Get the Look: NYE 2012

It's NYE! I don't know about the rest of you, but time just zoomed by! 2012 was an amazing year and like I say every year, the next year will be even better. I hope the rest of you Makeup Junkies have had a fantastic 2012 and I thank you for being apart of my world! Wishing you much love, peace and happiness for 2013!

Before I say peace out on my last post for 2012, check out some gorgeous NYE looks and beauty items you'll need to ring in the new year! 

NYE is the time to let loose, forget about all your 2012 woes, and get a little crazy. Go a little bolder with your makeup and have some fun with some jewel tones on the eyes and nails! 

1. YSL Pure Chromatics Wet/Dry Eye Shadow in Arctic Night: I am loving these new palettes from YSL. These satiny metallic powders are intensely pigmented wet or dry. Arctic Night is a collectors palette from the holiday collection. The shades are a mix of icy blues and a plum purple. For a NYE look that will get you noticed, apply the purple across the lid and the dark blue shade on the outer crease and along the lash line for a sultry effect. Highlight the inner corners with the icy silver-blue. 

2. Clinique Chubby Stick Intense in Curviest Caramel: I am all about the chubby lip pencils these days. The new Chubby Stick Intense lippies are amazing - pure pigment and shine. If you take a peek into my purse, you'll see a few Chubby Intense sticks in there. Curviest Caramel is the perfect shade for a jewel-toned smokey eye. Some might say it's the perfect nude lip. It has the right combination of pink and beige mixed together but leaning more beige. If you'll be snapping a lot of photos, you still want your nude lips to look visible! 

3. Maybelline Fashion Print Nail Stickers in Sapphire Jewels: Nail stickers are my new favourite mani-on-the-go. It requires no drying time and is really easy to do. Simply choose the right shape for your nail, press, and file to your nail shape. Thankfully the ones from Maybelline aren't terribly tacky and look pretty funky. I tried out Sapphire Jewels today and did it in less than 20 minutes while watching a toddler! Here's the only downfall: don't expect to be doing any outdoorsy activities with these stickers! They started to peel off as soon as I pulled my boots on before leaving the house. However, these are perfect for standing around and looking pretty at a NYE party! The patterns are sure to get conversations going and your nails will look like you actually put some time and effort into them! 

Before

After

Prefer something glam but a little rock 'n roll? Nothing says it better than a little smudgy liner and a bold lip!

1. Annabelle Roll On Eye Shadow/Liner in Brown: I was never a fan of roll-on eye shadows until now. I always found that the colour was hard to get out onto the roller or it was lacking in pigment. I don't believe this one from Annabelle is out yet, but be sure to add Brown to your must-have list. This shade is the perfect neutral and the intense shimmer kicks it up a notch. If you need more of the product just give it a little shake. If it rolls on to much in one area, take a brush or your finger and pat it across your lid. Always use a patting motion for loose shadows - you'll get less fall off and more pigment. To contour the crease, use a matte neutral shade to balance the shimmer. The liner fell a little flat for me. It was a little watery and needed a few layers to give it intensity. Otherwise, both the shadow and liner lasted all night on me! I used it for my family Christmas Eve party here. 

2. Marcelle Kajal Kohl Pencil: Kajal liners are becoming a new makeup staple. I am loving this water-proof, intense black from Marcelle. I don't think this has launched yet, but will be in the new year. For rock 'n roll glam eyes, you don't want a strong black smokey eye and a bold lip. It will look overkill. Instead, opt for smudgy liner by lining the top inner lash line otherwise known as "tight lining". Just flip your lid up and line the base of your lashes. Then line the bottom water line, close your eyes tightly, then line again. Load up on the mascara or use some falsies. 

3. Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro in The Red: Ok, so I'm kinda in love with the new Lip Maestros. My lips are loving the velvety smooth texture and the creamy, matte finish. They don't accentuate dry or chapped lips, but if you're doing a red lip it's always best to make sure your lips are in tip top shape. The slightly angled sponge makes the application easier, but if you do mess up don't try wiping it off with your finger (like I did). It'll just smear and these don't budge. It's best to take a cleansing water on a q-tip or moisturizer on a q-tip to remove it. Then touch up with a bit of a concealer. These also don't feather or bleed so while you're sipping on your champagne you won't have to think about your lips looking messy! 

