Beauty Review: Hello Kitty Apple Balm and Liquid Nail Art

Hello Kitty is Pretty in Pink!

It’s difficult not to like anything Hello Kitty. It really brings out the inner child in me so I was really

excited to try out these super cute products!

The first I tried was the Hello Kitty Apple Balm. The consistency is perfect in my opinion – thick enough

to stay put for a couple hours, glossy and really soothes your pout. In its adorable apple shaped bottle, it

looks like it’s meant to be a simple coloured gloss. Much to my surprise, it actually contains strawberry,

grape seed and apple extracts which are rich in polyphenols, vitamin C, and other antioxidant

properties.

The colour is rich for a gloss and it definitely hydrated my lips. It’s a great daytime product, especially as

the weather starts to cool off and our lips need a little more TLC.

The second Hello Kitty product I tried was the Liquid Nail Art in Pink Sprinkles. The bottle is shaped
like Hello Kitty and the colour makes it look super girly. This lacquer is formulated without toluene,
formaldehyde, or DBP which is a plus. It also comes in a variety of other pastel shades.

Application was a breeze, and since the base colour is clear, it can be applied quickly without worrying
about staying in the lines. It dried relatively quickly, and since one coat wasn’t enough in the sparkle
factor for me, I applied a second coat and it looked much better.

This product claims that it is anti-chip, and is sure to last a long time. However, on my nails it started
chipping the next day which is a little disappointing considering the price point. It was cute while it
lasted!

• Apple Balm - 0.22 oz for $9
• Liquid Nail Art - 0.304 oz for $10

 Have you tried any Hello Kitty products yet? How do you feel about sparkly polish?

http://sephora.com

by Brooke

Products were sent for editorial consideration.

Spring Beauty Review: Sephora and O.P.I. Get Their Gleek On!

I got slushied! Well at least my nails did. Just when I thought I couldn’t love Global’s hit series “GLEE” anymore, Sephora – in conjunction with OPI – comes out with a limited edition nail collection. Needlesstosay, my inner Gleek was very excited to try this product line out!

The collection is comprised of three nail appliqués, seven nail colours and six piece mini kit – all with clever names that reference the show.

I tried “Slushied” which as you can see is a bright, matte blue. It went on really easily and dried relatively quickly, but I wouldn’t expect anything less from OPI. Even though it’s opaque, it’s still got a nice sheen to it. Definitely a fun, playful look!

As for performance, I saw chips after only a day without a top coat. The second time I tried it, I applied an OPI top coat which not only increased the shine factor, but my nails went several days without a single chip. 

Other nail colours include:

•    Diva-in-Training: Step aside Rachel Berry. The next solo is yours with this poppy pink hue
•    Hell to the No: This purple shade might as well be considered liquid-pizzazz
•    Mash-Up: Whether your style is sporty or goth, this pearlescent green gray pulls it all together for a pitch-perfect look
•    Who Let the Dorks Out?: Express your individuality and inner-Gleek with this statement peacock green
•    Miss Bossy Pants: A rich raspberry as show stopping as Rachel herself
•    Gleek Out: A glittery lime green that will have everyone singing your praises

When you purchase the mini kit, you’ll get three exclusive colours:

•    Celibacy Club: Even if it's only part of the show, express your inner angel with this glimmering, diamond top coat
•    Express Yourself to Yourself: Even more entertaining than Sue Sylvester in a music video, this coral shimmer shade will have people talking
•    Sue vs. Shue: Stay a step ahead of the rivalry with this rebellious navy blue

The GLEE nail collection can be purchased at Sephora or online at www.sephora.com. Each full size nail colour retails for $9.50, and the mini kit retails for $24.

Have you tried any of these GLEE products yet? Do you like to get your Gleek on? 

by Brooke

Product was sent for editorial consideration and Brooke truly loves it.

Beauty Review: Fresh Supernova Mascara

It always makes me feel great to use products that contain more natural ingredients than the rest. Fresh is all about using nature’s gifts in all of their products – what a great philosophy!

Fresh’s Supernova ultra-conditioning mascara contains natural ingredients like meadowfoam seed oil and linden bud extract which nourishes and fortifies lashes. What’s even better is that it doesn’t contain alcohol, sulfate, synthetic dyes, synthetic fragrances or phthalates.

Application is a breeze, and it holds true to its claim that it defines, thickens, lengthens, and curls in one coat. However, applying another coat creates a more dramatic look if that’s what you’re trying to achieve.

The curved brush is very effective at coating and separating lashes, and preventing clumping. Removal is super easy with soap and water, which is always a plus.

The only issue I had with this mascara is that it tended to smudge slightly throughout the day on my upper and lower eyelid. Overall, I was pretty impressed with this product having used the same mascara for years.

Fresh’s Supernova mascara only comes in black, and retails for $25 at Sephora. 

