June Favourites

June favourites:

1. Revlon Kissable Lipbalm Stain - Honey
2. L'Oreal Infaillible Eyeshadow - Flashback Silver
3. MAC Eye Kohl - I Get No Kick
4. NYX E/S - Dark Brown
5. Maybelline Define-A-Brow - Medium Brown
6. Too Face E/S Insurance

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Quick easy all over the lid colour for lazy days

gorgeous shipper :D great for lower lash line & inner corner highlighting:D

Been using it for blending colour along with Flashback Silver and it makes it more natural. Drugstore very affordable and it does a great job regardless of the colour I use.

Perfect for everyday brows where it is natural. No sharpening needed and it is thin for easy applications.

This is what I have been using for the pass month and I adore it :D

~~~~~Tee Hee

Revlon Just Biten Lipstick

These are not yet released in Canada, but I went to Buffalo recently with the girls and picked one up. I got his in Honey which is a shade that is very versatile in my opinion where it can look gorgeous on a lot of different skintones. I am about a NC37 in MAC and have darker lips and this just looks like my lips but better. $6.99USD at Target.  

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I have bee wearing this everyday because it is nice and simple and a no brainer, this will go with any eye colour I am wearing and it is natural enough that I can wear to work. Once it comes out in Canada, I will be picking up more hopefully:) This is very comparable to the Clinique Chubby Stick which I do not have and can't say anything in regards how closely they preform. I do enjoy this and it does stain you lips a bit but because my lip colour is so dark it is not very noticeable. It has a twist up mechanism which is convenient as there is no need for sharpening. Side note: it can also be twist back down if you were a little twist friendly just to see how much product you have. You have about have the tube in product, which isn't much, but I have been using it for a week or so and have not made a dent in it at all. 

Pros:

• cheap comparable to Clinique
• no sharpening - goes up  & down
• sheer for natural finish
• good colour for everyday
• no funny scent
• glossy finish
• not sticky
• easy application

Cons:

• not in Canada as of Jun 29
• does not stain dark lips
• too sheer if you are expecting it to compare to lipstick (did hear that darker colours are much more pigmented)
• small amount of product in my opinion

Will buy other colours to try once it hits Canada.

~~~~~Tee Hee

Philosophy Miraculous Anti-Aging Moisturizer

So I am currently on a hunt for a night time moisturizer and thought I give Philosophy a try. I went into Sephora and asked for a generous sample so that I could give it a try before splurging $57USD on a 2oz jar. Buy Here

Sephora description

What it is:
A rejuvenating, age-fighting hydrator that softens, firms, and brightens the complexion.

What it is formulated to do:
This luxurious cream treats signs of aging and fortifies the skin's natural moisture barrier, maximizing moisture-retention capacity for healthy, soft, smooth results. Loaded with vitamin C and glutathione, this revitalizing essential helps enhance natural collagen production, promote longevity, and imparts radiance.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan

What else you need to know:
This easily absorbed, satiny formula is comfortable for all skin types



I have used it once so far and it does live up to its claim of being easily absorbed and I like it so far.  I decided to try Philosophy because I love their Hope in a Jar for dry/sensitive skin. There was a period 2 years ago where my skin went through a freak out period where it was extremely dry and it would not stop flaking for the life of me. I gave Hope in a Jar a try after reading many raving reviews and it did not let me down. After I finished 2 jars I decided to give other moisturizers a try that were less expensive, but I will never forget that it was once my saviour.

Kit includes $119USD Buy Here
- 2 oz Miracle Worker Anti-Aging Retinoid Solution
- 60 Miraculous Anti-Aging Retinoid Pads
- 1 oz Miraculous Anti-Aging Concentrate
- 2 oz Miraculous Anti-Aging Moisturizer


If I end up liking the moisturizer I will mostly pick up the kit because its better bang for my bucks.

Pros

• fast absorption without sticky feel 
• not greasy
• formulated without a lot of chemicals
• did not break me out

Cons

• unsanitary packaging
• odd little smell that I can accept
• not moisturizing enough & I woke up with small flakes if I don't top it off with my night jelly 
• expensive
• did not see dramatic change to my skin

Will NOT repurchase just because it did nothing for my skin & it is way over priced

~~~~~Tee Hee

L'Oreal Infalliable Eyeshadow

This was recently on sale at Shopper's Drug Mart for $5.99CAD so I picked up the Flashback Silver.

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I enjoy the texture and look of these packed eyeshadows and was very amused by their texture and the fact that I did not have something like this in my collection so thought I give into the hype after reading and hearing many stellar reviews. And it did not disappoint because their packed eyeshadows have amazing staying power with great colour payoff and the shimmer is just WOW. 

I find the the Flashback Silver has a slight tint of purple and that is the reason why I purchased it because it is my favourite colour and I can wear it without being too bright (there is nothing wrong with bright colours but its just not me).

Pros:

• great pigmentation
• decent staying power
• no scent 
• drugstore pricing & very accessible
• interesting texture
• last you a long time 
• comparable to Armani Eyes to Kill
• can use with finger for all over lid colour
• easy application
• easy to blend

Cons:

• all shimmer shades
• limited colour range
• not a big fan of using it with a brush

Will repurchase more when they come out with other colours that interest me.