What will your last look of 2012 be? 

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them. 

Summer Beauty Review 2012: Bronzetastic

Some prices are in US dollars. 

It's been a hot summer so your tan is probably well under way, but if you need a little help or just want to enhance your summer glow here are some bronzetastic bronzers to choose from! 

• DiorSkin Nude Natural Radiance Bronzing Powder: Dior's new line of bronzers are probably the most luxurious bronzers I own. Talk about red-carpet worthy. The silver luxe design is one you'll love using in public for those mid-day touch-ups. The bronzer comes in 7 shades; 3 neutral shades for all year round and 3 warmer shades for the summer. Why? It's a given that our skin tones change with the seasons. It adjusts to your natural skin tone and the ambient light to create a natural over all glow. Honey is the lightest and has the least amount of orange undertones. I like to use this one for bridal because it's more golden and doesn't look obvious in photographs (if the client is darker I use one a bit deeper). Pictured above is Cinammon and the one I use on myself. My skin gets a lot darker in the summer so this shade suits me the best. 
• Clinique Superbalanced Powder Bronzer: I was pleasantly surprised that Clinique's newest bronzer is more pigmented than their past bronzers. Yet, the darkest shade is more on the subtle side for me. It's easy to layer though and it does stay on pretty well. It adds a soft radiance to the skin without looking too shimmery. And the undertone is more on the golden side. I can see these bronzers working for people who are still on the fence about bronzers. The turn-dial packaging is pretty straightforward and shaves off a good amount of powder at a time. It's like a loose powder though so if you have any left over, expect a little mess when opening. 
• YSL Terre Saharienne Bronzing Powder: This limited edition bronzer from YSL is a mix of blush, bronzer and all-over skin enhancer. Plus, it has an SPF 12. I like to use this as a blush on myself, but this is perfect for more fair-skinned beauties who just want to give the skin some natural warmth. It contains "sun radiance" pigments that capture the light and diffuse a golden reflection in all directions, but most bronzers with a subtle gold shimmer do the same thing. I love the mix of rose, bronze, and apricot in the Harmonie Sunkissed compact. You'll be sunkissed in all the right places. 

L-R: Dior Cinammon, Clinique Bronzed 2, and YSL Harmonie Sunkissed

• NARS Laguna Body Illuminator: This is one product my legs cannot live without this summer! It's for the entire body, but I only use on my legs since they rarely see the light of day (body issues!). When I know there's going to be a bit of leg flashing, I apply this rich, brown bronzer with golden shimmer. It's water-resistant, gives the skin the most prettiest glow, and has a slimming effect! Love, love, love! *Warning: Let it dry before putting on your clothes and wash your hands immediately! Once it's dry it doesn't transfer. 
• mark. Glow It All Gradual Glow Body Moisturizer: To speed up the tanning process on my legs, I've been using this gradual glow body moisturizer from mark. cosmetics before applying NARS Laguna. It has a really nice scent - not like the chemically smell of Jergens - and really moisturizers the skin. I find other gradual glow moisturizers can be a bit greasy or sticky. 

L-R: NARS Laguna Body Illuminator, mark.Glow Body Moisturizer

What are your favourite go-to bronzing products? 

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them. 

Spring Beauty Review 2012: Clinique Almost Lipstick Collection

Not quite a lipstick and not quite a lip balm - Clinique Almost Lipsticks are the perfect marriage of both. Here are some scenarios these almost lipsticks are great for: 

• When you're rushing out the door and don't have a mirror. The lipsticks are so sheer it's like applying a lip balm. No mirror necessary. 
• A long plane ride. I wore one on the way to Paris and it kept my lips pretty moisturized with a sheer pop of colour. 
• For the not-done-up look like when you're going grocery shopping, the gym (who am I kidding) or taking the kiddies to the park. 
• When you're looking for a polished look but don't want a severe or super slick lip. The Almost Lipsticks give enough colour and shine to define your lips naturally. They contain transparent pigments that merge with the natural tones in your lip to create your own unique shade!
• If you're a lipstick newbie or afraid of lipstick. These lippies may come in a stick form but they apply smoothly and softly onto the lips. The braver you become, you can layer and layer for a stronger effect and before you know it you'll be addicted to lipstick! Ahhh!

