MAC Archie's Girls - What I Got! (Part 2)

So like I mentioned in my previous Archie's Girls post, I had to submit a second order after seeing some swatches on Temptalia's website. On the MAC website, there were two lipsticks that just didn't look good in the tiny preview swatch, but once properly swatched on skin, I could tell that I would love them (or thought I would, anyway). From the Betty collection: Oh, oh, oh, and from the Veronica collection: Boyfriend Stealer. 

See? In the picture above, meh. Not so tempting. Here they are on my lips:

Oh, oh, oh

Oh, oh, oh is a shade right up my alley. Gives off a pretty, sheer, berry colour. But... I did not have so much luck with this next one:

Boyfriend Stealer

Ugh... This looks awful on me. Honestly, the picture looks better than real life, but you can still see how patchy it looks. This looks like a Halloween lip on me. I won't be reaching for this colour, probably ever. Disappointing. 

While I was at it, I also picked up two glosses from the Veronica collection. They are Mall Madness (L) and Strawberry Malt (R). They are both gorgeous, and I will wear them a ton.

Mall Madness

Strawberry Malt

I absolutely love red glosses. It is a much easier way to pull of a red lip in my opinion. Easier than a red lipstick. 

So this winds up my Archie's Girls collection purchases. I'm pretty happy for the most part. I loved the face powders, the glosses, and the eyeliner. Out of the four lipsticks I purchased, only one will be a regular in my daily routine (Oh, oh, oh), but Daddy's Little Girl and Girl Next Door will be used on occasion.

Thanks for reading!

Brand I'm Loving - It Cosmetics

It Cosmetics is a brand I heard about a couple of years ago on The Shopping Channel. At first I wasn't too interested because they didn't have many products in their line and the main item they seemed to be promoting at the time was a face contouring palette, and I had never really thought that contouring was that important. Well, that was then. Now, I contour almost everyday, and definitely see the value. But it seems like the premise behind this line of cosmetics is to put out high quality items that do a specific job. They took their time and released products as they were ready to. Now, the line is quite large, and everytime they are on The Shopping Channel, it seems like they bring something new and great. 

Here are some of my favourite items from the line.

In the above picture is the Vitality Lip Flush collection. I bought the whole set that they put out at the holidays. They look like a lipstick, but they stain your lips, while making them look glossy and feel hydrated at the same time. These are amazing.

Also pictured, Bye Bye Pores HD Finishing Powder, Bye Bye Pores Bronzer, Eye Shadow Trio in Pretty in Plum, Hello Lashes Mascara, Brow Power, and Brow Power Lift.

From left to right (both above and below in swatches): Je Ne Sais Quoi, Damsel, Pure Joy, Love Story, Pretty Woman.

In the above, Celebration Foundation in Fair, Vitality Face Disc, and Vitality Cheek Stain in Matte Sweet Apple.

The Celebration Foundation can be worn as a full-coverage powder foundation. This is how I use it. Of course, it can also be used lightly, layered over a liquid or cream foundation. This is my second compact, and it really is worth trying if you like powder foundations. 

Within the Vitality Face Disc, there is a matte bronzer, a highlighter, and a peachy pink blush. All of the colours are gorgeous. I've already repurchased the matte bronzer and the highlighter in individual compacts because I enjoyed using them so much. The highlighter really gives a pretty glow and isn't too sparkly. You can get either a subtle glow, or a more obvious shine, depending on what you prefer.

These are some of my most-reached for products. They just do exactly what they are supposed to. 

I recently purchased the new liquid foundation in the line, but have yet to try it. I'll probably post a review of that in the future.

Let me know if you enjoy the It Cosmetics line!

Thanks for reading!

Clinique Bonus Time!

It is Clinique Bonus Time at The Bay in Canada right now (Feb 6 - 24). I wasn't going to bother as I have recently noticed that my samples from the bonuses often go unused (except for the cosmetics bags - I love those!), but I've been eager to pick up another colour of my favourite eyeliner - the Clinique Quickliner for Eyes Intense.