~~~~~Tee Hee

Pangea Organics Moroccan Argan with Willow & Rosemary Facial Cream

I have been using this for about 2 months now since I got the Discover kit from the Pangea Organics website for oily to blemish skin. Buy Here $43CAD. I am almost done with the product and felt like it is time to review it because I have given it enough time to wow me. 

30 mL sample last a long time & gives it a fair chance for your skin to get a good feel about the product

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INGREDIENTS: PURIFIED WATER (AQUA), ALCOHOL (SDA 38B ORGANIC LAVENDER), CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, SODIUM HYALURONATE (VEGAN), GLYCERYL STEARATE, LECITHIN (NON GMO SOY), SACCHARIDE ISOMERATE, SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (ORGANIC JOJOBA) SEED OIL, ARGANIA SPINOSA KERNEL OIL & SERENOA SERRULATA (SAW PALMETTO) FRUIT EXTRACT & SESAMUM INDICUM (SESAME) SEED EXTRACT, SUCROSE STEARATE, ORYZA SATIVA (ORGANIC RICE) BRAN EXTRACT, GLYCERIN (VEGETABLE), EPILOBIUM ANGUSTIFOLIUM (CANADIAN WILLOWHERB) FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT, NIACINAMIDE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE (VITAMIN E), ASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C), FOENICULUM VULGARE (ORGANIC FENNEL) SEED EXTRACT, TILIA CORDATA (ORGANIC LINDEN FLOWER) EXTRACT, ALTHAEA OFFICINALIS (ORGANIC MARSHMALLOW) EXTRACT, PLANTAGO MAJOR (ORGANIC PLANTAIN) EXTRACT, VIOLA ODORATA (WILDCRAFTED BLUE VIOLET) LEAF EXTRACT, CITRUS MEDICA LIMONUM (ORGANIC LEMON) OIL, MENTHA PIPERITA (ORGANIC PEPPERMINT) OIL, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS VERBENONE (ORGANIC ROSEMARY VERBENON) OIL, ROSA DAMASCENA (ROSE OTTO) OIL, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) OIL*, XANTHAN GUM, CITRIC ACID

*ESSENTIAL OIL

THIS PRODUCT IS VEGAN AND GLUTEN-FREE.

The moisturizer is fairly priced at $38 for 60ml and it was a better deal to get the discovery kit where I got a chance to try all the products. So far I have used the eye cream which I have reviewed here on the blog. I do like it and it worked perfectly under my foundation but the only thing I did not like is the fact that it does not have SPF since I use it only during the day because I find it to lack moisture for the night time. The would work great for those that are more normal to combination oily where it primes the face nicely for foundation and will not clog pores and cause your foundation to melt off. 

Pros:

• very moisturizing
• fast absorptions
• organic
• did not make my combination skin oily in the Tee zone
• did not break me out
• fast S&H from the website & frequently will have promotions and discount codes
• good for normal to combination oily
• great under foundation
• very decently priced with good sturdy packaging

Cons:

• very herbally scent =(
• only purchased via the website 
• will probably not be moisturizing enough for those with dry skin/ winter season
• no SPF

Would repurchase when I have tried all the new skincare products I have purchased recently. 

~~~~~Tee Hee

Beauty Carousel Haul

Beauty Carousel is one of my favourite sites for Japanese goods and things that you can't get here in Canada. I usually purchase my Naruko (Tawainese brand) skincare line from the site and they have super fast shipping that it amazes me everything. Delivery time is about 2 business days max!! They do offer free international shipping with SGD$89 of purchase. I recently heard about Steam Cream which is not new to the beauty community and I am actually quite behind in this bandwagon, but thought I give it a try after reading amazing reviews. I also splurge and decided to pick up the biggest hype in the Asian community where 1 is sold in every 12 second. Cure Natural Aqua Gel $42SGD which I have sampled with previous purchase from Beauty Carousel; it is a very interesting product that works like a skin peel where you rub the product onto dry skin and you'll start to feel lumps of your skin as it exfoliants. Will do a in depth review once I use up my current stash of skincare. I bought 2 different designs of Steam Cream which one I gave to my mom, the cream smells floral-ish and the cream does appear to be quite thick but absorbs quickly into my hands. 

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So pretty=)

$25.90 SGD Buy Here

Reviews:

makeupalley

strawberrymakeupbag.blogspot.ca

musicalhouses.blogspot.ca

musingsofamuse

beauty-box-online