Top to bottom: Flirty Honey, Lovely Honey, Luscious Honey, Tender Honey, Spicy Honey, and Chic Honey

I'm really glad Clinique launched new shades because Black Honey just didn't work for me. My lip's undertones brought out the reds in the shade which look dated on me (think the '90's). Sadly, I've misplaced Shy Honey which was a sheer mauve but looked almost clear on my lip. It was great for those days when I just needed some shine and hydration. You won't find any stickiness, but with that means it won't wear for too long. If you don't mind reapplying, you'll find yourself reaching for these often because they are so easy to wear. The ones I use the most are Flirty, Luscious, Lovely and Tender. They really are a glorified tinted lip balm, but the Almost Lipstick is a cult classic so if you're a fan you will love! I also think the slim packaging makes it very purse and kit friendly. 

If you're looking for a lip that is effortless for spring or summer these are definitely one to check out! 

Retails for $18 CAD and is available worldwide. 

www.clinique.com

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them!

Fall Beauty Review: Now My Baby and I Have Something In Common - Baby Soft Skin!

Dry, flaky skin can give me a pouty face - okay, my baby and I have two things in common. It's starting to get nippy out which means snow season is rearing it's blustery head. My skin is typically dry and flaky in certain areas and mostly dehydrated. To avoid the sometimes uneasy transition from summer to winter, I've been one step ahead prepping my skin since the summer time. Besides trying to down gallons of water a day, my moisturizers have been my skin savior.

I've been really loving skincare products from Biotherm. In the summertime, I used Biotherm's Aqua Source Deep Hydration Replenishing Gel For Normal to Combination Skin ($45 CAD) religiously. I just loved how light-weight it felt and how fresh it left my skin. It was hydrating enough to keep flakes at bay and even added radiance. It's perfect for skin that is dehydrated, but I felt it worked really well for oilier skin types. It is very hydrating, but if use an appropriate amount works great for oily skin. It doesn't feel heavy and gives you a clean feeling. I even used this on Monica from Beauty Parler on her wedding day! She chose this over my usual Embryolisse which she felt too heavy for her.

As your skin transitions to the colder months, you should always switch up your skincare to something a little heavier. My skin can't get enough of the newest moisturizer from Biotherm. Skin Vivo Uniformity SPF 15 Renovating Anti-Age Moisturizer ($70 CAD) targets all skin irregularities that can make your skin look older (amen!): dark spots, redness, dull tone, roughness and loss of elasticity while protecting skin from harmful UV rays. The texture feels so luxurious on the skin and literally melts into it. At the same time, it doesn't leave a heavy residue. I love how luminous and smooth my skin looks after. I gotta toot my horn a little - my skin is looking fantastic! Really it is! I never have to worry about flakiness popping up throughout the day.

Ever heard of needing your "beauty rest"? If you didn't know, sleep time is your skin's time to repair itself. That's why at night, I don't mind lathering my skin with a richer moisturizer. Clinique's Turnaround Overnight Radiance Moisturizer ($44.50 USD) is a creamy yet light-weight moisturizer that gives your skin a healthy radiance. You wake up with your skin looking smoother, luminous and pores seem visibly smaller! I really love it. It claims to make your skin smoother over time. I've been using it since August and it really does.

Keep in mind, these are creams in a container so to avoid bacteria from mixing into your moisturizer use a spatula instead of your finger. Obviously all are more expensive than your drugstore brand but I believe in investing in good skin care. Makeup is only one aspect of making your skin beautiful!

What do you use to get your skin baby soft? Have you used any of these moisturizers?

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them.

