Saturday 28 February 2015

Etude House Play 101 Pencils: Part 2 Pony's Love Affair Look

Pony's Love Affair Look etude house play 101

I've reviewed and swatched the Play 101 pencils here, but another enticing aspect about these is the tutorials put together by Pony, a Korean Makeup Artist.

Pony has created about 8 looks, along with youtube videos, using the pencils and I tried to coordinate my purchase with at least one of her looks. I bought pretty much all the pencils for her "Love Affair" face. Here's my attempt at recreating it.


Friday 27 February 2015

Etude House Play 101: Part 1 Review



I talked about buying a "crazy stupid amount" of the Etude House Play 101 Pencils ($6USD) in my asian haul video. So far I've had some fun with these, as you're supposed to, and there have been a few positives and negatives about how these play out.

Wednesday 25 February 2015

THEFACESHOP Mango Seed Oil to Foam Cleanser*

*Press Sample

the face shop mango seed oil to foam cleanser review

Slowly, slowly the Korean cosmetics and skincare market has been creeping into the West and I'm fully ready to embrace this change. THEFACESHOP had recently opened a number of stores in mainstream malls, taking over Fruits and Passions, and I was more than ready to explore what they had  to offer. 

You are already aware that cleansing oils are a must in my makeup removal routine and the Asian varieties have so far been far superior to Western drugstore options. There are more than a few misses in the Asian market too, but my favorites have always come from Japanese brands. I had the opportunity to test a Korean option with THEFACESHOP Mango Seed Oil to Foam Cleanser* ($15CDN, 200ml).

Tuesday 24 February 2015

Are Mary Kay Eyeliners Too Creamy?*

*Press Sample

mary kay eyeliner steely black deep brown review swatch

When searching for perfect eyeliners, most people would want something 'creamy' but there must be a continuum for how creamy a product can be and I think I've found one that's almost too creamy.

Monday 23 February 2015

Annabelle Lipsies*

*Press Sample

annabelle lipsies cherry fruit punch review swatch

Ah yes, the tinted lip balm, the perfect marriage between color and protection. This type of product really appealed to me during my first forays into makeup and possibly even during high school if I had cared enough. Annabelle softly launched their Lipsies* ($4.95, 3.5g) a year or so ago and now they have made them permanent. Twelve fruity scented and pigmented lip balms are now joining the Annabelle line up.

Sunday 22 February 2015

L'Oreal Total Repair Extreme Shampoo and Total Repair 5 Instant Miracle

L'Oreal Total Repair Extreme Shampoo and Total Repair 5 Instant Miracle review

I'm pretty sure I've been through more shampoo and conditioner types than lovers at this point. I will find the one, damn it!. Have I become the Tay Swift of the hair washing world?! With every new one I reach for, I try and overcompensation for the things the previous lacked. So, while Herb left my strands dry and too squeaky clean, and Lush just wasn't cutting it, I went extreme and took up L'Oreal's Total Repair Extreme Shampoo and Total Repair 5 Instant Miracle to remind me that love washing my hair can be safe and caring again.

Saturday 21 February 2015

In the Moment #22: W3LL People and Detox Market


Being friends with Jen means I'm suddenly being catepaulted into a whole new world of natural skincare.  When Detox Market (367 King Street West, Toronto) invited me to explore W3LL People Cosmetics and meet Shirley Pinkson, the artist behind the brand, I knew I had to invite Jen along as well.

Friday 20 February 2015

PSA: Delusions about Travel Palettes


Let's contemplate the premise that, "palettes are great for travel"
or if you will, 
Spot sees palette. 
Spot has vacation. 
Spot will bring palette on vacation. 
 Therefore, Spot must have palette.

Palette purchases are typically supported by at least one claim of their travel worthy properties. The idea that you can boil everything down into one compact option is enticing, but let's be realz guyz, in the subgenre of makeup called "palettes", I have been lying to myself in three ways. (Buzzfeed: and you could be too!!!)

Thursday 19 February 2015

Empty Palette: Z vs Make Up For Ever

make up for ever empty palette versus z palette comparison

Already a fan of depotting, and now almost overrun with eyeshadows, I'm always in need of empty palettes to store my outrageous mass. I've solely relied on Z palettes so far. Initially I considered this a great "travel solution" but now that I'm no longer deluding myself about travel solutions for makeup, this format could do with an improvement and I've found my next level depotting power-up in the Make Up For Ever empty palettes ($16). 