So I made my way over to They Bay this morning to pick up shade 02-Intense Plum ($20), and it must have really been my lucky day because I was also offered a sample in shade 07-Intense Ivy, except is looks to be full size. The only difference seems to be that it does not have the smudger on the end. 

While I was there, I decided to pick up a couple of the new Chubby Stick Shadow Tint for Eyes ($19). I got shade 02-Lots o' Latte and shade 11-Portly Plum. These are supposed to provide a sheer tint of colour that is buildable and long-wearing.

Here is a quick eye that I did using the two Shadow Tints. I applied Lots o' Latte all over the lid and a  bit higher than the crease and blended out the edges with my finger. Then I went back in with Portly Plum in the outer V, blended with my finger and then used the Portly Plum as a liner. That's it - you can get a really pretty look with just two of these sticks. I did prime with Too Faced Shadow Insurance. With a primer, these did not crease on me. I have not tried without the primer.

In case you are curious, here is the bonus. It even included the bottom lash mascara, so I'm excited about that since I lost my old one.

Thanks for reading!

Lorac Unzipped Palette

This is my current favourite eye palette! I absolutely love these shades and it is so easy to grab this in the morning and easily create a work-appropriate look. If you work in an office, I think is is a must-have.

You get ten pretty shades that range from your light cream highlighter shade to a deep chocolate brown. There is a mix of shimmery and matte shadows, but all are extremely wearable for daytime, but could also be used more dramatically for a nighttime look.

You also get a trial size of the Lorac eye primer (the same one that comes in the Lorac Pro Palette). Of course even though it is a trial size, it will still last for quite some time.

In this look, I used Undercover over the entire lid, all the way up to the brow. I patted Undiscovered in the center of the eyelid, and then used Uncensored on the outer V and then into the crease. Blend it all together, line with a deep brown pencil and that is all you need. I used my favourite Clinique Quickliner for Eyes Intense in Intense Chocolate with a bit of my Hourglass Calligraphy Liquid Eyeliner in Cognac.

For this look, I used Undiscovered over the whole lid, and then blended it into the crease with Unbelievable. I wanted to keep it pretty tame because I used my new MAC Archie's Girls Pearlglide Intense Eyeliner in Petrol Blue. This liner is so gorgeous! It is also very creamy and applies very easily.

Anyways, this is a great palette, and I predict it will be a part of my February favourites!

Thanks for reading!

MAC Archie's Girls - What I Got! (Part 1)

Admittedly, I'm not the most obsessed MAC lover out there. I do think they make some great products, however, I've only recently started purchasing them on a regular basis. However, when I heard they were putting out a collection based on the Archie comic books, I got quite excited and started stalking the MAC forums and website to learn more and to be able to log on at the precise time the collection was released in order to not miss out on the items that I wanted the most. Yes, I take my makeup collection extremely seriously. Anyways, I received my package in the mail last night and I wanted to share the items that are making me extra happy!

From Betty's Collection:

• Betty Lipstick in Girl Next Door

This lipstick is quite pale and frosty. It highlights dry lips, so be sure to exfoliate / moisturize before wearing. I didn't love it at first, but I actually like it layered with a gloss. I've been pairing it with MAC Going Casual Cremesheen Glass from the holiday set that MAC put out this past holiday season.

From Veronica's Collection:

• Veronica's Lipstick in Daddy's Little Girl

Daddy's Little Girl is a beautiful bright, fuchsia pink. I actually really love this colour. It's not something I would wear to work, but it would be great for evening. If I blot after applying and then use a gloss I find it can be more daytime appropriate.

From Archie's Girls Collection:

• Archie's Girls Pearlglide Intense Eyeliner in Petrol Blue
• Archie's Girls Pearlmatte Face Powder in Flatter Me
• Archie's Girls Pearlmatte Face Powder in Veronica's Blush

This pencil is a gorgeous deep navy with shimmer in it. When applied on the eye, it doesn't show obvious sparkle, though. Unfortunately, this picture does it absolutely no justice. I need a better camera. I used this on my upper lashline, paired with my Lorac Unzipped Palette - I'll probably be posting this look soon, so stay tuned.