Fall Beauty Review 2011: Clinique Black Honey Fall Collection

Clinique's Black Honey Almost Lipstick is a cult classic. I remember my first introduction to Black Honey was when I was in college working at a poster shop. My co-worker was a stunning girl with pale, olive skin and long, shiny black hair. I remember the first time she whipped Black Honey out and applied this deep, berry to her lips without a mirror. I couldn't believe how dark the shade was in the tube, but on the lips added just the right amount of colour. The skinny, silver tube was all very eye catching especially since I was used to black lipstick packaging. 

Fast forward 10 + years later, and although a classic, I hadn't tried Black Honey until Clinique came out with a whole collection for Fall! So, you can imagine my excitement when I had the collection in my hands. I immediately swiped on the 2-in-1 Almost Lipstick/Black Honey Gloss. One side is the lipstick and one side is a gloss which is not shown in the picture above. The moisturizing texture I loved. But sadly, I was really underwhelmed with the colour - on me at least. I know all you Black Honey fans are thinking I'm just crazy, but it turned more of a reddish-brown on my lips. I was expecting more of a blackened purple undertone. It could be that I have some natural pigment to my lips and it pulled more of the brown undertones. It didn't necessarily look bad against my skin tone, but I felt it looked a little dated on me. It reminded me of my M.A.C. Paramount lipstick I used to wear religiously in high school/college. Not cute and just not me anymore.

The eyeshadow quad was also underwhelming although it is a quad with basic everyday shades. Beware that this palette could look muddy on some skin tones and make you look tired. Again on me, it worked but I felt it looked dated. The textures were also pretty frosty. If you have wrinkly skin on your eyes, the frost will just accentuate that.

The Black Honey blush I actually didn't mind. It is a gradation of colour going from dark to light. Use one side to sculpt and the lighter to add colour on the cheeks and highlight. The texture of the blush is really smooth. It gives the skin really nice warmth and is perfect for the Fall season. Lighter skin tones should use a lighter hand when applying this blush as you don't want to look bruised. 

All in all, I think the Black Honey shade works best as a lip colour as it seems to be flattering on most skin tones. I just wish it would had more of a purple undertone to it. Otherwise, if you're a Black Honey fan you will love this collection. 

Are you a Black Honey fan? Did you love the collection?

www.clinique.com

Products were submitted for editorial consideration.

Summer Beauty Review: It's A Coral Kind Of Summer!

This summer has been all about the corals. My lips have been rockin' everything from orange corals to pink corals. Here are some of my favourite picks this season! (Will have to update with swatches - still no memory card! :()

(Counter clockwise)

Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Mega Melon ($19 CAD): These chubby sticks bring me back to my kindergarten days when I used to rub crayons on my lips for colour. These balms will drench your lips with moisture. Love the colour pay off too. I was expecting it to be sheer, but the colour payoff is similar to a glossy lipstick. Mega Melon is a beautiful shade just right for bronzy summer skin. It leans more orange than pink so it gives the skin some warmth. I also love the twist-up feature. I hate sharpening gloss pencils - just too messy. Available in 8 shades.

Guerlain Rouge Automatique in Nahema ($35 USD): Luxury in a lipstick tube. Guerlain's signature gold casing and interesting packaging screams luxury. This is the first time my lips have ever been touched by Guerlain and unfortunately I'm in love. The texture is unbelievably creamy. For a long-lasting lip colour, it doesn't dry out your lips and keeps them hydrated. I love the flip-top applicator. No need to take off the cap - just push up and your lipstick pops out. And isn't luxury all about convenience? Nahema is a bright coral sheen. It has a nice mix of both cool and warm undertones so it will work for many skin tones. If you love collecting uber chic and luxurious lipsticks this is one to add to the collection! Available at Sephora.

Revolution Organics Freedom Gloss in Vibe ($26 CAD): You all know my love affair with Revolution Organics so I'm sure it's no surprise I'm featuring the brand again. Vibe is described as "fresh warm peach", but it looks more like a flat orange in the tube. Before trying it I wasn't too keen on this shade, but once it was on my lips I fell in love. There is a slight shimmer and it has beautiful undertones of coral and peach. With the Freedom Glosses, you never feel like you're wearing a gloss. I never have to apply a lip conditioner before applying these glosses. They contain organic plant proteins, oils and shea butter that moisturize and heal the lips. 