Wednesday 18 February 2015

The Body Shop Lip and Cheek Velvet Sticks*

*Press Sample
the body shop lip and cheek velvet sticks red universal review swatch

The Body Shop has released new Lip and Cheek Velvet Sticks* ($15CDN, 4g) in 6 shades. Intended for both cheeks and lips, it is supposed to give a matte finish in a velvety petal soft formula. The stick format makes it easy to apply this medium coverage product.

Tuesday 17 February 2015

The Body Shop Smoky Poppy*

*Press Sample

the body shop smoky poppy gommage scrub body butter review

The LE Smoky Poppy items are now available at The Body Shop! New scent releases at TBS are always intriguing and I'm pleased to report that this scent is worth it. I don't know what Poppies smell like, but if they smell anything like this, warm, smoky, clean and intimate, please plant a whole field of them for me. Released for Valentines day, (sorries, late on the reviews), the promo photos captures the scent perfectly.

the body shop smoky poppy gommage scrub body butter review

Monday 16 February 2015

2nd Year Favorites

2nd blog year favorites

Instead of listing favorites for the calendar year, I thought it made more sense to do a list for each blog year. This 2nd year I discovered so many new things; some of which were new to me while others were market staples. I don't often use the same things each day so I've avoided "favorite posts" but here are a few of the things I've loved the last 2nd year of blogging.

Sunday 15 February 2015

Clarins Lip Comfort Oil and Instant Light Lip Balm Protector*

*Press samples
Clarins Lip Comfort Oil honey and Instant Light Lip Balm Protector rose review

Along with the pretty Spring eyeshadow Palette, Clarins has launched two new lip products this Spring, Instant Light Lip Balm Perfector and Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil in Honey. Lip oils have been entering into the market lately so I was pleased to try one version of these products and let me say these both are winners!

Saturday 14 February 2015

The Boyfriend Tag


In this video:
- David and I talk about ourselves, a lot.
Happy Valentine's Day.

Questions:
Where did we meet? 
What was our first date? 
Where was our first kiss? 
Did you know that I was the one?
What was your first impression of me? 
When did u meet the family?
Do we have a tradition?
Who said "I love You" first?
What do we argue about the most? 
Who wears the pants in the relationship?
If I'm sitting in front of the TV what am i watching?
What's the one food I don't like? 
When we go out to eat, what do I get to drink?
What size shoe do I wear?
If i was collecting anything what would it be?
What is my favorite type of sandwich?
What my favorite cereal?
What is my favorite music?
What is my eye color?
Who is my best friend? 
What is something that I do that you don`t like?
Who wears the pants?
One of my best talents
What can I spend hours doing?

Friday 13 February 2015

Favorite Body Shop Body Butters

Favorite Body Shop Body Butters

If you're seeing this again, my apologies. This guest posted on Steph's blog.

Much like turkeys and that creepy skin/face lady from Dr Who, I will baste myself in moisturizer daily. Opening jars of body butter gives me a needed sweet hit of scent as if I were a junkie in withdrawal. Smothering my skin in lotion gives me the “aahhhhhh” sensation of an addict getting high. If I could sniff this stuff, I would. I’m pretty sure I would inject this shiz straight into my blood stream to keep my skin perma-plump, you know, if it weren’t such a life threatening, embolismic idea. 

Thursday 12 February 2015

Maybelline Dream Wonder Powder*

*Press Sample

Maybelline Dream Powder review swatch classic ivory sandy beige

There's a certain small-time anguish that comes with the realization that your beloved product is no longer available. I'm coming to the end of my Maybelline Dream Matte Powder and I noticed that it has been discontinued. Why!?!?! It worked so well to mattify and sometimes I used it all on its own. In its place, Maybelline has launched the Dream Wonder Powder*.

Illamasqua Powder Blushes

illamasqua powder blushes hussy trust chased swatch review

Everytime I wear one of my Illamasqua powder blushes, someone complements me. I think that says something.

Wednesday 11 February 2015

Clarins Garden Escape Eye Palette*

*Press Sample
clarins spring 2015 garden escape eye palette review swatch

This Spring, Clarins is envisioning bucolic garden strolls. Though not quite in that vein, this is bringing to mind images of white linen dresses with straw-hats, thistle brambles and moorland gambols surrounded by sheep. Or, if that's not your game, rugged hiking boots, braided hair and chunky knit wool sweaters. Wait, we're talking Spring, make that micro-fleece and a good windbreaker. How ever you like your garden stroll served up, the shades of pink and green that Clarins is forecasting for the eyes this season won't slow you down.