Have you tried this mascara? Love it? Hate it? Want it? 

http://sephora.com

by Brooke

Beauty Review: Maybelline Superstay 24 Color

How great would it be if you only had to apply lipstick once throughout day? Maybelline’s Superstay 24 lip colour makes the claim that it’ll last 24 hours if applied properly. This dual ended lip product works by applying the richly pigmented colour to clean, dry lips. Once the colour dries completely – which takes about two minutes – you apply the conditioning balm to add moisture and sheen.

L-R: Timeless Rose and Always Hot Chili

This is a very effective product at a great price point. I tried two different colours – Always Hot Chili and Timeless Rose. The colours are highly saturated, and even though I did have to reapply a couple times during the day, it did last significantly longer than many other lip products I’ve used in the past. I found that the key to maintaining smooth looking pout was to reapply the conditioning balm often.

Whenever I see that a lip product that claims to last all day, I’m always a little wary considering how often we drink water or coffee, eat or brush our teeth throughout the day. When applied properly, I believe this product puts forth a valiant effort. The first time I tried to apply it, I must have applied the conditioning balm prematurely which resulted in the lip colour shifting and clumping on my lips. Definitely not the type of product to apply while you’re in a rush!

Since these colours are highly pigmented, I would recommend using this product to accentuate your lips as the focal point, pairing it with a more neutral eye colour. [Editor's note: If you like the idea of long-lasting colour but find the colours too pigmented, where as a stain by dabbing the colour on with your finger. The effect is a bit of colour that will last all day.]

Available at drugstores and retails for $9.99 CAD.

Have you tried Superstay 24 Color? Love it? Hate it? Want it?

by Brooke

Products were sent for editorial consideration. 

www.maybellinenewyork.ca

Beauty Resolution 2011: A Bright and Daring Future Ahead!

When a new year begins, we’re encouraged to make a resolution. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sworn to eat better or exercise more often for my New Year’s resolution, and of course, broken it! This year I decided to take a different course of action. Why not try something fun this time around? My 2011 New Year’s resolution: be more daring and creative when it comes to beauty.

Dare to be Bright. 

Bright neon pink lips at DVF S/S 2011 - Style.com

I see bright colours on the horizon. Bright lip and eye colours are a really hot trend for 2011. My personal favourite so far has to be hot pink lips (Editor note: Me too! Bright pink lips all year round!)

Matte orange lips at Marni S/S 2011 - Style.com

If pink lips isn’t your cup of tea, why not try a fierce red or orange? Both shades look equally delish when paired with bronzed skin! 

 

Bright eyes at Dior S/S 2011 - Style.com

As for eyes, the smoky look is always great. However, if you are no stranger to the smoky eye, try playing with vibrant eye shadows like blue, pink or green. 

Dare to Reinvent yourself. 

 

Platinum blond fringe at Balmain S/S 2011 - Style.com

As for hair, try starting the New Year with a new cut or hair colour. This point I can personally attest to! In the first few days of January, I spontaneously chopped over four inches off my curly mane to drastically reinvent my look! I could’ve taken it a step further by adding some fringe bangs – which are also hot in 2011 – but I chickened out. However, there are still 11 and a half months left in 2011 so there’s hope yet!

Clipped hair at Carolina Herrara S/S 2011 - Style.com

Instead of throwing your hair back with a plain old hair elastic, why not clip your hair with a few chunky barrettes? Mixing textures together will add some interest to an otherwise easy hair style. Chunky wooden barrettes will go with the season's neutrals and boho flowy pieces. 

Sleek bun at Chloe S/S 2011 - Style.com

Can’t think of a new hair style to experiment with? Try pinning your hair into a bun worn either as a ballerina bun or lower at the nape of the neck. Easy breezy!

There are many trendy looks to choose from. Just remember not to mix too many trends together in one look! So whether you’re the kind of gal who loves to paint the town red, a professional, or anything in between, we’re all a blank canvas when we wake up in the morning. I challenge you all to be daring and creative in 2011, and turn over a new beauty leaf!  

What's your beauty resolution? What new look will you be daring enough to try? 

by Brooke

First Post of the New Year With A New Makeup Junkie Contributor!

Happy New Year! Yes, we're 10 days into the new year and I'll admit - I needed an extra week to recover from the busy yet blissful holiday. Plus, it didn't help that I was feeling a little under the weather but I'm back and looking forward to another year full of beauty! To kick off the first post of the New Year I'm excited to introduce a new Makeup Junkie contributor! 

Meet Brooke. She's a young, beautiful gal who will be bringing some fresh, new content to Makeup Junkie! She's the only one here that has some true journalism credentials. Her love of writing and classic beauty style is a Makeup Junkie fit! 

Brooke's beauty must-haves? 

Chi Flat Iron, A&G hair products like Liquid Varnish and Fastfood, Shwarzkopf Osis Dust it, and tons of Loreal Double Extend Mascara! Brooke’s friends and family say that her look just wouldn’t be the same without long black lashes.

No wonder she's got fab hair and gorgeously long lashes! Welcome Brooke! Stay tuned for her first post!