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Bolero ($24 USD): New for summer, Bolero is described as "pink cantaloupe". The bright pink swatch on the website is deceiving. Do go to the counter and test this out. I'm featuring this not because I'm totally in love with it, but I think it's an interesting shade for summer.

What I love: 

• The matte texture is a nice alternative to the usual glossy lips for summer. When you wear shimmer on the eyes and face it's important to keep one area non-shimmery. A matte lip is the perfect compliment.


• It accentuates your tan. This shade will look different on everyone. On paler skin, more of the pink undertones will come out. On bronzy skin, it will look edgy and you'll look more golden. Reminds me of day glo lip balms with sunblock. Deeper skin tones should be wary though - it might make you look ashy. 

What I hate:

• The matte texture. My lips can get extremely dry and chapped. The combination of this texture and shade just accentuated the dryness even more. But with a little lip balm, it wore pretty good but settled into my lines. 


• You have to sharpen the pencil.

Stila Convertible Color in Petunia ($25 USD): Petunia is such a pretty pinky coral shade. It looks amazing with a bit of bronzer and really perks up the skin. The finish is creamy and gives the skin a lovely glow. It'll never look overdone because it melts right into the skin. The shade is highly pigmented yet it's very easy to blend. You can wear them on the lips, but I find it dries mine out too much. But it works great as a base for glosses. If your skin needs a good pick-me-up or you're in a rush these are perfect, but don't expect it to last in humid sticky weather! Tip: Make it last a little longer with translucent powder or a powder blush in a similar shade.

Have you tried any of these lovely corals? What colours have you been wearing a lot of this summer?

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them.

Summer Beauty Review: Looking Pale? 5 Bronzers To Give You That Faux Glow!

What is it about sun-kissed skin that everyone longs for? Hmm, I can think of a few reasons. You look healthier, don't have to wear as much makeup, and everyone thinks you just came back from the most fabulous getaway.

There are a variety of bronzers on the market to suit your fancy. Read up on what I think of this summer's latest bronzers-on-the-block!

1. Clinique Almost Bronzer SPF 15 ($34 CAD): They call this "almost bronzer" for a reason. If you have a bronzer phobia, but long for a touch of sun you will love this bronzer. The application is very, very sheer. It claims it's long-wearing, but because I received the Light/Medium sample I couldn't see it at all on my skin. It also says it's buildable which I'm sure is true if you have very fair skin. You can combine the two shades for an all over natural colour or use one to contour and the lighter to highlight. For me, this bronzer was a bust especially at $34, mainly because I couldn't truly test its potential and I didn't have a chance to try it on someone fairer than me. Anyone else try this?

2. Lancome Star Bronzer in #3 ($46 CAD): This long-wearing bronzer will be featured this summer in a new slim case with a clic closing. I love the embossed design - it reminds me of sun rays shining over the brand's classic rose emblem. It even has a rose scent to it. The bronzer is lovely on and the shimmer is very subtle so you get the most natural glow. The shade is very buildable and long-wearing. You won't have to worry about looking orange this summer - just pure golden baby! Keep in mind, it comes with a hefty price tag but if you love Lancome and love luxury bronzers this is one to get.

3. Revolution Organics Freedom Glow Beauty Balm in Bronzed ($34 CAD): These eco-friendly beauty balms of goodness are perfect for the "no makeup" makeup look. I love the glow it gives my skin. The sticks are very creamy and sinks into the skin leaving a gorgeous tint of colour behind. It doesn't leave a greasy residue. Don't expect these to last all day though. I found it lasted longer when I didn't prime or put any foundation on. On bare skin, it actually stayed better. These are perfect for when you want a bronzey tan on-the-go or when you're going to the beach. You can swipe the Bronzed shade on your lids, cheeks and lips and you're good to go. Keep in mind, if staying out in hot weather for a long time these can melt! Solution: throw it in with the drinks in your cooler!

