Friday, 22 April 2011

Makeup Junkie Loves These Eco-Friendly Brands!

Happy Earth Day and Happy Good Friday! How are you celebrating Earth Day? The last few days I've been a little obsessed with baby shopping. As many of you know, we are expecting our 2nd child this summer and we couldn't be more thrilled! Instead of buying a slew of brand new baby items, I've been reaching out to my mommy friends to see if they have any items they would like to lend or give away- reuse and recycle! My friend came up with a fabulous idea for a baby shower. Instead of people buying stuff from a registry, she suggested we do a recycling party! Genius right? And so economical and eco-friendly for everyone involved. Lets face it - babies outgrow things quickly so most items are like new anyways. We are, however, buying bigger items brand new like a stroller and car seat - those things you just can't skimp on.


If indulging in some beauty products is your way of celebrating Earth Day, indulge in my favourite eco-chic brands guilt-free! When I buy products for myself I tend to gravitate towards the green lines. After all, if you're going to spend the money why not get more bang for your buck by investing in something good for you and the environment?

1. Consonant Body Ultra Moisturizing Lip Conditioner ($12 CAD): I discovered this Canadian brand at The Beauty Board. The rep was kind enough to give me some samples to try out. I love this lip balm! My lips just drank it up, but sadly it didn't last too long. I didn't have to reapply too often throughout the day, but I did use it daily. It lasted for about a month. It's around the same price of my beloved Korres Lip Butter which lasts a lot longer and is a tad more moisturizing. Otherwise, the lip balm does the job!


2. Korres Lip Butter Glaze in Jasmine ($18 CAD): When I found out Korres came out with a tube version of the Lip Butter, I had to have it. I was out of my Guava lip balm and decided to try out the Glaze even though it is more a gloss than balm. I chose Jasmine, a soft nude pink since it is the closest to looking clear. It's a very pretty nude-pink on my lips with a slight shimmer. These glosses are super hydrating and shiny without the gookiness, but it didn't get rid of my chapped lips completely. I still have to apply a balm underneath to get my lips super soft and smooth. But as a gloss, this is one of the most hydrating glosses I own and the colour lasts a lot longer than most glosses. The squeeze tube packaging is also super convenient - no finger dipping! The buttery vanilla scent is also scrumptious but isn't too overwhelming. I definitely want to try the more vibrant shades in the line!


3. Tarte LipSurgence Natural Matte Lip Tint in Lively ($28 CAD): While on a Sephora shopping trip with Stephanie from Blush Pretty, she gabbed about how much she loved these chubby pencils. I immediately fell in love with Lively, a deep hot pink. I decided to forgo on the purchase since I have waaay too many lip products especially pink ones! Unfortunately, I thought about it constantly and decided that my friend's wedding was a good excuse to buy it! Since I was doing makeup for her wedding, I decided a bright lip would be the easiest way to look made up quickly. The shade looks more like a raspberry pink on me, but I adore it! I received so many compliments that night. It's one of those shades that make your teeth look whiter. The texture is matte, but applies very smoothly. The pigment is vibrant, but if you're eating has average lasting power. It claims to moisturize your lips up to 6000% - I have no idea where they came up with this absurd number - but I didn't find it did that. It did dry out my lips after a few hours and I always have to wear a lip balm with it. However, it is one of the more hydrating matte lip products I've used. The pencil is also really easy to apply and shape the lips. Love this version over NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencils because you don't have to sharpen (besides the eco-friendly ingredients)! Just twist the bottom!


4. Josie Maran Cream Blush in Sunset ($26 CAD): Have I mentioned before how much I adore cream blushes? They are fast and easy to use and gives you a healthy dose of glowing colour. This I did purchase on my shopping trip with Stephanie. Sunset is a really unique shade to me because I don't own anything like it. It's described as a coral, but looks more pinky-peach on me and brightens my skin. The blush applies easily onto the skin, but I do find I have to apply a few layers for a stronger pigment. The lasting power is pretty good, but I did have to apply once again close to the evening. Of course, this blush is good for your skin because it contains Josie's signature ingredient 100% Pure Argan Oil which repairs and replenishes the skin. It comes in a really sleek case that is light-weight so it's easy to travel with. Plus, the packaging is made from biodegradable corn plastic!