~~~~~Tee Hee

Maybelline Line Stiletto Ultimate Precision Liquid Eyeliner

This is one of my favourite liquid eyeliners compare to to the Milani Infinite Liquid Eyeliner Click for review. This is a very simple no fuse liquid eyeliner that gives me precision and a very dark line. I like my 2 eyeliners for 2 different things; on a regular basis, I will use the Stiletto one because it's quicker and I can do the wing liner easily but the only 'problem' is that it is not waterproof. I prefer to use my Milani waterproof one when I have work especially on night shifts when I get a small chance to nap I want to wake up looking good and professional.  The staying power of the Line Stiletto is amazing as well but I find that it tends to fade in the inner corner due to extra moisture there but the line alway stays solid with no flaking or fading. I love the blackness as well =)

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Felt tip applicator which are great for beginners, very comparable to L'Oreal Linear Intense (used to be my favourite till I found this and I think they might've changed the formula and it now flakes and it is not as opaque)

Look at the blackness!! It does have a small sheen to it which are very common with most liquid liners.

Pro

- drugstore cheap (I believe it's $6.99)

- good staying power (will be there after a 12 hr shift except the inner corner but not noticeable, I'm just a little anal about it)

- no scent

- felt tip for easy precision

- no flaking

- does not dry out in the tube

- will not get on your lashes like the Milani one

- not stubborn to remove with regular makeup remover

Cons

- not completely waterproof but will last throughout the day regardless (not really a con depending how anal you are about it)

Will repurchase always =)

~~~~~Tee Hee

30% Off Shea Terra Argan Oil

There is a coupon code right now for Shea Terra that ends on June 21, 2012. june2012 is the coupon code and I do advised signing up for their VIP mailing list and you will be notified of their sales in the future. Quick Review that I have done if you wanted to check this out. FYI I am no sponsored in anyway, I just happened to stumble across this and thought I share it with all the girlies out there. 

Happy shopping ;)

~~~~~Tee Hee

Moroccan Oil

I got this is my February Luxebox I don't remember exactly when I got it but I was super excited because I have been meaning to try it for a long time.  I have super long hair with a lot of split ends and heard a lot of raves and wanted to try this. I alway held back because of the price and the fact that I just simply have too much I wanted to finish up.  I recently just bought a pre-construction with my boyfriend and have decided that I did not want to move a bunch of half used bottles into the new house.   I have been forcing myself to finish all half used products first before I buy more stuff.  I want to start off fresh and not clutter my house before I even get it.  Our place is not going to be done till April 2013 which will give me plenty of time to finish some of the things I have. *Fingers cross*  My boyfriend is really good with my beauty obsession and it isn't something I've been forced to do, but it is something i decided on my own. 

I have been using this for a week or so every night after I towel dried my hair. I apply a dime size amount into my hair after I warm it up in my palm. it doesn't leave my hair grease-yee at all but I will often time tie my hair up into a bun to prevent the extra product from touching my back to prevent back acne.  It is an oil consistency and as a precaution I do so because I wear a tank top when I sleep but if you do not have sensitive skin, I think most people will be fine leaving their hair down. 

I have not seen too much improvement in my hair and I was slightly disappointed even though it has only been a week. I am going to finish using it and will update in regards to its performance, but so far I am not sold on the Moroccan Oil being a miracle potion for your hair. There is a small scent to it which I don't mind but I also don't really like, I'm indifferent to it. Its not something that would prevent me from using it but not something I enjoy using for the scent although thats not what it's for.  I am slightly picky about that. 