4. Vasanti Brazilian Powder - Brightening Mineral Powder ($25 CAD):  First, the packaging is beautiful with its unique artisan inspired paperboard with hand made accents. Being the less pricier of the 5, this is an awesome bronzer for what you get. It contains a nutrient-rich formula with anti-aging properties to keep your skin looking radiant and youthful. It has a shimmery finish to it but instead of looking shiny it leaves a gorgeous sheen. You'll be glowing in all the right places! Tip: make sure your skin is properly powdered before applying. Because it is so velvety smooth, I found I had to buff my skin really well before it looked blended. 

5. Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in Deep Chocolate (LE, $40 CAD): You want chocolate? This bronzer is a true rich chocolate. The finish is matte yet silky so you'll never look muddy or dirty. Deep Chocolate is one I recommend for medium-dark to deep skin. I'm no where as tanned as I would be in the height of summer, but if I use it sparingly it leaves a lovely bronzed finish to my skin. I also like using this to contour or as a shadow. It's also available in Rich Cocoa and might be better for someone who has fair to medium skin. Remember to use a bronzer buffing brush or a big powder brush to apply your bronzer so it leaves a believable natural tan! 

 Top - Bottom: Clinique, Lancome, Revolution Organics, Vasanti, and Bobbi Brown

Have you tried any of these bronzers? What are your favourite bronzers for a natural summer glow? 

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them.

Joy Approved: Skin Savers

Find out why I love using these skin saving products! Visit The Joy of Makeup here to read my post!

Summer Beauty Review: Are Tinted Moisturzers Created Equal?

Spring is just beginning here in Toronto, but I see summer skies on the horizon! My skin is starting to behave now that the weather is turning a bit warmer which means I can put away my heavier foundations! I've been living on tinted moisturizers since April, but my skin is still needing a bit of coverage. If you're deciding to make the switch to a tinted moisturizer, there's a few things to keep in mind. 

Are tinted moisturizers created equal? I've been test driving 3 since March and each one has their good and not-so-good features. Here's what I thought and what worked for me and will hopefully work for you!

The Tints:

mark by Avon Get A Tint Tinted Moisturizer Lotion SPF 15 ($10 USD): Light-weight and oil-free. Gives enough coverage and shimmer for a balanced glow. Unique skin-balancing formula hydrates while it prevents shine in those spots prone to excess oil. Available in Ivory/Nude, Buff/Natural, Honey/Golden, Almond/Mocha.

Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 ($30 CAD): Light-weight hydrating formula that protects the skin with SPF and covers imperfections naturally for a no-makeup look. Available in 6 shades. 

Cover FX Skintint FX Treatment and Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 ($39 CAD): Rejuvenating liquid mineral treatment. Pearlized minerals provide tinted sun-kissed looking skin. Perfect for dry, sallow, sensitive or sun-damaged skin. Oil-free, fragrance-free, and paraben-free. Available in C Light, C Deep, E Light, E Deep, M Light, and M Deep. 

The Coverage (T-B in photo):

mark by Avon in Buff/Natural: The most economical out of the 3, this tint actually gives some coverage! The formula didn't feel heavy or greasy and evened out my skin tone pretty good. On darker blemishes, I did have to apply a separate concealer for more coverage. The Buff shade works for my skin tone right now, but probably won't as I get darker. When first applied, the shimmer seemed very noticeable and I found myself trying to brush it or sponge it away. I was scared that as the day wore on, I would end up looking like an oily mess. Surprisingly, the shimmery particles faded to a sheen leaving my skin glowing and didn't make me shinier. For oilier skin types, however, I'm not sure if the results will be the same. Any oily lovelies that can weigh in? I think this would work great on the decolletage for a sexy glow and on the legs especially if you need to hide any nicks or bruises.

Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer in #3: In March, I was actually light enough to use this shade which is for more fair skinned beauties. The downside - the shade doesn't work for me now. The upside? I'm getting more tanned! Yay! Out of the 3, the Clinique version provides the best coverage yet still looked natural. I didn't have to use a separate concealer over my blemishes or red spots. I really liked the light-weight feel to it. Those that are oilier will appreciate the non-shimmery formula.