Tuesday 10 February 2015

In the Moment #21: Miraj Hamman Spa by Caudalie*

*Services provided complementarily

miraj hammam spa by caudalie toronto review

In a fluke coincidence, my appointment at the Miraj Hamman Spa, located at the Shangri-La Hotel in Toronto (188 University Avenue, 5th floor), was on my blog birthday. Not a bad way to round out two years, I'd say. In another, sort of, coincidence, I had actually treated my mom to a Hammam and Gommage at the Vancouver location many years ago for Christmas. 

Monday 9 February 2015

Obeying Instructions


I admit that I read through the first 50 Shades book with a bit of relish. The less than spectacular storyline made up for itself in over the top scenes of intimacy which kept a few of our knees clenched together while panting our way through the pages (Oh? Just me?).  There are even a few guys that have read the books (out of curiosity, they claim) and I know I've told David some of the more interesting details. Now that Make Up For Ever has released their 50 Shades of Grey make up sets, this whole experience begs the question, do you obey instructions

Sunday 8 February 2015

LUSH Yes Yes Yes Gift Set*

*Press Sample
lush yes gift set review

Some of my friends do not enjoy LUSH; the scents are overwhelming, the colors too bright, the prices too high. But when I tell them, that not only do I use these for myself, but I share them with David...well, sometimes they come around (that, and a bubble bar demonstration usually cinches the deal). As much as I love to use LUSH products on myself, they are also the perfect little things to share with my partner

Saturday 7 February 2015

Artist Shadow Obssessed: Swatches

make up for ever artist shadow swatches

If it hasn't been clear already, I am completely in love and obsessed with the Make Up For Ever Artist Shadows. Ultra blendable, 88% concentrated pigment, vibrant colors which can be used wet or dry, what's not to love. Here are some swatches for your viewing pleasure. I have accumulated 20 of the Artist Shades along with my 2 old formula pans. If that's not an obsessions (considering their size)...I don't know what is.

Friday 6 February 2015

On Failing Gym and Aiming at Armpits*

*Press Sample
Dove dry spray deodorant review

It may come as a shock to you but it is actually possible to fail gym class. My elementary school report cards are all the evidence I'd need to prove this point; you will literally see an "F" next to Physical Education. Paint me a picture of youth-aged PE and I'll paint you a picture of me struggling along and really hating life.

Thursday 5 February 2015

Wednesday 4 February 2015

Ugly Nail Art*

*Press SampleMary Kay Paradise Calling Nail Polishes lagoon exotic orchid tropical mandarin

I haven't ever proclaimed to be adept at nail art and in fact, I've proclaimed quite the opposite. Doing my nails is still a flailing-in-the-dark type affair where I mismatch colors and lines come out crooked. Really, people should just take away all my nail polishes.

Tuesday 3 February 2015

Usana Reset Program

usana reset program review

...the one where I go on a 'diet'...
I'm not recommending this product for anyone but am putting this out there for anyone who has contemplated trying it.

-------------

Around November of last year, and really even before then, my eating habits were taking a nose dive as I constantly went down to Tim's for doughnuts, bagels, pastries etc while at work. Then the real holiday season hit and it was day after day of desserts, heavy eating and rich foods. Simply, I find great pleasure in eating and it's not something I have good control over. The pants started to feel more than a little tight and I wanted to wipe the slate clean after all the binging. My friend suggested the Usana Reset program, which she has tried. I hemmed and hawed about it for a while, tried to look up reviews online and finally just decided "Eh, what the hell...".

Monday 2 February 2015

Koan #2: 2nd Blog Birthday/Reflections


“Every human being is the author of his own health or disease.”- Buddha

“Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.” Dalai Lama

My blog birthday was on Feb 2nd. In some ways I feel like I've been doing this for a long time but in others I feel like there's much to improve on and much to learn. This last year has been an amazing upgrade since the first and I wanted to reflect, say thanks and to express some other feelings I've been having about my blog. 

Sunday 1 February 2015

YSL Family Photo

ysl glossy stin 13 109 rouge volumpte shine 12 kiss and blush 2 rouge pur couture 52 s

Half of this beauty business is simply about appreciating how pretty some things are. Let's not kid ourselves and just accept this skin layer and brain cell reduced side of our personalities. Hold hands, sing Kumbaya, no one is judging.

When you show me high end products, a slow drool trail may just start developing as I gape in admiration (like I've repeatedly mentioned, I've never said I was glamorous, nor sanitary, nor a lot of other things. This list seems to get progressively longer as I continue to blog). And when you show me YSL, well...the heart does patter just a touch faster.  I'd be remise if I didn't offer the opportunity to share this corruptly plain joy, so here is my little current YSL family.