These face powders are probably my favourite items in the whole collection. They are just so beautiful. I wear them as blushes and both just bring such a pretty glow to the face. They aren't really shimmery, so I think using as a blush is quite nice.

From Archie's Girls Exclusives (Online only collection):

• Young Hearts Mirror - this is really cute. I probably won't keep this in my makeup bag though - it seems like it would get dirty really quickly.

After seeing some swatches posted on Temptalia's blog, I did go back and place a second order, so stay tuned for Part 2!

Thanks for reading!

January Glossybox

I received my January Glossybox last night - not sure if this is late, or if everyone receives their box in the following month. Anyways, this month's theme was all about moisturization and taking care of dry skin. If you have never heard of Glossybox, or would like to find out more, you can click here.

So here is what I got this month!

• Wella Professionals Brilliance Leave-in Mousse - So this says it is for colour-treated hair. I'm not exactly sure what that means. I'm assuming I can still use it even though I'm au natural. This is a full sized product, so that is always nice. Glossybox sent out a product from Wella Professionals in the past, but I could not use it because the pump did not work and everytime I tried to spray it, it leaked everywhere. I'll give this mousse a try, but I don't have high hopes for it.

• Nivea Essential Lip Care - This looks like a regular lip balm. The package says it contains jojoba oil and natural shea butter, so that should be nice. I'll definitely use this, most likely before bed. Another full sized product.

• Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme - This is such a cute little tiny sample size lip plumper! I will definitely throw this one in my purse and I think I'll like it since I know I have enjoyed the original non-extreme version in the past.

• Burt's Bees Naturally Nourishing Milk & Honey Body Lotion - This is a really nice sample size - 1 oz, so perfect for carrying with you. The scent is light and quite non-offensive. The cream makes my skin feel silky and not oily at all. I really like this!

• Vitabath 20% Shea Butter Hand Creme in Fresh Citrus Twist - This was not listed on the card that comes inside the Glossybox, so I'm not sure if this is some kind of bonus, but I like this lotion as well. The smell is not overly citrusy. In fact, I probably would not have guessed the scent if it did not say on the packaging. I will definitely use up this hand lotion as well. It is bigger than the Burt's Bees lotion at 2.1 oz. 

• Beauty So Clean Cosmetic Sanitizing Wipes - I already have some of these that I have never used, but I can see why they would be handy. These would be nice if you are a make-up artist, or if you have recently been sick. I'm going to leave these out so that I will remember to use them in the future.

So there you have it! In January's Glossybox, I would have to say that my favourites are the lotions. I often forget to pick up lotions to keep in my purse, so it is nice to get these. I'm also excited about the Too Faced Lip Injection!  

Thanks for reading!

Product Review - MAC Plumful Lipstick

The MAC lipstick in Plumful is part of the permanent collection, however, since it was recently re-released as part of the Year of the Snake collection, I thought I would write a quick review. The version from the Year of the Snake has a gorgeous dragon design embossed on the actual product. Mine however, is plain.

I absolutely love this colour! The irrational side of me wants to buy the version from Year of the Snake as a back-up, but the rational side knows that is silly (especially since I have dupes - see below!).

This is a Lustre lipstick, which I believe just means it is sheer on the lips and has a nice sheen. In my experience, Lustre-type lipsticks last 3-4 hours, however, I normally touch-up within this amount of time regardless of what type of lipstick I wear since I normally will have had something to eat or drink.

With my light skin tone, I don't have any problem with colour payoff, however, a darker skin tone may want to either use a lipliner, or lighten up the lips with some concealer or primer prior to applying.

Since I love this colour so much, I hate to say it isn't all that unique, but I do have some other lip products that can be considered similar. I guess I'm just drawn to these berry tones! MAC's website describes this colour as a blossoming rose-plum.