Cover FX Skintint FX in M Light: This has been my go-to TM for the past month or so. I love the golden tint it gives my skin! Out of the 3, the finish is the closest to looking like your natural skin. I love the mousse-like texture - it feels like air when applied. It has a pearlized texture rather than shimmer so you're left with skin that glows. The downside? My skin isn't the most perfect right now and I find it doesn't offer enough coverage. My solution? I've been mixing this with Cover FX's Natural FX Water-Based Liquid Foundation SPF 15. The combo gives me enough coverage while still feeling and looking like a TM. It's the pricier option of the 3, but all Cover FX products have ingredients that repair and heal the skin. Perfect for both normal or more problematic skin.

To Tint or Not-To-Tint?

Meredith from her lovely blog, et tu and you, did a post about tinted moisturizers and debated whether switching to one would work for her (click on link above to read). She asked me to weigh in on it and I'm so glad she did!

Wearing a TM really depends on your skin type and your lifestyle. There are ones that offer more coverage and in my experience the ones I love are tarte's Smooth Operator and Clinique's Moisture Surge. These are great options especially if you are used to a full coverage foundation. However, mixing your moisturizer with your favourite foundation also does the trick. I've fallen in love with mixing my Cover FX Skintint with the Natural FX. 

As I said in my reply to her, there is a time and place for everything. If you're working out and still want a bit of coverage (for fear of running into that hottie or ex), a TM is your best friend. Nothing is worst than foundation dripping off your face and onto the workout equipment! If I'm running errands, I usually slap on a bit of concealer with my TM. If I'm attending an event that requires long lasting makeup, I will use a full coverage foundation. If you normally have flawless skin (damn you!), then you can get away with wearing a TM all year round. But if you're less fortunate like me, I use a heavier foundation in the winter months and switch to a TM in the warmer months.

And as always, I am never without a face primer. Make sure you apply a primer (mattifying one if oily) first to keep your TM on all day. Since they don't offer as much coverage, the chances of it fading is greater. Don't be afraid to do a light dusting of translucent powder to set it.

What is your favourite tinted moisturizer? Do you prefer it over a full coverage foundation? Have you tried any of the 3?

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them.

Spring Beauty Review: Clinique Milly Pretty In Prints Palette

Spring is looking pretty! Clinique has partnered with Michelle Smith, renowned fashion designer of women's fashion and accessories, Milly, to create this positively pretty palette for Spring! The colours and print of the little sash bag were designed in a signature print from her collection. The print was inspired by a couture 1960's print.

Clinique Milly Pretty In Prints Palette (Limited Edition, $43 CAD) is a wearable palette for many skin tones but leans more towards warm skin tones. I was actually surprised by the strong pigment and long-lasting finish. The eye shades have a pearly finish all except the rich brown that is a matte. This has become one of my favourite palettes of neutrals to use on myself and my bridal clients. Since it's not frosty it doesn't look too shiny on the eyes and photographs nicely. You can create so many looks with this palette from subtle to dramatic. 

The Blushing Blush Powder Blush in Precious Posy is a very pretty pink with peachy-gold undertones. It reminds me of NARS Orgasm blush. It's not too shimmery and leaves a gorgeous glow on the skin.

The Long-Last Glosswear SPF 15 in Milly Pink (LE) does have a long-lasting shine. I was surprised how shiny my lips were after hours of wear. It doesn't feel too sticky and adds incredible moisture to my dry lips. The pink shade is pretty sheer and doesn't really show up on my lips. If you don't have a lot of colour on your lips and have fair-medium skin it will appear as a soft pink, otherwise use it over your favourite lipstick for lots of juicy shine! 

Overall, I love the packaging with the print on the compact and the little bag you can throw all the products in. If you love neutrals with a splash of pink this is a great basic palette to have! 

Available on counters Spring 2011. 

www.clinique.com

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them.

Guest Review: Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup

I was very excited to find out about the new Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup from Clinique. A foundation that does the acne control job at the same time sounds like a perfect solution to my acne-prone skin.

What it is: A oil-free liquid foundation with 0.5% Salicylic Acid to help treating and preventing breakouts on dry combination to oily skin, retails $24.50/ CAD30 for 1oz/ 30ml.

