favourites

Lately I've been stuck in the rut with creative colours and looks and this palette have been my ride or die palette this past month.

Along with the palette, I have been loving my good old MAC brushes. although there are more far cheaper,same quality brands out there, I still end up using these a lot. I must say they have been used and abused and still pretty good!

what are your essentials?

Electric Blue

I really really LOVE this particular shade of blue and wanted to incorporate it in my daily routine without being too much. Subtle yet a pop of colour.. Spiced  up todays look 's by using SEPHORA's waterproof eyeliner in pool party and blue Mascara. =)

FACE:

Anastasia's dip brow pomade in dark brown

MAC's prolong wear concealer

MAC's studio fix foundation

Too Faced chocolaté soleil bronzer in deep

MAC's plum foolery blush

MAC's cream colour base in diamonds (riri-limited ed)

EYES:

NAKED basics : wos, foxy and faint

SEPHORA's eyeliner poolparty and blue mascara

MAC's fluid line black

LIPS:

Maybelline's colorsensational nude lust

Makeup Brushes: Cheap vs. Expensive. Worth Spending?

DOES IT EVEN MATTER?

 Brushes are key to a perfect makeup look. You use the same brushes All the time, again and again regardless of what kind of makeup you use. To me, it's worth investing on good quality of brushes. Is it worth spending so much though? Yes and No. You have to shop smart for amazing brushes, (of course patience too) and a lot of research in finding ones with great value. Feel free to have an array of different brands in your collection, not just stick to one brand.

1) Expensive brushes does not necessarily mean high quality.

- Some brands jack up their price WAY to high. For instance, MAC, CHANEL and other high-end brands. Not saying they're not good, its just for the price, its TOO much. I never pay more than $15 surplus. 

Although- I will mention that MAC brushes do last a very long time. I purchased my first MAC makeup brush about 6 years ago and have been doing makeup professionally for over 4 years. It is still in near perfect condition, and it rarely sheds given the fact i wash my brushes like crazy. But is this justification for spending over $40 on? No. 

2) Cheap/drugstore brushes does not necessarily mean poor quality.

- I remember in Makeup school, we had to purchase brushes. We had the same ones… 20 brushes for like 20$. They were the crappiest! Even though i had the greatest shadows or creams, makeup application did not turn so great. (i still passed though ;P) I have tried a ton of brushes over the years. I got lucky on some. Shedding and colour coming off when you wash 'em bother me the most!

I am confident to say: ECOTOOLS, sigma brushes, real techniques and Sonia Kashuk brushes are good ones for the price…in overall brushes. They are comparable to the high-end ones and keeps your wallet happy :) But also,

3) Every brand share their own good and bad products.

- OF COURSE! Again, for starters who are just learning/experimenting with makeup, try cheap ones first. like ELF. Eye shadow brushes are okay for $1 each. As for me, since i use it often with clients that require a lot more maintenance and cleaning, my elf brushes are dunzo after a couple of washes. Not all in MAC are at its best, same with in expensive ones.

I do have a couple of faves:

MAC's eye shader brush

MAC's 

Sigma's crease brush

Sigma's soft dome brush

Eco tool's blush brush/ powered brush and kabuki brush

Real techniques foundation brush

4) You do not have to have Millions of brushes. Less is More. Quality over quantity.

-  I would rather have a few GOOD ones. Do you really need 10 eyeshadow brushes? No. Stick to your staples. (Yes, you can live and do a full makeup look with only 10 brushes----separate post on these) :) , Brushes have MULTIPLE functions as well. There are no rules on these.



:)

Glam Glow Youthmud tinglexfoliate treatment

I've been hearing a lot of good things about Glam Glow Products but i couldn't justify buying masks worth $70 for 1.7oz. But i saw a travel size version/sample pot as i was checking out in Sephora. for $21, i decided to give it a try..which would give me at least 6 uses out of it.

Description: (Acc. to Sephora)


What it is:
A 10-minute professional-quality mud mask for men and women. 

What it is formulated to do:
This mud mask leaves skin noticeably radiant and glowing. It works with the body's natural moisturizing collagen to provide gentle resurfacing exfoliation and helps to leave skin smoother, brighter, and softer. While providing tighter skin texture and tighter pores, it provides a more youthful appearance and absorbs impurities without removing natural oils. 