Shrug shoulders... meh 

~~~~~Tee Hee

Josie Maran Argan Oil Dupe??

I was on the search for another serum and thought I give into the hype with infamous 100% organic argan oil.  It started with all the good reviews I had read about the Josie Maran Argan Oil $47USD/1.7fl oz Buy Here which I thought was super steep for an oil base product. So I decided to do a little snooping around and found Shea Terra Moroccan Argan Oil $24USD/ 2fl oz. Buy Here

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Josie Maran

What it is:
A lightweight oil that can be used as a daily moisturizer or treatment for skin, hair, and nails.

What it does:
This 100% Pure Argan Oil is a legendary oil that's rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, and grown organically in Morocco. With its multitasking benefits, Argan Oil can be used for many areas including hydrating and nourishing skin, as a daily moisturizer, skin treatment, treating spilt ends, and softening cuticles. It's gentle enough to use on all skin types and is believed to help with skin conditions including acne. Argan Oil easily absorbs into skin to give you a youthful, dewy glow, and has astonishing healing, conditioning, and antiaging properties to keep your skin and hair nourished and revitalized and to keep you looking beautiful from head to toe.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan

What else you need to know:
100% Pure Argan Oil is first cold pressed to ensure the best quality, highest-grade oil. It is housed in a recyclable glass bottle and purchased from women's cooperatives in Morocco to support their social and economic welfare. These cooperatives work within a UNESCO biosphere reserve that ensures the protection and reforestation of Argan trees.

Research results:
This product is clinically proven to improve skin hydration and skin elasticity after only four weeks. In just four weeks: Participants saw a visible reduction in coarse wrinkles and fine lines in the eye area, and more than 83% of women showed significantly improved skin hydration.


Shea Terra


Description 

100% Pure & Natural. Accept no imitations. Are you buying 100% Pure Moroccan Argan Oil for all your hair and skin care needs? For over a decade, Shea Terra Organics has been offering only 100% Pure Moroccan Argan Oil straight from our women's cooperative in Morocco. We NEVER add fragrance, alcohol or dilute the oil with inferior oils as is common practice. 100% Pure Moroccan Argan Oil is loaded with vitamins A & E  and is rich in anti-aging squalene. Shea Terra Organics' cold pressed, 100% Pure Moroccan Argan Oil has an amazing ability to repair skin and provides all day protection against moisture loss.

From what I understand they are pretty much the exact product to me and for half the price. Both companies tried to give back to the community in regards where they have obtain the products from.  I did try a sample size of the Josie Maran $12CAD for 15ml and so far I do like it, I am going to wait till I run out of that and get the Shea Terra one for comparison, but I am going to make a bold statement that they are going to be very similar. The argan oil hype and claims that it is a magical potion and although I doubt it will work wonders on my skin, I do appreciate it is organic and don't think it'll hurt my skin. 

I do prefer the pump that comes with the Shea Terra better because it is just more convenient and from the looks of it both are encase in a sturdy glass bottle.

If anyone has tried Shea Terra Argan Oil, please let me know what you think.

On the website, Angelia Jolie is a fan of Shea Terra which makes me want to try it more; I am a sucker for things like that. 

~~~~~Tee Hee

Pangea Turkish Rose & White Tea Eye Cream

I got this as an example when I got the discovery kit way back then which I love. I got the Oily - Blemish Prone skin $43CAD on the website but there is a discount right now and they are going for $34.40CAD!! The eye cream alone is $58CAD on the website. Buy Here

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Pro

- no dry patches

- fragrance free

- little goes a long way

- organic

- not overly heavy

- did not cause little bumps under the eye

Cons

- did not do anything amazing it was meh

- pricey as hell for 15ml

~~~~~Tee Hee

Vanity & Brush Organization

I got the table from Kijiji for $45CAD !!! It is is great condition and it is super adorable. The storage unit I have is from Ikea $149CAD, it has 5 shallow drawers and 4 big ones. 

More pictures ---->

Sephora inspired. 

The gems were on sale at Michael's for $1 a bag and each bowl has 4 bags and the bowls were $3.98CAD each after 50% discount which Michael's alway have if you check online! This brush organization cost me less than $20 and I still have 2 bags of gems left and I am contemplated on getting another bowl for my face brushes. I might also get a shallow one for my kabukis. 

You like?

~~~~~ Tee Hee

What I'm Watching

~~~~~Tee Hee

Jurlique Purely Age Defying Night Lotion

I am more than half done =) which means I have permission to explore other brands and products. 

Buy Here $66CAD off the website but you can also get it off the Sephora website. 

Fast forward ---->

Pros

- very moisturizing

- no breakouts

- fast absorption

- no greasiness

- nice hygienic packaging

- travel friendly

- lots of coupons and freebies when purchasing

- reasonable shipping & handling

Cons

- pricey as hell

- herbally smell that might not suit everybody

- only online for Canadian customers

- 40ml compare to standard 50ml that comes with most moisturizer

Repurchase?

- maybe when I run out of things to try, but it has done wonders for my skin during the winter and kept it very hydrated along with my Naruko serums. 

I can comment on its effectiveness in terms of its age defying skills as I am only 25. I am looking into trying some Shea Terra products next because I am interested in the argan oil from Josie Maran and refuse to pay so much for it. I have read some read reviews that they are very comparable. 

~~~~~Tee Hee

Cargo Safari Collection

I am a weak soul and was tempted by a giant Winners where I have been working recently. I saw this cute little post card lookalike and was instantly drawn to it. It is the Cargo Safari Collection from 2012 and it was only $14.99 CAD. There were 5 of them but a lady came by and swipe them all not before I picked up one myself and after that that I couldn't bare to part from it and walked over to the register and cradled it all the way to my car. Crazy ? Maybe just a little. Regretful? Never!

Adore =)

More pictures....

Reviews & swatches

ofbaublesandblushes

goodbeautyishardtofind

beautyjunkiesunite

makeupandbeautyblog

scrangie

Can you tell that Winners is my favourite store??

~~~~~Tee Hee