What it offers:

- Texture: Light weight and dries quickly.

- Coverage: Medium.

- Colours: 8 shades available, a good selection for different skin tones.

How it performs: I received "02 Fresh Ivory" which is a bit lighter than my match shade, but for testing purpose, I did use it on my face without mixing it with any darker foundation.

The goods:

- The formula is light and oil-free, a big plus, especially during the summer months. The foundation is semi matte when dries. It did not break me out.

- The wear is pretty good, as it lasts until I come home at the end of the day to wash it off.

- It can also be used on the affected areas only as a cover-up/ treatment liquid during the day.

The not-so-goods:

- It is not a full coverage foundation, i.e. I still have to use concealer on top of it. I expect a foundation with acne treatment property would provide more coverage, as often enough, we have acne scars and old spots to cover.

- The liquid is hard to blend at times as it dies quickly. I would suggest to get a bit of product at a time and blend it out completely before getting more product.

- It does oxidize a bit, which works on my benefit in this case as the shade is a bit light on me (Later in the day, it looks like a better match for me). Keep this in mind.

- The low dose of salicylic acid is good to treat rarely occasional breakouts but not for skin with more serious acne problem or higher frequency of breakouts.

The bads:

- The foundation flakes - around my nose and mouth, and on my cheeks. It is not pretty.

Note that I always use a moisturizer and a primer before any foundation, and do not notice any dryness on my face prior to application. Dabbing more moisturizer on top did not help, I tried.

Summary: This foundation works great as a convenient fix for those with light acne problem on normal skin but is not a good solution for combination/ dry skin as it intensifies the dryness.

www.clinique.ca 

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

About Anh

If you a loyal follower of Anh's blog, Sparkled Beauty, then you'll know she has a love for anything with sparkles! Like most of my encounters with fellow beauty bloggers, I "met" Anh on Twitter. When we finally met in person at the Girls Night In at LIFT in April, it was like meeting an old friend. Be sure to check out Anh's blog for her awesome makeup hauls and product reviews! Thanks Anh!

Guest Review: Clinique Brandied Bronze Colour Surge Eye Shadow Palette

I’m a sucker for any palette with bright and unique colors in them. Clinique Brandied Bronze Colour Surge Eye Shadow Palette ($32.50 CDN) has gorgeous colors in it ranging from a deep bronze to soft baby pink.

Clinique Brandied Bronze Colour Surge Eye Shadow Palette:

“Clinique creates a new tradition in eye shadow for powder connoisseurs who want stay true, long lasting colour, with an emphasis on gorgeous texture. Colour Surge Eye Shadow offers six complementary multi-coloured eye shadow shades that can be mixed and matched or worn alone. Get swept away by a palette of superb shades in new Super Shimmer finishes.”

Palette under natural light

Palette with flash

The pros about this palette:
The first thing I noticed about the palette was that the shadows are very soft, no glitter & very little fall out. Also since this is a warm palette the colors went together well.Even a beginner would be able to create an effortless look complete with highlight, base & contour.

The cons about this palette:
It was very difficult to test some colors on my skin tone. The turquoise had to be swatched twice to get a color similar to the ones I did on the first swatch. One tip I know to get more color is to foil the shadows by wetting them. It probably would have done the trick but I would have risked damaging the shadows.

Natural light swatches no base

 Swatches with flash no base

The colors are very sheer. On camera these colors also show up almost non-existent. I would recommend that you wear them with a cream shadow or a matte shadow underneath. It would give the shadows something to stick too.

Personally this palette didn’t live up to my expectations. However I would recommend it for my light to medium toned girl because the colors will show up more vibrant.

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

www.clinique.ca

About Jenn

Jenn is Director (future beauty director), certified makeup artist and a lover of all things fashion, beauty and media! She is also the founder of her popular beauty blog, Spiced Beauty. I met Jenn at a beauty bloggers brunch back in February - she was warm, always flashing her beautiful smile, and her camera was always on hand! Thanks Jenn for your guest review! Do check out her blog - must reads are her daily fashion finds and product reviews!

www.spicedbeauty.com