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates 
- Phthalates 

Ingredients:

-French Sea Clay: Absorbs impurities and toxic substances, while leaving essential natural oils and minimizing pore size. -Volcanic Pumice Rock: Multi-level surface exfoliation that you control to clear dead skin cells, smoothing out fine lines and softening skin texture. 
-Green Tea Leaf Pieces: GLAMGLOW® groundbreaking patent pending TEAOXI™ technology delivers fresh Super-Squalene, EGCG super antioxidants, and Polypenols directly into the mud from the real pieces of tea leaf. 

My BEFORE PIC : (UN EDITED/NO FILTER): you can see uneven skin tone/redness, pimples or hyper pigmentation, oiliness, my enlarged pores around my nose and near my cheeks. i washed my face with my daily facial cleanser and pat it dry.

side note on skin type: oily, sensitive, dry patches, uneven skin tone, redness, acne prone.

As you place the stuff in your face, you can instantly feel the tingling sensation! I love how you know when time is up just by looking in the mirror... the color turns tray to a sea foam greenish grey.

the chunks that you see btw are green tea leaf pieces.

You can see my enlarged pores! deep

My after pic: (NO EDIT, NO FILTER) my face is so soft, Glowing and squeaky clean without feeling that it over stripped the oils in my face! My pores were less visible, although  hyper pigmentation was still there, it definitely helped tone down the redness and was less visible.

The same feeling when you just had an amazing teeth cleaning sesh. :) so fresh and clean!

Overall, im super happy with this product. I love how its a face mask that exfoliates. Usually i deal with exfoliants that are cleansers/soaps..this is actually better because the time that it is on your face, it really sinks deep down in your pores and really gets out the dirt and gunk out of your face. 

It is seriously one of the best i have tried, truly a luxurious product and treat you can give your skin once in awhile. If only it wasn't too expensive *sigh*

Have you tried? or are you willing to try glamglow products?

xo,

Denise

Makeup/toiletries travel bags

What is in your makeup/toiletries bag?
I normally pack lighter, makeup wise but i was packing for an event ( i had a wedding to go to and was out of city for 3 days). I wanted to make sure that i packed EVERYTHING i could possibly need.
soo here's mine. whats in yours?

(L-R) sephora wide tooth comb, sonia kaschuk brush, simple cleanser, toner & moisturizer, tresemme shampoo, conditioner and dove soap, tresemme dry shampoo and hairspray, my contacts sol, nail polish remover pads, tootpaste and toothbrush, tissue paper, b&bw's country chic lotion, pads, shaving cream,

contacts case, shaver,ties and bobby pins, simple facial wipes, sleeping mask, bioderma and deodorant.

I like how it comes with a hook! i dont wear lashes on an everyday basis but since i was going to attend a wedding, i brought a couple :) just my daily makeup essentials. :)

all packed and ready to go!:D

xo,

Denise

11 Beauties under $10

Hello Beauties! tag been going around 10 under $10. but excuse me i had to squeeze in 1 because i cant decide!note: taxes not included since price varies (Walmart, Shoppers etc)

Rimmel Wake me up foundation ($8)
I always always use the revlon colourstay foundation but since its expensive for a drusgtore, (went up to $15.99) i decided to try others. the hype on this foundation has been going around and decided to give it a try...and i like it. its not too thin nor too thick of a coverage, easy to apply, smells good, i like how its in a pump version. its light to medium coverage, perfect for everyday, lasts long (about 6 hours and im pretty oily)

Rimmel Apocalips ($6)
this little guy feels amazing on the lips. its a lipstick/lipgloss in 1 and BIG BANG definitely is the star in this collection. its opaque, consistency and the applicator is amazing. for the price, cant go wrong:)

Loreal Voluminous mascara ($8)
this has been my holy grail mascara for about 2 years already. it was a close tie between my maybelline falsies, the only thing different is that loreal voluminous gave me more volume than the falsies/falsies flared which gives me more of length. i always always use this and i would get compliments every time i wear this. try it out!

Maybelline clear mascara ($3)
i specifically use this as a brow gel to tame my brows. Rather than buy wax or brow stuff at sephora, i just use clear mascara. Also i sometimes do use it for my eye lashes (obv. different tube) when i hit the gym to give me that naturally curled eyelash look :) definitely worth it or 3 bucks!

Sally Hansen's Pacific blue ($3)
i love this  line when it comes to nail polishes, specifically this one. i love the brush (thicker than usual) that can cover my nails in 2 swipes, so opaque ( i can go by with 1 coat most of the time), easy to apply, affordable and i like the packaging!

Milani Liquif'eye eyeliner ($7)
this eyeliner has been on the popular side for the longest time... and i dont question why. my lids are super oily and i always have a hard time finding a good pencil eyeliner that can even stay on my waterline. blown away with this one. creamy and opaque and doesnt budge at all. if you plan on smoking it out on your lids, you have to act quick though. do one eye at a time and give it 5 secs, it wont budge till you take it off.