5. Revolution Organics Freedom Glow Beauty Balm in Blushed ($34 CAD): I've raved about Revolution Organics before and I don't mind doing it again! Another eco-friendly Canadian brand, this line offers a multi-tasking beauty balm. Love it. Blushed is a bright pink that looks lovely on your cheeks and lips. It just adds a nice pop of colour that instantly perks you up. I wouldn't necessarily wear this on the eyes, but you can if you're into pink on the eyes. The pigment is amazing and blends easily into the skin. It's pricey, but rightfully so. It contains eco-friendly ingredients that are good for you plus offers versatility. Plus, a little goes a long way because of it's long-lasting finish. It definitely rivals NARS' Multiple which is more expensive, but in terms of colour options Revolution needs to expand!

Have you tried any of these eco-chic brands? What are your favourite green lines?

Consonant Body and Revolution Organics were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them.

Thursday, 21 April 2011

Mascara Oops!

Oh NO!!! You've applied everything flawlessly and then you realize you got mascara everywhere with one swipe of the wand. Never fear! Here's a trick to help =).

5 Pastel Polish Picks For Easter - Which One Should I Choose?

I have such fond memories of Easter - from painting eggs, to hunting for chocolate in the grass, to making fun and yummy desserts! I still love all of that, but instead of painting eggs I'm painting my nails in Easter-perfect shades!

Pastels are so in trend right now. If you're on the hunt for some Easter-friendly polishes here are 5 to throw in your basket! I'm still on the fence about which shade I want to wear this weekend but I'm leaning towards the yellow or mint green polishes - thoughts?


Joe Fresh Nail Polish in Marshmallow ($4 CAD): Light, fluffy, and soft - marshmallow. It's a neutral so you can't go wrong plus it gives your nails a really clean look. I applied 3 coats to get a nice full colour. Perfect for Easter dinner with the family!


O.P.I. In The Spotlight Pink - Femme de Cirque ($10.50 CAD): Pretty in soft pink! Another great neutral that gives you a kiss of pink on the nails. I used 3 coats again to get for a full colour. It will look completely feminine with a floral dress!


Nubar Lemon Sherbet Polish ($10.50 CAD): I absolutely love this sunny and happy polish from Nubar! I prefer a pastel yellow over one that has warmer undertones. Lemon Sherbet really pops against the skin and makes me look tanner than I really am. The only thing I wish was that the brush was a little wider. I also used 3 coats for a fuller colour. This one is definitely a contender for this weekend!


O.P.I. Planks A Lot - Pirates of the Caribbean ($10.50 CAD): I don't usually gravitate towards lavender shades, but this version is a little deeper. This shade totally reminds me of the paint we used to colour our Easter eggs with!


mark by Avon Mini Nail Lacquer in Mojito - Ibiza summer collection ($7 CAD for 2): Mint green is my favourite shade of the season! Mojito from mark. is new for summer, but you'll be happy to know there are many dupes on the market right now. I love how mini the bottle is and it actually applies pretty well. I only needed 2 coats to get a full colour. It's a toss up between this one and Lemon Sherbet!

What pastel shades are you loving right now? What shade will you be wearing for Easter?

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

Wednesday, 20 April 2011

Q&A

Summer Beauty Review: It's Bronzey Skin Everyday With M.A.C.


Is the cast of Jersey Shore responsible for putting bronzey, tanned skin back on the map?  More like orange, streaky, and muddy-brown! Definitely not my definition of a gorgeous, bronze glow. Snooki, you know what I'm talking about!


Thanks to M.A.C.'s new Bronze Everyday collection (which is permanent by the way!), you can get beautifully, tanned skin the right way - hope you're taking notes Snooki!

You had me at Skinfinish Natural - I adore these powders and now in bronzey hues? Give Me Sun! ($32.50 CAD)  is described as a light summer peachy tan. It's not as pigmented as a regular bronzer, but it gives an all-over naturally, tanned glow. I find the finish to be a little different than the original line too. It gives off less of a sheen on the skin and more a satiny almost-matte finish. 


Your bare shoulders and legs will be thanking you this summer! Compliment your pretty sundresses with shimmering skin thanks to M.A.C.'s Lustre Drops ($23.50 CAD). A liquid lotion that mimics your skin and is water-resistant is the way to get your glow on without looking like you layered on piles of makeup. It's versatile so you can mix with your foundation for a Hyperreal effect or you can dot on your face for precise highlighting. For an all-over body glow, mix with your favourite moisturizer and a little extra down the center of your calves for a slimming effect.


Sun Rush is gaw-geous peachy bronze with gold pearl. Sexy much? Yes!

For the complete collection visit www.maccosmetics.com. Available on counters now! 