Dior Addict Lipstick in Backstage

Dior Addict Lipstick in Backstage is similar but perhaps a bit more sheer.

MAC Viva Glam IV

MAC Viva Glam IV is darker and more opaque, and could be considered similar but with a frost finish. I don't really notice the frost finish when I'm wearing this one, but I guess you can notice it in the above picture. MAC's website describes this colour as a mid-tone rose with gold pearl.

So there you have it! A gorgeous berry lip to brighten your day.

Thanks for reading!

Sephora Haul

Here are a few things I've picked up at Sephora (online) recently. I've had these items in my online cart for so long, and just recently took the plunge to submit the order. I'm pretty happy with everything so far. 

YSL Volupte Sheer Candy Glossy Balm in Luscious Cherry (#6) 

I've been wanting to try the glossy balms for quite some time now - I have a couple of the Rouge Volupte Lipsticks, as well as a Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick, and love them all. It is quite expensive for a gloss ($32 in Canada), but I just love it! It makes your lips look so juicy and pretty. I'm of course tempted to pick up a few other colours.

Lorac Unzipped Palette

I'm in love with this palette! I was not quite sure if I needed this many "brown" shades, but yes! I do need them all. This palette allows you to create a bunch of really pretty neutral bronze and brown eyes. I love it and will hopefully post an eye look using it soon.

Dior Rosy Glow Healthy Glow Blush in Petal

This is another item that I have been wanting for a long time. It is one of those products that is supposed to adjust to your skin tone and give a natural flushed, just-pinched look. I haven't tried it yet, but I normally love pink cheeks, so I think I'll like this one. I've had the lip version of this - Dior Addict Lip Glow for awhile and really like it. I think the two will go nicely together.



Not pictured individually is a mini Ojon shampoo and conditioner, Origins charcoal mask, and L'Occitane hand cream. These were gifts with purchase, except for the Origins mask, which was a 100 point perk. I normally save up for the 500 point perk, but this mask looked interesting and I'm looking forward to giving it a try.

Is there anything lingering in your Sephora shopping cart these days, just waiting for you to click "check out"?

Nail I'm Loving

Today's nail I'm loving is Chicago Champagne Toast by OPI. I believe this is quite an old shade, but I recently picked it up on a flash sale on Beyond the Rack. 

This is a champagne toned rosy mauve colour that is just beautiful and extremely opaque. The picture is showing up a bit more peachy than it actually appears in real life. I would say it leans towards mauve, rather than peach. This is two coats, but I could have gotten away with a single coat. I applied the second coat as I had some visible brush strokes. I also topped with Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat.

I love this nail because it is a very wearable neutral everyday colour, but still has a metallic shine. It is also quite flattering on my skin tone. I have a hard time with nudes, so I find this is a good substitute when I don't want to wear a bright. 

What nail are you loving these days?

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Product Review - Shiseido Camellia Compact

So I picked this up at Murale because it just looked too beautiful to pass by. It is the Shiseido Camellia Compact ($38 in Canada). When I got this home, I had to try it out immediately. I think I over-applied this the first time I tried it because the redness scared me and I wondered if I made a mistake buying it.

But alas, I gave it another shot, but with a lighter hand. It is extremely beautiful and very flattering on the cheeks. You can control the shade you get by varying the amount of each colour you use. In the swatches below, I'm showing each colour separately and then the combined effect (bottom finger). Also, the white can be used alone as a pretty highlighter. It would work really well as a brow bone highlight.

When you first open this compact, it appears that the product is extremely glittery. However, this is just the top layer and disappears to reveal a product that is actually quite matte.

Overall, I would recommend this. I think it would work well for a variety of skin tones as someone who is quite pale (like me) can use a lighter hand, but it should also show up very nicely on a darker, deeper skin tone. 

This compact is limited edition and Murale online is sold out, but I did see it at the Bay's Shiseido counter the other day, so I believe you still can get your hands on this one.