NYX jumbo eye pencil in yogurt ($6-8)
i prefer pencils like this than paint pots. loving the jumbo pencils specifically this one. Quick and easy to apply, doesnt crease, help brighten up my eyes. On the go, sometimes i just pencil it on my lids and it seems like i am wearing eyeshadow. i love the black one as well. i typically use it as a base when i do smokey eyes.kuddos to nyx!

Wet and wild eyeshadow palette ($3)
im surprised with wet and wild! this palette i actually like! 3 eyeshadows matte, 3 are shimmery/satin. its actually pigmented than i thought it would be! great for on the go, for a neutral, everyday look. not bad for 3$!:)
btw, just be careful when travelling with this palette, make sure when you pack, surround it with soft stuff or securely, not giving it room to shake because they do brake  easily.

Loreal elnette spray ($8)
the only hairspray i use when i do my curls. it gives hold and shine while it being brushable and natural. although im not a fan on the smell, i can handle it. love how it works! its not scrunchy, and you dont have to spray on so much. probably 1-2 short sprays over your head and youre good. curls lasts all day. comparable to sebastian shaper spray, which is 4 times the price.

Tresemme heat tamer spray ($4)oldie but goodie! since i always apply heat (blow-dry, straighten and or curl) its very important for me to protect my fine, brittle hair. i love the scent, how its very light, protects, adds shine and most importantly, protects my hair from even more damage. i actually see and feel the difference when i dont use this.

St. Ives apricot scrub ($5)
another "classic" scrub. oldie but goodie. the market has come up with so much skin care products and exfoliation is so common that there are a ton of different ones. i seem to go back to my trusty st ives.they have expanded their line too when it came to exfoliation scrubs. mine is the sensitive skin one. i just love this. i use this once a week, on a weekend to get rid of dead skin cells, gunk and to give my skin a healthy look. such a big difference. i love how it smells, how its not too abrasive but its coarse enough to really work through my skin. love it!

these are my top 11. whats yours?

Mascara tip

Mascara drying out? As long its not over 3 months, you can extend the life/use on your mascaras! how? <strong>3 drops of (unexpired of course) EYEDROPS! VIOLA! new mascara! :)

Spotlight: Rimmel Apocalips

I've been wanting to try these out! I heard people raving about this, more so in the UK. Not sure if it was even going to be released in the states or in Canada. but I saw a small display at Walmart and I got so excited! I got big bang (Blood red) and nova (creamy Barbie pink).. then the next day, I saw a whole display in Shoppers drug mart in my area. I got Stellar( reddish pinkish coraly color mixed together) because that's one of the lippies that I wanted to get. Prevented myself in getting more because I wanted to try it out first.

I love it has a variety of colours ranging from nude- dark, it has a satin smooth shine, I love the consistency of it, very opaque, creamy and intense (its amazing with 1 swipe!), The staying power is ok too. Im very particular with liquid lipsticks, it tends to be drying on me or once applied it shows lines...but this, not at all. You just have to be really careful in applying and it has a slight stronger taste/scent to it. the Applicator has a hole/ well in the middle which is great because you only need 1-2 dips. but overall, live it! lovely packaging, colour selection, the formula and the price! ($7-9 CAD depending where you get it) I might also grab a nude colour too!



I might do a comparison between Rimmel's and NYX's soon :)
have you ever tried liquid lipsticks? what are your favourite ones?

Many uses of Vaseline/Petroleum Jelly.

Sure we know some of the uses but there are just some that you might have missed. A beauty girl shouldn’t disregard!

The many uses of Vaseline/petroleum jelly:

1)      Maintain your perfume scent by dabbing a little bit on your skin then apply perfume. It will help last longer
2)      Never get lipstick on your teeth again. Place a thin layer on your teeth, you don’t have to worry about your lipstick transferring
3)      Soften dry/cracked elbows: Sometimes these spots need more TLC and lotion.. especially on the winter months!
4)      Soften your feet by applying petroleum jelly, socks on overnight and you’ll wake up with softer feet.
5)      Use as a scrub: lip scrub (mix in with brown sugar) Body scrub (mix in with sea salt)
6)      You can apply a little bit of Vaseline on the ends of your hair to make them look healthier
7)      As an eyebrow gel. It quickly tames eyebrows and molds them into place
8)      Eyelash care: make eye lashes grow by putting Vaseline at night. It will lengthen overtime
9)      Hurting feet on those heels? Rub a little Vaseline to prevent blisters (no friction)
10)   To remove sticky leftover glue from false eye lashes
11)   Rub a little to soften cuticles
12)   Mistakes here and there? Easy makeup remover/corrector. Use a q-tip!
13)   as cream blush. Mix lipstick and petroleum jelly!
14)   As lip gloss: mix it with eye shadow/lipstick
15)   As a highlighter. Thin layer on cheeks for that dewy look.

