I really latched on to the Storm and Bad Girl palettes, both of which have a lot of grey/brown/blue shades that really demonstrate the great pigmentation.  For some reason, I looked at the Au Naturel palette and never bothered to work with it very much (with the exception of the shade that is a dupe for Mac's Woodwinked- mentioned in this post).  However, with my love of neutral eyeshadow in full bloom, I had to give my head a shake after actually trying a few more of these shades on.  They are very complementary despite not looking too exciting in the pan.

MAC Fix+

Last year, I went into Mac in search of Charged Water.  Unfortunately, I was about to go on a trip and wanted something portable, so I was directed to the travel-sized Fix+.  I'm not entirely sure why I bought it as I tend to favour my Urban Decay setting sprays.  After watching a tutorial by Gracie (The Ugly Face of Beauty) where she sprayed it on her brush before using a powder foundation, I decided to give it a try.  Wow, it really does wonders for making powder foundation last longer and look more natural.

MAC MSF Stereo Rose

I mentioned this is my March Favourites and MAC Haul so you can check those posts out if you want to learn more.  Long story short, I initially disliked the pigmentation and now I am in love with it.  It is the perfect blush for coral lips (you can read about good options for coral lips here and here).

Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Powder (Translucent) 

To be honest, I bought this mistakenly thinking it was a blush.  It's actually a slightly shimmery, super light powder that does a great job of setting foundation while adding a bit of luminosity.

Sephora Smoky Cream Liner Waterproof (Must Have)

Boy, writing this post is making me realize how often I buy things on a whim.  I honestly don't even remember buying this product but it's a really nice gel liner that doesn't smudge or bleed.  The pigmentation is quite good- not amazing but it doesn't go that grey tone that some gel liners tend towards.  It also goes on very smoothly and is quite easy to work with.

Revlon Photoready Cream Blush in Pinched

To be fair, I actually used to dislike most cream blushes.  I found them difficult to work with as anything that requires a lot of blending tends to make my face quite red and flushed (not the most attractive look).  Once I clued in and started using a stippling brush, I discovered how much cream blushes have to offer.  They tend to look very natural and are actually pretty easy to work with.  I love Pinched because it stays faaaar away from the dreaded red tones and reminds me a bit of Benefit's Dandelion- a nice light pink flush.

I hope you've enjoyed my little story time about my misguided makeup purchases, maybe it will inspire you to dig out a few of those products that you were a bit iffy on!

Kendall

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Mac Sunbasque Dupe: NYX Terra Cotta

I was originally planning a post just devoted to MAC's Sunbasque, the first Mac blush I ever bought.  As I was rooting through my blush drawer, I happened upon NYX Terra Cotta, which I bought about six months ago, tried it, got scared by the pigmentation and tossed it in the back of the drawer. It turns out that these two are actually super similar so I thought I'd do a little comparison.

NYX Terra Cotta

(L) Swatched lightly 

(R) Built up

MAC Sunbasque

(L) Swatched lightly

(R) Built up

(L) NYX Terra Cotta

(R) MAC Sunbasque

As you can probably see from the swatches, the colours as quite similar.  Both have a bit of shimmer and lean heavily towards the bronze, slightly peachy side.  Terra Cotta is a bit more bronze while Sunbasque is more pink.  I personally find Sunbasque much easier to work with as it's a sheertone shimmer, meaning it's not quite as pigmented.  Terra Cotta is highly pigmented, which means you need a very light hand to avoid looking orange-y if you're pale like me.  If you're okay with needing to work with a blush a little more Terra Cotta is a great deal for a similar look to Sunbasque.  However, there's just something about Sunbasque that I find really special.  Maybe it's just the fact that is started my love affair with Mac blushes.

I hope you enjoyed my little compare and contrast!

Kendall

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Everyday Luxury: Rouge Coco Shine

Happy Weekend!

Sadly, the past two weeks have been a little bit tragic in terms of my blog.  As I've mentioned in the posts I've managed to get out, with the end of the semester happening, I've been extremely busy with school.  Thankfully, the end is near and I only have one more final which means I should be back to posting more frequently very soon!  Unfortunately, I've also begun a little spending ban as a friend and I have decided to take a road trip to the States a little later this summer.  But that means I'll have some pretty big haul posts coming up after as I'm pretty much saving up so I can buy all of Ulta while I'm away.

Anyway, this lack of time and money has caused me to do a lot of "shopping the stash" recently, meaning I've re-discovered a few awesome products.  The first of which is Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in (54) Boy.  This is a beautiful everyday lip colour- definitely a my lips but better product.  I actually picked this up while in London almost two years ago, thought it was beautiful, then stashed it away.  I recently uncovered it and have been wearing it like mad.  I think it looks gorgeous with a neutral or metallic smokey eye.

I'm also really loving the formula.  It's super moisturizing with a high shine finish.  I would compare it to the Sheer Candy line of YSL lipsticks.  The packaging is classic Chanel- very elegant and simple.

The only thing that isn't fantastic is the colour payoff.  As you can see from the swatch on my wrist, it is quite sheer.  However, it does say "hydrating sheer lipshine" right on the packaging so if you are looking for something a bit more pigmented, I might try something else.  I personally find that with a quick swipe, you get a nice flush of glossy colour that is so easy to wear.

Have any of you tried this formula before? What do you think?

Kendall

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