April Favs & A Few Comparisons

Here are a few of my favs and I have tried some alternatives to my regular products that I have loved and used on a daily basis. Here are some thoughts on just a few. What have you tried that you just can't get away from? Have you had a bad experience with trying something new and hating it or loving it more? SHARE!!!

Monday = Glow Glow Gadget Miracle Product

Today's Editor Obsession: SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense

My husband just told me how great my skin looks. This is strange for a couple of reasons. 

One: While he isn’t oblivious to changes in my appearance, my spouse’s observational tools are sensitive enough only to detect the fairly obvious. For example, he declared a shade of red lipstick wrong for me but didn't comment when I had lash extensions. And the hubs certainly isn’t savvy to pore size or pigmentation.

Two: I just survived a couple of the most stressful weeks I can remember. Long hours at work, little sleep, and standard hormonal issues on top of a couple of life crises are exactly what usually turn my skin into a bigger mess than Charlie Sheen’s career.

So this comment on my skin had me floored. And the only reason for my calm complexion is SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense serum ($78).

This miracle skin cocktail contains a blend of ingredients that help prevent acne, fight the signs of aging, and combat hyperpigmentation. Dioic acid inhibits sebum production and kills acne-causing bacteria. And a combination of alpha and beta hydroxy acids help clear pores and exfoliate to minimize the appearance of pores and reveal more even skin tone.

I started using the lightweight serum before the chaos, and I still apply a few drops every morning before my moisturizer. The fluid is totally nongreasy and absorbs in an instant — I don’t feel like I have another product sitting on top of my skin.

In the weeks since I added Blemish + Age Defense to my routine, I haven’t seen a single breakout, and I think my skin looks more even and radiant. And it seems my husband agrees!

Visit the SkinCeuticals Facebook page to sign up for a free sample of Blemish + Age Defense.

How do you keep your skin from showing stress?

— Liesa Goins

Spring Beauty Review: Tokidoki Polpettina Cromatico Eyeshadow Palette

Polpettina takes the stage!

Tokidoki has launched a limited edition Cromatico Eyeshadow Palette – Polpettina, named after one of its super cute branded characters.

As always with tokidoki, the case and packaging are very cute and colourful, inspired by the company’s Soda Shop collection print. The case is two tiered with four complimentary, micronized eye shadow colours on top, and an adorable collectable Polpettina charm on the bottom. 

The four eye shadow colours include LA Gun (dark bluish iridescent grey), Polpettina (matte pink), Candy Cane (iridescent white) and Adios (matte black). With the use of rice lipids as an ingredient, this shadow boasts it’ll hydrate your lids while gliding on smoothly and blending evenly.

Once applied, the colours are very bold and the incredibly fine powder – almost creamy – blends remarkably well. I created a bold yet flirty smoky eye with these shades. Since my eye lids are pretty inset, I usually have a difficult time with shadows staying put but this product battled the odds and did a pretty good job. As usual, I found that it stays put even longer with the use of a lid primer.

The Polpettina clip charm is definitely a cute little bonus to add to your cellphone, key chain, or the end of a zipper.

This product can be purchased at Sephora for $25 – which is a little on the pricier end for four small shadows, but the quality makes it worth the buy. 

What did you think of this product? Have you tried any other products from the tokidoki Soda Shop collection?

http://sephora.com

by Brooke

Product was sent for editorial consideration and we truly love it.

Dutchess Kate Is A DIY'er And Apparently Is A Pro!

Kate Middleton toned down her Royal status by doing her own makeup today and I must say she was absolutely glowing! Check out my thoughts on her DIY bridal look and the look I created on a face chart for my bride-to-be tomorrow on my sister site, The Joy of Makeup - she will definitely be getting the royal treatment!

Click here to read the post. Congratulations to the Royal couple!

I'm So Sorry

I haven't posted at all this week due to the fact that I have been feeling WRETCHED!!! I've totally been looking forward to this week since I have been registered for an amazing conference AND my girlfriends are flying in from California tonight. I ReAlLy hope I'm not going to be a Debbie Downer! I mean, amazing classes, great speakers and delectable restaurants...WHY ME??? I hope that all of you are happy and healthy! Posting will resume next week no matter WHAT!!! I really hope this goes away soon =(.

Spring Ready: I'm The Crazy Hot Pink Lipstick Lady!

I love me a good pink lipstick. What can I say? I'm a girly-girl at heart. I own a range of pinks from soft to bold, but it's the bold pink lippies that are taking over my beauty stash. You can definitely say my lips are ready for Spring's bold lip trend!

Here are just a few of my favourite bold pinks that I switch between. They are all very similar, but the undertones vary from cool to warm and red to magenta with textures ranging from matte to creamy. I love them all!

Top to bottom: 

Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Lipstick in PK 369 ($24 USD): I believe this shade was an LE, but a new one was released PK356. These lipsticks are super juicy on the lips and the colour stays on allll day - no joke. It has a creamy finish, but it lasts even through eating a meal. I love the cool undertones in it too. This a shade that just makes your face come alive. 

Borghese B Moisture Lip Colour in Primale Pink ($24 USD): This is my first time trying anything from Borghese. I love the creamy finish and how plump it makes my lips look. The shade on me looks neon pink with warm undertones if that's possible. Looks amazing with just a bit of bronzer on the cheeks and bronze shadow. 

YSL Rouge Pur Couture in Le Fuchsia ($30 USD): This is hands down one of my favourite lipsticks! It's shocking, luxurious, and rich - I love you long time! To read a full review click here.

Lancome L'Absolu Rouge in Fast Kisses ($35 CAD, LE Mark Fast): Another favourite, I fell in love with this lippie at first swipe. Too bad it's a LE though! For a full review click here.

Tarte LipSurgence Natural Matte Lip Tint in Lively ($28 CAD): Tarte is one of my all-time eco-friendly lines that doesn't skimp on quality or pigmentation. If you love a matte lip, you'll want to get your hands on one of these lil' chubbies! For a full review click here.

Julie Hewett Icon of Beauty Lipstick in Scarlett ($22.50 USD): Julie Hewett is not as known in Canada, but should be! I love their line of lippies. Named after Hollywood starlet, Scarlett, this is a red-carpet worthy shade! For a full review click here.

Have you tried any of these lippies? What bold pinks are overflowing your beauty stash right now?

My Spring Skin Prep Tips On The Style Glossy Canada!

It's starting to feel like Spring today! To get your skin in spring perfection check out my tips on The Style Glossy Canada! Click here to read the article.