Spotlight: Dior Shimmer in Amber Diamond

I've had this powder for about 2 months already and i'm obsessed! i haven't really tried much of Dior besides their lip glosses so i decided to try the Dior Shimmer powder in Amber Diamond. I've heard so much people raving about this and i get why :P

It features 5 different shades (cream, light champagne, bronze, rose gold and peach gold). I love mixing them together and it turns out really nice as a highlighter. Sometimes i do use it as eyeshadows too especially the rose gold one and light champagne for the inner corners of the eyes:)

The formulation is absolutely gorgeous! and the colours are a perfect balance of pigmented and sheer. Compared to MAC's soft and gentle, Dior's powder is a bit more refined, which i like..and i love how its divided into strips, so it gives you the option to use one or the other or swirl it together.

For MAC's soft and gentle, its basically a mix of everything already. It also comes in Dior's classic navy blue compact casing and a little pouch.The Diorskin Shimmer Powders contain 10g/0.35 oz of product and retail for $45. (but i got it for 30$ for a VIB coupon)


Dior products are expensive, but with 10g of this I know it will take me forever to use up :) im very pleased and for sure will be using this up a lot in the summer months. what is your favourite highlighter?

Makeup: Keep or Toss?

Do you ever wonder why you're still getting pimples despite of amazing products you use?
Remember, dirt and Bacteria can cause a lot of complications on your skin.

Just like food, make up have expiration dates too. Do you know when to toss them out?

MAKEUP EXPIRATION DATE

MASCARA (3 MONTHS)
- It's liquid consistency makes it more vulnerable to bacteria that is why it needs to be replaced often. (I am pretty strict with this because i don't mind spending a couple of dollars to buy a new tube rather than get bacteria on my eye area or my clients' eyes)

LIQUID EYELINER (6 MONTHS)
- Same with liquid eyeliners, due to its consistency, need to be replaced often. Pencil eyeliners though can last up to 2 years but sharpen often to keep it bacteria free.

FOUNDATION (6-12 MONTHS)
- Toss it out if you start to see a difference in the smell of the product, texture and color, TOSS it! if you're acne prone or have sensitive skin like me, toss it out after 6 months.

LIPGLOSS (1 YEAR)
- consistency (sticky liquid) and lips... need I say more?

CONCEALER (1 YEAR)
- liquid concealers are more prone to bacteria.
-creamy ones can last up to a year.

NAIL POLISH (2 YEARS)
- again, if you see a difference in color and texture, toss em out!

LIPSTICK (2 YEARS)
- better than lip gloss, consider tossing them out if it becomes dry or changes hues/color.

POWDER/EYESHADOW/BRONZER/BLUSH (2 YEARS)
- As long as you keep your brushes clean, not mixing any liquid then it can last up to years!


*** I know it requires maintenance but in my opinion, #1 is HYGIENE. not worth the bacteria or the skin damage. :)

Now is the perfect time to toss out products---- summer clean up! ohh makes you re-do your makeup collection :)


good luck!

xo,
Denise

Spotlight: SIGMAX brushes

I've had these brushes for over 2 months now and I just forgot to make a post about it. Better late than never! These brusehes seriously deserve 5 stars:) Wanted to give SIGMAX BRUSHES a try...and I like it a lot. My foundation and concealer goes on so smoothly! Especially for the P86 Precision Tapered, I use it to the hard to reach areas. (under the eye and on the sides on my nose)

here are my uses for these 2

P86: Precision tapered
-  As a concealer brush under the eyes
-  To put cream eye shadows/ painterly paint pots
-  cover redness on crease/side of my nose, my chin and around the mouth

* I really like how its tapered and concealer application at its best !

F80 Flat kabuki
- foundation
- blush
- powder
- bronzer for contouring

* its dense and flat head that makes it super easy to buff foundation or powder on your face.