Have you tried Bronze Everyday? Love it? Hate it? Want it?

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

Tuesday, 19 April 2011

Spring Beauty Review: Spring Beauty Trends Under $10 With Joe Fresh!


Trends come and go so if you're hesitant to try some of this season's bright hues, Joe Fresh's beauty products will get you Spring ready under $10! With Joe Fresh's clean, clear packaging and great pigmentation their beauty line really is a steal. Their seasonal collections are always on trend and right off the runway thanks to Joe Fresh's resident celebrity makeup artist, Simone Otis. Let me gush over some of my new favourites!

 Cactus cream shadow no flash

1. Joe Fresh Cream Eye Shadow in Cactus: I've been on a khaki green shadow kick lately. It's almost a neutral with a bit more colour. You can wear a nude lip with it or something a bit bolder like a berry or red lip. Long-wearing cream shadows are usually my go-to everyday shadow. They are quick and easy to apply. Joe Fresh cream shadows are certainly creamy and offer a sheer wash of colour, however, if you don't layer with a primer and powder shadow, aren't long-lasting. On its own with just primer, I found it creased a bit and the colour started to fade. My lids are a bit drier than most, so if you're oily it may not work for you. But I love layering a khaki powder shadow over top with a bit of brown in the crease. It stayed on a lot better and didn't crease. Looks gorgeous with a peach or rosy pink cheek too. I just think this shade is so fresh for spring and at $6 a pop you really can't go wrong!

Top not blended, bottom blended

2. Joe Fresh Cream Blush in Bloom: I LOVE cream blushes on their own or underneath a powder blush. My skin is often dry so a creamy texture helps give my skin a youthful glow. Joe's cream blush in Bloom has become one of my favourite must-have blushes! I've been using this blush for the past week now! I was really surprised by how well pigmented and long-lasting it was. It really does last all day and the texture is creamy but not dewy. It almost dries to a stain finish but still makes your skin look radiant. Bloom in the pan looks like a bright fuschia but on the skin looks azalea pink. It's gives the skin the perfect flush of colour. I also love using this on the lips with a bit of balm or gloss. Bloom is a definite must-have for spring! At $8, I will be picking up more shades - next on the list is Melon!


3. Joe Fresh Nail Polish in Tin: Wouldn't this silver metallic look amazing with spring's crisp whites?? I'm already a big fan of Joe Fresh polishes - Storm is one of my beauty crushes! Tin is a brighter and cleaner silver than other ones I own. I have similar tones but in more gunmetal or smokey silvers. There are many other fantastic must-have shades from Joe, but this is one of my faves! $4 a bottle is amazing but 3 for $10 is a no brainer! I will definitely picking up more of spring's hot shades!


4. Joe Fresh Cream Lipstick in Nude: Bright lips are everywhere but so are bold hues on the eyes. Nothing looks better and is more appropriate than the perfect nude lip. New for spring, Nude is a definite must-have shade. On it's own, it is a beautiful nude-pink on my lips but if you mix with a peach pencil or gloss can be nude-peach too so it's very versatile. I love this shade with the Cactus cream shadow! The texture goes on creamy, but I did find that the lipstick did sink into my fine lines and accentuated chapped skin. So, if your lips are dry make sure you give your lips a good exfoliation. I have to layer a gloss over it. Oh, and $6 for a lipstick is crazy!! The packaging is very similar to Shu Uemura's so you get the cool packaging for a steal. 


5. Joe Fresh Pop Gloss in Petunia and Flamingo: Scared to venture into the the bright lip territory? Joe Fresh's new Pop Glosses offer amazing shine and a sheer tint of colour so your lips will surely not feel overwhelmed with colour. Even with my already naturally pigmented lips, I can still see a little of the colour. Petunia, pictured on the top, is a fun violet-pink. I love layering this over top of the Bloom cream blush. It gives the lips the most perfect kiss of pink. Flamingo in the tube looks like a coral-red but when applied is a gorgeous pink with coral undertones. I love layering this over the Nude lipstick - gives the look of a nude lip with coral undertones!


This is me wearing the Joe Fresh beauty products :) Fresh and pretty for spring! 

Have you tried Joe Fresh's spring collection? What are your favourites? 


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

Monday, 18 April 2011

Urban Decay Palette

I got it! I finally got it! Yes I know got isn't a word but I am SO excited!!! This palette is amazing and I already have a few tutorials done for it, just need some editing. Here is one of the looks I'll be doing with it =). What looks would YOU like to see with this bad boy?