I'm actually thinking of getting the whole kit of SIGMAX brushes. I really think they're worth it. The price for the quality it possess... amaze balls!

try them out!

xo,
Denise

May monthly stars

1) Uniq One
- I really dont do a lot of reviews or have favourites when it comes to hair products but this stuff is amazing!!!!!! I have been using it for about 3 months consistently though and i could see fast, visible results! This was recommended by my hair stylist. i was actually skeptical at first because i have tried hundreds of hair products...but i gave it a shot. AMAZING!! this is what it claims :repair for dry and damaged hair, shine and frizz control, heath protection, silkiness and smoothness, hair color protection, easier brushing  and ironing, incredible detangling, long lasting hairstyle, split ends prevention and adds body)----- i give it a 8/10 :) plus it smells good! a lil spritz is all you need after washing your hair. Would definitely repurchase.

2) Olay fresh effects moisturizer
- With very oily skin, i was looking for a moisturizer that didn't seem heavy or sticky or oily. this stuff is okay. its a satin finish, pretty light , which i wanted especially for a day moisturizer. smells good too! once applied, it actually feels like a balm...it moisturizes your skin and itstantly disappears...satin-y, silky finish. i give it a 7/10. i would repurchase but not for now...would want to try different moisturizers once i'm finished with this.

3) NYX's beige
- Its not exactly "beige" or nude, but its a perfect baby pink, natural-looking gloss. its inexpensive, tastes/smells so good and non-sticky.. (thats my #1 when it comes to lip glosses). i could basically wear it with anything! i love nyx lip glosses in general and this is one of them. Easy to apply, loving the applicator, handy and many more! i give it a 8/10.

4) UD's de slick
- This is a must have for people who have oily skin. Just bought  this last month and its amazing. I could definitely tell a difference on my skin when i use this. it keeps my make up in place throughout the day and when i blot, it doesn't produce much oil as to when i dont use it. definitely a staple in my makeup routine. 9/10.

5) Maybelline Falsies mascara (waterproof)
- My all time fav. mascara! always a favourite. loved the applicator, the formula, the staying power, how it volumizes and separates my lashes. 8/10 for me!

6) Stila waterproof liquid liner
- Another all time fav. love how its a pen, so easy to use, easier , lazier way actually to  create sharp lines aka cat eyes, i love how its so handy and lasts really long! (mine was at least 6-8 months of use everyday) worth every penny!..and its waterproof, doesnt budge/smudge after long hours at work, gym etc. love love! 9/10.

7) Nars duo (oragasm/laguna)
- I ve had this for such a long time but its been just this month i used it consistently..I actually love the LAGUNA bronzer! used it for countouring this month. Although it fades in a couple of hours, i love how its perfect for my skin tone. i can build it up, tone it down etc. 7/10.

8) Dove's dry shampoo
- Finally a dry shampoo that works! Decided to give this a try and amazing! It gives volume, i love how it sprays, smells good (but too strong though), its cheap (6.99$), doesnt leave a white residue. I have used the  tresemme....and its nothing compared to this! close to batiste but this is better... Still looking for that perfect dry shampoo but this still works..especially compared to other brands 8/10.

9) MUFE cover concealer
- I originally thought of buying this for under my eyes.. i thought that having it drier compared to eye concealers, my search for the perfect one is solved...but this works better on your face to cover up hyper pigmentation, pimples. having oily skin, this does the job of covering my pimples/scars at the same time lasts long. its thick, waterproof and a little goes a long way! For the face though, not for under the eyes. (too dry). 8/10.

10) Naked basics and Naked palette original
- May has been one of the hectic months and most of my work days, id rather sleep in and use that extra 20 mins of getting ready than putting my make up on. hence i wake up late and i have 5 mins of makeup time. This palette saved me so much! one sweep, easy to work with and so natural! love it! having me not look oh so tired and the same time polished and decent. For days that i can prep and spend a little more time with fixing myself, Naked palette is the one that i grab. versatile, mix and match goes with anything. always a fav! i give these babies a 9/10!

11) Dior amber lights
- eyeshadow.highlighter.blush. love the versatility of this! worth every penny! amazing colours. just so different and perfect highlighter day-night. You can build it up, tone it down depends on what kind of look youre going for. It difinitely gives you a candlelit effect.  9/10.

12) Maybelline Rocket Mascara
- when i first got this, i didnt like it at ALL. i thought it was too wet, didnt do what it claimed and it was just an imitation of covergirl's lashblast. actually the more i used it, i grew out of it and kinda sorta liked it. i got the non-waterproof one and its pretty good staying up. although im having a hard time with the brush on my lower lashes. this does volumize. it does the job . 7/10

and those are my favourites for the month of MAY. will they cut it for the month June?? We'll see :P